Magnetic plant biomonitoring has been proven to be an effective tool in the assessment of air quality. Kuwait presents a unique environment due to its dry desert climatic conditions and prevailing dry deposition patte...Magnetic plant biomonitoring has been proven to be an effective tool in the assessment of air quality. Kuwait presents a unique environment due to its dry desert climatic conditions and prevailing dry deposition patterns that may affect accumulation rates of magnetic mineral particles. This study evaluated two widely distributed ornamental species, buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) and palm (Phoenix dactylifera) for their effectiveness as biomagnetic monitors over three different land use classes (urban, suburban and industrial land classes). The differences between land use classes were classified by their proximity to major pollution sources as well as population density. Leaf sampling was conducted over various heights and distances from the nearest road. Total leaf saturated isothermal magnetization (SIRM), hard isothermal magnetization (HIRM), hard isothermal magnetization percentage (HIRM%) and s-ratio have been measured. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze leaf surface micromorphology. It was determined that NRM values are similar for all land use classes and species, ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 μA. Palm leaf overall magnetic concentration was identified to be higher at the industrial land use class than at the urban land use class, indicating high coercivity minerals to magnetically dominate the land use classes. Additionally, total leaf SIRM was determined to be higher at short distances of 0 - 5 meters from the vicinity of the road. The surface rugosity of palm has deep ridges and furrows with ununiform wax projections across the leaf surface, while buttonwood has a smooth wax film with low relief. Differences in leaf micromorphology in addition to plant physiology, justify species magnetic parametric variances. Palm leaf had an average SIRM value that is 120% higher than buttonwood. It has been highlighted that through the application of the magnetic parameter results to spatial distribution maps that there is an association between particulate matter (PM) and the locality of main roads and local services that may experience higher intensities of traffic.展开更多
The Robin problem for the Helmholtz equation in normal-polar shells is addressed by using a suitable spherical harmonic expansion technique. Attention is in particular focused on the wide class of domains whose bounda...The Robin problem for the Helmholtz equation in normal-polar shells is addressed by using a suitable spherical harmonic expansion technique. Attention is in particular focused on the wide class of domains whose boundaries are defined by a generalized version of the so-called “superformula” introduced by Gielis. A dedicated numerical procedure based on the computer algebra system Mathematica? is developed in order to validate the proposed methodology. In this way, highly accurate approximations of the solution, featuring properties similar to the classical ones, are obtained.展开更多
Water deficit is an important environmental factor restricting plant growth and photosynthesis. The effect of water deprivation on leaf water status, photosynthetic gas exchange, chlorophyll content and fluorescence p...Water deficit is an important environmental factor restricting plant growth and photosynthesis. The effect of water deprivation on leaf water status, photosynthetic gas exchange, chlorophyll content and fluorescence parameters of arta （Calligonum comosum） was studied. Five-month-old arta seedlings, grown in pots in the open air, were subjected to one of four drought treatments （i.e., mild, moderate, severe and extreme drought stress） and compared to control seedlings （normal watering regime）. Results show that leaf water potential, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, photosynthetic pigment content （chlorophyll a and b） decreased with increasing levels of drought stress. Inactivation of the photosynthetic apparatus was accompanied by changes in the fluorescence characteristics, providing evidence that reduction of photosynthetic rate could be attributed to non-stomatal limitations. Alterations imply changes in photochemical conversion efficiency of photosystem II by which plants could reduce water transpiration or protect their photosynthetic apparatus from destruction. These adaptations are discussed in relation to the strategies developed to grow drought-resistant arta seedlings in desert environments.展开更多
Inflammation, which is induced after infection of bacteria and tissue injury, is one of the important early stages of wound healing. Bradykinin is increased during acute and chronic inflammation. We previously reporte...Inflammation, which is induced after infection of bacteria and tissue injury, is one of the important early stages of wound healing. Bradykinin is increased during acute and chronic inflammation. We previously reported that bradykinin stimulation induces dephosphorylation of myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) after phosphorylation by ROCK leading neurite outgrowth in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. In this report we showed that knock-down of MARCKS by RNAi reduced cell migration. Wild-type MARCKS-overexpressed SH-SY5Y cells migrated faster than the control cells. Unphosphorylatable MARCKS-overexpressed cells notably migrated fast. Moreover, chronic MARCKS dephosphorylation by a ROCK inhibitor HA-1077 promoted the cell migration, on the other hand a PKC inhibitor Ro-31-8220 did not. After wounding, MARCKS was transiently phosphorylated and dephospho-rylated by 20 min. Immunocytochemistry showed that the dephosphorylated MARCKS was localized at neurite tips. These findings suggest that MARCKS dephosphorylation is important in wound-induced migration of SH-SY5Y cells. It indicates the possibility that MARCKS is associated with wound repair after inflammation.展开更多
This study employs multi-magnetic parametric methods as proxies to measure particulate matter (PM) concentration and spread in Kuwait. It examines the reliability of biomonitoring receptors in the assessment of atmosp...This study employs multi-magnetic parametric methods as proxies to measure particulate matter (PM) concentration and spread in Kuwait. It examines the reliability of biomonitoring receptors in the assessment of atmospheric air quality through the utilization of passive biomonitoring methodology using cleaned and non-cleaned Phoenix dactylifera leaves and active biomonitoring through the application of dust samplers in the study area. Four radial sampling areas are located at 2, 6, 10, 14 km from Kuwait’s city center with 10 sampling degree points selected from each radial area, and the closest palm tree in the vicinity to the preselected sampling point with a height of 4 m were sampled. Using a compass, the 4 azithumal points were pin pointed on the selected tree and a 2 × 2 cm dust sampler was attached to each direction at a height of 2 m. The dust sampler was made of clear plastic paper attached with double sided tape. Magnetic susceptibility and Saturation Isothermic Remanent Magnetization (SIRM), Natural Remanent Magnetization (NRM), Hard Isothermal Remanent Magnetization (HIRM), Soft Isothermal Remanent Magnetization (SOFT), HIRM%, soft IRM% and s-ratio were determined for P. dactylifera and dust samplers. Magnetic parameters were mapped to assess the spatial variation of air quality in Kuwait and the values between dust samplers and P. dactylifera. Results indicate that the highest magnetic concentration values for NRM and SIRM for P. dactylifera occurred near Kuwait bay and that the majority of the samples contain ferromagnetic minerals with magnetite most likely from anthropogenic sources. The results of the interpolation models for P. dactylifera and dust samplers as well as the overall mean for dust samplers distinguished short-term PM deposition and concentration and how it is impacted by wind direction in comparison to P. dactylifera which identifies long-term pollution impacts pin pointing PM sources and hotspots.展开更多
The issue of limited agricultural land and production, rising food demand, and heavy reliance on imported foods in Kuwait have resulted in pressing concerns regarding food security and equity. Currently, Kuwait heavil...The issue of limited agricultural land and production, rising food demand, and heavy reliance on imported foods in Kuwait have resulted in pressing concerns regarding food security and equity. Currently, Kuwait heavily relies on imports for over 90% of its food supply, which not only impacts the country’s sustainability but also affects other nations. Essential staples like rice, wheat, corn, milk powder, cooking oil, and chicken are particularly vulnerable to recent global price shocks. The consequences of climate change include rising temperatures, warming oceans, increasing incidences of droughts, losses in biodiversity, heightened health risks, and a decline in overall food production. These effects further strain an already stressed ecosystem as Kuwait lacks a comprehensive adaptive strategy that outlines both short-term and long-term action plans/goals to address these challenges. Specifically, within the agricultural, livestock, and fisheries sectors while simultaneously equipping it to handle emergencies or hazardous crises. This paper aims to outline the issues of limited agricultural land and production, rising food demand, and heavy reliance on imported foods, and how Kuwait must prioritize the development and improvement of sustainable agricultural practices and technologies. Furthermore, identifying key stakeholders and their current roles and constraints.展开更多
The air in African cities is increasingly polluted mainly due to human activities. A bioindication technical of urban air quality based on active remote sensing might be an alternative to existing physico-chemical met...The air in African cities is increasingly polluted mainly due to human activities. A bioindication technical of urban air quality based on active remote sensing might be an alternative to existing physico-chemical methods. Reflectance measurements in the visible spectrum have been carried out at the adaxial and abaxial sides of Ficus benjamina L. leaves in the city of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, with a precision digital camera. Leaves were collected in industrial zones and in parks. The impact of air pollution on leaf physiological as well as structural characteristics in these two contrasts urban environments was determined by Dorsiventral Leaf Reflectance Correlation (DRLC) and dorsiventral leaf reflectance asymmetry quantitatively defined with Normalized Dorsiventral Asymmetry Index (NDAI). Species leaf susceptibility to air pollution from season to season was determined by NDAI seasonal variation. Leaf reflectance measurements allowed the estimation of environmental stress level among industrial areas and parks. NDAI and DLRC were significantly higher in industrial zones compared to parks. NDAI values were found significantly higher for major rainy season compared to major dry season, indicating probably that F. benjamina leaf structure changes were increased from one season to another. Thereby, assessment of urban air quality can be done using leaves reflectance in the visible spectrum.展开更多
As a Nature-Based Solution,urban forests deliver a number of environmental ecosystem services(EESs).To quantify these EESs,well-defined,reliable,quantifiable and stable indicators are needed.With literature analysis a...As a Nature-Based Solution,urban forests deliver a number of environmental ecosystem services(EESs).To quantify these EESs,well-defined,reliable,quantifiable and stable indicators are needed.With literature analysis and expert knowledge gathered within COST Action FP1204 GreenInUrbs,we proposed a classification of urban forest EESs into three categories:(A)regulation of air,water,soil and climate;(B)provisioning of habitat quality;and(C)provisioning of other goods and services.Each category is divided into EES types:(a)amelioration of air quality;restoration of soil and water;amelioration of the microclimate;removal of CO2 from the air;(b)provision of habitat for biodiversity;support for resilient urban ecosystems;provision of genetic diversity;and(c)provision of energy and nutrients;provision of grey infrastructure resilience.Each EES type provides one or more benefits.For each of these 12 benefits,we propose a set of indicators to be used when analyzing the impacts on the identified EESs.Around half of the 36 indicators are relevant to more than one single benefit,which highlights complex interrelationships.The indicators of wider applicability are tree and stand characteristics,followed by leaf physical traits and tree species composition.This knowledge is needed for the optimization of the EESs delivered by urban forests,now and in the future.展开更多
Cell proliferation, differentiation, and the elimination of unnecessary cells by apoptosis occur in the development of the nervous system. It is reported that brain dysplasia appears as the results of myristoylated al...Cell proliferation, differentiation, and the elimination of unnecessary cells by apoptosis occur in the development of the nervous system. It is reported that brain dysplasia appears as the results of myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) knockout or the mutant mouse. We therefore expect that MARCKS participates in the development of the nervous system. However, the mechanism underlying such participation has not been identified. In this study, we observed the effects of the overexpression of MARCKS or unphosphorylatable MARCKS on cell proliferation and TNF-α-induced apoptosis in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, we restrained MARCKS expression by the RNAi method. In the results, MARCKS-overexpressing cells and not unphosphorylatable MARCKS-overexpressing cells showed increased cell proliferation rates. On the other hand, the RNAi decreased the proliferation of MARCKS-knocked down SH-SY5Y cells. These results indicated that MARCKS-overexpressing cells were more sensitive to TNF-α than normal SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, in MARCKS-overexpressing cells TNF-α-induced apoptosis was inhibited by caspase-6 and -7 inhibitors but not by caspase-3 inhibitor. These results suggested that MARCKS participated in TNF-α-induced apoptosis in a caspase-6 and/or -7-dependent manner.展开更多
The utilization of native and xeric plants in urban landscapes has gained great interest in recent years due to two pressing issues;climate change effects and water scarcity.These two issues are further exacerbated by...The utilization of native and xeric plants in urban landscapes has gained great interest in recent years due to two pressing issues;climate change effects and water scarcity.These two issues are further exacerbated by Kuwait’s arid desert environment,poor soil and salinity,making it quite challenging for popular ornamental plants to flourish in urban landscapes.Kuwait is currently dominated by a European aesthetic in terms of urban green spaces,which include plants such as Concarpus erectus,Nerium oleander,Vitex purpurea,Vitex trifolia and Bougainvillea glabra,all of which are not compatible with Kuwait's harsh climate and are environmentally unsustainable.This paper discusses climatic conditions,soil characteristics and water resources that are available and includes a plant list that has been created of recommended native and non-native xeric species that are capable of withstanding Kuwait's harsh climatic conditions to create aesthetically pleasing and sustainable green urban landscapes.展开更多
Microbial protein(MP)—the protein-rich biomass derived from recovered or virgin resources—is attracting interest as a source of food and feed.However,its potential as a feedstock for protein-based bioplastics remain...Microbial protein(MP)—the protein-rich biomass derived from recovered or virgin resources—is attracting interest as a source of food and feed.However,its potential as a feedstock for protein-based bioplastics remains underexplored.Proteins offer desirable properties,including superior oxygenbarrier capabilities and complete biodegradability,making them ideal for applications from food packaging to agricultural mulches.Currently,most protein-based bioplastics derive from crops such as wheat,restricting applications and competing with food production.MP can overcome these limitations by supplying diverse proteins from various inputs,including CO 2,biomass,and liquid side-streams.In this review,we evaluate bioprocessing pathways for producing MP from renewable and waste-derived substrates from an interdisciplinary viewpoint.We also examine the technical,regulatory,market,and environmental factors to address,delineating the pathway from substrate to MP-based plastics and highlighting key challenges throughout the production chain.Novel strategies—such as efficient corecovery of proteins with other cellular products like polyhydroxyalkanoates or direct use of microbial biomass without extraction—are essential to maximize environmental and economic sustainability.Carefully chosen processing methods for recovered proteins,including wet and dry blending or extrusion with other biopolymers,can yield diverse products.Concurrently,policy and market developments are vital for adopting MP-based bioplastics.Addressing these challenges will enable MPbased bioplastics to propel the shift toward a circular economy,diminishing dependence on fossilderived plastics and alleviating plastic pollution.展开更多
Rational composition design of trimetallic phosphide catalysts is of significant importance for enhanced surface reaction and efficient catalytic performance.Herein,hierarchical Co_(x)Ni_(y)Fe_(z)P with precise contro...Rational composition design of trimetallic phosphide catalysts is of significant importance for enhanced surface reaction and efficient catalytic performance.Herein,hierarchical Co_(x)Ni_(y)Fe_(z)P with precise control of stoichiometric metallic elements(x:y:z=(1-10):(1-10):1)has been synthesized,and Co_(1.3)Ni_(0.5)Fe_(0.2)P,as the most optimal composition,exhibits remarkable catalytic activity(η=320 mV at 10 mA cm^(−2))and long-term stability(ignorable decrease after 10 h continuous test at the current density of 10 mA cm^(−2))toward oxygen evolution reaction(OER).It is found that the surface P in Co_(1.3)Ni_(0.5)Fe_(0.2)P was replaced by O under the OER process.The density function theory calculations before and after long-term stability tests suggest the clear increasing of the density of states near the Fermi level of Co_(1.3)Ni_(0.5)Fe_(0.2)P/Co_(1.3)Ni_(0.5)Fe_(0.2)O,which could enhance the OH−adsorption of our electrocatalysts and the corresponding OER performance.展开更多
文摘Magnetic plant biomonitoring has been proven to be an effective tool in the assessment of air quality. Kuwait presents a unique environment due to its dry desert climatic conditions and prevailing dry deposition patterns that may affect accumulation rates of magnetic mineral particles. This study evaluated two widely distributed ornamental species, buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) and palm (Phoenix dactylifera) for their effectiveness as biomagnetic monitors over three different land use classes (urban, suburban and industrial land classes). The differences between land use classes were classified by their proximity to major pollution sources as well as population density. Leaf sampling was conducted over various heights and distances from the nearest road. Total leaf saturated isothermal magnetization (SIRM), hard isothermal magnetization (HIRM), hard isothermal magnetization percentage (HIRM%) and s-ratio have been measured. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze leaf surface micromorphology. It was determined that NRM values are similar for all land use classes and species, ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 μA. Palm leaf overall magnetic concentration was identified to be higher at the industrial land use class than at the urban land use class, indicating high coercivity minerals to magnetically dominate the land use classes. Additionally, total leaf SIRM was determined to be higher at short distances of 0 - 5 meters from the vicinity of the road. The surface rugosity of palm has deep ridges and furrows with ununiform wax projections across the leaf surface, while buttonwood has a smooth wax film with low relief. Differences in leaf micromorphology in addition to plant physiology, justify species magnetic parametric variances. Palm leaf had an average SIRM value that is 120% higher than buttonwood. It has been highlighted that through the application of the magnetic parameter results to spatial distribution maps that there is an association between particulate matter (PM) and the locality of main roads and local services that may experience higher intensities of traffic.
文摘The Robin problem for the Helmholtz equation in normal-polar shells is addressed by using a suitable spherical harmonic expansion technique. Attention is in particular focused on the wide class of domains whose boundaries are defined by a generalized version of the so-called “superformula” introduced by Gielis. A dedicated numerical procedure based on the computer algebra system Mathematica? is developed in order to validate the proposed methodology. In this way, highly accurate approximations of the solution, featuring properties similar to the classical ones, are obtained.
基金Financial support provided by the University of Kashan to carry out this work is acknowledged
文摘Water deficit is an important environmental factor restricting plant growth and photosynthesis. The effect of water deprivation on leaf water status, photosynthetic gas exchange, chlorophyll content and fluorescence parameters of arta （Calligonum comosum） was studied. Five-month-old arta seedlings, grown in pots in the open air, were subjected to one of four drought treatments （i.e., mild, moderate, severe and extreme drought stress） and compared to control seedlings （normal watering regime）. Results show that leaf water potential, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, photosynthetic pigment content （chlorophyll a and b） decreased with increasing levels of drought stress. Inactivation of the photosynthetic apparatus was accompanied by changes in the fluorescence characteristics, providing evidence that reduction of photosynthetic rate could be attributed to non-stomatal limitations. Alterations imply changes in photochemical conversion efficiency of photosystem II by which plants could reduce water transpiration or protect their photosynthetic apparatus from destruction. These adaptations are discussed in relation to the strategies developed to grow drought-resistant arta seedlings in desert environments.
文摘Inflammation, which is induced after infection of bacteria and tissue injury, is one of the important early stages of wound healing. Bradykinin is increased during acute and chronic inflammation. We previously reported that bradykinin stimulation induces dephosphorylation of myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) after phosphorylation by ROCK leading neurite outgrowth in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. In this report we showed that knock-down of MARCKS by RNAi reduced cell migration. Wild-type MARCKS-overexpressed SH-SY5Y cells migrated faster than the control cells. Unphosphorylatable MARCKS-overexpressed cells notably migrated fast. Moreover, chronic MARCKS dephosphorylation by a ROCK inhibitor HA-1077 promoted the cell migration, on the other hand a PKC inhibitor Ro-31-8220 did not. After wounding, MARCKS was transiently phosphorylated and dephospho-rylated by 20 min. Immunocytochemistry showed that the dephosphorylated MARCKS was localized at neurite tips. These findings suggest that MARCKS dephosphorylation is important in wound-induced migration of SH-SY5Y cells. It indicates the possibility that MARCKS is associated with wound repair after inflammation.
文摘This study employs multi-magnetic parametric methods as proxies to measure particulate matter (PM) concentration and spread in Kuwait. It examines the reliability of biomonitoring receptors in the assessment of atmospheric air quality through the utilization of passive biomonitoring methodology using cleaned and non-cleaned Phoenix dactylifera leaves and active biomonitoring through the application of dust samplers in the study area. Four radial sampling areas are located at 2, 6, 10, 14 km from Kuwait’s city center with 10 sampling degree points selected from each radial area, and the closest palm tree in the vicinity to the preselected sampling point with a height of 4 m were sampled. Using a compass, the 4 azithumal points were pin pointed on the selected tree and a 2 × 2 cm dust sampler was attached to each direction at a height of 2 m. The dust sampler was made of clear plastic paper attached with double sided tape. Magnetic susceptibility and Saturation Isothermic Remanent Magnetization (SIRM), Natural Remanent Magnetization (NRM), Hard Isothermal Remanent Magnetization (HIRM), Soft Isothermal Remanent Magnetization (SOFT), HIRM%, soft IRM% and s-ratio were determined for P. dactylifera and dust samplers. Magnetic parameters were mapped to assess the spatial variation of air quality in Kuwait and the values between dust samplers and P. dactylifera. Results indicate that the highest magnetic concentration values for NRM and SIRM for P. dactylifera occurred near Kuwait bay and that the majority of the samples contain ferromagnetic minerals with magnetite most likely from anthropogenic sources. The results of the interpolation models for P. dactylifera and dust samplers as well as the overall mean for dust samplers distinguished short-term PM deposition and concentration and how it is impacted by wind direction in comparison to P. dactylifera which identifies long-term pollution impacts pin pointing PM sources and hotspots.
文摘The issue of limited agricultural land and production, rising food demand, and heavy reliance on imported foods in Kuwait have resulted in pressing concerns regarding food security and equity. Currently, Kuwait heavily relies on imports for over 90% of its food supply, which not only impacts the country’s sustainability but also affects other nations. Essential staples like rice, wheat, corn, milk powder, cooking oil, and chicken are particularly vulnerable to recent global price shocks. The consequences of climate change include rising temperatures, warming oceans, increasing incidences of droughts, losses in biodiversity, heightened health risks, and a decline in overall food production. These effects further strain an already stressed ecosystem as Kuwait lacks a comprehensive adaptive strategy that outlines both short-term and long-term action plans/goals to address these challenges. Specifically, within the agricultural, livestock, and fisheries sectors while simultaneously equipping it to handle emergencies or hazardous crises. This paper aims to outline the issues of limited agricultural land and production, rising food demand, and heavy reliance on imported foods, and how Kuwait must prioritize the development and improvement of sustainable agricultural practices and technologies. Furthermore, identifying key stakeholders and their current roles and constraints.
文摘The air in African cities is increasingly polluted mainly due to human activities. A bioindication technical of urban air quality based on active remote sensing might be an alternative to existing physico-chemical methods. Reflectance measurements in the visible spectrum have been carried out at the adaxial and abaxial sides of Ficus benjamina L. leaves in the city of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, with a precision digital camera. Leaves were collected in industrial zones and in parks. The impact of air pollution on leaf physiological as well as structural characteristics in these two contrasts urban environments was determined by Dorsiventral Leaf Reflectance Correlation (DRLC) and dorsiventral leaf reflectance asymmetry quantitatively defined with Normalized Dorsiventral Asymmetry Index (NDAI). Species leaf susceptibility to air pollution from season to season was determined by NDAI seasonal variation. Leaf reflectance measurements allowed the estimation of environmental stress level among industrial areas and parks. NDAI and DLRC were significantly higher in industrial zones compared to parks. NDAI values were found significantly higher for major rainy season compared to major dry season, indicating probably that F. benjamina leaf structure changes were increased from one season to another. Thereby, assessment of urban air quality can be done using leaves reflectance in the visible spectrum.
基金financially supported by COST Action FP1204 GreenInUrbsPRIN project EUFORICCMinistry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation(the Agreement No.02.A03.21.0008)
文摘As a Nature-Based Solution,urban forests deliver a number of environmental ecosystem services(EESs).To quantify these EESs,well-defined,reliable,quantifiable and stable indicators are needed.With literature analysis and expert knowledge gathered within COST Action FP1204 GreenInUrbs,we proposed a classification of urban forest EESs into three categories:(A)regulation of air,water,soil and climate;(B)provisioning of habitat quality;and(C)provisioning of other goods and services.Each category is divided into EES types:(a)amelioration of air quality;restoration of soil and water;amelioration of the microclimate;removal of CO2 from the air;(b)provision of habitat for biodiversity;support for resilient urban ecosystems;provision of genetic diversity;and(c)provision of energy and nutrients;provision of grey infrastructure resilience.Each EES type provides one or more benefits.For each of these 12 benefits,we propose a set of indicators to be used when analyzing the impacts on the identified EESs.Around half of the 36 indicators are relevant to more than one single benefit,which highlights complex interrelationships.The indicators of wider applicability are tree and stand characteristics,followed by leaf physical traits and tree species composition.This knowledge is needed for the optimization of the EESs delivered by urban forests,now and in the future.
文摘Cell proliferation, differentiation, and the elimination of unnecessary cells by apoptosis occur in the development of the nervous system. It is reported that brain dysplasia appears as the results of myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) knockout or the mutant mouse. We therefore expect that MARCKS participates in the development of the nervous system. However, the mechanism underlying such participation has not been identified. In this study, we observed the effects of the overexpression of MARCKS or unphosphorylatable MARCKS on cell proliferation and TNF-α-induced apoptosis in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, we restrained MARCKS expression by the RNAi method. In the results, MARCKS-overexpressing cells and not unphosphorylatable MARCKS-overexpressing cells showed increased cell proliferation rates. On the other hand, the RNAi decreased the proliferation of MARCKS-knocked down SH-SY5Y cells. These results indicated that MARCKS-overexpressing cells were more sensitive to TNF-α than normal SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, in MARCKS-overexpressing cells TNF-α-induced apoptosis was inhibited by caspase-6 and -7 inhibitors but not by caspase-3 inhibitor. These results suggested that MARCKS participated in TNF-α-induced apoptosis in a caspase-6 and/or -7-dependent manner.
文摘The utilization of native and xeric plants in urban landscapes has gained great interest in recent years due to two pressing issues;climate change effects and water scarcity.These two issues are further exacerbated by Kuwait’s arid desert environment,poor soil and salinity,making it quite challenging for popular ornamental plants to flourish in urban landscapes.Kuwait is currently dominated by a European aesthetic in terms of urban green spaces,which include plants such as Concarpus erectus,Nerium oleander,Vitex purpurea,Vitex trifolia and Bougainvillea glabra,all of which are not compatible with Kuwait's harsh climate and are environmentally unsustainable.This paper discusses climatic conditions,soil characteristics and water resources that are available and includes a plant list that has been created of recommended native and non-native xeric species that are capable of withstanding Kuwait's harsh climatic conditions to create aesthetically pleasing and sustainable green urban landscapes.
基金support through the Research Foundation of Flanders(FWO)for the PROMIPOL project[GOG3922N]supported by Ghent University[BOF24/PDO/023]+1 种基金supported by a Senior Postdoctoral Fellowship from FWO[12E1123N]supported by a Junior Post-doctoral Fellowship from FWO[12A2925N]。
文摘Microbial protein(MP)—the protein-rich biomass derived from recovered or virgin resources—is attracting interest as a source of food and feed.However,its potential as a feedstock for protein-based bioplastics remains underexplored.Proteins offer desirable properties,including superior oxygenbarrier capabilities and complete biodegradability,making them ideal for applications from food packaging to agricultural mulches.Currently,most protein-based bioplastics derive from crops such as wheat,restricting applications and competing with food production.MP can overcome these limitations by supplying diverse proteins from various inputs,including CO 2,biomass,and liquid side-streams.In this review,we evaluate bioprocessing pathways for producing MP from renewable and waste-derived substrates from an interdisciplinary viewpoint.We also examine the technical,regulatory,market,and environmental factors to address,delineating the pathway from substrate to MP-based plastics and highlighting key challenges throughout the production chain.Novel strategies—such as efficient corecovery of proteins with other cellular products like polyhydroxyalkanoates or direct use of microbial biomass without extraction—are essential to maximize environmental and economic sustainability.Carefully chosen processing methods for recovered proteins,including wet and dry blending or extrusion with other biopolymers,can yield diverse products.Concurrently,policy and market developments are vital for adopting MP-based bioplastics.Addressing these challenges will enable MPbased bioplastics to propel the shift toward a circular economy,diminishing dependence on fossilderived plastics and alleviating plastic pollution.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51861135313)Sino-German Center COVID-19 Related Bilateral Collaborative project (C-0046)+7 种基金FRFCU(2021qntd13)the National 111 project (B20002)Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (2019A1515110436, 2021A15151111312022A1515011905)Guangdong Province International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Projects (2020A0505100036)Guangzhou Science and Technology Project (202102020463)Shenzhen Science and Technology Program (JCYJ20210324142010029)DSI/NRF/WITS South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) Chair (132739)。
文摘Rational composition design of trimetallic phosphide catalysts is of significant importance for enhanced surface reaction and efficient catalytic performance.Herein,hierarchical Co_(x)Ni_(y)Fe_(z)P with precise control of stoichiometric metallic elements(x:y:z=(1-10):(1-10):1)has been synthesized,and Co_(1.3)Ni_(0.5)Fe_(0.2)P,as the most optimal composition,exhibits remarkable catalytic activity(η=320 mV at 10 mA cm^(−2))and long-term stability(ignorable decrease after 10 h continuous test at the current density of 10 mA cm^(−2))toward oxygen evolution reaction(OER).It is found that the surface P in Co_(1.3)Ni_(0.5)Fe_(0.2)P was replaced by O under the OER process.The density function theory calculations before and after long-term stability tests suggest the clear increasing of the density of states near the Fermi level of Co_(1.3)Ni_(0.5)Fe_(0.2)P/Co_(1.3)Ni_(0.5)Fe_(0.2)O,which could enhance the OH−adsorption of our electrocatalysts and the corresponding OER performance.
