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Abstract. Recently, Na2/3[Fe1/2Mn1/2]O2 has received attention as a potential candidate material for cathode sodium-ion batteries. However, this material was synthesized by a solid-state process, resulting in larger particle size and nonuniform morphology. The larger particle size will sluggish the Na ion diffusion. Here we report the synthesis of Na2/3[Fe1/2Mn1/2]O2 using a simple sol-gel process. The X-ray diffraction revealed that the sample was identified as Na2/3[Fe1/2Mn1/2]O2 with a hexagonal crystal structure. However, the impurities are formed at diffraction angles of 36.28°, 45.03°, and 51.23°. Calcination temperature affects the formation of the crystal phase, grain growth, morphology, and particle size. Our findings provide valuable insight into the development of Na2/3[Fe1/2Mn1/2]O2 material with desirable properties. Keywords: Sol-Gel, Solid State, Grain Growth, Calcination, Na2/3[Fe1/2Mn1/2]O2

Summary: Elevated serine peptidase inhibitor, Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) levels in ∼10%–25% of prostate cancer (PCa) patients associate with aggressive phenotype, for which there are limited treatment choices and dismal clinical outcomes. Using an integrative proteomics approach involving label-free phosphoproteome and proteome profiling, we delineated the downstream signaling pathways involved in SPINK1-mediated tumorigenesis and identified tyrosine kinase KIT as highly enriched. Furthermore, high to moderate levels of KIT expression were detected in ∼85% of SPINK1-positive PCa specimens. We show KIT signaling orchestrates SPINK1-mediated oncogenesis, and treatment with KIT inhibitor reduces tumor growth and metastases in preclinical mice models. Mechanistically, KIT signaling modulates WNT/β-catenin pathway and confers stemness-related features in PCa. Notably, inhibiting KIT signaling led to restoration of AR/REST levels, forming a feedback loop enabling SPINK1 repression. Overall, we uncover the role of KIT signaling downstream of SPINK1 in maintaining lineage plasticity and provide distinct treatment modalities for advanced-stage SPINK1-positive patients.

Abstract In agriculture, the search for higher net profit is the main challenge in the economy of the producers and nano biochar attracts increasing interest in recent years due to its unique environmental behavior and increasing the productivity of plants by inducing resistance against phytopathogens. The effect of rice straw biochar and fly ash nanoparticles (RSBNPs and FNPs, respectively) in combination with compost soil on bacterial leaf spot of pepper caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. The application of nanoparticles as soil amendment significantly improved the chili pepper plant growth. However, RSBNPs were more effective in enhancing the above and belowground plant biomass production. Moreover, both RSBNPs and FNPs, significantly reduced (30.5 and 22.5%, respectively), while RSBNPs had shown in vitro growth inhibition of X. campestris pv. vesicatoria by more than 50%. The X-ray diffractometry of RSBNPs and FNPs highlighted the unique composition of nano forms which possibly contributed in enhancing the plant defence against invading X. campestris pv. vesicatoria. Based on our findings, it is suggested that biochar and fly ash nanoparticles can be used for reclaiming the problem soil and enhance crop productivity depending upon the nature of the soil and the pathosystem under investigation.

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPRs) have the potential to act as biofertilizers and biopesticides. This study was planned to explore indigenously isolated PGPRs as a potential candidate to control charcoal rot that affects various crops including soybean. Among the four different tested species of PGPRs, Bradyrhizobium japonicum (FCBP-SB-406) showed significant potential to enhance growth and control soil borne pathogens such as Macrophomina phaseolina. Bacillus subtilis (FCBP-SB-324) followed next. Bradyrhizobium japonicum (FCBP-SB-406) reduced disease severity up to 81.25% in comparison to the control. The strain showed a strong fertilizing effect as a highly significant increase in biomass and other agronomic parameters was recorded in plants grown in its presence. The same was supported by the Pearson’s correlation and principal component analysis. A decrease in disease incidence and severity may be due to the induced resistance imparted by the bacterium. This resulted in significant increments in quantities of defense enzymes, including catalase, peroxidase (PO), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). A significant production of proteases, catalases and hydrogen cyanide by B. japonicum (FCBP-SB-406) can also be associated to mycoparasitism. The establishment of PGPRs in treated soils also showed positive effects on soil health. Total metabolite profiling of treated plants in comparison to the control showed the upregulation of many flavonoids, isoflavonoids and amino acids. Many of these compounds have been well reported with antimicrobial activities. Bradyrhizobium japonicum (FCBP-SB-406) can be employed for the production of a potential formulation to support sustainable agriculture by reducing the input of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

Purpose: In accordance with the Washington Consensus, most developing countries were forced to privatize state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Corporatization and partial privatization emerged as two alternative possibilities for any government in circumstances where full privatization was not practicable. Pakistan followed suit and began the partial privatization and corporatization of SOEs working in its economy. This research examines whether Pakistan's corporatization or partial privatization policies have improved the profitability of these state-owned enterprises. Design/Methodology/Approach: If so, what variables contributed to this improvement in profitability, as measured by Return on Assets and Earnings per Share. The paper used data from 1990 to 2015 of thirteen SOEs, largely from the energy sector, that have been corporatized by partial privatization through stock market or other mechanisms. Findings: Results exhibit that the primary criteria strongly related with increased performance of corporatized SOEs, according to our findings, are the appointment of non-government directors by companies and persistently positive Gross Domestic Product of the economy. On the other hand, debt commitments, ownership, and size of an SOE are all weak or insignificant variables in determining whether an SOE should be corporatized. Implications/Originality/Value: Due to their strategic significance, the energy industry should continue to be governed and regulated by the government, but with a greater percentage of non-nominated members on their boards of directors to maintain corporate governance.

In wide voltage range applications such as electric vehicles (EVs) onboard charging, conventional frequency modulated LLC topology has its intrinsic limitations. Its frequency span is extremely wide and the soft switching feature might get lost. To address this issue, this paper proposes a novel LLC resonant converter. The pulse width and frequency hybrid modulation are adopted to narrow down its switching frequency span. The operating principles, circuit modeling, and the design methodology are presented. A 1 kW rated prototype has been built to realize an efficient power flow between the 400 V DC bus and 200⁻440 V battery pack. The designed prototype validates the effectiveness of the proposed topology and modulation method. 96.8% peak efficiency is measured for the constructed experimental prototype.