Nanotechnology for catalysis and solar energy conversion

This roadmap on Nanotechnology for Catalysis and Solar Energy Conversion focuses on the application of nanotechnology in addressing the current challenges of energy conversion: 'high efficiency, stability, safety, and the potential for low-cost/scalable manufacturing' to quote from the contributed article by Nathan Lewis. This roadmap focuses on solar-to-fuel conversion, solar water splitting, solar photovoltaics and bio-catalysis. It includes dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), perovskite solar cells, and organic photovoltaics. Smart engineering of colloidal quantum materials and nanostructured electrodes will improve solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency, as described in the articles by Waiskopf and Banin and Meyer. Semiconductor nanoparticles will also improve solar energy conversion efficiency, as discussed by Boschloo et al in their article on DSSCs. Perovskite solar cells have advanced rapidly in recent years, including new ideas on 2D and 3D hybrid halide perovskites, as described by Spanopoulos et al 'Next generation' solar cells using multiple exciton generation (MEG) from hot carriers, described in the article by Nozik and Beard, could lead to remarkable improvement in photovoltaic efficiency by using quantization effects in semiconductor nanostructures (quantum dots, wires or wells). These challenges will not be met without simultaneous improvement in nanoscale characterization methods. Terahertz spectroscopy, discussed in the article by Milot et al is one example of a method that is overcoming the difficulties associated with nanoscale materials characterization by avoiding electrical contacts to nanoparticles, allowing characterization during device operation, and enabling characterization of a single nanoparticle. Besides experimental advances, computational science is also meeting the challenges of nanomaterials synthesis. The article by Kohlstedt and Schatz discusses the computational frameworks being used to predict structure–property relationships in materials and devices, including machine learning methods, with an emphasis on organic photovoltaics. The contribution by Megarity and Armstrong presents the 'electrochemical leaf' for improvements in electrochemistry and beyond. In addition, biohybrid approaches can take advantage of efficient and specific enzyme catalysts. These articles present the nanoscience and technology at the forefront of renewable energy development that will have significant benefits to society

Relationship between e-cigarette point of sale recall and e-cigarette use in secondary school children: a cross-sectional study

Background There has been a rapid increase in the retail availability of e-cigarettes in the UK and elsewhere. It is known that exposure to cigarette point-of-sale (POS) displays influences smoking behaviour and intentions in young people. However, there is as yet no evidence regarding the relationship between e-cigarette POS display exposure and e-cigarette use in young people. Methods This cross sectional study survey was conducted in four high schools in Scotland. A response rate of 87% and a total sample of 3808 was achieved. Analysis was by logistic regression on e-cigarette outcomes with standard errors adjusted for clustering within schools. The logistic regression models were adjusted for recall of other e-cigarette adverts, smoking status, and demographic variables. Multiple chained imputation was employed to assess the consistency of the findings across different methods of handling missing data. Results Adolescents who recalled seeing e-cigarettes in small shops were more likely to have tried an e-cigarette (OR 1.92 99% CI 1.61 to 2.29). Adolescents who recalled seeing e-cigarettes for sale in small shops (OR 1.80 99% CI 1.08 to 2.99) or supermarkets (OR 1.70 99% CI 1.22 to 2.36) were more likely to intend to try them in the next 6 months. Conclusions This study has found a cross-sectional association between self-reported recall of e-cigarette POS displays and use of, and intention to use, e-cigarettes. The magnitude of this association is comparable to that between tobacco point of sale recall and intention to use traditional cigarettes in the same sample. Further longitudinal data is required to confirm a causal relationship between e-cigarette point of sale exposure and future use in young people.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Effect of photoperiod and temperature on the biochemical composition in wild broodstock of sardine cabrilla, mycteroperca rosacea (streets, 1877) | Efecto del fotoperiodo y la temperatura sobre la composición bioquímica en reproductores silvestres de cabrilla sardinera, mycteroperca rosacea (streets, 1877)

Condition factor (K), gonadosomatic index, (IGS), hepatosomatic index (IHS) and fat visceral index (IGV) were estimated and the biochemical composition in different tissues of wild leopard grouper broodstock was determinate too, in order to evaluate them along a reproductive cycle and see the relationship of these changes with respect to the water temperature and photoperiod in the sampling area. 187 brooders were caught, 146 females and 41 males in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Significant differences (P < 0.005) in the IGS, IHS and IGV but not for K were observed. Significant changes (P < 0.05) were also observed in most of the biochemical parameters, being the highest value during the spawning stage, whereas the lowest occurred during the resting stage. Significant correlations (P < 0.05) between all estimated indices and biochemical parameters were observed, while only significant correlations (P < 0.05) between the IGS and IGV with respect to water temperature.Peer Reviewe

A microporous Cu2+ MOF based on a pyridyl isophthalic acid Schiff base ligand with high CO2 uptake

A new Cu2+ complex that was isolated from the initial use of 5-((pyridin-4-ylmethylene) amino) isophthalic acid (PEIPH2) in 3d metal-organic framework (MOF) chemistry is reported. Complex [Cu-3(PEIP)(2)(5-NH2-mBDC)(DMF)].7DMF8 denoted as Cu-PEIP.7DMF was isolated from the reaction of Cu(NO3)(2).2.5H(2)O with PEIPH2 in N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) at 100 degrees C and contains both the PEIP2-ligand and its 5-NH2-mBDC(2)-fragment. After the structure and properties of Cu-PEIP were known an analogous complex was prepared by a rational synthetic method that involved the reaction of Cu(NO3)(2).2.5H(2)O, 5-((pyridin-4-ylmethyl) amino) isophthalic acid (PIPH2 - the reduced analogue of PEIPH2) and 5-NH2-mBDCH(2) in DMF at 100 degrees C. Cu-PEIP comprises two paddle-wheel [Cu-2(COO)(4)] units and exhibits a 3D-framework with a unique trinodal underlying network and point symbol (4.52)(4)(4(2).5(4).6(4).8(3).9(2))(2)(5(2).8(4)). This network consists of pillared kgm-a layers containing a hexagonal shaped cavity with a relatively large diameter of similar to 8-9 angstrom surrounded by six trigonal shaped ones with a smaller diameter of similar to 4-5 angstrom and thus resembles the structure of HKUST-1. Gas sorption studies revealed that Cu-PEIP exhibits a 1785 m(2) g(-1) BET area as well as high CO2 sorption capacity (4.75 mmol g(-1) at 273 K) and CO2/CH4 selectivity (8.5 at zero coverage and 273 K)

First sexual maturity evaluation of the Pacific red snapper (Lutjanus peru) born in captivity

[ES] El huachinango del Pacífico, Lutjanus peru, es una especie atractiva para la acuicultura. Sin embargo, su reproducción en cautiverio en condiciones controladas no había sido factible, debido a la falta de conocimiento sobre las condiciones de manejo y el proceso reproductivo. En este estudio se evaluó la primera madurez sexual en cautiverio del huachinango del Pacífico, nacidos en el 2009 en el CIBNOR. La primera madurez sexual se determinó a los cuatro años de edad, con un peso promedio de 2.829 ± 80,9 g y longitud promedio de 540,3 ± 4,6 mm. Los primeros desoves ocurrieron en junio 2013, con la sincronización reproductiva entre machos y hembras en cautiverio, que coincidió cuando el fotoperiodo fue de 13 h luz y 11 h de obscuridad, con un aumento de temperatura del agua del estanque de 24,81 ± 1,4°C. El desove terminó en diciembre, con una disminución de temperatura 21,2 ± 1,5°C y 10 h luz. Se determinó la proporción sexual de 1:3,2 (hembra: macho). El tamaño de los huevos y la gota lipídica, disminuyeron conforme avanzó la temporada reproductiva..Se evaluó el nivel hormonal (estradiol, testosterona y 11-keto-testosterona) durante tres años. En cautiverio se determinó un ciclo reproductivo definido, en dos periodos; un periodo de reposo de diciembre a mayo, y un periodo reproductivo de junio a noviembre.[EN] The Pacific red snapper Lutjanus peru, is an attractive species for aquaculture. Its reproduction in captivity under controlled conditions has not been feasible, due to the lack of knowledge on its basic reproductive biology and management conditions. For the first time, we evaluated the first sexual maturity stage of captive Pacific red snapper, born in 2009 at CIBNOR. The first sexual maturity was reached in four years with an average weight of 2,829 ± 80.9 g and average size of 540.3 ± 4.6 mm. Spawning occurred in June 2013, with a reproductive synchronization between males and females, which coincides with a photoperiod of 13 h of light and 11 h of darkness, an increase in the water ponds temperature to 24.81 ± 1.4°C. The final spawning occurred in December with a decrement of the water ponds temperature to 21.2 ± 1.5°C and 10 h light. The sex ratio was determined as 1:3.2 (female: male). The size of eggs and lipid drop decreased as the spawning season progressed. Hormone levels (estradiol, testosterone and 11-keto-testosterone), was evaluated for three years. We determined a defined reproductive cycle for the species in captivity in two periods: 1) a rest period, from December to May, and 2) a reproductive period from June to November.Peer reviewe

Temporal variation of renal function in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a retrospective UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink cohort study.

AIMS: Renal function, measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), varies over time. This study aimed to characterize the longitudinal variability of eGFR in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), including variation between categories and individuals. METHODS: People with T2DM and sufficient recorded serum creatinine measurements were identified from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (T2DM diagnosis from 1st January 2009-1st January 2011 with five years' follow-up). eGFR was calculated using the CKD-EPI equation. RESULTS: 7,766 individuals were included; 32.8%, 50.2%, 12.4%, 4.0% and 0.6% were in GFR categories G1, G2, G3a, G3b and G4, respectively. Overall, eGFR decreased by 0.44 mL/min/1.73m2 per year; eGFR increased by 0.80 mL/min/1.73m2 between index and year 1, then decreased by 0.75 mL/min/1.73m2 annually up to year 5. Category G1 showed a steady decline in eGFR over time; G2, G3a and G3b showed an increase between index and year 1, followed by a decline. Category G4 showed a mean eGFR increase of 1.85 mL/min/1.73m2 annually. People in categories G3-G4 moved across a greater number of GFR categories than those in G1 and G2. Individual patients' eGFR showed a wide range of values (change from baseline at year 5 varied from -80 to +59 mL/min/1.73m2 ). CONCLUSION: Overall, eGFR declined over time, although there was considerable variation between GFR categories and individuals. This highlights the difficulty in prescribing many glucose-lowering therapies, which require dose adjustment for renal function. The study also emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring of renal impairment in people with T2DM. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Nanotechnology for catalysis and solar energy conversion

This roadmap on Nanotechnology for Catalysis and Solar Energy Conversion focuses on the application of nanotechnology in addressing the current challenges of energy conversion: 'high efficiency, stability, safety, and the potential for low-cost/scalable manufacturing' to quote from the contributed article by Nathan Lewis. This roadmap focuses on solar-to-fuel conversion, solar water splitting, solar photovoltaics and bio-catalysis. It includes dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), perovskite solar cells, and organic photovoltaics. Smart engineering of colloidal quantum materials and nanostructured electrodes will improve solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency, as described in the articles by Waiskopf and Banin and Meyer. Semiconductor nanoparticles will also improve solar energy conversion efficiency, as discussed by Boschloo et al in their article on DSSCs. Perovskite solar cells have advanced rapidly in recent years, including new ideas on 2D and 3D hybrid halide perovskites, as described by Spanopoulos et al 'Next generation' solar cells using multiple exciton generation (MEG) from hot carriers, described in the article by Nozik and Beard, could lead to remarkable improvement in photovoltaic efficiency by using quantization effects in semiconductor nanostructures (quantum dots, wires or wells). These challenges will not be met without simultaneous improvement in nanoscale characterization methods. Terahertz spectroscopy, discussed in the article by Milot et al is one example of a method that is overcoming the difficulties associated with nanoscale materials characterization by avoiding electrical contacts to nanoparticles, allowing characterization during device operation, and enabling characterization of a single nanoparticle. Besides experimental advances, computational science is also meeting the challenges of nanomaterials synthesis. The article by Kohlstedt and Schatz discusses the computational frameworks being used to predict structure-property relationships in materials and devices, including machine learning methods, with an emphasis on organic photovoltaics. The contribution by Megarity and Armstrong presents the 'electrochemical leaf' for improvements in electrochemistry and beyond. In addition, biohybrid approaches can take advantage of efficient and specific enzyme catalysts. These articles present the nanoscience and technology at the forefront of renewable energy development that will have significant benefits to society