Biomineralization and biotransformations of actinide materials

MRS Bulletin ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 35 (11) ◽  
pp. 849-857 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary P. Neu ◽  
Hakim Boukhalfa ◽  
Mohamed L. Merroun
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Waste ◽  
Material Science ◽  
Molecular Complexes ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Science Methods ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Modern Chemical ◽  
Environmental Bacteria ◽  
Chemical Conditions ◽  
New Research

Microorganisms moderate local chemical conditions and alter forms of metals indirectly or directly to meet their cellular, species, and consortia needs. The diversity of microorganisms and the complexity of biogeochemical systems ensures that bacterially mediated processes yield a wide range of products, which await discovery by material scientists. Few types of materials produced by environmental bacteria have been analyzed by modern chemical and material science methods. Research on actinide biomaterials has focused on the biomineralization of a few chemical forms of uranium, neptunium, and plutonium. The materials produced are molecular complexes, microcrystalline minerals (most commonly oxides and phosphates) within cells and biofilms, and mineral adsorbates. The actinide biomaterials that emerge from this new research area will impact nuclear waste isolation and increase our understanding of environmental and geological metal cycles and may yield new bioremediation methods and industrially useful materials.

scholarly journals Progress in Thin Film Solar Cells Based onCu2ZnSnS4

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongxia Wang
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Thin Films ◽  
Solar Cells ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Thin Film Solar Cells ◽  
Environment Impact ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Czts Thin Films ◽  
New Research ◽  
Light Absorbers

The research in thin film solar cells has been dominated by light absorber materials based on CdTe and Cu(In,Ga)Se2(CIGS) in the last several decades. The concerns of environment impact of cadmium and the limited availability of indium in those materials have driven the research towards developing new substitute light absorbers made from earth abundant, environment benign materials. Cu2ZnSnS4(CZTS) semiconductor material has emerged as one of the most promising candidates for this aim and has attracted considerable interest recently. Significant progress in this relatively new research area has been achieved in the last three years. Over 130 papers on CZTS have been published since 2007, and the majority of them are on the preparation of CZTS thin films by different methods. This paper, will review the wide range of techniques that have been used to deposit CZTS semiconductor thin films. The performance of the thin film solar cells using the CZTS material will also be discussed.

Сontribution of Vladimir Markovich Fridland to the development of comparative-geographic approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 96 (4-6) ◽  
pp. 64-70
Author(s):  
Mykola Davydiuk
Keyword(s):  
Soil Cover ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Soil Science ◽  
Weathering Processes ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
New Research ◽  
Geography Of Soils

The paper is devoted to the outstanding soviet geographer and soil scientist, Doctor of Geographical Sciences (1964), Professor (1968) Vladimir Fridland (1919–1983). A prominent place in his research works was taken by geospatial comparative-geographic studies. V. Fridland took part in many research projects in various parts of the world, including his motherland. From the actualistic and evaluative positions, the paper considers the important (at present) results from the seminal works of V. Fridland, which he had obtained using a wide range of methodological tools and research techniques, including comparative-geographical approach. V. Fridland also made an important contribution to the formation and development of natural geography. He enriched theoretical, methodological and applied aspects not only of soil science, but of geography in general. In his work of 1956, the scientist convincingly, in a concise comparative form and causal relationship, highlighted the natural conditions of the USSR and outlined their foreign analogues. In his influential work of 1964, V. Fridland had investigated the weathering processes, types of weathering, genesis and geography of soils in Northern Vietnam. In the 1970s, the pioneering scientist created a new research area – the doctrine of the structure of soil cover. Through field research in many regions of the Earth, the scientist has used and improved the approaches and methods of many natural sciences, including comparative one. V. Fridland successfully and productively used in scientific research almost the entire range of comparative-geographical methods. V. Fridland was the first one in the soviet geography to identify comparative method as an approach.

scholarly journals The challenges of theory-software translation

F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 1192
Author(s):  
Caroline Jay ◽  
Robert Haines ◽  
Daniel S. Katz ◽  
Jeffrey C. Carver ◽  
Sandra Gesing ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Scientific Theory ◽  
Scientific Practice ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Research Software ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Software Engineers ◽  
New Research ◽  
Formal Recognition ◽  
Software Translation

Background: Software is now ubiquitous within research. In addition to the general challenges common to all software development projects, research software must also represent, manipulate, and provide data for complex theoretical constructs. Ensuring this process of theory-software translation is robust is essential to maintaining the integrity of the science resulting from it, and yet there has been little formal recognition or exploration of the challenges associated with it. Methods: We thematically analyse the outputs of the discussion sessions at the Theory-Software Translation Workshop 2019, where academic researchers and research software engineers from a variety of domains, and with particular expertise in high performance computing, explored the process of translating between scientific theory and software. Results: We identify a wide range of challenges to implementing scientific theory in research software and using the resulting data and models for the advancement of knowledge. We categorise these within the emergent themes of design, infrastructure, and culture, and map them to associated research questions. Conclusions: Systematically investigating how software is constructed and its outputs used within science has the potential to improve the robustness of research software and accelerate progress in its development. We propose that this issue be examined within a new research area of theory-software translation, which would aim to significantly advance both knowledge and scientific practice.

scholarly journals Questions and controversies in the study of time-varying functional connectivity in resting fMRI

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Lurie ◽  
Daniel Kessler ◽  
Danielle S. Bassett ◽  
Richard F. Betzel ◽  
Michael Breakspear ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Careful Analysis ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Time Varying ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Neuroimaging Data ◽  
Core Concepts ◽  
New Research

The brain is a complex, multiscale dynamical system composed of many interacting regions. Knowledge of the spatiotemporal organization of these interactions is critical for establishing a solid understanding of the brain’s functional architecture and the relationship between neural dynamics and cognition in health and disease. The possibility of studying these dynamics through careful analysis of neuroimaging data has catalyzed substantial interest in methods that estimate time-resolved fluctuations in functional connectivity (often referred to as “dynamic” or time-varying functional connectivity; TVFC). At the same time, debates have emerged regarding the application of TVFC analyses to resting fMRI data, and about the statistical validity, physiological origins, and cognitive and behavioral relevance of resting TVFC. These and other unresolved issues complicate interpretation of resting TVFC findings and limit the insights that can be gained from this promising new research area. This article brings together scientists with a variety of perspectives on resting TVFC to review the current literature in light of these issues. We introduce core concepts, define key terms, summarize controversies and open questions, and present a forward-looking perspective on how resting TVFC analyses can be rigorously and productively applied to investigate a wide range of questions in cognitive and systems neuroscience.

Pharmaceutical Co-Crystals - Design, Development and Applications

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 169-184
Author(s):  
Rachna Anand ◽  
Arun Kumar ◽  
Arun Nanda
Keyword(s):  
Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Crystal Engineering ◽  
Pharmacological Action ◽  
Physicochemical Characteristics ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Dissolution Profile ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Drug Molecule ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Major Factors

Background: Solubility and dissolution profile are the major factors which directly affect the biological activity of a drug and these factors are governed by the physicochemical properties of the drug. Crystal engineering is a newer and promising approach to improve physicochemical characteristics of a drug without any change in its pharmacological action through a selection of a wide range of easily available crystal formers. Objective: The goal of this review is to summarize the importance of crystal engineering in improving the physicochemical properties of a drug, methods of design, development, and applications of cocrystals along with future trends in research of pharmaceutical co-crystals. Co-crystallization can also be carried out for the molecules which lack ionizable functional groups, unlike salts which require ionizable groups. Conclusion: Co-crystals is an interesting and promising research area amongst pharmaceutical scientists to fine-tune the physicochemical properties of drug materials. Co-crystallization can be a tool to increase the lifecycle of an older drug molecule. Crystal engineering carries the potential of being an advantageous technique than any other approach used in the pharmaceutical industry. Crystal engineering offers a plethora of biopharmaceutical and physicochemical enhancements to a drug molecule without the need of any pharmacological change in the drug.

scholarly journals Bad World: The Negativity Bias in International Politics

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 96-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic D.P. Johnson ◽  
Dominic Tierney
Keyword(s):  
International Relations ◽  
Fundamental Principle ◽  
Human Mind ◽  
Negative Information ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Negativity Bias ◽  
Positive Information ◽  
Psychological Phenomena ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
New Research

A major puzzle in international relations is why states privilege negative over positive information. States tend to inflate threats, exhibit loss aversion, and learn more from failures than from successes. Rationalist accounts fail to explain this phenomenon, because systematically overweighting bad over good may in fact undermine state interests. New research in psychology, however, offers an explanation. The “negativity bias” has emerged as a fundamental principle of the human mind, in which people's response to positive and negative information is asymmetric. Negative factors have greater effects than positive factors across a wide range of psychological phenomena, including cognition, motivation, emotion, information processing, decision-making, learning, and memory. Put simply, bad is stronger than good. Scholars have long pointed to the role of positive biases, such as overconfidence, in causing war, but negative biases are actually more pervasive and may represent a core explanation for patterns of conflict. Positive and negative dispositions apply in different contexts. People privilege negative information about the external environment and other actors, but positive information about themselves. The coexistence of biases can increase the potential for conflict. Decisionmakers simultaneously exaggerate the severity of threats and exhibit overconfidence about their capacity to deal with them. Overall, the negativity bias is a potent force in human judgment and decisionmaking, with important implications for international relations theory and practice.

scholarly journals The CoGenT3 Study: Cognition and Gender Trends in Three American Generations

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 817-817
Author(s):  
Shana Stites
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Sexual And Gender Minorities ◽  
Functional Impairments ◽  
Gender Minorities ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
And Gender ◽  
New Research

Abstract Many studies find gender differences in how older adults’ report on their memory, perform on cognitive testing, and manage functional impairments that can accompany cognitive impairment. Thus, understanding gender’s effects in aging and Alzheimer’s research is key for advancing methods to prevent, slow, manage, and diagnosis cognitive impairment. Our study, CoGenT3 – The study of Cognition and Gender in Three Generations – seeks to disambiguate the effects of gender on cognition in order to inform a conceptual model, guide innovations in measurement, and support future study. To accomplish this ambitious goal, we have gathered an interdisciplinary team with expertise in psychology, cognition, sexual and gender minorities, library science, measurement, quantitative methods, qualitative methods, and gender and women’s studies. The team benefits from the intersections of expertise in being able to build new research ideas, gain novel insights, and evaluate a wide-range of actions and re-actions but this novelty can also raise challenges.

scholarly journals Anti-Biofilm Molecules Targeting Functional Amyloids

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 795
Author(s):  
Leticia Matilla-Cuenca ◽  
Alejandro Toledo-Arana ◽  
Jaione Valle
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Structural Components ◽  
Significant Issue ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Effective Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Functional Amyloids ◽  
Biofilm Matrix

The choice of an effective therapeutic strategy in the treatment of biofilm-related infections is a significant issue. Amyloids, which have been historically related to human diseases, are now considered to be prevailing structural components of the biofilm matrix in a wide range of bacteria. This assumption creates the potential for an exciting research area, in which functional amyloids are considered to be attractive targets for drug development to dissemble biofilm structures. The present review describes the best-characterized bacterial functional amyloids and focuses on anti-biofilm agents that target intrinsic and facultative amyloids. This study provides a better understanding of the different modes of actions of the anti-amyloid molecules to inhibit biofilm formation. This information can be further exploited to improve the therapeutic strategies to combat biofilm-related infections.

scholarly journals An Overview on the Rheology, Mechanical Properties, Durability, 3D Printing, and Microstructural Performance of Nanomaterials in Cementitious Composites

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 2950
Author(s):  
Hongwei Song ◽  
Xinle Li
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Cementitious Materials ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Cementitious Composites ◽  
Split Tensile Strength ◽  
Contour Crafting ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Active Research

The most active research area is nanotechnology in cementitious composites, which has a wide range of applications and has achieved popularity over the last three decades. Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as possible materials to be used in the field of civil engineering. Previous research has concentrated on evaluating the effect of different NPs in cementitious materials to alter material characteristics. In order to provide a broad understanding of how nanomaterials (NMs) can be used, this paper critically evaluates previous research on the influence of rheology, mechanical properties, durability, 3D printing, and microstructural performance on cementitious materials. The flow properties of fresh cementitious composites can be measured using rheology and slump. Mechanical properties such as compressive, flexural, and split tensile strength reveal hardened properties. The necessary tests for determining a NM’s durability in concrete are shrinkage, pore structure and porosity, and permeability. The advent of modern 3D printing technologies is suitable for structural printing, such as contour crafting and binder jetting. Three-dimensional (3D) printing has opened up new avenues for the building and construction industry to become more digital. Regardless of the material science, a range of problems must be tackled, including developing smart cementitious composites suitable for 3D structural printing. According to the scanning electron microscopy results, the addition of NMs to cementitious materials results in a denser and improved microstructure with more hydration products. This paper provides valuable information and details about the rheology, mechanical properties, durability, 3D printing, and microstructural performance of cementitious materials with NMs and encourages further research.

scholarly journals Emory Roybal Center for Dementia Caregiving Mastery: Diverse Responses to Letter of Intent Call

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 254-254
Author(s):  
Kenneth Hepburn ◽  
Molly Perkins ◽  
Drenna Waldrop ◽  
Leila Aflatoony ◽  
Mi-Kyung Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Lewy Body Dementia ◽  
Racial Groups ◽  
Dementia Caregiving ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Great Heterogeneity ◽  
New Research ◽  
Stage 1 ◽  
Native Alaskan ◽  
Physical Care

Abstract This new NIA-supported Roybal Center seeks to support Stage 1 pilot clinical trials of programs aimed at promoting caregiving competence and confidence in the great heterogeneity of dementia caregiving contexts. During our first cycle, we received 26 letters of intent (LOI) for full applications. Responses reaffirmed the Center’s premise that dementia caregiving is remarkably varied in nature. While most proposed programs focused on generic caregiving, a number addressed caregiving issues facing specific ethnic/racial groups (African American; Korean American; Native Alaskan/American Indian; Latino), and several focused on specific dementing conditions (MCI, Lewy Body Dementia,TBI-based dementia). Most described programs centered on knowledge development and daily management skill issues (e.g., management of behaviors); others specified development of physical care skills. Decision-making and communication constituted the second most common topic. Over 40% proposed adaptation of existing programs; more than 25% proposed apps or technology interventions. Investigators represented a wide range of disciplines: 45% each from Health sciences (nursing, medicine, and social work) and Social/Behavioral sciences (principally psychology) and the rest from engineering and communications. LOIs varied most in their readiness to complete a clinical trial within a year. About 40% were in very preliminary stages; 25% were clearly poised for a Stage 1 trial; 15% did not sufficiently address the Center’s aims. Key criteria for invitations to submit full applications (n=4) included: specificity of context; clinical trial readiness; reasonableness of proposed adaptation. These criteria should guide future LOIs addressing the diversity of important new research and intervention perspectives on the multifaceted work of caregiving.

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