bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) using various waste carbon sources
Authors: Naseem Aansa , Rasul Ijaz , Ali Raza Zulfiqar , Muneer Faizan , ur Rehman Asad , Nadeem Habibullah
Published: October 2024

Synthetic plastics are in great demand in society due to their diversified properties, but they cause environmental pollution due to their non-biodegradable nature. Therefore, synthetic plastics are in need to be replaced with biodegradable plastics. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), bacterial biopolymers are natural alternative to synthetic plastics. These are present inside the bacterial cytoplasm in granular form. Presently, the production cost of PHA is high due to expensive carbon substrates used in its biosynthesis. Therefore, this study focuses on the cost-effective production of PHA using waste carbon sources. Rice bran and sugarcane molasses were used as the carbon source for PHA production from Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Alcaligenes sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PHA production from these bacterial strains was confirmed through Sudan Black-B screening. With rice bran, as carbon source, the highest PHA yield obtained was for P. aeruginosa, which yielded 93.7% and lowest was 35.5% for B. cereus. Surprisingly, B. cereus produced the highest cell dry mass (0.045 g/L) but its extracted PHA contents were lowest being only 0.02 g/L. Alcaligenes sp. with 0.031 g/L CDM yielded 87.1% PHA. B. subtilis had a CDM 0.029 g/L, 0.02 g/L PHA content and a yield of 69.10%. In the case of sugarcane molasses, P. aeruginosa produced 95% PHA yield, 0.02 g/L CDM, and 0.019 g/L PHA content. Alcaligenes sp. yielded 90.9% PHA, 0.011 g/L CDM, and 0.01 g/L PHA content. B. subtilis produced 91.6% PHA yield, 0.012 g/L CDM, 0.011 g/L PHA content; B. cereus produced 80% PHA yield, 0.015 g/L CDM, 0.012 g/L PHA content at 37 °C, pH 7. Higher concentrations of carbon sources increased the CDM and decreased the PHA yield. The maximum yield of PHA was obtained from sugarcane molasses. 24–48 h of incubation was optimal for B. subtilis and B. cereus, while for Alcaligenes and P. aeruginosa incubation time of 48–96 h was desirable for higher PHA yield. The extracted biopolymers were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which identified the extracted biopolymers as poly-3-hydroxybutyrate P(3HB). The thermal properties of the extracted biopolymers, such as melting temperatures, were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), which confirmed the thermal stability.
Association analysis of MTHFR (rs1801133 and rs1801131) gene polymorphism towards the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Dali area population from Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Liu Yongxin , Pu Genyuan , Yang Caiting , Wang Yuqing , Jin Kaitai , Wang Shengrong , Liang Xiao , Hu Shenghe , Sun Shuguang , Lai Mingming
Published: October 2024

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common complex metabolic disorder that exhibits a strong genetic predisposition. 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) regulates folate metabolism, which has been proposed to be associated with T2DM, although the relationship is inconsistent among different geographical areas. This study aimed to investigate the effects of MTHFR C677T (rs1801133) and A1298C (rs1801131) loci polymorphisms on T2DM susceptibility in the population of the Dali area in Yunnan Province, China.

Methods

This case-control study included 445 patients with T2DM and 272 healthy control individuals from the Dali area of Yunnan Province. Genotyping of the MTHFR gene polymorphisms was performed using the competitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) method. The effects of genetic variations of the MTHFR gene on T2DM risk were evaluated using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

The results of the present study revealed that the TT genotype (OR = 1.750, P = 0.030) and the T allele (OR = 1.252, P = 0.047) at the MTHFR C677T locus were considerably associated with the increased odds of developing T2DM. In addition, the CC genotype (OR = 3.132, P = 0.032) at the MTHFR A1298C locus also substantially increased the odds of developing T2DM. The T-A haplotype (OR = 1.305, P = 0.030) of MTHFR C677T and A1298C exhibited the increased odds of developing T2DM. Biochemical index analyses showed that patients with T2DM who carried the CT or TT genotype of MTHFR C677T expressed substantially higher levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), homocysteine (Hcy), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) than those of the CC genotype. Moreover, the FBG and Hcy levels were considerably higher in patients with T2DM who carried the CC or AC genotype of MTHFR A1298C than those of the AA genotype. No obvious association was observed between these MTHFR polymorphisms and cardiovascular risk in T2DM.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that the genetic variations of MTHFR C677T and A1298C are significantly associated with T2DM susceptibility in the population of the Dali area of Yunnan Province, China.
A study on elite athletes: Orthorexia nervosa tendency is a risk factor for sleep quality
Authors: Çağın Musab , Çimen Polat Sezen , Sarol Halil , Ünlü Çisem , Janicijevic Danica
Published: October 2024

Background

Elite athletes adhere to strict daily routines, particularly concerning their nutritional habits. However, these practices can occasionally lead to a pathological fixation on healthy eating known as orthorexia nervosa which may adversely affect sleep quality. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between orthorexia nervosa tendencies and sleep quality in elite athletes, as well as to investigate potential differences in orthorexia nervosa tendencies and sleep patterns between athletes engaged in individual versus team sports.

Methods

The present study explores how orthorexia nervosa tendency affects sleep quality in 249 elite athletes (115 women: aged 19.92 ± 2.48 years, sporting tenure: 8.16 ± 3.96 years, and 134 men: aged 20.69 ± 2.72 years, sporting tenure: 7.85 ± 3.59 years). The orthorexia nervosa tendency was evaluated using the ORTO-11 scale, while their sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

Results

The results of the present study indicate that orthorexia nervosa negatively affected sleep quality (rho = −0.173, p = 0.006). Additionally, no differences in the orthorexia nervosa tendency was observed between individual and group athletes (p = 0.287); however, individual athletes presented poorer sleep quality (p = 0.287).

Conclusion

These results indicate that the elite athletes who present higher orthorexia nervosa tendency had a higher risk of having poorer sleep quality.
Efficacy of Nirgundi Lepa in the Management of Vatakantaka (Plantar Fasciitis): A Case Series
Authors: Yadav Yogesh , Asutkar Sheetal
Published: October 2024

Plantar fasciitis, or Vatakantaka, is a common cause of heel pain characterised by inflammation and swelling in the plantar fascia, leading to discomfort. Standard treatments often yield poor results, which has motivated research into new therapies. The present case series includes 10 patients (five males and five females) with plantar fasciitis who were treated with a topical application of Nirgundi Lepa twice a day for four weeks. Pain levels were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and foot function was evaluated with the Foot Function Index (FFI) at baseline, two weeks after treatment, and at the conclusion of the study. Nirgundi Lepa was applied to the feet of both limbs, resulting in a reduction in pain and an improvement in foot function. VAS scores decreased by an average of 65%, and the FFI-related symptom improvement rate increased to 55%. The therapeutic effects observed during the follow-up period were sustained, with minimal recurrence of symptoms. The present case series illustrates the utility of Nirgundi Lepa in patients with plantar fasciitis, positioning it as an effective non surgical modality for managing heel pain. Further research is needed to confirm these results and assess their value in clinical practice.
Effect of Storage on Chemical Composition and Microbial Count of Carbonated Ready to Serve (RTS) Beverage from Jamun (Syzygium cumini L.)
Authors: Gawade O. U. , Pawar C. D. , Sarangkar A. S. , Kulkarni M. M. , Kadam J. J. , Kasture M. C.
Published: October 2024

The experiment was undertaken at Fruit and Vegetable Processing Unit of College of Horticulture, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Dist-Ratnagiri (Maharashtra State) during the period of May 2023 to January 2024. This study aims to evaluate the effects of carbonation levels and juice-sugar percentage on chemical composition and microbial count of carbonated jamun beverages during storage. Now-a-days there is increase in demand for health-conscious products, driven by evolving consumer preferences and increasing awareness regarding the impact of diet on health. Synthetic drinks which are more popular commercially, are not so healthy or nutritive. So, considering medicinal and nutritive properties of jamun the experiment was undertaken. The experiment was carried out in Factorial Completely Randomized Design (FCRD) with two factors having sixteen treatment combination replicated thrice which consisting of four carbonation levels viz. C1- 40 psi, C2-50 psi, C3-60 psi and C4-70 psi and four juice-sugar levels percentage viz. J1- jamun juice 25% + sugar 75%, J2- jamun juice 30% + sugar 70%, J3- jamun juice 35% + sugar 65% and J4- jamun juice 40% + sugar 60%. From the study it was found that during six months of storage of carbonated RTS beverage from jamun, Total Soluble Solids (TSS), reducing sugars, total sugars and titratable acidity increased from 14.00 to14.68oBrix, 2.34 to 6.37 per cent, 10.19 to 10.98 per cent, 0.20 to 0.33 per cent, respectively whereas pH and anthocyanin decreased from 2.31 to 2.23 and 5.68 to 3.62 mg/100 ml, respectively. During six months of storage, microbial count like fungal and bacterial count increased slightly from 0.00 to 0.15 x 10-4 CFU/ml and 0.00 to 0.11 x 10-4 CFU/ml, respectively.
Effect of Nano Urea on Jamun (Syzygium cuminii L.) Grafts cv Konkan Bahadoli
Authors: Gophane R. S. , Haldankar P. M. , Malshe K. V. , Dalvi N. V. , Kasture M. C.
Published: October 2024

The experiment was conducted during the period 2023-2024 at College of Horticulture, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Ratnagiri. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with twelve treatments viz., T1: Control (Soil + FYM No nano urea treatment), T2: Top dressing (Soil +FYM mixture 2:1 + 2g urea /plant, T3 : Foliar spray of nano urea 500 ppm, T4 : Foliar spray of nano urea 1000 ppm, T5 : Foliar spray of nano urea 1500 ppm, T6: Foliar spray of nano urea 2000 ppm, T7 : Foliar spray of nano urea 2500 ppm, T8 : Drenching of nano urea 1500 ppm, T9 : Drenching of nano urea 2000 ppm, T10 : Drenching of nano urea 2500 ppm, T11 : Drenching of nano urea 3000 ppm,T12 : Drenching on nano urea 3500 ppm. All the treatments replicated thrice. From the findings, it is concluded that grafts drenched with 3000 ppm of nano urea showed outstanding results as that of control. At 270 days, after drenching of 3000 ppm of nano urea, grafts recorded maximum plant height (21.42%), highest stem girth (21.23%), number of branches (15.31 %), number of leaves (18.21 %), leaf area (23.05 %), absolute growth rate (34.73 %), dry weight of shoot (21.50%), dry weight of root (26.89 %), root length (30.72 %). Thus, it can be concluded that drenching of nano urea (3000 ppm) gives significant result to growth of jamun grafts.
Challenging Material Progress: Postcolonial and Eco-critical Perspectives on Indigenous Identity in Orijit Sen’s the River of Stories
Authors: Patil Chetan S. , Kesur Bhupendra N.
Published: October 2024

This research paper critically examines the impact of materialistic progress on the decline of indigenous identity as depicted in Orijit Sen’s graphic novel The River of Stories. Through a postcolonial lens, the study explores how Sen’s narrative captures the adverse effects of modern developmental projects, particularly the construction of the Narmada Dam, on tribal communities. The paper argues that the pursuit of material development, rooted in colonial and neo-colonial ideologies, leads to the systematic marginalization and cultural disintegration of indigenous populations. By juxtaposing the indigenous worldview with the modern, urban perspective, Sen exposes the stark contrasts in attitudes towards land, community, and progress. This research identifies the novel as a significant contribution to postcolonial literature, emphasizing the need to rethink development models that prioritize economic gain over the well-being and preservation of indigenous cultures. The paper further highlights the relevance of Sen’s work in contemporary discussions on sustainable development and cultural preservation, advocating for a more inclusive approach that respects and integrates indigenous knowledge and values.
In vitro Investigation of Phytoconstituents, GC-MS, TLC, Antioxidant activity, Total Phenolic & Flavonoid Contents from Aegle marmelos L (Bael) Leaves Extract
Authors: Kumar Ramesh , Sharma Smrati , Kumar Sidhanshu , Kumar Dinesh , Lagarkha Rekha , Kumar Sanjay , Pandey Maneesha
Published: October 2024

The Rutaceae family includes Aegle marmelos L., a moderately sized aromatic tree that is also known as Bael, Bengal quince, golden apple, Japanese bitter orange, stone apple, or wood apple. It is mostly found in tropical or subtropical regions. Fever, seminal weakness, nausea, vomiting, swellings, diarrhea, dyspepsia, and intermittent fever are the most common ailments that bael leaves are used to treat. Because of their high phenolic and flavonoid content, leaves have anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-thrombotic, cardioprotective, and vasodilatory properties. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the phytochemical components, antioxidant capacity, GC-MS analysis, total phenolic & flavonoid contents in the methanolic extracts of A. marmelos leaves. Various secondary metabolites were observed in the aqueous and methanolic A. marmelos leaf extracts. TLC analysis of methanolic extracts revealed five distinct spots having different Rf values. Total phenolic content was found to be 33 ± 7.62 mg GAE/g, flavonoid content was 307.8 ± 130.12 mg QE/g. The highest antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of A. marmelos leaves was obtained at 1000 µg/ml conc. and it was dose dependent. Many biologically active compounds were present as analysed by GC-MS. The highest peak area of Perylo[1,12-def]-1,3-dioxepin-5,11-dione, 6,12-dihydroxy-8,9-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)-7,10-dimethoxy-, stereoisomer (3.502%) was observed.
Developing An Amr Prototype With Processing Offloading Using 5g Servers For Industry 4.0
Authors: Costa Gledyson Cidade Da , Rodríguez Carlos Manoel Taboada , Leite Jandecy Cabral
Published: October 2024

Background: Industry 4.0, with the integration of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), is profoundly transforming production processes. Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) play a key role in automating logistics operations in factories. However, the growing complexity of these operations requires greater processing capacity, which challenges embedded processors. The proposed solution involves developing a prototype AMR with processing offloading using 5G servers, transferring heavy computational tasks to external servers. This guarantees efficiency and real-time response. Materials and Methods: The aim of this work is to explore offloading via 5G to improve the performance of AMRs in industrial environments, reducing the computational load of robots and optimizing energy efficiency. An architecture was developed that integrates the AMR with the 5G infrastructure, distributing processing between the robot and the servers. The method includes offloading algorithms to balance tasks between local and remote processing, ensuring operation even with temporary loss of connection. Results: The results indicate that offloading via 5G significantly improves the performance of AMRs, optimizing navigation and response to changes in the environment. In addition, the use of external servers reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs, highlighting the viability of this technology in industrial automation. Conclusion: The development of an AMR with processing offloading to 5G servers represents a breakthrough in Industry 4.0. High-speed, low-latency connectivity optimizes control and navigation, improving robot efficiency and performance, reducing energy consumption and increasing component durability
Research On The Agglomeration Effect Of Air Industry Development In Shunyi District Of Beijing
Authors: Yan Lin , Junjun Chen
Published: October 2024

With the continuous deepening of economic globalization, air transportation has become increasingly important. While the aviation economy continues to develop, it also promotes the development of regional economy and forms a new economic growth model. The paper provides an overview of the relevant theories of the airport economy, collects industry data from Beijing and Shunyi District in recent years, analyzes the current development status and agglomeration of the airport industry in Shunyi District, and concludes that the development of the airport industry in Shunyi District has begun to show agglomeration effects through the analysis of the data results.
Toroidal Localized Spoof Plasmons on Compact Metadisks
Authors: Qin Pengfei , Yang Yihao , Musa Muhyiddeen Yahya , Zheng Bin , Wang Zuojia , Hao Ran , Yin Wenyan , Chen Hongsheng , Li Erping
Published: December 2017

Localized spoof surface plasmons (LSSPs) have recently emerged as a new research frontier due to their unique properties and increasing applications. Despite the importance, most of the current researches only focus on electric/magnetic LSSPs. Very recent research has revealed that toroidal LSSPs, LSSPs modes with multipole toroidal moments, can be achieved at a point defect in a 2D groove metal array. However, this metamaterial shows the limitations of large volume and poor compatibility to photonic integrated circuits. To overcome the above challenges, here it is proposed and experimentally demonstrated compact planar metadisks based on split ring resonators to support the toroidal LSSPs at microwave frequencies. Additionally, it is experimentally demonstrated that the toroidal LSSPs resonance is very sensitive to the structure changes and the background medium. These might facilitate its utilization in the design and application of plasmonic deformation sensors and the refractive index sensors.
Multiplex Photoluminescent Silicon Nanoprobe for Diagnostic Bioimaging and Intracellular Analysis
Authors: Keshavarz Meysam , Tan Bo , Venkatakrishnan Krishnan
Published: December 2017

Herein, a label‐free multiplex photoluminescent silicon nanoprobe (PLSN‐probe) is introduced as a potential substitute for quantum dots (QDs) in bioimaging. An inherently non‐photoluminescent silicon substrate is altered to create the PLSN‐probe, to overcome the major drawbacks of presently available QDs. Additionally, crystallinity alterations of the multiplane crystalline PLSN‐probes lead to broad absorption and multiplex fluorescence emissions, which are attributed to the simultaneous existence of multiple crystal planes. The PLSN‐probe not only demonstrates unique optical properties that can be exploited for bioimaging but also exhibits cell‐selective uptake that allows the differentiation and diagnosis of HeLa and fibroblast cells. Moreover, multiplex emissions of the PLSN‐probe illuminate different organelles such as the nucleus, nucleolemma, and cytoskeleton, depending on size‐based preferential uptake by the cell organs. This in vitro study reveals that cancerous HeLa cells have a higher propensity for taking up the PLSN‐probe compared to fibroblast cells, allowing the diagnosis of cancerous HeLa cells. Additionally, the fluorescence intensity per unit area of the cell is found to be a reliable means for distinguishing between dead and healthy cells. It is anticipated that the multifunctionality of the PLSN‐probes will lead to better insight into the use of such probes for bioimaging and diagnosis applications.
n‐Type Azaacenes Containing B←N Units
Authors: Min Yang , Dou Chuandong , Tian Hongkun , Geng Yanhou , Liu Jun , Wang Lixiang
Published: December 2017

We disclose a novel strategy to design n‐type acenes through the introduction of boron–nitrogen coordination bonds (B←N). We synthesized two azaacenes composed of two B←N units and six/eight linearly annelated rings. The B←N unit significantly perturbed the electronic structures of the azaacenes: Unique LUMOs delocalized over the entire acene skeletons and decreased aromaticity of the B←N‐adjacent rings. Most importantly, these B←N‐containing azaacenes exhibited low‐lying LUMO energy levels and high electron affinities, thus leading to n‐type character. The solution‐processed organic field‐effect transistor based on one such azaacene exhibited unipolar n‐type characteristics with an electron mobility of 0.21 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Small Molecule Pin1 Inhibitor Blocking NF‐κB Signaling in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Wu Ke‐Jia , Zhong Hai‐Jing , Yang Guanjun , Wu Chun , Huang Jie‐Min , Li Guodong , Ma Dik‐Lung , Leung Chung‐Hang
Published: December 2017

Prolyl‐isomerase 1 (Pin1) is a conserved enzyme that regulates cell processes such as cell cycle progression, transcriptional regulation, and apoptosis. However, overexpression of Pin1 is correlated with a higher probability of prostate tumor recurrence. We utilized a molecular docking technique to identify Pin1 inhibitors from a database of natural product and natural product‐like compounds. The action of the hit compounds against Pin1 activity was studied using multiple methods, including a fluorometric enzymatic assay, co‐immunoprecipitation, western blotting, cell thermal shiftm, and other techniques. We have identified compound 1 as a natural‐product‐like inhibitor of Pin1 activity via structure‐based virtual screening and showed that compound 1 could target Pin1 and disrupt the interaction between Pin1 and the p65 subunit of NF‐κB in cells. Furthermore, compound 1 reduced nuclear p65 (Thr254) phosphorylation and attenuated NF‐κB activity in cells. Finally, compound 1 induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. Compound 1 represents a natural product‐like Pin1 inhibitor that acts via targeting the Pin1–NF‐κB interaction.
A robust protocol for directed aryl sulfotransferase evolution toward the carbohydrate building block GlcNAc
Authors: Islam Shohana , Mate Diana M. , Martínez Ronny , Jakob Felix , Schwaneberg Ulrich
Published: December 2017

Bacterial aryl sulfotransferases (AST) utilize p‐nitrophenylsulfate (pNPS) as a phenolic donor to sulfurylate typically a phenolic acceptor. Interest in aryl sulfotransferases is growing because of their broad variety of acceptors and cost‐effective sulfuryl‐donors. For instance, aryl sulfotransferase A (ASTA) from Desulfitobacterium hafniense was recently reported to sulfurylate d‐glucose. In this study, a directed evolution protocol was developed and validated for aryl sulfotransferase B (ASTB). Thereby the well‐known pNPS quantification system was advanced to operate efficiently as a continuous screening system in 96‐well MTP format with a true coefficient of variation of 14.3%. A random mutagenesis library (SeSaM library) of ASTB was screened (1,760 clones) to improve sulfurylation of the carbohydrate building block N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc). The beneficial variant ASTB‐V1 (Val579Asp) showed an up to 3.4‐fold increased specific activity toward GlcNAc when compared to ASTB‐WT. HPLC‐ and MS‐analysis confirmed ASTB‐V1's increased GlcNAc monosulfurylation (2.4‐fold increased product formation) representing the validation of the first successful directed evolution round of an AST for a saccharide substrate.
IL‐1α inhibits proliferation and adipogenic differentiation of human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells through NF‐κB‐ and ERK1/2‐mediated proinflammatory cytokines
Authors: Sun Xuerong , Zou Tangbin , Zuo Changqing , Zhang Mingmeng , Shi Benyan , Jiang Zhiwen , Cui Hongjing , Liao Xiaoxin , Li Xiaoyi , Tang Yuelian , Liu Yusheng , Liu Xinguang
Published: December 2017

Dysfunctional adipogenesis such as subcutaneous lipoatrophy is closely related to insulin resistance and metabolic disorders. Although the expression or release of the cytokine interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α) is known to increase in adipose tissue in response to cell death, cell senescence, aging, or solar radiation, the regulatory role of IL‐1α in adipogenesis has not been sufficiently investigated. To investigate the problem, we explored the effect of IL‐1α on the proliferation and adipogenic differentiation of human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) using cell counting, alamarBlue assay, oil red O staining, Western blot, among others. The results showed that IL‐1α evidently inhibited the proliferation and adipogenic differentiation of ADSCs, which might be related with the activated nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 pathways. Early‐stage adipogenic differentiation was more sensitive to IL‐1α than late‐stage differentiation. After differentiation of ADSCs into mature adipocytes, adding of IL‐1α had no obvious influence on the cellular morphology, including lipid droplet accumulation. IL‐1α enhanced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL‐8, IL‐6, CCL2 (C‐C motif chemokine ligand 2), and IL‐1β, when added into the adipogenic medium of ADSCs. Blocking IL‐8 and IL‐6 with neutralizing antibodies partially alleviated the inhibitory effect of IL‐1α on the proliferation and adipogenic differentiation. The results suggest that IL‐1α inhibits adipogenesis through activation of NF‐κB and ERK1/2 pathways and subsequent upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines in ADSCs. IL‐1α might play an important role in mediating lipoatrophy by regulation of ADSCs.
Dealkalization of Red Mud by Carbide Slag and Flue Gas
Authors: Wang Xinke , Zhang Yihe , Liu Jingang , Hu Pan , Meng Ke , Lv Fengzhu , Tong Wangshu , Chu Paul K.
Published: December 2017

Red mud and carbide slag which are industrial waste materials from alumina and chlor‐alkali plants pose environmental risks due to the large production volume. However, reutilization has been limited due to their composition and structure and the large alkali concentration in red mud has hampered utilization of red mud. At the same time, flue gas produced during the process of coal firing is a major environmental threat causing greenhouse effects and fog haze. In this work, alkalis (Na2O) in red mud were released by the alkali and acid methods and carbide slags and flue gas were utilized to remove alkalis from red mud. The effects of the reaction time, temperature, and solid‐to‐liquid ratio on dealkalization of red mud by carbide slag were studied. Flame absorption and X‐ray diffraction were employed to monitor the changes in the red mud before and after dealkalization. Under the optimal conditions, the residual Na2O amount in the red mud after dealkalization using the carbide slag diminished to less than 3 wt%, whereas that of Na2O dropped to less than 2 wt% using flue gas. The pH of the suspension is determined by the acid method. The hydroxysodalite (Na8Al6Si6O24(OH)2) structure in the initial red mud was destroyed and soluble sodium salts formed in the suspension can be easily replaced by carbide slag or flue gas reducing Na2O.
Development of an immunochromatographic strip incorporating anti‐mitragynine monoclonal antibody conjugated to colloidal gold for kratom alkaloids detection
Authors: Limsuwanchote Supattra , Putalun Waraporn , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Morimoto Satoshi , Keawpradub Niwat , Wungsintaweekul Juraithip
Published: December 2017

A lateral flow‐based immunochromatographic strip was developed for the rapid detection of mitragynine (MG), a dominant alkaloid found in the leaves of kratom. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) against MG (anti‐MG mAb) was conjugated to colloidal gold and used as a recognition probe. MG‐ovalbumin conjugate (MG‐OVA) and goat anti‐mouse IgG were immobilized on the strip to produce a test zone and control zone, respectively. Based on the principle of a competitive assay, MG in a test sample competed with MG‐OVA resident in the test zone to bind with colloidal gold‐anti‐MG mAb, resulting in an inverse relation of color intensity at the test zone and MG amount. The limit of detection (LOD) of the immunochromatographic strip is determined at 1 mg/mL of MG by visual assessment and 0.60 mg/mL by Image J analysis. The developed immunochromatographic strip can determine MG in kratom cocktails and kratom leaf samples. It could serve as a rapid and simple diagnostic kit for the detection of MG in kratom samples.
Tillage and herbicide reduction mitigate the gap between conventional and organic farming effects on foraging activity of insectivorous bats
Authors: Barré Kévin , Le Viol Isabelle , Julliard Romain , Chiron François , Kerbiriou Christian
Published: December 2017

The increased use of pesticides and tillage intensification is known to negatively affect biodiversity. Changes in these agricultural practices such as herbicide and tillage reduction have variable effects among taxa, especially at the top of the trophic network including insectivorous bats. Very few studies compared the effects of agricultural practices on such taxa, and overall, only as a comparison of conventional versus organic farming without accurately accounting for underlying practices, especially in conventional where many alternatives exist. Divergent results founded in these previous studies could be driven by this lack of clarification about some unconsidered practices inside both conventional and organic systems. We simultaneously compared, over whole nights, bat activity on contiguous wheat fields of one organic and three conventional farming systems located in an intensive agricultural landscape. The studied organic fields (OT) used tillage (i.e., inversion of soil) without chemical inputs. In studied conventional fields, differences consisted of the following: tillage using few herbicides (T), conservation tillage (i.e., no inversion of soil) using few herbicides (CT), and conservation tillage using more herbicide (CTH), to control weeds. Using 64 recording sites (OT = 12; T = 21; CT = 13; CTH = 18), we sampled several sites per system placed inside the fields each night. We showed that bat activity was always higher in OT than in T systems for two (Pipistrellus kuhlii and Pipistrellus pipistrellus) of three species and for one (Pipistrellus spp.) of two genera, as well as greater species richness. The same results were found for the CT versus T system comparison. CTH system showed higher activity than T for only one genus (Pipistrellus spp.). We did not detect any differences between OT and CT systems, and CT showed higher activity than CTH system for only one species (Pipistrellus kuhlii). Activity in OT of Pipistrellus spp. was overall 3.6 and 9.3 times higher than CTH and T systems, respectively, and 6.9 times higher in CT than T systems. Our results highlight an important benefit of organic farming and contrasted effects in conventional farming. That there were no differences detected between the organic and one conventional system is a major result. This demonstrates that even if organic farming is presently difficult to implement and requires a change of economic context for farmers, considerable and easy improvements in conventional farming are attainable, while maintaining yields and approaching the ecological benefits of organic methods.
Different responses of ecosystem carbon exchange to warming in three types of alpine grassland on the central Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Ganjurjav Hasbagan , Hu Guozheng , Wan Yunfan , Li Yue , Danjiu Luobu , Gao Qingzhu
Published: December 2017

Climate is a driver of terrestrial ecosystem carbon exchange, which is an important product of ecosystem function. The Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau has recently been subjected to a marked increase in temperature as a consequence of global warming. To explore the effects of warming on carbon exchange in grassland ecosystems, we conducted a whole‐year warming experiment between 2012 and 2014 using open‐top chambers placed in an alpine meadow, an alpine steppe, and a cultivated grassland on the central Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. We measured the gross primary productivity, net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE), ecosystem respiration, and soil respiration using a chamber‐based method during the growing season. The results show that after 3 years of warming, there was significant stimulation of carbon assimilation and emission in the alpine meadow, but both these processes declined in the alpine steppe and the cultivated grassland. Under warming conditions, the soil water content was more important in stimulating ecosystem carbon exchange in the meadow and cultivated grassland than was soil temperature. In the steppe, the soil temperature was negatively correlated with ecosystem carbon exchange. We found that the ambient soil water content was significantly correlated with the magnitude of warming‐induced change in NEE. Under high soil moisture condition, warming has a significant positive effect on NEE, while it has a negative effect under low soil moisture condition. Our results highlight that the NEE in steppe and cultivated grassland have negative responses to warming; after reclamation, the natural meadow would subject to loose more C in warmer condition. Therefore, under future warmer condition, the overextension of cultivated grassland should be avoided and scientific planning of cultivated grassland should be achieved.
Petrogenesis of the early Permian Yejili mafic–ultramafic intrusion in the Alxa Block, western margin of the North China Craton
Authors: Jiao Jiangang , Wang Mengxi , Lu Hao , Duan Jun
Published: December 2017

The ~287 Ma Yejili mafic–ultramafic intrusion in the southern Alxa Block mainly consists of lherzolite, wehrlite, and gabbro. Rocks from the lherzolite and wehrlite have olivine with Fo values ranging from 87.4 to 88.6 mol.% and from 81.6 to 87.4 mol.%, respectively, indicating crystallization from a moderately evolved magma, that is a mixing of 5% to 7% upper crust contaminant with the primitive magma modelling by Sr–Nd isotopic compositions. Samples from the Yejili intrusion generally have low and variable PGE (0.2 to 4.7 ppb) and display trough‐like primitive mantle‐normalized chalcophile element patterns with relatively high Cu/Pd ratios (40,967 to 412,727) and positive correlation between Y/Pd and Y/Pt ratios, indicating derivation possibly from sulphide‐saturated magmas. However, the small degree of crustal contamination and high Ni concentrations of olivine from lherzolite and wehrlite suggest possible small‐scale sulphide segregation for the Yejili intrusion. In addition, the positive correlation between Fo and Ni concentrations of olivine from the wehrlite suggests the sulphide segregation may have occurred in a deep‐seated staging magma chamber and the sulphide did not enter into the shallow magma chamber because of the high densities. On the other hand, the Yejili intrusion has εNd(t)values (+1.1 to +2.6) much lower than the corresponding depleted mantle and the initial206Pb/204Pb ratios ranging from 17.88 to 18.11, indicating a weakly depleted source. In addition, the slight enrichment of LREE relative to HREE and positive LILE and negative HFSE (e.g., Nb, Ta, Zr, and Hf) anomalies in primitive mantle‐normalized trace element patterns of rocks from the Yejili intrusion differ from MORB and OIB from the convecting mantle, suggesting the weakly depleted source may have resulted from the metasomatism of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle by slab‐derived fluid/melt. Therefore, the arc‐like geochemical features and low Ca concentration of olivine from lherzolite and wehrlite for the Yejili intrusion indicate a subduction‐related origin, rather than an extensional environment. We thus suggest that the early Permian magmatism in the periphery of the Alxa Block was associated with southward subduction of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean.
Central China Orogen along the Silk Road (Part I): Tectono‐thermal evolution and its links
Authors: Li Sanzhong , Suo Yanhui , Yu Shengyao , Li Rongxi , Yang Gaoxue , Somerville I.D.
Published: December 2017

This Special Issue volume on the Central China Orogen includes 35 papers involving the geology along the Ancient Silk Road in China. All the papers focus on tectono‐thermal evolution and its links.
The geochronologic and geochemical constraints on the Early Cretaceous subduction magmatism in the central Lhasa subterrane, Tibet
Authors: Huang Yu , Zhao Zhidan , Zhu Di‐Cheng , Liu Yunhua , Liu Dong , Zhou Qunjun , Gao Shasha
Published: December 2017

A large volume of Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks are exposed in the central Lhasa subterrane, which are essential for models developed for understanding the evolution of Lhasa Terrane. However, the petrogenesis and geodynamic background of these rocks are still in debate. In this paper, we carried out a detailed study on the volcanic rocks of the Zenong Group, including andesite, dacite, and rhyolite from the Coqen area in the central Lhasa subterrane. Zircons from one dacitic tuff yields an age of 115.3 ± 1.1 Ma. All the rocks are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs), Th, U, and Pb and depleted in high field strength elements (HFSEs, e.g. Nb, Ta, P, and Ti). The dacite and rhyolite samples are high‐K calc‐alkaline to shoshonitic and are metaluminous to peraluminous. These felsic samples are characterized by negative ƐNd(t) (−8.9 to −2.1) and ƐHf(t) (−8.1 to −5.6) and have high radiogenic Pb isotopic composition (206Pb/204Pb = 18.6287–19.5578, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.7161–15.7720, and 208Pb/204Pb = 39.1440–40.6253). Particularly, a negative correlation between the ƐNd(t) values and SiO2 contents can be observed in these dacites and rhyolites. Meanwhile, the andesites exhibit similar Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions to dacites and rhyolites (ƐNd(t) = −4.3; 206Pb/204Pb = 18.7119–18.8575, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.7159–15.7203, and 208Pb/204Pb = 39.2944–39.6036). Our new data indicate that different geochemical reservoirs are involved in generating the ca. 115 Ma magmatism in the central Lhasa subterrane. It is likely that dacites and rhyolites are derived from the magma mixing between the ancient basement‐derived melts and mantle‐derived melts with varying degrees of partial melting. The andesites might originate from partial melting of an ancient lithospheric mantle that have been metasomatized by fluids and/or melts derived from the Tethyan oceanic slab. Our results, together with recent studies, suggest that the Zenong Group volcanic rocks in the Coqen area may represent the magmatic responses to the break‐off of the southward subduction of the Bangong–Nujiang Tethyan oceanic slab.
Oseltamivir‐resistant influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus associated with high case fatality, India 2015
Authors: Tandel Kundan , Sharma Shashi , Dash Paban Kumar , Parida ManMohan
Published: December 2017

Influenza A viruses has been associated with severe global pandemics of high morbidity and mortality with devastating impact on human health and global economy. India witnessed a major outbreak of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in 2015. This study comprises detailed investigation of cases died of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection during explosive outbreak of 2015, in central part of India. To find out presence of drug resistant virus among patients who died of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection and to find out presence of other mutations contributing to the morbidity and mortality. Twenty‐two patients having confirmed influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection and subsequently died of this infection along with 20 non fatal cases with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection were included in the study. Samples were investigated through RT‐PCR/RFLP analysis, followed by nucleotide cycle sequencing of whole NA gene for detection of H275Y amino acid substitution in NA gene responsible for oseltamivir drug resistance. Out of 22 fatal cases, 6 (27.27%) were found to harbor oseltamivir resistant virus strains, whereas the H275Y mutation was not observed among the 20 non fatal cases. Amino acid substitution analysis of complete NA gene revealed V241I, N369K, N386K substitution in all strains playing synergistic role in oseltamivir drug resistance. High morbidity and mortality associated with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses can be explained by presence of drug resistant strains circulating in this outbreak. Presence of Oseltamivir resistant influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses is a cause of great concern and warrants continuous screening for the circulation of drug resistant strains.
Confirmatory molecular method for HTLV‐1/2 infection in high‐risk pregnant women
Authors: Medeiros Ana C. M. , Vidal Luine R. R. , Von Linsingen Renate , Ferin Aline N. , Bessani Strapasson Talita , de Almeida Sergio M. , Raboni Sonia M. , Carvalho Newton S. , Bordignon Nogueira Meri
Published: December 2017

Human T‐cell lymphotropic virus types 1/2 (HTLV‐1/2) are transmitted through sexual intercourse, transfusion of blood components, and vertical transmission, predominantly through breastfeeding. Six hundred forty‐three pregnant women from a high‐risk prenatal care unit at a general hospital were tested by serological tests using chemiluminescence (CMIA) for screening, followed by a molecular confirmatory test. Four patients (0.6%) tested positive for HTLV‐1/2 by CMIA, two samples (0.3%) for each patient were confirmed as having HTLV‐1 or HTLV‐2 by PCR. The results show the importance of inclusion of HTLV‐1/2 screening for pregnant women in high‐risk prenatal care and the need for a molecular biological method to confirm HTLV‐1/2 infection.
Supervisor expediency to employee expediency: The moderating role of leader–member exchange and the mediating role of employee unethical tolerance
Authors: Greenbaum Rebecca L. , Mawritz Mary B. , Bonner Julena M. , Webster Brian D. , Kim Joseph
Published: December 2017

We utilize social learning theory to test the role‐modeling effect of supervisor expediency (i.e., a supervisor's use of unethical practices to expedite work for self‐serving purposes). In particular, we examine the relationship between supervisor expediency and employee expediency, as moderated by leader–member exchange (LMX) and mediated by employee unethical tolerance. We predict that employees are more likely to model their supervisors' expedient behaviors when their relationship is characterized by high‐LMX (a high‐quality exchange relationship that is rich in socioemotional support). Furthermore, we argue that supervisor expediency, especially when LMX is high, influences employees' attitudes of unethical tolerance, which then affects employees' expedient behaviors. Across 2 multisource field studies and a third time‐lagged field study, we found general support for our theoretical predictions. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Artificially modified collagen fibril orientation affects leather tear strength
Authors: Kelly Susyn J , Wells Hannah C , Sizeland Katie H , Kirby Nigel , Edmonds Richard L , Ryan Tim , Hawley Adrian , Mudie Stephen , Haverkamp Richard G
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Ovine leather has around half the tear strength of bovine leather and is therefore not suitable for high‐value applications such as shoes. Tear strength has been correlated with the natural collagen fibril alignment (orientation index, OI). It is hypothesized that it could be possible to artificially increase the OI of the collagen fibrils and that an artificial increase in OI could increase tear strength.

RESULTS

Ovine skins, after pickling and bating, were strained biaxially during chrome tanning. The strain ranged from 2 to 15% of the initial sample length, either uniformly in both directions by 10% or with 3% in one direction and 15% in the other. Once tanned, the leather tear strengths were measured and the collagen fibril orientation was measured using synchrotron‐based small‐angle X‐ray scattering.

CONCLUSION

The OI increased as a result of strain during tanning from 0.48 to 0.79 (P = 0.001) measured edge‐on and the thickness‐normalized tear strength increased from 27 to 43 N mm−1 (P < 0.001) after leather was strained 10% in two orthogonal directions. This is evidence to support a causal relationship between high OI (measured edge‐on), highly influenced by thickness, and tear strength. It also provides a method to produce stronger leather. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Development and validation of a stability‐indicating HPLC method for topiramate using a mixed‐mode column and charged aerosol detector
Authors: Pinto Eduardo Costa , Gonçalves Mariana da Silva , Cabral Lucio Mendes , Armstrong Daniel W. , de Sousa Valéria Pereira
Published: December 2017

The analysis of topiramate in the presence of its main degradation products is challenging due to the absence of chromophore moieties and their wide range of polarity. Mixed‐mode chromatography has been used in such cases because it combines two or more modes of separation. Charged aerosol detector is also an alternative since its detection is independent of optical properties and analyte ionization. This study is aimed to develop and validate two new stability‐indicating methods by high‐performance liquid chromatography for the main degradation products of topiramate using mixed‐mode chromatography and a charged aerosol detector. Method 1 employed an Acclaim Trinity P1® column (3.0 mm × 150 mm, 2.7 μm) with a mobile phase comprising of 80% ammonium acetate buffer (20 mM, pH 4.0) and 20% methanol at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min at 35°C. Method 2 utilized a C18 Acclaim 120® column (4.6 mm × 250 mm; 5 μm) with ACN/water (50:50) at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min at 50°C. Validation of the two methods demonstrated excellent performance with respect to linearity, precision, accuracy, and selectivity. The limits of detection for topiramate, fructose, sulfate, sulfamate, and compound A were 2.97, 12.08, 4.02, 13.91, and 3.94 μg/mL, respectively.
Applications of 3‐Dimensional Ultrasonography in the Neck, Excluding the Thyroid
Authors: Frank Susan J. , Koenigsberg Tova , Gutman David , Koenigsberg Mordecai
Published: December 2017

Ultrasonography (US) of the neck is an accepted, useful imaging modality for many applications beyond its usefulness in thyroid disease. Two‐dimensional US has been effectively used for evaluation of many types of neck conditions, and now, 3‐dimensional US can be added to the imaging armamentaria. Three‐dimensional US is useful in the evaluation of cervical lymph nodes, recurrent/residual thyroid neoplasia, parathyroid glands, parotid and submandibular glands, as well as thyroglossal duct cysts and other assorted palpable and visible abnormalities because of its unique capabilities, including multiplanar reconstruction, accessibility of the coronal view, volume calculation, and regularly spaced incremental slice evaluation.