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Abstract Background In symptomatic high-risk patients with severe mitral valve regurgitation (MR), who are not eligible for surgery, Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) or transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) may be an option, especially when surgical mitral valve repair by annuloplasty has been performed earlier. After TMVR, the appropriate anticoagulation regimen is still matter of debate. Case presentation We here report on a 78-year-old frail lady with heart failure and atrial fibrillation who underwent surgical reconstruction of the mitral valve nine years ago. Due to high surgical risk and after heart team discussion, TMVR using a transcatheter aortic valve prosthesis (valve-in-ring concept) was performed successfully via the transapical access route. Several months later, an excellent result could be confirmed. Since surgical excision of the left atrial appendage was carried out during first surgery, oral anticoagulation was withdrawn. Two months later, the patient presented with a massive LA thrombus mass and severe stenosis of the mitral valve prosthesis requiring re-do surgery. Conclusions Management of anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation and successfully performed LAA excision is still a matter of debate, in particular after transcatheter heart valve implantation in mitral position. TMVR devices may be very thrombogenic. Thus, caution should be used whenever discontinuing oral anticoagulation in these patients. Despite the lack of evidence, withdrawal of anticoagulation should be avoided here, especially in the absence of bleeding complications. Left atrial appendage closure or excision should not influence this decision.

Next generation solar cells like tunnel oxide passivated contacts (TOPCon) or perovskite/TOPCon tandem solar cells require efficient interface passivation by ultrathin organic or inorganic layers to uncover their true efficiency potential. Especially the microstructure and the Si suboxide content of the tunnel oxide in poly-Si(Ox)/SiO2/c-Si TOPCon stacks have been shown to have a tremendous influence on macroscopic device properties. Similarly, perovskite/ITO interface modification by a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) molecule is necessary to achieve high power conversion efficiencies of the perovskite sub cell. However, the characterization of such thin film structures and the interfacial composition is challenging. In this contribution, we present characterization results of ultrathin passivation layers using angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and advanced data evaluation routines, including maximum entropy methods and analyses of inelastically-scattered electron background data. In particular, the interfaces in the stacks (1) partially oxidized a-Si/SiO2/c-Si and (2) 2PACz/ITO after different thermal treatment were investigated. It could be shown that already a ~5 nm thin SiNx layer prevents unwanted oxidation from ambient during cooldown of TOPCon-like stacks and that annealing above 100 °C can convert a 2PACz multilayer to a 2PACz monolayer on an ITO substrate.

The declining trend in vehicle emissions has underscored the growing significance of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from volatile chemical products (VCPs). However, accurately representing VOC chemistry in simplified chemical mechanisms remains challenging due to its chemical complexity including speciation and reactivity. Previous studies have predominantly focused on VOCs from fossil fuel sources, leading to an underrepresentation of VOC chemistry from VCP sources. We developed an integrated chemical mechanism, RACM2B-VCP, that is compatible with WRF-Chem and is aimed at enhancing the representation of VOC chemistry, particularly from VCP sources, within the present urban environment. Evaluation against the Air Quality System (AQS) network data demonstrates that our model configured with RACM2B-VCP reproduces both the magnitude and spatial variability of O3 and PM2.5 in Los Angeles. Furthermore, evaluation against comprehensive measurements of O3 and PM2.5 precursors from the Reevaluating the Chemistry of Air Pollutants in California (RECAP-CA) airborne campaign and the Southwest Urban NOx and VOC Experiment (SUNVEx) ground site and mobile laboratory campaign confirm the model's accuracy in representing NOx and many VOCs and highlight remaining biases. Although there exists an underprediction in the total VOC reactivity of observed VOC species, our model with RACM2B-VCP exhibits good agreement for VOC markers emitted from different sectors, including biogenic, fossil fuel, and VCP sources. Through sensitivity analyses, we probe the contributions of VCP and fossil fuel emissions to total VOC reactivity and O3. Our results reveal that 52 % of the VOC reactivity and 35 % of the local enhancement of MDA8 O3 arise from anthropogenic VOC emissions in Los Angeles. Significantly, over 50 % of this anthropogenic fraction of either VOC reactivity or O3 is attributed to VCP emissions. The RACM2B-VCP mechanism created, described, and evaluated in this work is ideally suited for accurately representing ozone for the right reasons in the present urban environment where mobile, biogenic, and VCP VOCs are all important contributors to ozone formation.

This study describes a modeling framework, model evaluation, and source apportionment to understand the causes of Los Angeles (LA) air pollution. A few major updates are applied to the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model with a high spatial resolution (1 km × 1 km). The updates include dynamic traffic emissions based on real-time, on-road information and recent emission factors and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) schemes to represent volatile chemical products (VCPs). Meteorology is well predicted compared to ground-based observations, and the emission rates from multiple sources (i.e., on-road, volatile chemical products, area, point, biogenic, and sea spray) are quantified. Evaluation of the CMAQ model shows that ozone is well predicted despite inaccuracies in nitrogen oxide (NOx) predictions. Particle matter (PM) is underpredicted compared to concurrent measurements made with an aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) in Pasadena. Inorganic aerosol is well predicted, while SOA is underpredicted. Modeled SOA consists of mostly organic nitrates and products from oxidation of alkane-like intermediate volatility organic compounds (IVOCs) and has missing components that behave like less-oxidized oxygenated organic aerosol (LO-OOA). Source apportionment demonstrates that the urban areas of the LA Basin and vicinity are NOx-saturated (VOC-sensitive), with the largest sensitivity of O3 to changes in VOCs in the urban core. Differing oxidative capacities in different regions impact the nonlinear chemistry leading to PM and SOA formation, which is quantified in this study.

In Germany, penalties such as fines or police action are imposed for noncompliance with compulsory schooling. However, formal administrative procedures are often deemed inadequate by experts who advocate for school-wide multidimensional support in addressing school absenteeism. We analyze guidance documents of different federal states, examining their emphasis on formal and school-wide strategies. We specifically explore the report of Schleswig-Holstein to demonstrate the shifting focus from punitive measures to more supportive approaches in addressing absenteeism.

The San Joaquin Valley is an agricultural region in California that suffers from poor air quality. Since traffic emissions are decreasing, other sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gaining importance in the formation of secondary air pollutants. Using airborne eddy covariance, we conducted direct, spatially resolved flux observations of a wide range of VOCs in the San Joaquin Valley during June 2021 at 23–36 ∘C. Through land-cover-informed footprint disaggregation, we were able to attribute emissions to sources and identify tracers for distinct source types. VOC mass fluxes were dominated by alcohols, mainly from dairy farms, while oak isoprene and citrus monoterpenes were important sources of reactivity. Comparisons with two commonly used inventories showed that isoprene emissions in the croplands were overestimated, while dairy and highway VOC emissions were generally underestimated in the inventories, and important citrus and biofuel VOC point sources were missing from the inventories. This study thus presents unprecedented insights into the VOC sources in an intensive agricultural region and provides much needed information for the improvement of inventories, air quality predictions, and regulations.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx≡NO+NO2) are involved in most atmospheric photochemistry, including the formation of tropospheric ozone (O3). While various methods exist to accurately measure NOx concentrations, it is still a challenge to quantify the source and flux of NOx emissions. We present airborne measurements of NOx and winds used to infer the emission of NOx across Los Angeles. The measurements were obtained during the research aircraft campaign RECAP-CA (Re-Evaluating the Chemistry of Air Pollutants in CAlifornia) in June 2021. Geographic allocations of the fluxes are compared to the NOx emission inventory from the California Air Resources Board (CARB). We find that the NOx fluxes have a pronounced weekend effect and are highest in the eastern part of the San Bernardino Valley. The comparison of the RECAP-CA and the modeled CARB NOx fluxes suggests that the modeled emissions are higher than expected near the coast and in Downtown Los Angeles and lower than expected further inland in the eastern part of the San Bernardino Valley.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are principle components of air pollution and serve as important ozone precursors. As the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) experiences some of the worst air quality in the United States, reducing NOx emissions is a pressing need, yet quantifying current emissions is complicated due to a mixture of mobile and agriculture sources. We performed airborne eddy covariance flux measurements during the Re-Evaluating the Chemistry of Air Pollutants in California (RECAP-CA) field campaign in June 2021. Combining footprint calculations and land cover statistics, we disaggregate the observed fluxes into component fluxes characterized by three different land cover types. On average, we find emissions of 0.95 mg N m−2 h−1 over highways, 0.43 mg N m−2 h−1 over urban areas, and 0.30 mg N m−2 h−1 over croplands. The calculated NOx emissions using flux observations are utilized to evaluate anthropogenic emissions inventories and soil NOx emissions schemes. We show that two anthropogenic inventories for mobile sources, EMFAC (EMission FACtors) and FIVE (Fuel-based Inventory for Vehicle Emissions), yield strong agreement with emissions derived from measured fluxes over urban regions. Three soil NOx schemes, including the MEGAN v3 (Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature), BEIS v3.14 (Biogenic Emission Inventory System), and BDISNP (Berkeley–Dalhousie–Iowa Soil NO Parameterization), show substantial underestimates over the study domain. Compared to the cultivated soil NOx emissions derived from measured fluxes, MEGAN and BEIS are lower by more than 1 order of magnitude, and BDISNP is lower by a factor of 2.2. Despite the low bias, observed soil NOx emissions and BDISNP present a similar spatial pattern and temperature dependence. We conclude that soil NOx is a key feature of the NOx emissions in the SJV and that a biogeochemical-process-based model of these emissions is needed to simulate emissions for modeling air quality in the region.

Aerosol particles have an important role in Earth's radiation balance and climate, both directly and indirectly through aerosol–cloud interactions. Most aerosol particles in the atmosphere are weakly charged, affecting both their collision rates with ions and neutral molecules, as well as the rates by which they are scavenged by other aerosol particles and cloud droplets. The rate coefficients between ions and aerosol particles are important since they determine the growth rates and lifetimes of ions and charged aerosol particles, and so they may influence cloud microphysics, dynamics, and aerosol processing. However, despite their importance, very few experimental measurements exist of charged aerosol collision rates under atmospheric conditions, where galactic cosmic rays in the lower troposphere give rise to ion pair concentrations of around 1000 cm−3. Here we present measurements in the CERN CLOUD chamber of the rate coefficients between ions and small ( nm) aerosol particles containing up to 9 elementary charges, e. We find the rate coefficient of a singly charged ion with an oppositely charged particle increases from 2.0 (0.4–4.4) × 10−6 cm3 s−1 to 30.6 (24.9–45.1) × 10−6 cm3 s−1 for particles with charges of 1 to 9 e, respectively, where the parentheses indicate the ±1σ uncertainty interval. Our measurements are compatible with theoretical predictions and show excellent agreement with the model of Gatti and Kortshagen (2008).

This study presents the performance assessment of a novel hybrid pixel detector. The electron counting application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), named KITE, was optimized for 4D STEM applications and bump-bonded to a silicon sensor that is suitable for electron energies in the range 30–200 keV. The KITE ASIC was developed for high frame rates, currently up to 120 kfps, and high count rates, owing to fast signal shaping times and instant retrigger technology, which allows operation in a unique non-paralyzable counting mode. Investigated quantities include the spectral response, the identification of optimal threshold energies, an estimation of the threshold trimming accuracy, the analysis of the single-event multiplicity distributions, the count rate capabilities, and imaging performance metrics MTF and DQE. To highlight the capabilities of the detector, the best value of 10% of linearity loss was achieved at 84 Mcts/s/pix, the best value of count rate “cutoff” at nearly 150 Mcts/s/pix, and DQE (0) between 0.75 and 0.82 up to the electron energy of 160 keV.

Abstract The properly chosen light management strategy in perovskite solar cell devices is indispensable in achieving high power conversion efficiency. To diminish the reflection losses, texturization of the front surface, similar to what is used in established solar cell technologies, shall be taken into consideration. Within this paper, a honeycomb‐like textured SU‐8 photoresist layer is applied using a roller nanoimprint technique onto a planar perovskite solar cell to minimize reflection losses. The results show that the applied honeycomb pattern reduces the solar‐weighted reflectance from 13.6% to 2.7%, which enhances the current density of the unmodified cell by 2.1 mA cm−2, outperforming the commonly used planar MgF2 antireflective coating by 0.5 mA cm−2. The experimental results are combined with optical modeling to find optimized structures and predict the optical behavior within a solar module. The process used within this work can be transferred to perovskite‐silicon tandem solar cells, providing a promising pathway for the reflection reduction in future devices.

Metallic contaminants pose a significant challenge to the viability of directly recycling Li-ion batteries. To date, few strategies exist to selectively remove metallic impurities from mixtures of shredded end-of-life material (black mass; BM) without concurrently damaging the structure and electrochemical performance of the target active material. We herein present tailored methods to selectively ionize two major contaminants—Al and Cu—while retaining a representative cathode (LiNi0.33Mn0.33Co0.33O2; NMC-111) intact. This BM purification process is conducted at moderate temperatures in a KOH-based solution matrix. We rationally evaluate approaches to increase both the kinetic corrosion rate and the thermodynamic solubility of Al0 and Cu0, and evaluate the impact of these treatment conditions on the structure, chemistry, and electrochemical performance of NMC. Specifically, we explore the impacts of chloride-based salts, a strong chelating agent, elevated temperature, and sonication on the rate and extent of contaminant corrosion, while concurrently evaluating the effects on NMC. The reported BM purification process is then demonstrated on samples of “simulated BM” containing a practically relevant 1 wt% concentration of Al or Cu. Increasing the kinetic energy of the purifying solution matrix through elevated temperature and sonication accelerates the corrosion of metallic Al and Cu, such that ∼100% corrosion of 75 μm Al and Cu particles is achieved within 2.5 hr. Further, we determine that effective mass transport of ionized species critically impacts the efficacy of Cu corrosion, and that saturated Cl– hinders rather than accelerates Cu corrosion by increasing solution viscosity and introducing competitive pathways for Cu surface passivation. The purification conditions do not induce bulk structural damage to NMC, and electrochemical capacity is maintained in half-cell format. Testing in full cells suggests that a limited quantity of residual surface species are present after treatment, which initially disrupt electrochemical behavior at the graphite anode but are subsequently consumed. Process demonstration on simulated BM suggests that contaminated samples—which prior to treatment show catastrophic electrochemical performance—can be recovered to pristine electrochemical capacity. The reported BM purification method offers a compelling and commercially viable solution to address contamination, particularly in the “fine” fraction of BM where contaminant sizes are on the same order of magnitude as NMC and where traditional separation approaches are unfeasible. Thus, this optimized BM purification technique offers a pathway towards viable direct recycling of BM feedstocks that would otherwise be unusable.

Past efforts to synthesize and quantify the magnitude and change in carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems across the rapidly warming Arctic–boreal zone (ABZ) have provided valuable information but were limited in their geographical and temporal coverage. Furthermore, these efforts have been based on data aggregated over varying time periods, often with only minimal site ancillary data, thus limiting their potential to be used in large-scale carbon budget assessments. To bridge these gaps, we developed a standardized monthly database of Arctic–boreal CO2 fluxes (ABCflux) that aggregates in situ measurements of terrestrial net ecosystem CO2 exchange and its derived partitioned component fluxes: gross primary productivity and ecosystem respiration. The data span from 1989 to 2020 with over 70 supporting variables that describe key site conditions (e.g., vegetation and disturbance type), micrometeorological and environmental measurements (e.g., air and soil temperatures), and flux measurement techniques. Here, we describe these variables, the spatial and temporal distribution of observations, the main strengths and limitations of the database, and the potential research opportunities it enables. In total, ABCflux includes 244 sites and 6309 monthly observations; 136 sites and 2217 monthly observations represent tundra, and 108 sites and 4092 observations represent the boreal biome. The database includes fluxes estimated with chamber (19 % of the monthly observations), snow diffusion (3 %) and eddy covariance (78 %) techniques. The largest number of observations were collected during the climatological summer (June–August; 32 %), and fewer observations were available for autumn (September–October; 25 %), winter (December–February; 18 %), and spring (March–May; 25 %). ABCflux can be used in a wide array of empirical, remote sensing and modeling studies to improve understanding of the regional and temporal variability in CO2 fluxes and to better estimate the terrestrial ABZ CO2 budget. ABCflux is openly and freely available online (Virkkala et al., 2021b, https://doi.org/10.3334/ORNLDAAC/1934).

Particle size measurement in the low nanometer regime is of great importance to the study of cloud condensation nuclei formation and to better understand aerosol–cloud interactions. Here we present the design, modeling, and experimental characterization of the nano-scanning electrical mobility spectrometer (nSEMS), a recently developed instrument that probes particle physical properties in the 1.5–25 nm range. The nSEMS consists of a novel differential mobility analyzer and a two-stage condensation particle counter (CPC). The mobility analyzer, a radial opposed-migration ion and aerosol classifier (ROMIAC), can classify nanometer-sized particles with minimal degradation of its resolution and diffusional losses. The ROMIAC operates on a dual high-voltage supply with fast polarity-switching capability to minimize sensitivity to variations in the chemical nature of the ions used to charge the aerosol. Particles transmitted through the mobility analyzer are measured using a two-stage CPC. They are first activated in a fast-mixing diethylene glycol (DEG) stage before being counted by a second detection stage, an ADI MAGIC™ water-based CPC. The transfer function of the integrated instrument is derived from both finite-element modeling and experimental characterization. The nSEMS performance has been evaluated during measurement of transient nucleation and growth events in the CLOUD atmospheric chamber at CERN. We show that the nSEMS can provide high-time- and size-resolution measurement of nanoparticles and can capture the critical aerosol dynamics of newly formed atmospheric particles. Using a soft x-ray bipolar ion source in a compact housing designed to optimize both nanoparticle charging and transmission efficiency as a charge conditioner, the nSEMS has enabled measurement of the contributions of both neutral and ion-mediated nucleation to new particle formation.

Ambient aerosol size distributions obtained with a compact scanning mobility analyzer, the “Spider” differential mobility analyzer (DMA), are compared to those obtained with a conventional mobility analyzer, with specific attention to the effect of mobility resolution on the measured size distribution parameters. The Spider is a 12 cm diameter radial differential mobility analyzer that spans the 10–500 nm size range with 30 s mobility scans. It achieves its compact size by operating at a nominal mobility resolution R=3 (sheath flow = 0.9 L min−1; aerosol flow = 0.3 L min−1) in place of the higher ratio of sheath flow to aerosol flow commonly used. The question addressed here is whether the lower resolution is sufficient to capture key characteristics of ambient aerosol size distributions. The Spider, operated at R=3 with 30 s up- and downscans, was co-located with a TSI 3081 long-column mobility analyzer, operated at R=10 with a 360 s sampling duty cycle. Ambient aerosol data were collected over 26 consecutive days of continuous operation, in Pasadena, CA. Over the 17–500 nm size range, the two instruments exhibit excellent correlation in the total particle number concentrations and geometric mean diameters, with regression slopes of 1.13 and 1.00, respectively. Our results suggest that particle sizing at a lower resolution than typically employed may be sufficient to obtain key properties of ambient size distributions, at least for these two moments of the size distribution. Moreover, it enables better counting statistics, as the wider transfer function for a given aerosol flow rate results in a higher counting rate.

The nutritional requirements of novel microalgal strains are key for their effective cultivation and metabolite content. Therefore, the optimization of heterotrophic and photoautotrophic culture media is crucial for novel Chlorococcum amblystomatis growth. Heterotrophic and photoautotrophic biomass samples were characterized to identify the differences between their heterotrophic and photoautotrophic biomass composition and their biotechnological potential. Media optimization through surface response methodology led to 44.9 and 51.2% increments in C. amblystomatis-specific growth rates under heterotrophic and photoautotrophic growth, respectively. This microalga registered high protein content (61.49–73.45% dry weight), with the highest value being observed in the optimized photoautotrophic growth medium. The lipid fraction mainly constituted polyunsaturated fatty acids, ranging from 44.47 to 51.41% for total fatty acids (TFA) in cells under heterotrophy. However, these contents became significantly higher (70.46–72.82% TFA) in cultures cultivated under photoautotrophy. An interesting carotenoids content was achieved in the cultures grown in optimized photoautotrophic medium: 5.84 mg·g−1 β-carotene, 5.27 mg·g−1 lutein, 3.66 mg·g−1 neoxanthin, and 0.75 mg·g−1 violaxanthin. Therefore, C. amblystomatis demonstrated an interesting growth performance and nutritional profile for food supplements and feed products that might contribute to meeting the world’s nutritional demand.

Submicron aerosol was measured to the southwest of Houston, Texas, during winter and summer 2014 to investigate its seasonal variability. Data from a high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) indicated that organic aerosol (OA) was the largest component of nonrefractory submicron particulate matter (NR-PM1) (on average, 38 % ± 13 % and 47 % ± 18 % of the NR-PM1 mass loading in winter and summer, respectively). Positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis of the OA mass spectra demonstrated that two classes of oxygenated OA (less- and more-oxidized OOA, LO and MO) together dominated OA mass in summer (77 %) and accounted for 39 % of OA mass in winter. The fraction of LO-OOA (out of total OOA) is higher in summer (70 %) than in winter (44 %). Secondary aerosols (sulfate + nitrate + ammonium + OOA) accounted for ∼76 % and 88 % of NR-PM1 mass in winter and summer, respectively, indicating NR-PM1 mass was driven mostly by secondary aerosol formation regardless of the season. The mass loadings and diurnal patterns of these secondary aerosols show a clear winter–summer contrast. Organic nitrate (ON) concentrations were estimated using the NOx+ ratio method, with contributions of 31 %–66 % and 9 %–17 % to OA during winter and summer, respectively. The estimated ON in summer strongly correlated with LO-OOA (r=0.73) and was enhanced at nighttime. The relative importance of aqueous-phase chemistry and photochemistry in processing OOA was investigated by examining the relationship of aerosol liquid water content (LWC) and the sum of ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) (Ox = O3+NO2) with LO-OOA and MO-OOA. The processing mechanism of LO-OOA apparently was related to relative humidity (RH). In periods of RH < 80 %, aqueous-phase chemistry likely played an important role in the formation of wintertime LO-OOA, whereas photochemistry promoted the formation of summertime LO-OOA. For periods of high RH > 80 %, these effects were opposite those of low-RH periods. Both photochemistry and aqueous-phase processing appear to facilitate increases in MO-OOA concentration except during periods of high LWC, which is likely a result of wet removal during periods of light rain or a negative impact on its formation rate. The nighttime increases in MO-OOA during winter and summer were 0.013 and 0.01 µg MO-OOA per µg of LWC, respectively. The increase in LO-OOA was larger than that for MO-OOA, with increase rates of 0.033 and 0.055 µg LO-OOA per µg of LWC at night during winter and summer, respectively. On average, the mass concentration of LO-OOA in summer was elevated by nearly 1.2 µg m−3 for a ∼20 µg change in LWC, which was accompanied by a 40 ppb change in Ox.

A four years old Red-crested turaco (Tauraco erythrolophus) was found apathetic sitting on the ground of the aviary and died during the clinical examination. Necropsy of the emaciated bird revealed multiple granulomas within the body cavity and inner organs. Histopathological examinations of these granulomas showed epitheloid macrophages and central necrosis demarcated by giant cells. Using Ziehl-Neelsen staining, massive accumulations of acid-fast bacteria were found within the lesions and the preliminary diagnosis “avian tuberculosis” was made. This infectious disease is mainly caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (Maa) or M.genavense (Mg). However, microbiological culture followed by PCR revealed the occurrence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (Mah). The isolate was assigned to INMV profile51, which has been described in Asia and Europe mainly in humans, as well as in pigs and cattle until now. When infected birds have intensive contact with humans, a risk assessment must be carried out based on the identity of the causative pathogen. For this purpose, the determination of the species and if applicable the subspecies is mandatory and an additional molecular typing, e.g. by INMV profiling, helpful.

Algae have been consumed for millennia in several parts of the world as food, food supplements, and additives, due to their unique organoleptic properties and nutritional and health benefits. Algae are sustainable sources of proteins, minerals, and fiber, with well-balanced essential amino acids, pigments, and fatty acids, among other relevant metabolites for human nutrition. This review covers the historical consumption of algae in Europe, developments in the current European market, challenges when introducing new species to the market, bottlenecks in production technology, consumer acceptance, and legislation. The current algae species that are consumed and commercialized in Europe were investigated, according to their status under the European Union (EU) Novel Food legislation, along with the market perspectives in terms of the current research and development initiatives, while evaluating the interest and potential in the European market. The regular consumption of more than 150 algae species was identified, of which only 20% are approved under the EU Novel Food legislation, which demonstrates that the current legislation is not broad enough and requires an urgent update. Finally, the potential of the European algae market growth was indicated by the analysis of the trends in research, technological advances, and market initiatives to promote algae commercialization and consumption.

Microalgae are considered a promising resource of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and other functional biomolecules for food and feed markets. Competitive drying solutions are required to meet future demands for high-quality algal biomass while ensuring proper preservation at reduced costs. Since often used drying methods, such as freeze or spray drying, are energy and time consuming, more sustainable processes remain to be developed. This study tested an indirect and hybrid solar dryer as an alternative to conventional freeze drying of industrially produced Tetraselmis chui and Nannochloropsis oceanica wet paste. The effects of the drying method on biomass quality parameters, including biochemical profiles, functional properties, and microbial safety, were assessed. No significant differences were found between the applied drying technologies for total proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and fatty acid profiles. On the other hand, some pigments showed significant differences, displaying up to 44.5% higher contents in freeze-dried samples. Minor differences were also registered in the mineral profiles (

The exploration of cold-adapted microalgae offers a wide range of biotechnological applications that can be used for human, animal, and environmental benefits in colder climates. Previously, when the polar marine microalga Chlamydomonas malina RCC2488 was cultivated under both nitrogen replete and depleted conditions at 8°C, it accumulated lipids and carbohydrates (up to 32 and 49%, respectively), while protein synthesis decreased (up to 15%). We hypothesized that the cultivation temperature had a more significant impact on lipid accumulation than the nitrogen availability in C. malina. Lipid accumulation was tested at three different temperatures, 4, 8, and 15°C, under nitrogen replete and depleted conditions. At 4°C under the nitrogen replete condition C. malina had the maximal biomass productivity (701.6 mg L–1 day–1). At this condition, protein content was higher than lipids and carbohydrates. The lipid fraction was mainly composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the polar lipid portion, achieving the highest PUFA productivity (122.5 mg L–1 day–1). At this temperature, under nitrogen deficiency, the accumulation of carbohydrates and neutral lipids was stimulated. At 8 and 15°C, under both nitrogen replete and depleted conditions, the lipid and carbohydrate content were higher than at 4°C, and the nitrogen stress condition did not affect the algal biochemical composition. These results suggest that C. malina is a polar marine microalga with a favorable growth temperature at 4°C and is stressed at temperatures ≥8°C, which directs the metabolism to the synthesis of lipids and carbohydrates. Nevertheless, C. malina RCC2488 is a microalga suitable for PUFA production at low temperatures with biomass productivities comparable with mesophilic strains.

Abstract During the Marine Aerosol Cloud and Wildfire Study (MACAWS) in June and July of 2018, aerosol composition and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) properties were measured over the N.E. Pacific to characterize the influence of aerosol hygroscopicity on predictions of ambient CCN and stratocumulus cloud droplet number concentrations (CDNC). Three vertical regions were characterized, corresponding to the marine boundary layer (MBL), an above‐cloud organic aerosol layer (AC‐OAL), and the free troposphere (FT) above the AC‐OAL. The aerosol hygroscopicity parameter (κ) was calculated from CCN measurements (κCCN) and bulk aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) measurements (κAMS). Within the MBL, measured hygroscopicities varied between values typical of both continental environments (~0.2) and remote marine locations (~0.7). For most flights, CCN closure was achieved within 20% in the MBL. For five of the seven flights, assuming a constant aerosol size distribution produced similar or better CCN closure than assuming a constant “marine” hygroscopicity (κ = 0.72). An aerosol‐cloud parcel model was used to characterize the sensitivity of predicted stratocumulus CDNC to aerosol hygroscopicity, size distribution properties, and updraft velocity. Average CDNC sensitivity to accumulation mode aerosol hygroscopicity is 39% as large as the sensitivity to the geometric median diameter in this environment. Simulations suggest CDNC sensitivity to hygroscopicity is largest in marine stratocumulus with low updraft velocities (0.6 m s−1), where hygroscopic properties of the Aitken mode dominate hygroscopicity sensitivity.

The air quality of the Texas Gulf Coast region historically has been influenced heavily by regional shipping emissions. However, the effects of the recently established North American Emissions Control Area on aerosol concentrations and properties in this region are presently unknown. In order to better understand the current sources and processing mechanisms influencing coastal aerosol near Houston, a high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) was deployed for 3 weeks at a coastal location during May–June 2016. Total mass loadings of organic and inorganic non-refractory aerosol components during onshore flow periods were similar to those published before establishment of the regulations. Based on estimated methanesulfonic acid (MSA) mass loadings and published biogenic MSA / non-sea-salt sulfate (nss-SO4) ratios, an average of over 75 % of the observed nss-SO4 was from anthropogenic sources, predominantly shipping emissions. Mass spectral analysis indicated that for periods with similar backward-trajectory-averaged meteorological conditions, air masses influenced by shipping emissions had an increased mass fraction of ions related to carboxylic acids and larger oxygen-to-carbon ratios than those that avoided shipping lanes, suggesting that shipping emissions increase marine organic aerosol (OA) oxidation state. Amine fragment mass loadings were correlated positively with anthropogenic nss-SO4 during onshore flow, implying anthropogenic–biogenic interaction in marine OA production. Model calculations also suggest that advection of shipping-derived aerosol may enhance inland aqueous-phase secondary OA production. These results imply a continuing role of shipping emissions on aerosol properties over the Gulf of Mexico and suggest that further regulation of shipping fuel sulfur content will reduce coastal submicron aerosol mass loadings near Houston.

Low first-cycle Coulombic efficiency is especially poor for silicon (Si)-based anodes due to the high surface area of the Si-active material and extensive electrolyte decomposition during the initial cycles forming the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Therefore, developing successful prelithiation methods will greatly benefit the development of lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) utilizing Si anodes. In pursuit of this goal, in this study, lithium oxide (Li2O) was added to a LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NMC622) cathode using a scalable ball-milling approach to compensate for the initial Li loss at the anode. Different milling conditions were tested to evaluate the impact of particle morphology on the additive performance. In addition, Co3O4, a well-known oxygen evolution reaction catalyst, was introduced to facilitate the activation of Li2O. The Li2O + Co3O4 additives successfully delivered an additional capacity of 1116 mAh/gLi2O when charged up to 4.3 V in half cells and 1035 mAh/gLi2O when charged up to 4.1 V in full cells using Si anodes.

Resistance towards VEGF-centered anti-angiogenic therapy is an important clinical challenge. Here, the authors show that mast cells mediate resistance to anti-angiogenetic inhibitors by altering the proliferative and organizational state of endothelial cells through mobilization of FGF-1 and GM-CSF from the tumor matrix and secretion of FGF-2.

Gas-phase biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) are oxidized in the troposphere to produce secondary pollutants such as ozone (O3), organic nitrates (RONO2), and secondary organic aerosol (SOA). Two coupled zero-dimensional models have been used to investigate differences in oxidation and SOA production from isoprene and α-pinene, especially with respect to the nitrate radical (NO3), above and below a forest canopy in rural Michigan. In both modeled environments (above and below the canopy), NO3 mixing ratios are relatively small (3 contributes 12 % of total daytime α-pinene oxidation below the canopy while only contributing 4 % above. Increasing background pollutant levels to simulate a more polluted suburban or peri-urban forest environment increases the average contribution of NO3 to daytime below-canopy α-pinene oxidation to 32 %. Gas-phase RONO2 produced through NO3 oxidation undergoes net transport upward from the below-canopy environment during the day, and this transport contributes up to 30 % of total NO3-derived RONO2 production above the canopy in the morning (∼ 07:00). Modeled SOA mass loadings above and below the canopy ultimately differ by less than 0.5 µg m−3, and extremely low-volatility organic compounds dominate SOA composition. Lower temperatures below the canopy cause increased partitioning of semi-volatile gas-phase products to the particle phase and up to 35 % larger SOA mass loadings of these products relative to above the canopy in the model. Including transport between above- and below-canopy environments increases above-canopy NO3-derived α-pinene RONO2 SOA mass by as much as 45 %, suggesting that below-canopy chemical processes substantially influence above-canopy SOA mass loadings, especially with regard to monoterpene-derived RONO2.

Background. Little research has been conducted to explore the postoperative outcomes of obese patients after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TF-TAVR). Objective. We investigated the influence of body mass index (BMI) on 1-year outcomes after TF-TAVR. Methods. We included retrospectively 1609 high- and intermediate-risk TAVR patients (mean EuroSCORE II 21 ± 11) operated under general anesthesia between March 2014 and March 2018 in central hospital, Bad Berka, Germany. We stratified the patients according to BMI. Results. Our demographic data analysis showed 41% of patients were male and the mean age was 78 (range, 61–92 years). According to the WHO classification, 33% patients had normal weight, 42% were defined as overweight, and 22% were obese. Obese patients showed statistically significant difference in their clinical parameters as having higher incidence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, pulmonary hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; on the contrary, obese patients were found to be younger than others. We found no differences in valve types and sizes among the different BMI categories. Our mortality rate during the 1-year follow-up period was 17.8% (287 patients). Mortality was significantly higher in patients with BMI

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