bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Safe is Chicken Litter for Land Application as an Organic Fertilizer?: A Review
Authors: Kyakuwaire Margaret , Olupot Giregon , Amoding Alice , Nkedi-Kizza Peter , Ateenyi Basamba Twaha
Published: September 2019

Chicken litter application on land as an organic fertilizer is the cheapest and most environmentally safe method of disposing of the volume generated from the rapidly expanding poultry industry worldwide. However, little is known about the safety of chicken litter for land application and general release into the environment. Bridging this knowledge gap is crucial for maximizing the benefits of chicken litter as an organic fertilizer and mitigating negative impacts on human and environmental health. The key safety concerns of chicken litter are its contamination with pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, helminthes, parasitic protozoa, and viruses; antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant genes; growth hormones such as egg and meat boosters; heavy metals; and pesticides. Despite the paucity of literature about chicken litter safety for land application, the existing information was scattered and disjointed in various sources, thus making them not easily accessible and difficult to interpret. We consolidated scattered pieces of information about known contaminants found in chicken litter that are of potential risk to human, animal, and environmental health and how they are spread. This review tested the hypothesis that in its current form, chicken litter does not meet the minimum standards for application as organic fertilizer. The review entails a meta-analysis of technical reports, conference proceedings, peer-reviewed journal articles, and internet texts. Our findings indicate that direct land application of chicken litter could be harming animal, human, and environmental health. For example, counts of pathogenic strains of Eschericia coli (105–1010 CFU g−1) and Coliform bacteria (106–108 CFU g−1) exceeded the maximum permissible limits (MPLs) for land application. In Australia, 100% of broiler litter tested was contaminated with Actinobacillus and re-used broiler litter was more contaminated with Salmonella than non-re-used broiler litter. Similarly, in the US, all (100%) broiler litter was contaminated with Eschericia coli containing genes resistant to over seven antibiotics, particularly amoxicillin, ceftiofur, tetracycline, and sulfonamide. Chicken litter is also contaminated with a vast array of antibiotics and heavy metals. There are no standards set specifically for chicken litter for most of its known contaminants. Even where standards exist for related products such as compost, there is wide variation across countries and bodies mandated to set standards for safe disposal of organic wastes. More rigorous studies are needed to ascertain the level of contamination in chicken litter from both broilers and layers, especially in developing countries where there is hardly any data; set standards for all the contaminants; and standardize these standards across all agencies, for safe disposal of chicken litter on land.
Sensory Processing Issues and Their Association with Social Difficulties in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Kojovic Nada , Ben Hadid Lylia , Franchini Martina , Schaer Marie
Published: September 2019

Sensory processing issues have been frequently reported in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), but their relationship with social and overall adaptive functioning has not been extensively characterized to date. Here, we investigate how sensory processing atypicalities relate with deficits in social skills, impaired social cognition, and general adaptive functioning in a group of preschoolers with ASD. Sixty-four children with ASD aged 3 to 6 were included in this study, along with 36 age-matched typically-developing (TD) peers. Parent-reported measures of sensory processing, social difficulties and overall adaptive functioning were collected for all children. We also obtained precise measures of social attention deployment using a custom-design eye-tracking task depicting naturalistic social scenes. Within the group of children with ASD, higher intensities of sensory issues were associated with more prominent social difficulties and lower adaptive functioning. We also found that children with ASD who had more sensory issues showed visual exploration patterns of social scenes that strongly deviated from the one seen in the TD group. The association of sensory processing atypicalities with “higher-order” functional domains such as social and adaptive functioning in children with ASD stresses the importance of further research on sensory symptoms in autism.
Is There a Link between Basal Metabolic Rate, Spleen Volume and Hepatic Growth Factor Levels in Patients with Obesity-Related NAFLD?
Authors: Tarantino Giovanni , Citro Vincenzo , Conforti Paolo , Balsano Clara , Capone Domenico
Published: September 2019

Background: Recent pieces of research point to a link between basal metabolic rate (BMR) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or hepatic steatosis (HS). The spleen in obese patients is associated with the cardiovascular system. Enlargement of the spleen is suggestive of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Patients with NASH present an increase in growth factor (HGF) as well as those with advanced heart failure. Interleukin-16 and interleukin-12p40 levels were found to correlate significantly with BMI, and waist circumference. Aim: We tried to find a relationship between BMR, spleen length and HGF. Methods: We analysed retrospective data from 80 obese patients with NAFLD. We evaluated indices of indirect calorimetry by the bioimpendance analysis; carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), spleen length (SLD) and HS by ultrasonography; serum HGF, IL-16, IL-12p40 and IL-6 concentrations by a magnetic bead-based multiplex immunoassays and the severity of NAFLD by BARD score > 2. Results: HGF levels of the obese were higher than those of controls, p < 0.001. At linear regression, BMR was foreseen by spleen length (p < 0.001), which was predicted by HGF (p = 0.04). BMR was predicted by IL-16 (p = 0.005), which predicted HGF, p = 0.034. Only fat mass, among other factors, predicted early atherosclerosis, p = 0.017; IL-12p40 did not predict IMT, HGF and BMR (p = 0.57, 0.09 and 0.59, respectively). The BARD score > 2 was negatively predicted by BMR and FFM (p =0.032 and 0.031, respectively), at the logistic regression. Interesting findings at the extended regression (mediation effect) were: IL-16 was likely causal in predicting BMR by HGF levels; HGF was influential in predicting BMR by SLD level. HS was predicted by SLD in males (p = 0.014), of advanced age (p < 0.001) and by BMR (p < 0.001). IL-6 concentrations, but not BMR were influential in the prediction of HS by SLD. Conclusion: These data reinforce the concept that the immune system is a sensor of the metabolic state, showing a link between HGF levels and BMR, which is mediated by IL-16 (cytokine inducing a cascade of inflammatory factors), and ascertaining the influential effect of the spleen, as main immune organ.
The Overlooked Immune State in Candidemia: A Risk Factor for Mortality
Authors: Ortega-Loubon Christian , Cano-Hernández Beatriz , Poves-Alvarez Rodrigo , Muñoz-Moreno María Fe , Román-García Patricia , Balbás-Alvarez Sara , de la Varga-Martínez Olga , Gómez-Sánchez Esther , Gómez-Pesquera Estefanía , Lorenzo-López Mario , Tamayo Eduardo , Heredia-Rodríguez María
Published: September 2019

Lymphopenia has been related to increased mortality in septic patients. Nonetheless, the impact of lymphocyte count on candidemia mortality and prognosis has not been addressed. We conducted a retrospective study, including all admitted patients with candidemia from 2007 to 2016. We examined lymphocyte counts during the first 5 days following the diagnosis of candidemia. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between lymphocyte count and mortality. Classification and Regression Tree analysis was used to identify the best cut-off of lymphocyte count for mortality associated with candidemia. From 296 cases of candidemia, 115 died, (39.8% 30-day mortality). Low lymphocyte count was related to mortality and poor outcome (p < 0.001). Lymphocyte counts <0.703 × 109 cells/L at diagnosis (area under the curve (AUC)-ROC, 0.783 ± 0.042; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.700–0.867, p < 0.001), and lymphocyte count <1.272 × 109 cells/L five days later (AUC-ROC, 0.791 ± 0.038; 95%CI, 0.716–0.866, p < 0.001) increased the odds of mortality five-fold (odds ratio (OR), 5.01; 95%CI, 2.39–10.93) at time of diagnosis, and three-fold (OR, 3.27; 95%CI, 1.24–8.62) by day 5, respectively. Low lymphocyte count is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with candidemia and might serve as a biomarker for predicting candidemia-associated mortality and poor outcome.
A Novel Automatic Method to Estimate Visual Acuity and Analyze the Retinal Vasculature in Retinal Vein Occlusion Using Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Díez-Sotelo Marta , Díaz Macarena , Abraldes Maximino , Gómez-Ulla Francisco , G. Penedo Manuel , Ortega Marcos
Published: September 2019

The assessment of vascular biomarkers and their correlation with visual acuity is one of the most important issues in the diagnosis and follow-up of retinal vein occlusions (RVOs). The high workloads of clinical practice make it necessary to have a fast, objective, and automatic method to analyze image features and correlate them with visual function. The aim of this study is to propose a fully automatic system which is capable of estimating visual acuity (VA) in RVO eyes, based only on information obtained from macular optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images. We also propose an automatic methodology to rapidly measure the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and the vascular density (VD) in the superficial and deep capillary plexuses in swept-source OCTA images centered on the fovea. The proposed methodology is validated using a representative sample of 133 visits of 50 RVO patients. Our methodology estimates VA with very high precision and is even more accurate when we integrate depth information, providing a high correlation index of 0.869 with the real VA, which outperforms the correlation index of 0.855 obtained when estimating VA from the data obtained by the semiautomatic existing method. In conclusion, the proposed method is the first computational system able to estimate VA in RVO, with the additional benefits of being automatic, less time-consuming, objective and more accurate. Furthermore, the proposed method is able to integrate depth information, a feature which is lacking in the existing method.
Tracking Tagged Inventory in Unstructured Environments through Probabilistic Dependency Graphs
Authors: Rajaraman Mabaran , Philen Glenn , Shimada Kenji
Published: September 2019

Logging and tracking raw materials, workpieces and engineered products for seamless and quick pulls is a complex task in the construction and shipbuilding industries due to lack of structured storage solutions. Additional uncertainty is introduced if workpieces are stacked and moved by multiple stakeholders without maintaining an active and up-to-date log of such movements. While there are frameworks proposed to improve workpiece pull times using a variety of tracking modes based on deterministic approaches, there is little discussion of cases wherein direct observations are sparse due to occlusions from stacking and interferences. Our work addresses this problem by: logging visible part locations and timestamps, through a network of custom designed observation devices; and building a graph-based model to identify events that highlight part interactions and estimate stack formation to search for parts that are not directly observable. By augmenting the site workers and equipment with our wearable devices, we avoid adding additional cognitive effort for the workers. Native building blocks of the graph-based model were evaluated through simulations. Experiments were also conducted in an active shipyard to validate our proposed system.
Numerical Solution of the Cauchy-Type Singular Integral Equation with a Highly Oscillatory Kernel Function
Authors: SAIRA  , Xiang Shuhuang , Liu Guidong
Published: September 2019

This paper aims to present a Clenshaw–Curtis–Filon quadrature to approximate thesolution of various cases of Cauchy-type singular integral equations (CSIEs) of the second kind witha highly oscillatory kernel function. We adduce that the zero case oscillation (k = 0) proposed methodgives more accurate results than the scheme introduced in Dezhbord at el. (2016) and Eshkuvatovat el. (2009) for small values of N. Finally, this paper illustrates some error analyses and numericalresults for CSIEs.
The Potential of Neoagaro-Oligosaccharides as a Treatment of Type II Diabetes in Mice
Authors: Lin Fudi , Yang Dongda , Huang Yayan , Zhao Yan , Ye Jing , Xiao Meitian
Published: September 2019

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accounts for more than 90% of cases of diabetes mellitus, which is harmful to human health. Herein, neoagaro-oligosaccharides (NAOs) were prepared and their potential as a treatment of T2DM was evaluated in KunMing (KM) mice. Specifically, a T2DM mice model was established by the combination of a high-fat diet (HFD) and alloxan injection. Consequently, the mice were given different doses of NAOs (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) and the differences among groups of mice were recorded. As a result of the NAOs treatment, the fasting blood glucose (FBG) was lowered and the glucose tolerance was improved as compared with the model group. As indicated by the immunohistochemistry assay, the NAOs treatment was able to ameliorate hepatic macrovesicular steatosis and hepatocyte swelling, while it also recovered the number of pancreatic β-cells. Additionally, NAOs administration benefited the antioxidative capacity in mice as evidenced by the upregulation of both glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity and the significant reduction of the malondialdehyde concentration. Furthermore, NAOs, as presented by Western blotting, increased the expression of p-ERK1/2, p-JNK, NQO1, HO-1, and PPARγ, via the MAPK, Nrf2, and PPARγ signaling pathways, respectively. In conclusion, NAOs can be used to treat some complications caused by T2DM, and are beneficial in controlling the level of blood glucose and ameliorating the damage of the liver and pancreatic islands.
Nurr1, Pitx3, and α7 nAChRs mRNA Expression in Nigral Tissue of Rats with Pedunculopontine Neurotoxic Lesion
Authors: Blanco-Lezcano Lisette , Alberti-Amador Esteban , González-Fraguela María Elena , Zaldívar-Lelo de Larrea Guadalupe , Pérez-Serrano Rosa Martha , Jiménez-Luna Nadia Angélica , Serrano-Sánchez Teresa , Francis-Turner Liliana , Camejo-Rodriguez Dianet , Vega-Hurtado Yamilé
Published: September 2019

Background and Objectives: The knowledge that the cholinergic neurons from pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) are vulnerable to the degeneration in early stages of the Parkinson disease progression has opened new perspectives to the development of experimental model focused in pontine lesions that could increase the risk of nigral degeneration. In this context it is known that PPN lesioned rats exhibit early changes in the gene expression of proteins responsible for dopaminergic homeostasis. At the same time, it is known that nicotinic cholinergic receptors (nAChRs) mediate the excitatory influence of pontine-nigral projection. However, the effect of PPN injury on the expression of transcription factors that modulate dopaminergic neurotransmission in the adult brain as well as the α7 nAChRs gene expression has not been studied. The main objective of the present work was the study of the effects of the unilateral neurotoxic lesion of PPN in nuclear receptor-related factor 1 (Nurr1), paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 3 (Pitx3), and α7 nAChRs mRNA expression in nigral tissue. Materials and Methods: The molecular biology studies were performed by means of RT-PCR. The following experimental groups were organized: Non-treated rats, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-lesioned rats, and Sham operated rats. Experimental subjects were sacrificed 24 h, 48 h and seven days after PPN lesion. Results: Nurr1 mRNA expression, showed a significant increase both 24 h (p < 0.001) and 48 h (p < 0.01) after PPN injury. Pitx3 mRNA expression evidenced a significant increase 24 h (p < 0.001) followed by a significant decrease 48 h and seven days after PPN lesion (p < 0.01). Finally, the α7 nAChRs nigral mRNA expression remained significantly diminished 24 h, 48 h (p < 0.001), and 7 days (p < 0.01) after PPN neurotoxic injury. Conclusion: Taking together these modifications could represent early warning signals and could be the preamble to nigral neurodegeneration events.
Compliance and Treatment Outcomes of Various Regimens for Trichomoniasis in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Divakaruni Aruna Kumari , Mahabir Bisram , Orrett F. A. , Adidam Sneha Rao , Venkata Srikanth Adidam , Adidam V. Chalapathi Rao , Divakaruni Srinivas
Published: September 2019

Trichomoniasis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease (STD) globally and yet is not a reportable disease. Trichomonas vaginalis is an important source of reproductive morbidity and may increase risk of acquisition and transmission of human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV). The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Control Disease Center (CDC) recommend various regimens of nitroimidazole s for treatment. The common nitroimidazoles used for trichomoniasis are metronidazole and tinidazole, which vary in their cost, efficacy, and side effect profile. It is relevant to study these factors for better management of the patients. This study aimed to compare and study the efficacy, compliance of various treatment regimens, their outcomes, and side-effects for trichomoniasis, among STI clinic attendees in Trinidad. A clinical trial study was designed, and after obtaining the informed consent, a routine clinical examination was conducted and the swabs for trichomoniasis tests were collected for diagnosis from the 692 participants. Out of 692 participants, 82 patients with positive diagnosis of Trichomonas infection were treated according to the patient’s choice, using different drug regimens. Compliance to treatment, side effects, and outcome were evaluated. The prevalence of trichomoniasis in the population attending our STI clinic is 11.9% and prevalence of HIV is 9%. Of the total 82 participants for the treatment, 80% were females; nearly 90% of the patients belonged to age group 15–45 years, and over 60% were below 30 years. Among those diagnosed for Trichomonas vaginalis, 14.6% had coexistent HIV infection. The compliance with respect to single dose treatment was significantly better than the long-duration oral regimen and has a significant relation with side effects of the treatment. The outcome is generally better and comparable and shows no significant difference between different treatment regimens used in the study. Metronidazole and tinidazole are commonly used drugs in various regimens. Compliance is better with those treated with tinidazole and metronidazole single dose than with other groups. Outcome is comparable between these regimens, especially when combined with other important factors like abstinence and treatment of the partners. The treatment regimens mainly differed in the compliance side effects profile and duration of therapy, which suggests that to improve the compliance of the drugs with fewer side effects, short course regimen would be a preferred choice.
Sexuality in Ageing Male: Review of Pathophysiology and Treatment Strategies for Various Male Sexual Dysfunctions
Authors: Chung Eric
Published: September 2019

Sexual function among older men is often thought to decrease as part of normal ageing biology despite the fact that sexuality remains an important issue in the elderly. Sexual dysfunction in the aged male is likely multifactorial in nature, with the development and/or progression of medical comorbidities often resulting in decline in male sexual function and poor treatment response. At present, sexual dysfunction in the ageing male is poorly investigated and understood, and current treatment strategies aim at improving sexual desire and erectile function with limited data on ejaculatory and orgasmic dysfunctions. In addition, men are often reticent to seek help for health concerns including sexual dysfunction. The following article provides a narrative review of strategies to address various aspects of sexual dysfunction in the ageing male. Clinicians need to be educated to be sensitive when discussing sexuality issues among older men and to present practical solutions that take into account individual and cultural differences.
Fabrication and Evaluation of Trimethylmethoxysilane (TMMOS)-Derived Membranes for Gas Separation
Authors: Mise Yoshihiro , Ahn So-Jin , Takagaki Atsushi , Kikuchi Ryuji , Oyama Shigeo
Published: September 2019

Gas separation membranes were fabricated with varying trimethylmethoxysilane (TMMOS)/tetraethoxy orthosilicate (TEOS) ratios by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method at 650 °C and atmospheric pressure. The membrane had a high H2 permeance of 8.3 × 10−7 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1 with H2/CH4 selectivity of 140 and H2/C2H6 selectivity of 180 at 300 °C. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements indicated existence of methyl groups at high preparation temperature (650 °C), which led to a higher hydrothermal stability of the TMMOS-derived membranes than of a pure TEOS-derived membrane. Temperature-dependence measurements of the permeance of various gas species were used to establish a permeation mechanism. It was found that smaller species (He, H2, and Ne) followed a solid-state diffusion model while larger species (N2, CO2, and CH4) followed a gas translational diffusion model.
Synthesis, Transfer, and Gas Separation Characteristics of MOF-Templated Polymer Membranes
Authors: Schmitt Sophia , Shishatskiy Sergey , Krolla Peter , An Qi , Begum Salma , Welle Alexander , Hashem Tawheed , Grosjean Sylvain , Abetz Volker , Bräse Stefan , Wöll Christof , Tsotsalas Manuel
Published: September 2019

This paper discusses the potential of polymer networks, templated by crystalline metal–organic framework (MOF), as novel selective layer material in thin film composite membranes. The ability to create mechanically stable membranes with an ultra-thin selective layer of advanced polymer materials is highly desirable in membrane technology. Here, we describe a novel polymeric membrane, which is synthesized via the conversion of a surface anchored metal–organic framework (SURMOF) into a surface anchored gel (SURGEL). The SURGEL membranes combine the high variability in the building blocks and the possibility to control the network topology and membrane thickness of the SURMOF synthesis with high mechanical and chemical stability of polymers. Next to the material design, the transfer of membranes to suitable supports is also usually a challenging task, due to the fragile nature of the ultra-thin films. To overcome this issue, we utilized a porous support on top of the membrane, which is mechanically stable enough to allow for the easy membrane transfer from the synthesis substrate to the final membrane support. To demonstrate the potential for gas separation of the synthesized SURGEL membranes, as well as the suitability of the transfer method, we determined the permeance for eight gases with different kinetic diameters.
Analysis, Validation and Optimization of the Multi-Stage Sequential Wiredrawing Process of EN AW-1370 Aluminium
Authors: Rodríguez-Alabanda Óscar , Romero Pablo E. , Molero Esther , Guerrero-Vaca Guillermo
Published: September 2019

For the wiredrawing of aluminium, the initial wire rod is obtained by continuous inverted casting. The raw geometry is industrially processed in a linear multi-step wiredrawing sequence to obtain a wire that is commonly used for the manufacture of electrical conductors. In the present work a complete study of the material has been made. The experimental procedure consisted in the realization of a sequence of section reduction stages in the laboratory, a sequence designed following the technological criteria recommended by the manufacturer of the drawing machine in which the industrial process will be implemented. From the specimens corresponding to each reduction step, it has been possible to know the evolution of the main mechanical properties when this pure aluminium is processed by wiredrawing. This information has led to establish the hardening law by which it is possible characterize the plastic behaviour of this pure metal when it is transformed by this specific sequential process of cold forming. The strain hardening law has been implemented in a numerical simulation software application and the experimental setup has been simulated for its validation. Finally, the classic analytical solution founded in the “slab method” has been applied for the design of a proposal for the optimization of the industrial wiredrawing process.
Magnetic Recording of Superconducting States
Authors: Shaw Gorky , Blanco Alvarez Sylvain , Brisbois Jérémy , Burger Loïc , Pinheiro Lincoln B. L. G. , Kramer Roman B. G. , Motta Maycon , Fleury-Frenette Karl , Ortiz Wilson Aires , Vanderheyden Benoît , Silhanek Alejandro V.
Published: September 2019

Local polarization of magnetic materials has become a well-known and widely used method for storing binary information. Numerous applications in our daily life such as credit cards, computer hard drives, and the popular magnetic drawing board toy, rely on this principle. In this work, we review the recent advances on the magnetic recording of inhomogeneous magnetic landscapes produced by superconducting films. We summarize the current compelling experimental evidence showing that magnetic recording can be applied for imprinting in a soft magnetic layer the flux trajectory taking place in a superconducting layer at cryogenic temperatures. This approach enables the ex-situ observation at room temperature of the imprinted magnetic flux landscape obtained below the critical temperature of the superconducting state. The undeniable appeal of the proposed technique lies in its simplicity and the potential to improve the spatial resolution, possibly down to the scale of a few vortices.
Serrated Flow Behavior of Hot-Rolled Fe-6.5wt.%Si Sheet with Layered Structure
Authors: Shi Xiangju , Liang Yongfeng , Liu Binbin , Ding Zhiyi , Zhang Bao , Ye Feng
Published: September 2019

The microstructures and mechanical properties of the hot-rolled Fe-6.5wt.%Si sheet are analyzed. The microstructure of the hot-rolled sheet is layered along the thickness direction. The surface exhibits fine and equiaxed grains, whereas the center part shows coarse and elongated grains with a <101> fiber texture along the rolling direction. Serrated flow behavior is observed during tensile deformation of both the hot-rolled sheet and its center samples at 350 °C; thus, the serrated flow of the hot-rolled sheet is mainly attributed to the serration of the center part. The analyses of dislocation configurations, ordered structures, and crystal orientation show that the serrated flow behavior results from the interaction of solutes with mobile dislocations. Mobile dislocations are pinned by combining parallel forest dislocations with the pipe diffusion of solution atoms. This study provides a new perspective for the deformation mechanism of the Fe-6.5wt.%Si alloy.
Quantitative Analysis of Piezoresistive Characteristic Based on a P-type 4H-SiC Epitaxial Layer
Authors: Li Yongwei , Liang Ting , Lei Cheng , Hong Yingping , Li Wangwang , Li Zhiqiang , Ghaffar Abdul , Li Qiang , Xiong Jijun
Published: September 2019

In this work, the piezoresistive properties of heavily doped p-type 4H-SiC at room temperature were investigated innovatively. It was verified by a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS) that the crystal quality of the epitaxial layer was good. The doping concentration and thickness of the epitaxial layer were measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to be ~1.12 × 1019 cm−3 and ~1.1 µm, respectively. The 4H-SiC cantilever beam along [ 1 1 − 00 ] crystal orientation was fabricated, and the fixed end of the cantilever beam was integrated with longitudinal and transverse p-type 4H-SiC piezoresistors. A good ohmic contact was formed between Ni/Ti/Al/Au and a p-type 4H-SiC piezoresistor under nitrogen environment annealing at 1050 °C for 5 min. The free end of the cantilever beam was forced to cause strain on the p-type 4H-SiC piezoresistor, and then the resistances were measured by a high precision multimeter. The experimental results illustrated that longitudinal and transverse gauge factors (GFs) of the p-type 4H-SiC piezoresistors were 26.7 and −21.5, respectively, within the strain range of 0–336µε. In order to further verify the electro-mechanical coupling effect of p-type 4H-SiC, the piezoresistors on the beam were connected to the Wheatstone full-bridge circuit and the output changes were observed under cyclic loading of 0–0.5 N. The measuring results revealed that the transducer based on the 4H-SiC piezoresistive effect exhibited good linearity and hysteresis, which confirmed that p-type 4H-SiC has the potential for pressure or acceleration sensing applications.
Active Fungal Communities in Asymptomatic Eucalyptus grandis Stems Differ between a Susceptible and Resistant Clone
Authors: Messal Mandy , Slippers Bernard , Naidoo Sanushka , Bezuidt Oliver , Kemler Martin
Published: September 2019

Fungi represent a common and diverse part of the microbial communities that associate with plants. They also commonly colonise various plant parts asymptomatically. The molecular mechanisms of these interactions are, however, poorly understood. In this study we use transcriptomic data from Eucalyptus grandis, to demonstrate that RNA-seq data are a neglected source of information to study fungal–host interactions, by exploring the fungal transcripts they inevitably contain. We identified fungal transcripts from E. grandis data based on their sequence dissimilarity to the E. grandis genome and predicted biological functions. Taxonomic classifications identified, amongst other fungi, many well-known pathogenic fungal taxa in the asymptomatic tissue of E. grandis. The comparison of a clone of E. grandis resistant to Chrysoporthe austroafricana with a susceptible clone revealed a significant difference in the number of fungal transcripts, while the number of fungal taxa was not substantially affected. Classifications of transcripts based on their respective biological functions showed that the fungal communities of the two E. grandis clones associate with fundamental biological processes, with some notable differences. To shield the greater host defence machinery in the resistant E. grandis clone, fungi produce more secondary metabolites, whereas the environment for fungi associated with the susceptible E. grandis clone is more conducive for building fungal cellular structures and biomass growth. Secreted proteins included carbohydrate active enzymes that potentially are involved in fungal–plant and fungal–microbe interactions. While plant transcriptome datasets cannot replace the need for designed experiments to probe plant–microbe interactions at a molecular level, they clearly hold potential to add to the understanding of the diversity of plant–microbe interactions.
Age, Conditions of Formation, and Fluid Composition of the Pervomaiskoe Molybdenum Deposit (Dzhidinskoe Ore Field, South-Western Transbaikalia, Russia)
Authors: Damdinova Ludmila B. , Damdinov Bulat B. , Huang Xiao-Wen , Bryansky Nikolay V. , Khubanov Valentin B. , Yudin Denis S.
Published: September 2019

The article discusses the composition of studied ore-forming solutions and the P-T conditions of molybdenum mineralization in the Pervomaisky stockwork deposit which is situated within the Dzhidinsky ore field (South-Western Transbaikalia, Russia). New geochronological data of zircons from granites, muscovite, and molybdenite from the ore zones indicates the association of the granite formation and ore deposition processes which occurred 119–128 million years ago. Quartz-molybdenite veins of the Pervomaisky deposit were formed at the temperature of ≥314–186 °C with some boiling periods. Fluid inclusions in these veins have total salt concentration of 6.3–12.7 wt. % NaCl equivalent (eq. NaCl). The salt solution is composed of chlorides of Na, Ca, K, and Fe. The gas phase contains CO2, CH4, and N2. A series of elements were determined in fluid inclusions by laser ablation (LA)-ICP-MS: Li, Be, B, F, Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Nb, Mo, Ag, Sn, La, Ce, Ta, W, Au, Pb, Th, U. The Mo content reaches 559 ppm (average of 228 ± 190 ppm) in high-grade quartz-molybdenite veinlets, whereas Mo content is up to 212 ppm (average of 25 ± 29 ppm) in the low-grade veinlets. High-grade veinlets were formed by near-neutral solutions with a higher content of Mo, S, and F, while relatively low-grade veinlets were deposited from alkaline solutions. Our results demonstrate the pH of the solutions as one of the key factors for ore deposition.
Phyto-Nanocatalysts: Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications
Authors: Fierascu Radu Claudiu , Ortan Alina , Avramescu Sorin Marius , Fierascu Irina
Published: September 2019

Catalysis represents the cornerstone of chemistry, since catalytic processes are ubiquitous in almost all chemical processes developed for obtaining consumer goods. Nanocatalysis represents nowadays an innovative approach to obtain better properties for the catalysts: stable activity, good selectivity, easy to recover, and the possibility to be reused. Over the last few years, for the obtaining of new catalysts, classical methods—based on potential hazardous reagents—have been replaced with new methods emerged by replacing those reagents with plant extracts obtained in different conditions. Due to being diversified in morphology and chemical composition, these materials have different properties and applications, representing a promising area of research. In this context, the present review focuses on the metallic nanocatalysts’ importance, different methods of synthesis with emphasis to the natural compounds used as support, characterization techniques, parameters involved in tailoring the composition, size and shape of nanoparticles and applications in catalysis. This review presents some examples of green nanocatalysts, grouped considering their nature (mono- and bi-metallic nanoparticles, metallic oxides, sulfides, chlorides, and other complex catalysts).
Total Syntheses of Cathepsin D Inhibitory Izenamides A, B, and C and Structural Confirmation of Izenamide B
Authors: Lim Changjin
Published: September 2019

The first total syntheses of izenamides A, B, and C, which are depsipeptides inhibitor of cathepsin D, were accomplished. In addition, the stereochemistry of izenamide B was confirmed by our syntheses. The key features of our synthetic route involve the avoidance of critical 2,5-diketopiperazine (DKP) formation and the minimization of epimerization during the coupling of amino acids for the target peptides.
Bifunctionalized Silver Nanoparticles as Hg2+ Plasmonic Sensor in Water: Synthesis, Characterizations, and Ecosafety
Authors: Prosposito Paolo , Burratti Luca , Bellingeri Arianna , Protano Giuseppe , Faleri Claudia , Corsi Ilaria , Battocchio Chiara , Iucci Giovanna , Tortora Luca , Secchi Valeria , Franchi Stefano , Venditti Iole
Published: September 2019

In this work, hydrophilic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), bifunctionalized with citrate (Cit) and L-cysteine (L-cys), were synthesized. The typical local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) at λ max = 400 nm together with Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measurements (<2RH> = 8 ± 1 nm) and TEM studies (Ø = 5 ± 2 nm) confirmed the system nanodimension and the stability in water. Molecular and electronic structures of AgNPs were investigated by FTIR, SR-XPS, and NEXAFS techniques. We tested the system as plasmonic sensor in water with 16 different metal ions, finding sensitivity to Hg2+ in the range 1–10 ppm. After this first screening, the molecular and electronic structure of the AgNPs-Hg2+ conjugated system was deeply investigated by SR-XPS. Moreover, in view of AgNPs application as sensors in real water systems, environmental safety assessment (ecosafety) was performed by using standardized ecotoxicity bioassay as algal growth inhibition tests (OECD 201, ISO 10253:2006), coupled with determination of Ag+ release from the nanoparticles in fresh and marine aqueous exposure media, by means of ICP-MS. These latest studies confirmed low toxicity and low Ag+ release. Therefore, these ecosafe AgNPs demonstrate a great potential in selective detection of environmental Hg2+, which may attract a great interest for several biological research fields.
Comprehensive Detection of Isopeptides between Human Tissue Transglutaminase and Gluten Peptides
Authors: Lexhaller Barbara , Ludwig Christina , Scherf Katharina A.
Published: September 2019

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic inflammation of the small intestine triggered by the ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is a key factor in CD pathogenesis, because it catalyzes both the deamidation of specific glutamine residues and the formation of covalent Nε-(γ-glutamyl)-lysine isopeptide crosslinks resulting in TG2–gluten peptide complexes. These complexes are thought to activate B cells causing the secretion of anti-TG2 autoantibodies that serve as diagnostic markers for CD, although their pathogenic role remains unclear. To gain more insight into the molecular structures of TG2-gluten peptide complexes, we used different proteomics software tools that enable the comprehensive identification of isopeptides. Thus, 34 different isopeptides involving 20 TG2 lysine residues were identified in a model system, only six of which were previously known. Additionally, 36 isopeptides of TG2-TG2 multimers were detected. Experiments with different TG2-gluten peptide molar ratios revealed the most preferred lysine residues involved in isopeptide crosslinking. Expanding the model system to three gluten peptides with more glutamine residues allowed the localization of the preferred glutamine crosslinking sites. These new insights into the structure of TG2-gluten peptide complexes may help clarify the role of extracellular TG2 in CD autoimmunity and in other inflammatory diseases.
Functional Expression of Choline Transporters in the Blood–Brain Barrier
Authors: Inazu Masato
Published: September 2019

Cholinergic neurons in the central nervous system play a vital role in higher brain functions, such as learning and memory. Choline is essential for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine by cholinergic neurons. The synthesis and metabolism of acetylcholine are important mechanisms for regulating neuronal activity. Choline is a positively charged quaternary ammonium compound that requires transporters to pass through the plasma membrane. Currently, there are three groups of choline transporters with different characteristics, such as affinity for choline, tissue distribution, and sodium dependence. They include (I) polyspecific organic cation transporters (OCT1-3: SLC22A1-3) with a low affinity for choline, (II) high-affinity choline transporter 1 (CHT1: SLC5A7), and (III) choline transporter-like proteins (CTL1-5: SLC44A1-5). Brain microvascular endothelial cells, which comprise part of the blood–brain barrier, take up extracellular choline via intermediate-affinity choline transporter-like protein 1 (CTL1) and low-affinity CTL2 transporters. CTL2 is responsible for excreting a high concentration of choline taken up by the brain microvascular endothelial cells on the brain side of the blood–brain barrier. CTL2 is also highly expressed in mitochondria and may be involved in the oxidative pathway of choline metabolism. Therefore, CTL1- and CTL2-mediated choline transport to the brain through the blood–brain barrier plays an essential role in various functions of the central nervous system by acting as the rate-limiting step of cholinergic neuronal activity.
Breastfeeding Difficulties and Risk for Early Breastfeeding Cessation
Authors: Gianni Maria Lorella , Bettinelli Maria Enrica , Manfra Priscilla , Sorrentino Gabriele , Bezze Elena , Plevani Laura , Cavallaro Giacomo , Raffaeli Genny , Crippa Beatrice Letizia , Colombo Lorenzo , Morniroli Daniela , Liotto Nadia , Roggero Paola , Villamor Eduardo , Marchisio Paola , Mosca Fabio
Published: September 2019

Although breast milk is the normative feeding for infants, breastfeeding rates are lower than recommended. We investigated breastfeeding difficulties experienced by mothers in the first months after delivery and their association with early breastfeeding discontinuation. We conducted a prospective observational study. Mothers breastfeeding singleton healthy term newborns at hospital discharge were enrolled and, at three months post-delivery, were administered a questionnaire on their breastfeeding experience. Association among neonatal/maternal characteristics, breastfeeding difficulties and support after hospital discharge, and type of feeding at three months was assessed using multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. We enrolled 792 mothers, 552 completed the study. Around 70.3% of mothers experienced breastfeeding difficulties, reporting cracked nipples, perception of insufficient amount of milk, pain, and fatigue. Difficulties occurred mostly within the first month. Half of mothers with breastfeeding issues felt well-supported by health professionals. Maternal perception of not having a sufficient amount of milk, infant’s failure to thrive, mastitis, and the return to work were associated with a higher risk of non-exclusive breastfeeding at three months whereas vaginal delivery and breastfeeding support after hospital discharge were associated with a decreased risk. These results underline the importance of continued, tailored professional breastfeeding support.
Carbamazepine Gel Formulation as a Sustained Release Epilepsy Medication for Pediatric Use
Authors: Mawazi Saeid Mezail , Al-Mahmood Sinan Mohammed Abdullah , Chatterjee Bappaditya , Hadi Hazrina AB. , Doolaanea Abd Almonem
Published: September 2019

This study aimed to develop a carbamazepine (CBZ) sustained release formulation suitable for pediatric use with a lower risk of precipitation. The CBZ was first prepared as sustained release microparticles, and then the microparticles were embedded in alginate beads, and finally, the beads were suspended in a gel vehicle. The microparticles were prepared by a solvent evaporation method utilizing ethyl cellulose as a sustained release polymer and were evaluated for particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and release profile. The beads were fabricated by the dropwise addition of sodium alginate in calcium chloride solution and characterized for size, shape, and release properties. The gel was prepared using iota carrageenan as the gelling agent and evaluated for appearance, syneresis, drug content uniformity, rheology, release profile, and stability. The microparticles exhibited a particle size of 135.01 ± 0.61 µm with a monodisperse distribution and an encapsulation efficiency of 83.89 ± 3.98%. The beads were monodispersed with an average size of 1.4 ± 0.05 mm and a sphericity factor of less than 0.05. The gel was prepared using a 1:1 ratio (gel vehicle to beads) and exhibited no syneresis, good homogeneity, and good shear-thinning properties. The release profile from the beads and from the gel was not significantly affected, maintaining similarity to the tablet form. The gel properties were maintained for one month real time stability, but the accelerated stability showed reduced viscosity and pH with time. In conclusion, CBZ in a gel sustained release dosage form combines the advantages of the suspension form in terms of dosing flexibility, and the advantages of the tablet form in regards to the sustained release profile. This dosage form should be further investigated in vivo in animal models before being considered in clinical trials.
High-Performance Soy Protein Isolate-Based Film Synergistically Enhanced by Waterborne Epoxy and Mussel-Inspired Poly(dopamine)-Decorated Silk Fiber
Authors: Pang Huiwen , Zhao Shujun , Qin Tao , Zhang Shifeng , Li Jianzhang
Published: September 2019

It remains a great challenge to fabricate bio-based soy protein isolate (SPI) composite film with both favorable water resistance and excellent mechanical performance. In this study, waterborne epoxy emulsions (WEU), which are low-cost epoxy crosslinkers, together with mussel-inspired dopamine-decorated silk fiber (PSF), were used to synergistically improve the water resistance and mechanical properties of SPI-based film. A stable crosslinking network was generated in SPI-based films via multiple physical and chemical combinations of WEU, PSF, and soy protein matrixes, and was confirmed by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and solid state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR). As expected, remarkable improvement in both water resistance and Young’s modulus (up to 370%) was simultaneously achieved in SPI-based film. The fabricated SPI-based film also exhibited favorable thermostability. This study could provide a simple and environmentally friendly approach to fabricate high-performance SPI-based film composites in food packaging, food preservation, and additive carrier fields.
Correction: Rocco, D.; et al. Competition in Coordination Assemblies: 1D-Coordination Polymer or 2D-Nets Based on Co(NCS)2 and 4′-(4-methoxy)-3,2′:6′,3″-terpyridine. Polymers 2019, 11, 1224; doi:10.3390/polym11071224
Authors: Rocco Dalila , Prescimone Alessandro , Klein Y. Maximilian , Gawryluk Dariusz J. , Constable Edwin C. , Housecroft Catherine E.
Published: September 2019

We wish to make the following corrections to our published paper [...]