Showing papers by "King Saud University published in 2015"
TL;DR: It is found that emissions from residential energy use such as heating and cooking, prevalent in India and China, have the largest impact on premature mortality globally, being even more dominant if carbonaceous particles are assumed to be most toxic.
Abstract: Assessment of the global burden of disease is based on epidemiological cohort studies that connect premature mortality to a wide range of causes, including the long-term health impacts of ozone and fine particulate matter with a diameter smaller than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5). It has proved difficult to quantify premature mortality related to air pollution, notably in regions where air quality is not monitored, and also because the toxicity of particles from various sources may vary. Here we use a global atmospheric chemistry model to investigate the link between premature mortality and seven emission source categories in urban and rural environments. In accord with the global burden of disease for 2010 (ref. 5), we calculate that outdoor air pollution, mostly by PM2.5, leads to 3.3 (95 per cent confidence interval 1.61-4.81) million premature deaths per year worldwide, predominantly in Asia. We primarily assume that all particles are equally toxic, but also include a sensitivity study that accounts for differential toxicity. We find that emissions from residential energy use such as heating and cooking, prevalent in India and China, have the largest impact on premature mortality globally, being even more dominant if carbonaceous particles are assumed to be most toxic. Whereas in much of the USA and in a few other countries emissions from traffic and power generation are important, in eastern USA, Europe, Russia and East Asia agricultural emissions make the largest relative contribution to PM2.5, with the estimate of overall health impact depending on assumptions regarding particle toxicity. Model projections based on a business-as-usual emission scenario indicate that the contribution of outdoor air pollution to premature mortality could double by 2050.
3,848 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an overview of the electrospinning (applied electric field, distance between the needle and collector and flow rate, needle diameter), solution (polymer concentration, viscosity, solvent and solution conductivity) and environmental (relativity humidity and temperature) parameters that affect the nanofibers fabrication.
1,071 citations
McMaster University1, Dalhousie University2, University of Calgary3, Charité4, Kaiser Permanente5, University of Auckland6, Matsumoto Dental University7, University of California, Los Angeles8, University of Florence9, University of Alberta10, University of Sheffield11, University of Toronto12, McGill University13, Jordan Hospital14, University of Oxford15, University of Southampton16, University of Alabama at Birmingham17, Medical University of Graz18, Aarhus University19, University of Victoria20, University of British Columbia21, University of Oulu22, International Osteoporosis Foundation23, King Saud University24, Laval University25, University of Cambridge26
TL;DR: In those patients at high risk for the development of ONJ, including cancer patients receiving high‐dose BP or Dmab therapy, consideration should be given to withholding antiresorptive therapy following extensive oral surgery until the surgical site heals with mature mucosal coverage.
Abstract: This work provides a systematic review of the literature from January 2003 to April 2014 pertaining to the incidence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), and offers recommendations for its management based on multidisciplinary international consensus. ONJ is associated with oncology-dose parenteral antiresorptive therapy of bisphosphonates (BP) and denosumab (Dmab). The incidence of ONJ is greatest in the oncology patient population (1% to 15%), where high doses of these medications are used at frequent intervals. In the osteoporosis patient population, the incidence of ONJ is estimated at 0.001% to 0.01%, marginally higher than the incidence in the general population (<0.001%). New insights into the pathophysiology of ONJ include antiresorptive effects of BPs and Dmab, effects of BPs on gamma delta T-cells and on monocyte and macrophage function, as well as the role of local bacterial infection, inflammation, and necrosis. Advances in imaging include the use of cone beam computerized tomography assessing cortical and cancellous architecture with lower radiation exposure, magnetic resonance imaging, bone scanning, and positron emission tomography, although plain films often suffice. Other risk factors for ONJ include glucocorticoid use, maxillary or mandibular bone surgery, poor oral hygiene, chronic inflammation, diabetes mellitus, ill-fitting dentures, as well as other drugs, including antiangiogenic agents. Prevention strategies for ONJ include elimination or stabilization of oral disease prior to initiation of antiresorptive agents, as well as maintenance of good oral hygiene. In those patients at high risk for the development of ONJ, including cancer patients receiving high-dose BP or Dmab therapy, consideration should be given to withholding antiresorptive therapy following extensive oral surgery until the surgical site heals with mature mucosal coverage. Management of ONJ is based on the stage of the disease, size of the lesions, and the presence of contributing drug therapy and comorbidity. Conservative therapy includes topical antibiotic oral rinses and systemic antibiotic therapy. Localized surgical debridement is indicated in advanced nonresponsive disease and has been successful. Early data have suggested enhanced osseous wound healing with teriparatide in those without contraindications for its use. Experimental therapy includes bone marrow stem cell intralesional transplantation, low-level laser therapy, local platelet-derived growth factor application, hyperbaric oxygen, and tissue grafting.
832 citations
University of Konstanz1, University of Vienna2, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic3, University of Potsdam4, University of Göttingen5, Russian Academy of Sciences6, University of Canterbury7, Spanish National Research Council8, Alexander von Humboldt Biological Resources Research Institute9, Monash University10, University of Costa Rica11, Tomsk State University12, University of Coimbra13, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University14, University of Concepción15, Botanic Garden Meise16, University of Delhi17, University of the Republic18, Southern Illinois University Carbondale19, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation20, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg21, University of Oldenburg22, Sun Yat-sen University23, King Saud University24, Naturalis25, Wageningen University and Research Centre26, Charles University in Prague27, Stellenbosch University28
TL;DR: The results quantify for the first time the extent of plant naturalizations worldwide, and illustrate the urgent need for globally integrated efforts to control, manage and understand the spread of alien species.
Abstract: All around the globe, humans have greatly altered the abiotic and biotic environment with ever-increasing speed. One defining feature of the Anthropocene epoch is the erosion of biogeographical barriers by human-mediated dispersal of species into new regions, where they can naturalize and cause ecological, economic and social damage. So far, no comprehensive analysis of the global accumulation and exchange of alien plant species between continents has been performed, primarily because of a lack of data. Here we bridge this knowledge gap by using a unique global database on the occurrences of naturalized alien plant species in 481 mainland and 362 island regions. In total, 13,168 plant species, corresponding to 3.9% of the extant global vascular flora, or approximately the size of the native European flora, have become naturalized somewhere on the globe as a result of human activity. North America has accumulated the largest number of naturalized species, whereas the Pacific Islands show the fastest increase in species numbers with respect to their land area. Continents in the Northern Hemisphere have been the major donors of naturalized alien species to all other continents. Our results quantify for the first time the extent of plant naturalizations worldwide, and illustrate the urgent need for globally integrated efforts to control, manage and understand the spread of alien species.
704 citations
TL;DR: Visual color difference thresholds can serve as a quality control tool to guide the selection of esthetic dental materials, evaluate clinical performance, and interpret visual and instrumental findings in clinical dentistry, dental research, and subsequent standardization.
Abstract: Purpose
The aim of this prospective multicenter study was to determine 50:50% perceptibility threshold (PT) and 50:50% acceptability threshold (AT) of dental ceramic under simulated clinical settings.
Materials and Methods
The spectral radiance of 63 monochromatic ceramic specimens was determined using a non-contact spectroradiometer. A total of 60 specimen pairs, divided into 3 sets of 20 specimen pairs (medium to light shades, medium to dark shades, and dark shades), were selected for psychophysical experiment. The coordinating center and seven research sites obtained the Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals prior the beginning of the experiment. Each research site had 25 observers, divided into five groups of five observers: dentists—D, dental students—S, dental auxiliaries—A, dental technicians—T, and lay persons—L. There were 35 observers per group (five observers per group at each site ×7 sites), for a total of 175 observers. Visual color comparisons were performed using a viewing booth. Takagi–Sugeno–Kang (TSK) fuzzy approximation was used for fitting the data points. The 50:50% PT and 50:50% AT were determined in CIELAB and CIEDE2000. The t-test was used to evaluate the statistical significance in thresholds differences.
Results
The CIELAB 50:50% PT was ΔEab = 1.2, whereas 50:50% AT was ΔEab = 2.7. Corresponding CIEDE2000 (ΔE00) values were 0.8 and 1.8, respectively. 50:50% PT by the observer group revealed differences among groups D, A, T, and L as compared with 50:50% PT for all observers. The 50:50% AT for all observers was statistically different than 50:50% AT in groups T and L.
Conclusion
A 50:50% perceptibility and ATs were significantly different. The same is true for differences between two color difference formulas ΔE00/ΔEab. Observer groups and sites showed high level of statistical difference in all thresholds.
Clinical Significance
Visual color difference thresholds can serve as a quality control tool to guide the selection of esthetic dental materials, evaluate clinical performance, and interpret visual and instrumental findings in clinical dentistry, dental research, and subsequent standardization. The importance of quality control in dentistry is reinforced by increased esthetic demands of patients and dental professionals.
627 citations
TL;DR: Various factors such as NO2 concentrations, annealing temperature, ZnO morphologies and particle sizes, relative humidity, operating temperatures which are affecting the NO2 gas sensing properties are discussed in this review.
Abstract: Because of the interesting and multifunctional properties, recently, ZnO nanostructures are considered as excellent material for fabrication of highly sensitive and selective gas sensors. Thus, ZnO nanomaterials are widely used to fabricate efficient gas sensors for the detection of various hazardous and toxic gases. The presented review article is focusing on the recent developments of NO2 gas sensors based on ZnO nanomaterials. The review presents the general introduction of some metal oxide nanomaterials for gas sensing application and finally focusing on the structure of ZnO and its gas sensing mechanisms. Basic gas sensing characteristics such as gas response, response time, recovery time, selectivity, detection limit, stability and recyclability, etc are also discussed in this article. Further, the utilization of various ZnO nanomaterials such as nanorods, nanowires, nano-micro flowers, quantum dots, thin films and nanosheets, etc for the fabrication of NO2 gas sensors are also presented. Moreover, various factors such as NO2 concentrations, annealing temperature, ZnO morphologies and particle sizes, relative humidity, operating temperatures which are affecting the NO2 gas sensing properties are discussed in this review. Finally, the review article is concluded and future directions are presented.
607 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the current development of graphene-based metal and metal oxide nanocomposites, with a detailed account of their synthesis and properties, including their applications in various fields including electronics, electrochemical and electrical fields.
Abstract: Graphene, an atomically thin two-dimensional carbonaceous material, has attracted tremendous attention in the scientific community, due to its exceptional electronic, electrical, and mechanical properties. Indeed, with the recent explosion of methods for a large-scale synthesis of graphene, the number of publications related to graphene and other graphene based materials has increased exponentially. Particularly the development of easy preparation methods for graphene like materials, such as highly reduced graphene oxide (HRG) via reduction of graphite oxide (GO), offers a wide range of possibilities for the preparation of graphene based inorganic nanocomposites by the incorporation of various functional nanomaterials for a variety of applications. In this review, we discuss the current development of graphene based metal and metal oxide nanocomposites, with a detailed account of their synthesis and properties. Specifically, much attention has been given to their wide range of applications in various fields, including electronics, electrochemical and electrical fields. Overall, by the inclusion of various references, this review covers in detail the aspects of graphene-based inorganic nanocomposites.
530 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effects, resistance mechanisms, and management of salt stress in maize are reviewed, and the main conclusions are as follows: (1) germination and stand establishment are more sensitive to salt stress than later developmental stages; therefore, soil salinity is a serious threat to its production worldwide.
Abstract: Maize is grown under a wide spectrum of soil and climatic conditions. Maize is moderately sensitive to salt stress; therefore, soil salinity is a serious threat to its production worldwide. Understanding maize response to salt stress and resistance mechanisms and overviewing management options may help to devise strategies for improved maize performance in saline environments. Here, we reviewed the effects, resistance mechanisms, and management of salt stress in maize. Our main conclusions are as follows: (1) germination and stand establishment are more sensitive to salt stress than later developmental stages. (2) High rhizosphere sodium and chloride decrease plant uptake of nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. (3) Reduced grain weight and number are responsible for low grain yield in maize under salt stress. Sink limitations and reduced acid invertase activity in developing grains is responsible for poor kernel setting under salt stress. (4) Exclusion of excessive sodium or its compartmentation into vacuoles is an important adaptive strategy for maize under salt stress. (5) Apoplastic acidification, required for cell wall extensibility, is an important indicator of salt resistance, but not essential for better maize growth under salt stress. (6) Upregulation of antioxidant defense genes and β-expansin proteins is important for salt resistance in maize. (7) Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve salt resistance in maize due to better plant nutrient availability. (8) Seed priming is an effective approach for improving maize germination under salt stress. (9) Integration of screening, breeding and ion homeostasis mechanisms into a functional paradigm for the whole plant may help to enhance salt resistance in maize.
463 citations
Yonsei University1, University of Indonesia2, Aga Khan University3, University of Tartu4, Alfaisal University5, Ziauddin University6, Dubai Health Authority7, Shaikh Zayed Hospital8, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences9, King Saud University10, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences11, American University of Beirut12, Sungkyunkwan University13, University of Balamand14, Khyber Medical University15, University of Peshawar16, Reykjavík University17, RMIT University18, University of Ljubljana19, University of New South Wales20, La Trobe University21, University of Pécs22, University Medical Center Rizk Hospital23, University of Iceland24, Soonchunhyang University25, Cleveland Clinic26, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University27, Vilnius University28, University of Ulsan29, Tehran University of Medical Sciences30, Aims Community College31, Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology32, University of Sydney33, Memorial Hospital of South Bend34, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics35, Military Hospital36, Saint Joseph's University37, Allama Iqbal Medical College38, Hiroshima University39, Lahore General Hospital40, Rawalpindi Medical College41, Holy Family Hospital42, Dow Medical College43
TL;DR: The current treatment rate and efficacy are not sufficient to manage the disease burden of hepatitis C virus and alternative strategies are required to keep the number of HCV individuals with advanced liver disease and liver‐related deaths from increasing.
Abstract: The disease burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is expected to increase as the infected population ages. A modelling approach was used to estimate the total number of viremic infections, diagnosed, treated and new infections in 2013. In addition, the model was used to estimate the change in the total number of HCV infections, the disease progression and mortality in 2013-2030. Finally, expert panel consensus was used to capture current treatment practices in each country. Using today's treatment paradigm, the total number of HCV infections is projected to decline or remain flat in all countries studied. However, in the same time period, the number of individuals with late-stage liver disease is projected to increase. This study concluded that the current treatment rate and efficacy are not sufficient to manage the disease burden of HCV. Thus, alternative strategies are required to keep the number of HCV individuals with advanced liver disease and liver-related deaths from increasing.
463 citations
Mae Fah Luang University1, King Saud University2, World Agroforestry Centre3, Guizhou University4, Goa University5, Centre national de la recherche scientifique6, Chinese Academy of Sciences7, Beijing Forestry University8, Botanic Garden Meise9, Indonesian Institute of Sciences10, University of Mauritius11, Thailand National Science and Technology Development Agency12, Landcare Research13, University of Toronto14, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology15, University of Gothenburg16, National Taiwan Ocean University17, Universidade Federal de Viçosa18, Universidade Nova de Lisboa19, Lincoln Memorial University20, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales21, Ahi Evran University22, University of Arkansas23, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh24, University of British Columbia25, University of Turin26, Sohag University27, Flinders University28, Chiang Mai University29
TL;DR: The present paper introduces the FoF database to the scientific community and briefly reviews some of the problems associated with classification and identification of the main fungal groups.
Abstract: Taxonomic names are key links between various databases that store information on different organisms. Several global fungal nomenclural and taxonomic databases (notably Index Fungorum, Species Fungorum and MycoBank) can be sourced to find taxonomic details about fungi, while DNA sequence data can be sourced from NCBI, EBI and UNITE databases. Although the sequence data may be linked to a name, the quality of the metadata is variable and generally there is no corresponding link to images, descriptions or herbarium material. There is generally no way to establish the accuracy of the names in these genomic databases, other than whether the submission is from a reputable source. To tackle this problem, a new database (FacesofFungi), accessible at www.facesoffungi.org
(FoF) has been established. This fungal database allows deposition of taxonomic data, phenotypic details and other useful data, which will enhance our current taxonomic understanding and ultimately enable mycologists to gain better and updated insights into the current fungal classification system. In addition, the database will also allow access to comprehensive metadata including descriptions of voucher and type specimens. This database is user-friendly, providing links and easy access between taxonomic ranks, with the classification system based primarily on molecular data (from the literature and via updated web-based phylogenetic trees), and to a lesser extent on morphological data when molecular data are unavailable. In FoF species are not only linked to the closest phylogenetic representatives, but also relevant data is provided, wherever available, on various applied aspects, such as ecological, industrial, quarantine and chemical uses. The data include the three main fungal groups (Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Basal fungi) and fungus-like organisms. The FoF webpage is an output funded by the Mushroom Research Foundation which is an NGO with seven directors with mycological expertise. The webpage has 76 curators, and with the help of these specialists, FoF will provide an updated natural classification of the fungi, with illustrated accounts of species linked to molecular data. The present paper introduces the FoF database to the scientific community and briefly reviews some of the problems associated with classification and identification of the main fungal groups. The structure and use of the database is then explained. We would like to invite all mycologists to contribute to these web pages.
458 citations
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TL;DR: A comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art on mobile health services and applications is presented in this paper, where the authors present a deep analysis of the top and novel m-Health services and application proposed by industry.
TL;DR: InspInspired by the surface geometry and composition of the lotus leaf with its self-cleaning behavior, a robust superhydrophobic TiO2@fabric was further constructed by fluoroalkylsilane modification as a versatile platform for UV shielding, selfcleaning and oil-water separation as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Inspired by the surface geometry and composition of the lotus leaf with its self-cleaning behavior, in this work, a TiO2@fabric composite was prepared via a facile strategy for preparing marigold flower-like hierarchical TiO2 particles through a one-pot hydrothermal reaction on a cotton fabric surface. In addition, a robust superhydrophobic TiO2@fabric was further constructed by fluoroalkylsilane modification as a versatile platform for UV shielding, self-cleaning and oil–water separation. The results showed TiO2 particles were uniformly distributed on the fibre surface with a high coating density. In comparison with hydrophobic cotton fabric, the TiO2@fabric exhibited a high superhydrophobic activity with a contact angle of ∼160° and a sliding angle lower than 10°. The robust superhydrophobic fabric had high stability against repeated abrasion without an apparent reduction in contact angle. The as-prepared composite TiO2@fabric demonstrated good anti-UV ability. Moreover, the composite fabric demonstrated highly efficient oil–water separation due to its extreme wettability contrast (superhydrophobicity/superoleophilicity). We expect that this facile process can be readily and widely adopted for the design of multifunctional fabrics for excellent anti-UV, effective self-cleaning, efficient oil–water separation, and microfluidic management applications.
TL;DR: For instance, the authors proposed a grant for the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia, with a grant number of RG#1435-010 and grant number 14JC1490500.
Abstract: * National Key Basic Research Program of China. Grant Number: 2013CB934104 * Natural Science Foundation of China. Grant Numbers: 21322311, 21473038, 21071033 * Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality. Grant Number: 14JC1490500 Doctoral Fund of Ministry of Education of China. Grant Number: 20130071110031 * Program for Professor of Special Appointment * Deanship of Scientific Research at King Saud University. Grant Number: RG#1435-010
TL;DR: In this article, a review of the previous work involving mechanical properties of kenaf fibre reinforced polymer composites is presented to provide a perfect source of literature for doing further research in this topic to explore it as construction and building materials.
TL;DR: This work suggests a wider and alternative perspective that sets the stage for a future platform in modifying drug resistance with respect to the treatment of cancer.
Abstract: Cancer chemotherapy resistance (MDR) is the innate and/or acquired ability of cancer cells to evade the effects of chemotherapeutics and is one of the most pressing major dilemmas in cancer therapy. Chemotherapy resistance can arise due to several host or tumor-related factors. However, most current research is focused on tumor-specific factors and specifically genes that handle expression of pumps that efflux accumulated drugs inside malignantly transformed types of cells. In this work, we suggest a wider and alternative perspective that sets the stage for a future platform in modifying drug resistance with respect to the treatment of cancer.
TL;DR: A scalable approach to produce aqueous dispersions of holey graphene oxide with abundant in-plane nanopores via a convenient mild defect-etching reaction is reported and it is demonstrated that the holy graphene oxide can function as a versatile building block for the assembly of macrostructures.
Abstract: Scalable preparation of solution processable graphene and its bulk materials with high specific surface areas and designed porosities is essential for many practical applications. Herein, we report a scalable approach to produce aqueous dispersions of holey graphene oxide with abundant in-plane nanopores via a convenient mild defect-etching reaction and demonstrate that the holey graphene oxide can function as a versatile building block for the assembly of macrostructures including holey graphene hydrogels with a three-dimensional hierarchical porosity and holey graphene papers with a compact but porous layered structure. These holey graphene macrostructures exhibit significantly improved specific surface area and ion diffusion rate compared to the nonholey counterparts and can be directly used as binder-free supercapacitor electrodes with ultrahigh specific capacitances of 283 F/g and 234 F/cm3, excellent rate capabilities, and superior cycling stabilities. Our study defines a scalable pathway to solutio...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors defined metal oxides as photocatalyst, structural characteristics, requirements of the material, classification of photocatalysts and the mechanism of the photocatalysis process are discussed.
TL;DR: The current review focuses on the diverse molecular targets modulated by curcumin that contribute to its efficacy against various human cancers.
Abstract: Despite significant advances in treatment modalities over the last decade, neither the incidence of the disease nor the mortality due to cancer has altered in the last thirty years. Available anti-cancer drugs exhibit limited efficacy, associated with severe side effects, and are also expensive. Thus identification of pharmacological agents that do not have these disadvantages is required. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from turmeric (Curcumin longa), is one such agent that has been extensively studied over the last three to four decades for its potential anti-inflammatory and/or anti-cancer effects. Curcumin has been found to suppress initiation, progression, and metastasis of a variety of tumors. These anti-cancer effects are predominantly mediated through its negative regulation of various transcription factors, growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, protein kinases, and other oncogenic molecules. It also abrogates proliferation of cancer cells by arresting them at different phases of the cell cycle and/or by inducing their apoptosis. The current review focuses on the diverse molecular targets modulated by curcumin that contribute to its efficacy against various human cancers.
TL;DR: This paper performed whole-exome sequencing on 143 multiplex consanguineous families in which known disease genes had been excluded by autozygosity mapping and candidate gene analysis and identified 69 recessive genes not previously associated with disease.
TL;DR: The results indicate that, FLC performed best among compared MPPT techniques followed by P&O, INC, and, HC MP PT techniques in both dynamic response and steady-state in most of the normal operating range.
Rockefeller University1, Hiroshima University2, University of New South Wales3, Garvan Institute of Medical Research4, Valparaiso University5, Clínica Alemana6, King Saud University7, Curie Institute8, Boston Children's Hospital9, Paris Descartes University10, French Institute of Health and Medical Research11, Trudeau Institute12, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology13, University of Melbourne14, Cardiff University15, Australian Research Council16, Monash University, Clayton campus17, University of Manchester18
TL;DR: People with loss-of-function mutations in the transcription factor RORC exhibit a surprising susceptibility to Mycobacterium, whereas inborn errors of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) immunity underlie mycobacterial disease.
Abstract: Human inborn errors of immunity mediated by the cytokines interleukin-17A and interleukin-17F (IL-17A/F) underlie mucocutaneous candidiasis, whereas inborn errors of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) immunity underlie mycobacterial disease. We report the discovery of bi-allelic RORC loss-of-function mutations in seven individuals from three kindreds of different ethnic origins with both candidiasis and mycobacteriosis. The lack of functional RORγ and RORγT isoforms resulted in the absence of IL-17A/F-producing T cells in these individuals, probably accounting for their chronic candidiasis. Unexpectedly, leukocytes from RORγ- and RORγT-deficient individuals also displayed an impaired IFN-γ response to Mycobacterium. This principally reflected profoundly defective IFN-γ production by circulating γδ T cells and CD4(+)CCR6(+)CXCR3(+) αβ T cells. In humans, both mucocutaneous immunity to Candida and systemic immunity to Mycobacterium require RORγ, RORγT, or both.
University of Naples Federico II1, Southampton General Hospital2, Nippon Medical School3, University of South Florida4, University of Florence5, King Saud University6, Catholic University of Cordoba7, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital8, University of Gaziantep9, Charité10, Laval University11, Technische Universität München12, World Allergy Organization13, Massey University14, University of Helsinki15, University of Paris16, University of Sharjah17, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research18, University of Parma19, Hanyang University20, Children's Mercy Hospital21, Federal University of Paraná22, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology23
TL;DR: Global warming is expected to affect the start, duration, and intensity of the pollen season, and the rate of asthma exacerbations due to air pollution, respiratory infections, and/or cold air inhalation, and other conditions on the other hand.
TL;DR: An ordered CoMnO@CN superlattice structure is developed as an efficient bifunctional water-splitting electrocatalyst, in which uniform Co-Mn oxide nanoparticles are coated with a thin, continuous nitrogen-doped carbon (CN) framework, and this catalyst manifests optimized current densities and electrochemical stability in overall water splitting.
Abstract: The solar-driven water splitting process is highly attractive for alternative energy utilization, while developing efficient, earth-abundant, bifunctional catalysts for both oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction has remained as a major challenge. Herein, we develop an ordered CoMnO@CN superlattice structure as an efficient bifunctional water-splitting electrocatalyst, in which uniform Co–Mn oxide (CoMnO) nanoparticles are coated with a thin, continuous nitrogen-doped carbon (CN) framework. The CoMnO nanoparticles enable optimized OER activity with effective electronic structure configuration, and the CN framework serves as an excellent HER catalyst. Importantly, the ordered superlattice structure is beneficial for enhanced reactive sites, efficient charge transfer, and structural stability. This bifunctional superlattice catalyst manifests optimized current densities and electrochemical stability in overall water splitting, outperforming most of the previously reported single- or bifun...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a new maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method for photovoltaic (PV) systems, which improves the working of the conventional perturb and observe (P&O) method in changing environmental conditions by using the fractional short-circuit current (FSCC) method.
Abstract: This paper presents a new maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method for photovoltaic (PV) systems. The proposed method improves the working of the conventional perturb and observe (P&O) method in changing environmental conditions by using the fractional short-circuit current (FSCC) method. It takes the initial operating point of a PV system by using the short-circuit current method and later shifts to the conventional P&O technique. The advantage of having this two-stage algorithm is rapid tracking under changing environmental conditions. In addition, this scheme offers low-power oscillations around MPP and, therefore, more power harvesting compared with the common P&O method. The proposed MPPT decides intelligently about the moment of measuring short-circuit current and is, therefore, an irradiance sensorless scheme. The proposed method is validated with computer software simulation followed by a dSPACE DS1104-based experimental setup. A buck-boost dc-dc converter is used for simulation and experimental confirmation. Furthermore, the reliability of the proposed method is also calculated. The results show that the proposed MPPT technique works satisfactorily under given environmental scenarios.
Mae Fah Luang University1, Chinese Academy of Sciences2, King Saud University3, Goa University4, Landcare Research5, National Institute of Oceanography, India6, Sohag University7, Beijing Forestry University8, National Taiwan Ocean University9, Ruhr University Bochum10, Thailand National Science and Technology Development Agency11, Hirosaki University12, Guizhou University13, Slovak Academy of Sciences14, Southern Federal University15, Institut national de la recherche agronomique16, University of Bayreuth17, Iwate University18, Ghent University19
TL;DR: This paper is a compilation of notes on 110 fungal taxa, including one new family, 10 new genera, and 76 new species, representing a wide taxonomic and geographic range.
Abstract: This paper is a compilation of notes on 110 fungal taxa, including one new family, 10 new genera, and 76 new species, representing a wide taxonomic and geographic range. The new family, Paradictyoarthriniaceae is introduced based on its distinct lineage in Dothideomycetes and its unique morphology. The family is sister to Biatriosporaceae and Roussoellaceae. The new genera are Allophaeosphaeria (Phaeosphaeriaceae), Amphibambusa (Amphisphaeriaceae), Brunneomycosphaerella (Capnodiales genera incertae cedis), Chaetocapnodium (Capnodiaceae), Flammeascoma (Anteagloniaceae), Multiseptospora (Pleosporales genera incertae cedis), Neogaeumannomyces (Magnaporthaceae), Palmiascoma (Bambusicolaceae), Paralecia (Squamarinaceae) and Sarimanas (Melanommataceae). The newly described species are the Ascomycota Aliquandostipite manochii, Allophaeosphaeria dactylidis, A. muriformia, Alternaria cesenica, Amphibambusa bambusicola, Amphisphaeria sorbi, Annulohypoxylon thailandicum, Atrotorquata spartii, Brunneomycosphaerella laburni, Byssosphaeria musae, Camarosporium aborescentis, C. aureum, C. frutexensis, Chaetocapnodium siamensis, Chaetothyrium agathis, Colletotrichum sedi, Conicomyces pseudotransvaalensis, Cytospora berberidis, C. sibiraeae, Diaporthe thunbergiicola, Diatrype palmicola, Dictyosporium aquaticum, D. meiosporum, D. thailandicum, Didymella cirsii, Dinemasporium nelloi, Flammeascoma bambusae, Kalmusia italica, K. spartii, Keissleriella sparticola, Lauriomyces synnematicus, Leptosphaeria ebuli, Lophiostoma pseudodictyosporium, L. ravennicum, Lophiotrema eburnoides, Montagnula graminicola, Multiseptospora thailandica, Myrothecium macrosporum, Natantispora unipolaris, Neogaeumannomyces bambusicola, Neosetophoma clematidis, N. italica, Oxydothis atypica, Palmiascoma gregariascomum, Paraconiothyrium nelloi, P. thysanolaenae, Paradictyoarthrinium tectonicola, Paralecia pratorum, Paraphaeosphaeria spartii, Pestalotiopsis digitalis, P. dracontomelon, P. italiana, Phaeoisaria pseudoclematidis, Phragmocapnias philippinensis, Pseudocamarosporium cotinae, Pseudocercospora tamarindi, Pseudotrichia rubriostiolata, P. thailandica, Psiloglonium multiseptatum, Saagaromyces mangrovei, Sarimanas pseudofluviatile, S. shirakamiense, Tothia spartii, Trichomerium siamensis, Wojnowicia dactylidicola, W. dactylidis and W. lonicerae. The Basidiomycota Agaricus flavicentrus, A. hanthanaensis, A. parvibicolor, A. sodalis, Cantharellus luteostipitatus, Lactarius atrobrunneus, L. politus, Phylloporia dependens and Russula cortinarioides are also introduced. Epitypifications or reference specimens are designated for Hapalocystis berkeleyi, Meliola tamarindi, Pallidocercospora acaciigena, Phaeosphaeria musae, Plenodomus agnitus, Psiloglonium colihuae, P. sasicola and Zasmidium musae while notes and/or new sequence data are provided for Annulohypoxylon leptascum, A. nitens, A. stygium, Biscogniauxia marginata, Fasciatispora nypae, Hypoxylon fendleri, H. monticulosum, Leptosphaeria doliolum, Microsphaeropsis olivacea, Neomicrothyrium, Paraleptosphaeria nitschkei, Phoma medicaginis and Saccotheciaceae. A full description of each species is provided with light micrographs (or drawings). Molecular data is provided for 90 taxa and used to generate phylogenetic trees to establish a natural classification for species.
TL;DR: This paper revise the user-based collaborative filtering (CF) technique, and proposes two recommendation approaches fusing usergenerated tags and social relations in a novel way that achieve more precise recommendations than the compared approaches.
Abstract: Recommender systems, which provide users with recommendations of content suited to their needs, have received great attention in today’s online business world. However, most recommendation approaches exploit only a single source of input data and suffer from the data sparsity problem and the cold start problem. To improve recommendation accuracy in this situation, additional sources of information, such as friend relationship and user-generated tags, should be incorporated in recommendation systems. In this paper, we revise the user-based collaborative filtering (CF) technique, and propose two recommendation approaches fusing usergenerated tags and social relations in a novel way. In order to evaluate the performance of our approaches, we compare experimental results with two baseline methods: user-based CF and user-based CF with weighted friendship similarity using the real datasets (Last.fm and Movielens). Our experimental results show that our methods get higher accuracy. We also verify our methods in cold-start settings, and our methods achieve more precise recommendations than the compared approaches. key words: recommender system, collaborative filtering, social tagging, social network
TL;DR: The main uses of natural food ingredients derived from mango by-products are presented and discussed, and the mainstream sectors of application for these by- products, such as in the food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic industries, are highlighted.
TL;DR: TH proved to be very beneficial in imparting resistance to the mustard plants against NaCl stress through improved uptake of essential elements, modulation of osmolytes and antioxidants and reduction in the accumulation by addition of TH to mustard seedlings.
Abstract: Salinity stress affected crop production of more than 20% of irrigated land globally. In the present study the effect of different concentrations of NaCl (0, 100 and 200 mM) on growth, physio-biochemical attributes, antioxidant enzymes, oil content, etc in Brassica juncea and the protective role of Trichoderma harzanium (TH) was investigated. Salinity stress deteriorates growth, physio-biochemical attributes, that ultimately leads to decreased biomass yield in mustard seedlings. Higher concentration of NaCl (200 mM) decreased the plant height by 33.79%, root length by 29.79% and plant dry weight (DW) by 34.50%. On the other hand, supplementation of TH to NaCl treated mustard seedlings showed elevation by 13.81%, 11.83% and 16.76% in shoot, root length and plant DW respectively as compared to plants treated with NaCl (200 mM) alone. Oil content was drastically affected by NaCl treatment; however, TH added plants showed enhanced oil percentage from 19.35% to 23.44% in the present study. NaCl also degenerate the pigment content and the maximum drop of 52.00% was recorded in Chl. ‘a’. Enhanced pigment content was observed by the application of TH to NaCl treated plants. Proline content showed increase by NaCl stress and maximum accumulation of 59.12% was recorded at 200 mM NaCl. Further enhancement to 70.37% in proline content was recorded by supplementation of TH. NaCl stress (200 mM) affirms the increase in H2O2 by 69.57% and MDA by 36.56%, but reduction in the accumulation is recorded by addition of TH to mustard seedlings. 200 mM NaCl elevated SOD, POD, APX, GR, GST, GPX, GSH and GSSG by 31.17%, 43.15%, 26.25%, 29.78%, 40.07%, 31.81%, 42.26% and 64.50% respectively. Further enhancement was observed by the application of TH to the NaCl fed seedlings. NaCl stress suppresses the uptake of important elements in both roots and shoots, however addition of TH restored the elemental uptake in the present study. Mustard seedlings treated with NaCl and TH showed restricted Na uptake as compared to seedlings treated with NaCl alone. In conclusion, TH proved to be very beneficial in imparting resistance to the mustard plants against NaCl stress through improved uptake of essential elements, modulation of
TL;DR: In this paper, the feasibility of the large-pore diameter nano-adsorbent for capturing low level Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions in a batch system, in order to comply with the toxicity limit for discharging wastewaters.
TL;DR: The enhanced removal of sulfamethazine (SMT) from water by physically activated biochar is reported, suggesting steam activation could potentially enhance the sorption capacities of biochars compared to conventional pyrolysis.