Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease of unknown cause that leads to respiratory failure and death within 5 years of diagnosis. Overt respiratory infection and ...immunosuppression carry a high morbidity and mortality, and polymorphisms in genes related to epithelial integrity and host defense predispose to IPF.
To investigate the role of bacteria in the pathogenesis and progression of IPF.
We prospectively enrolled patients diagnosed with IPF according to international criteria together with healthy smokers, nonsmokers, and subjects with moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as control subjects. Subjects underwent bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), from which genomic DNA was isolated. The V3-V5 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was amplified, allowing quantification of bacterial load and identification of communities by 16S rRNA quantitative polymerase chain reaction and pyrosequencing.
Sixty-five patients with IPF had double the burden of bacteria in BAL fluid compared with 44 control subjects. Baseline bacterial burden predicted the rate of decline in lung volume and risk of death and associated independently with the rs35705950 polymorphism of the MUC5B mucin gene, a proven host susceptibility factor for IPF. Sequencing yielded 912,883 high-quality reads from all subjects. We identified Haemophilus, Streptococcus, Neisseria, and Veillonella spp. to be more abundant in cases than control subjects. Regression analyses indicated that these specific operational taxonomic units as well as bacterial burden associated independently with IPF.
IPF is characterized by an increased bacterial burden in BAL that predicts decline in lung function and death. Trials of antimicrobial therapy are needed to determine if microbial burden is pathogenic in the disease.
We show a simple, robust, chemical route to the fabrication of ultrahigh-density arrays of nanopores with high aspect ratios using the equilibrium self-assembled morphology of asymmetric diblock ...copolymers. The dimensions and lateral density of the array are determined by segmental interactions and the copolymer molecular weight. Through direct current electrodeposition, we fabricated vertical arrays of nanowires with densities in excess of 1.9 × 1011wires per square centimeter. We found markedly enhanced coercivities with ferromagnetic cobalt nanowires that point toward a route to ultrahighdensity storage media. The copolymer approach described is practical, parallel, compatible with current lithographic processes, and amenable to multilayered device fabrication.
Physical and psychological impairments impacting quality of life (QOL) are common following ACL reconstruction. Rehabilitation alone is an effective alternative to reconstruction for some patients, ...warranting the investigation of QOL in ACL-deficient individuals.
To report and compare QOL in ACL-deficient individuals with population norms and ACL-reconstructed groups, and investigate relationships between participant characteristics and QOL.
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
We systematically identified and methodologically appraised all studies reporting QOL in ACL-deficient individuals ≥5 years following ACL rupture. Knee-related and health-related QOL scores in ACL-deficient cohorts were compared to ACL-reconstructed groups using a random-effects meta-analysis. Descriptive comparisons were made with population norms.
Eleven studies reported QOL in 473 ACL-deficient individuals, a mean of 10 (range 5-23) years following ACL rupture. Eight studies reported knee-related QOL using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score QOL subscale (KOOS-QOL); scores (mean±SD) ranging from 54±17 to 77±22 were impaired compared to population norms. Health-related QOL, measured with the SF-36 domain scores in five studies, was similar to population norms, but impaired compared to physically active populations. Meta-analysis revealed no significant differences in KOOS-QOL (mean difference (95% CI) 2.9 (-3.3 to 9.1)) and SF-36 scores (for all SF-36 domains except Vitality) between ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed groups.
This systematic review found impaired knee-related QOL in ACL-deficient individuals ≥5 years after ACL rupture, compared to population norms. Meta-analysis revealed similar knee-related QOL in ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed groups, and no difference in health-related QOL scores for seven of the eight SF-36 domains.
The chemical factors influencing iron solubility (soluble iron/total iron) were investigated in source emission (e.g., biomass burning, coal fly ash, mineral dust, and mobile exhaust) and ambient ...(Atlanta, GA) fine particles (PM2.5). Chemical properties (speciation and mixing state) of iron-containing particles were characterized using X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy and micro-X-ray fluorescence measurements. Bulk iron solubility (soluble iron/total iron) of the samples was quantified by leaching experiments. Major differences were observed in iron solubility in source emission samples, ranging from low solubility (<1%, mineral dust and coal fly ash) up to 75% (mobile exhaust and biomass burning emissions). Differences in iron solubility did not correspond to silicon content or Fe(II) content. However, source emission and ambient samples with high iron solubility corresponded to the sulfur content observed in single particles. A similar correspondence between bulk iron solubility and bulk sulfate content in a series of Atlanta PM2.5 fine particle samples (N = 358) further supported this trend. In addition, results of linear combination fitting experiments show the presence of iron sulfates in several high iron solubility source emission and ambient PM2.5 samples. These results suggest that the sulfate content (related to the presence of iron sulfates and/or acid-processing mechanisms by H2SO4) of iron-containing particles is an important proxy for iron solubility.
Abstract
Swift J1818.0−1607 is a radio-loud magnetar with a spin period of 1.36 s and a dipolar magnetic field strength of
B
∼ 3 × 10
14
G, which is very young compared to the Galactic pulsar ...population. We report here on the long-term X-ray monitoring campaign of this young magnetar using XMM-Newton, NuSTAR, and Swift from the activation of its first outburst in 2020 March until 2021 October, as well as INTEGRAL upper limits on its hard X-ray emission. The 1–10 keV magnetar spectrum is well modeled by an absorbed blackbody with a temperature of
kT
BB
∼ 1.1 keV and apparent reduction in the radius of the emitting region from ∼0.6 to ∼0.2 km. We also confirm the bright diffuse X-ray emission around the source extending between ∼50″ and ∼110″. A timing analysis revealed large torque variability, with an average spin-down rate
ν
̇
∼
−2.3 × 10
−11
Hz
2
that appears to decrease in magnitude over time. We also observed Swift J1818.0−1607 with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array on 2021 March 22. We detected the radio counterpart to Swift J1818 measuring a flux density of
S
v
= 4.38 ± 0.05 mJy at 3 GHz and a half-ringlike structure of bright diffuse radio emission located at ∼90″ to the west of the magnetar. We tentatively suggest that the diffuse X-ray emission is due to a dust-scattering halo and that the radio structure may be associated with the supernova remnant of this young pulsar, based on its morphology.
In experiments performed with the OMEGA EP laser system, magnetic field generation in double ablation fronts was observed. Proton radiography measured the strength, spatial profile, and temporal ...dynamics of self-generated magnetic fields as the target material was varied between plastic, aluminum, copper, and gold. Two distinct regions of magnetic field are generated in midZ targets-one produced by gradients from electron thermal transport and the second from radiation-driven gradients. Extended magnetohydrodynamic simulations including radiation transport reproduced key aspects of the experiment, including field generation and double ablation front formation.
We use high‐resolution data from dayside passes of the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission to create for the first time a comprehensive listing of encounters with the electron diffusion region ...(EDR), as evidenced by electron agyrotropy, ion jet reversals, and j • E′ > 0. We present an overview of these 32 EDR or near‐EDR events, which demonstrate a wide variety of observed plasma behavior inside and surrounding the reconnection site. We analyze in detail three of the 21 new EDR encounters, which occurred within a 1‐min‐long interval on 23 November 2016. The three events, which resulted from a relatively low and oscillating magnetopause velocity, exhibited large electric fields (up to ~100 mV/m), crescent‐shaped electron velocity phase space densities, large currents (≥2 μA/m2), and Ohmic heating of the plasma (~10 nW/m3). We include an Ohm's law analysis, in which we show that the divergence of the electron pressure term usually dominates the nonideal terms and is much more turbulent on the magnetosphere versus the magnetosheath side of the EDR.
Plain Language Summary
NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission was designed to study magnetic reconnection, a process in which oppositely directed magnetic fields embedded within two neighboring plasma populations annihilate, dumping magnetic energy into the plasmas. Previous missions studying reconnection in space were not fully equipped to analyze how the electrons in the plasma behave near the core of a reconnection site. This study provides MMS researchers with many new reconnection events to dissect, and calls special attention to three events that occurred back to back. Each event included is very unique and helps to fill in another piece of the reconnection puzzle. Perhaps the ultimate goal of these studies is to provide insight into methods of shutting down the reconnection process, which is known to impede attempts toward a stable nuclear fusion engine. A blueprint for stable nuclear fusion could solve mankind's energy needs forever.
Key Points
MMS mapped the EDR and near‐EDR several times during a sequence of new dayside encounters
Turbulence in Ohm's law terms is greatest on the magnetospheric‐side EDR, near the plane containing the X line and boundary normal vector
Thirty‐two EDR or near‐EDR encounters show crescent‐like enhancements in electron velocity space perpendicular to the local magnetic field
In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) set out 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030. These goals highlight key objectives that must be addressed. Each target ...focuses on a unique perspective crucial to meeting these goals. Social, political, and economic issues are addressed to comprehensively review the main issues combating climate change and creating sustainable and environmentally friendly industries, jobs, and communities. Several mechanisms that involve judicious use of biological entities are among instruments that are being explored to achieve the targets of SDGs. Microalgae have an increasing interest in various sectors, including; renewable energy, food, environmental management, water purification, and the production of chemicals such as biofertilizers, cosmetics, and healthcare products. The significance of microalgae also arises from their tendency to consume CO2, which is the main greenhouse gas and the major contributor to the climate change. This work discusses the roles of microalgae in achieving the various SDGs. Moreover, this work elaborates on the contribution of microalgae to the circular economy. It was found that the microalgae contribute to all the 17th SDGs, where they directly contribute to 9th of the SDGs and indirectly contribute to the rest. The major contribution of the Microalgae is clear in SDG-6 “Clean water and sanitation”, SDG-7 “Affordable and clean energy”, and SDG-13 “Climate action”. Furthermore, it was found that Microalgae have a significant contribution to the circular economy.
Display omitted
•Microalgae effectively contribute directly or indirectly to SDGs.•Microalgae effectively used in CO2 capturing, wastewater treatment, and renewable energy.•Microalgae play an essential role in economic growth, industry and innovation.•Microalgae have a significant contribution in the circular economy.
Efficacy of climate forcings Hansen, J.; Sato, M.; Ruedy, R. ...
Journal of Geophysical Research - Atmospheres,
27 September 2005, Letnik:
110, Številka:
D18
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
We use a global climate model to compare the effectiveness of many climate forcing agents for producing climate change. We find a substantial range in the “efficacy” of different forcings, where the ...efficacy is the global temperature response per unit forcing relative to the response to CO2 forcing. Anthropogenic CH4 has efficacy ∼110%, which increases to ∼145% when its indirect effects on stratospheric H2O and tropospheric O3 are included, yielding an effective climate forcing of ∼0.8 W/m2 for the period 1750–2000 and making CH4 the largest anthropogenic climate forcing other than CO2. Black carbon (BC) aerosols from biomass burning have a calculated efficacy ∼58%, while fossil fuel BC has an efficacy ∼78%. Accounting for forcing efficacies and for indirect effects via snow albedo and cloud changes, we find that fossil fuel soot, defined as BC + OC (organic carbon), has a net positive forcing while biomass burning BC + OC has a negative forcing. We show that replacement of the traditional instantaneous and adjusted forcings, Fi and Fa, with an easily computed alternative, Fs, yields a better predictor of climate change, i.e., its efficacies are closer to unity. Fs is inferred from flux and temperature changes in a fixed‐ocean model run. There is remarkable congruence in the spatial distribution of climate change, normalized to the same forcing Fs, for most climate forcing agents, suggesting that the global forcing has more relevance to regional climate change than may have been anticipated. Increasing greenhouse gases intensify the Hadley circulation in our model, increasing rainfall in the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), Eastern United States, and East Asia, while intensifying dry conditions in the subtropics including the Southwest United States, the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, and an expanding Sahel. These features survive in model simulations that use all estimated forcings for the period 1880–2000. Responses to localized forcings, such as land use change and heavy regional concentrations of BC aerosols, include more specific regional characteristics. We suggest that anthropogenic tropospheric O3 and the BC snow albedo effect contribute substantially to rapid warming and sea ice loss in the Arctic. As a complement to a priori forcings, such as Fi, Fa, and Fs, we tabulate the a posteriori effective forcing, Fe, which is the product of the forcing and its efficacy. Fe requires calculation of the climate response and introduces greater model dependence, but once it is calculated for a given amount of a forcing agent it provides a good prediction of the response to other forcing amounts.
This meta-analysis summarizes research examining whether transcranial electrical stimulation (transcranial direct current stimulation with oscillating and constant currents; transcranial alternating ...current stimulation), administered during sleep, can modulate declarative and procedural memory consolidation. Included in the meta-analysis were 13 experiments that represented data from 179 participants. Study findings were summarized using standardized mean difference (SMD) which is an effect size that summarizes differences in standard deviation units. Results showed electrical stimulation during sleep could enhance (SMD=0.447; p=.003) or disrupt (SMD=-0.476, p=.030) declarative memory consolidation. However, transcranial electric stimulation does not appear to be able to enhance (SMD=0.154, p=.279) or disrupt (SMD=0.076, p=.675) procedural memory consolidation. This meta-analysis provides strong evidence that TES is able to modulate some consolidation processes. Additional research is required to determine the mechanisms by which transcranial electrical stimulation is able to influence declarative memory consolidation. Finally, it is yet to be determined whether transcranial electrical stimulation can modulate procedural memory consolidation.
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