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- Klionsky, Daniel J., et al.
(författare)
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Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy
- 2012
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Ingår i: Autophagy. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1554-8635 .- 1554-8627. ; 8:4, s. 445-544
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- In 2008 we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, research on this topic has continued to accelerate, and many new scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Accordingly, it is important to update these guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Various reviews have described the range of assays that have been used for this purpose. Nevertheless, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to measure autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. A key point that needs to be emphasized is that there is a difference between measurements that monitor the numbers or volume of autophagic elements (e.g., autophagosomes or autolysosomes) at any stage of the autophagic process vs. those that measure flux through the autophagy pathway (i.e., the complete process); thus, a block in macroautophagy that results in autophagosome accumulation needs to be differentiated from stimuli that result in increased autophagic activity, defined as increased autophagy induction coupled with increased delivery to, and degradation within, lysosomes (in most higher eukaryotes and some protists such as Dictyostelium) or the vacuole (in plants and fungi). In other words, it is especially important that investigators new to the field understand that the appearance of more autophagosomes does not necessarily equate with more autophagy. In fact, in many cases, autophagosomes accumulate because of a block in trafficking to lysosomes without a concomitant change in autophagosome biogenesis, whereas an increase in autolysosomes may reflect a reduction in degradative activity. Here, we present a set of guidelines for the selection and interpretation of methods for use by investigators who aim to examine macroautophagy and related processes, as well as for reviewers who need to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of papers that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a formulaic set of rules, because the appropriate assays depend in part on the question being asked and the system being used. In addition, we emphasize that no individual assay is guaranteed to be the most appropriate one in every situation, and we strongly recommend the use of multiple assays to monitor autophagy. In these guidelines, we consider these various methods of assessing autophagy and what information can, or cannot, be obtained from them. Finally, by discussing the merits and limits of particular autophagy assays, we hope to encourage technical innovation in the field.
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- Landrigan, Philip J., et al.
(författare)
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Human Health and Ocean Pollution
- 2020
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Ingår i: Annals of Global Health. - : Ubiquity Press. - 2214-9996. ; 86:1
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Pollution - unwanted waste released to air, water, and land by human activity - is the largest environmental cause of disease in the world today. It is responsible for an estimated nine million premature deaths per year, enormous economic losses, erosion of human capital, and degradation of ecosystems. Ocean pollution is an important, but insufficiently recognized and inadequately controlled component of global pollution. It poses serious threats to human health and well-being. The nature and magnitude of these impacts are only beginning to be understood.Goals: (1) Broadly examine the known and potential impacts of ocean pollution on human health. (2) Inform policy makers, government leaders, international organizations, civil society, and the global public of these threats. (3) Propose priorities for interventions to control and prevent pollution of the seas and safeguard human health.Methods: Topic-focused reviews that examine the effects of ocean pollution on human health, identify gaps in knowledge, project future trends, and offer evidence-based guidance for effective intervention.Environmental Findings: Pollution of the oceans is widespread, worsening, and in most countries poorly controlled. It is a complex mixture of toxic metals, plastics, manufactured chemicals, petroleum, urban and industrial wastes, pesticides, fertilizers, pharmaceutical chemicals, agricultural runoff, and sewage. More than 80% arises from land-based sources. It reaches the oceans through rivers, runoff, atmospheric deposition and direct discharges. It is often heaviest near the coasts and most highly concentrated along the coasts of low- and middle-income countries. Plastic is a rapidly increasing and highly visible component of ocean pollution, and an estimated 10 million metric tons of plastic waste enter the seas each year. Mercury is the metal pollutant of greatest concern in the oceans; it is released from two main sources - coal combustion and small-scale gold mining. Global spread of industrialized agriculture with increasing use of chemical fertilizer leads to extension of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) to previously unaffected regions. Chemical pollutants are ubiquitous and contaminate seas and marine organisms from the high Arctic to the abyssal depths.Ecosystem Findings: Ocean pollution has multiple negative impacts on marine ecosystems, and these impacts are exacerbated by global climate change. Petroleum-based pollutants reduce photosynthesis in marine microorganisms that generate oxygen. Increasing absorption of carbon dioxide into the seas causes ocean acidification, which destroys coral reefs, impairs shellfish development, dissolves calcium-containing microorganisms at the base of the marine food web, and increases the toxicity of some pollutants. Plastic pollution threatens marine mammals, fish, and seabirds and accumulates in large mid-ocean gyres. It breaks down into microplastic and nanoplastic particles containing multiple manufactured chemicals that can enter the tissues of marine organisms, including species consumed by humans. Industrial releases, runoff, and sewage increase frequency and severity of HABs, bacterial pollution, and anti-microbial resistance. Pollution and sea surface warming are triggering poleward migration of dangerous pathogens such as the Vibrio species. Industrial discharges, pharmaceutical wastes, pesticides, and sewage contribute to global declines in fish stocks.Human Health Findings: Methylmercury and PCBs are the ocean pollutants whose human health effects are best understood. Exposures of infants in utero to these pollutants through maternal consumption of contaminated seafood can damage developing brains, reduce IQ and increase children's risks for autism, ADHD and learning disorders. Adult exposures to methylmercury increase risks for cardiovascular disease and dementia. Manufactured chemicals - phthalates, bisphenol A, flame retardants, and perfluorinated chemicals, many of them released into the seas from plastic waste - can disrupt endocrine signaling, reduce male fertility, damage the nervous system, and increase risk of cancer. HABs produce potent toxins that accumulate in fish and shellfish. When ingested, these toxins can cause severe neurological impairment and rapid death. HAB toxins can also become airborne and cause respiratory disease. Pathogenic marine bacteria cause gastrointestinal diseases and deep wound infections. With climate change and increasing pollution, risk is high that Vibrio infections, including cholera, will increase in frequency and extend to new areas. All of the health impacts of ocean pollution fall disproportionately on vulnerable populations in the Global South - environmental injustice on a planetary scale.Conclusions: Ocean pollution is a global problem. It arises from multiple sources and crosses national boundaries. It is the consequence of reckless, shortsighted, and unsustainable exploitation of the earth's resources. It endangers marine ecosystems. It impedes the production of atmospheric oxygen. Its threats to human health are great and growing, but still incompletely understood. Its economic costs are only beginning to be counted. Ocean pollution can be prevented. Like all forms of pollution, ocean pollution can be controlled by deploying data-driven strategies based on law, policy, technology, and enforcement that target priority pollution sources. Many countries have used these tools to control air and water pollution and are now applying them to ocean pollution. Successes achieved to date demonstrate that broader control is feasible. Heavily polluted harbors have been cleaned, estuaries rejuvenated, and coral reefs restored. Prevention of ocean pollution creates many benefits. It boosts economies, increases tourism, helps restore fisheries, and improves human health and well-being. It advances the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). These benefits will last for centuries.Recommendations: World leaders who recognize the gravity of ocean pollution, acknowledge its growing dangers, engage civil society and the global public, and take bold, evidence-based action to stop pollution at source will be critical to preventing ocean pollution and safeguarding human health. Prevention of pollution from land-based sources is key. Eliminating coal combustion and banning all uses of mercury will reduce mercury pollution. Bans on single-use plastic and better management of plastic waste reduce plastic pollution. Bans on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have reduced pollution by PCBs and DDT. Control of industrial discharges, treatment of sewage, and reduced applications of fertilizers have mitigated coastal pollution and are reducing frequency of HABs. National, regional and international marine pollution control programs that are adequately funded and backed by strong enforcement have been shown to be effective. Robust monitoring is essential to track progress. Further interventions that hold great promise include wide-scale transition to renewable fuels; transition to a circular economy that creates little waste and focuses on equity rather than on endless growth; embracing the principles of green chemistry; and building scientific capacity in all countries. Designation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) will safeguard critical ecosystems, protect vulnerable fish stocks, and enhance human health and well-being. Creation of MPAs is an important manifestation of national and international commitment to protecting the health of the seas.
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- Shanmugam, V., et al.
(författare)
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Potential natural polymer-based nanofibres for the development of facemasks in countering viral outbreaks
- 2021
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Ingår i: Journal of Applied Polymer Science. - : Wiley. - 0021-8995 .- 1097-4628. ; 138:27
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has rapidly increased the demand for facemasks as a measure to reduce the rapid spread of the pathogen. Throughout the pandemic, some countries such as Italy had a monthly demand of ca. 90 million facemasks. Domestic mask manufacturers are capable of manufacturing 8 million masks each week, although the demand was 40 million per week during March 2020. This dramatic increase has contributed to a spike in the generation of facemask waste. Facemasks are often manufactured with synthetic materials that are non-biodegradable, and their increased usage and improper disposal are raising environmental concerns. Consequently, there is a strong interest for developing biodegradable facemasks made with for example, renewable nanofibres. A range of natural polymer-based nanofibres has been studied for their potential to be used in air filter applications. This review article examines potential natural polymer-based nanofibres along with their filtration and antimicrobial capabilities for developing biodegradable facemask that will promote a cleaner production.
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| 15. |
- Frank, B, et al.
(författare)
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Death receptor 4 variants and colorectal cancer risk
- 2006
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Ingår i: Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology. - 1055-9965. ; 15:10, s. 2002-2005
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)
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| 16. |
- Geddes, C. C., et al.
(författare)
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Optimizing the saccharification of sugar cane bagasse using dilute phosphoric acid followed by fungal cellulases
- 2010
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Ingår i: Bioresource Technology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1873-2976 .- 0960-8524. ; 101:6, s. 1851-1857
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A low level of phosphoric acid (1% w/w on dry bagasse basis, 160 degrees C and above, 10 min) was shown to effectively hydrolyze the hemicellulose in sugar cane bagasse into monomers with minimal side reactions and to serve as an effective pre-treatment for the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose. Up to 45% of the remaining water-insoluble solids (WIS) was digested to sugar monomers by a low concentration of Biocellulase W (0.5 filter paper unit/g WIS) supplemented with beta-glucosidase, although much higher levels of cellulase (100-fold) were required for complete hydrolysis. After neutralization and nutrient addition, phosphoric acid syrups of hemicellulose sugars were fermented by ethanologenic Escherichia coli LY160 without further purification. Fermentation of these syrups was preceded by a lag that increased with increased pre-treatment temperature. Further improvements in organisms and optimization of steam treatments may allow the co-fermentation of sugars derived from hemicellulose and cellulose, eliminating need for liquid-solid separation, sugar purification, and separate fermentations. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 18. |
- Mani, Megavannan, et al.
(författare)
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Nano-enhanced epoxy sandwich composites: Investigating mechanical properties for future aircraft construction
- 2024
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Ingår i: Polymers for Advanced Technologies. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1042-7147 .- 1099-1581. ; 35:6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aviation sector is continually seeking ways to reduce the weight of aircraft structures without compromising their mechanical integrity. Lightweight materials, such as advanced epoxy sandwich composites with hybrid nanostructures, have the potential to significantly contribute to fuel efficiency, thereby addressing environmental concerns and operational costs. This research investigates the mechanical properties of hybrid sandwich polymer composites filled with silica nanoparticles (SNiPs). Epoxy isocyanate (PU) foam sandwich composites were fabricated with kevlar fiber, carbon fiber, and glass fiber, constructed by alternating inclined interply bidirectional fiber and foam layers. SNiPs were introduced into the composite system at varying percentages, such as 0, 2, 4, and 6 wt%. The study employs a systematic approach, incorporating experimental testing, to assess key mechanical parameters, including tensile strength, flexural strength, and shear strength. The test results indicate that the incorporation of SNiPs improved the mechanical properties of the composites, leading to enhanced strength, toughness, and modulus of elasticity. Incorporation of composite laminates with 4 wt% SiNPs resulted in improved three-point bending, tensile, shear, and torsional strengths, with maximum values of ca. 64, ca. 5, ca. 2 MPa, and ca. 22 Nm, respectively. The findings contribute to the ongoing pursuit of materials that can meet the stringent demands of modern aviation, ultimately paving the way for advancements in aircraft construction and design.
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| 19. |
- Selvavinayagam, Sivaprakasam T., et al.
(författare)
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Genomic surveillance of omicron B.1.1.529 SARS‐CoV‐2 and its variants between December 2021 and March 2023 in Tamil Nadu, India—A state‐wide prospective longitudinal study
- 2024
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Ingår i: Journal of Medical Virology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0146-6615 .- 1096-9071. ; 96:2
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A state-wide prospective longitudinal investigation of the genomic surveillance of the omicron B.1.1.529 SARS-CoV-2 variant and its sublineages in Tamil Nadu, India, was conducted between December 2021 and March 2023. The study aimed to elucidate their mutational patterns and their genetic interrelationship in the Indian population. The study identified several unique mutations at different time-points, which likely could attribute to the changing disease characteristics, transmission, and pathogenicity attributes of omicron variants. The study found that the omicron variant is highly competent in its mutating potentials, and that it continues to evolve in the general population, likely escaping from natural as well as vaccine-induced immune responses. Our findings suggest that continuous surveillance of viral variants at the global scenario is warranted to undertake intervention measures against potentially precarious SARS-CoV-2 variants and their evolution.
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| 21. |
- Vazquez-Cordova, Sergio A., et al.
(författare)
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High gain in erbium-doped channel waveguides
- 2017
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Ingår i: 2017 CONFERENCE ON LASERS AND ELECTRO-OPTICS EUROPE & EUROPEAN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS CONFERENCE (CLEO/EUROPE-EQEC). - : IEEE.
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Summary form only given. Integration of multiple functions on an optical micro-chip is going to revolutionize the exploitation of optics for various applications such as communication, optical sensing, and biomedicine. One of the enabling functions is amplification at 1.5 μm [1]. Rare-earth-doped amplifiers typically deliver a net gain per unit length of only a few dB/cm [2]. In spiral-shaped channel waveguides a total internal net gain of 20 dB was demonstrated [3].The rare-earth-doped potassium double tungstates KY(WO 4 ) 2 , KGd(WO 4 ) 2 , and KLu(WO 4 ) 2 are widely investigated laser materials [4]. They are especially suited for optical amplification due to the high transition cross-sections of rare-earth ions in these materials. Moreover, the large inter-ionic distance between neighboring rare-earth sites may allow for higher erbium concentrations without the detrimental effect of energy-transfer upconversion (ETU). Recently an internal net gain of ~1000 dB/cm was demonstrated in ytterbium-doped channel waveguides [2]. Here we report optical gain at 1.53 μm in KGd x Lu y Er 1-x-y (WO 4 ) 2 channel waveguides doped with five different Er 3+ concentrations. When pumping the Er 3+ ions at 980 nm, a record-high internal net gain of 13 dB/cm is experimentally demonstrated, despite the fact that the intrinsic propagation losses in these surface waveguides were as high as 4 dB/cm. Using buried channel waveguides, which typically exhibit intrinsic propagation losses of only 0.2 dB/cm, and optimizing the erbium concentration and waveguide length, for a reasonable 500 mW of launched pump power a high total gain of ~40 dB can be achieved.
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| 22. |
- Vazquez-Cordova, Sergio A., et al.
(författare)
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High optical gain in erbium-doped potassium double tungstate channel waveguide amplifiers
- 2018
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Ingår i: Optics Express. - : Optical Society of America. - 1094-4087. ; 26:5, s. 6260-6266
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We report on the optical-gain properties of channel waveguides patterned into lattice-matched KGdxLuyEr1-x-y(WO4)(2) layers grown onto undoped KY(WO4)(2) substrates by liquid phase epitaxy. A systematic investigation of gain is performed for five different Er3+ concentrations in the range of 0.75 to 10at.% and different pump powers and signal wavelengths. In pump-probe-beam experiments, relative internal gain, i.e., signal enhancement minus absorption loss of light propagating in the channel waveguide, is experimentally demonstrated, with a maximum value of 12 +/- 5 dB/cm for signals at the peak-emission wavelength of 1534.7 nm.
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| 23. |
- Venugopal, V., et al.
(författare)
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Occupational Heat Stress and Kidney Health in Salt Pan Workers
- 2023
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Ingår i: Kidney International Reports. - 2468-0249. ; 8:7, s. 1363-1372
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Work in heat affects millions of workers. Although kidney function in agricultural workers is increasingly researched, nonagricultural studies are scarce. In coastal salt pans, the absence of occupa-tional exposures to pesticides and other toxicants allows assessment of heat stress alone.Methods: Seven Indian salt pans were surveyed from 2017 to 2020. Job-specific workload was assessed. Heat stress was characterized as exceeding the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT)-threshold limit value (TLV) for high and moderate workloads. Preshift and postshift heart rates (HRs), tympanic temperatures, and urine specific gravity (USG) were measured for 352 workers, as were sweat rates (SwR), serum creatinine (SCr), serum uric acid, and urine dipstick. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; ml/min per 1.73 m2) was computed. Heat-strain symptoms were assessed using questionnaires.Results: The mean WBGT was 30.5 & PLUSMN; 1.3 & DEG;C (summer) and 27.8 & PLUSMN; 1.9 & DEG;C (winter). Water intake during the workday was low, median was one Litre, and most workers (87%) exceeded the TLV for heat stress. Dehydration-related symptoms were frequent in those with high-heat stress, as were cross-shift increases in temperature (& GE;1 & DEG;C; 15%), a high USG (& GE;1.020; 28%), and a high SwR (& GE;1 l/h; 53%). An eGFR of 60 to 89 ml/min per 1.73 m2 was observed in 41% of all workers examined, and 7% had eGFR below 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2. The odds ratio for eGFR <90 ml/min per 1.73 m2 in workers exceeding the TLV, compared to workers below this limit, adjusted for age and gender was 2.9 (95% CI: 1.3-6.4).Conclusion: Workplace interventions to prevent heat stress and dehydration in the salt pans and other at -risk industries are urgently required. The findings strengthen the notion that high-heat stress and limited hydration is a risk factor for kidney dysfunction.
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| 25. |
- Yong, Yean-Sheng, et al.
(författare)
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Temperature-dependent absorption and emission of potassium double tungstates with high ytterbium content
- 2016
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Ingår i: Optics Express. - : Optical Society of America. - 1094-4087. ; 24:23, s. 26825-26837
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We study the spectroscopic properties of thin films of potassium ytterbium gadolinium double tungstates, KYb0.57Gd0.43(WO4)(2), and potassium ytterbium lutetium double tungstates, KYb0.76Lu0.24(WO4)(2), specifically at the central absorption line near 981 nm wavelength, which is important for amplifiers and lasers. The absorption cross-section of both thin films is found to be similar to those of bulk potassium rare-earth double tungstates, suggesting that the crystalline layers retain their spectroscopic properties albeit having >50 at.% Yb3+ concentration. The influence of sample temperature is investigated and found to substantially affect the measured absorption cross-section. Since amplifiers and lasers typically operate above room temperature due to pump-induced heating, the temperature dependence of the peak-absorption cross-section of the KYb0.57Gd0.43(WO4)(2) is evaluated for the sample being heated from 20 degrees C to 170 degrees C, resulting in a measured reduction of peak-absorption cross-section at the transitions near 933 nm and 981 nm by similar to 40% and similar to 52%, respectively. It is shown that two effects, the change of Stark-level population and linewidth broadening due to intra-manifold relaxation induced by temperature-dependent electronphonon interaction, contribute to the observed behavior. The effective emission cross-sections versus temperature have been calculated. Luminescence-decay measurements show no significant dependence of the luminescence lifetime on temperature.
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