bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Sulfur and Phosphate Fertilizers Application on the Dissolved Phosphorus Amount in Rhizosphere of Zea Maize L.
Authors: SH. Jarallah Raid , A. Abbas Nihad
Published: December 2019

The experiment has been carried out in the department of soil sciences and water resources,college of agriculture, university of Al-Qadisiyah, during the agricultural season 2017-2018 by using the design Complete Randomized Design (C.R.D). The experiment in pots has used four levels of phosphate fertilizer P0, P1, P2, P3 (0, 30, 60 and 90) kg P. h1- respectively and one level of sulfuric fertilizer (agricultural and wettable) Sa and S (200) kg S.h1- . Maize seeds of DKC 6120 variety have been in plastic pots grown. Dissolved phosphorus in the soil is estimated during plant growth periods (40, 70, and 100) days of planting to study the effect of its application levels, sulfuric fertilizer application (agricultural and wettable) fertilizers and their overlap on the amount of dissolved phosphorus into the corn rhizosphere.Results show that the highest amount of dissolved phosphorus in and out of the rhizosphere soil obtained with application of the phosphate level P3 (90) kg P. h1- which were (0.69, 0.58, 0.55) μg. g1-and (0.75, 0.63, 0.59) μg. g1- for the soils of the rhizosphere and beyond respectively during the periods (40, 70 and 100) days of planting.
A Call to Integrate Economic, Social and Environmental Motives into Guidance for Business Support for the Transition to a Circular Economy
Authors: Velenturf Anne P. M. , Jensen Paul D. , Purnell Phil , Jopson Juliet , Ebner Norman
Published: December 2019

A broad range of organizations, from small and medium-sized enterprises to large multi-nationals, are interested in adopting circular economy practices. A circular economy can help companies make better use of materials by minimizing the input of natural resources, reducing waste, and optimizing the economic, social, technical and environmental costs and benefits of materials and products throughout their lifecycle. Despite the interest of companies in a circular economy, only 9% of material flows in the global economy are circular. There is formal guidance for those offering business support with the aim to expedite the transition to a circular economy. However, support measures narrowly confine the role of companies and the motivations of business managers to the economic realms, assuming that companies are solely driven by monetary factors. Conversely, pluralist economic views emphasize the broader role of companies in society: for example, in respect of the well-being of their staff and the communities in which they reside. Indeed, our practical experiences of business support have brought alternative motivations to explore a circular economy to the fore. We argue that business support should stem from a broader conception of the role of business in society. The diverse motivations and willingness of business managers to engage in a circular economy should be investigated further with results feeding into broader and more inclusive business support guidelines in the future to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy.
Assessing the Influence of Fumigation and Bacillus Subtilis-Based Biofungicide on the Microbiome of Chrysanthemum Rhizosphere
Authors: Chen Huijie , Zhao Jiamiao , Jiang Jing , Chen Sumei , Guan Zhiyong , Chen Fadi , Fang Weimin , Zhao Shuang
Published: December 2019

Chrysanthemum is an important ornamental species in China. However, sustained monoculture often leads to a decline in soil quality, in particular to the build-up of pathogens. Fusarium wilt, a severe disease in chrysanthemum monoculture systems, was effectively controlled by fumigation and/or the application of a biofungicide in our previous study. However, the mechanisms underlying disease suppression remain elusive. Here, a series of greenhouse experiments were conducted to characterize the effect on the chrysanthemum rhizosphere microbiome of the fumigant dazomet (DZ) and of a biofungicide based on Bacillus subtilis NCD-2 (BF). The results indicated that the BF treatment increased bacterial diversity by 4.2%, while decreasing fungal diversity by 21.3%. After two seasons of BF treatment, the abundance of microbes associated with disease suppression such as Bacillus spp. and Trichoderma spp. increased 15.1-fold and 4.25-fold more than that of the control, while the pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum was decreased by 79.20% when compared to the control. Besides, the DZ treatment reduced both bacterial and fungal diversity 7.97% and 2.73% respectively, when compared with the control. The DZ treatment controlled Fusarium wilt disease and decreased the abundance of F. oxysporum in the first year, but the abundance of the F. oxysporum was 43.8% higher after two years in treated soil than in non-treated soil. Therefore, the application of BF has a great potential for the control of Fusarium wilt disease in chrysanthemum by changing soil microbiome structure and function.
Phosphate Uptake is Correlated with the Root Length of Celery Plants Following the Association between Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Pseudomonas sp. and Biochar with Different Phosphate Fertilization Levels
Authors: Ning Yani , Xiao Zhiyong , Weinmann Markus , Li Zhifang
Published: December 2019

The interaction between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM fungi) and Pseudomonas sp. has received considerable attention. The presence of biochar may affect these microorganisms, with subsequent modification of the phosphorus uptake and root morphology, and plant biomass accumulation. This research sought to identify, in the presence or absence of biochar, the effects of the interactions of mycorrhizal fungi and Pseudomonas sp. on the responses of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) uptake and the root length, surface area, and volume of celery plants with low and high P fertilization under different substrate and soil conditions. The results indicate that strong growth responses of celery plants were observed due to the combination of AM fungi, Pseudomonas sp., and biochar with low P fertilization. A strong linear relationship was found between the plant root length and P accumulation in the shoot fraction in the present study. Increased P and N uptake occurred in treatments combining these microorganisms rather than alone, and this increase especially occurred in the presence of biochar. The low availability of P was substantially recovered by the association of these three aspects. The root morphology was greatly influenced by the biochar additives and in combination with AM fungi and Pseudomonas sp. The root colonization rate of AM fungi was increased by the combination of the inoculation of Pseudomonas sp. and biochar rather than AM fungi and/or Pseudomonas sp. These results indicate an accumulating effect of AM fungi, Pseudomonas sp., and biochar exists on the plant growth response and nutrient uptake because of the increasing root length, surface area, and volume, rather than root biomass.
Price Forecasting and Span Commercialization Opportunities for Mexican Agricultural Products
Authors: Paredes-Garcia Wilfrido Jacobo , Ocampo-Velázquez Rosalia Virginia , Torres-Pacheco Irineo , Cedillo-Jiménez Christopher Alexis
Published: December 2019

Decision-making based on data analysis leads to knowing market trends and anticipating risks and opportunities. These allow farmers to improve their production plan as well as their chances to get an economic success. The aim of this work was to develop a methodology for price forecasting of fruits and vegetables using Queretaro state, MX as a case study. The daily prices of several fruits and vegetables were extracted, from January 2009 to February 2019, from the National System of Market Information. Then, these prices were used to compute the weekly average price of each product and their span commercialization in Q4 and over the median of historical data. Moreover, product characterization was performed to propose a methodology for future price forecasting of multiple agricultural products within the same mathematical model and it resulted in the identification of 18 products that fit the Seasonal Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model. Finally, future price estimation and validation was performed to explain the product price fluctuations between weeks and it was found that the relative error for most of products modeled was less than 10%, e.g., Hass avocado (7.01%) and Saladette tomato (8.09%). The results suggest the feasibility for the implementation of systems to provide information for better decisions by Mexican farmers.
Spider Monkeys Rule the Roost: Ateline Sleeping Sites Influence Rainforest Heterogeneity
Authors: Whitworth Andrew , Whittaker Lawrence , Pillco Huarcaya Ruthmery , Flatt Eleanor , Morales Marvin Lopez , Connor Danielle , Priego Marina Garrido , Forsyth Adrian , Beirne Chris
Published: December 2019

The sleeping site behavior of Ateline primates has been of interest since the 1980s, yet limited focus has been given to their influence upon other rainforest species. Here, we use a combination of arboreal and terrestrial camera traps, and dung beetle pitfall traps, to characterize spider monkey sleeping site use and quantify the impact of their associated latrines on terrestrial vertebrate and dung beetle activity. We also characterize the physical characteristics of the sleeping sites and the floristic and soil composition of latrines beneath them. Spider monkey activity at sleeping sites peaked at dawn and dusk and group composition varied by sex of the adults detected. The habitat-use of terrestrial fauna (vertebrates and dung beetles) differed between latrine sites and non-latrine controls, underpinned by species-specific changes in the relative abundance of several seed-dispersing species (such as paca and great curassow). Seedling density was higher in latrines than in non-latrine controls. Although most soil properties were similar between latrines and controls, potassium and manganese concentrations were different. These results suggest that spider monkey sleeping site fidelity leads to a hotspot of ecological activity in latrines and downstream impacts on rainforest floristic composition and diversity.
An Alternative to the Orthodoxy in Animal Ethics? Limits and Merits of the Wittgensteinian Critique of Moral Individualism
Authors: Monsó Susana , Grimm Herwig
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we analyse the Wittgensteinian critique of the orthodoxy in animal ethics that has been championed by Cora Diamond and Alice Crary. While Crary frames it as a critique of “moral individualism”, we show that their criticism applies most prominently to certain forms of moral individualism (namely, those that follow hedonistic or preference-satisfaction axiologies), and not to moral individualism in itself. Indeed, there is a concrete sense in which the moral individualistic stance cannot be escaped, and we believe that it is this particular limitation that justified Crary’s later move to a qualified version of moral individualism. At the same time, we also argue that there are significant merits to the Wittgensteinian critique of moral individualism, which pertain to its attack on the rationalism, naturalism, and reductionism that characterise orthodox approaches to animal ethics. We show that there is much of value in the Wittgensteinians’ call for an ethics that is more human; an ethics that fully embraces the capacities we are endowed with and one that pays heed to the richness and complexity of our moral lives.
Synthesis, Structure and Photoluminescence Properties of 2D Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskites
Authors: Liu Yahui , Li Fang , Yao Fuqiang , He Zhicong , Liu Shuai , Xu Litu , Han Xiaobo , Wang Kai
Published: December 2019

Two-dimensional (2D) layered hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites have potential applications in solar cells, electroluminescent devices and radiation detection because of their unique optoelectronic properties. In this paper, four 2D layered hybrid organic–inorganic halide perovskites of (C6H5CH2NH3)2PbCl4, (C6H5CH2NH3)2PbBr4, (C6H5CH2NH3)2PbI4 and (C4H9NH3)2PbBr4 were synthesized by solvent evaporation. Their crystal structure and surface morphology were studied. The effects of different halogens and organic amines on perovskites’ absorption spectra were investigated, and the photoluminescence (PL) properties were studied by femtosecond ultrafast spectroscopy. The experimental results show that the four perovskites are well crystallized and oriented. With the increase of halogen atom number (Cl, Br, I) in turn, the UV-Vis absorption spectra peaks of perovskites redshift due to the increasing of the layer spacing, but organic amines have little effect on the spectra of perovskites. The PL intensity increases with increasing laser power, but the lifetime decreases with increasing laser power, which is mainly due to the non-geminate recombination. This research is of great significance for realizing the spectral regulation of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites and promoting their application in nano-photonics and optoelectronic devices.
A Four-Probe Method Using Different Probe Spacings for Measurement and Exact Reconstruction of Parallel Profiles
Authors: Chen Xi , Sun Changku , Liu Changjie , Fu Luhua
Published: December 2019

To realize the measurement and exact reconstruction of a pair of parallel profiles, a new scanning method using four displacement sensors as probes and different probe spacings has been invented with the advantage of preventing data processing error. The measuring device is placed between the measured objects and moved by a scanning stage to collect measurement data of both measured profiles. Considering many existing methods, the high lateral resolution of the reconstruction result and the rejection of the data processing error cannot always be achieved at the same time. When the measured profiles are in the short wavelength range, data processing errors are often on the same order of magnitude as the height difference of the measured profiles. The new method can eliminate both the straightness error of the measurement reference and the data processing error. The exact reconstruction retaining the high lateral resolution and without data processing error can be realized by rational position arrangement of sensors and corresponding processing method of the measurement data. The new method possesses the following advantages: (i) achievement of the exact reconstruction without data processing error; (ii) high lateral resolution not limited by probe spacing; (iii) concise operation without zero calibration of probes; and (iv) suitability for on-machine measurement. The feasibility and advantages of the new method were demonstrated by theoretical analyses, simulations, and experimental results.
Finite Element Analysis of Thermo-Diffusion and Multi-Slip Effects on MHD Unsteady Flow of Casson Nano-Fluid over a Shrinking/Stretching Sheet with Radiation and Heat Source
Authors: Ali Liaqat , Liu Xiaomin , Ali Bagh , Mujeed Saima , Abdal Sohaib
Published: December 2019

In this article, we probe the multiple-slip effects on magnetohydrodynamic unsteady Casson nano-fluid flow over a penetrable stretching sheet, sheet entrenched in a porous medium with thermo-diffusion effect, and injection/suction in the presence of heat source. The flow is engendered due to the unsteady time-dependent stretching sheet retained inside the porous medium. The leading non-linear partial differential equations are transmuted in the system of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations by using appropriate transformations, then the transformed equations are solved by using the variational finite element method numerically. The velocity, temperature, solutal concentration, and nano-particles concentration, as well as the rate of heat transfer, the skin friction coefficient, and Sherwood number for solutal concentration, are presented for several physical parameters. Next, the effects of these various physical parameters are conferred with graphs and tables. The exact values of flow velocity, skin friction, and Nusselt number are compared with a numerical solution acquired with the finite element method (FEM), and also with numerical results accessible in literature. In the end, we rationalize the convergence of the finite element numerical solution, and the calculations are carried out by reducing the mesh size.
The Influence of Environmental Change (Crops and Water) on Population Redistribution in Mexico and Ethiopia
Authors: Xia Haibin , Adamo Susana B. , de Sherbinin Alex , Jones Bryan
Published: December 2019

This paper discusses the effects of long-term environmental change (represented by the abundance or scarcity relative to the long-term average level of crop yield/river flow) and short-term environmental shock (represented by the maximum number of consecutive years below the median crop yield/river flow per decade) on population redistribution in Mexico and Ethiopia. Crop production and water resources, which are affected by climate change and influence human survival and activities, were selected as research variables. Two developing countries, namely, Mexico and Ethiopia, were selected as comparison cases. The results showed that short-term environmental shocks had no correlation with population redistribution. Short-term environmental shocks might fail to influence migration decisions or cause only temporary displacements that cannot be detected by demographic statistics. Among the long-term environmental change factors, only crop yield deviation was found to have a significant positive correlation with population redistribution. Based on two different datasets and two different decades, crop yield deviation is positively correlated with population redistribution; the correlation coefficients between crop yield deviation and population redistribution were 0.134 to 0.162 in Mexico and 0.102 to 0.235 in Ethiopia. When urbanization was considered as the control variable, the correlation coefficient between crop yield deviation and population redistribution in Mexico dropped by half, while it was almost the same in Ethiopia. However, Ethiopia’s population redistribution was more clearly influenced by the population itself. Crop yield deviation relative to water flow deviation meant changes in livelihoods. Population redistribution is a possible means of adapting to changes in livelihood. Mexico exhibited high resilience to changes in livelihoods caused by long-term environmental change, especially in its densely populated areas. In contrast, Ethiopia was characterized mainly by high population growth and low population migration. People in some areas of Ethiopia were forced to endure hardship of livelihood deterioration or to stay where they were due to the difficulty of obtaining sufficient resources to afford the cost of migration.
Facile Fabrication of Micro/Nano Hierarchical SERS Sensor via Anisotropic Etching and Electrochemical Treatment for Malachite Green Detection
Authors: Huang Chu-Yu , Chien Chih-Hung
Published: December 2019

We propose a facile method to produce micro/nano hierarchical surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) active substrates using simple steps and inexpensive costs. The proposed SERS substrate is a silicon pyramid array covered by a nanostructured gold film (AuNS @ SiPA). Through finite element method (FEM) simulation, we showed that many strong local electric field enhancements (hot spots) were formed between the nano-gap of gold nanostructures. In addition, the micron-scale pyramid structure not only increases the sensing surface area of the sensor, but also helps trap light. By combining these micro and nano structures, the proposed micro/nano hierarchical SERS sensor exhibited high sensitivity. Experimental results confirmed that the AuNS @ SiPA substrate has high sensitivity. The SERS signal enhancement factor obtained from the Rhodamine 6G (R6G) probe molecules was as high as 1 × 107 and the SERS substrates were found to be able to detect a very low concentration of 0.01 nM malachite green (MG) solution. Therefore, this study provides a novel and practical method for fabricating SERS substrates that can facilitate the use of SERS in medicine, food safety, and biotechnology.
Aging and Central Auditory Disinhibition: Is It a Reflection of Homeostatic Downregulation or Metabolic Vulnerability?
Authors: Ibrahim Baher A. , Llano Daniel A.
Published: December 2019

Aging-related changes have been identified at virtually every level of the central auditory system. One of the most common findings across these nuclei is a loss of synaptic inhibition with aging, which has been proposed to be at the heart of several aging-related changes in auditory cognition, including diminished speech perception in complex environments and the presence of tinnitus. Some authors have speculated that downregulation of synaptic inhibition is a consequence of peripheral deafferentation and therefore is a homeostatic mechanism to restore excitatory/inhibitory balance. As such, disinhibition would represent a form of maladaptive plasticity. However, clinical data suggest that deafferentation-related disinhibition tends to occur primarily in the aged brain. Therefore, aging-related disinhibition may, in part, be related to the high metabolic demands of inhibitory neurons relative to their excitatory counterparts. These findings suggest that both deafferentation-related maladaptive plastic changes and aging-related metabolic factors combine to produce changes in central auditory function. Here, we explore the arguments that downregulation of inhibition may be due to homeostatic responses to diminished afferent input vs. metabolic vulnerability of inhibitory neurons in the aged brain. Understanding the relative importance of these mechanisms will be critical for the development of treatments for the underlying causes of aging-related central disinhibition.
The Role of the Lymph Node Ratio in Advanced Gastric Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Rawicz-Pruszyński Karol , Ciseł Bogumiła , Mlak Radosław , Mielko Jerzy , Skórzewska Magdalena , Kwietniewska Magdalena , Pikuła Agnieszka , Gęca Katarzyna , Sędłak Katarzyna , Kurylcio Andrzej , Polkowski Wojciech P.
Published: December 2019

The ratio of positive lymph nodes (LNs) to the total LN harvest is called the LN ratio (LNR). It is an independent prognostic factor in gastric cancer (GC). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) on the LNR (ypLNR) in patients with advanced GC. We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with advanced GC, who underwent gastrectomy with N1 and N2 (D2) lymphadenectomy between August 2011 and January 2019 in the Department of Surgical Oncology at the Medical University of Lublin. The exclusion criteria were a lack of preoperative NAC administration, suboptimal lymphadenectomy (<D2 and/or removal of less than 15 lymph nodes), and a lack of data on tumor regression grading (TRG) in the final pathological report. A total of 95 patients were eligible for the analysis. A positive correlation was found between the ypLNR and tumor diameter (p < 0.001), post treatment pathological Tumour (ypT) stage (p < 0.001), Laurén histological subtype (p = 0.0001), and the response to NAC (p < 0.0001). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that the ypLNR was an independent prognostic factor in patients with intestinal type GC (p = 0.0465) and in patients with no response to NAC (p = 0.0483). In the resection specimen, tumor diameter and depth of infiltration, Laurén histological subtype, and TRG may reflect the impact of NAC on LN status, as quantified by ypLNR in advanced GC.
Retinoic Acid Receptors in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Therapy
Authors: di Martino Orsola , Welch John S.
Published: December 2019

Retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathways regulate fundamental biological processes, such as cell proliferation, development, differentiation, and apoptosis. Retinoid receptors (RARs and RXRs) are ligand-dependent transcription factors. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is the principal endogenous ligand for the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARA) and is produced by the enzymatic oxidation of dietary vitamin A, whose deficiency is associated with several pathological conditions. Differentiation therapy using ATRA revolutionized the outcome of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), although attempts to replicate these results in other cancer types have been met with more modest results. A better knowledge of RA signaling in different leukemia contexts is required to improve initial designs. Here, we will review the RA signaling pathway in normal and malignant hematopoiesis, and will discuss the advantages and the limitations related to retinoid therapy in acute myeloid leukemia.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of Electrospun β-Ga2O3 Nanofibers via In-Situ Si Doping Using Tetraethyl Orthosilicate
Authors: Yoo Tae Hee , Ryou Heejoong , Lee In Gyu , Cho Byung Jin , Hwang Wan Sik
Published: December 2019

β-Ga2O3 has attracted considerable attention as an alternative photocatalyst to replace conventional TiO2 under ultraviolet-C irradiation due to its high reduction and oxidation potential. In this study, to enhance the photocatalytic activity of β-Ga2O3, nanofibers are formed via the electrospinning method, and Si atoms are subsequently doped. As the Si concentration in the β-Ga2O3 nanofiber increases, the optical bandgap of the β-Ga2O3 nanofibers continuously decreases from 4.5 eV (intrinsic) to 4.0 eV for the Si-doped (2.4 at. %) β-Ga2O3 nanofibers, and accordingly, the photocatalytic activity of the β-Ga2O3 nanofibers is enhanced. This higher photocatalytic performance with Si doping is attributed to the increased doping-induced carriers in the conduction band edges. This differs from the traditional mechanism in which the doping-induced defect sites in the bandgap enhance separation and inhibit the recombination of photon-generated carriers.
CO2 Methanation over Hydrotalcite-Derived Nickel/Ruthenium and Supported Ruthenium Catalysts
Authors: Martins Joana A. , Faria A. Catarina , Soria Miguel A. , Miguel Carlos V. , Rodrigues Alírio E. , Madeira Luís M.
Published: December 2019

In this work, in-house synthesized NiMgAl, Ru/NiMgAl, and Ru/SiO2 catalysts and a commercial ruthenium-containing material (Ru/Al2O3com.) were tested for CO2 methanation at 250, 300, and 350 °C (weight hourly space velocity, WHSV, of 2400 mLN,CO2·g−1·h−1). Materials were compared in terms of CO2 conversion and CH4 selectivity. Still, their performances were assessed in a short stability test (24 h) performed at 350 °C. All catalysts were characterized by temperature programmed reduction (TPR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 physisorption at −196 °C, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and H2/CO chemisorption. The catalysts with the best performance (i.e., the hydrotalcite-derived NiMgAl and Ru/NiMgAl) seem to be quite promising, even when compared with other methanation catalysts reported in the literature. Extended stability experiments (240 h of time-on-stream) were performed only over NiMgAl, which was selected based on catalytic performance and estimated price criteria. This catalyst showed some deactivation under conditions that favor CO formation (high temperature and high WHSV, i.e., 350 °C and 24,000 mLN,CO2·g−1·h−1, respectively), but at 300 °C and low WHSV, excellent activity (ca. 90% of CO2 conversion) and stability, with nearly complete selectivity towards methane, were obtained.
Hydrogen Production from Ammonia Borane over PtNi Alloy Nanoparticles Immobilized on Graphite Carbon Nitride
Authors: Zhang Mingya , Xiao Xue , Wu Yan , An Yue , Xu Lixin , Wan Chao
Published: December 2019

Graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) supported PtNi alloy nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated via a facile and simple impregnation and chemical reduction method and explored their catalytic performance towards hydrogen evolution from ammonia borane (AB) hydrolysis dehydrogenation. Interestingly, the resultant Pt0.5Ni0.5/g-C3N4 catalyst affords superior performance, including 100% conversion, 100% H2 selectivity, yielding the extraordinary initial total turnover frequency (TOF) of 250.8 molH2 min−1 (molPt)−1 for hydrogen evolution from AB at 10 °C, a relatively low activation energy of 38.09 kJ mol−1, and a remarkable reusability (at least 10 times), which surpass most of the noble metal heterogeneous catalysts. This notably improved activity is attributed to the charge interaction between PtNi NPs and g-C3N4 support. Especially, the nitrogen-containing functional groups on g-C3N4, serving as the anchoring sites for PtNi NPs, may be beneficial for becoming a uniform distribution and decreasing the particle size for the NPs. Our work not only provides a cost-effective route for constructing high-performance catalysts towards the hydrogen evolution of AB but also prompts the utilization of g-C3N4 in energy fields.
Tris-(Nitrilotriacetic Acid)-Decorated Polymer Conjugates as Tools for Immobilization and Visualization of His-Tagged Proteins
Authors: Beranová Jana , Knedlík Tomáš , Šimková Adéla , Šubr Vladimír , Kostka Libor , Etrych Tomáš , Šácha Pavel , Konvalinka Jan
Published: December 2019

Recombinant proteins are commonly expressed with artificial affinity tags for purification, immobilization and characterization. The most frequently used tag, His-tag, is a sequence of consecutive histidine residues fused to the protein of interest. Specialized small molecules that bind His-tag are primarily used for purification, while antibodies are used for protein analysis. However, various issues may be encountered with the use of antibodies. Low inherent stability, the difficulty of introducing chemical modifications, and often-unreliable batch-to-batch consistency are among the limiting factors that call for better alternatives. Recently described polymer conjugates of N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide and low-molecular-weight functional ligands, so-called iBodies, are antibody mimetics capable of replacing antibodies in biochemical applications. We tailored this system for methods utilizing His-tag by accessorizing the polymer carrier with tris-nitrilotriacetic acid targeting ligands. These anti-polyHis iBodies are additionally accessorized with fluorophores, enabling detection, and biotin ligands, enabling immobilization. Here, we characterized anti-polyHis iBodies and explored their use as antibody mimetics. We tested their stability, as well as the influence of different metal mediators and His-tag lengths on binding. With high affinity and stability, iBodies represent a new alternative for immobilization and visualization of His-tagged proteins.
Dibutyltin(IV) and Tributyltin(IV) Derivatives of meso-Tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphine Inhibit the Growth and the Migration of Human Melanoma Cells
Authors: Costantini Francesca , Di Leo Fabiana , Di Sano Caterina , Fiore Tiziana , Pellerito Claudia , Barbieri Giovanna
Published: December 2019

Melanoma is the most aggressive and deadly form of skin cancer, which is largely due to its propensity to metastasize. Therefore, with the aim to inhibit the growth and the metastatic dissemination of melanoma cells and to provide a novel treatment option, we studied the effects of the melanoma treatment with two organotin(IV) complexes of the meso-tetra(4-sulfonato-phenyl)porphine, namely (Bu2Sn)2TPPS and (Bu3Sn)4TPPS. In particular, we showed that nanomolar concentrations of (Bu2Sn)2TPPS and (Bu3Sn)4TPPS are sufficient to inhibit melanoma cell growth, to increase the expression of the full-length poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP-1), to induce the cell cycle arrest respectively at G2/M and G0/G1 through the inhibition of the Cyclin D1 expression and to inhibit cell colony formation. Nanomolar concentrations of (Bu2Sn)2TPPS and (Bu3Sn)4TPPS are also sufficient to inhibit the melanoma cell migration and the expression of some adhesion receptors. Moreover, we report that (Bu2Sn)2TPPS and (Bu3Sn)4TPPS act downstream of BRAF, mainly bypassing its functions, but targeting the STAT3 signalling protein. Finally, these results suggest that (Bu2Sn)2TPPS and (Bu3Sn)4TPPS may be effective therapeutic strategies for their role in the inhibition of melanoma growth and migration.
miR-1185-1 and miR-548q Are Biomarkers of Response to Weight Loss and Regulate the Expression of GSK3B
Authors: Garcia-Lacarte Marcos , Mansego Maria L. , Zulet M. Angeles , Martinez J. Alfredo , Milagro Fermin I.
Published: December 2019

The aim of the present investigation was to identify putative miRNAs involved in the response to weight loss. Reverse-transcribed RNA isolated from white blood cells (WBCs) of a subpopulation from the Reduction of the Metabolic Syndrome in Navarra-Spain (RESMENA-S) study (low-responders (LR) and high-responders (HR)) was hybridized in a gene expression microarray. Moreover, miRNAs were sequenced by miRNA-Seq. It was found that miR-548q and miR-1185-1 were overexpressed in HR, both in the microarray and in the miRNA-Seq. A bioinformatic prediction of putative target genes of the selected miRNAs found that GSK3B, a putative target for miR-548q and miR-1185-1, was downregulated in HR. Particular 3′-UTR binding regions of GSK3B were cloned downstream of the firefly luciferase gene. HEK-293T cells were co-transfected with either 0.25 μg of empty pmiR-GLO or pmiR-GLO-548q-3′-UTR/pmiR-GLO-1185-1-3′-UTR, and 7.5 pmol of miR-548q/miR-1185-1 mimics, demonstrating that miR-1185-1 bound to the 3′-UTR region of GSK3B. THP-1 cells were transfected with either 20/40 nM of miR-548q/miR-1185-1 mimics, evidencing that miR-1185-1inhibited the expression of the gene when transfected at doses of 20/40 nM, whereas miR-548q inhibited GSK3B expression at a dose of 40 nM. As a conclusion, miR-548q and miR-1185-1 levels in WBCs are biomarkers of response to weight-loss diets and could be involved in the regulation of the proinflammatory gene GSK3B.
Conditional Deletion of LRP1 Leads to Progressive Loss of Recombined NG2-Expressing Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells in a Novel Mouse Model
Authors: Schäfer Ina , Kaisler Johannes , Scheller Anja , Kirchhoff Frank , Haghikia Aiden , Faissner Andreas
Published: December 2019

The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) is a transmembrane receptor, mediating endocytosis and activating intracellular signaling cascades. LRP1 is highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), especially in oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Previous studies have suggested LRP1 as a regulator in early oligodendrocyte development, repair of chemically induced white matter lesions, and cholesterol homeostasis. To circumvent embryonic lethality observed in the case of global LRP1 deletion, we generated a new inducible conditional knockout (KO) mouse model, which enabled an NG2-restricted LRP1 deficiency (NG2-CreERT2ct2/wtxR26eGFPflox/floxxLRP1flox/flox). When characterizing our triple transgenic mouse model, we noticed a substantial and progressive loss of recombined LRP1-deficient cells in the oligodendrocyte lineage. On the other hand, we found comparable distributions and fractions of oligodendroglia within the Corpus callosum of the KO and control animals, indicating a compensation of these deficits. An initial study on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was performed in triple transgenic and control mice and the cell biology of oligodendrocytes obtained from the animals was studied in an in vitro myelination assay. Differences could be observed in these assays, which, however, did not achieve statistical significance, presumably because the majority of recombined LRP1-deficient cells has been replaced by non-recombined cells. Thus, the analysis of the role of LRP1 in EAE will require the induction of acute recombination in the context of the disease process. As LRP1 is necessary for the survival of OPCs in vivo, we assume that it will play an important role in myelin repair.
Towards a Better Understanding of Beige Adipocyte Plasticity
Authors: Paulo Esther , Wang Biao
Published: December 2019

Beige adipocytes are defined as Ucp1+, multilocular adipocytes within white adipose tissue (WAT) that are capable of thermogenesis, the process of heat generation. In both mouse models and humans, the increase of beige adipocyte population, also called WAT browning, is associated with certain metabolic benefits, such as reduced obesity and increased insulin sensitivity. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding WAT browning, with a special focus on the beige adipocyte plasticity, collectively referring to a bidirectional transition between thermogenic active and latent states in response to environmental changes. We further exploit the utility of a unique beige adipocyte ablation system to interrogate anti-obesity effect of beige adipocytes in vivo.
Transcriptional Characterization of Stage I Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Multicentric Study
Authors: Calura Enrica , Ciciani Matteo , Sambugaro Andrea , Paracchini Lara , Benvenuto Giuseppe , Milite Salvatore , Martini Paolo , Beltrame Luca , Zane Flaminia , Fruscio Robert , Marchette Martina Delle , Borella Fulvio , Tognon Germana , Ravaggi Antonella , Katsaros Dionyssios , Bignotti Eliana , Odicino Franco , D’Incalci Maurizio , Marchini Sergio , Romualdi Chiara
Published: December 2019

Stage I epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) represents about 10% of all EOCs. It is characterized by a complex histopathological and molecular heterogeneity, and it is composed of five main histological subtypes (mucinous, endometrioid, clear cell and high, and low grade serous), which have peculiar genetic, molecular, and clinical characteristics. As it occurs less frequently than advanced-stage EOC, its molecular features have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, using in silico approaches and gene expression data, on a multicentric cohort composed of 208 snap-frozen tumor biopsies, we explored the subtype-specific molecular alterations that regulate tumor aggressiveness in stage I EOC. We found that single genes rather than pathways are responsible for histotype specificities and that a cAMP-PKA-CREB1 signaling axis seems to play a central role in histotype differentiation. Moreover, our results indicate that immune response seems to be, at least in part, involved in histotype differences, as a higher immune-reactive behavior of serous and mucinous samples was observed with respect to other histotypes.
Photocathodic Protection of Cobalt Doped ZnO Nanorod Arrays for 316 Stainless Steel and Q235 Carbon Steel in 3.5 wt.% NaCl Solution
Authors: Zhang Xiong , Chen Guanghui , Li Weihua , Wu Dianwu
Published: December 2019

In this work, cobalt-doped ZnO nanorod arrays with anticorrosion function were successfully prepared on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates by a simple aqueous solution method. The XRD patterns and the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis indicate the doped Co2+ were successfully incorporated into the ZnO crystal lattice. The photocurrent density and open circuit potential (OCP) results indicate the photocathodic protection performance for 316 stainless steel (316 SS) and Q235 carbon steel in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution under a Xe lamp with a power of 300 W was enhanced with the increase of cobalt concentration, and the photoanode with a 15% Co/Zn ratio had the optimal photocathodic protection effect. The mechanism of enhancement may be result from the narrowed band gap, the lower recombination rate of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs, the intermediate impurity level, and the split of the hypo-outer shell of cobalt ions.
Surface Integrity of Micro EDM Surface Using Electrodes of Various Diameters
Authors: Liu Qingyu , Yang Fazhan , Sun Shufeng , Yang Man , Shao Jing
Published: December 2019

The surface integrity of a micro electrical discharge machining (micro EDM) surface represents the surface quality of workpiece. The surface quality of micro EDM can be further improved by clarifying the machining mechanism and optimizing processing technology. In this paper, experiments were carried out to investigate the influence of the tool electrode diameter on the machined surface integrity of micro EDM. The evolutions of the tool diameter on the micro topography, element migration, and surface roughness of workpiece surface machined in pure water and EDM oil were illustrated. The results show that the surface roughness Ra decreases as the tool electrode diameter increased, regardless of the open circuit voltage and dielectric type, owing to the skin effect. The good fluidity and cooling property of pure water and the effect of electrochemical corrosion cause the surface roughness Ra of surface machined in pure water is much larger than that machined in EDM oil. Tool material migrates to the workpiece surface during the micro EDM process, whether pure water or EDM oil is adopted as the working medium. The influence of electrode size on the Cu content of the workpiece surface shows no significant trend. Pure water is more suitable for high efficiency, low-precision micro EDM, while EDM oil is better for high-precision micro EDM.
A Review on Conducting Polymers and Nanopolymer Composite Coatings for Steel Corrosion Protection
Authors: Xu Haibin , Zhang Yixia
Published: December 2019

Corrosion is the principal reason for causing degradation of steel material properties, and coating is one of the most popular and effective ways to protect steel from corrosion. There are many kinds of coatings with different constituents, mechanisms and effectiveness. This paper presents a comprehensive review on the development of coating technology including traditional coatings, hydrophobic coatings, conducting polymer coatings and nanopolymer composite coatings. In particular, conducting polymers and nanopolymer composite coatings are reviewed in detail, which are the most popular and promising coatings. The advantages and limitations of each coating method as well as the influencing factors on corrosion protection are elaborated. Finally, the future research and applications are proposed.
Oxidation Behavior of Ta–Al Multilayer Coatings
Authors: Chen Yung-I , Lin Nai-Yuan , Ke Yi-En
Published: December 2019

Ta–Al multilayer coatings were fabricated through cyclical gradient concentration deposition by direct current magnetron co-sputtering. The as-deposited coatings presented a multilayer structure in the growth direction. The oxidation behavior of the Ta–Al multilayer coatings was explored. The results specified that Ta-rich Ta–Al multilayer coatings demonstrated a restricted oxidation depth after annealing at 600 °C in 1% O2–99% Ar for up to 100 h. This was attributed to the preferential oxidation of Al, the formation of amorphous Al-oxide sublayers, and the maintenance of a multilayer structure. By contrast, Ta2O5 formed after exhausting Al in the oxidation process in an ambient atmosphere at 600 °C which exhibited a crystalline Ta2O5-amorphous Al-oxide multilayer structure.
Crystal Chemistry and Structural Complexity of Natural and Synthetic Uranyl Selenites
Authors: Gurzhiy Vladislav V. , Kuporev Ivan V. , Kovrugin Vadim M. , Murashko Mikhail N. , Kasatkin Anatoly V. , Plášil Jakub
Published: December 2019

Comparison of the natural and synthetic phases allows an overview to be made and even an understanding of the crystal growth processes and mechanisms of the particular crystal structure formation. Thus, in this work, we review the crystal chemistry of the family of uranyl selenite compounds, paying special attention to the pathways of synthesis and topological analysis of the known crystal structures. Comparison of the isotypic natural and synthetic uranyl-bearing compounds suggests that uranyl selenite mineral formation requires heating, which most likely can be attributed to the radioactive decay. Structural complexity studies revealed that the majority of synthetic compounds have the topological symmetry of uranyl selenite building blocks equal to the structural symmetry, which means that the highest symmetry of uranyl complexes is preserved regardless of the interstitial filling of the structures. Whereas the real symmetry of U-Se complexes in the structures of minerals is lower than their topological symmetry, which means that interstitial cations and H2O molecules significantly affect the structural architecture of natural compounds. At the same time, structural complexity parameters for the whole structure are usually higher for the minerals than those for the synthetic compounds of a similar or close organization, which probably indicates the preferred existence of such natural-born architectures. In addition, the reexamination of the crystal structures of two uranyl selenite minerals guilleminite and demesmaekerite is reported. As a result of the single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of demesmaekerite, Pb2Cu5[(UO2)2(SeO3)6(OH)6](H2O)2, the H atoms positions belonging to the interstitial H2O molecules were assigned. The refinement of the guilleminite crystal structure allowed the determination of an additional site arranged within the void of the interlayer space and occupied by an H2O molecule, which suggests the formula of guilleminite to be written as Ba[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2](H2O)4 instead of Ba[(UO2)3(SeO3)2O2](H2O)3.
Long Term Survival in Patients Suffering from Glio-blastoma Multiforme: A Single-Center Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Armocida Daniele , Pesce Alessandro , Di Giammarco Federico , Frati Alessandro , Santoro Antonio , Salvati Maurizio
Published: December 2019

Background: Glioblastomas (GBM) are generally burdened, to date, by a dismal prognosis, although long term survivors have a relatively significant incidence. Our specific aim was to determine the exact impact of many surgery-, patient- and tumor-related variables on survival parameters. Methods: The surgical, radiological and clinical outcomes of patients have been retrospectively reviewed for the present study. All the patients have been operated on in our institution and classified according their overall survival in long term survivors (LTS) and short term survivors (STS). A thorough review of our surgical series was conducted to compare the oncologic results of the patients in regard to: (1) surgical-(2) molecular and (3) treatment-related features. Results: A total of 177 patients were included in the final cohort. Extensive statistical analysis by means of univariate, multivariate and survival analyses disclosed a survival advantage for patients presenting a younger age, a smaller lesion and a better functional status at presentation. From the histochemical point of view, Ki67 (%) was the strongest predictor of better oncologic outcomes. A stepwise analysis of variance outlines the existence of eight prognostic subgroups according to the molecular patterns of Ki67 overexpression and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), p53 and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations. Conclusions: On the grounds of our statistical analyses we can affirm that the following factors were significant predictors of survival advantage: Karnofsky performance status (KPS), age, volume of the lesion, motor disorder at presentation and/or a Ki67 overexpression. In our experience, LTS is associated with a gross total resection (GTR) of tumor correlated with EGFR and p53 mutations with regardless of localization, and poorly correlated to dimension. We suppose that performing a standard molecular analysis (IDH, EGFR, p53 and Ki67) is not sufficient to predict the behavior of a GBM in regards to overall survival (OS), nor to provide a deeper understanding of the meaning of the different genetic alterations in the DNA of cancer cells. A fine molecular profiling is feasible to precisely stratify the prognosis of GBM patients.