Carbon‐Based Anodes for Lithium Sulfur Full Cells with High Cycle Stability

The lithium sulfur battery system has been studied since the late 1970s and has seen renewed interest in recent years. However, even after three decades of intensive research, prolonged cycling can only be achieved when a large excess of electrolyte and lithium is used. Here, for the first time, a balanced and stable lithium sulfur full cell is demonstrated with silicon–carbon as well as all‐carbon anodes. More than 1000 cycles, a specific capacity up to 1470 mAh g^?1 _sulfur (720 mAh g^?1 _cathode), and a high coulombic efficiency of over 99% even with a low amount of electrolyte are achieved. The alternative anodes do not suffer from electrolyte depletion, which is found to be the main cause of cell failure when using metallic lithium anodes.     

Brown Adipose Tissue Sheds Extracellular Vesicles That Carry Potential Biomarkers of Metabolic and Thermogenesis Activity Which Are Affected by High Fat Diet Intervention

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a key target for the development of new therapies against obesity due to its role in promoting energy expenditure; BAT secretory capacity is emerging as an important contributor to systemic effects, in which BAT extracellular vesicles (EVs) (i.e., batosomes) might be protagonists. EVs have emerged as a relevant cellular communication system and carriers of disease biomarkers. Therefore, characterization of the protein cargo of batosomes might reveal their potential as biomarkers of the metabolic activity of BAT. In this study, we are the first to isolate batosomes from lean and obese Sprague–Dawley rats, and to establish reference proteome maps. An LC-SWATH/MS analysis was also performed for comparisons with EVs secreted by white adipose tissue (subcutaneous and visceral WAT), and it showed that 60% of proteins were exclusive to BAT EVs. Precisely, batosomes of lean animals contain proteins associated with mitochondria, lipid metabolism, the electron transport chain, and the beta-oxidation pathway, and their protein cargo profile is dramatically affected by high fat diet (HFD) intervention. Thus, in obesity, batosomes are enriched with proteins involved in signal transduction, cell communication, the immune response, inflammation, thermogenesis, and potential obesity biomarkers including UCP1, Glut1, MIF, and ceruloplasmin. In conclusion, the protein cargo of BAT EVs is affected by the metabolic status and contains potential biomarkers of thermogenesis activity.     

The Role of TGFβ and Other Cytokines in Regulating Mast Cell Functions in Allergic Inflammation

Mast cells (MC) are a key effector cell in multiple types of immune responses, including atopic conditions. Allergic diseases have been steadily rising across the globe, creating a growing public health problem. IgE-mediated activation of MCs leads to the release of potent mediators that can have dire clinical consequences. Current therapeutic options to inhibit MC activation and degranulation are limited; thus, a better understanding of the mechanisms that regulate MC effector functions in allergic inflammation are necessary in order to develop effective treatment options with minimal side effects. Several cytokines have been identified that play multifaceted roles in regulating MC activation, including TGFβ, IL-10, and IL-33, and others that appear to serve primarily anti-inflammatory functions, including IL-35 and IL-37. Here, we review the literature examining cytokines that regulate MC-mediated allergic immune responses.     

Old World Archaeometallurgy

Over the last twenty years, there has been a discernable increase in the number of scholars who have focused their research on metal production, working and use in antiquity, a field of study which has come to be known as archaeometallurgy. Materials scientists and conservators have worked primarily in the laboratory while archaeologists have conducted fieldwork geared to the study of metal technology in cultural context with laboratory analysis as one portion of the interpretive program.     

Influence of acceleration setting reaction by halogen light‐curing on GIC–dentin interface: Qualitative analysis by SEM

The aim of this study was to evaluate by scanning electron microscope (SEM) photomicrographs the influence of application of halogen light‐curing for fastening the set reaction of high‐viscosity glass ionomer cements (GIC) by assessing the material/dentin interface. Twelve human primary canines were assigned in four groups (n = 3) according to the GIC (Fuji IX, GC or Maxxion R, FGM) and application of halogen light‐curing (60 sec or control—no external energy). Blocks with approximately 6 mm of height were buildup on previously pre‐treated dentin surface in according to the experimental group. After storage at 37 °C, 100% humidity for 48 h, the specimens were then sectioned in slices with 1‐mm thick. The slices were qualitative analyzed using SEM to evaluate possible structural changes. Two examiners independently evaluated the images in order to observe the spherical hollow spaces of each tooth. The photomicrographs revealed the presence of spherical hollow spaces in all experimental groups. However, in both groups that received halogen light‐curing application, it was possible to observe that the presence of these hollow spaces decreased in size and quantity. It can be concluded that the halogen light‐curing application positively decreases in size and quantity in the presence of spherical hollow spaces in GIC.     

Planar defect of the nano-structured zinc oxide as the site for stabilization of the copper active species in Cu/ZnO catalysts

The catalytic activity of CuZn catalysts in the synthesis of methanol is related to those reduced Cu species, which originate from the Cu_xZn_1−xO solid solution of wurtzite-like structure. Copper cations in the Cu_xZn_1−xO solid solution are localized in the extended stacking faults of the ZnO lattice. Copper sites could be supposedly described as the product of introducing (OH)Cu(OH) to the planar defects of zinc oxide structure. Hydroxyl groups stabilize the planar defects of ZnO. The process of the samples reduction leads to the formation of flat Cu⁰ particles over the surface of zinc oxide. The planar defects of ZnO structure are preserved in the reduced state. During the reoxidation, copper atoms return back to the extended stacking faults of ZnO as the tape-like clusters of flat-square coordinated copper cations.     

Family influences on school achievement in low-income, African American children.

The authors examined the achievement-related beliefs and behaviors of parents of economically disadvantaged African American youth, and the relations among parental factors and children's academic self-concept and achievement. Forty-one children and their primary caregivers were interviewed. Parents reported on their academic-related beliefs and behaviors. Children completed measures of academic self-concept and 2 standardized achievement tests: 1 during the summer and 1 at the end of the following school year. Significant and positive relations were found between parental belief and behavior measures within the domains of reading and math; however, parental beliefs were more strongly linked with child outcomes than were parents' achievement-oriented behaviors. The relation between parental beliefs and child outcomes was not mediated by children's academic self-concept. Results are discussed in light of models of family influences on achievement. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Genetic Associations of Alcohol Dehydrogenase With Alcohol Use Disorders and Endophenotypes in White College Students.

Associations of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) gene polymorphisms (ADH1B*2 and ADH1C*1) with a lifetime alcohol use disorder (AUD) were examined in White college students. Alcohol-related endophenotypes likely to be influenced by elevations in acetaldehyde were also assessed. Individuals with an ADH1B*2 allele had lower rates of AUDs, consumed a lower maximum number of drinks in a 24-hr period, reported a greater level of response to alcohol, were more likely to have experienced alcohol-induced headaches following 1 or 2 drinks, and reported more severe hangovers than those lacking this allele. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that enhanced sensitivity to alcohol and lower levels of alcohol use reflect the mechanism by which ADH1B*2 protects against developing an AUD. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)