bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of slope aspect on the microbial properties of rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric soils on the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Ai Ze Min , Zhang Jiao Yang , Liu Hong Fei , Xue Sha , Liu Guo Bin
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Slope aspect is an important topographic factor in the micro-ecosystem environment, but its effect on the microbial properties of grassland rhizospheric soil (RS) and non-rhizospheric soil (NRS) remain unclear. A field experiment was conducted at the Ansai Research Station on the Loess Plateau in China to test the influence of slope aspects (south-facing, north-facing, and northwest-facing slopes, all with Artemisia sacrorum as the dominant species) on RS and NRS microbial biomass carbon (MBC) contents, phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) contents, and the rhizospheric effect (RE) of various microbial indices. Soil samples were collected from the three slope aspects, including rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric region, and analyzed to determine the various related microbial indices. The results showed that MBC content differed significantly among the slope aspects in RS but not in NRS, and the RE for MBC content in the south-facing slope was larger than that in the north-facing slope. RS total, bacterial, and Gram-positive bacterial PLFA contents in the south-facing slope were significantly lower than those in the north- and northwest-facing slopes, and RS Gram-negative bacterial (G−) and actinomycete PLFA contents in the south-facing slope were significantly lower than those in the north-facing slope. In contrast, NRS total, bacterial, and G− PLFA contents in the north-facing slope were significantly higher than those in the south- and northwest-facing slopes, and NRS fungal and actinomycete PLFA contents in the north- and south-facing slopes were significantly higher than those in the northwest-facing slope. RE for all PLFA contents except fungal in the northwest-facing slope were higher than those in the south-facing slope. Slope aspect significantly but differentially affected the microbial properties in RS and NRS, and the variable influence was due to an evident RE for most microbial properties.
The Effects of Kefir Usage for Probiotic Purpose on Growth Performance of Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)
Authors: Karabulut Huriye Ariman , Kurtoglu Ilker Zeki , Kose Ozay
Published: October 2018

The effects of probiotically used kefir on growth, survival rate and meat yield characteristics of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were investigated in this study. For this purpose, kefir was added to trial diets at different rates 20 ml/kg feed (G2), 40 ml/kg feed (G3) while commercial fish feed was used as a control 0 ml/kg feed (G1). Total 270 fish with mean weight 24.38±0.37 g were used during the experiment. Each group had three replicate, and 30 fish were placed in each tank. Experiment was carried on for 90 days. At the end of the experiment, some growth parameters, survival rate and meat yields of the groups were determined.

The best weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and survival rate (SR) values were obtained in G2 (20 ml/kg) group (104.31±0.11, 1.30±0.08, 1.40±0.18, 98.88±0.51 respectively). At the end of the study, the differences between the control group and the other groups were not statistically significant in terms of FCR, Condition factor (CF) and survival rate (P < 0.05). However, the differences between the control group and the other groups were statistically significant in terms of WG, WGR and Wf (P < 0.05). The statistical difference between the G2 group and the G1 group was not significant at the SGR, whereas the statistical difference between the G2 group and the G3 group was significant (P < 0.05).

The body composition of the fish, hepatosomatic index (HSI), viscerosomatic index (VSI) values, fish meat crude protein and crude fat content were not affected by the addition of kefir to fish diet at different ratios. As a result, it was observed that the addition of kefir at 20% of the diet positively affected the growth performance and survival rate of the brook trout.
Allelopathy of Aromatic Species on the Germination of Cereus jamacaru DC. subsp. jamacaru (Cactaceae)
Authors: Bezerra José Weverton A. , Santos Marcos Aurélio F. dos , Meiado Marcos V. , Linhares Karina V. , Boligon Aline A. , Leandro Cicero dos S. , Rodrigues Maria Daniele P. , Silva Ana Karolina F. , Silva Danúbio L. da , Bezerra Janete de S. , Silva Viviane B. da , Silva Maria Arlene P. da
Published: October 2018

Cereus jamacaru DC subsp. jamacaru, has been suffering from severe anthropic pressure, in addition, when their seeds are dispersed, some end up not germinating due to the action of allelochemicals. Therefore, the present study was to evaluate the allelopathic effect of the essential oil (EO) from four species over C. jamacaru germination, as well as to identify their constituents. Four plants were selected for EO extraction (Mesospherum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze, Lantana montevidensis (Spreng.) Briq., Lantana camara L., and Tarenaya spinosa (Jacq.) Raf.) and the chemical analysis was performed by GC-MS. In order to evaluate the allelopathic activity of the EO’s, the C. jamacaru seeds were treated with the EO’s. The results showed that the EO’s presented heterogeneity in their composition, with M. suaveolens presenting the highest number of constituents (44), followed by L. camara (26), T. spinosa (23) and L. montevidensis (22). All the oils negatively affected the C. jamacaru germination percentage in a concentration-dependent manner. Regarding the GVI, the M. suaveolens, L. montevidensis and L. camara OEs significantly decreased this index at all analyzed concentrations. Based on the results obtained, it is suggested that C. jamacaru should not be sown close to the aforementioned aromatic species in reforestation programs.
Drip Fertigation Technology for Enhancing Date Palm Productivity and Fruit Quality
Authors: Mazahrih N. Th. , Al Sayari A. S. , Al Shamsi S. A. , Salah M. Ben
Published: October 2018

A field experiment was conducted during two successive growing seasons, 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 to evaluate the effect of different fertilizer application methods on date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) yield and fruit quality grown in sandy soil. Strip block statistical design with three replicates was used on four selected date palm cultivars (Madjool, Sacchari, Kheyarah and Sggaa) as main treatments and three fertilizer application methods (Hydraulic injector, Surface Broadcast and By-pass tank) as sub main treatments. The results revealed significant increases in yield and fruit quality when using continuous fertigation by Hydraulic injector comparing with broadcast and By-pass tank traditional methods. The average of two seasons results indicated also that using Hydraulic injector method maximized Sacchari date yield by producing 69 kg per tree and resulted in the best water productivity (1.06 kg m-3). The use of fertigation method has significantly increased the date palm productivity by 81, 51.2, 66.7 and 72.8% in comparison to the traditional Surface Broadcast method for Madjool, Sacchari, Kheyarah and Sggaa, respectively. The mean fruit weights were significantly increased by 56.5, 72.1, 90.2 and 68.8% when using the hydraulic injector compared to the traditional broadcast application method for pervious date palm cultivars, respectively.  
Overview of polymer laminates applicable to elements of light-weight ballistic shields of special purpose transport means
Authors: Sliwinski Michal , Kucharczyk Wojciech , Guminski Robert
Published: October 2018

The paper reviews and evaluates the possibility of using polymer fibrous composites for lightweight passive bulletproof armors for application in special-purpose means of transport. The shielding properties of the composite ballistic plates manufactured based on fibers commonly used for such applications: aramid (Kevlar, Twaron) and polyethylene ones (Spectra, Dyneema) as well as ceramic-laminate systems built based on the both above-mentioned ones have been characterized. Examples of application of lightweight, polymer ballistic laminates in armors and supplementary armors of special-purpose transport vehicles, illustrated by aircraft constructions, have been presented in accordance with literature sources and manufacturers' information.
Cyber space – risks to children and young people - research results
Authors: Kopczewski Marian , Napieralska Agnieszka
Published: October 2018

The 21st century is undoubtedly a period of enormous progress in the field of digital technology, a period in which the boundary between the real world and the virtual world becomes less and less visible. The Internet has undeniably become a facilitation of everyday life, since it is a tool of work, communication or a way to spend free time for many users. The virtual world is present in almost all areas of our lives, and people spend more and more time in front of the computer screens, operating websites, e-mails or social networks. Highly developed digital technology is a boon of the 21st century, but despite its numerous advantages, negative aspects are also visible. Virtual knowledge displaces physical interpersonal contacts; physical activity is replaced by spending free time in front of a computer monitor. Various threats (social, psychological, psychological, ethical and moral) resulting from modern digital technologies and the increasing degree of dependence on them are extremely significant. The authors of this article present the results of own research, aiming at making the reader aware that there are both positive and negative aspects of the virtual world.
Calibration Fluids and Calibration Equations: How Choices May Affect the Results of Density Measurements Made with U-Tube Densimeters
Authors: Outcalt Stephanie L.
Published: October 2018

Data on the calibration fluids water and toluene individually, and the combination of those two sets of data, were correlated with two different equations (resulting in six sets of calibration equation parameters) to analyze data measured with a vibrating-tube densimeter on the lubricants pentaerythritol tetrapentanoate (POE5), pentaerythritol tetraheptanoate (POE7), and pentaerythritol tetranonanoate (POE9) at temperatures from 270 K to 470 K and pressures from 0.5 MPa to 50 MPa. The objective was to explore how the calculated densities of the lubricants would differ based on the calibration equations and calibration fluid(s). The viscosities of the measured lubricants are much greater than those of the calibration fluids, and because there has long been a question of how measurements of higher viscosity fluids are affected when measured with a vibrating-tube densimeter, combinations of calibration fluid(s) and equations were tested to explore the role they play in obtaining accurate results. For the lubricants studied herein, more accurate results were obtained with a calibration fitted to multiple calibration fluids, while the consistency of results was more equation dependent.
Range, routing and kinetics of rod signaling in primate retina
Authors: Grimes William N , Baudin Jacob , Azevedo Anthony W , Rieke Fred
Published: October 2018

Stimulus- or context-dependent routing of neural signals through parallel pathways can permit flexible processing of diverse inputs. For example, work in mouse shows that rod photoreceptor signals are routed through several retinal pathways, each specialized for different light levels. This light-level-dependent routing of rod signals has been invoked to explain several human perceptual results, but it has not been tested in primate retina. Here, we show, surprisingly, that rod signals traverse the primate retina almost exclusively through a single pathway – the dedicated rod bipolar pathway. Identical experiments in mouse and primate reveal substantial differences in how rod signals traverse the retina. These results require reevaluating human perceptual results in terms of flexible computation within this single pathway. This includes a prominent speeding of rod signals with light level – which we show is inherited directly from the rod photoreceptors themselves rather than from different pathways with distinct kinetics.
Should healthcare reform be 'color-blind'? Addressing the barriers to improving minority health
Authors: Kiss Lois E. , Ross-Lee Barbara , Weiser Michael A.
Published: October 2018

The scandalous disparity between the health indicators for minority and nonminority and poor and nonpoor populations is of such long standing that it has lost the power to shock. The authors review the landmark studies of the past year which document discrimination in the healthcare system. They reiterate the most compelling statistics of mortality, birth, the AIDS epidemic, destructive health habits, and poverty. They trace the impact of health care policy on these vulnerable populations and address the myth that malpractice claims are filed more frequently by the poor. They conclude that equality is instrumental to the improvement of the nation's health demographics; the persistence of economic, social, and political discrimination will continue to create barriers even if financial access is assured through a pluralistic approach to healthcare reform. Ultimately, they predict that any healthcare reform that does not address minority issues is doomed to fail if all three areas driving the national "crisis"access, cost, and quality---do not encompass minority-specific healthcare strategies.
Polimorfismos de los genes JAG1, MEF2C y BDNF asociados con la densidad mineral ósea en mujeres del norte de México
Authors: González-Peña Sandra Marlen , Campos-Góngora Eduardo , Ávila-Rodríguez Hilda Guadalupe , Ramírez-López Erik , Velázquez-Cruz Rafael , Jiménez-Salas Zacarías
Published: October 2018

Introducción. La osteoporosis se caracteriza por una baja densidad mineral ósea; la composición genética es uno de los factores que más influyen en ella, pero hay pocos estudios de genes asociados con esta condición en la población mexicana.Objetivo. Investigar la posible asociación de ocho polimorfismos de un solo nucleótido (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism, SNP) de los genes JAG1, MEF2C y BDNF con la densidad mineral ósea en mujeres del norte de México.Materiales y métodos. Participaron 124 mujeres de 40 a 80 años, sin parentesco entre ellas. Su densidad mineral ósea se determinó mediante absorciometría dual de rayos X y la genotipificación se hizo utilizando discriminación alélica mediante PCR en tiempo real; se estudiaron cuatro de los SNP del gen JAG1 (rs6514116, rs2273061, rs2235811 y rs6040061), tres del MEF2C (rs1366594, rs12521522 y rs11951031) y uno del BDNF (rs6265). El análisis estadístico de los datos obtenidos se hizo por regresión lineal.Resultados. El SNP rs2235811 presentó asociación significativa con la densidad mineral ósea de todo el cuerpo bajo el modelo de herencia dominante (p=0,024) y, aunque los otros SNP no tuvieron relación significativa con esta densidad, en ninguno de los modelos de herencia estudiados, se observó una tendencia hacia esta asociación.Conclusión. Los resultados sugieren que el SNP rs2235811 del gen JAG1 podría contribuir a la variación en la densidad mineral ósea de las mujeres del norte de México.
Utilización de dos antibióticos genéricos en un hospital de tercer nivel en Bogotá
Authors: López José Julián , Cortázar Yira , Acosta Ángela , Vargas-Peláez Claudia Marcela , Rossi Francisco
Published: October 2018

Introducción. La política farmacéutica de Colombia establece la necesidad de intensificar la investigación en farmacoepidemiología a nivel nacional, especialmente en el caso de los antibióticos. Objetivo. Aportar información farmacoepidemiológica en cuanto a la efectividad, las condiciones de uso y la seguridad de la cefepima y el meropenem genéricos en un hospital de alta complejidad en Bogotá.Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y retrospectivo sobre la utilización de estos medicamentos. Los datos se recolectaron de todas las historias clínicas en las cuales se registraba el uso de cefepima y meropenem.Resultados. Se incluyeron 82 pacientes tratados con cefepima y 91 con meropenem. La mayoría de ellos había estado internada en servicios diferentes a la unidad de cuidados intensivos (59,8 % con cefepima y 52,7 % con meropenem). El 21,9 % de los tratados con cefepima y el 49 % de los tratados con meropenem, tuvieron consulta con un infectólogo, en tanto que en 47 % de los primeros y en 78 % de los segundos, se hizo cultivo o antibiograma. Las condiciones más frecuentemente tratadas con cefepima fueron las infecciones de vías respiratorias (32,5 %) y, con meropenem, las infecciones genitourinarias (34,8 %). Las tasas de éxito terapéutico fueron de 61,7 % para la cefepima y de 63,0 % para el meropenem.Conclusiones. Este estudio aporta información sobre el desempeño terapéutico de dos antibióticos genéricos de uso hospitalario. No hubo reportes de falla terapéutica durante el periodo de estudio. En los casos en que no hubo respuesta al tratamiento, las causas frecuentes fueron las alteraciones farmacocinéticas, las condiciones clínicas desfavorables y la elección inadecuada del tratamiento antimicrobiano.
ПСИХОЛОГИЯ ИСКУССТВА: от Л. С. ВЫГОТСКОГО к В. Ф. ПЕТРЕНКО (трансценденция проектов психологии искусства в различных модусах сознания), "Методология и история психологии"
Authors: Акопов Гарник Владимирович
Published: October 2018

В статье последовательно рассматриваются различные проекты исследовательских направлений в психологии искусства: начиная с известной публикации Л. С. Выготского и кончая последними крупными работами в этой области, затрагиваются методологические основания и теоретические особенности этих подходов. Анализируемые проекты соответствуют постулату взаимодополнительности науки и искусства при большей или меньшей специфике объекта, предмета и методов соответствующих исследований. В качестве универсальной категории психологического анализа явлений искусства предложен концепт «сознание», обеспечивающий диахроническую трансценденцию содержательного анализа и методов психологических исследований произведений искусства. Понятийные вариации концепта «сознание» для тех или иных рассматриваемых проектов раскрываются в словосочетаниях: художественное сознание, эстетическое, творческое, коммуникативное и другие модусы сознания, а также состояния переживания, осмысления и сотворчества. Проблема социальности искусства прослеживается в функциональном плане от «общественной техники чувств» у Л. С. Выготского до политических и масс-медиа манипуляций «экономического отношения вымысла и смерти» в современных социальных практиках «реанимации» древнеримского опыта (В. А. Шкуратов). Подтверждена диалектика исторической цикличности направленности искусства: в психологическом измерении это смена эмоциональной доминанты (сопереживание, катарсис) когнитивной (идеациональной) доминантой ценностей и смыслов (В. В. Знаков, В. Ф. Петренко, В. Е. Семенов, Н. А. Хренов и др.). Бессознательное в новейших изысканиях по психологии искусства может быть органично включено в содержательный анализ художественного произведения (В. М. Аллахвердов), а также в инструментальное обеспечение релевантных искусству исследований (В. Ф. Петренко). Психосемантическое оснащение исследовательских процедур определяет универсальность соответствующего методического аппарата.
A genética a serviço da sociedade
Authors: Abel Sarah
Published: October 2018

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Os desafios da segunda escravidão
Authors: Izecksohn Vitor
Published: October 2018

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VII CONGRESSO BRASILEIRO DE PROSPECÇÃO TECNOLÓGICA - PROSPECT&I 2017
Authors: Rodrigues Ricardo Carvalho
Published: October 2018

VII - CONGRESSO BRASILEIRO DE PROSPECÇÃO TECNOLÓGICA - PROSPECT&I 2017
ESPIRITUALIDADE NA PROMOÇÃO DO BEM ESTAR HUMANO EM AMBIENTES DE TRABALHO: ESTUDO PROSPECTIVO
Authors: Santos Millane Barbosa Dos , Escodro Pierre Barnabé , Balliano Tatiane Luciano , Rosário Francisco José Peixoto
Published: October 2018

O tema espiritualidade vem adquirindo cada vez mais importância nas organizações associados aos aspectos físicos, mentais e emocionais, apresentando-se bastante atual em organizações que procuram novas formas de alcançar a excelência, não só na produtividade, mas também na responsabilidade social e satisfação dos colaboradores. Foram realizadas buscas na base de dados patentários ORBIT, relacionando a palavra espiritualidade a várias outras, entre elas empresa, empreendedorismo e organizacional. Os resultados visam auxiliar na formatação do desenvolvimento de uma tecnologia social utilizando-se a espiritualidade para empresas brasileiras, oferecido a baixo custo e atendendo a uma grande parcela da população. Conclui-se que no Brasil, a implantação da “espiritualidade” nas áreas tecnológica e empresarial se apresenta em alto potencial de expansão para melhorar relação interpessoal, diminuir enfermidades e incrementar produtividade. Avaliando a pesquisa, o mercado absorverá aplicativos, equipamentos e outros que promovam espiritualidade para incremento do bem estar humanos em ambientes de trabalho.
A novel hollow fiber membrane‐assisted antisolvent crystallization for enhanced mass transfer process control
Authors: Tuo Linghan , Ruan Xuehua , Xiao Wu , Li Xiangcun , He Gaohong , Jiang Xiaobin
Published: October 2018

Herein, a novel hollow fiber membrane‐assisted antisolvent crystallization (MAAC) was proposed to enhance the mass transfer control over the antisolvent crystallization. A polyethersulfone membrane module was introduced as the key device for antisolvent transfer and solution mixing. An antisolvent liquid film layer was formed on the membrane surface and mixed with the solution. The liquid film also prevented the membrane from directly contacting with crystallization solution. By controlling both the shell side flow velocity and the antisolvent transfer, the antisolvent permeation rate achieved sensitive, stable, and accurate control during long‐term and repeated utilization. The interfacial mass transfer rate of MAAC was 0.66 mg cm−2 s−1, which was only 1/50 that of conventional droplet antisolvent crystallization. MAAC also provided crystal products with better morphologies and narrower size distributions than the conventional process. The stable performances of MAAC in terms of its accurate antisolvent mass transfer and antifouling capabilities were also highlighted. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 734–744, 2019
Macroscopic features of scurvy in human skeletal remains: A literature synthesis and diagnostic guide
Authors: Snoddy Anne Marie E. , Buckley Hallie R. , Elliott Gail E. , Standen Vivien G. , Arriaza Bernardo T. , Halcrow Siân E.
Published: October 2018

The past two decades have seen a proliferation in bioarchaeological literature on the identification of scurvy, a disease caused by chronic vitamin C deficiency, in ancient human remains. This condition is one of the few nutritional deficiencies that can result in diagnostic osseous lesions. Scurvy is associated with low dietary diversity and its identification in human skeletal remains can provide important contextual information on subsistence strategy, resource allocation, and human‐environmental interactions in past populations. A large and robust methodological body of work on the paleopathology of scurvy exists. However, the diagnostic criteria for this disease employed by bioarchaeologists have not always been uniform. Here we draw from previous research on the skeletal manifestations of scurvy in adult and juvenile human skeletal remains and propose a weighted diagnostic system for its identification that takes into account the pathophysiology of the disease, soft tissue anatomy, and clinical research. Using a sample of individuals from the prehistoric Atacama Desert in Northern Chile, we also provide a practical example of how diagnostic value might be assigned to skeletal lesions of the disease that have not been previously described in the literature.
Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of a nanorod five‐coordinated Sn(IV) complex. Theoretical studies of (CH3)2Sn(O2PPh2)2
Authors: Dorosti Niloufar , Mohammadpour Hadis
Published: October 2018

A new five‐coordinated diorganotin(IV) complex with formula Sn(CH3)2Cl2L (L = (C6H5)2(O)P(NHC6H11)), with a rod‐shaped nanostructure, was synthesized using a sonochemical method. The nanostructure was characterized using various techniques. The bulk complex was also produced using a reflux method applied to a solution of the reagents. The ligand and bulk form were characterized using1H NMR,13C NMR,31P NMR,119Sn NMR, UV–visible and infrared spectroscopies. By direct calcination of the synthesized complex at 650°C, nanopowders were obtained with spherical‐like structure and diameters of 40–100 nm (for bulk form) and 20–60 nm (for nanometric form). Two different forms of Sn(IV) complex (C1, C2) and the corresponding ligand were evaluated regarding their anticancer activity, as well as their influence on both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative classes of bacteria. Among the compounds, nanostructured C2was found to be the most active with IC50of 62 ± 0.03 and 92 ± 0.09 μM against A2780 and PC‐3 cell lines. Preliminary antibacterial experiments were carried out using the cup test method, in which nanocomplex C2showed better activity against all the selected bacteria than other compounds. Moreover, single crystals of C3were obtained by the interaction of (CH3)2Cl2Sn with L in ethanol–water solution, where the Sn(IV) ion is six‐coordinated with one‐dimensional polymeric chains. The intermolecular interactions which connected the chains into a two‐dimensional framework were supported by Hirshfeld surface analysis and fingerprint plots.
Evaluation of sustained ciprofloxacin release of biodegradable electrospun gelatin/poly(glycerol sebacate) mat membranes for wound dressing applications
Authors: Ayati Najafabadi Seyed Ahmad , Shirazaki Parisa , Zargar Kharazi Anoushe , Varshosaz Jaleh , Tahriri Mohammadreza , Tayebi Lobat
Published: October 2018

In this research, gelatin and poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS), which have demonstrated significantly developed wound healing process, were used to fabricate biodegradable and bioabsorbable membranes with controlled release of ciprofloxacin (CIP) as a powerful antibiotic. This was achieved by taking advantage of electrospinning technique to accelerate the wound healing as an extracellular matrix‐liked composite membrane. We attempted to carefully investigate the impact of variable ratio of sebacic acid and glycerol as components of PGS and identified CIP‐loaded cross‐linked membrane (CIP‐M11) as an optimum membrane, although a significant change in structural properties of samples was not observed. The physicochemical properties of drug‐loaded electrospun wound cover were evaluated by several characterization tests. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results confirmed that CIP‐embedded gelatin/PGS membrane was successfully synthesized and cross‐linked properly. The CIP‐M11 sample showed a constant and uniform degradation rate with the capacity of durable drug release over the time period. The excellent antibacterial activity of CIP decreased the population of both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and prevented bacterial infections. The cytocompatibility of membranes was completely proven by culturing L929 fibroblast cells on the prepared membranes. Finally, obtained results exhibit that the membranes should be considered as the promising wound dressing.
Introduction: Thematic Papers Issue on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration and Repair
Authors: Navarro Xavier , Geuna Stefano , Grothe Claudia , Haastert‐Talini Kirsten
Published: October 2018

Injuries to the peripheral nerves result in loss of motor, sensory and autonomic functions in the denervated segments of the body, thus having strong impact in the quality of life of affected patients. Neurons are able to regenerate their injured axons in the peripheral nerves; however, the endogenous repair mechanisms usually do not allow for a satisfactory functional recovery, especially after severe nerve injuries. The interest on regeneration after peripheral nerve injuries has increased in the recent years due to the numerous advances derived from studies of neurobiology, cell therapy, and tissue engineering. This Thematic Papers Issue brings together a number of papers, authored by researchers in the field, which cover a wide spectrum of topics related to regeneration and repair of peripheral nerve injuries. The Issue proposal originated from the recent 4th International Symposium on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration (ISPNR2017) which was hosted by Xavier Navarro and the European Society for the Study of Peripheral Nerve Repair and Regeneration in Barcelona, Spain. Anat Rec, 301:1614–1617, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pim‐1 Expression in Rat Retina and its Changes after Optic Nerve Crush
Authors: Zhang Shoumei , Wang Dong , Huang Tingting , Liu Fang , Shuai Li , Xu Jiajun
Published: October 2018

Pim‐1 is a proto‐oncogene which has been discovered to involve in cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. In this study, we observed the expression of Pim‐1 in neonatal and adult rat retina and the changes in rat retina following optic nerve crush (ONC) in order to explore the relationship between Pim‐1 and the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGC). We discovered that Pim‐1 was distributed mainly in retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) and retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL) in normal newborn rats, and it appeared in RPE, cone rod cell layer and GCL in normal adult rats by immunohistochemistry. Our double immunofluorescent staining of Pim‐1 and γ‐synuclein further confirmed that Pim‐1 was localized in 80% of RGC. Moreover, we found that the amount of Pim‐1 mRNA and protein in adult rat retina was transiently increased after ONC and then decreased 2 weeks after ONC, and the expression level was lower than that of neonatal rat retina under all conditions. We also discovered that Pim‐1 expression in GCL detected by immunohistochemistry was upregulated at Day 1 and Day 3 after ONC, but downregulated at Day 14 after ONC when the survival of RGC was decreased and the apoptotic cells in GCL were increased by hematoxylin‐eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL detection. We suggest that the overexpression of Pim‐1 in the RGC is related to the optic nerve repair while the low expression of Pim‐1 in RGC may be associated with apoptosis and weak intrinsic regeneration ability of RGC. Anat Rec, 301:1968–1976, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pyrazinoates as antiparasitic agents against Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Vasconcelos Camilla I. , Varela Marina T. , Torrecilhas Ana C. , Fernandes João P. S.
Published: October 2018

This work reports a repurposing study of pyrazinoic acid (1) and methyl (2), ethyl (3) and 2‐chloroethyl (4) ester derivatives with antimycobacterial activity, in assays against Trypanosoma cruzi. The compounds and benznidazole, the standard antitrypanosoma drug, were evaluated in concentrations ranging from 100 to 6.25 μg/mL. The results showed that compounds 2 and 3 (EC50 = 182 and 447 μM) significantly reduced the infection rate of the parasite into the mammalian cells at 100 μg/mL (p < 0.05) in a similar way to benznidazole. In addition, all the compounds also significantly reduced the number of intracellular parasites (compound 1 at 50 μg/mL, and compounds 2–4 at 100 μg/mL, p < 0.05) in comparison to the control. Compounds 1 and 2 were more effective than benznidazole at 50 μg/mL (p < 0.001). Moreover, compounds 1–4 did not show significant cytotoxicity against THP‐1, J774, and HeLa cells (>1000 μM), indicating that they possess considerable selectivity against the parasites. This report represents the first study of such compounds against T. cruzi, indicating the potential of pyrazinoates as antiparasitic agents.
Protic and Aprotic Ionic Liquids in Combination with Hard Carbon for Lithium‐Ion and Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Arnaiz Maria , Huang Peihua , Ajuria Jon , Rojo Teófilo , Goikolea Eider , Balducci Andrea
Published: October 2018

In this work we report the use of the aprotic ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Pyr14TFSI) and the protic ionic liquid 1‐butylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (PyrH4TFSI) in combination with olive pits derived hard carbon electrodes in view of the realization of advanced Li‐ion and Na‐ion batteries. We show that in the case of Li‐based systems both classes of ionic liquids can be successfully utilized at room‐temperature to build high performance and stable hard carbon‐based systems. In the case of Na‐ion chemistry, Pyr14TFSI appears very promising while the use of PyrH4TFSI is not applicable due to the lack of electrochemical stability below 1 V vs. Na/Na+.
Protective effects of omega‐3 fatty acids against Alzheimer's disease in rat brain endothelial cells
Authors: Wang Lijun , Fan Hongguang , He Jingchun , Wang Lifang , Tian Zelong , Wang Chaoran
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Omega‐3 fatty acids are well‐known unsaturated fatty acids that are essential for growth and development in animals. They primarily participate in the development of intelligence, the nervous system, and vision, and the metabolism of neurotransmitters. Omega‐3 fatty acids have been widely studied in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Omega‐3 fatty acids are known to have neuroprotective effects due to their antioxidant capacity. Rotenone has been shown to induce neurotoxicity in vitro.

Methods

We investigated the protective effects of omega‐3 fatty acids against AD in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (RBMVECs) in vitro. Lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase levels were evaluated in RBMVECs. Flow cytometry was performed to assess apoptosis.

Results

Lipid peroxidation and ROS were reduced in RBMVECs following incubation with omega‐3 fatty acids. Catalase, Gpx, and SOD were increased in RBMVECs following incubation with omega‐3 fatty acids. Flow cytometry showed that incubation with omega‐3 fatty acids reduced the amount of apoptotic RBMVECs.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that omega‐3 fatty acids show potential as a therapeutic agent against AD.
Total saponins from the leaves of Panax notoginseng inhibit depression on mouse chronic unpredictable mild stress model by regulating circRNA expression
Authors: Zhang Hualin , Chen Ziming , Zhong Zhiyong , Gong Weifan , Li Jun
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Total saponins from the leaves of Panax notoginseng saponins (SLPN) could inhibit development of depression, but the underlying mechanisms remains unclear. This study aimed to address the roles of circular RNAs in depression inhibition by SLPN.

Methods

The mouse chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model was established, which were confirmed by mouse weight, forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). Effects of SLPN on depression were evaluated in CUMS through these same assays. Circular RNA profiles in mouse ventral medial prefrontal cortex (VMPC) and hippocampus of CUMS mice were determined by high‐through sequencing, followed by confirmation via qRT‐PCR. Overexpression of mmu_circ_0001223 was done by transfection of PC12 cell through lentiviral system. Protein abundances of cAMP response element binding protein 1(CREB1) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were evaluated by western blotting.

Results

Mouse body weight, immobility time in FST and immobility time in TST of CUMS mice were significantly recovered by SLPN treatment. A large number of circular RNAs were differentially expressed in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (VMPC) and hippocampus tissues of CUMS mice. Among them, mmu_circ_0001223 expression was greatly decreased in CUMS mice, but significantly elevated by SLPN treatment. The protein levels of CREB1 and BDNF were also remarkably promoted in CUMS mice by treatment of SLPN. Overexpression of mmu_circ_0001223 enhanced CREB1 and BDNF protein levels in PC12 cells.

Conclusion

SLPN regulate the expression of large number circular RNAs in CUMS mice, which might be important mediators of SLPN's anti‐depression effects.
Life‐sentenced juveniles: Public perceptions of risk and need for incarceration
Authors: Heilbrun Kirk , Durham Kelley , Thornewill Alice , Schiedel Rebecca , Pietruszka Victoria , Phillips Sarah , Locklair Benjamin , Thomas Joanna
Published: October 2018

Pursuant to recent United States Supreme Court decisions inMiller v. Alabama(2012) andMontgomery v. Louisiana(2016), individuals convicted of crimes committed when they were younger than 18 and for which they received mandatory life sentences are entitled to new sentencing hearings. This study examined public perceptions of such individuals (life‐sentenced juveniles, or LSJs). Study participants were 663 adults (52.3% male) ages 22–71 years (M = 36.00, SD = 11.46) recruited using Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk). Each participant received one of a possible four vignettes about a man who was incarcerated for a crime that occurred when he was 17 years old and subsequently sentenced to mandatory life in prison following conviction. Two variables (risk of harming others if released to the community, and circumstances of the crime) were manipulated in a 2 × 2 between‐subjects design. Each participant read one vignette and then answered questions relating to appropriateness for release from prison. Results indicate that risk, but not circumstances of the crime, strongly influenced participants' views regarding resentencing. When the individual in the vignette was labeled as high risk, participants described him as less appropriate for release, more deserving of punishment, needing more rehabilitation, and more appropriate for specific and general deterrence. The circumstances of the crime had no effect on participants' responses. This may be important for various reasons, as applicable law does not explicitly identify risk as a consideration in juvenile resentencing. The nonetheless noteworthy empirical influence of risk on perceptions regarding LSJs is discussed in their implications for research, policy, and practice.
An Integrated Approach to Aggregate Control for Therapeutic Bispecific Antibodies Using an Improved Three Column Mab Platform‐Like Purification Process
Authors: Andrade Cassia , Arnold Lindsay , Motabar Dana , Aspelund Matthew , Tang Alison , Hunter Alan , Chung Wai Keen
Published: October 2018

Single chain variable fragment‐IgGs (scFv‐IgG) are a class of bispecific antibodies consisting of two single chain variable fragments (scFv) that are fused to an intact IgG molecule. A common trend observed for expression of scFv‐IgGs in mammalian cell culture is a higher level of aggregates (10%–30%) compared to mAbs, which results in lower purification yields in order to meet product quality targets. Furthermore, the high aggregate levels also pose robustness risks to a conventional mAb three column platform purification process which uses only the polishing steps (e.g., cation exchange chromatography [CEX]) for aggregate removal. Protein A chromatography with pH gradient elution, high performance tangential flow filtration (HP‐TFF) and calcium phosphate precipitation were evaluated at the bench scale as means of introducing orthogonal aggregate removal capabilities into other aspects of the purification process. The two most promising process variants, namely Protein A pH gradient elution followed by calcium phosphate precipitation were evaluated at pilot scale, demonstrating comparable performance. Implementing Protein A chromatography with gradient elution and/or calcium phosphate precipitation removed a sufficient portion of the aggregate burden prior to the CEX polishing step, enabling CEX to be operated robustly under conditions favoring higher monomer yield. From starting aggregate levels ranging from 15% to 23% in the condition media, levels were reduced to between 2% and 3% at the end of the CEX step. The overall yield for the optimal process was 71%. Results of this work suggest an improved three‐column mAb platform‐like purification process for purification of high aggregate scFv‐IgG bispecific antibodies is feasible. © 2018 The Authors. Biotechnology Progress published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2720, 2019
Exploring the separation power of mixed‐modal resins for purification of recombinant osteopontin from clarified Escherichia coli lysates
Authors: Guo Shengchun , Ravi Ayswarya , Mayfield Stephen , L. Nikolov Zivko
Published: October 2018

Osteopontin (OPN) is a structural protein with potential value in therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Low titer, acidic isoelectric point, and the lack of well‐defined secondary and tertiary structure were some of the challenges that complicated purification development of OPN from recombinant Escherichia coli lysates. Reported processes for OPN recovery from recombinant sources use nonorthogonal unit operations and often suffer from low yield. In this work, we expanded the search for an optimal OPN purification method by including mixed‐modal resins with both ionic and hydrophobic properties (Capto adhere, HEA HyperCel, and PPA HyperCel). Plate‐based high‐throughput screening (HTS) platform revealed useful information about the interactions between the three different ligands and OPN as function of pH and ionic strength. The HTS data allowed the selection of OPN adsorption and elution conditions that were tested and optimized in a batch mode. In terms of purification factor and yield, HEA HyperCel performed significantly better than the other two mixed‐modal resins. Pairing HEA HyperCel with a strong anion exchange step (Capto Q) resulted in a two‐step purification process that achieved 45‐fold purification of OPN with a final purity of 95% and 44% overall yield. The orthogonality provided by mixed‐modal and ion exchange steps resulted in higher yield in fewer unit operations than reported processes. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2722, 2019
Hydrolysis of Lipid‐Extracted Chlorella vulgaris by Simultaneous Use of Solid and Liquid Acids
Authors: Seon Gyeongho , Joo Hyun Woo , Kim Yong Jae , Park Juyi , Chang Yong Keun
Published: October 2018

Microalgal biomass was hydrolyzed using a solid acid catalyst with the aid of liquid acid. The use of solid acid as the main catalyst instead of liquid acid was to omit subsequent neutralization and/or desalination steps, which are commonly required in using the resulting hydrolysates for microbial fermentation. The hydrolysis of 10 g/L of lipid‐extracted Chlorella vulgaris containing 12.2% carbohydrates using 7.6 g/L Amberlyst 36 and 0.0075 N nitric acid at 150°C resulted in 1.08 g/L of mono‐sugars with a yield of 88.5%. For hydrolysis of higher concentrations of the biomass over 10 g/L, the amount of Amberlyst 36 needed to be increased in proportion to the biomass concentration to maintain similar levels of hydrolysis performance. Increasing the solid acid concentration protected the surface of the solid acid from being severely covered by cell debris during the reaction. A hydrolysate of lipid‐extracted C. vulgaris 50 g/L was used, with no post‐treatment of desalination, for the cultivation of Klebsiella oxytoca producing 2,3‐butanediol. Cell growth in the hydrolysate was found to be almost the same as in the conventional medium with the same monosaccharide composition, confirming its fermentation compatibility. It was noticeable that the yield of 2,3‐butanediol with the hydrolysate was observed to be 2.6 times higher than that with the conventional medium. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2729, 2019
Flipped classroom—comparative case study in engineering higher education
Authors: Castedo Ricardo , López Lina M. , Chiquito María , Navarro Juan , Cabrera José D. , Ortega Marcelo F.
Published: October 2018

The use of flipped‐classroom methodology (FC) has increased recently, however, there is a lack of quantitative data on students’ performance. A FC has been applied into a group (80 students) of an obligatory subject of the 2nd course in an Energetic Engineering Bachelor. A second group has been taught with the traditional methodology (72 students) to compare the results. The FC requires students to obtain background knowledge prior to a face‐to face class meeting, and reserves in‐class time for applying knowledge to solve problems. This is the opposite of the traditional lecture‐based classroom, in which students passively attend didactic lectures from the instructor, then study the content and complete assignments after class. The main objectives of this research were to measure the impact of learning (with special attention to really active students), reduce absenteeism, increase exam attendance, and analyze how participating students view their experience with this methodology. The results show that the flipped‐classroom model has a direct impact on student learning (or grades), especially in students with a high degree of involvement (with grades about 1.5 points higher). In addition, the grades standard deviation values were lower (in about one point), ensuring a better general students level. The students are a little reluctant to this new methodology, but thanks to it, they tend to work more (12% of the students work more hours per week), to attend more to class (at least 10% more), and to attend in a higher ratio to exams (around 20%).
Creation of Centimeter‐Sized 2 D Crystalline Film by Crystallization of Homopolymer in Solution
Authors: Li Ming , Peng Zefei , Hou Jingjing , Liu Xiong , He Yunbin
Published: October 2018

The 2 D assembly of polymers to form free‐standing and large crystalline films is quite appealing but very challenging. Although there have been some works using interface templates, reports of in situ assembly in solution are still rare. Herein, a simple strategy is developed for the creation of a free‐standing and centimeter‐sized 2 D crystalline polymer film through crystallization of an amphiphilic brush polydiacetylene (PDA) in solution. The film exhibits good shape memory, a low dielectric constant, and good carrier mobility. This strategy may be applied extensively to produce a variety of other macroscopic 2 D crystalline polymer films for applications in electronics, catalysis, and so on.
Hemicellulosen aus Fruchtresten für Beschichtungen von Verpackungen
Authors: Reising Anna , Hanstein Stefan , Kazmierczak Karolina , Titze‐Frech Karin
Published: October 2018

Die auf dem Markt verfügbaren biologisch abbaubaren Kunststoffe sind aufgrund ihrer Materialeigenschaften in vielen Fällen als Verpackungsmaterialien ungeeignet. Um gleichzeitig den hohen chemischen und physikalischen Anforderungen an Verpackungsmaterialien zu genügen, wird in dem durch „Biobased Industry Joint Undertaking“ geförderten EU‐Projekt HyperBioCoat eine biologisch abbaubare Beschichtung auf Basis von Lignocellulose entwickelt.
PARFORCE – Phosphor aus organischen Rückständen
Authors: Lohmeier R. , Eschment J. , Martin G. , Fröhlich P. , Bertau M.
Published: October 2018

An der TU Bergakademie Freiberg wurde im November 2017 die PARFORCE Engineering & Consulting GmbH gegründet. Ziel des Spin‐offs der TU Bergakademie Freiberg ist die Vermarktung und Weiterentwicklung der PARFORCE‐Technologie (Phosphoric Acid Recovery From Organic Residues and Chemicals by Electrochemistry) zur Phosphorgewinnung aus phosphathaltigen primären und sekundären Rohstoffen (s. dazu den Aufsatz ab Seite 350 in diesem Heft). Mit einer chemischen Anlage, die 1 t Phosphatrohstoff pro Tag verarbeiten kann, wurde ein wichtiger Schritt zur industriellen Reife vollzogen. ChiuZ sprach mit den Gründern.