bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytoremediation Ability of the New Heavy Metal Accumulator Plants
Authors: Mohsenzadeh Fariba; , Mohammadzadeh Roghayeh;
Published: July 2019

Environmental pollution with heavy metals is a global disaster. This study investigated metal-accumulating ability of plants growing in a lead and zinc mine area located in Hamedan, Iran. Three dominant plants, including Conium maculatum, Stachys inflata, and Reseda lutea, were collected, and the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn in the aerial parts of the plants and in the soils, collected from the mine area and out of the mine, were measured via atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentrations of all the metals in the soil of the mine were greater than the control area (1 km out of mine area); Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cd were 120, 17, 17, 2.6, and 40 times higher than in the control area, respectively. In the studied plants, Pb and Zn were the highest in C. maculatum (1,200 and 820 mg kg−1, respectively). The highest concentrations of Cu, Ni, and Cd were in S. inflata (140, 96, and 20 mg kg−1, respectively). Phytoremediation tests were done using experimental pots, and results indicate that the plant species are effective accumulator plants for the phytoremediation of heavy metal–polluted soils. Specifically, C. maculatum was effective in removing Pb and Zn, S. inflata was effective in reducing Ni, and R. lutea was effective in reducing Cu.
Thermal Remote Sensing For Moisture Content Monitoring of Mine Tailings: Laboratory Study
Authors: Zwissler Bonnie , Oommen Thomas , Vitton Stan , Seagren Eric A.
Published: July 2019

Mining produces massive volumes of mine tailings that are deposited into large-scale mine tailings impoundments. A key environmental objective of managing these large impoundments is mitigating fugitive dust emissions by monitoring and controlling moisture, because moisture directly affects the tailings’ strength and the ability to apply dust control measures using motorized equipment. Therefore, understanding the spatial and temporal variations in moisture content for surface tailings is critical for characterizing dust susceptibility and trafficability. Remote sensing has been proven to be a useful tool for similar applications. This study utilized laboratory testing conducted on iron mine tailings to verify that: (1) a relationship exists between moisture content and strength for the surface of mine tailings, and (2) thermal remote sensing can be used to infer spatial variations in moisture content for surface tailings. Multivariate regressions were developed to identify the critical remote sensing and climatic variables and evaluate their influence in remotely measured moisture content. For tailings samples collected from two different North American iron mines, regressions using sample temperature and ambient humidity were able to predict surface moisture content (R2> 0.9).
Gatun Dam—megastructure of the Panama Canal
Authors: Rogers J. David , Barrelier Manuel H.
Published: July 2019

The kingpin structure of the American scheme to construct a ship canal across Panama in 1907–1914 was an earthen dam of unprecedented scale and scope at Gatun, to retain the aggregate flow of the Chagres River and its principal tributaries. Upon this structure alone, the entire plan rested, because it created the man-made lake rising 85 ft (25.9 m) above sea level, which allowed ships to cross the 550 ft (167.6 m) continental divide between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Everything about Gatun Dam was enormous. Its dimensions were without precedent: a crest length of 8,200 ft (2,500 m) and a maximum width of 2,300 ft (701 m). With a height of 105 ft (32 m) above sea level, it stored sufficient water to maintain an operating pool covering 164 mi2 (425 km2). At its center was the most critical structure, a mass concrete spillway capable of passing flood flows of the unpredictable Chagres River. The biggest problem with the site was the underlying geology, which included two deepley incised paleo-channels. The massive embankments were placed over these paleo-channels, which were up to 258 ft (78.6 m) deep. The channel infill of the upper 50 ft (15.2 m) was of relatively low permeability, mostly sandy silts and clay. There were more pervious sands and gravel lying beneath these, which allowed deep seepage cutoffs to be precluded.
Grout Curtain Construction At Bolivar Dam, Ohio
Authors: Nield Michael C.
Published: July 2019

Bolivar Dam, located in eastern Ohio, is an embankment dam constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1937 as part of the Muskingum River Basin Project for flood control. As a result of seepage concerns observed at the dam during several flood events over the life of the project, seepage reduction measures, including a partial-depth seepage barrier wall through the embankment and a grout curtain in the left abutment, were designed and constructed. These dam safety modifications were constructed between 2014 and 2016. During flood events, Bolivar Dam experiences excessive seepage through the glacial outwash foundation as well as through a network of open joints within the left bedrock abutment. Seepage in the bedrock abutment could erode/scour the dam embankment at the bedrock contact, potentially leading to dam failure. To lower this potential risk of dam failure in the left abutment, a grout curtain was constructed between the new seepage barrier wall and an existing grout curtain across the emergency spillway. The new grout curtain is designed to impede groundwater seepage, resulting in reduced groundwater velocity/energy downstream of the grout curtain, thereby decreasing its potential to scour or transport fine-grained embankment material. The double-line grout curtain is approximately 65 ft (19.8 m) deep and 400 ft (121.9 m) long and was completed in November 2015 as part of a major dam safety modification project. Two thin limestone units encountered during drilling proved to be problematic and posed various challenges during construction. It was common during drilling to lose water circulation within the vicinity of these limestone units, which then required the use of downstaged grouting methods. The majority of the grout volume for the project was placed within these downstaged intervals. This article presents the risk-informed decisions that were made during both design and construction of the grout curtain and includes various lessons that were learned during this process.
The Setting and Age of the Bermuda Zn-Pb Showing, Grinnell Peninsula, Devon Island: Implications for MVT Mineralization in the Canadian Arctic
Authors: MITCHELL IAIN , LINNEN ROBERT L. , CREASER ROBERT A.
Published: July 2019

The Bermuda Zn-Pb showing is hosted by dolomitized Blue Fiord Formation of Devonian age, located east of the Ensorcellement dome on the Grinnell Peninsula of Devon Island. Fluid inclusions in hydrothermal calcite indicate that the mineralization precipitated from low-temperature, highly saline brines. The δ34S compositions of sphalerite, galena, and marcasite range from 16.1‰ to 35.2‰. Consequently, the Bermuda showing is interpreted to be Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) mineralization. The apparent age of mineralization has been determined by the Rb-Sr method from sphalerite separates, and a Late Devonian age of 357 ± 50 Ma (MSWD=65), with an initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.7083 ± 0.0020 is indicated. This date, within error, is the same as the Polaris deposit. This suggests that the mineralization formed during the Ellesmerian Orogen, although it is also possible that mineralization is associated with extension, related to the opening of the Sverdrup basin. The strontium and sulfur isotopes and fluid inclusion analyses indicate the involvement of a brine that acquired its salinity from interaction with evaporites, lower in the stratigraphic succession. The Polaris mine is the type deposit in the Cornwallis Zn-Pb district and is hosted by the Thumb Mountain Formation. The results of this study are significant because they demonstrate that regional brine movement is more widespread than previously recognized, and that MVT mineralization in the Cornwallis Zn-Pb district is not restricted to the Thumb Mountain Formation.
Geology of the Izok Massive Sulfide Deposit, Nunavut Territory, Canada
Authors: MORRISON IAN R.
Published: July 2019

The Izok Zn-Cu-Pb-Ag volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit is located 265 km south of Kugluktuk (Coppermine), Nunavut Territory, Canada, in the west-central Slave structural province. The Izok deposit is owned 100% by Inmet Mining Corporation and represents one of the largest undeveloped zinc-copper resources in North America.

The Izok deposit is hosted within and near the top of a thick sequence of predominantly felsic pyroclastic rocks of late Archean age. The hanging-wall stratigraphy includes additional felsic volcaniclastic rocks, andesitic and basaltic flows, thin sulfide-rich iron formations, and turbiditic sedimentary rocks. The felsic volcanic rocks are intruded by intermediate dikes and sills, followed by gabbroic dikes and sills. Both intrusive suites are interpreted to be volcanic feeders to the overlying flows. All lithologies are subsequently cut by younger, irregular, granitic pegmatite and diabase dikes. The volcanic and sedimentary rocks are regionally metamorphosed to pyroxene hornfels grade.

The massive sulfides occur within a large (kilometer-scale) Na-depleted sericitic alteration zone. The immediate footwall and hanging-wall rocks to the deposit are characterized by zones of muscovite-biotite-sillimanite, lesser chlorite-biotite-cordierite, and locally intense silicification and sodium metasomatism. All lithologies have been affected by younger Ca-metasomatism.

As currently defined, the Izok deposit comprises a cluster of five complexly zoned composite lenses: the Northwest, North, Central West, Central East, and Inukshuk lenses. The first four lenses are amenable to open-pit mining, whereas the Inukshuk lens will require underground development. The total indicated mineral resource presently stands at 16.5 million tonnes with a grade of 2.2% Cu, 11.4% Zn, 1.1% Pb, and 60 g/t Ag. Inmet Mining Corporation is presently reviewing the economic feasibility of developing the property.
Varicela y herpes zóster: retos para la salud pública
Authors: Vázquez Mirella , Cravioto Patricia , Galván Fernando , Guarneros Diana , Pastor Víctor Hugo
Published: July 2019

Objetivo. Evaluar el comportamiento epidemiológico de la varicela y el herpes zoster (HZ) para determinar políticas de salud y disminuir prevalencia y complicaciones. Material y métodos. La frecuencia de casos se estimó con datos del Sistema Único de Información para la Vigilancia Epidemiológica (SUIVE), periodo 2000-2013; para los egresos hospitalarios de varicela y HZ, se utilizaron datos del Sistema Nacional de Información en Salud (Sinais). Resultados. El promedio de casos de varicela anual fue 296 733, 57% menores de 9 años, la mayoría de marzo a mayo; de 2004 a 2012 los egresos hospitalarios de varicela fueron 17 398, de ellos 4.6% presentó meningoecefalitis, 2.5% neumonía y 18% otras complicaciones. Por herpes zoster 7 042 egresos, más afectados de 65 años o más, 1.3:1 la relación mujer:hombre. Las complicaciones: neuralgia (11%), afección ocular (7%), meningoencefalitis (5.4%), enfermedad diseminada (2.8%) y otras (5.4%); estancia hospitalaria entre 6.4 a 13.3 días. Conclusiones. Los datos coinciden con los de la literatura de otros países. Se discute el papel de la vacunación en la prevención de la infección en niños y adultos.
Count regression models for under-five deaths in rural Ethiopia
Authors: mihret Yenew Alemu
Published: July 2019

Under-five mortality is defined as the likelihood for a child born alive to die between birth and fifth birth day. Mortality of under the age of five has been the main target of public health policies and is a common indicator of mortality levels, especially in developing countries. It is also viewed as an indicator of the level of development, health and socioeconomic status of the population. The objective of this study was to identify determinants of under-five mortality in Ethiopia using the 2011 EDHS data. To achieve the objective of this study descriptive statistics and count regression models were used for data analysis using socio-economic, demographic and environmental related variables as explanatory variables and the number of under-five deaths per mother as the response variables. According to Ethiopian Demography health Survey, 2011 report the level of under-five mortality in rural parts of Ethiopia is 114 deaths per 1000 live births. Factors influencing the number of under-five deaths have been identified. The study revealed that mother’s age at the first birth, breastfeeding status, wealth index, current mother working, region and mother’s level of education had statistically significant on the number of under-five deaths in rural parts of Ethiopia.
Biochemical Properties and Potential Application of Proteases from Alkalophilic Bacillus lehensis G1
Authors: Noorul Aini Sulaiman  , Nor Muhammad Mahadi  , Nur Zazarina Ramly
Published: July 2019

The biochemical properties of extracellular proteases enzymes from Malaysia Alkalophilic’s bacteria, Bacillus lehensis G1, were investigated. The secreted enzymes were tested on 2% of skim milk agar. Results demonstrated that the enzyme could maintain the activity up to 60°C within an extensive range of pH from 3 to 11 with the optimal pH and temperature of 7.0 and 40°C, respectively. The proteases activity were also observed to be increased in the presence of several ions such as Mn2+, Fe2+, Cu2+, Mg2+ and Co2+. Whilst, the enzyme activity was marginally inhibited with the addition of Ca2+, K+ and Ni2+ with the residual activity of 85%, 81%, and 75%, respectively. Furthermore, the extracellular proteases have shown to be compatible with several Malaysia commercial liquid detergents, which could be beneficial for stain removal. The potential application of proteases in gelatine decomposition from used X-ray films was also determined in this article.

Pencirian enzim ekstraselular protease daripada bakteria Alkalophilic Bacillus lehensis G1 dari Malaysia telah dikaji. Enzim protease yang dirembeskan diuji pada agar susu skim 2%. Keputusan menunjukkan protease ekstraselular mampu mengekalkan aktiviti sehingga suhu 60°C di dalam julat pH yang luas iaitu 3 hingga 11 dengan suhu optimum pada 40°C dan pH optimum pada 7.0. Aktiviti enzim juga diperhatikan akan meningkat dengan penambahan beberapa ion iaitu Mn2+, Fe2+, Cu2+, Mg2+ dan Co2+. Manakala aktiviti protease didapati sedikit direncat dengan kehadiran ion Ca2+, K+ dan Ni2+ dengan baki aktiviti sebanyak 85%, 81% dan 75%. Protease ekstraselular juga didapati serasi dengan beberapa cecair detergen komersial dari Malaysia, yang menunjukkan protease ini boleh dimanfaatkan sebagai pembersih kotoran pada pakaian. Selain itu, potensi kegunaan protease yang dihasilkan oleh B. lehensis G1 ke atas penguraian gelatin dari filem X-ray yang telah digunakan juga telah dilakukan di dalam kajian ini.
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Sumatra Disease of Clove in Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Bambang Trianom  , Triwidodo Arwiyanto  , Tri Joko
Published: July 2019

A wilt clove disease has been reported recently that triggered a widespread devastation among clove plantings in Central Java, Indonesia. In the early stage, the younger leaves showed wilt suddenly, falling from the twig tip of branches in the crown, leaving the twig tip bare. However, older leaves may also turned brown and stay attached to the branches of infected plants. Several causative pathogens have been previously reported; including oomycetes, fungi, and bacteria. The aim of this research was to confirm the pathogen and to characterize the disease from clove plantings in the field. The research involved on morphological characterization, histology of infected plants, and molecular characterization of pathogens based on the endoglucanase (egl) gene. Bacterial ooze was observed on the tip of infected stems, and bacterial colonisation of xylem tissue was observed in the infected plants by cross-sections histology comparison. The pathogenic strain, designated KD1, was isolated from diseased tissue by dilution method and confirmed by Koch’s postulates. It showed hypersensitive reaction positive on tobacco and pathogenic to host plants. Partial egl sequence analysis revealed that the pathogen was closely related to Ralstonia syzygii subsp. syzygii (causative agent of Sumatra disease of clove) with sequence similarity of > 99%.
Seasonality of phosphorus retention and release in riparian buffers and cover crops in Canada
Authors: Korzekwa Kaine
Published: July 2019

Cover crops and riparian buffers are two strategies for preventing nutrients from crop fields from getting into important water sources where they can cause eutrophication. Two recent Canadian studies highlight the complex relationship among plants, water, soil, and the seasonality of phosphorus retention and release. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Soil & Water Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/703.
Hops: A viable alternative crop for the Central/Southern Plains?
Authors: Krebs Candace
Published: July 2019

Fully 98% of all U.S.‐produced hops are grown in the Pacific Northwest, but in recent years, researchers in the Central and Southern Plains have started looking into whether this attractive cannabis family relative could be a viable alternative crop for the region. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Crop Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/705.
Revisiting past recommendations for alfalfa nitrogen crediting for corn silage following alfalfa in Utah
Authors: Shaffer Bailey , Cardon Grant , Creech Earl , Banks Jeff , Barnhill James , Despain Deric , Gale Jody , Israelsen Clark , Kitchen Boyd , Nelson Mark , Pace Mike , Patterson Ron , Reid Chad
Published: July 2019

Growers have many ideas for improving their farming operations, but there is always a certain amount of risk involved in implementing any change. A great way to minimize this risk is to test changes on a smaller scale by carrying out on‐farm experiments. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/700.
Genetic Gain Over 30 Years of Spring Wheat Breeding in Brazil
Authors: Woyann Leomar Guilherme , Zdziarski Andrei Daniel , Zanella Rodrigo , Rosa Ana Claudia , de Castro Ricardo Lima , Caierão Eduardo , Toigo Marcelo De Carli , Storck Lindolfo , Wu Jixiang , Benin Giovani
Published: July 2019

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important crops in the world. Brazil is one of the largest importers of this cereal, and wheat breeding programs are attempting to increase productivity and reduce external dependence. The objectives of this study were to quantify the spring wheat genetic gain in Brazil between 1984 and 2014 using data from multienvironment trials, and to verify if the genetic gain stagnated after the 2000s. This study used a highly unbalanced dataset containing grain yield (GY) data from 187 spring wheat trials that were performed at 25 locations between 2002 and 2015. In total, 126 cultivars, released between 1985 and 2014, were evaluated over 14 crop seasons. The cultivar evaluation indicated that there was a genetic gain in GY of 33.9 kg ha−1 yr−1 (r2 = 0.53, P < 0.01), which represents an increase of 1.28% yr−1. The dataset showed a linear regression for the genetic gain and indicates that wheat genetic gain has not stagnated in Brazil after the 2000s.
Critical Photoperiod Measurement of Soybean Genotypes in Different Maturity Groups
Authors: Yang Wenying , Wu Tingting , Zhang Xinyue , Song Wenwen , Xu Cailong , Sun Shi , Hou Wensheng , Jiang Bingjun , Han Tianfu , Wu Cunxiang
Published: July 2019

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a photoperiod‐sensitive crop, and the photoperiod response determines the ecological adaptability of soybean genotypes. Critical photoperiod is the dividing daylength between photoperiod sensitivity and photoperiod insensitivity phases and is one of the most important indicators of photoperiod sensitivity. However, the appropriate experimental treatment and calculation method for quantifying the critical photoperiod are poorly documented. To characterize the photoperiod response of genotypes, 72 soybean genotypes belonging to 14 different maturity groups (MG 0000–MG X) were included, and five photoperiod treatments of 12‐, 14‐, 16‐, 18‐, and 20‐h daylength were conducted in the consecutive 3 yr from 2015 to 2017. The piecewise linear regression model based on the median function was used to determine the critical photoperiod. The results showed that the photoperiodic responses of soybean genotypes were significantly different among various MGs. The critical photoperiod of MG 0000 was 16.4 h d−1, whereas those of MG 000 to MG I, MG II to MG III, MG IV, MG V to MG VIII, and MG IX to MG X were 15.7 to 15.8, 15.3, 14.7, 13.4 to 13.7, and ≤12 h d−1, respectively. A significant negative linear relationship between the critical photoperiod and relative maturity group (RMG) was found. It is of particular importance for the quantification of soybean photoperiod response and precise prediction of the developmental process. More importantly, the critical photoperiod obtained in this study will help breeders to synchronize the flowering time of parents from distant geographic origins and break the reproductive isolation among different ecotype cultivars.
1D Air Pressure Fluctuations Cannot Fully Explain the Natural Pressure‐Pumping Effect on Soil Gas Transport
Authors: Laemmel Thomas , Mohr Manuel , Schack‐Kirchner Helmer , Schindler Dirk , Maier Martin
Published: July 2019

While gas transport in soil is commonly assumed to be driven by molecular diffusion, pressure‐pumping due to small air pressure fluctuations was found to enhance the gas transport rate during periods of high wind speed. A possible explanation is related to the vertical oscillating movement of gas in the air‐filled pore space due to these air pressure fluctuations. Exposing granular and artificial samples to vertical air pressure fluctuations with realistic amplitudes and frequencies in the laboratory, we show that they indeed can increase the effective gas diffusivity through the samples. The enhancement of gas diffusivity was higher for samples characterizing by a low bottleneck area and a low bottleneck density and it was lower for samples with small bottleneck length. However, there was a significant discrepancy between the gas transport enhancement observed in the field and under laboratory conditions by comparable soil air movement due to oscillating flow. The exclusive consideration of vertical air pressure fluctuations in the laboratory seems insufficient to explain effects of the pressure‐pumping in the field on soil gas transport rates.

Core Ideas

1D vertical air pressure fluctuations can enhance gas transport through soil samples.

The effect increases by increasing amplitudes and frequencies of air pressure fluctuations.

Bottlenecks in soil porous structure substantially contribute to the effect.

The effect observed in the laboratory was not as strong as in the field observations.

We hypothesize that the in situ pressure pumping effect is not exclusively driven by 1D vertical air pressure fluctuations.
Nitrogen Management for Forage Winter Cereals in the Northeastern USA
Authors: Lyons Sarah E. , Ketterings Quirine M. , Ort Shona , Godwin Gregory S. , Swink Sheryl N. , Czymmek Karl J. , Cherney Debbie J. , Cherney Jerome H. , Meisinger John J. , Kilcer Tom F.
Published: July 2019

Forage double cropping can be a beneficial practice for dairy farmers in the northeastern United States, providing an additional, harvestable crop plus many environmental benefits. Triticale (×TriticosecaleWittm.), winter wheat (Triticum aestivumL.), and cereal rye (Secale cerealeL.) are forage double crop options in New York that require nitrogen (N) management. From 2013 to 2016, 62 N‐rate trials were conducted across New York with five N rates (0, 34, 67, 101, and 135 kg N ha−1) applied in four replications at spring dormancy break. Forage was harvested at flag‐leaf stage in May (Feekes stage 9). Soil samples were taken prior to N‐application at dormancy break. Management practices and field characteristics were evaluated as predictors (using classification tree analyses) for yield and the most economic rate of N (MERN) at dormancy break, determined using a quadratic plateau model. Approximately one‐third of the sites did not respond in yield to spring N application, averaging 4.3 Mg DM ha−1. Of the remaining sites, ∼80% had MERNs ranging from 47 to 112 kg N ha−1, averaging 77 kg N ha−1, with yields at the MERN from 2.2 to 6.9 Mg DM ha−1, averaging 4.2 Mg DM ha−1. Yield could not accurately be predicted statistically. However, low‐yielding sites lacked fall manure application and well‐drained soils. We conclude that forage winter cereal fields with well‐drained soils, recent manure applications, and timely planting may not need additional N at dormancy break, while others require approximately 19 kg N ha−1per Mg DM ha−1.

Core Ideas

N management is needed for optimum performance of forage winter cereal crops in New York.

Yields of 1.0 to 6.9 Mg DM ha−1were found in New York (4.1 Mg DM ha−1average).

Winter cereals required approximately 19 kg of N per 1 Mg DM for optimum forage yield.

Soil drainage, manure history, and planting date affected N needs.

Nitrogen rates beyond plant needs for optimum yield can increase crude protein.
Stress Effects on Soil Freezing Characteristic Curve: Equipment Development and Experimental Results
Authors: Mu Q.Y. , Zhou C. , Ng C.W.W. , Zhou G.G.D.
Published: July 2019

Core Ideas

A triaxial apparatus is developed to measure stress‐dependent SFCC.

Unfrozen water content of clay and sand increases with increasing confining stress.

Stress effects on the SFCC of clay are more significant than sand.

The soil freezing characteristic curve (SFCC) defines the relationship between soil temperature and unfrozen water content. This curve is important for predicting water flow and heat conduction in frozen soils, as well as freezing heave and thawing settlement. So far, SFCCs reported in the literature were usually determined at zero stress. To investigate stress effects on SFCC, a stress‐ and temperature‐controlled triaxial apparatus was developed in this study. The unfrozen volumetric water content was measured using a newly developed noninvasive time domain reflectometry (TDR) probe. The new apparatus was used to measure SFCCs of two typical soils (i.e., clay and sand) at different stress conditions (i.e., 30, 100, and 200 kPa). Each specimen was subjected to compression, and then a cycle of freezing and thawing. As expected, for both soils, the saturated water content prior to freezing was smaller at higher stresses because of compression. During the subsequent freezing and thawing, the soil specimen at a higher stress was able to retain more liquid water than that at a lower stress. The higher unfrozen water retention capacity at higher stresses is mainly because the pore size of a soil specimen becomes smaller during compression. Hence, more water can retain a liquid state due to the enhanced capillarity. On the other hand, stress effects on the SFCC were found to be more significant for clay than for sand. This is likely because the stress‐induced change in pore size distribution is larger in clay due to its higher compressibility.
Transformation of halloysite and kaolinite into beidellite under hydrothermal condition
Authors: He Hongping , Ji Shichao , Tao Qi , Zhu Jianxi , Chen Tianhu , Liang Xiaoliang , Li Zhaohui , Dong Hailiang
Published: July 2019

Understanding clay mineral transformation is of fundamental importance to unraveling geological and environmental processes and to better understanding the unique structure and property of phyllosilicates. To date, two pathways have been identified, i.e., the transformation among 2:1 type clay minerals (e.g., illitization of smectite) and from 2:1 type to 1:1 type (e.g., kaolinization of smectite). However, the transformation of 1:1 to 2:1 type is less commonly observed. In this study, hydrothermal experiments were conducted to investigate the possibility of the transformation of 1:1 type clay minerals (i.e., halloysite and kaolinite) into 2:1 ones (i.e., beidellite). The obtained products were characterized by XRD, TG, FTIR, 27Al and 29Si MAS NMR, and HRTEM. XRD patterns of the hydrothermal products display characteristic basal spacing of smectite group minerals at 1.2–1.3 nm with dramatic decrease/disappearance of the (001) reflection of halloysite and kaolinite. This is consistent with HRTEM observations, in which clay layers with a thickness of 1.2–1.4 nm are observed in all hydrothermal products and the Si/Al ratio determined by EDS analysis is close to that of beidellite. The basal spacing increases to ~1.70 nm upon ethylene glycolation, displaying swelling ability of the resultant minerals. The consumption of surface OH in precursor minerals during the transformation leads to a dramatic decrease of mass loss of dehydroxylation and merging of the well resolved OH stretching vibrations in precursor minerals into one at ca. 3667 cm−1, which is indicative of beidellite. These results demonstrate that both halloysite and kaolinite can be converted to 2:1 beidellite under hydrothermal condition, and the transformation of halloysite is easier than that of kaolinite. Such transformation of 1:1 clay minerals to 2:1 ones could be a new pathway for the transformation of clay minerals in nature. Meanwhile, the substitution of Al3+ for Si4+ is found in all newly formed beidellite, suggesting the chemical composition of the newly formed Si-O tetrahedral sheet is different from the one inherited from the precursor clay minerals. This can well explain the formation of “polar layer” in mixed-layer phyllosilicates. These findings are of high importance for better understanding the transformation among clay minerals and unique structure of mixed-layer phyllosilicates.
Boron Cycling in Subduction Zones
Authors: Palmer Martin R.
Published: July 2019

Subduction zones are geologically dramatic features, with much of the drama being driven by the movement of water. The “light and lively” nature of boron, coupled with its wide variations in isotopic composition shown by the different geo-players in this drama, make it an ideal tracer for the role and movement of water during subduction. The utility of boron ranges from monitoring how the fluids that are expelled from the accretionary prism influence seawater chemistry, to the subduction of crustal material deep into the mantle and its later recycling in ocean island basalts.
Model Blue Print Smart City Pemerintah Daerah Berbasis Four Stage Method (FSM) yang Sustainable
Authors: Anwar Muhammad Tajuddin
Published: July 2019

Public demands for better public services make City Government inevitably have to keep abreast of information technology (IT) promises high efficiency and better service. Some problems are planning the needs of both hardware, software and human resources are still done partially, as well as procurement, so that the grand design of IT needs to support smart city is very necessary. Data collection methods are quantitative and qualitative using observation, interviews, questionnaires and documentation studies. The results are compiled using the Four-stage e-government growth model method: (1) cataloging, (2) transactions, (3) vertical integration, and (4) horizontal integration. Comprehensive discussion on strategy and design, sustainable smart city planning with attention to several strengths and weaknesses are discussed with special emphasis placed on the extent to which the contribution of smart city sustainable development goals. Identification of challenges and opportunities using evaluation and comparison approaches with each other is in line with the smart city idea of sustainability. The gap in the sustainable smart city blueprint requires an integrated approach based on applied theoretical perspectives to harmonize existing problems and identification solutions for future practices in the field of planning and development of sustainable smart city blueprints. Blueprint smart city to operate properly requires the development and development of infrastructure all of which must be adapted to local environmental conditions, as well as the legal umbrella for sustainable management such as regulations and so forth
Traditional banks against fintech startups: a field investigation of a regional bank in Indonesia
Authors: Iman Nofie
Published: July 2019

This research examines the way in which traditional banks are competing against the emerging fintech startups. This study identifies driving factors and uniqueness that illustrate the peculiar characteristics of incumbents, analyzes their internal readiness and capabilities, and examines their strategic response against fintech startups. In doing so, this paper examines Small Town Bank (STB)1, a regional bank in Indonesia, regarding its ability to innovate. Data are obtained from primary sources through internal and external questionnaires, as well as secondary data. The results of the study indicate that, in general, the bank already has a reasonably good innovation readiness, but there are several aspects that need to be noted, namely: optimization of current services, consolidation, and internal restructuration. Concurrently, while fintech has a very broad and massive technical and managerial impact, it does not mean that incumbent banks and traditional financial services cannot compete.
The potential financial impact and influence of black economic empowerment (BEE) on private higher education institutions in South Africa: management alert
Authors: Dirkse van Schalkwyk Riaan , P. Krüger Louis
Published: July 2019

Education is considered an important pillar of economic development and a vital factor for nation building in post-1994 South Africa. Higher education (HE) is offered by government-subsidized universities and colleges, while there has been an increase in the number of private higher education institutions (PHEIs), which offer more expensive, unsubsidized tertiary education. While all state bodies and public entities are required to apply the provisions of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act, this is not (yet) seemingly a requirement for PHEIs. This study used an adapted version of the “5 Star” research methodology to explore the potential financial impact and influence of the African National Congress’s (ANC’s) black economic empowerment (BEE) policy on PHEIs. The research shows that the BEE policy has the potential to financially impact and influence most of the components of the total quality service (TQS) framework for PHEIs in terms of preferential procurement from suppliers, company ownership, appointment of executive, middle and junior managers, employment of academic and administrative staff, and throughput of black student graduates. Management at PHEIs should be alerted to the fact that it is probably not merely a matter of IF, but rather WHEN the policy will start impacting on the financial stability and viability of PHEIs as BEE compliance becomes mandatory.
PABLO CASALS’IN 20. YÜZYIL MÜZİK DÜNYASINA ETKİLERİ
Authors: MAMAÇ Serdar
Published: July 2019

Ünlü çellist Pablo Casals hakkında konuşulan çok
fazla hikâye vardır. Güçlü kişiliği ile kendinden söz ettiren dâhiyi ve ardında
bıraktıklarını daha iyi anlamak için yaşamına, çalışmalarına, düşüncelerine ve
bunları ifade etme biçimine değinmek, yaptığı müziği daha iyi anlamaya ve
yorumlamaya yarayacaktır. Casals, politik düşünceleriyle kitleler üzerinde
etkili olmuş, yaptığı trio ve solo kayıtlarla arkasında büyük bir miras
bırakmış ve genç yaşında J. S. Bach’ın Çello Süitlerini bulup tekrar müzik
dünyasına kazandırmıştır. Öğretilerinden birçok ünlü çellist yararlanmış, çello
çalmak bambaşka bir sanat haline gelmiştir. Literatür tarama tekniğiyle yapılan
bu çalışma, Casals’ın müzik dünyasında bıraktığı etkilere değinmek ve çello
hayatına getirdiği yenilikleri açıklamak amacındadır. Çalışmanın müzisyenler,
özellikle çellistler için yol gösterici bir kaynak olması beklenmektedir.
Fabrication of novel particle electrode γ-Al2O3@ZIF-8 and its application for degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Zhang Liguo , Ma Caixia , Liu Lei , Pan Jingshi , Wang Qilin
Published: July 2019

Due to the high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-8, a secondary crystallization method was used to prepare a particle electrode of γ-Al2O3@ZIF-8. According to the results from a field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD), the particle electrode of γ-Al2O3 was successfully loaded with ZIF-8, and the BET surface area (1,433 m2/g) of ZIF-8 was over ten times that of γ-Al2O3. The key operation parameters of cell voltage, pH, initial RhB concentration and electrolyte concentration were all optimized. The observed rate constant (kobs) of the pseudo-first-order kinetic model for the electrocatalytic oxidation (ECO) system with the particle electrode of γ-Al2O3@ZIF-8 (15.2 × 10−2 min−1) was over five times higher than that of the system with the traditional particle electrode of γ-Al2O3 (2.6 × 10−2 min−1). The loading of ZIF-8 on the surface of γ-Al2O3 played an important role in improving electrocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB), and the RhB removal efficiency of the three-dimensional (3D) electrocatalytic system with the particle electrode of γ-Al2O3@ZIF-8 was 93.5% in 15 min, compared with 27.5% in 15 min for the particle electrode of γ-Al2O3. The RhB removal efficiency was kept over 85% after five cycles of reuse for the 3D electrocatalytic system with the particle electrode of γ-Al2O3@ZIF-8.
Removal of cyanide in aqueous solution by oxidation with hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by copper oxide
Authors: Amaouche Hamza , Chergui Salima , Halet Farid , Yeddou Ahmed Réda , Chergui Abdelmalek , Nadjemi Boubekeur , Ould-Dris Aïssa
Published: July 2019

This work is dedicated to the removal of free cyanide from aqueous solution through oxidation with hydrogen peroxide H2O2 catalyzed by copper oxide nanoparticles. Effects of initial molar ratio [H2O2]0/[CN−]0, catalyst dose, temperature, pH and the catalyst stability on cyanide removal have been investigated. The use of copper oxide has improved the reaction rate showing catalytic activity. The cyanide removal efficiency was increased from 60% to 94% by increasing in the dose of catalyst from 0.5 g/L to 5.0 g/L. Increasing the temperature from 20 °C to 35 °C promotes cyanide removal and the four successive times re-use of catalyst shows good stability. Kinetics of cyanide removal was found to be of pseudo-first-order with respect to cyanide. The rate constants have been determined.
The Design of New HIV-IN Tethered Bifunctional Inhibitors Using Multiple Microdomain Targeted Docking
Authors: Ciubotaru Mihai , Musat Mihaela Georgiana , Surleac Marius , Ionita Elena , Petrescu Andrei Jose , Abele Edgars , Abele Ramona
Published: July 2019

Currently, used antiretroviral HIV therapy drugs exclusively target critical groups in the enzymes essential for the viral life cycle. Increased mutagenesis of their genes changes these viral enzymes, which once mutated can evade therapeutic targeting, effects which confer drug resistance. To circumvent this, our review addresses a strategy to design and derive HIV-Integrase (HIV-IN) inhibitors which simultaneously target two IN functional domains, rendering it inactive even if the enzyme accumulates many mutations. First we review the enzymatic role of IN to insert the copied viral DNA into a chromosome of the host T lymphocyte, highlighting its main functional and structural features to be subjected to inhibitory action. From a functional and structural perspective we present all classes of HIV-IN inhibitors with their most representative candidates. For each chosen compound we also explain its mechanism of IN inhibition. We use the recently resolved cryo EM IN tetramer intasome DNA complex onto which we dock various reference IN inhibitory chemical scaffolds such as to target adjacent functional IN domains. Pairing compounds with complementary activity, which dock in the vicinity of a IN structural microdomain, we design bifunctional new drugs which may not only be more resilient to IN mutations but also may be more potent inhibitors than their original counterparts. In the end of our review we propose synthesis pathways to link such paired compounds with enhanced synergistic IN inhibitory effects.
Isolation, Biochemical Characterization and Antiparasitic Activity of BmatTX-IV, A Basic Lys49-Phospholipase A2 from the Venom of Bothrops mattogrossensis from Paraguay
Authors: Alfonso Jorge Javier , Kayano Anderson M. , Garay Ana Fidelina Gómez , Simões-Silva Rodrigo , Sobrinho Juliana C. , Vourliotis Santiago , Soares Andreimar M. , Calderon Leonardo A. , Gómez Maria Celeste Vega
Published: July 2019

Background:

Functional and structural diversity of proteins of snake venoms is coupled with a wide repertoire of pharmacological effects. Snake venoms are targets of studies linked to searching molecules with biotechnological potential.

Methods:

A homologue phospholipase A2 (BmatTX-IV) was obtained using two chromatographic techniques. Mass spectrometry and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis were used to determine the molecular mass and isoelectric point, respectively. By means of Edman degradation chemistry, it was possible to obtain the partial sequence of amino acids that comprise the isolated toxin. Trypanocidal, leishmanicidal and cytoxic activity against Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania infantum and murine fibrobasts was determinated.

Results:

Combination of both chromatographic steps used in this study demonstrated efficacy to obtain the PLA2-Lys49. BmatTX-IV showed molecular mass and isoelectric point of 13.55 kDa and 9.3, respectively. Amino acid sequence of N-terminal region (51 residues) shows the presence of Lys49 residue at position 49, a distinctive trait of enzymatically inactive PLA2. Bothrops mattogrossensis snake venom showed IC50 values of 11.9 μg/mL against Leishmania infantum promastigotes and of 13.8 μg/mL against Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes, respectively. On the other hand, the venom showed a high cytotoxic activity (IC50 value of 16.7 μg/mL) against murine fibroblasts, whereas the BmatTX-IV showed IC50 value of 81.2 μg/mL.

Conclusion:

Physicochemical and biological characterization of snake venoms components is critically important, since these complex mixtures provide a source of molecules with antiparasitic potential, making further studies necessary to identify and characterize components with higher efficacy and selectivity.
Application of Ionic Liquids for the Determination of Lipophilicity Parameters Using TLC Method, and QSRR Analysis for the Antipsychotic Drugs
Authors: Mieszkowski Dominik , Koba Marcin , Marszałł Michał P.
Published: July 2019

Background:

Reversed-phase liquid chromatography may cause difficulties, especially
in the case of basic drugs due to the strong silanophilic interactions in the partition mechanism.
Recently, imidazolium-based ionic liquids additives appeared interesting and a convenient solution
for suppressing the harmful effect of free residuals of silanol groups, allowing remodeling of the
stationary/mobile-phase system, and thus improving the lipophilicity assessment process.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the retention behavior of basic antipsychotics using
various RP-LC systems, and compare them with data obtained from the modified ionic-liquids
RP-TLC systems, and perform the QSRR analysis.

Methods:

Retention and lipophilicity parameters of diverse antipsychotics have been examined in
various RP-LC systems. Lipophilicity indices were compared with miscellaneous computed logP
values. Furthermore, a large number of molecular descriptors have been computed and compared
using various medicinal chemistry software, in order to contribute to the analysis of QSRR.

Results:

Designated correlation coefficients showed that lipophilicity parameters from TLC systems
without [EMIM][BF4] additive correlates very poor with the calculated logPs indices, whereas
the indices from the traditional HPLC and TLC systems (with [EMIM][BF4]) were clearly better.
Furthermore, QSRR analysis performed for these experimentally obtained lipophilicity parameters
showed significant relationships between the retention constants (ROM, logkw) and the in silico
calculated physicochemical molecular descriptors.

Conclusion:

ILs additive may be a significant factor affecting the lipophilicity of basic compounds,
thus their use may be favorable in lipophilicity assessment studies. QSRR models with ILs
showed that they may be useful in searching/or predicting HPLC/TLC retention parameters for the
new/other antipsychotic drugs.
Diazoxide Modulates Cardiac Hypertrophy by Targeting H2O2 Generation and Mitochondrial Superoxide Dismutase Activity
Authors: Lucas Aline Maria Brito , de Lacerda Alexandre Joana Varlla , Araújo Maria Thalyne Silva , David Cicera Edna Barbosa , Ponte Viana Yuana Ivia , Coelho Beatriz Neves , Caldas Francisco Rodrigo Lemos , Varela Anna Lídia Nunes , Kowaltowski Alicia Juliana , Facundo Heberty Tarso
Published: July 2019

Background:

Cardiac hypertrophy involves marked wall thickening or chamber enlargement.
If sustained, this condition will lead to dysfunctional mitochondria and oxidative stress. Mitochondria
have ATP-sensitive K+ channels (mitoKATP) in the inner membrane that modulate the redox
status of the cell.

Objective:

We investigated the in vivo effects of mitoKATP opening on oxidative stress in isoproterenol-
induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Methods:

Cardiac hypertrophy was induced in Swiss mice treated intraperitoneally with isoproterenol
(ISO - 30 mg/kg/day) for 8 days. From day 4, diazoxide (DZX - 5 mg/kg/day) was used in order to open
mitoKATP (a clinically relevant therapy scheme) and 5-hydroxydecanoate (5HD - 5 mg/kg/day) or
glibenclamide (GLI - 3 mg/kg/day) were used as mitoKATP blockers.

Results:

Isoproterenol-treated mice had elevated heart weight/tibia length ratios (HW/TL). Additionally,
hypertrophic hearts had elevated levels of carbonylated proteins and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive
Substances (TBARS), markers of protein and lipid oxidation. In contrast, mitoKATP opening with
DZX avoided ISO effects on gross hypertrophic markers (HW/TL), carbonylated proteins and TBARS,
in a manner reversed by 5HD and GLI. Moreover, DZX improved mitochondrial superoxide dismutase
activity. This effect was also blocked by 5HD and GLI. Additionally, ex vivo treatment of isoproterenol-
induced hypertrophic cardiac tissue with DZX decreased H2O2 production in a manner sensitive to
5HD, indicating that this drug also acutely avoids oxidative stress.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that diazoxide blocks oxidative stress and reverses cardiac hypertrophy.
This pharmacological intervention could be a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent oxidative
stress associated with cardiac hypertrophy.