bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum miR‐515‐3p, a potential new RNA biomarker, is involved in gastric carcinoma
Authors: Han Xue , Li Xing , Zhao Hengyu , Zhou Danyang , Sun Banghao , Liu Anqi , Zhang Jianan , Cui Zhongqi , Ma Xiaoyu , Yuan Lijie
Published: May 2019

Objectives

microRNAs (miRNAs) have provided a new opportunity for developing diagnostic biomarkers and effective therapeutic targets in gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between miR‐515‐3p and GC development.

Experimental Design

The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used for screening genes and miRNA and for 2R analysis. miRNA prediction target genes and screening key genes were analyzed using protein interactions (PPI) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. A network of miRNA‐mRNA interactions was predicated by Cytoscape (v.3.5.1), Institute of Systems Biology & University of California, San Diego & Pasteur institute & University of California, San Francisco. Finally, miR‐515‐3p levels were detected by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) in gastric cells and plasma levels. Then, the association between the expression level of miR‐515‐3p and the clinicopathological features of patients with GC was further analyzed.

Observations and Conclusions

We found that miR‐515‐3p was markedly overexpressed in individuals with GC compared with that in normal gastric cells (NCs) and the surgery group (P < 0.0001). In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis yielded an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.8555 for miR‐515‐3p.

Significance

Our results present new information to the field of gastric cancer and has done a good job of creating an initial hypothesis using the database as well as validate their initial results. These results suggest that serum miR‐515‐3p is a novel potential biomarker for the detection of GC.
Gene regulation analysis of the effects of evodiamine on tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wu Yuyan , Wang Jing , Zhao Jiayuan , Zhang Yunxia , Sun Yunjie , Chen Jian , Wang Jing
Published: May 2019

Objective

To use gene chip technology to study the effects of evodiamine (EVO) on the gene expression profile of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) CAL‐27 cell line, for the purpose of analyzing the mechanisms underlying the effects of EVO on gene expression and functional regulation of TSCC cells at the gene level.

Method

Differentially expressed genes in CAL‐27 cells treated with EVO were detected using gene chip technology and analyzed using ingenuity pathway analysis.

Results

Microarray results showed that there were 1243 differentially expressed genes following treatment with CAL‐27 cells; 684 genes were upregulated and 559 were downregulated. Classical pathway analysis revealed a total of 89 signal transduction pathways with upregulated gene set enrichment, including lipopolysaccharide/interleukin (IL)‐1‐mediated inhibition of retinoid X receptor (RXR) function, agrin interactions at neuromuscular junctions, cholecystokinin/gastrin‐mediated signaling, toll‐like receptor signaling, and IL‐6 signaling. A total of 39 signal transduction pathways were enriched for the downregulated genes, including interferon signals, liver X receptor/RXR activation signals, and RhoGDI signals. In the disease and function analysis, the upregulated genes were enriched in viral infection, RNA virus replication, viral replication, cancer cell invasion, cell invasion, and other related functions, while downregulated genes were enriched in neuromuscular diseases, and leukocyte differentiation, antiviral response, connective tissue cell death and other functions.

Conclusions

Gene chip analysis offers an effective means of screening differential gene expression between EVO‐treated TSCCs and controls, thus providing a sound basis for further research.
Overlapped differentially expressed genes between acute lymphoblastic leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia revealed potential key genes and pathways involved in leukemia
Authors: Zhang Suwei , Zhang Qiaoxin , Yin Jun , Wu Xianheng
Published: May 2019

Common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) might play critical roles in the pathogenesis and process of leukemia. We collected RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) data of human CLL, ALL samples, and normal peripheral blood CD19+ B cells as well as thymus samples, and analyzed similarities and differences between their transcriptomes using Cuffdiff2, DESeq, and edgeR. Compared with the RNA‐seq data of normal peripheral blood CD19+ B cells and thymus samples, there were a large number of DEGs in ALL and CLL. DEGs in ALL and CLL not only have their distinguished features but also have a similar pattern. To figure out the common DEGs between CLL and ALL, we further identified 26 overlapped genes between CLL and ALL, among which 10 genes showed similar expression variation profiles whereas 16 genes showed opposite variation. The expression levels of 10 genes (SCML4, TNF‐α, CD1C, FGFR1, MYO7B, DUSP1, PAP1GAP, MAN1C1, SLFN5, and CD8A) among the 26 genes were further confirmed by experiments, which was consistent with the results obtained by analyzing the RNA‐seq data. The current study contributes to better understanding the pathophysiology of leukemia and unearthing novel potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets of leukemia.
Partial reprogramming as a therapeutic approach for heart disease: A state‐of‐the‐art review
Authors: Talkhabi Mahmood
Published: May 2019

Heart disease such as myocardial infarction is the first cause of mortality in all countries. Today, cardiac cell‐based therapy using de novo produced cardiac cells is considered as a novel approach for cardiac regenerative medicine. Recently, an alchemy‐like approach, known as direct reprogramming or direct conversion, has been developed to directly convert somatic cells to cardiac cells in vitro and in vivo. This cellular alchemy is a short‐cut and safe strategy for generating autologous cardiac cells, and it can be accomplished through activating cardiogenesis‐ or pluripotency‐related factors in noncardiac cells. Importantly, pluripotency factors‐based direct cardiac conversion, known as partial reprogramming, is shorter and more efficient for cardiomyocyte generation in vitro. Today, this strategy is achievable for direct conversion of mouse and human somatic cells to cardiac lineage cells (cardiomyocytes and cardiac progenitor cells), using transgene free, chemical‐based approaches. Although, heart‐specific partial reprogramming seems to be challenging for in vivo conversion of cardiac fibroblasts to cardiac cells, but whole organism‐based in vivo partial reprogramming ameliorates cellular and physiological hallmarks of aging and prolongs lifespan in mouse. Notably, cardiac cells produced using partial reprogramming strategy can be a useful platform for disease modeling, drug screening and cardiac cell‐based therapy, once the safety issues are overcome. Herein, we discuss about all progresses in de novo production of cardiac cells using partial reprogramming‐based direct conversion, as well as give an overview about the potential applications of this strategy in vivo and in vitro.
Identification of aberrantly methylated differentially expressed genes in breast cancer by integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Yi Lilan , Luo Peng , Zhang Jian
Published: May 2019

Background

Abnormal DNA methylation has been demonstrated to drive breast cancer tumorigenesis. Thus, this study aimed to explore differentially expressed biomarkers driven by aberrant methylation in breast cancer and explore potential pathological mechanisms using comprehensive bioinformatics analysis.

Methods

Gene microarray datasets of expression (GSE45827) and methylation (GSE32393) were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Abnormally methylated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by overlapping datasets. Functional enrichment analysis of screened genes and protein‐protein interaction (PPI) networks were executed with the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database. PPI networks were visualized, and hub genes were screened using Cytoscape software. The results were further verified using Oncomine and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Finally, the genetic alterations and prognostic roles of hub genes were analyzed.

Results

In total, we found 18 hypomethylated upregulated oncogenes and 21 hypermethylated downregulated tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). These genes were mainly linked to the biological process categories of cellular component movement and cellular metabolism as well as nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) signaling pathways. Six hub genes were identified: three hypomethylated upregulated oncogenes (BCL2, KIT, and RARA) and three hypermethylated downregulated TSGs (ATM, DICER1, and DNMT1). The expression and methylation status of hub genes validated in Oncomine and TCGA databases were significantly altered and were consistent with our findings. Downregulation of BCL2, KIT, ATM, and DICER1 was closely associated with shorter overall survival in breast cancer patients. In addition, the expression levels of ATM and DICER1 were significantly distinct among different subgroups of clinical stages, molecular subtypes, and histological types.

Conclusions

Our study reveals possible methylation‐based DEGs and involved pathways in breast cancer, which could provide novel insights into underlying pathogenesis mechanisms. Abnormally methylated oncogenes and TSGs, especially ATM and DICER1, may emerge as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for breast cancer in the future.
LOC103691336/miR‐138‐5p/BMPR2 axis modulates Mg‐mediated osteogenic differentiation in rat femoral fracture model and rat primary bone marrow stromal cells
Authors: Li Ding , Yu Kun , Xiao Tao , Dai Yilong , Liu Lihong , Li Hui , Jiang Dayue , Xiong Liang
Published: May 2019

Intramedullary stabilization is frequently used to treat long bone fractures. Since implant removal can become technically very challenging with the potential to cause further tissue damage, biodegradable materials are emerging as alternative options. Magnesium (Mg)‐based biodegradable implants have a controllable degradation rate and good tissue compatibility, which makes them attractive for musculoskeletal research. Herein, the degradation of Mg and steel implants, the pathological characteristics and osteoblast differentiation in mice femora were examined. To investigate the molecular mechanism, we analyzed the differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in Mg‐implanted or stain‐steel‐implanted callus tissues. lncRNA LOC103691336 was upregulated in Mg‐implanted tissues and most relevant to BMPR2, a kinase receptor of BMPs with an established role in osteogenesis. The knockdown of LOC103691336 attenuated Mg‐mediated osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, miR‐138‐5p, previously reported to inhibit osteogenic differentiation, could bind to LOC103691336 and BMPR2 in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). LOC103691336 competed with BMPR2 for miR‐138‐5p binding in BMSCs to attenuate the inhibitory effect of miR‐138‐5p on BMPR2 expression. Finally, the effect of LOC103691336 knockdown on Mg‐mediated osteogenic differentiation could be attenuated by miR‐138‐5p inhibition. In conclusion, we provided a novel mechanism of Mg implants mediating the osteogenesis differentiation and demonstrated that Mg implants may be promising for improving fracture healing.
Integrated analysis of transcriptome data revealed MMP3 and MMP13 as critical genes in anaplastic thyroid cancer progression
Authors: Ma Yuehua , Cang Shundong , Li Guoqing , Su Yong , Zhang Huifeng , Wang Limin , Yang Junpeng , Shi Xiaoyang , Qin Guijun , Yuan Huijuan
Published: May 2019

To better understand the molecular mechanisms of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), we aimed to identify the hub genes specifically involved in ATC by integrated bioinformatics analysis. In this study, using three Gene Expression Omnibus data sets with the same platform GPL570, we screened hub genes involved in ATC progression. In vitro experiments, such as western blot analysis, Transwell assays, and coimmunoprecipitation, was performed to verify our findings. By comparing three subtypes of thyroid cancer with normal tissue, we found ATC harbored more changed genes than well and poorly differentiated thyroid cancer. Using specifically differentially expressed genes between ATC and normal thyroid tissues to perform Gene ontology (GO) analysis, ATC showed enrichments of GO terms involved in lymphocyte migration and activation, collagen catabolic and metabolic process, thyroid hormone synthesis, and embolism. Using genes involved in extracellular matrix, coexpression network analysis and protein–protein interaction analysis were performed to identify matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) and MMP13 as two hub genes. Our experimental data indicated that both MMP3 and MMP13 were upregulated in ATC and knockdown of either of them could notably suppress ATC cell invasion and migration. Mechanistically, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, coimmunoprecipitation, and rescue experiments revealed MMP3 and MMP13 not only interacted with each other, but also regulated each other through the janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and mammalian target of rapamycin pathways. In conclusion, we identified a specific molecular mechanisms for the development of ATC by integrated analysis of transcriptome and in vitro experiments, which suggested that MMP3 and MMP13 might be developed as novel therapeutic targets for ATC.
Characterization of hepatitis delta virus strains spreading in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Ifeorah Ijeoma M. , Faleye Temitope O. C. , Bakarey Adeleye S. , Adewumi Olubusuyi M. , Gerber Athenais , Le Gal Frédéric , Adeniji Johnson A. , Gordien Emmanuel , Onyemelukwe Ngozi F.
Published: May 2019

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is responsible for the most severe form of liver disease in humans. So far, eight genotypes (HDV‐1 to ‐8) have been individualized worldwide. Little is known about HDV strains that spread in Nigeria. HDV genotyping was performed in 15 anti–HDV positive samples from a cohort of 306 hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐infected patients in Abuja (Nigeria). Phylogenetic analyses revealed 90% were HDV‐1, two among them clustering with European/Asian HDV‐1, the remaining one being HDV‐6. It was also found that two members of a couple superinfected with the same HDV strain, were enveloped by two different HBV strains of genotype E.
Efficient preparative separation of 6‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐5‐methyl‐4, 5‐dihydro‐3(2H)‐pyridazinone enantiomers on polysaccharide‐based stationary phases in polar organic solvent chromatography and supercritical fluid chromatography
Authors: Cheng Lingping , Cai Jianfeng , Fu Qing , Ke Yanxiong
Published: May 2019

6‐(4‐Aminophenyl)‐5‐methyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐3(2H)‐pyridazinone is a key synthetic intermediate for cardiotonic agent levosimendan. Very few studies address the use of chiral stationary phases in chromatography for the enantioseparation of this intermediate. This study presents two efficient preparative methods for the isolation of (R)(−)‐6‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐5‐methyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐3(2H)‐pyridazinone in polar organic solvent chromatography and supercritical fluid chromatography using polysaccharide‐based chiral stationary phases and volatile organic mobile phases without additives in isocratic mode. Under optimum conditions, Chiralcel OJ column showed the best performance (α = 1.71, Rs = 5.47) in polar organic solvent chromatography, while Chiralpak AS column exhibited remarkable separations (α = 1.81 and Rs = 6.51) in supercritical fluid chromatography with an opposite enantiomer elution order. Considering the sample solubility, runtime and solvent cost, the preparations were carried out on Chiralcel OJ column and Chiralpak AS column (250 × 20 mm i.d.; 10 µm) in polar organic mode and supercritical fluid chromatography mode with methanol and CO2/methanol as mobile phases, respectively. By utilizing the advantages of chromatographic techniques and polysaccharide‐based chiral stationary phases, this work provides two methods for the fast and economic preparation of (R)(−)‐6‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐5‐methyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐3(2H)‐pyridazinone, which are suitable for the pharmaceutical industry.
NYS braces for new campaign to support investments in human services sector
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2019

Observing that rising costs for New York state's nonprofit human services employees have been unaddressed for more than a decade, the state's behavioral health provider community and mental health advocates are waging an all‐out attack to convince the state legislature and the governor to invest in across‐the‐board increases for the field.
A deep neural network based tuning technique of lossy microwave coupled resonator filters
Authors: Sun Jia‐Jing , Sun Sheng , Yu Xi , Chen Yongpin P. , Hu Jun
Published: May 2019

A novel tuning process of microwave filter is proposed based on deep neural network. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with several layers of convolution and nonlinear units are introduced to extract the coupling matrix of the simulated responses during the design procedure of lossy microwave filters. Then the proposed neural network model has been used to guide the tuning process of substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) filters. Compared to the traditional tuning method, this method can extract the coupling matrix with high accuracy as well as providing directions for the tuning rapidly. As an example, a fourth‐order bandpass filter centered at 20.45 GHz with 1.72‐dB insertion loss and 21.49‐dB return loss is finally designed using the proposed model. Numerical example validates the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Fast bound pool fraction mapping via steady‐state magnetization transfer saturation using single‐shot EPI
Authors: Battiston Marco , Schneider Torben , Grussu Francesco , Yiannakas Marios C. , Prados Ferran , De Angelis Floriana , Gandini Wheeler‐Kingshott Claudia A. M. , Samson Rebecca S.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

To enable clinical applications of quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT) imaging by developing a fast method to map one of its fundamental model parameters, the bound pool fraction (BPF), in the human brain.

Theory and Methods

The theory of steady‐state MT in the fast‐exchange approximation is used to provide measurements of BPF, and bound pool transverse relaxation time (). A sequence that allows sampling of the signal during steady‐state MT saturation is used to perform BPF mapping with a 10‐min‐long fully echo planar imaging‐based MRI protocol, including inversion recovery T1 mapping and B1 error mapping. The approach is applied in 6 healthy subjects and 1 multiple sclerosis patient, and validated against a single‐slice full qMT reference acquisition.

Results

BPF measurements are in agreement with literature values using off‐resonance MT, with average BPF of 0.114(0.100‐0.128) in white matter and 0.068(0.054‐0.085) in gray matter. Median voxel‐wise percentage error compared with standard single slice qMT is 4.6%. Slope and intercept of linear regression between new and reference BPF are 0.83(0.81‐0.85) and 0.013(0.11‐0.16). Bland‐Altman plot mean bias is 0.005. In the multiple sclerosis case, the BPF is sensitive to pathological changes in lesions.

Conclusion

The method developed provides accurate BPF estimates and enables shorter scan time compared with currently available approaches, demonstrating the potential of bringing myelin sensitive measurement closer to the clinic.
Implementation of the FLORET UTE sequence for lung imaging
Authors: Willmering Matthew M. , Robison Ryan K. , Wang Hui , Pipe James G. , Woods Jason C.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Magnetic resonance imaging of lungs is inherently challenging, but it has become more common with the use of UTE sequences and their relative insensitivity to motion. Spiral UTE sequences have been touted recently as having greater k‐space sampling efficiencies than radial UTE, but few are designed for the shorter T2* of the lung. In this study, FLORET (Fermat looped, orthogonally encoded trajectories), a recently developed spiral 3D‐UTE sequence designed for the short T2* species, was implemented in human lungs for the first time and the images were compared with traditional radial UTE images.

Methods

The FLORET sequence was implemented with parameters optimized for lung imaging on healthy and diseased (cystic fibrosis) subjects. On healthy subjects, radial UTE images (3D‐radial and 2D‐radial with phase encoding) were acquired for comparison to FLORET. Various metrics including SNR, vasculature contrast, diaphragm sharpness, and parenchymal density ratios were acquired and compared among the separate UTE sequences.

Results

The FLORET sequence performed similarly to traditional radial UTE methods with a much shorter total scan time for fully sampled images (FLORET: 1 minute 55 seconds, 3D‐radial: 3 minutes 25 seconds, 2D‐radial with phase encoding: 7 minutes 22 seconds). Additionally, the FLORET image obtained on the cystic fibrosis subject resulted in the observation of cystic fibrosis lung pathology similar or superior to that of the other UTE‐MRI techniques.

Conclusion

The FLORET sequence allows for faster acquisition of high diagnostic‐quality lung images and its short T2* components without sacrificing SNR, image quality, or tissue/disease quantification.
Equivalence of mental and physical illness: the paradox of provision
Authors: Palin Alastair
Published: May 2019

Much has been written regarding the need to consider an equivalence of provision, including access to evidence‐based treatments, between physical and mental health. However, the author argues that while physical health is increasingly shifting towards models of self‐management and anticipatory care planning, services for mental health are increasingly adopting an open access policy to individuals in ‘crisis’, often at the expense of mainstream services
Associations between age and sleep apnea risk among newborn infants
Authors: Matlen Lisa B. , Hassan Fauziya , Shellhaas Renée A.
Published: May 2019

Objective

Among older children, sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) is associated with measurable neurocognitive consequences. However, diagnostic SDB thresholds are lacking for infants < 12 months. We sought to evaluate the relationship between SDB indices, gestational age (GA), and postmenstrual age (PMA) for infants who underwent clinically‐indicated polysomnograms at a tertiary care center.

Methods

Every infant < 3‐months chronological age whose first clinically‐indicated polysomnogram was between 2/2012 and 2/2017 was included. Linear regression was used to evaluate associations between apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), obstructive‐apnea index (OAI), and GA and PMA for infants with and without obvious clinical risk factors for SDB (eg, micrognathia and cleft palate).

Results

For 53 infants without obvious SDB risk factors (GA 35.6 ± 4.5 weeks; PMA 41.2 ± 4.0 weeks), mean AHI was 27 ± 18 and OAI 2.9 ± 4.5. There was a weak inverse relationship between AHI and PMA (r
2 = 0.12, P = 0.01), but AHI was not predicted by GA (r
2 = 0.04, P = 0.13). Conversely, OAI was more strongly associated with GA (r
2 = 0.33, P < 0.0001) than PMA (r
2 = 0.08, P = 0.036). For 28 infants with congenital structural anomalies that predispose to SDB (GA 38.0 ± 3.1 weeks, PMA 43.1 ± 3.3 weeks, AHI 37.7 ± 30, OAI 8.2 ± 11.8), neither AHI nor OAI were related to PMA or GA.

Conclusions

Among infants who received clinically‐indicated polysomnograms but did not have obvious structural risk for SDB, AHI declined with advancing PMA, but obstructive‐apnea was best predicted by prematurity. In contrast, the SDB risk did not improve with increasing GA or PMA for infants with congenital structural risk factors; such infants may not outgrow their risk for SDB.
Synthesis of Arylvinyl‐Substituted Fulleropyrrolidines: Novel Reaction of [60]Fullerene with Cinnamaldehydes and Amines
Authors: Ma Wan , Zhang Duo , Wang Hui‐Juan , Li Fa‐Bao , Liu Li , Liu Xu‐Feng , Liu Chao‐Yang , Asiri Abdullah M. , Alamry Khalid A.
Published: May 2019

A simple one‐step reaction of [60]fullerene with cinnamaldehydes and primary/secondary amines without the addition of any inorganic salts afforded rare arylvinyl‐substituted fulleropyrrolidines in moderate to good yields with high stereoselectivity. Secondary amines produced N‐alkyl‐2/5‐arylvinyl fulleropyrrolidines with a preference of trans isomers as major products, while primary amines exclusively gave 2‐aryl‐5‐arylvinyl fulleropyrrolidines as cis isomers. A plausible formation mechanism for fulleropyrrolidines was proposed to elucidate the above reaction process.
Deep Ultraviolet Laser Radiation Causes Brittle Fracture of Cα‐Cβ Bonds in Neurotransmitters
Authors: Yang Guanhua , Wu Haiming , Pembere Anthony M. S. , Luo Zhixun
Published: May 2019

We report here a photodissociation study of tyramine, tryptamine and histamine using the customized time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (TOF‐MS) combined deep ultraviolet laser ionization. The cleavage of Cα‐Cβ bond, free of hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), is observed under the 177 nm DUV laser excitation, which is different from the HAT‐involved photodissociation by a 118 nm vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) laser. With aid of density function theory (DFT) calculations, we demonstrate the photochemical reaction mechanism of these neurotransmitter molecules with dependence on residual energies after photoionization and donor‐acceptor orbital interactions. This finding helps to enrich the understanding of structure chemistry of neurotransmitters. In particular, the brittle fracture of Cα‐Cβ bond initiated by the ultrafast DUV laser could stimulate research interest in designed synthesis of organic compounds.
Facile Fabrication of Oxidized Lignin‐Based Porous Carbon Spheres for Efficient Removal of Pb2+
Authors: Liu Yudong , Wang Yuefei , Qi Wei , Wang Kang , Xing Qiguo , You Shengping , Su Rongxin , He Zhimin
Published: May 2019

With the growing environmental concerns of heavy metal pollution, great attention has been focused on low‐cost biomass to develop ecofriendly sorbents. Herein, oxidized lignin‐based carbon spheres (O‐LPCS) were fabricated by functionalizing mesoporous lignin‐based carbon spheres (LPCS). The surface area of O‐LPCS‐2 was 252.6 m2 g−1, with 0.852 mmol g−1 hydroxyl, 0.794 mmol g−1 carboxyl and 0.617 mmol g−1 sulfonic groups. The suitable‐size spheres also exhibited an excellent adsorption capacity for Pb2+ from aqueous solution and could be easily separated for industrial application. The effects of pH, interfering ions, contact time and the concentration of initial solutions on the sorption process were studied. The adsorption kinetic followed pseudo‐second‐order model. Moreover, by fitting the adsorption data with the Langmuir model, the maximum adsorption amount was found to be 63.69 mg g−1. The environmental friendliness and low cost of O‐LPCS make it to be a promising candidate to remove Pb2+ from industrial effluents.
Acidic fermentation in the caecum increases absorption of calcium and magnesium in the large intestine of the rat
Authors: Younes Hassan , Demigné Christian , Rémésy Christian
Published: May 2019

The effect of fermentation on colonic absorption of Ca and Mg was investigated in 8-week-old rats adapted to diets containing either digestible wheat starch (DS diets) or including resistant starch, i.e. 350 g raw potato starch/kg (RS diets). The dietary Ca level of the DS and RS diets was 2·5 or 7·5 g/kg. RS diets resulted in enlargements of the caecum together with hypertrophy of the caecal wall. Acidification of the caecal contents by mictobial fermentation of RS was influenced by the dietary Ca level. Very acidic pH conditions and relatively low concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, in the presence of lactic acid fermentation, were observed with the 2·5 g Ca/kg level. Rats fed on RS diets had a bhigher pencentage of soluble Ca (and inorganic phosphate) in the caecum, particularly of rats adapted to the high Ca level. As a result of the hypertrophy of the caecal wall and of an elevated concentration of soluble Cas, the caecal absorption of Ca was 5-6 fold higher in the RS groups than in the DS groups. The difference between dietary intakle and faecal excretion (DI-FE) of Ca was higher in rats fed on RS diets than in those fed on DS diets, when the dietary Ca level was 2·5 g/kg. With the higher Ca intake the elevated rate of Ca absorption from the caecum in RS-fed rats was not paralleled by an enhanced DI-EE difference: this suggests a shift of the Ca absorption towards the large intestine. Feeding Rs diets also enhanced Mg caecal absorption, resulting in the substatntially higher DI-FE difference for Mg, especially with the 2·5 g Ca/kg diets, because a high Ca intake tends to inhibit Mg absorption. The present findings support the view that the large intestine may represent a major site of Ca (and Mg) absorption when acidic fermentations take place. This process could improve the digestive Ca balance when the dietary Ca supply is low; when the Ca supply is affluent, it rather shits Ca absorption towards a more distal site fo the digestive tract.
Infrastructures of Pacification: Vital Points, Critical Infrastructure, and Police Power in Canada
Authors: Boyle Philip , Dafnos Tia
Published: May 2019

Though described as the first milestone towards securing Canada’s critical infrastructure (CI), the 2009 National Strategy for Critical Infrastructure is the most recent effort in decades of federal engagement with the problem of how to secure the material elements that underpin state, economy, and society. In this article, we show how a little-known civil defence program initiated after WWII to protect important industrial facilities from military enemies has transformed in the contemporary period into the monitoring of a range of political and social movements as perceived dangers to what is understood today as CI. We view these changes as indicative of transformations in the exercise of police power through which the contemporary colonial-liberal order is enacted.
TheKulturkampfand the Limitations of Power in Bismarck's Germany
Authors: Ross Ronald J.
Published: May 2019

Few conflicts in imperial Germany were more important than theKulturkampf, a major dispute between the Catholic Church and the Prussian State and a notorious example of the destructive character of Bismarckian politics. TheKulturkampfbegan in 1871, gathered in intensity and bitterness until 1878, and then continued with slowly diminishing severity down to 1887. Despite all its drama (the attempted assassination of governmental officials, the arrest and trial of prominent churchmen, even riots and mass demonstrations) and its undeniable political importance, theKulturkampfremains among the neglected problems of nineteenth-century German history. For the most part what has been written is so contradictory and prejudiced that even now – more than one hundred years later – the issues remain controversial and, in many respects, obscure.
Ordovician Trinucleid Trilobites of the Prague Basin, Czech Republic
Authors: Shaw Frederick C.
Published: May 2019

Review of collections in Prague and at Harvard University, supplemented by additional field observations, has allowed taxonomic updating and revision of Barrandian trinucleid trilobites. Genera identified areBergamia, Declivolithus, Nankinolithus, Tretaspis, Marrolithus, Deanaspis, andOnnia. One earlier described species is assigned to the new genusMarekolithus.

Although partly isolated from the rest of north Gondwana during the Ordovician, the Prague Basin shares faunas with Sardinia and Morocco, as all show the transition fromDeanaspistoOnnia. Spain, Britain, and the Baltic also share some species with Bohemia, particularly in the high Caradoc and Ashgill (Bohdalec and Králův Dvůr Formations).
Lower and Middle Ordovician Lithistid Demosponges from the Mingan Islands, Gulf of St. Lawrence, Quebec, Canada
Authors: Rigby J. Keith , Desrochers Andre
Published: May 2019

New collections, as well as original type material, of Lower and Middle Ordovician sponges from the Mingan Island Archipelago are described and figured from the Mingan and Romaine Formations. Archaeoscyphia minganensis (Billings, 1859), Hudsonospongia minganensis Raymond and Okulitch, 1940, H. irregularis Raymond and Okulitch, 1940, H. duplicata Raymond and Okulitch, 1940, Zittelella varians (Billings, 1861a), and Eospongia roemeri Billings, 1861, are redescribed from original type specimens and new collections. The species Archaeoscyphia pulchra (Bassler, 1927), Rhopalocoelia clarkii Raymond and Okulitch, 1940, Psarodictyum magnificum Raymond and Okulitch, 1940, and Lissocoelia ramosa Bassler, 1927 are reported and described from the Mingan Islands for the first time. To these sponges are added the new species Anthaspidella amplia, Archaeoscyphia undulata, Hudsonospongia nodosa, and Zittelella grossa, which are described from type specimens from the Mingan Formation.

The assemblage from 12 localities from the Mingan Formation, and one from the Romaine Formation, represents one of the most diverse demosponge faunas from eastern North America. Sponges in most of the localities accumulated as transported debris or lag gravels, but locally, some grew in small reefoidal mounds and also accumulated as adjacent debris.
Maastrichtian Ammonites Chiefly from the Prairie Bluff Chalk in Alabama and Mississippi
Authors: Cobban W. A. , Kennedy W. J.
Published: May 2019

The Prairie Bluff Chalk of Alabama and Mississippi yields a diverse ammonite fauna of Maastrichtian age. Twenty-eight species, of which three are new, are recorded herein:Pseudophyllites indra(Forbes, 1846),Hauericeras rembda(Forbes, 1846),Pachydiscus(Pachydiscus)maconensisn. sp.,P.(P.) cf.gollevillensis(d'Orbigny, 1850),P.(P.)jacquoti(Seunes, 1890),P.(P.)egertoni(Forbes, 1846),Sphenodiscus lobatus(Tuomey, 1854),S. pleurisepta(Conrad, 1857),Coahuilites sheltoniBöse, 1928,Nostoceras(Nostoceras)alternatum(Tuomey, 1854),N.(N.)mendrykiCobban, 1974a,N.(N.)magdadiaeLefeld and Uberna, 1991,N.(N.)irregularen. sp.,Glyptoxoceras torquatum(Morton, 1834),Glyptoxocerassp. A,Glyptoxoceras? sp.,Baculites lomaensisAnderson, 1958,Baculitesspp. A–C,Eubaculites labyrinthicus(Morton, 1834),E. carinatus(Morton, 1834),Baculites?trabeatus(Morton, 1834),Trachybaculites columna(Morton, 1834),Discoscaphites conradi(Morton, 1834),D. gulosus(Morton, 1834),Jeletzkytes criptonodosusRiccardi, 1983,Trachyscaphites alabamensisn. sp., andT. yorkensis(Stephenson, 1941). One genus,Trachybaculites, is new. The bulk of the fauna can be referred to aDiscoscaphites conradiassemblage zone, but some elements in the fauna are significantly older.
Forcing the Free to Be Correctly Free
Authors: Goerner E. A.
Published: May 2019

Liberalism can be understood in considerable part as a reaction against the religious wars of Europe from the end of the Middle Ages through the early modern period. Unfortunately, liberalism itself was so profoundly shaped by the conditions of its birth that it became a perpetuator of the same narrow fanaticism that fueled the fires of the Spanish Inquisition and burned Servetus in Calvin's Geneva. Eamonn Callan's article, “Political Liberalism and Political Education,” is a forceful reminder that liberalism is still a carrier of the same virus of fanaticism that insisted on celebrating masses of Reason in Notre Dame de Paris while setting up guillotines to behead the members of religious orders who refused to disband. That is the same virus of fanaticism that manifested itself in the claim to grasp scientifically the laws of history, a claim that led to the liberation of man via Gulag. Oh, I know, Gulag and the guillotine are out of fashion with rationalistic liberators at the moment. Nevertheless, it is the coercive power of the modern sovereign state produced by the same rationalism that Callan wants to use to force us all to be free.

From the perspective of liberalism as the religion of immanent divinity, the Reason of rationalism, Callan sees that John Rawls, in Political Liberalism, is a backslider, objectively a traitor to liberalism, even if not subjectively so. In Political Liberalism Rawls tried to move further away from his roots in rationalistic dogmatism and further toward his roots in pragmatism. Callan shows there is no tenable halfway house of the kind Rawls imagines.
Physiological Basis for Antagonism of Fluazifop-P by DPX-PE350
Authors: Ferreira Kenneth L. , Burton James D. , Coble Harold D.
Published: May 2019

Greenhouse and laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the effect of DPX-PE350 on the herbicidal activity of fluazifop-P on large crabgrass. Greenhouse experiments indicated that fluazifop-P activity was antagonized by DPX-PE350. This antagonism was reduced by increasing fluazifop-P rates or by applying DPX-PE350 after fluazifop-P. Applying DPX-PE350 24 h prior to fluazifop-P reduced fluazifop-P activity more than applying it 10 min prior. The effect of DPX-PE350 application to large crabgrass on extractable acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity, and the effect of DPX-PE350 on acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity in vitro also was studied. Applying DPX-PE350 to large crabgrass prior to protein extraction did not reduce fluazifop-P inhibition of acetyl CoA carboxylase activity in vitro. The presence of DPX-PE350 in the enzyme assay mix did not affect fluazifop-P inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity. The effect of DPX-PE350 on uptake, translocation, and metabolism of fluazifop-P was considered. DPX-PE350 did not affect uptake of fluazifop-P by large crabgrass. Applying DPX-PE350 24 h prior to fluazifop-P decreased translocation of fluazifop-P out of the treated leaf 44 to 53% whereas mixing DPX-PE350 with fluazifop-P decreased fluazifop-P translocation only 15 to 17%. Metabolism of fluazifop-P was not affected by applications of DPX-PE350. These studies suggest that the antagonism of fluazifop-P activity by DPX-PE350 is due to decreased translocation of fluazifop-P out of the treated leaf.
Common Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) and Entireleaf Morningglory (Ipomoea hederaceavanintegriuscula) Interference on Soybeans (Glycine max)
Authors: Mosier Dwight G. , Oliver Lawrence R.
Published: May 2019

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate common cocklebur and entireleaf morningglory interference on soybean under irrigated and nonirrigated conditions. Total leaf area index (LAI), LAI within the soybean canopy, crop growth rate, and seed yield of soybean were decreased more by common cocklebur than by entireleaf morningglory. Interference from entireleaf morningglory, common cocklebur, or both species reduced soybean yields 21, 57, and 64%, respectively, with irrigation and 12, 60, and 76%, respectively, without irrigation. Soybean yield reduction from interference with entireleaf morningglory, common cocklebur, or both species was not influenced by soybean date of planting. Soil water was extracted from greater soil depths by soybean growing with the weeds than by soybean alone. High WUE without irrigation suggests that soybean uses water more efficiently when soil moisture is limiting than when soil moisture is available under irrigated conditions.
A Model of Competition for Light Between Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and Broadleaf Weeds
Authors: Barbour James C. , Bridges David C.
Published: May 2019

A model of competition for light between peanut and three broadleaf weed species has been developed to run with the PNUTGRO model. The model simulates shading of the peanut canopy by reducing the total daily PAR received by the peanuts in a manner that realistically represents timing and quantity of light capture by the weeds. Data were collected in nursery plots of Florida beggarweed, sicklepod, and wild poinsettia in 1989, 1990, and 1991. These data provided the values for the critical parameters: maximum attenuation of PAR by the weed, time when the weed overtops the peanut canopy, time when maximum attenuation is reached, and the distance of influence of the weed. Florida beggarweed overtopped the peanut canopy 52 DAP, and reduced PAR reaching the peanuts 45% by 73 DAP. Sicklepod overtopped the peanut canopy 42 DAP and reached an attenuation of 41% 79 DAP. Wild poinsettia overtopped the peanut canopy 44 DAP, and had an attenuation value of 39% 85 DAP. The distances of influence were 162, 150, and 192 cm for Florida beggarweed, sicklepod, and wild poinsettia, respectively. Observed yield losses in the distance of influence were 26, 27, and 22%, respectively. The model predictions accounted for at least 90% of the yield losses observed in field studies. The model also proved capable of simulating competitive differences between morphologically and phenologically different populations of Florida beggarweed. Simulation models will play an important role in reducing the expenditure of time and resources required to document yield losses due to weeds in peanuts.
Weed Management in Peanut Using Stale Seedbed Techniques
Authors: Johnson W. Carroll , Mullinix Benjamin G.
Published: May 2019

Field studies were conducted from 1991 through 1993 to determine the effects of stale seedbed management practices on weed control in peanut. Main plots were four levels of stale seedbed management: deep till (23 cm) and plant the same day (standard system), deep till 6 wk early and shallow till (7.6 cm) at 2 wk intervals prior to planting, deep till 6 wk early and application of glyphosate (1.1 kg ai ha−1) 1 wk prior to planting, and deep till 6 wk early without additional treatment prior to planting. Sub-plots were three levels of weed management following peanut planting; intensive, basic, and cultivation alone. Stale seedbed management practices stimulated weed emergence when followed by other control measures prior to planting. Populations of Florida beggarweed, Texas panicum, and yellow nutsedge were lower when stale seedbeds were shallow tilled at 2 wk intervals prior to planting, resulting in greater peanut yields. Weeds on nontreated stale seedbeds were difficult to control once peanut was planted and reduced yields. Stale seedbed management practices generally had no effect on the quantity of foreign material contaminants originating from weeds, soil, or peanut plant in harvested peanut. These results indicate that shallow tillage on stale seedbeds can reduce weed populations prior to planting and increase peanut yields.
Influence of Sowing Time on Winter Wild Oat (Avena ludoviciana) Control in Wheat (Triticum aestivum) with Isoproturon
Authors: Singh Samunder , Malik R. K. , Panwar R. S. , Balyan R. S.
Published: May 2019

Field experiments were conducted during the winters of 1987–88 and 1988–89 at Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India to evaluate the response of winter wild oat to sowing date and isoproturon application time in wheat. In another experiment, the effect of sowing time on emergence and growth of winter wild oat and wheat sown separately was studied. The treatments that provided more than 75% control of winter wild oat were: isoproturon at 0.75 kg ha−1applied at the 2-leaf stage of winter wild oat; isoproturon 1 kg ha−1applied at the 4-leaf stage of winter wild oat in the November 30 planting; and isoproturon 0.50 kg ha−1applied at the 1- to 2-leaf stage of winter wild oat in the December 20 sowing. Isoproturon did not provide more than 50% control of winter wild oat in the November 10 sowing. Mortality of winter wild oat increased from 38 to 72 to 87% in November 10, November 30, and December 20 sowings, respectively. Mortality of winter wild oat was similar in November 30 and December 20 sowings but higher grain yield was recorded in November 30 sowing. Due to vigorous growth of winter wild oat in the November 10 sowing, isoproturon did not provide good control. December 20 sowing favored wheat growth due to lower density and late emergence of winter wild oat but reduction in wheat grain yield was greater. When averaged over isoproturon treatments, the grain yield of wheat was 4607, 5297, and 4457 kg ha−1in the November 10, November 30, and December 20 sowings, respectively.
Selecting a Sampling Method for Weed Densities: The Case of Weed Removal in Strips
Authors: Garrett Karen A.
Published: May 2019

When a range of weed densities is needed for competition experiments, one method of reducing existing populations is to remove all weeds in strips of specified length down the crop row. This technique also can be used to create different sizes of weed dusters. Two methods of sampling weed densities after such thinning were compared:unrestricted sampling(under which quadrats are placed randomly within the row) andrestricted sampling(under which quadrats are randomly placed within a row under the restriction that they coincide with the beginning of an infested strip). The bias of estimators of weed density under each of these two approaches was derived and bias-corrected estimators of weed density from the two methods were compared on the basis of their variance. The variance under restricted sampling is less than or equal to the variance under unrestricted sampling so that, by a minimum variance criterion, restricted sampling using a bias correction is the better technique.
Tolerance of Strawberries toColletotrichum gloeosporioidesf. sp.malvae, a Mycoherbicide for Control of Round-leaved Mallow (Malva pusilla)
Authors: Mortensen Knud , Makowski Roberte M. D.
Published: May 2019

Tolerance of strawberry toColletotrichum gloeosporioidesf. sp.malvae, (C. g. malvae) a mycoherbicide for control of round-leaved mallow, was tested in the growth chamber and field in an area infested with round-leaved mallow. No visual infections ofC. g. malvaewere observed on inoculated strawberry plants in the growth chamber or field. However,C. g. malvaewas reisolated from inoculated leaves and petioles from both situations, but no adverse effects were observed on strawberry plant development in the growth chamber or on berry yield in the field. Round-leaved mallow competition was detrimental to strawberry establishment, and berry yield was reduced by half compared to weed-free plots. In round-leaved mallow infested plots, treatment withC. g. malvaeresulted in more vigorous strawberry plants, with berry production almost to the level of weed-free. Therefore, use of this mycoherbicide for control of round-leaved mallow in strawberries is a viable option that fits well in an integrated pest management system.
Effects of Starch Encapsulation on Clomazone and Atrazine Movement in Soil and Clomazone Volatilization
Authors: Mervosh Todd L. , Stoller Edward W. , Simmons F. William , Ellsworth Timothy R. , Sims Gerald K.
Published: May 2019

The effects of formulation on clomazone volatilization and transport through soil were studied. After 22 days of leaching under unsaturated flow in 49-cm long intact soil cores, greater clomazone movement was observed in Plainfield sand than in Cisne silt loam or Drummer silty clay loam soils. Soil clomazone concentrations resulting in injury to oats occurred throughout Plainfield soil cores but were restricted to the upper 14 cm of Cisne and Drummer soils. In addition, clomazone was detected in the leachate from Plainfield soil only. In a similar study with Plainfield sand cores, clomazone was less mobile than atrazine; encapsulation of the herbicides in starch granules did not affect clomazone movement but greatly decreased atrazine movement from the soil surface. Similarly, starch encapsulation did not affect bioavailability of clomazone but did reduce bioavailability of atrazine. In a laboratory study with continual air flow, volatilization of clomazone applied to the soil surface was reduced by encapsulation in starch and starch/clay granules. Clomazone volatilization was not affected by soil water content within a range of 33 to 1500 kPa water tension. Following soil saturation with water, clomazone volatilization from both liquid and granular formulations increased. Granule size appeared to have a greater impact than granule composition on clomazone volatilization.