The P3HT:PCBM mixture is the most promising system for absorber layers in flexible polymer-based photovoltaic solar cells. Nowadays, an increased number of studies have been devoted to improving ...electrical and optical properties of this absorber layer in order to rise the power conversion efficiency. However, studies dealing with its mechanical behavior are scarce, even though they are important on the fabrication processes for flexible devices and operation. Therefore, this work aims to elucidate the effect of tensile and bending deformations on P3HT:PCBM layers deposited on PET/ITO substrates. Mechanical and electrical characteristics were in-situ monitored while strains were applied. Tensile experiments showed that the layers are able to support a unitary strain up to 0.684%, when crack onset strain (COS) is reached, and crack propagation begins until the formation of a grid pattern observed in micrographs. Bending tests were performed with two span-lengths (50.8 mm and 25.4 mm) and two strain conditions on the P3HT:PCBM layers, i.e. tensile and compressive. For the tensile state, micrographs did not show any cracking on the layers regardless of the span-length, even when the bending radius was as low as 6.13 mm. On the other hand, the COS was observed when the layer was subjected to the compressive state with the lowest span and the same curvature radius.
•P3HT:PCBM layers were subjected to mechanical deformations.•Tensile and flexural tests were conducted.•Mechanical stress and electrical resistivity were in-situ measured.•The crack onset strain “COS” was investigated.•Strains for mechanical and electrical damage where determined.
The geoduck Panopea globosa is an endemic and economic valuable species from the Mexican Northwest coast whose biology has been little studied. No information exists about their hemocytes to date, ...which is highly important to assess the welfare of wild and cultured organisms. In this study, hemocytes of adult P. globosa were characterized at the morphological, ultrastructural and functional level. The mean number of hemocytes in the hemolymph of P. globosa was 6 × 105 ± 2 × 105 cells mL−1. The cells were identified as granulocytes (Gr) and hyalinocytes (H). The former accounted for 28% of adhered cells in the hemolymph, measured 6–18 μm, showed numerous basophilic granules in the cytoplasm, with round and eccentric nuclei, and a nucleus:cytoplasm ratio of 0.44 ± 0.01. Hyalinocytes were the most abundant cells in the hemolymph of P. globosa (72% adhered cells) and were subdivided, according to their size, in small (Hs) 4–12 μm and large (HL) 6–18 μm. Hyalinocytes were eosinophilic round or ovoid cells with a central or eccentric nucleus, few or no granules in the cytoplasm and similar nucleus:cytoplasm ratio (Hs: 0.63 and HL: 061). Lysosomes and lipids were observed in Gr, while carbohydrates were the most abundant energy substrate in H. Both hemocytic cell types, mainly Gr, were capable to ingest particles and yield superoxide (P > 0.05). The present study shows for the first time the cell types, abundance and immune activities of hemocytes present in the hemolymph of P. globosa. This information provides a useful baseline to carry out further research on the cellular immune response of the clam to potential pathogens or changes in environmental factors.
•Hemolymph of Panopea globosa contain granulocytes and hyalinocytes.•Hyalinocytes were the most abundant cells (72%) and subdivided as: small and large.•Granulocytes accounted for 28% of adhered cells in the hemolymph.•Phagocytic activity was observed, mainly, in granulocytes and large hyalinocytes.•Superoxide anion was mainly detected in granulocytes.
Gpn1 associates with Gpn3, and both are required for RNA polymerase II nuclear targeting. Global studies have identified by mass spectrometry that human Gpn3 is ubiquitinated on lysines 189 and 216. ...Our goals here were to determine the type, physiological importance, and regulation of Gpn3 ubiquitination. After inhibiting the proteasome with MG132, Gpn3‐Flag was polyubiquitinated on K216, but not K189, in HEK293T cells. Gpn3‐Flag exhibited nucleo‐cytoplasmic shuttling, but polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of Gpn3‐Flag occurred only in the cell nucleus. Polyubiquitination‐deficient Gpn3‐Flag K216R displayed a longer half‐life than Gpn3‐Flag in two cell lines. Interestingly, Gpn1‐EYFP inhibited Gpn3‐Flag polyubiquitination in a dose‐dependent manner. In conclusion, Gpn1‐inhibitable, nuclear polyubiquitination on lysine 216 regulates the half‐life of Gpn3 by tagging it for proteasomal degradation.
The organic solar cells (OSCs) stand out due to their low cost and possibility to be flexible; however, it is well known that small deviations of the manufacturing variables could affect their ...performance. Therefore, in this work, we conducted a systematic study of the effects of the precursor solution (PS) processing and the post-deposition thermal treatment (TT) on the optical properties of P3HT:PCBM absorber-layer, by applying a Central Composite Design of Experiments. Results revealed that the temperature is the factor with the greatest influence on material properties; while the stirring time by itself is the least significant; however, its interaction with high temperature promotes the structural disorder, inducing degradation of the absorber layer. The DoE showed that P3HT:PCBM layers with appropriate optical properties to be applied in OSCs are fabricated with a PS stirred at 53.5 °C for 18 h, and post-deposition TT below to 150 °C. These results were corroborated with X-ray diffraction, microscope optical images, and electrical and optical responses of manufactured solar cells.
•The manufacturing process effect on P3HT:PCBM layers was statistically studied.•A Central Composite DoE was developed to ensure reliability and repeatability.•The light absorption, band gap, and molecular structure were investigated.•Temperature is the primary factor in modifying the properties of the layers.•The change in properties relates to the modification of the molecular structure.
ABSTRACT
We present Atacama Large Millimeter/sub-millimeter Array (ALMA) observations towards 27 low-redshift (0.02 < z < 0.2) star-forming galaxies taken from the Valparaíso ALMA/APEX Line Emission ...Survey. We perform stacking analyses of the 12CO(1–0), 13CO(1–0), and C18O(1–0) emission lines to explore the L′ 12CO(1–0)/L′ 13CO(1–0) hereafter L′ (12CO)/L′ (13CO) and L′ 13CO(1–0)/L′ C18O(1–0) hereafter L′ (13CO)/L′ (C18O) line luminosity ratio dependence as a function of different global galaxy parameters related to the star formation activity. The sample has far-IR luminosities of $10^{10.1\!-\!11.9}\,$ L⊙ and stellar masses of 109.8–10.9 M⊙ corresponding to typical star-forming and starburst galaxies at these redshifts. On average, we find an L′ (12CO)/L′ (13CO) line luminosity ratio value of 16.1 ± 2.5. Galaxies with pieces of evidence of possible merging activity tend to show higher L′ (12CO)/L′ (13CO) ratios by a factor of 2, while variations of this order are also found in galaxy samples with higher star formation rates (SFRs) or star formation efficiencies (SFEs). We also find an average L′ (13CO)/L′ (C18O) line luminosity ratio of 2.5 ± 0.6, which is in good agreement with those previously reported for starburst galaxies. We find that galaxy samples with high LIR, SFR, and SFE show low L′ (13CO)/L′ (C18O) line luminosity ratios with high L′ (12CO)/L′ (13CO) line luminosity ratios, suggesting that these trends are produced by selective enrichment of massive stars in young starbursts.
Rotavirus (RV) vaccines are available in Spain since 2006 but are not included in the National Immunization Program. RV vaccination has reached an intermediate vaccination coverage rate (VCR) but ...with substantial differences between provinces. The aim of this study was to assess the ratio of RV gastroenteritis (RVGE) admissions to all-cause hospitalizations in children under 5 years of age in areas with different VCR.
Observational, multicenter, cross-sectional, medical record-based study. All children admitted to the study hospitals with a RVGE confirmed diagnosis during a 5-year period were selected. The annual ratio of RVGE to the total number of all-cause hospitalizations in children < 5 years of age were calculated. The proportion of RVGE hospitalizations were compared in areas with low (< 30%), intermediate (31-59%) and high (> 60%) VCR.
From June 2013 to May 2018, data from 1731 RVGE hospitalizations (16.47% of which were nosocomial) were collected from the 12 study hospitals. RVGE hospital admissions accounted for 2.82% (95 CI 2.72-3.00) and 43.84% (95% CI 40.53-47.21) of all-cause and Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) hospitalizations in children under 5 years of age, respectively. The likelihood of hospitalization due to RVGE was 56% (IC95%, 51-61%) and 27% (IC95%, 18-35%) lower in areas with high and intermediate VCR, respectively, compared to the low VCR areas.
RVGE hospitalization ratios are highly dependent on the RV VCR. Increasing VCR in areas with intermediate and low coverage rates would significantly reduce the severe burden of RVGE that requires hospital management in Spain. Clinical trial registration Not applicable.
The production of secondary metabolites can be improved with the supply of precursors both in submerged and solid-state fermentation (SSF). Microorganisms assimilate the precursors and biotransform ...them to excrete compounds of commercial interest. The raw materials used in SSF, frequently agro-industrial residues, may contain molecules that serve as precursors for secondary metabolites. However, supplying a precursor can dramatically improve crop production. Commonly, precursors are added as part of the liquid with which the solid material to be fermented is moistened. However, recently it has been proposed to take advantage of the oxygen supply for the gradual supply of volatile precursors. It can help to avoid toxicity problems with the precursors. The present work reviews the strategies to supply precursors to improve the production of secondary metabolites in solid-state fermentation.
Folate deficiency is a global health problem related to neural tube defects, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and cancer. Considering that folic acid (FA) supply through industrialized foods is the ...most successful intervention, limitations exist for its complete implementation worldwide. Biofortification of plant foods, on the other hand, could be implemented in poor areas as a complementary alternative. A biofortified tomato fruit that accumulates high levels of folates was previously developed. In this study, we evaluated short-term folate bioavailability in rats infused with this folate-biofortified fruit. Fruit from tomato segregants hyperaccumulated folates during an extended ripening period, ultimately containing 3.7-fold the recommended dietary allowance in a 100-g portion. Folate-depleted Wistar rats separated in three groups received a single dose of 1 nmol of folate/g body weight in the form of lyophilized biofortified tomato fruit, FA, or synthetic 5-CH₃-THF. Folate bioavailability from the biofortified tomato was comparable to that of synthetic 5-CH₃-THF, with areas under the curve (AUC₀–∞) of 2,080 ± 420 and 2,700 ± 220 pmol · h/mL, respectively (P = 0.12). Whereas, FA was less bioavailable with an AUC₀–∞of 750 ± 10 pmol · h/mL. Fruit-supplemented animals reached maximum levels of circulating folate in plasma at 2 h after administration with a subsequent steady decline, while animals treated with FA and synthetic 5-CH₃-THF reached maximum levels at 1 h. Pharmacokinetic parameters revealed that biofortified tomato had slower intestinal absorption than synthetic folate forms. This is the first study that demonstrates the bioavailability of folates from a biofortified plant food, showing its potential to improve folate deficiency.
Gpn3 is required for RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) nuclear targeting. Here, we investigated the effect of a cancer‐associated Q279* nonsense mutation in Gpn3 cellular function. Employing RNAi, we ...replaced endogenous Gpn3 by wt or Q279* RNAi‐resistant Gpn3R in epithelial model cells. RNAPII nuclear accumulation and transcriptional activity were markedly decreased in cells expressing only Gpn3R Q279*. Wild‐type Gpn3R localized to the cytoplasm but a fraction of Gpn3R Q279* entered the cell nucleus and inhibited Gpn1‐EYFP nuclear export. This property and the transcriptional deficit in Gpn3R Q279*‐expressing cells required a PDZ‐binding motif generated by the Q279* mutation. We conclude that an acquired PDZ‐binding motif in Gpn3 Q279* caused Gpn3 nuclear entry, and inhibited Gpn1 nuclear export and Gpn3‐mediated RNAPII nuclear targeting.
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