Dilepton constraints in the inert doublet model from Run 1 of the LHC

Bé,langer, Geneviè,ve,Dumont, Bé,ranger,Goudelis, Andreas,Herrmann, Bj&ouml,rn,Kraml, Sabine,Sengupta, Dipan American Physical Society 2015 PHYSICAL REVIEW D - Vol.91 No.11

Two species of the conifera-subgroup of Triconia (Copepoda, Oncaeidae) from the northeastern equatorial Pacific, with a description of the unknown male of T. hirsuta

CHO, KYUHEE,BÖ,TTGER-SCHNACK, RUTH,KIM, WOONG-SEO,LEE, WONCHOEL Magnolia Press 2017 Zootaxa Vol.4286 No.3

<P>We describe two species from the genus Triconia Böttger-Schnack, 1999 in the family Oncaeidae from the northeastern equatorial Pacific, both belonging to the conifera-subgroup. Both sexes of T. derivata (Heron & Bradford-Grieve, 1995) are redescribed, including morphological features not noted in earlier descriptions, such as the posterior face of the labrum. Specimens of T. derivata from the northeastern equatorial Pacific differ slightly from the original descriptions in some morphometric characters, and their differentiation from T. furcula (Farran, 1936), which is closely related, is summarized. The male of T. hirsuta Wi, Böttger-Schnack & Soh, 2010 is described for the first time and the morphology of the female is redescribed. The female holotype of T. hirsuta from Korean waters is reexamined and discrepancies between text and figures in the original description regarding the endopodal spine lengths on swimming leg 2 are clarified. A revised version of the respective part of the original figure is included in the present paper. An indication of the variation in endopodal spine lengths on swimming legs 2 to 4 is provided for both sexes of the two species. It is pointed out that morphometric characters required for unequivocal identification of species of the conifera-subgroup are still not sufficiently well defined. The records of T. derivata and T. hirsuta to date are summarized and indicate a wide zoogeographical distribution of the former species. </P>

Trace element dynamics of biosolids-derived microbeads

Wijesekara, Hasintha,Bolan, Nanthi S.,Bradney, Lauren,Obadamudalige, Nadeeka,Seshadri, Balaji,Kunhikrishnan, Anitha,Dharmarajan, Rajarathnam,Ok, Yong Sik,Rinklebe, J&ouml,rg,Kirkham, M.B.,Vithanage, M Elsevier 2018 CHEMOSPHERE - Vol.199 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>This study focused on quantifying and characterising microbeads in biosolids (i.e., treated sewage sludge), and in examining interactions of microbeads with trace elements when biosolids are added to soil. Under laboratory conditions, batch experiments were conducted to investigate the adsorption of Cu onto pure and surface modified microbeads suspended in soil. The ecotoxicity of microbead-metal complexes to soil microbial activities was also investigated by monitoring basal respiration and dehydrogenase activity. Concentrations of the microbeads were 352, 146, 324, and 174 particles kg<SUP>−1</SUP> biosolids for ≤50, 50–100, 100–250, 250–1000 μm size fractions, respectively. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images illustrated wrinkled and fractured surfaces due to degradation. The adsorption of dissolved organic matter onto microbeads was confirmed through FT-IR microscopy, while using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) the presence of trace metals including Cd (2.34 ng g<SUP>−1</SUP>), Cu (180.64 ng g<SUP>−1</SUP>), Ni (12.69 ng g<SUP>−1</SUP>), Pb (1.17 ng g<SUP>−1</SUP>), Sb (14.43 ng g<SUP>−1</SUP>), and Zn (178.03 ng g<SUP>−1</SUP>) was revealed. Surface modified microbeads were capable of adsorbing Cu compared to the pure microbeads, which may be attributed to the complexation of Cu with dissolved organic matter associated with the microbeads in the matrix. It was further revealed that the biosolids derived microbead-metal complexes decreased soil respiration (up to ∼ 26%) and dehydrogenase activity (up to ∼ 39%). Hence, microbeads reaching biosolids during wastewater treatment are likely to serve as a vector for trace element contamination, transportation, and toxicity when biosolids are applied to soil.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Biosolids are a major source for microbeads in soil. </LI> <LI> A first-time study on microbial toxicity of biosolids-derived microbeads. </LI> <LI> Microbeads serve as a vector for transportation of trace elements in soil. </LI> <LI> Dissolved organic matter enhanced the adsorption of trace elements by microbeads. </LI> <LI> Microbeads decreased microbial respiration and dehydrogenase activity in soil. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Radiation-Induced Autophagy Contributes to Cell Death and Induces Apoptosis Partly in Malignant Glioma Cells

Jo, Guk Heui,Bö,gler, Oliver,Chwae, Yong-Joon,Yoo, Heon,Lee, Seung Hoon,Park, Jong Bae,Kim, Youn-Jae,Kim, Jong Heon,Gwak, Ho-Shin Korean Cancer Association 2015 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.47 No.2

<P><B>Purpose</B></P><P>Radiation-induced autophagy has been shown to play two different roles, in malignant glioma (MG) cells, cytocidal or cytoprotective. However, neither the role of radiation-induced autophagy for cell death nor the existence of autophagy-induced apoptosis, a well-known cell-death pathway after irradiation, has been verified yet.</P><P><B>Materials and Methods</B></P><P>We observed both temporal and dose-dependent response patterns of autophagy and apoptosis to radiation in MG cell lines. Additionally, we investigated the role of autophagy in apoptosis through knockdown of autophagy-related proteins.</P><P><B>Results</B></P><P>Autophagic activity measured by staining of acidic vesicle organelles and Western blotting of LC-3 protein increased in proportion to radiation dose from day 1 to 5 after irradiation. Apoptosis measured by annexin-V staining and Western blotting of cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase demonstrated relatively late appearance 3 days after irradiation that increased for up to 7 days. Blocking of pan-caspase (Z-VAD-FMK) did not affect apoptosis after irradiation, but silencing of Atg5 effectively reduced radiation-induced autophagy, which decreased apoptosis significantly. Inhibition of autophagy in Atg5 knockdown cells was shown to be beneficial for cell survival. Stable transfection of GFP-LC3 cells was observed after irradiation. Annexin-V was localized in cells bearing GFP-LC3 punctuated spots, indicating autophagy in immunofluorescence. Some of these punctuated GFP-LC3 bearing cells formed conglomerated spots and died in final phase.</P><P><B>Conclusion</B></P><P>These findings suggest that autophagy appears earlier than apoptosis after irradiation and that a portion of the apoptotic population that appears later is autophagy-dependent. Thus, autophagy is a pathway to cell death after irradiation of MG cells.</P>

Influence of bioenergy waste biochar on proton- and ligand-promoted release of Pb and Cu in a shooting range soil

Kumarathilaka, Prasanna,Ahmad, Mahtab,Herath, Indika,Mahatantila, Kushani,Athapattu, B.C.L.,Rinklebe, J&ouml,rg,Ok, Yong Sik,Usman, Adel,Al-Wabel, Mohammad I.,Abduljabbar, Adel,Vithanage, Meththika Elsevier 2018 The Science of the total environment Vol.625 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Presence of organic and inorganic acids influences the release rates of trace metals (TMs) bound in contaminated soil systems. This study aimed to investigate the influence of bioenergy waste biochar, derived from <I>Gliricidia sepium</I> (GBC), on the proton and ligand-induced bioavailability of Pb and Cu in a shooting range soil (17,066mg Pb and 1134mg Cu per kg soil) in the presence of inorganic (sulfuric, nitric, and hydrochloric) and organic acids (acetic, citric, and oxalic). Release rates of Pb and Cu in the shooting range soil were determined under different acid concentrations (0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, and 10mM) and in the presence/absence of GBC (10% by weight of soil). The dissolution rates of Pb and Cu increased with increasing acid concentrations. Lead was preferentially released (2.79×10<SUP>−13</SUP> to 8.86×10<SUP>−13</SUP> molm<SUP>−2</SUP> s<SUP>−1</SUP>) than Cu (1.07×10<SUP>−13</SUP> to 1.02×10<SUP>−13</SUP> molm<SUP>−2</SUP> s<SUP>−1</SUP>) which could be due to the excessive Pb concentrations in soil. However, the addition of GBC to soil reduced Pb and Cu dissolution rates to a greater extent of 10.0 to 99.5% and 15.6 to 99.5%, respectively, under various acid concentrations. The increased pH in the medium and different adsorption mechanisms, including electrostatic attractions, surface diffusion, ion exchange, precipitation, and complexation could immobilize Pb and Cu released by the proton and ligands in GBC amended soil. Overall, GBC could be utilized as an effective soil amendment to immobilize Pb and Cu in shooting range soil even under the influence of soil acidity.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Presence of protons and ligands in soil increased the bioavailability of Pb and Cu. </LI> <LI> Biochar reduced Pb and Cu release rates to 99.5%. </LI> <LI> Electrostatic attraction and complexation to biochar could immobilize Pb and Cu. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Particulate plastics as a vector for toxic trace-element uptake by aquatic and terrestrial organisms and human health risk

Bradney, Lauren,Wijesekara, Hasintha,Palansooriya, Kumuduni Niroshika,Obadamudalige, Nadeeka,Bolan, Nanthi S.,Ok, Yong Sik,Rinklebe, J&ouml,rg,Kim, Ki-Hyun,Kirkham, M.B. Pergamon 2019 Environment international Vol.131 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Particulate plastics in the terrestrial and aquatic environments are small plastic fragments or beads (i.e., 5 mm down to the nanometre range). They have been frequently referred to as ‘micro-plastics’ or ‘nano-plastics’. Research has identified particulate plastics as a vector for toxic trace elements in the environment. The adsorption of toxic trace elements by particulate plastics may be facilitated by their high surface area and functionalized surfaces (e.g., through the attachment of natural organic matter). Other factors, such as environmental conditions (e.g., pH and water salinity), surface charge, and trace element oxidation status, also influence the adsorption of trace elements onto particulate plastics. Because of their small size and persistence, particulate plastics and the associated toxic trace elements are readily ingested and accumulated in many terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Thus, these plastics can have severe environmental consequences, such as the development of metal toxicity, within aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Humans could also become exposed to particulate plastics through food chain contamination and airborne ingestion. This review provides an overview of the sources of particulate plastics in the environment. To this end, we describe particulate plastics made of synthetic polymers, their origin, and characteristics with emphasis on how particulate plastics and associated toxic trace elements contaminate terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Future research needs and strategies are discussed to help reduce the environmental risks of particulate plastics as a potent vector for the transportation of toxic trace elements.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Particulate plastics include microplastics and nanoplastics. </LI> <LI> The review covers the ecological and human health impacts of particulate plastics. </LI> <LI> Trace-element-sorbed particulate plastics damage aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. </LI> <LI> Dissolved organic matter facilitates trace element sorption onto particulate plastics. </LI> <LI> Particulate plastics pose human health threats by entering the food chain. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Studying the acceptance of a robotic agent by elderly users

B. Kr&ouml;se,M. Heerink,V. Evers,B. Wielinga 동국대학교 정보융합기술원 2006 International Journal of Assistive Robotics and Sy Vol.7 No.3

Influence of wavelength-shifting films on multianode PMTs with UV-extended windows

Adamczewski-Musch, J.,Becker, K.-H.,Belogurov, S.,Boldyreva, N.,Chernogorov, A.,Deveaux, C.,Dobyrn, V.,Dü,rr, M.,Eom, J.,Eschke, J.,H&ouml,hne, C.,Kampert, K.-H.,Kleipa, V.,Kochenda, L.,Kolb, B.,K Elsevier 2015 Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research. Vol.783 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Wavelength-shifting (WLS) films were applied on UV-extended front windows of multianode photomultiplier tubes (MAPMTs) in order to increase the sensitivity of the MAPMTs at shorter wavelengths. The WLS material contained p-Terphenyl as photoactive component, which absorbs shorter wavelength photons ( < 300 nm ) and re-emits fluorescence photons around 350nm, i.e., at the maximum of the PMTs׳ sensitivity. The films were applied by means of dip-coating and the film performance was studied with respect to quantum efficiency, film homogeneity, and crosstalk on the MAPMTs. Using WLS-film-covered MAPMTs in a gaseous Ring Imaging Cherenkov detector, the number of detected photoelectrons per ring increased by up to 21% in an in-beam test.</P>

Microstructural comparison of Zr_73.5Nb₉Cu₇Ni₁Al_9.5 nanostructure-dendrite composites produced by different casting techniques

Kim, K.B.,Das, J.,L&ouml,ser, W.,Lee, M.H.,Kim, D.H.,Roy, S.K.,Eckert, J. Elsevier 2007 Materials science & engineering. properties, micro Vol.449 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P>Zr<SUB>73.5</SUB>Nb<SUB>9</SUB>Cu<SUB>7</SUB>Ni<SUB>1</SUB>Al<SUB>9.5</SUB> (numbers indicate at.%) nanostructure-dendrite composites were fabricated using three different casting techniques: suction casting, centrifugal casting and arc-melting. The microstructure of the suction casting sample consists of micrometer-scale dendrites in a nanostructured matrix. However, some areas in the matrix contain nano-scale crystals together with an amorphous phase revealing an inhomogeneity of the specimen. On the contrary, the microstructures of the centrifugally-cast and the arc-melted samples are overall homogeneous, consisting of micrometer-scale dendrites that are homogeneously distributed in a nanostructured matrix. The dendrites correspond to a body centered cubic (bcc) β-Zr phase, whereas the nanostructured matrix consists of body centered tetragonal (bct) Zr<SUB>2</SUB>Cu-type and hexagonal close-packed (hcp) MgZn<SUB>2</SUB>-type phases. The comparison of the microstructures of these two alloys reveals that the formation of nano-scale twins and a disordered ω-phase in the β-Zr dendrites only happens in the centrifugally-cast sample. The differences in the phases and the microstructures between the differently prepared samples significantly influence the corresponding mechanical properties of the specimens.</P>

High resolution paleoclimate and paleoenvironmental reconstruction in the Northern Mesoamerican Frontier for Prehistory to Historical times

Wogau, Kurt H.,Arz, Helge W,Bö,hnel, Harald N.,Nowaczyk, Norbert R.,Park, Jungjae Pergamon Press 2019 Quaternary science reviews Vol.226 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The relationship between climatic-environmental changes and its cultural implications in the Northern Mesoamerican Frontier is poorly understood, because of the lack of high-resolution well-dated records. In this work we present a high-resolution paleoclimate and paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the Northern Mesoamerican Frontier for the last 6700 yr BP, using laminated sediments from La Alberca maar lake, Guanajuato. For this purpose, we used different techniques such as X-ray fluorescence, microfacies analysis, magnetic parameters, bulk sedimentary δ<SUP>18</SUP>O, δ<SUP>13</SUP>C records and twelve AMS <SUP>14</SUP>C ages. In Prehistory times, different climatic events are well defined. At around 5600 yr BP, our data indicate the end of Holocene Thermal Maximum and a subsequent decline of monsoon strength is observed. Variable hydrological conditions start to dominate around ∼4400 yr BP consistent with the rise of latitudinal variations of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. A rise in sedimentation rate and increase in <I>Amaranthaceae</I> pollen percent occurred between ∼225 CE- 600 CE are linked to the beginning of agricultural activities by the Chupicuaro Pre-Hispanic culture. In Historical times, during the Epiclassic period, we interpreted two drought events around ∼700–790 CE and ∼810–880, supporting the Armillas’ theory that drastic climate events motivated the social changes and shift in the geographic position of Northern Mesoamerican Frontier. In the final part of the Postclassic period a pluvial interval is associated with the rise of Tarascan culture in the area. We propose that droughts and pluvial periods between 600 and 1500 CE are connected with SSTs variability of the Atlantic Basin.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The first high resolution paleoclimate and paleoenvironmental record for the last 6700 yr BP in the Northern Mesoamerican Frontier. </LI> <LI> This work highlights the important relationship between cultural evolution and climatic-environmental changes in the Northern Mesoamerican Frontier. </LI> <LI> The end of the Holocene Thermal Maximum is well represented in the La Alberca, paleoclimatic record. </LI> <LI> Our investigation support Armillas’ theory about drought conditions motivated the fall of Pre-Hispanic societies in the Northern Mesoamerican Frontier. In this regard, our record suggests two short dry periods during the Epiclassic between ∼700 and 790 CE and between ∼810 and 880 CE. </LI> <LI> Favorable humid climate conditions accompanied the development of the Tarascan Empire. </LI> </UL> </P>