bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jacob’s ladder Polemonium caeruleum L. and black salsify Sсorzonera hispanica L. in vitro culture
Authors: Bulko O. V. , Lioshina L. G.
Published: March 2020

Aim. Micropropagation of Jacob’s ladder Polemonium caeruleum L. and black salsify Scorzonera hispanica L., obtaining root culture and regenerated plants. Methods. In vitro plant cultivation, medium composition modification for micropropagation, inoculation of explants with agrobacterial strains. Results. In vitro cultures of Jacob’s ladder and black salsify have been obtained, the optimal medium composition has been determined for the effective plants multiplication, rooting and growth, root cultures and regenerated plants of studied species have been obtained. Conclusions. Obtained technology of in vitro culture establishment of P. caeruleum and S. hispanica can be used for plants microclonal propagation so as root culture and regenerated plants acquiring due to the agrobacterial transformation – for further studies of secondary metabolism of these plants.

Keywords: P. caeruleum L., S. hispanica L., micropropagation, phytohormones, root culture.
James Watson’s genius (dedicated to the 90th birth anniversary)
Authors: Humeniuk H. B. , Mosula M. Z. , Chen I. B. , Drobyk N. M.
Published: March 2020

The scientific and organizational activities of the worldwide known scientist in the field of molecular biology James Dewey Watson were described in this article. 55 years ago James Watson and Francis Crick made one of the key discoveries of the twentieth century. They have found that DNA has a double helix structure. This discovery was based on the X-rays patterns obtained by Maurice Wilkson and Rosalind Franklin. Subsequently, this DNA model had been proved, and J. Watson and F. Crick were awarded with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962. Since, our knowledge of the main molecule of life has been greatly expanded. A significant flowering of molecular genetics has began: synthesis of RNA and DNA in vitro, decoding of genetic code, recombinant DNA technology, genetic engineering, sequencing of genomes and post genomic technologies. James Watson is one of the authors of the cell biology classic textbook “Molecular Biology of the Cell”. In addition, he has developed the current areas of molecular biology such as  molecular oncology and molecular neurobiology. Today genomes of different animals and humans have been decoded and the functions of many genes have been determined. But at present still unknown how the DNA starts and how it affects the work of the organs and the organism as a system.

Keywords: James Watson, DNA structure, Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine, Molecular Biology of the Cell.
DNA markers of AHAS1 gene for screening and identification of sunflower genotypes of hybrid origin
Authors: Solodenko A. Ye.
Published: March 2020

Aim. A molecular genetic study of sunflower F1 and F2 hybrids on a microsatellite markers of mutant AHAS1 gene associated with herbicide resistance was performed. The aim of the work was to screen of F1 and F2 sunflower hybrid populations with usage of DNA markers and identification of homozygous segregants containing of the gene for resistance to SU herbicides. Methods. It was used PCR amplification to detect alleles of microsatellite locus located within the mutant AHAS1 gene. Results. The possibility of identification of hybrid plants with different alleles of the AHAS1 gene was shown. The efficiency of the allele of 191 b. p. in the homo- and heterozygous state for marker selection of genotypes resistant to the herbicide of the sulfonylurea group was confirmed. 10 homozygous F2 plants of SURES-2 x OS 1019B and 18 homozygous F2 plants of SURES-2 x OS 1029B, which according to the genotype correspond to the donor line of the mutant AHAS1 gene, were obtained. Conclusions. F2 plants that are carriers of this gene in the homozygous state can be used as an initial material in breeding for the purpose of creating new inbred lines with genetically determined resistance to SU herbicides. Keywords: DNA markers, AHAS1 gene, sunflower, herbicides, resistance.
Origin, domestication and dog breeds
Authors: Khokhlov A. M. , Orekhova V. O.
Published: March 2020

Aim. Out of 8 thousand species of mammals, dog is the first domesticated animal. Archaeologists studying the process of human evolution and producing excavations of ancient sites, found the bones of animals, which man ate and also bone remains of animals that lived near the sites. Wolf was the first domesticated animal of primitive tribes. This process began in the Mesolithic era 12–15 thousand years ago. Due to domestication of wolf population many indigenous, transitional and other breeds of dogs appeared. Methods. Using morphological, biochemical and genetic methods of research scientists were able to determine genome and karyotype of wild European wolf and domestic dog. Results. Domestication is a process of historical transformation of wild animals into domesticated ones. Nowadays taking into account genetics research, cytology and special experiments, researchers-cynologists came to the conclusion that only wolf is a direct ancestor of modern dogs. This is confirmed by the fact that wolf and dog have 78 chromosomes and after mating we get fertile litter. The domestication of dogs is a complicated process. While domestication of dogs to the new conditions occurred in captivity, genetic mechanisms well-known to us played an important role – mutation, recombination, hidden reserve of heredity, the direct effect of selection. Conclusions.It was proved by our research that the process of breeding in dogs which appeared as a result of domestication and microevolution of animals was accompanied by specialization and genetic differentiation of dog breeds. Кeywords: wolf, dog, domestication, karyotype, breed.
Modern methodical approaches to evaluation of the state of park forest ecosystems
Authors: Miroshnyk N. V. , Tertychna O. V. , Teslenko I. K.
Published: March 2020

Aim. The aim of the research is to improve the methodological bases of the integrated the assessment of park forest ecosystems under the conditions of anthropogenic loading and to determine the direction of processes occurring in them. Methods. The methodology is based on the methods of systematic, comparative analysis, statistics, analytical, mathematical and subsequent mapping of actual and stock materials related to the formation and development of park ecosystems within a large city. Results and conclusions. At an integrated assessment of the state of park forest ecosystems, it is proposed to apply systemic, structural approaches involving the inclusion of three vectors of organization of complex systems (structural-functional, organization of levels in the live, differentiation by ecological niches). The application of criteria of parks structural organization on the basis of the modified index of structural diversity of forest ecosystem is proposed.

Keywords: park forest ecosystem, structural and functional components.
Genotype reaction and stability of crop production of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in years of testing
Authors: Bushulian O. V. , Stelmakh A. F. , Lamari N. P. , Fait V. I.
Published: March 2020

Aim. Plants due to the hard attachment to the place of life, the lack of a system of internal thermoregulation, essentially depend on the variety of environmental limits. The general adaptability of a specific sample in plants plays a predominant role in determining the actual yield compared with its genetic potential. Methods. The most universal approach for determining this indicator is the use of the widely used method for evaluating stability parameters by Eberhart and Russell, which uses an integrated assessment of the environmental yield taking into account the interaction of "genotype × environment". The yield of 13 varieties of chickpea was estimated and compared by these parameters for 14 seasons. Results. The results of the two-factor dispersion analysis showed unequivocally high reliable impact of the conditions of the years of the test on the difference in yield. Conclusions. In the case of a favorable weather forecast, it is desirable to recommend promising varieties for better conditions, and in anticipation of strong stress limits, cultivars that exhibit greater yield under worse conditions will be in a more favorable position. Similar recommendations also apply to farms with different levels of agrotechnology.

Keywords: reaction of varieties, productivity, stability, chickpea.
Increase of oil content as an urgent task for hemp breeding
Authors: Vyrovets V. H. , Layko I. M. , Kyrychenko H. I. , Vereshchahin I. V. , Mishchenko S. V. , Biriukova T. S. , Suprun O. H. , Lyutenko V. S.
Published: March 2020

Aim. An unusually long stay in the shade outside the breeding was such an important economic feature as the content of oil in the hemp seed. Preliminary data attempts to start a study in this direction, under various circumstances, were postponed for some time until the healing properties of the oil were discovered, hidden in the hemp seed. Methods. The third attempt of such researches is based on new high-fibered and high-yield varieties stable on the sign of monoeciousness non-narcotic hemp, the method of research of which is based on traditional breeding developments. Also, on examples of local varieties of ranges of folk selection, samples of world selection of dioecious and monoecious hemp and breeding new varieties, it was established that this feature is subject to systematic selection against the background of improving other varietal features. Results. On the example of restoring breeding to preserve the content of oil, a new population with a high oil content was created, which became the result of changes in the genotype of the Hliana variety by selection. Glutinous oil is characterized by a good ratio of unsaturated linoleic and linolenic acids as 3:1, which opens the prospects for the creation of new medicines. Conclusions. The conducted researches give rise to the hope that, over time, hemp will be added to many traits, and the new varieties will be different by high oil content also.

Keywords: monoecious drug-free industrial hemp, breeding, oil content, fatty acid composition.
Influence of oligoribonucleotides on the conformation and stability of interferon
Authors: Nikolaiev R. O. , Vivcharyk M. M. , Chernykh S. I. , Tkachuk Z. Yu.
Published: March 2020

Aim. To study the ability of yeast RNA oligoribonucleotides (ORNs) and their complexes withD-mannitol to influence the conformation and thermal stability of interferon (INF) α-2b. Methods. The ability of oligoribonucleotide drugs to bind to INF α-2b was studied using its fluorescence quenching method. The effect of ORN drugs on protein stability was studied by analyzing the thermal stability of INF. To confirm their influence on the conformation of the INF, we investigated the spectra of circular dichroism. Results. The ORN complexes with D-mannitol, due to their better protein binding, have been shown to have a much higher effect on the conformation and thermal stability of interferon α-2b than ORN. ORNs and their complexes with D-mannitol also increase the thermal stabilization of interferon. The addition of ORN and ORN with D-mannitol to INF leads to a decrease in the content of α-helical components in the protein structure and an increase in β-components and unstructured parts of the protein molecule. Addition of the ORN complex: D-mannitol, unlike the ORN, changes the architecture of the tertiary INF structure. Conclusions. Therefore, the ORN complexes with D-mannitol have a much higher effect on the conformation and thermal stability of interferon α-2b than the parent drug ORN. The more specific binding of oligonucleotides can probably explain this in the presence of mannitol to the protein. ORNs and ORN complexes with D-mannitol also increase the thermal stabilization of interferon by 2 and 1.8 °C, respectively. The addition of ORNs and ORN complexes with D-mannitol leads to a decrease in the content of α- helical components in the protein structure and an increase in antiparallel β-sheets, β-turns, and unstructured elements. In the presence of mannitol in the ORN molecule, the structure of INF changes more intensively. Addition of ORN complexes: D-mannitol to INF, unlike ORN, changes the architecture of the tertiary protein structure from a 2-layer sandwich to an alpha-beta complex.Keywords: oligonucleotides; interferon; mannitol; secondary protein structure.
The primary culture of malignant glioma cells as a model for the study of anti-tumor activity of substances
Authors: Shuba I. M. , Lylo V. V. , Karpova I. S. , Glavatskyi O. Y. , Kornelyuk O. I.
Published: March 2020

Aim. The aim of our work was to optimize the scheme of obtaining primary cell culture of malignant gliomas, which can be a model for a personalized approach in the selection of chemotherapeutic exposure tactics. Methods. The standard glioma cell line U-251MG and cells obtained as a result of mechanical disaggregation of Gr III–IV tumor fragments to single isolated cells were used. Results. A comparative analysis of the results of cultivation of the standard glioma cell line U-251MG and the primary cell culture of malignant gliomas. An optimized scheme for obtaining primary cultures of human malignant glioma cells isolated from glial tumor fragments obtained during surgery is proposed. Conclusions. Today, more and more preferred methods of individual determination of chemosensitivity over the appointment of standard chemotherapy regimens and it is the primary culture of tumor cells, from our point of view, can be used to test the response to the effect of chemotherapy.Keywords: malignant glioma cells, primary culture, standard cell line.
Udlicitering af offentlige opgaver i Danmark - en forskningsoversigt over de hidtil dokumenterede effekter
Authors: Hjelmar Ulf , Helby Petersen Ole , Vrangbæk Karsten
Published: March 2020

-
Amerikansk patriotisme og film
Authors: Elhauge Kristensen Ebbe
Published: March 2020

-
Process tracing og studiet af kausale mekanismer
Authors: Beach Derek
Published: March 2020

-
Udfordringer i Kaare Strøms teori om partiadfærd
Authors: Skjæveland Asbjørn
Published: March 2020

Hvis man kan forklare partiernes adfærd, er man kommet et væsentligt skridt nærmere at forstå de politiske beslutninger. Kaare Strøms teori om partiadfærd fra 1990 er et ambitiøst og indflydelsesrigt forsøg at på at forudsige og forklare partiadfærd. Ifølge Strøm er partier nødt til at prioritere mellem målene stemmer, politisk indflydelse og private regeringsgoder. Hvad der bliver prioriteret højest afhænger af organisatoriske og systemiske faktorer. Modellens store styrke er, at den rummer potentialet til at give en egentlig forklaring på et partis adfærd ved at henvise til disse faktorer. Modellen er imidlertid ikke uden svagheder. En mulig vej frem er at gennemføre flere og mere ambitiøse empiriske tests for at afprøve og udfolde modellens potentiale.
The school drop-out or rather “push out” problem in the South and in the North
Authors: Brock-Utne Birgit , Halvorsen Torill Aagot , Vuzo Mwajuma
Published: March 2020

Both in developing countries in the South and developed countries in the North a large portion of pupils from each cohort drop out or, maybe more correctly described, are pushed out of school each year. In the South, there is also a considerable portion of school-aged children who do
not attend school at all. The article examines selected data collected from ethnographic interviews, during a Norwegian ongoing longitudinal project, and a survey in Tanzania, and other developing countries. We ask the questions: What are the reasons for this situation? Are the reasons the
same in the South as in the North? In this article examples will be given from a country in the North, Norway and a country in the South, Tanzania. What do we know about the reasons for dropping out of school in these two countries? Who are the children dropping out? From which social class
do they come? Are they from urban or rural areas? Were there more boys or more girls? What happens to the children after they drop out of school? How much is the school itself to blame for the situation? How relevant is what is learnt in school to the life children lead and their job prospects?
What could have been done differently in order to retain children in school in the South, exemplified by Tanzania, and the North exemplified by Norway?
Saccade suppression depends on context
Authors: Zimmermann Eckart
Published: March 2020

Although our eyes are in constant movement, we remain unaware of the high-speed stimulation produced by the retinal displacement. Vision is drastically reduced at the time of saccades. Here, I investigated whether the reduction of the unwanted disturbance could be established through a saccade-contingent habituation to intra-saccadic displacements. In more than 100 context trials, participants were exposed either to an intra-saccadic or to a post-saccadic disturbance or to no disturbance at all. After induction of a specific context, I measured peri-saccadic suppression. Displacement discrimination thresholds of observers were high after participants were exposed to an intra-saccadic disturbance. However, after exposure to a post-saccadic disturbance or a context without any intra-saccadic stimulation, displacement discrimination improved such that observers were able to see shifts as during fixation. Saccade-contingent habituation might explain why we do not perceive trans-saccadic retinal stimulation during saccades.
Temporal predictability does not impact attentional blink performance: effects of fixed vs. random inter-trial intervals
Authors: Shenfield Lucienne , Beanland Vanessa , Apthorp Deborah
Published: March 2020

Background

Does the inclusion of a randomized inter-trial interval (ITI) impact performance on an Attentional Blink (AB) task? The AB phenomenon is often used as a test of transient attention (Dux & Marois, 2009); however, it is unclear whether incorporating aspects of sustained attention, by implementing a randomized ITI, would impact task performance. The current research sought to investigate this, by contrasting a standard version of the AB task with a random ITI version to determine whether performance changed, reflecting a change in difficulty, engagement, or motivation.

Method

Thirty university students (21 female; age range 18–57, Mage= 21.5, SD = 7.4) completed both versions of the task, in counterbalanced order.

Results

No significant difference in performance was found between the standard AB task and the AB task with the random ITI. Bayesian analyses suggested moderate evidence for the null.

Conclusion

Temporal unpredictability did not appear to impact task performance. This suggests that the standard AB task has cognitive properties with regards to task difficulty, engagement, and motivation, that are inherently similar to tasks that employ a randomized ITI to measure sustained attention (e.g., the Psychomotor Vigilance Task; PVT; Dinges & Powell, 1985). This finding provides important support for future research which may seek to obtain a more detailed understanding of attention through the comparison of performance on transient and sustained attention tasks.
Diversity of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda and their gut bacterial community in Kenya
Authors: Gichuhi Joseph , Sevgan Subramanian , Khamis Fathiya , Van den Berg Johnnie , du Plessis Hannalene , Ekesi Sunday , Herren Jeremy K.
Published: March 2020

Background

The invasive fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is a polyphagous pest that causes widespread damage particularly to maize and sorghum in Africa. The microbiome associated with S. frugiperda could play a role in the insects’ success and adaptability. However, bacterial communities in S. frugiperda remain poorly studied.

Methods

We investigated the composition, abundance and diversity of microbiomes associated with larval and adult specimens of S. frugiperda collected from four maize growing regions in Kenya through high throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. The population structure of S. frugiperda in Kenya was assessed through amplification of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene.

Results

We identified Proteobacteria and Firmicutes as the most dominant bacterial phyla and lesser proportions of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. We also observed differences in bacterial microbiome diversity between larvae and adults that are a likely indication that some prominent larval bacterial groups are lost during metamorphosis. However, several bacterial groups were found in both adults and larvae suggesting that they are transmitted across developmental stages. Reads corresponding to several known entomopathogenic bacterial clades as well as the fungal entomopathogen, Metarhizium rileyi, were observed. Mitochondrial DNA haplotyping of the S. frugiperda population in Kenya indicated the presence of both “Rice” and “Corn” strains, with a higher prevalence of the “Rice” strain.
Application of a high-quality, high-volume trap–neuter–return model of community cats in Seoul, Korea
Authors: Cho Yoonju , Kim Kyunghee , Kim Min Su , Lee Inhyung
Published: March 2020

Background

This study was performed to determine the characteristics of community cats that were admitted to trap–neuter–return(TNR) programs and the feasibility of the high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) model in Seoul, Korea.

Methods

TNR programs were performed eight times from 2017 to 2018, and a total of 375 community cats from the pilot areas were admitted. The pilot areas were selected regions wherein caregivers voluntarily participated in our TNR program. Each cat was anesthetized, assessed for health status, sterilized, vaccinated against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia (FVR-CP), and rabies, and treated with insecticide after surgery. The time from anesthesia to recovery was evaluated to verify the efficiency of surgical time of the program. The TNR program at a local animal hospital and the program in this study were compared to assess the veterinary treatment administered and the cost for each cat.

Results

A total of 375 cats were underwent TNR in this study, including 192 (51.2%) intact females, 180 (48%) intact males, and three (0.8%) sterilized cats. Following surgery, 372 cats (99.2%) were returned to their original locations. Three cats (0.8%) died postoperatively. On average, 21.9% of the cats were pregnant during the TNRs, and the highest percentage of cats (63.9%) were pregnant in March. All cats presented to the TNR program were considered healthy enough to be part of the program after examination. For neutering one animal at a time, similar to conventional TNR ($140), it took 53 ± 16 mins for females and 30 ± 9 mins for males from anesthesia to recovery. In contrast, the standardized procedure can neuter multiple cats simultaneously, similar to the conveyor system, at an estimated rate of 6.8 mins per cat ($45 per female cat, $30 per male cat).

Conclusions

The TNR strategy in Seoul should be implemented by establishing dedicated clinics to concentrate on HQHVSN surgeries of cats. Through this pilot study, we were able to demonstrate that it is possible to effectively apply HQHVSN clinics in Korea. Future studies that perform intensive sterilization in targeted areas are necessary to confirm the efficacy of the TNR strategy.
INFLUENCE OF OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS OF SCALDING IN THE QUALITY OF BROILER CARCASSES IN INDUSTRIAL SCALE
Authors: Anghinoni Edson , Hamann Daniele , Cansian Rogério Luis , Junges Alexander , Valduga Eunice , Steffens Clarice
Published: March 2020

The processing steps as scalding and de-feathering in the poultry industry have a great impact in meat quality. In this sense, the aim of this work is to evaluate the temperature effect (52, 57 and 62ºC), broiler weight (2.4-2.6, 2.8-3.0 and 3.2- 3.4 kg) and broiler processing line speed (4.000, 6.500 and 9000 broilers/h) of the scalding and de-feathering in the meat quality. An experimental design 23 was employed to evaluate the physical characteristics (absence of torn breast skin, epidermis, feather on wing and uropygium), color (L*, a*, b*), texture profile (hardness, adhesiveness, elasticity, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness, and resilience), and pH of broiler breast fillets. The pH did not suffer significant effect (p>0.05) of the variables between the ranges studied. In general, the better meat quality was obtained at 57°C scalding temperature, 3.0-3.2 kg weight and 6500 broilers/h processing line speed. In addition, these conditions are applicable to removal the epidermis, feather on wing and uropygium.
Carvacrol and thymol as potential preservatives against Aspergillus in maize grains
Authors: Lima Jade Cardôso , Gomes Sávio Marcelino , Lima Edeltrudes de Oliveira , Pereira Fillipe de Oliveira , Lima Igara Oliveira
Published: March 2020

This study investigated the antifungal potential of carvacrol and thymol against strains of Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, and A. niger. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were determined. The constituents’ effect was also evaluated for possible preservative activity against fungal mycelial growth in a maize grain contamination model. At the concentrations tested, carvacrol inhibited the growth of all strains used; thymol did not inhibit the growth of the A. flavus strain tested. For both phytochemicals, the MFCs determined for the A. niger strain were equivalent to the value of their MICs. However for A. flavus and A. fumigatus, the MFC determined for carvacrol was four times its MIC value. At the concentrations tested, these phytochemicals were able to slow fungal mycelial growth, though carvacrol proved to be more effective than thymol in the maize grain contamination model.
Spray drying microencapsulation of purple cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica) peel extract and storage stability of bioactive compounds
Authors: Keren Ileana Toledo-Madrid , Tzayhrí Guadalupe Gallardo-Velázquez , Francisco Terrazas-Valencia , Ismael Osorio-Revilla Guillermo
Published: March 2020

Purple cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica) is a fruit found in Mexico that is mainly consumed fresh. The fruit has a peel, which is a non-usable by-product that can represent up to 52% of the fruit´s total weight. This peel is rich in phenolic compounds (PC) and betalain pigments (betacyanins (BC) and betaxanthins (BX)), with important antioxidant capacity (AC), making this waste product an interesting source to obtain extracts rich in bioactive compounds that can be utilized by food industry. Since extracts are liable to degradation, they require protection through techniques such as spray drying microencapsulation. Therefore, this study evaluated the retention of bioactive compounds during spray drying microencapsulation of purple cactus pear peel extract using 10, 15, and 20%w (weight percentage) of maltodextrin (MDX) and Gum Arabic (GA) solutions as encapsulating agents, under different drying conditions. Storage stability during 90 days was also studied for powders obtained at the best drying conditions with both encapsulating agents. The best drying conditions were 170-80 °C (inlet-outlet temperature), in which retention efficiencies for MDX were: 95.5 % (PC), 100.5% (BC), 103.5% (BX) using 20%w MDX, and 117.9% (AC) using 15%w MDX; for GA retentions were 92.4% (PC) and 107% (AC) with 20%w GA and 103.4% (BC) and 93.4% (BX) with 10%w GA. Under storage for 90 days at 22-25 °C, 10%w of encapsulating agent protected microcapsules in presence or absence of light, having the advantage of containing higher concentration of bioactive compounds per gram of dry solid.
Organic farming practices in a desert habitat increased the abundance, richness, and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi ♣
Authors: Mullath Sangeeta Kutty , Błaszkowski Janusz , Govindan Byju N. , Dhaheri Laila Al , Symanczik Sarah , Al-Yahya’ei Mohamed N.
Published: March 2020

Agricultural practices are known to affect the diversity and efficiency of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in improving overall plant performance. In the present study we aimed to compare the abundance, richness, and diversity of AMF communities under organic farming of a desert ecosystem in the Arabian Peninsula with those of an adjacent conventional farming system and native vegetation. In total, 12 sites, including six plant species, were sampled from both farming systems and the native site. Spore morphotyping revealed 24 AMF species, with 21 species in the organic farming system, compared to 14 species in the conventional site and none from rhizosphere soil of a native plant (Tetraena qatarensis). The AMF spore abundance, species richness, and Shannon–Weaver diversity index were high under organic farming. In both systems, the AMF community composition and abundance associated with different crops followed similar trends, with pomegranates having the highest values followed by limes, grapes, mangoes, and lemons. Our results show that organic farming in such a desert ecosystem promotes AMF diversity. These data imply that AMF might play an important role in the sustainable production of food in resource-limited desert habitats.
Hypoxia potentiates the capacity of melanoma cells to evade cisplatin and doxorubicin cytotoxicity via glycolytic shift
Authors: Zhuo Ming , Gorgun Falih M. , Tyler Douglas S. , Englander Ella W.
Published: March 2020

The hypoxic environment within solid tumors impedes the efficacy of chemotherapeutic treatments. Here, we demonstrate that hypoxia augments the capacity of melanoma cells to withstand cisplatin and doxorubicin cytotoxicity. We show that B16F10 cells derived from spontaneously formed melanoma and YUMM1.7 cells, engineered to recapitulate human‐relevant melanoma driver mutations, profoundly differ in their vulnerabilities to cisplatin and doxorubicin. The differences are manifested in magnitude of proliferative arrest and cell death rates, extent of mtDNA depletion, and impairment of mitochondrial respiration. In both models, cytotoxicity is mitigated by hypoxia, which augments glycolytic metabolism. Collectively, the findings implicate metabolic reprogramming in drug evasion and suggest that melanoma tumors with distinct genetic makeup may have differential drug vulnerabilities, highlighting the importance of precision anticancer treatments.
Deregulation of miR‐27a may contribute to canine fibroblast activation after coculture with a mast cell tumour cell line
Authors: Aguilera‐Rojas Matias , Sharbati Soroush , Stein Torsten , Einspanier Ralf
Published: March 2020

The tumour microenvironment comprises a diverse range of cells, including fibroblasts, immune cells and endothelial cells, along with extracellular matrix. In particular, fibroblasts are of significant interest as these cells are reprogrammed during tumorigenesis to become cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which in turn support cancer cell growth. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to be involved in this intercellular crosstalk in humans. To assess whether miRNAs are also involved in the activation of fibroblasts in dogs, we cocultured primary canine skin fibroblasts with the canine mast cell tumour cell line C2 directly or with C2‐derived exosomes, and measured differential abundance of selected miRNAs. Expression of the CAF markers alpha‐smooth muscle actin (ACTA2) and stanniocalcin 1 confirmed the activation of our fibroblasts after coculture. We show that fibroblasts displayed significant downregulation of miR‐27a and let‐7 family members. These changes correlated with significant upregulation of predicted target mRNAs. Furthermore, RNA interference knockdown of miR‐27a revealed that cyclin G1 (CCNG1) exhibited negative correlation at the mRNA and protein level, suggesting that CCNG1 is a target of miR‐27a in canine fibroblasts and involved in their activation. Importantly, miR‐27a knockdown itself resulted in fibroblast activation, as demonstrated by the formation of ACTA2 filaments. In addition, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) was strongly induced in our fibroblasts when cocultured, indicating potential reciprocal signalling. Taken together, our findings are consistent with canine fibroblasts being reprogrammed into CAFs to further support cancer development and that downregulation of miR‐27a may play an important role in the tumour–microenvironment crosstalk.
CsPbBr3 Nanocrystal Films: Deviations from Bulk Vibrational and Optoelectronic Properties
Authors: Motti Silvia G. , Krieg Franziska , Ramadan Alexandra J. , Patel Jay B. , Snaith Henry J. , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Johnston Michael B. , Herz Laura M.
Published: March 2020

Metal‐halide perovskites (MHP) are highly promising semiconductors for light‐emitting and photovoltaic applications. The colloidal synthesis of nanocrystals (NCs) is an effective approach for obtaining nearly defect‐free MHP that can be processed into inks for low‐cost, high‐performance device fabrication. However, disentangling the effects of surface ligands, morphology, and boundaries on charge‐carrier transport in thin films fabricated with these high‐quality NCs is inherently difficult. To overcome this fundamental challenge, terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is employed to optically probe the photoconductivity of CsPbBr3 NC films. The vibrational and optoelectronic properties of the NCs are compared with those of the corresponding bulk polycrystalline perovskite and significant deviations are found. Charge‐carrier mobilities and recombination rates are demonstrated to vary significantly with the NC size. Such dependences derive from the localized nature of charge carriers within NCs, with local mobilities dominating over interparticle transport. It is further shown that the colloidally synthesized NCs have distinct vibrational properties with respect to the bulk perovskite, exhibiting blue‐shifted optical phonon modes with enhanced THz absorption strength that also manifest as strong modulations in the THz photoconductivity spectra. Such fundamental insights into NC versus bulk properties will guide the optimization of nanocrystalline perovskite thin films for optoelectronic applications.
In Batteria Electrochemical Polymerization to Form a Protective Conducting Layer on Se/C Cathodes for High‐Performance Li–Se Batteries
Authors: Lee Seungmin , Lee Haeun , Ha Naram , Lee Jung Tae , Jung Jaehan , Eom KwangSup
Published: March 2020

The lithium–selenium (Li–Se) battery is a promising energy storage system for portable devices owing to its high energy density (2528 Wh L−1) and electrical conductivity (10−3 S m−1). The main issue with Li–Se batteries is their poor stability originating from the dissolution of Se‐containing compounds. Hence, many studies have focused on the immobilization of Se using protective layers prepared via ex situ or in situ approaches. However, these strategies are too complicated and costly for practical use. Herein, a facile in batteria electrochemical treatment to form a protective conductive layer on a Se‐based cathode is introduced. Specifically, aniline monomers added to an assembled Li–Se cell are polymerized into electrically conductive polyaniline. The treated Li–Se cell exhibits 40% higher capacity retention compared to untreated one. Moreover, at a high rate (4 C), the treated cell maintains a capacity of 1538 mAh cm−3, whereas the untreated cell exhibits no capacity. The enhanced cyclic stability and rate capability are attributed to the electrochemical formation of a uniform, ultrathin (≤10 nm) polyaniline layer, to confine lithium polyselenides with its C−N bonds, and improve ionic conductivity by self‐doping with lithium salts to form delocalized polaron lattice in the polyaniline.
Magnetic Retrieval of Encapsulated Beta Cell Transplants from Diabetic Mice Using Dual‐Function MRI Visible and Retrievable Microcapsules
Authors: Delcassian Derfogail , Luzhansky Igor , Spanoudaki Virginia , Bochenek Matthew , McGladrigan Collin , Nguyen Amy , Norcross Samuel , Zhu Yuhan , Shan Crystal Shuo , Hausser Reed , Shakesheff Kevin M. , Langer Robert , Anderson Daniel G.
Published: March 2020

Encapsulated beta cell transplantation offers a potential cure for a subset of diabetic patients. Once transplanted, beta cell grafts can help to restore glycemic control; however, locating and retrieving cells in the event of graft failure may pose a surgical challenge. Here, a dual‐function nanoparticle‐loaded hydrogel microcapsule is developed that enables graft retrieval under an applied magnetic field. Additionally, this system facilitates graft localization via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and graft isolation from the immune system. Iron oxide nanoparticles encapsulated within alginate hydrogel capsules containing viable islets are transplanted and the in vitro and in vivo retrieval of capsules containing nanoparticles functionalized with various ligands are compared. Capsules containing islets co‐encapsulated with COOH‐coated nanoparticles restore normal glycemia in immunocompetent diabetic mice for at least 6 weeks, can be visualized using MRI, and are retrievable in a magnetic field. Application of a magnetic field for 90 s via a magnetically assisted retrieval device facilitates rapid retrieval of up to 94% (±3.1%) of the transplant volume 24 h after surgical implantation. This strategy aids monitoring of cell‐capsule locations in vivo, facilitates graft removal at the end of the transplant lifetime, and may be applicable to many encapsulated cell transplant systems.
Edge‐Rich Fe−N4 Active Sites in Defective Carbon for Oxygen Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Wang Xin , Jia Yi , Mao Xin , Liu Daobin , He Wenxiang , Li Jia , Liu Jianguo , Yan Xuecheng , Chen Jun , Song Li , Du Aijun , Yao Xiangdong
Published: March 2020

Controllably constructing nitrogen‐modified divacancies (ND) in carbon substrates to immobilize atomic Fe species and unveiling the advantageous configuration is still challenging, but indispensable for attaining optimal Fe−N−C catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, a fundamental investigation of unfolding intrinsically superior edge‐ND trapped atomic Fe motifs (e‐ND−Fe) relative to an intact center model (c‐ND−Fe) in ORR electrocatalysis is reported. Density functional theory calculations reveal that local electronic redistribution and bandgap shrinkage for e‐ND−Fe endow it with a lower free‐energy barrier toward direct four‐electron ORR. Inspired by this, a series of atomic Fe catalysts with adjustable ND−Fe coordination are synthesized, which verify that ORR performance highly depends on the concentration of e‐ND−Fe species. Remarkably, the best e‐ND−Fe catalyst delivers a favorable kinetic current density and halfwave potential that can be comparable to benchmark Pt−C under acidic conditions. This work will guide to develop highly active atomic metal catalysts through rational defect engineering.
Advances in Fiber‐Optic Technology for Point‐of‐Care Diagnosis and In Vivo Biosensing
Authors: Tabassum Shawana , Kumar Ratnesh
Published: March 2020

Development of reliable, sensitive, selective, and miniaturized sensing technologies is critical for health assessment and early diagnosis and treatment of diseases/anomalies while simultaneously mitigating the challenges associated with in vivo measurements. Some critical constraints to the realization of in vivo measurements include the necessity to fabricate the sensor on a tightly constrained footprint while ensuring acceptable biocompatibility, accuracy, and reliability. The inherent light‐guiding properties of optical fibers over long distances, their microscopic cross‐section that can be structured at the nanoscale to manipulate the light transmittance/reflectance spectrum, excellent biocompatibility enabling their efficient integration with biorecognition molecules, immunity to electromagnetic interference, mechanical flexibility, and low cost have been inviting research attention to utilize these unique features for in vivo and label‐free point‐of‐care diagnostics. Hence, fiber‐optic biosensing has become a promising research thrust, with a plethora of emerging methodologies to develop ultrasensitive and selective sensing probes. A unified presentation of the research trends on biosensors incorporated into optical fibers is presented.
Highly Sensitive Conformal Pressure Sensing Coatings Based on Thermally Expandable Microspheres
Authors: Shao Tianyu , Wu Jianing , Zhang Yuhan , Cheng Yuanrong , Zuo Zhengqing , Lv Hongkun , Ying Mingliang , Wong C. P. , Li Zhuo
Published: March 2020

Great progress has been made to enhance the sensitivity of flexible pressure sensors recently. However, the format of these sensors has largely been limited to thin films. A highly sensitive pressure sensor based on coatings, which can ensure uniform coverage over large area as well as conformal contact with complex surfaces because of the flowability before solidification, has rarely been reported. Here, a highly sensitive capacitive pressure sensing coating is demonstrated for the first time. This sensor utilizes conductive composite coatings as electrodes and thermally expandable microspheres/polydimethylsiloxane composite coating as the dielectric layer. The expanded microspheres greatly enhance the compressibility and thus increase the sensitivity of the pressure sensors to 0.201 kPa−1 under 50 kPa. At the same time, it achieves the largest pressure‐sensing range in capacitive pressure sensors so far from 10 Pa to 4.5 MPa with a sensitivity of 3 × 10−4 kPa−1. It also features low hysteresis and good stability against repeated compression. More importantly, the format of coating not only reduces the cost and complexity of fabrication, but also facilitates the applications on surfaces with complex shapes, which paves the way for facile and economic application of flexible pressure sensors in the future.
Restriction‐Induced Luminescence Enhancement in 2D Interlayer Supramolecular Infinite Solid Solution for Cell Imaging
Authors: Ma Ruili , Li Ran , Liu Xuefei , Zhang Ping , Yang Xueting , Lu Jun
Published: March 2020

Considering the anionic intercalation capacities of layered double hydroxides (LDH), 2‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxybenzophenone‐5‐sulfonate (BP4) and decanesulfonate (DES) anions are cointercalated into the interlayers of Mg2Al‐LDH to form DES–BP4 (x%)/LDH composites, which can be regarded as 2D interlayer supramolecular infinite solid solutions (2D ISISSs), according to a structural analysis. Compared to those of pristine BP4, the fluorescence properties of DES–BP4 (x%)/LDH 2D ISISSs are significantly improved and their emission peak wavelengths are adjustable in the range of 491–510 nm by varying x. DES–BP4 (8%)/LDH exhibits the optimal fluorescence properties. Its quantum yield, lifetime, and fluorescence intensity are increased ≈14, 4, and 45 times, respectively. Moreover, its nonradiative relaxation rate constant is decreased five times, while its radiative relaxation rate constant is increased three times. The luminescence enhancement can be attributed to the formation of the 2D ISISSs system, which effectively restricted the intramolecular movements of BP4 anions. Owing to its enhanced fluorescence properties, DES–BP4 (8%)/LDH exhibits outstanding performances for cell penetration and confocal fluorescence imaging and lifetime imaging of lysosome in HeLa cells. Therefore, the 2D ISISSs based on the LDH matrix provide a novel route to optimize the performances of functional molecules and expand their applications.
Life history evolution, species differences, and phenotypic plasticity in hemiparasitic eyebrights (Euphrasia)
Authors: Brown Max R. , Frachon Natacha , Wong Edgar L. Y. , Metherell Chris , Twyford Alex D.
Published: March 2020

Premise

Species delimitation in parasitic organisms is challenging because traits used to identify species are often plastic and vary depending on the host. Here, we use species from a recent radiation of generalist hemiparasitic Euphrasia to investigate trait variation and trait plasticity. We tested whether Euphrasia species show reliable trait differences, investigated whether these differences correspond to life history trade‐offs between growth and reproduction, and quantified plasticity in response to host species.

Methods

Common garden experiments were used to evaluate trait differences between 11 Euphrasia taxa grown on a common host, document phenotypic plasticity when a single Euphrasia species is grown on eight different hosts, and relate observations to trait differences recorded in the wild.

Results

Euphrasia exhibited variation in life history strategies; some individuals transitioned rapidly to flowering at the expense of early season growth, while others invested in vegetative growth and delayed flowering. Life history differences were present between some species, though many related taxa lacked clear trait differences. Species differences were further blurred by phenotypic plasticity—many traits were plastic and changed with host type or between environments.

Conclusions

Phenotypic plasticity in response to host and environment confounds species delimitation in Euphrasia. When grown in a common garden environment, some morphologically distinct taxa can be identified, though others represent morphologically similar shallow segregates. Trait differences present between some species and populations demonstrate the rapid evolution of distinct life history strategies in response to local ecological conditions.
Biodegradable soy protein‐based matrices for the controlled release of zinc in horticulture
Authors: Jiménez‐Rosado Mercedes , Alonso‐González María , Rubio‐Valle Jose Fernando , Perez‐Puyana Victor , Romero Alberto
Published: March 2020

Nowadays, biodegradable protein‐based matrices capable of storing micronutrients and releasing them in a controlled manner are being studied in order to avoid an excessive use of fertilizers. One of the methods to add micronutrients into matrices is through an immersion stage in a saturated solution, which provides matrices with high superficial content of zinc but no incorporation of this element inside the matrix. This is due to the growth of an external layer that keeps the ions from entering the structure. In this study, the plasticizer was modified with the aim of creating more free space to help the ions penetrate the matrices. Thus, the water incorporation generated more rigid matrices with less micronutrient incorporation but with a more homogeneous distribution of the micronutrient (Zn) within it, being more suitable for its controlled release.
The influence of coating with aminopropyl triethoxysilane and CuO/Cu2O nanoparticles on antimicrobial activity of cotton fabrics under dark conditions
Authors: Marković Darka , Vasiljević Jelena , Ašanin Jelena , Ilic‐Tomic Tatjana , Tomšič Brigita , Jokić Bojan , Mitrić Miodrag , Simončič Barbara , Mišić Dušan , Radetić Maja
Published: March 2020

A novel impregnation process for the fabrication of cotton nanocomposite with strong antimicrobial activity against antibiotics‐resistant bacteria and yeast was developed. The impregnation process includes the sol–gel treatment of fabric with (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane in the first step, and synthesis of the CuO/Cu2O nanoparticles (NPs) on the fabric surface in the second step. The in situ synthesis of the CuO/Cu2O NPs was based on the adsorption of Cu2+‐ions by the introduced amino groups of the sol–gel coating. The adsorbed Cu2+‐ions are subsequently reduced in the alkaline solution of NaBH4. X‐ray diffraction measurements confirmed the formation of CuO/Cu2O NPs. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic absorption spectrometry analyses indicate that the particle size, agglomeration, and amounts of synthesized NPs were highly affected by the initial concentration of CuSO4solution. The toxicity of nanocomposites to human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and antimicrobial activity against Gram‐negativeEscherichia coliATCC 25922,E. coliATCC BAA 2469, andKlebsiella pneumoniaeATCC BAA 2146, and Gram‐positive bacteriaStaphylococcus aureusATCC 25923,S. aureusATCC 43300 and yeastCandida albicansATCC 24433 strongly depended on the copper content. In addition to excellent antimicrobial activity, controlled release of Cu2+‐ions from the fabrics into physiological saline solution was obtained.