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Zhi-Qing Long,1,* Xin Hua,1,* Wen-Wen Zhang,1 Shao-Wen Lv,1 Jia-Peng Deng,1 Ling Guo,2 Zhen-Yu He,1 Huan-Xin Lin11Department of Radiotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workIntroduction: Albumin and alkaline phosphatase have been previously demonstrated as independent prognostic factors for various types of cancer. Here, we aimed to explore the potential value of pretreatment albumin to alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) on overall survival (OS) in nonmetastatic breast cancer patients.Methods: A total of 746 nonmetastatic breast cancer patients were enrolled in this study. Receiver characteristic curve was used to analyze the AAPR threshold. Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards regression methodology.Results: The optimal cutoff value of AAPR in predicting OS in nonmetastatic breast cancer patients was 0.525. Increased pretreatment AAPR level was related to age at diagnosis (≥60 years vs 2 cm, P=0.034), estrogen receptor (positive vs negative, P=0.022), progesterone receptor (positive vs negative, P=0.025), carcino-embryonic antigen (abnormal vs normal, P=0.016), surgery (lumpectomy vs mastectomy, P=0.002), chemotherapy (yes vs no, P=0.004), radiotherapy (yes vs no, P=0.013), endocrine therapy (yes vs no, P=0.027) but not with lymph node involvement, HER-2 status or CA-153. The 5-year OS rate was 80.16% for the low AAPR group and 92.66% for the high AAPR group. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that patients with low-AAPR levels had shorter OS than patients with high-AAPR levels (P=0.001). N classification (P

Abstract Due to the increasing demand and the price of hydrocarbon fuels, today, cost-effective enhanced recovery of oil and gas reservoirs has become one of the most interesting research topics. Since the Iranian reservoirs have a considerable potential to apply the chemical EOR processes, it seems that extensive research in this field is inevitable. One of the most important enhanced oil recovery techniques is injecting alkaline–surfactant into the reservoir. Although injecting alkaline–surfactant has been investigated in many researches, few studies reported on the effect of this process on the oil/water relative permeabilities which control the recovery performance. Today, the need for EOR processes is critical. One of the newest ideas for this respect is the concept of altering the rock wettability to more water wet. This phenomenon leads to making a path for oil in the larger routes, therefore increasing the recovery. In most cases, waterflooding has a low effect and by increasing the water production, the oil recovery becomes non-economical. In most studies, the effect of solution injection has been considered. In this study, we have investigated the effect of chemicals on interfacial tension and the wettability alteration based on relative permeability curves. In this work, using three surfactants, anionic (SDS), cationic (CTAB) and nonionic (Triton X-100), with sodium carbonate alkaline, relative permeabilities, wettability, IFT and the recovery efficiency in the porous media in the core scale have been investigated. The results show that cationic surfactant has the most effect on reduction in IFT and changing the wettability to water wetness, which has 70% recovery factor. Anionic surfactant has a greater effect on the reduction in interfacial tension in comparison with nonionic surfactant. Furthermore, nonionic surfactant has the most effect on changing the wettability to water wetness in comparison with anionic surfactant. Moreover, the recovery enhancement in the case of injection of alkaline–nonionic surfactant (67%) is more considerable than alkaline–anionic (65%).

The Pantanal is the most conserved biome in Brazil and among the last wild refuges in South America, but intensification of agriculture and other land use changes present challenges for protecting this exceptionally biodiverse wetland ecosystem. Recent studies have shed new light on the origins and biogeochemistry of a suite of >600 small saline-alkaline lakes in Nhecolândia, a floodplain setting located south of the Taquari River in south-central Pantanal. These soda lakes form a unique aquatic environment in Pantanal and nascent research on their geomicrobiology suggests that their biota may be analogous to early life, and extreme life in Earth's deep biosphere. We argue that the conservation of the soda lakes in the lower Nhecolândia region should be an important strategic component of any conservation plan that aims to mitigate the advance of unsustainable land-use change in the Pantanal. Soda lake conservation has important implications for the carbon cycle, as these landforms sequester carbon dioxide and transmit considerably lower concentrations of methane in comparison to macrophyte-rich freshwater lakes in the region. Further, minerals precipitated in the saline-alkaline lakes are leveraged for cattle consumption, and therefore the continued presence of the lakes is critical for allowing pantaneiro ranchers to pursue certified organic, sustainable beef production systems. Beyond protecting soda lakes and their surrounding forests (mata de cordilheiras) for food systems security, the conservation strategy would also allow further research of little studied extremophile biodiversity and biogeochemistry, with potential for biotechnological innovations attendant to UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Muscadine (Muscadinia rotundifolia) grapes have been used in grape variety and rootstock development due to their inherent pest and disease resistance, but little is known about their alkaline soil tolerance. In this study, Muscadine varieties, commercialrootstock and interspecific hybrid grape (Vitis spp.) cultivars were evaluated for alkaline soil tolerance under field conditions to determine the potential suitability of muscadines for rootstock development. Thirty-one muscadine and eleven interspecific hybridgrape cultivars were grown in a moderately alkaline soil (pH = 8.1) over a three-year period. Alkaline soil tolerance wasdetermined by relative vine vigour (shoot length), vine nutrient status (whole leaf tissue testing) and visual chlorosis. Additional data were collected on the timing of budbreak. Overall, the muscadines studied expressed low vigour and had greater chlorosissymptoms than the interspecific hybrid rootstocks (Paulsen 1103, Millardet et de Grasset 101-14, Millardet et de Grasset 420A,Ruggeri 140, Schwarzmann, and Matador). These parameters were not correlated with the concentration in any specific nutrient, although nutrient deficiencies (nitrogen, copper) and excesses (calcium, boron) were observed in the muscadine varieties. Overall, the muscadine grapes expressed poor alkaline soil tolerance compared to interspecific hybrid grape rootstocks (1103P, 101-14 MGt., 140Ru, Schwarzmann, 420A, and Matador), even the ones having poor alkaline soil tolerance (101-14 MGt., Schwarzmann) and own-rooted cultivars (Black Spanish, Blanc Du Bois, Dunstan’s Dream and Victoria Red). Nevertheless, some variability in chlorosis symptoms and nutrition was observed across the muscadine group, suggesting some interests to select Muscadine hybrid rootstocks less sensitive to iron chlorosis.

ABSTRACT: The effect of pretreated method to remove the non-collagenous protein by using alkaline and enzyme Alcalase, as well as the temperature and time for extracting on the properties of gelatin from tra catfish skin were investigated. Yields of gelatin extracted at 70 °C for 1h from pretreated skin by enzyme method (16.2%) was significantly higher than that of the sample by alkaline method (12.14%). However, the gel strength of gelatin from skin treated via enzyme Alcalase was lower than gelatin sample pretreated by alkaline while the turbidity values was higher than gelatin from skin pretreated via alkaline. From SDS-PAGE profile, gelatin from skin pretreated by alkaline consisted of two different α- chains in protein pattern while enzymatic gelatin had low molecular weight peptides. The FT-IR spectra showed the lower wavenumber in amide I and III of enzymatic gelatin in compare to alkaline gelatin by the loss of triple helical structure during enzyme treatment. From the results, the using enzyme for pretreated material has potential to replace the alkaline method for gelatin production with purpose to reduce chemical waste caused serious ecological issues.

Organic complexants are present in some radioactive wastes and can challenge waste disposal as they may enhance subsurface mobility of radionuclides and contaminant species via chelation. The principal sources of organic complexing agents in low level radioactive wastes (LLW) originate from chemical decontamination activities. Polycarboxylic organic decontaminants such as citric and oxalic acid are of interest as currently there is a paucity of data on their biodegradation at high pH and under disposal conditions. This work explores the biogeochemical fate of citric acid, a model decontaminant, under high pH anaerobic conditions relevant to disposal of LLW in cementitious disposal environments. Anaerobic microcosm experiments were set up, using a high pH adapted microbial inoculum from a well characterized environmental site, to explore biodegradation of citrate under representative repository conditions. Experiments were initiated at three different pH values (10, 11, and 12) and citrate was supplied as the electron donor and carbon source, under fermentative, nitrate-, Fe(III)- and sulfate- reducing conditions. Results showed that citrate was oxidized using nitrate or Fe(III) as the electron acceptor at > pH 11. Citrate was fully degraded and removed from solution in the nitrate reducing system at pH 10 and pH 11. Here, the microcosm pH decreased as protons were generated during citrate oxidation. In the Fe(III)-reducing systems, the citrate removal rate was slower than in the nitrate reducing systems. This was presumably as Fe(III)-reduction consumes fewer moles of citrate than nitrate reduction for the same molar concentrations of electron acceptor. The pH did not change significantly in the Fe(III)-reducing systems. Sulfate reduction only occurred in a single microcosm at pH 10. Here, citrate was fully removed from solution, alongside ingrowth of acetate and formate, likely fermentation products. The acetate and lactate were subsequently used as electron donors during sulfate-reduction and there was an associated decrease in solution pH. Interestingly, in the Fe(III) reducing experiments, Fe(II) ingrowth was observed at pH values recorded up to 11.7. Here, TEM analysis of the resultant solid Fe-phase indicated that nanocrystalline magnetite formed as an end product of Fe(III)-reduction under these extreme conditions. PCR-based high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that bacteria capable of nitrate Fe(III) and sulfate reduction became enriched in the relevant, biologically active systems. In addition, some fermentative organisms were identified in the Fe(III)- and sulfate-reducing systems. The microbial communities present were consistent with expectations based on the geochemical data. These results are important to improve long-term environmental safety case development for cementitious LLW waste disposal.

To facilitate sustainable agriculture in the acidic soil in the southern region of China, reducing inorganic fertiliser in combination with an alkaline humic acid fertiliser amendment (HAFA) was investigated on key physicochemical properties of acid growth media and cherry tomato growth. Five treatments were established: 100% rate of the local conventional inorganic fertiliser, reduced application of inorganic fertiliser (30, 50, and 70% inorganic fertiliser application, w/w) combined with HAFA, and an unfertilised treatment as the control. HAFA increased medium pH by 0.39–0.75 compared with the 100% inorganic fertiliser treatment. In addition, medium organic matter and acid phosphatase, invertase, and polyphenol oxidase activity increased significantly following amendment. In addition, increased plant height, stem diameter, root length, leaf Soil and Plant Analysis Development values, plant biomass accumulation, and nutrient uptake were observed under 30–50% inorganic fertiliser treatment in combination with 1.0–1.4 mL of HAFA. Greater transfer factor ratios of N, P, and K were observed following amendment. Reducing inorganic fertiliser proportions did not significantly alter fruit shape index, single-fruit weight, or fruit quantity per plant. The benefits of HAFA were obvious, significantly increasing fruit ascorbic acid and lycopene concentrations, sugar-acid ratio, and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The moisture transport responses to a series of sericin treated polyester fabric were investigated. The fabric responses include, wetting time of top and bottom layer of fabric, moisture absorption rate of top and bottom layer of fabric, maximum wetted radius top and bottom, spreading speed top and bottom, accumulative one way transport index and overall moisture management capacity. The fabrics were produced with different treatments including plasma treatment. It was observed that all sericin treated fabrics showed an increase in overall moisture management capacity. Thus the criteria for collecting a suitable active sportswear were established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic complexants are present in some radioactive wastes and can challenge waste disposal as they may enhance subsurface mobility of radionuclides and contaminant species via chelation. The principal sources of organic complexing agents in low level radioactive wastes (LLW) originate from chemical decontamination activities. Polycarboxylic organic decontaminants such as citric and oxalic acid are of interest as currently there is a paucity of data on their biodegradation at high pH and under disposal conditions. This work explores the biogeochemical fate of citric acid, a model decontaminant, under high pH anaerobic conditions relevant to disposal of LLW in cementitious disposal environments. Anaerobic microcosm experiments were set up, using a high pH adapted microbial inoculum from a well characterized environmental site, to explore biodegradation of citrate under representative repository conditions. Experiments were initiated at three different pH values (10, 11, and 12) and citrate was supplied as the electron donor and carbon source, under fermentative, nitrate-, Fe(III)- and sulfate- reducing conditions. Results showed that citrate was oxidized using nitrate or Fe(III) as the electron acceptor at > pH 11. Citrate was fully degraded and removed from solution in the nitrate reducing system at pH 10 and pH 11. Here, the microcosm pH decreased as protons were generated during citrate oxidation. In the Fe(III)-reducing systems, the citrate removal rate was slower than in the nitrate reducing systems. This was presumably as Fe(III)-reduction consumes fewer moles of citrate than nitrate reduction for the same molar concentrations of electron acceptor. The pH did not change significantly in the Fe(III)-reducing systems. Sulfate reduction only occurred in a single microcosm at pH 10. Here, citrate was fully removed from solution, alongside ingrowth of acetate and formate, likely fermentation products. The acetate and lactate were subsequently used as electron donors during sulfate-reduction and there was an associated decrease in solution pH. Interestingly, in the Fe(III) reducing experiments, Fe(II) ingrowth was observed at pH values recorded up to 11.7. Here, TEM analysis of the resultant solid Fe-phase indicated that nanocrystalline magnetite formed as an end product of Fe(III)-reduction under these extreme conditions. PCR-based high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that bacteria capable of nitrate Fe(III) and sulfate reduction became enriched in the relevant, biologically active systems. In addition, some fermentative organisms were identified in the Fe(III)- and sulfate-reducing systems. The microbial communities present were consistent with expectations based on the geochemical data. These results are important to improve long-term environmental safety case development for cementitious LLW waste disposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkaline and acid water produced by electrolysis are believed to have health benefits. Alkaline water containing hydrogen for drinking can be an antioxidant that captures free radicals which will increase the immune system, while acidic water serves as an external medicine, antiseptic, or disinfectant. This paper aims to discuss the effect of the potential and the total dissolved solids (TDS) on the electrolysis currents variables. The electrolysis device is made simple utilizing a portable mineral water ionizer of which energy is generated from the solar cells module in Indonesia. The cathode and anode regions were separated by an ion-exchange membrane, the volume of the electrolysis container, the electrode material, and its dimension, were made fixed. The statistical data analysis was performed using linear and multiple regressions showed that the currents electrolysis were strongly influenced by the potential and TDS variables, but the effect of the TDS was more dominant than the potential. The current efficiencies of acidic formation were not significantly affected by electrolysis potentials and TDS, while the current efficiencies of alkaline formation were significantly affected by electrolysis potentials and TDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metazoans harbor a wealth of symbionts that are ever‐changing the environment by taking up resources and/or excreting metabolites. One such common environmental modification is a change in pH. Conventional wisdom holds that symbionts facilitate the survival and production of their hosts in the wild, but this notion lacks empirical evidence. Here, we report that symbiotic bacteria in the genus Enterococcus attenuate the oviposition avoidance of alkaline environments in Drosophila. We studied the effects of alkalinity on oviposition preference for the first time, and found that flies are robustly disinclined to oviposit on alkali‐containing substrates. This innate repulsion to alkaline environments is explained, in part, by the fact that alkalinity compromises the health and lifespan of both offspring and parent Drosophila. Enterococcus dramatically diminished or even completely reversed the ovipositional avoidance of alkalinity in Drosophila. Mechanistically, Enterococcus generate abundant lactate during fermentation, which neutralizes the residual alkali in an egg‐laying substrate. In conclusion, Enterococcus protects Drosophila from alkali stress by acidifying the ovipositional substrate, and ultimately improves the fitness of the Drosophila population. Our results demonstrate that symbionts are profound factors in the Drosophila ovipositional decision, and extend our understanding of the intimate interactions between Drosophila and their symbionts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE sulfide mineralisation is mostly confined to tholeiitic to komatiitic mafic-ultramafic intrusions, yet there have been an increasing number of occurrences recorded in alkaline-ultramafic, post-collisional magmatic systems, particularly in the lower and middle crust that generally display a characteristic Cu-Au-Te enrichment over more conventional Ni-Cu(-PGE) mineralisation. The Mordor Alkaline Igneous Complex, Australia, is a mid-crustal, zoned alkaline complex comprised of a syenite body with an alkaline mafic-ultramafic subcomplex containing dunites, wehrlites and shonkinites. Sulfide mineralisation is present either in thin, PGE-enriched stratiform 'reefs' within layered ultramafics in the centre of the subcomplex, or in thicker zones of Cu(-Au-PGE-Te) sulfide hosted by phlogopite-rich shonkinites towards the intrusion margins. This latter style comprises blebs of pyrite, chalcopyrite and minor millerite and PGE tellurides formed from the cooling of a Cu-dominant sulfide liquid. Primary igneous calcite is present in intimate association with the sulfide. We note that the circular nature of the complex, with a dunite core and shonkinite rim with chalcophile element mineralisation, is comparable to the pipe-like, intracratonic, alkaline-ultramafic Aldan Shield intrusions in Russia. As such, Mordor may have an intracratonic rather than post-collisional affinity. Nevertheless, sulfide mineralisation is typical of other alkaline-hosted occurrences, with a Cu-Au-Te-rich signature, low Ni contents and textural association with calcite, supporting models of chalcophile metal and S fluxing alongside carbonate in alkaline systems derived from low degrees of partial melting of hydrous and carbonated mantle sources. Mordor illustrates that alkaline igneous rocks are prospective for magmatic Cu-Au-PGE-Ni sulfide mineralisation, and the classic 'marginal base metal– and sulfide-rich' and 'stratiform PGE-rich and sulfide-poor' mineralisation styles may both be found in such intrusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic achievement of low-cost earth-abundant electrocatalysts and high efficiency to meet renewable energy need is highly desirable yet challenging. Here, we developed a simple Ni foam self -templating route for V-doped Ni 3 S 2 nanosheet arrays through in situ formation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) combined with subsequent conversion. The as-prepared MOF-V-Ni 3 S 2 /NF catalyst delivers outstanding electrocatalytic performance in the alkaline solution, which requires low overpotentials of 118.1 mV @10 mA cm−2 and 268 mV @10 mA cm−2 for hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction, respectively. The V-doping and MOF-derived 3D hieratical nanostructure play a vital role in the catalytic process, which provides efficient active sites and large surface areas. Furthermore, an alkaline electrolyzer was assembled with two pieces of MOF-V-Ni 3 S 2 /NF, which achieves efficient water splitting at 1.58 V @10 mA cm−2. This strategy opens up new channels to synthesize MOF-based bifunctional electrocatalysts toward overall water spitting. Image 1 • Combining metal doping with nanostructuring for efficient water splitting in alkali. • Ni-MOF-derived V-doped Ni 3 S 2 hieratical nanostructure was successful synthesized. • Providing optimized η 10 of 118 mV and 268 mV for HER and OER, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the optimization of microwave-assisted alkaline (MAA) pretreatment is performed to attain the optimal operating parameters for the delignification of cocoa pod husk (CPH). The MAA performance was examined by heating the CPH solid with different particle sizes (60-120 mesh) and NaOH solution with a different sample to a solvent (SS) ratio (0.02-0.05 g/L), for short irradiation time (1-4 min). Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was utilized to optimize the percentage of lignocellulose composition changes. The results show that by enlarging particle size, the content of lignin and cellulose decreased while hemicellulose increased. By prolong irradiation time, the content of lignin and hemicellulose decreased while cellulose elevated. On the other hand, increasing the SS ratio was not significant for hemicellulose content changes. From FTIR and SEM characterization, the MAA drove the removal of lignin and hemicellulose of CPH and increased cellulose slightly. Supported by kinetic study which conducted in this work, it was exhibited that MAA pretreatment technology is an effective delignification method of CPH which can tackle the bottleneck of its commercial biofuel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new geological map of Warrumbungle Volcano created from volcanic facies field mapping, new geophysical, geochemical and geochronological data as well as data from previous studies. Field mapping and petrography defined 19 volcanic and two mixed volcanic--sedimentary facies. Facies identification and distribution in conjunction with geochemical analyses indicate an early shield-forming phase of predominantly mafic and intermediate lavas and pyroclastic deposits, and minor felsic lavas deposited on an irregularly eroded basement of Surat and Gunnedah basin rocks. The shield was subsequently intruded by felsic intermediate to felsic magmas that formed dykes and other intrusions, including possible cryptodomes, and also erupted as lava domes and block-and-ash-flow deposits. A radial dyke swarm cross-cuts most units, although it is concentrated within basement sandstone surrounding the central area of the volcano, suggesting late inflation accompanied by dyke emplacement. Geochemistry indicates differentiation of a single although repeatedly recharged alkaline magmatic suite. Fractionation of olivine, Ti-magnetite and clinopyroxene occurred in mafic magmas, and after reaching 62 wt% SiO2, crystallisation of apatite and alkali feldspar took place. A new U–Pb zircon SHRIMP magmatic crystallisation age of 16.25 ± 0.12 Ma on a felsic block-and-ash flow deposit is in agreement with the recalculated 40Ar/39Ar isochron dates of previous workers. Based on our mapping and the use of volcanic facies to define mappable units, we recommend that the previous Warrumbungle Volcanics be elevated from formation to group status and renamed the Warrumbungle Volcanic Complex. New geological map of Warrumbungle Volcano based on volcanic facies mapping. The volcanic facies and their distribution suggest a complex alkaline shield volcano erupted along regional-scale basement lineaments over an intracontinental 'hot-spot' or heat plume, and intruded by lava domes, cryptodomes, dykes and a radial dyke swarm. New and previous geochemical data suggest differentiation of a single, although repeatedly recharged, alkaline magmatic suite. A new U–Pb zircon SHRIMP date of 16.25 ± 0.12 Ma is in agreement with the recalculated 40Ar/39Ar isochron dates of previous workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Petroleum hydrocarbon pollution has become a global concern, and seeking an appropriate strategy for treatment of petroleum hydrocarbons is necessary, especially under saline–alkaline conditions. In this study, microbial consortia capable of utilizing low‐molecular‐weight aliphatic petroleum hydrocarbons (n‐decane, n‐dodecane and n‐hexadecane) as the sole carbon source were enriched from crude‐oil‐contaminated soils, and their community profiles were evaluated using high‐throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. RESULTS: The microbial consortia were able to degrade 5–100 mL L−1n‐decane, n‐dodecane and n‐hexadecane by approximately 37.6–97.3%, 52.1–93.2% and 72.4–96.5%, respectively. The consortia also exhibited alkali‐tolerant and moderately salt‐resistant capability, which enabled them to retain high degradation efficiencies of hydrocarbons within a pH range of 7.0–11.0 and salinities of 5–20 g L−1 NaCl. High‐throughput sequencing analysis demonstrated that Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Achromobacter, Mesorhizobium and Brucella were the core genera (average > 1%) in the consortia, which were more enriched under alkaline condition (pH 11.0). PICRUSt (phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states) prediction revealed a rich set of metabolic functions involved in degradation of hydrocarbons and aromatics, and the critical functional gene, alkane 1‐monooxygenase, was more abundant in the microbial consortia under alkaline condition. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that these alkali–salt‐tolerant microbial consortia could be a promising candidate for bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bicarbonate (NaHCO3) present in soils is usually considered to be a mixed stress for plants, with salts and high pH. NaHCO3-specific signaling in plants has rarely been reported. In this study, transcriptome analyses were conducted in order to identify NaHCO3-specific signaling in Arabidopsis. Weighted correlation network analysis was performed to isolate NaHCO3-specific modules in comparison with acetate treatment. The genes in the NaHCO3-root-specific module, which exhibited opposite expression to that in sodium acetate treatments, were further examined with their corresponding knock-out mutants. The gene Exclusively Bicarbonate Sensitive 1 (EBS1) encoding an S-ribonuclease binding protein, was identified to be specifically involved in plant tolerance to NaHCO3, but not to the other two alkaline salts, acetate and phosphate. We also identified the genes that are commonly regulated by bicarbonate, acetate and phosphate. Multiple brassinosteroid-associated gene ontology terms were enriched in these genes. Genetic assays showed that brassinosteroid signaling positively regulated plant tolerance to NaHCO3 stress, but negatively regulated tolerance to acetate and phosphate. Overall, our data identified bicarbonate-specific genes, and confirmed that alkaline stress is mainly dependent on the specificities of the weak acid ions, rather than high pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Acid hydrolysis of animal and plant protein ingredients can generate beneficial and cost-effective peptides and free amino acids for use in livestock feed. Aims. The aim was to determine whether a cow-skin gelatin (CSG) hydrolysate, rich in low-molecular-weight peptides and free amino acid and produced through acid (4 M HCl) hydrolysis, improved the digestibility of CSG and performance of broilers. Methods. Day-old Ross 308 chicks (n = 320) were allocated to four treatments (control, maize-soy basal diet; CSG at 92 g/kg basal diet; acid-hydrolysed CSG (AHCSG) at 45 and 92 g/kg basal diet) in a completely randomised design with eight replicate pens per treatment and 10 chicks in each pen. Molecular weights of CSG and AHCSG were characterised by SDS-PAGE, and protein concentration and degree of hydrolysis of AHCSG determined. Broilers were assessed for performance measures and intestinal and serum characteristics. Key results. The AHCSG had a protein concentration of 84.3%, with a degree of hydrolysis of 66.5%. Respective molecular weights of CSG and AHCSG were 20-128 kDa and 3.5-10 kDa. Bodyweight gain and feed intake were dramatically (P = 0.001) reduced and feed conversion ratio increased with inclusion of CSG and especially AHCSG in the diet. Inclusion of AHCSG reduced (P < 0.05) ileal digesta viscosity compared with CSG, and reduced (P < 0.05) plasma uric acid concentration, villi height and crypt depth compared with the CSG and control diets. AHCSG inclusion in the diet reduced protein digestibility by ~25% (at 45 g/kg) and 50% (at 92 g/kg) compared with the control; CSG also reduced protein digestibility by ~50%. The Salmonella population of ceca was reduced (P = 0.05) with the diet containing 92 g AHCSG/kg compared with the CSG and control diets. Trypsin activity was not affected by diet, but total alkaline protease activity was reduced (P < 0.01) at days 35 of age by inclusion of AHCSG in the diet. Carcass and breast relative weight, and breast fillet crude protein were lower (P < 0.05) for broilers fed diets containing CSG or AHCSG than the control. Conclusions. Acid hydrolysis of CSG produced large quantities of free amino acids and small peptides, but this did not improve the performance of broiler chickens compared with CSG. Performance was similarly poor with dietary inclusion of AHCSG and CSG relative to the control diet without CSG products. Implications. Although large quantities of free amino acids and small peptides were produced by acid hydrolysis of CSG, further research is needed to understand the possible problems with acid hydrolysis and why it negatively affects broiler performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Oxygen speciation at the surface is controlled by bimetallic composition. • Intrinsic and surface area controlled electrocatalytic activity are deconvoluted. • Electrochemically active surface area controls the activity of Fe x Ni 100−x films. • Hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis increases with nickel content. • Intrinsic hydrogen evolution reaction activity is not enhanced with Fe incorporation. The synthesis and electrocatalytic activity of Fe x Ni 100−x electrochemically deposited films were investigated. Films were evaluated for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media with respect to composition and electrochemically active surface area (ECSA). Results demonstrate that films of higher or equal Fe content had an ECSA tenfold greater than films with higher Ni. When normalized by geometric surface area, Fe 50 Ni 50 films required the lowest overpotential of −390 mV to reach a current density of −10 mA cm−2. However, when normalized by the ECSA, intrinsic HER activity increases as Ni content increases. Tafel slope, ECSA, microscopy, and impedance spectroscopy analyses allow a decoupled analysis of surface area versus activity effects on overall measured HER activity. These analyses collectively demonstrate that the increase in electrocatalytic activity is attributed to the increase in ECSA and not to an enhancement in the intrinsic activity by Fe and Ni component interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of xylanase-assisted alkaline pretreatment (XAP) on the extraction of cellulose nanocrystal (CNCs) from energy cane (EC). Different concentrations of xylanase were tested to estimate the optimal enzyme loading required for pretreatment. XAP reduced the bleaching step from 7 to 5 h, generating a material with 93% whiteness index and a higher crystallinity index (CrI) than the alkaline-bleached fibers. A combined pretreatment using xylanase at 200 U/g removed 59 and 35% of hemicellulose and lignin, respectively, that was present in the EC which was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy revealed the XAP material required a shorter time of acid hydrolysis (30 min) to generate CNCs with similar lengths and CrI values to those obtained using only the alkaline pretreatment. Therefore, the XAP offered an efficient and promising approach for the isolation of CNCs with less use of chemicals for the bleaching process and a shorter hydrolysis time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The so‐called supercontainer concept is currently being considered as the reference design for the final disposal of vitrified high‐level radioactive waste and spent fuel in Belgium. It comprises a prefabricated Portland cement‐based buffer that completely surrounds a carbon steel overpack. In this highly alkaline environment (pH ~13.6), and under normal conditions (i.e., without the ingress of aggressive species), the carbon steel overpack will be protected by a passive oxide film, which is expected to result in very low uniform corrosion rates. Considering the long timescales applicable to waste disposal, determining accurate and reliable estimates of the uniform corrosion rate under anoxic conditions forms a very important part of the safety and feasibility strategy. It is also crucial to demonstrate that no other form of corrosion apart from uniform corrosion takes place. This paper presents the progress of the research that has been made since the LTC2016 Workshop (Toronto, Canada) on uniform corrosion, pitting corrosion and stress corrosion cracking behaviour of P355 QL2 grade carbon steel exposed to an artificial concrete pore water solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have received increased attention due to their environmental prevalence and threat to public health. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is an ultrashort-chain PFAS and the simplest perfluorocarboxylic acid (PFCA). While the US EPA does not currently regulate TFA, its chemical similarity to other PFCAs and its simple molecular structure make it a suitable model compound for studying the transformation of PFAS. We show that hydrothermal processing in compressed liquid water transforms TFA at relatively mild conditions (T = 150-250 °C, P < 30 MPa), initially yielding gaseous products, such as CHF 3 and CO 2 , that naturally aspirate from the solution. Alkali amendment ( e.g ., NaOH) promotes the mineralization of CHF 3 , yielding dissolved fluoride, formate, and carbonate species as final products. Fluorine and carbon balances are closed using Raman spectroscopy and fluoride ion selective electrode measurements for experiments performed at alkaline conditions, where gas yields are negligible. Qualitative FTIR gas analysis allows for establishing the transformation pathways; however, the F-balance could not be quantitatively closed for experiments without NaOH amendment. The kinetics of TFA transformation under hydrothermal conditions are measured, showing little to no dependency on NaOH concentration, indicating that the thermal decarboxylation is a rate-limiting step. A proposed TFA transformation mechanism motivates additional work to generalize the hydrothermal reaction pathways to other PFCAs.

A cement-based geological disposal facility (GDF) is one potential option for the disposal of intermediate level radioactive wastes. The presence of both organic and metallic materials within a GDF provides the opportunity for both acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. However, for these processes to proceed, they need to adapt to the alkaline environment generated by the cementitious materials employed in backfilling and construction. Within the present study, a range of alkaline and neutral pH sediments were investigated to determine the upper pH limit and the preferred route of methane generation. In all cases, the acetoclastic route did not proceed above pH 9.0, and the hydrogenotrophic route dominated methane generation under alkaline conditions. In some alkaline sediments, acetate metabolism was coupled to hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis via syntrophic acetate oxidation, which was confirmed through inhibition studies employing fluoromethane. The absence of acetoclastic methanogenesis at alkaline pH values (>pH 9.0) is attributed to the dominance of the acetate anion over the uncharged, undissociated acid. Under these conditions, acetoclastic methanogens require an active transport system to access their substrate. The data indicate that hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis is the dominant methanogenic pathway under alkaline conditions (>pH 9.0).

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of untreated and processed rapeseed meal (RSM) on fiber degradability by pig gut microbiota and the adaptation of the microbiota to the substrate, by using the Swine Large Intestine in vitro Model (SLIM). A standardized swine gut microbiota was fed for 48 h with pre-digested RSM which was processed enzymatically by a cellulase (CELL), two pectinases (PECT), or chemically by an alkaline (ALK) treatment. Amplicons of the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced to evaluate the gut microbiota composition, whereas short chain fatty acids (SCFA) were measured to assess fiber degradation. Adaptive gPCA showed that CELL and ALK had larger effects on the microbiota composition than PECT1 and PECT2, and all substrates had larger effects than CON. The relative abundance of family Prevotellaceae was significantly higher in CELL treatment compared to other treatments. Regardless of the treatments (including CON), the relative abundance of Dorea, Allisonella, and FamilyXIIIUCG_001 (in the order of Clostridiales) were significantly increased after 24 h, and Parabacteroides, Mogibacterium, Intestinimonas, Oscillibacter, RuminococcaceaeUCG_009, Acidaminococcus, Sutterella, and Citrobacter were significantly higher in abundance at time point 48 compared to the earlier time points. Prevotella 9 had significant positive correlations with propionic and valeric acid, and Mogibacterium positively correlated with acetic and caproic acid. There was no significant difference in SCFA production between untreated and processed RSM. Overall, degradability in the processed RSM was not improved compared to CON. However, the significantly different microbes detected among treatments, and the bacteria considerably correlating with SCFA production might be important findings to determine strategies to shorten the fiber adaptation period of the microbiota, in order to increase feed efficiency in the animal, and particularly in pig production.

Bacterial lysates, prepared from the microorganisms most frequently involved in human Respiratory Tract Infections (RTIs) have been in the market for several decades, and at present, several different brands are available in many countries worldwide. They all claimed to exert local and systemic immunomodulatory effects but different clinical trials show disparate results between them. The lack of consistency of predicted therapeutic effects has undermined their clinical use and hampered licensing in several countries. One explanation for such lack of consistency in the results is that their methods of preparation are also very different. Here, we review the available literature describing methods of preparation of bacterial lysates, including patent disclosure documents. We found a great variety of methodologies of preparation and a lack of standardized procedures among them. The main conclusion of our study is that there is a clear need for standardized protocols of production to obtain comparable results in clinical trials worldwide.

Background Superoxide dismutase (SOD) proteins, as one kind of the antioxidant enzymes, play critical roles in plant response to various environment stresses. Even though its functions in the oxidative stress were very well characterized, the roles of SOD family genes in regulating alkaline stress response are not fully reported. Methods We identified the potential family members by using Hidden Markov model and soybean genome database. The neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree and exon-intron structures were generated by using software MEGA 5.0 and GSDS online server, respectively. Furthermore, the conserved motifs were analyzed by MEME online server. The syntenic analysis was conducted using Circos-0.69. Additionally, the expression levels of soybean SOD genes under alkaline stress were identified by qRT-PCR. Results In this study, we identified 13 potential SOD genes in soybean genome. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that SOD genes could be classified into three subfamilies, including MnSODs (GmMSD1–2), FeSODs (GmFSD1–5) and Cu/ZnSODs (GmCSD1–6). We further investigated the gene structure, chromosomal locations and gene-duplication, conserved domains and promoter cis-elements of the soybean SOD genes. We also explored the expression profiles of soybean SOD genes in different tissues and alkaline, salt and cold stresses, based on the transcriptome data. In addition, we detected their expression patterns in roots and leaves by qRT-PCR under alkaline stress, and found that different SOD subfamily genes may play different roles in response to alkaline stress. These results also confirmed the hypothesis that the great evolutionary divergence may contribute to the potential functional diversity in soybean SOD genes. Taken together, we established a foundation for further functional characterization of soybean SOD genes in response to alkaline stress in the future.

The effect of different pretreatment approaches based on alkali (NaOH)/hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on willow sawdust (WS) biomass, in terms of delignification efficiency, structural changes of lignocellulose and subsequent fermentation toward ethanol, was investigated. Bioethanol production was carried out using the conventional yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as well as three non-conventional yeasts strains, i.e., Pichia stipitis, Pachysolen tannophilus, Wickerhamomyces anomalus X19, separately and in co-cultures. The experimental results showed that a two-stage pretreatment approach (NaOH (0.5% w/v) for 24 h and H2O2 (0.5% v/v) for 24 h) led to higher delignification (38.3 ± 0.1%) and saccharification efficiency (31.7 ± 0.3%) and higher ethanol concentration and yield. Monocultures of S. cerevisiae or W. anomalus X19 and co-cultures with P. stipitis exhibited ethanol yields in the range of 11.67 ± 0.21 to 13.81 ± 0.20 g/100 g total solids (TS). When WS was subjected to H2O2 (0.5% v/v) alone for 24 h, the lowest ethanol yields were observed for all yeast strains, due to the minor impact of this treatment on the main chemical and structural WS characteristics. In order to decide which is the best pretreatment approach, a detailed techno-economical assessment is needed, which will take into account the ethanol yields and the minimum processing cost.

İran’ın kuzeydoğusu, Gürgen’in güneyinde mafik kayaç mostraları bulunmaktadır. Bu gabroik kayaçlar, Orta-Üst Paleozoyik sedimanter kayaçlar ve kuzey Gondwana bölgesinin bir parçası olan Gürgen şistlerinin içerisinde sokulum haldedir. Petrografik çalışmalar, bu kayaçların orta - iri taneli olduğunu ve ofitikten intergranülere kadar değişen dokulara sahip olduğunu ortaya koymuştur.. Mafik daykların mineralojik bileşimi baskın olarak klinoprioksen+ortopiroksen+plajiyoklas ve hornblend minerallerinden oluşmaktadır. Gabroik bileşime sahip bu kayaçlar düşük - orta K2O ve düşük La/Nb içeriğine sahiptir ve hafif nadir toprak elementler bakımından zenginleşmiştir (La/Yb =21.4) . Gabrolarda gözlenen yüksek HNTE/ANTE (Hafif Nadir Toprak Element / Ağır Nadir Toprak Elementler) oranı, beraberinde düşük Y içeriğine karşılık yüksek Ti/Y oranı, bu kayaçların granat içeren bir kaynağın kısmi ergimesi ile oluştuğuna işaret etmektedir Çalışma alanındaki gabroların nadir toprak element (NTE) profilleri ve tektonik ortam ayırtman diyagramları okyanus adası bazaltlarına (OIB) benzerlik göstermekte olup, kayaçların kökeni OIB magması ile aynıdır.

Gray cast iron has many applications as pipes , pumps and valve bodies where it has influenced by heat and contact with other solutions . This research has studied the corrosion behavior and Vickers hardness of gray cast iron by immersion in four strong alkaline solutions (NaOH, KOH, Ca(OH)2, LiOH)with three concentrations (1%,2%,3%) of each solution. Dry sliding wear has carried out before and after the heat treatments (stress relief ,normalizing, hardening and tempering). In this work ,maximum wear strength has obtained at tempered gray cast iron and minimum corrosion rate has obtained in LiOH solution by forming protective white visible oxide layer.

We report on the structural, chemical and electrical compatibility of graphene in an alkaline environment, namely diluted KOH solutions as those used in standard nanofabrication methods. Electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy indicate that graphene preserves its structural properties during the process. The electrical transport properties such as conductance and shape of the Dirac point, appear degraded after KOH treatment, but can be fully recovered by current annealing. Electron beam-induced etching can provide further nanofabrication subsequent to KOH processing. These results demonstrate that, with the due precautions, graphene-based structures can be integrated in standard fabrication processes involving KOH.

It is experimentally challenging to deconvolute the potential‐dependent adsorption of the different intermediates that occur during the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media. This difficulty has limited our understanding regarding why the HER kinetics are more sluggish in alkaline media compared to acidic media. Herein, we utilized the surface interrogation mode of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SI‐SECM) to investigate the surface adsorbed species that form during the HER in alkaline media on polycrystalline platinum, Pt(poly). To deconvolute the different adsorbed intermediates, we developed a detailed COMSOL‐based kinetic model to rapidly simulate the SI‐SECM titration reactions under our experimental conditions. Utilization of this rapid‐kinetic model overcomes the limitation of SI‐SECM not having the ability to simultaneously resolve multiple surface adsorbed intermediates. We demonstrate that these numerical simulations can separate the potential dependant formation of the underpotential deposition of hydrogen (H(UPD)) from the overpotential deposition (H(OPD)) of hydrogen. In addition, our simulations show that a spectator species may also exist on the surface during HER potentials. Our simulations also show that at full H2‐producing potentials, the surface of Pt(poly) is fully saturated with intermediates. Comparison between the potential‐dependent adsorption of H(OPD) and Tafel analysis reveal that the Heyrovsky step is likely rate‐determining in alkaline media. However, in alkaline media the Heyrovsky step transitions from first‐order in H(OPD) at low H(OPD) coverage to zero‐order at high H(OPD) coverage, due to surface saturation of adsorbed intermediates. Tafel analysis in acidic media shows that the Heyrovsky step is likely rate‐determining, but remains first‐order in Had over a larger potential range. These fundamental insights reveal that a sluggish Heyrovsky step is a major contributor to the attenuated kinetics of the HER in alkaline media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PdBiSn thin film on Au substrate was prepared by means of the electrochemical atomic layer deposition (E‐ALD) technique. The morphology and elemental distribution of the catalysts was determined using scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) detector. The catalysts contained all the deposited elements distributed evenly on the surface. Electro‐oxidation of glycerol was tested in alkaline media using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). The activity of the catalysts towards the oxidation of glycerol improved with the addition of Sn and Bi with the binary PdBi catalyst being the most improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intraplate rocks of the Dunedin Volcanic Group (DVG) in New Zealand's South Island erupted in two discrete areas between 25 and 21 Ma before becoming distributed over > 7,800 km2 until ∼9 Ma. Although most eruptive centres were of small volume and mainly vented alkaline basanite, the largest centre–the 16–11 Ma composite Dunedin Volcano–discharged basanite and basalt through to trachyte and phonolite. DVG components were mainly derived from mantle sources with 87Sr/86Sr = ∼0.7029, 143Nd/144Nd = ∼0.5129, 206Pb/204Pb = ∼20.0, 207Pb/204Pb = ∼15.65, 208Pb/204Pb = 39.5 and εHf = +3.5 to + 10.1 that extended to anomalously light δ26Mg (−0.47). Exceptions are some potassic basalts in NW of the field with elevated 207Pb/204Pb and more radiogenic Sr. The DVG Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes mostly overlap with metasomatised anhydrous mantle peridotite xenoliths but have less radiogenic Hf, meaning that equivalent anhydrous mantle rock-types cannot be the sole magma sources. Although there is debate regarding whether DVG was derived from the lithospheric or asthenospheric mantle, intermittent melting of a middle lithospheric mantle metasomatised by hydrous asthenosphere-derived melts could account for: (1) the widely distributed magmatism for ∼16 Myr during which time Otago lithosphere shifted NW ∼ 870 km over the asthenosphere; (2) the small chemical range of the least evolved magmas; (3) the Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotopic range; and (4) an absence of lower lithosphere mantle xenoliths. This process could account for other occurrences of isotopically restricted Zealandia alkaline intraplate volcanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cement-based geological disposal facility (GDF) is one potential option for the disposal of intermediate level radioactive wastes. The presence of both organic and metallic materials within a GDF provides the opportunity for both acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. However, for these processes to proceed, they need to adapt to the alkaline environment generated by the cementitious materials employed in backfilling and construction. Within the present study, a range of alkaline and neutral pH sediments were investigated to determine the upper pH limit and the preferred route of methane generation. In all cases, the acetoclastic route did not proceed above pH 9.0, and the hydrogenotrophic route dominated methane generation under alkaline conditions. In some alkaline sediments, acetate metabolism was coupled to hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis via syntrophic acetate oxidation, which was confirmed through inhibition studies employing fluoromethane. The absence of acetoclastic methanogenesis at alkaline pH values (>pH 9.0) is attributed to the dominance of the acetate anion over the uncharged, undissociated acid. Under these conditions, acetoclastic methanogens require an active transport system to access their substrate. The data indicate that hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis is the dominant methanogenic pathway under alkaline conditions (>pH 9.0). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In the work, the catalytic performance and reaction mechanism of methanol oxidation reaction(MOR) are studied for the bimetallic Pd x Cu y and Pd x Ni y catalysts in alkaline solution. The results reveal that the Pd 1 Ni 1 /C and Pd 1 Cu 1 /C bimetallic catalysts exhibit high catalytic activity 4.1 and 3.9 times higher than that of the commercial Pd/C catalyst. Combined with the X-ray diffraction (XRD), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, the charge transfer between Pd and Cu(or Ni) alters the electron density of Pd and enhances the anti-CO poisoning ability, which is confirmed by DFT (Density Functional Theory) calculations. The CO binding energy is weakened on various bimetallic surfaces compared with that on Pd(111), consistent with experimental results. A linear relationship exists between the CO binding energy and the catalytic activity on the bimetallic catalysts, indicating that the CO binding energy may be the potential descriptor for MOR in alkaline media. Image 1 • The Pd 1 Ni 1 /C and Pd 1 Cu 1 /C catalysts exhibit high catalytic activity. • The charge transfer between bi-metals enhances the anti-CO poisoning ability. • The CO binding energies are weakened on Pd x Cu y (111) and Pd x Ni y (111) surfaces. • The CO binding energy may be the potential descriptor for MOR in alkaline media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we focused on electrolysis to produce hydrogen-based energy to reduce pollution and cost of energy generation by replacing platinum (Pt) and ruthenium (Ru) anodes with copper (Cu) anodes, while demonstrating that H 2 and CO can be obtained by dehydrogenating pure methanol in a non-compartment cell. Also this is a new study that is completely different from DMFC. Redox products of methanol and electrochemical efficiency were determined using various techniques. 1 V (vs Ag/AgCl [KCl sat']) was applied to quantitatively evaluate H 2 generation; on average, 801.17 mmol g−1 L−1 h−1 of H 2 was generated. The Cu electrode was electrochemically stable under the stirring at 150 rpm, indicating reduced toxicity by CO adsorption. Gas-phase CO and H 2 , along with liquid-phase formate, carbonate, and paraformaldehyde, were obtained; the main product was H 2. However, details of the dehydrogenation mechanism remain unclear, and merit further investigations. Image 1 • Pure methanol dehydrogenization using Cu electrodes. • Hydrogen generation by electrolysis reaction of pure methanol in alkaline solution. • Radical formation due to oxidation of copper electrodes and reaction with methanol. • Hydrogen is obtained reliably for a long period of time under stirring conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary function of the ionomers that are incorporated into fuel cell electrode catalyst layers is to provide pathways for ion transport between the catalyst active sites and the electrolyte. This is influenced by many variables, including the ion‐exchange capacity, water uptake, and molecular weight. In anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs), controlling ionomer water uptake is particularly important and tailoring this property in each electrode is an important consideration when looking to maximize cell performance. In this study, three poly(norbornene) tetrablock copolymer ionomers with a range of physical properties are synthesized and incorporated into AEMFC anode and cathode electrodes. Systematic electrode engineering with these ionomers allows the peak power density to be increased by 100% (1.6 W cm‐2 → 3.2 W cm‐2) and the current density at 0.2 V to be increased by 59% (5.9 A cm‐2 → 9.4 A cm‐2). Moreover, the top‐performing electrode configuration is tested in an operating AEMFC at the US Department of Energy defined current density of 600 mA cm‐2 for 2000 h, showing a record‐low voltage decay rate of 15.36 µV h‐1 – only 3.65% –a over 2000 h. This work sets a new bar for AEMFCs, reporting the best combination of performance and durability of any AEMFC to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the impacts of solutal Marangoni phenomenon on multiphase flow in static and micromodel geometries have experimentally been studied and the interactions between oil droplet and two different alkaline solutions (i.e. MgSO4 and Na2CO3) were investigated. The static tests revealed that the Marangoni convection exists in the presence of the alkaline and oil which should carefully be considered in porous media. In the micromodel experiments, observations showed that in the MgSO4 flooding, the fluids stayed almost stationary, while in the Na2CO3 flooding, a spontaneous movement was detected. The changes in the distribution of fluids showed that the circular movement of fluids due to the Marangoni effects can be effective in draining of the unswept regions. The dimensional analysis for possible mechanisms showed that the viscous, gravity and diffusion forces were negligible and the other mechanisms such as capillary and Marangoni effects should be considered in the investigated experiments. The value of the new defined Marangoni/capillary dimensionless number for the Na2CO3 solution was orders of magnitude larger than the MgSO4 flooding scenario which explains the differences between the two cases and also between different micromodel regions. In conclusion, the Marangoni convection is activated by creating an ultra-low IFT condition in multiphase flow problems that can be profoundly effective in increasing the phase mixing and microscopic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural fibre materials are replacing synthetic fibre materials since they are considered as a low-cost, lightweight, and biodegradability engineering materials with a good specific strength. However, the effects of some process and geometrical parameters (such as fibre type, size, and concentration, and chemical modification) on the strength of the final natural composite product are not well documented. The purpose of the research is to analyse the physical and mechanical properties of single-strand buri palm fibre under different conditions and surface modification. The buri palm fibre was treated using 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with a duration of 1 and 24 h immersion throughout the whole process. For a single-strand test, the samples were carefully extracted from the corresponding woven fibre by hand. While the woven buri palm fibre composite was fabricated by employing 4 and 5-layering sequences in the hand layup technique followed by the compression method. The buri palm fibre showed that a higher concentration of NaOH solution and immersion period led to a lower density. The effectiveness of the alkali treatment in the removal of cellulose and hemicellulose from the fibre strands was verified by chemical composition in FTIR investigation. The highest tensile strength of 159.16 MPa was indicated from the result of single-strand treated with 5 wt.% NaOH for 24 h immersion. This treatment was found as the most appropriate treatment and is employed to fabricate both 4-layer and 5-layer stacking sequence composite. The 5-layer treated composite gives the highest tensile strength and flexural strength of 33.51 MPa and 56.72 MPa, respectively. In conclusion, the mechanical properties increased with the addition of each sequence layering treated fibres in the composite. The obtained results indicate that the utilisation of buri palm fibre as a reinforcement in the epoxy composite can be used in the lightweight and moderate load applications, such as the interior parts in the automotive industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the search for active, stable, and selective electrocatalysts for glycerol electro-oxidation, this study focuses on the favorable effect that the addition of auxiliary metals, Bi for Pt and Pd, and Ag for Au, exerts on these three aspects. Electrocatalysts (Pt/C, Pt 3 Bi/C, PtBi/C, Au/C, Au 3 Ag/C, Pd/C and Pd 3 Bi/C) were successfully prepared by chemical reduction with NaBH 4 , resulting in nanoparticulate materials. Furthermore, in the case of the Pd 3 Bi/C, a high degree of Pd–Bi alloy was achieved. When applied to glycerol electrochemical reforming, the electrochemical performance was enhanced so reducing the energy requirements for hydrogen production. Furthermore, in 24 h potentiostatic electrolysis, a smaller decay of the current was observed compared to the monometallic material, especially in the case of the Au 3 Ag/C and Pd 3 Bi/C electrocatalysts. Finally, the presence of the auxiliary metals altered the selectivity of the glycerol electro-oxidation. Bismuth added to Pt and Pd leads to an increase in the selectivity toward C 3 carboxylates, especially potassium tartronate in Pt–Bi materials operating at 30 °C. When the temperature is increased, this effect is counterbalanced by the larger amount of energy available, leading to a more heterogeneous product distribution in which oxalate and formate appear in higher percentages. Conversely, Ag leads to a more complex distribution product with large percentages of oxalate and formate. Image 1 • Bi acts as a promoter for the glycerol electro-oxidation activity of Pt and Pd. • Ag also promotes the glycerol electro-oxidation activity of Au. • Both auxiliary metals reduce the energy requirements in glycerol electroreforming. • Long-terms stability in glycerol electrolysis is also enhanced. • Bi notably increases the selectivity of Pt and Pd to the formation of tartronate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new alkaline pullulanase gene (pulSL3) was cloned and hetero-expressed. • rPulSL3 is highly active and stable at the concentration of NaCl up to 4 M. • rPulSL3 has very strong resistance to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). • N-terminal truncated protein exhibited excellent enzyme properties. A new pullulanase-encoding gene, pulSL3 , was cloned from Alkalibacterium sp. SL3 and expressed in Escherichia coli. Deduced PulSL3 contains 2026 amino acid residues and consists of a putative signal peptide, four carbohydrate-binding modules, an E_set pullulanase domain, an α-amylase domain, and a pullulanase domain. The purified rPulSL3 exhibited pullulanase activity only. To identify the functions of the α-amylase and pullulanase domains, the N- and C-terminus truncated mutants (pulSL3△N and pulSL3△C) were also expressed in E. coli. The purified rPulSL3△N had pullulanase activity, while rPulSL3△C had no either α-amylase or pullulanase activity. Both rPulSL3 and rPulSL3△N exhibited maximum activities at pH 9.0 and 50 °C, and were highly active and stable at the concentration of NaCl up to 4 M and resistant to a few surfactants and detergents. In comparison to the wild type, rPulSL3△N had better thermostability (retaining 62.9 vs. 33.6% activity at 52 °C for 30 min), higher substrate affinity (with K m of 0.10 vs. 0.15 mg mL−1) and higher catalytic efficiency (836.6 vs. 520.3 mL mg−1 s−1). These excellent properties make rPulSL3△N potential for the application in the industries of detergent, food, and environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we propose and describe a novel diatom species, Fistulifera alcalina sp. nov., isolated from Port Mayaca on Lake Okeechobee, Florida (USA). This new diatom species represents a distinct lineage within the genus Fistulifera, which includes F. iranensis (Hustedt) Lange-Bertalot, F. saprophila (Lange-Bertalot & Bonik) Lange-Bertalot, F. pelliculosa (Kützing) Lange-Bertalot, and F. solaris S. Mayama, M. Matsumoto, K. Nemoto & T. Tanaka. Morphometric and molecular phylogenetic analyses of the 18S rRNA and rbcL genes strongly support Fistulifera alcalina as a new species. Fistulifera alcalina sp. nov. is cultured in media with moderate salinity and high bicarbonate concentrations in contrast to the other species of Fistulifera which show ecological preferences for high salinity and eutrophic or oligotrophic waters. This is also the first record of Fistulifera in the southeastern United States (Florida, USA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of untreated and processed rapeseed meal (RSM) on fiber degradability by pig gut microbiota and the adaptation of the microbiota to the substrate, by using the Swine Large Intestine in vitro Model (SLIM). A standardized swine gut microbiota was fed for 48 h with pre-digested RSM which was processed enzymatically by a cellulase (CELL), two pectinases (PECT), or chemically by an alkaline (ALK) treatment. Amplicons of the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced to evaluate the gut microbiota composition, whereas short chain fatty acids (SCFA) were measured to assess fiber degradation. Adaptive gPCA showed that CELL and ALK had larger effects on the microbiota composition than PECT1 and PECT2, and all substrates had larger effects than CON. The relative abundance of family Prevotellaceae was significantly higher in CELL treatment compared to other treatments. Regardless of the treatments (including CON), the relative abundance of Dorea , Allisonella , and FamilyXIIIUCG_001 (in the order of Clostridiales) were significantly increased after 24 h, and Parabacteroides , Mogibacterium , Intestinimonas , Oscillibacter , RuminococcaceaeUCG_ 009, Acidaminococcus , Sutterella , and Citrobacter were significantly higher in abundance at time point 48 compared to the earlier time points. Prevotella 9 had significant positive correlations with propionic and valeric acid, and Mogibacterium positively correlated with acetic and caproic acid. There was no significant difference in SCFA production between untreated and processed RSM. Overall, degradability in the processed RSM was not improved compared to CON. However, the significantly different microbes detected among treatments, and the bacteria considerably correlating with SCFA production might be important findings to determine strategies to shorten the fiber adaptation period of the microbiota, in order to increase feed efficiency in the animal, and particularly in pig production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical performance of a new type of high-current air cathode is compared to off-the-shelf air electrodes (Alupower-A series; Eltech-B; Duracell-C) in 35% KOH solution. LaMnOx (LAM) is made by precipitation method resulting with sub-micron size particles. The electrode is single layer and very resistant to the KOH leakage. Approximately 65 m2 g–1 surface area is favorable for effective catalyst distribution and electrochemical active area utilization. LaMnOx type catalyst-supported electrode performs comparable or better than many of the commercial samples. Electrode shows a voltage drop of less than 200 mV at 150 mA cm–2 current density. Electrode structure does not show any sign of mass transfer limitation up to 250 mA cm–2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]