bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of process parameters on photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Bednarczyk K. , Stelmachowski M. , Gmurek M.
Published: October 2018

High‐efficiency photocatalysts that are synthesized for hydrogen production via photocatalytic water splitting and glycerol conversion without the generation of additional pollutants are presented. Photocatalytic hydrogen production is particular promising because it utilizes glycerol, which is an inexpensive waste from biodiesel production. The main goal of the investigation was the proper selection of photocatalysts based on finding the optimal conditions of the photocatalytic production of hydrogen in the glycerol–water system. TiO2 as well as TiO2 doped with platinum, palladium or gold (0.1, 0.5, 1 wt%), prepared by the photodeposition and sol–gel method, were applied as photocatalysts. The photocatalysts were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction analysis (XRD). The influences of the preparation methodology, the addition of the doped metal and amount of the doping, radiation intensity, solvent additives, and the amount of photocatalysts on process efficiency were investigated. The efficiency of hydrogen production is high compared to that reported in the literature. It was found that a high yield is impossible without the addition of glycerol or other organic compounds. The hydrogen production exceeded 141 × 103 μmol H2/h·gcat when 0.5 wt% Pt doped TiO2 was used. The novelty of this study is the highest hydrogen productivity obtained at a laboratory scale. The production rate of hydrogen depended on the catalyst concentration, the amount of the noble metal in the catalysts and the glycerol concentration. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 680–687, 2019
Techno‐economic analysis of power generation from a potential wind corridor of pakistan: An overview
Authors: Baloch Mazhar H. , Wang Jie , Kaloi Ghulam S. , Memon Ali Asghar , Larik A. Sattar , Sharma Poonam
Published: October 2018

Since the consumption of non‐renewable sources is diminishing day‐by‐day, most of the developing countries across the globe are facing a severe energy crisis. This energy crisis affects the developing countries such as Pakistan so extensively that population has a crucial problem of load shedding for long hours. Thus, there exists a fundamental need for alternative and economical energy resources, for example, solar, wind, and biofuel energy. Meanwhile, out of all the financially viable ways of power generation, the wind energy is considered as the most economical way. However, in this article authors selected six potential wind zones which lie within 1100 km of coastal zones. In this study, only 1‐year wind speed raw data is considered and taken from appropriate wind zones at various heights with the support of Pakistan Metrological Department. Besides all, this project encourages the domestic as well as the foreign investor to invest in the wind energy projects at windy zones, which basically opens the business doors for the community of Pakistan for power generation, which leads to overcoming the energy crisis along the countryside. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 706–720, 2019
Application of experimental design method for advanced treatment of dairy wastewater by ozonation
Authors: Kaya Yasemin , Gönder Zeren Beril , Vergili Ilda , Ongen Atakan
Published: October 2018

In this study, application of experimental design method for ozonation of dairy wastewater was investigated. The Taguchi systematic method was used in the planning stage of experimental approach. The experimental design was applied using L9 orthogonal array with three factors and three levels. The optimum experiment conditions were determined for pH, temperature and ozone contact time for ozonation process. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) analyses based on the Taguchi approach was performed both for statistical evaluation of the results and determination of the influence and relative importance of the factors on removal efficiencies. The optimal experimental condition for DFZ436 parameter was determined as 10 for pH, 25°C for temperature and 15 min for ozone contact time. Relative importance of experimental factors on DFZ436 removal performance is evaluated by ANOVA analysis, and the order of the factors was determined as; ozone contact time > pH » temperature. According to the confirmation experiment conducted under the optimum conditions, removal efficiency for DFZ436 was determined as 88%, which was close to the predicted value of 85%. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13025, 2019
Multiple Pollutants Removal from Industrial Wastewaters Using a Novel Bioflocculant Produced by Bacillus licheniformis NJ3
Authors: Joshi Nidhi , Rathod Manali , Vyas Dhruva , Kumar Raghawendra , Mody Kalpana
Published: October 2018

This study deals with the potential of bioflocculant for the treatment of various industrial wastewaters. Bioflocculant (BFBl) produced by Bacillus licheniformis NJ3, showed 97% flocculating activity in primary screening (kaolin assay). The characteristics of the BFBl such as temperature and pH stability, cation‐independency makes the flocculation process more economic as harmful coagulants and stabilizers are not required. BFBl efficiently treated synthetic wastewaters as compared to alum by reducing turbidity (69–87%), chemical oxygen demand (50–80%) and oil (87%). Further BFBl was used to treat pesticide, petroleum, pharmaceutical and starch processing industrial wastewaters having diversified pH. It reduced total suspended solids (61.9–80%), turbidity (54–94%), total dissolved solids (11–54%), oil and grease (75%) and heavy metals (62–100%) from wastewaters in the absence of cations without altering the temperature and pH. Additionally, Sludge settling process in the presence of BFBl was three times faster as compared to alum. Thus, BFBl successfully treats various wastewaters reducing multiple pollution indices. BFBl was a glycoprotein with 92% polysaccharide and 7% protein contents providing biodegradable nature. As a result, BFBl emerged as environment‐friendly and economical alternative for the bioremediation of various industrial wastewaters. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: S306–S314, 2019
Greenhouse gas CO2 hydrogenation to fuels: A thermodynamic analysis
Authors: Ahmad Kaisar , Upadhyayula Sreedevi
Published: October 2018

Over the past few years, chemical conversion of CO2 to alternative fuels such as methanol, dimethyl ether (DME), and hydrocarbons (HCs) is one of the hot topics in chemical engineering. Taking this into consideration, we have investigated the effects of wide range of temperature, pressure and H2/CO2 ratio (with and without CO) on the hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol, DME, and HCs by minimizing the Gibbs free energy. The energy calculations indicate that HC synthesis reaction has the minimum Gibbs free energy change. High pressure, low temperature, and high H2/CO2 ratio favored the methanol and DME synthesis. The HC synthesis is favored by high pressure, low temperature, and high H2/CO2 ratio, but the presence of CO has a major effect on the HC selectivity. The presence of CO suppresses CO2 conversion in all the three reactions studied. CO2 conversion is maximum for the HC synthesis at H2/CO2 > 3. The experimental data obtained from laboratory scale fixed bed reactor show a reasonable comparison with the simulation results. The thermodynamic analysis combined with the catalyst development and chemical kinetics are expected to lead towards a competent methodology for CO2 conversion. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 98–111, 2019
Effectiveness enhancement and performance evaluation of indirect‐direct evaporative cooling system for a wide variety of climates
Authors: Shirmohammadi Reza , Gilani Neda
Published: October 2018

Application of evaporative cooling systems for providing thermal comfort conditions is scrutinized. The thermal comfort criterion is mainly used for the optimum design of the air conditioning systems. ISO 7730 as thermal comfort standard is utilized to evaluate the capability and performance of above‐mentioned systems for the variety of climates in Iran. A finite difference method is used to optimize the geometric and operating parameters of evaporative cooling systems. The influences of plate spacing, air flow velocity, and wettability factor of surface are investigated on the air properties and effectiveness of systems. Effectiveness of the evaporative cooling systems increases in the case of using a narrow channel width, reducing relative humidity of air entering into secondary channel, utilizing of substances with more wettability factor of surface, and surging in the ratio of air flow velocity in secondary channel to the primary one. Among nine proposed evaporative cooling systems, co‐current direct evaporative cooler and f‐type, i.e. cross flow indirect evaporative cooler have the highest efficiency with 73% and 40%, respectively. Thus, these systems because of providing cooling demand with high efficiency are combined to make indirect/direct evaporative cooling system, employed for selecting of appropriate evaporative cooling systems in variety of climates of Iran. By generalizing the results of this research, the proper evaporative cooling system can be determined for all climates around the world. ® 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13032, 2019
Effects of exhaust gas recirculation composition and temperature on microscopic mechanical properties of particles in a diesel engine
Authors: Zhao Yang , Xu Guangju , Li Mingdi , Chen Qingzhang
Published: October 2018

To investigate the microscopic mechanical properties of particles in a diesel engine, the particles generated with various exhaust gas compositions and temperatures are analyzed by a particle size analyzer and atomic force microscope. The results show that as the exhaust gas temperature increases, the quantity and mass concentration of core mode particle is insignificant, while the accumulation mode particle increased significantly; in addition the particle agglomeration force gradually increases, the major form of agglomeration force gradually shifts from liquid bridge force to Van der Waals force. Studies on exhaust gas composition show that N2 in exhaust gas is the main factor leading to the increase of accumulation mode particle; while CO2 in exhaust gas could reduces the quantity and mass concentration of particle emissions by reducing the accumulation mode particle; when N2 is applied, the particle agglomeration force is primarily assumes the form of the Van der Waals force; when CO2 is applied, the particle agglomeration force primarily assumes the form of a liquid bridge force; increasing N2 content in the exhaust gas can significantly increase the agglomeration force in particles; the effect of increasing CO2 content in the exhaust gas is reversed. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13037, 2019
Sensing and adsorption study of gaseous phase chlorophenols on functionalized carbon nanotube membrane
Authors: Kanchanatip Ekkachai , Tulaphol Sarttrawut , Den Walter , Grisdanurak Nurak , Miao Hsin‐Yuan , Yan Mi
Published: October 2018

The adsorption equilibrium isotherms as well as gas sensing of three chlorinated phenolic compounds (CPCs) including phenol, 2‐chlorophenol, and 2,4‐dichlorophenol by acid‐functionalized carbon nanotube (CNT) membrane were studied. CNTs were synthesized via floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition method at 800°C and then functionalized with a mixture of HNO3 and H2SO4. The functionalized CNTs were vacuum filtered to form CNT membranes. The adsorption isotherm followed the Langmuir adsorption model better than the Freundlich model, suggesting monolayer adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacities were found to be 61.35, 93.46, and 104.17 mg g−1 for phenol, 2‐chlorophenol, and 2,4‐dichlorophenol, respectively. The desorption energy determined via thermogravimetric analysis indicates that adsorption of all three CPCs onto the CNT membranes belonged to chemisorption type. For the gas sensing test, the CNT membrane showed fast response to the tested CPCs with good stability and repeatability. The sensitivity values obtained were 5.39 × 10−2, 3.35 × 10−2 and 2.58 × 10−2 for 2,4‐dichlorophenol, 2‐chlorophenol, and phenol, respectively. It is noteworthy that the adsorption capacity and sensitivity of the CNT membrane to the target gases increased with the increase in the number of chlorine atoms in the phenolic compounds. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: S315–S322, 2019
Preparation of Ni‐M (M: La, Co, Ce, and Fe) catalysts supported on mesoporous nanocrystalline γ‐Al2O3 for CO2 methanation
Authors: Rahmani Soudabeh , Meshkani Fereshteh , Rezaei Mehran
Published: October 2018

In this study, the effect of adding second metals (La, Co, Ce, and Fe) to the nickel catalysts supported on mesoporous nanocrystalline γ‐Al2O3 in CO2 methanation was investigated. The co‐impregnation method was implemented to synthesize the bimetallic catalysts and the X‐ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption/desorption, and temperature‐programmed reduction methods were employed for the catalyst characterization. According to the catalytic results, the addition of the second metals to the nickel‐based catalyst increased the catalyst reducibility and decreased the specific surface area from 143.3 to 107.9 m2/g and nickel crystallite size from 18.9 to 5.1 nm. Furthermore, the addition of 10 wt % lanthanum to the 20 wt % Ni/γ‐Al2O3 increased the CO2 conversion from 42% to 80.3% in methanation of carbon dioxide.

Novelty or Significance: The study is focused on the preparation and evaluation of the La, Co, Ce, and Fe‐promoted Ni/Al2O3 nanocatalysts with mesoporous structure in CO2 methanation reaction. The results confirmed that the incorporation of these compounds in catalyst composition improved the reducibility of the nickel catalyst and decreased the BET area and Ni crystallite size and affected the CO2 conversion and CH4 selectivity. Among these metal oxides, the addition of La2O3 to the Ni/Al2O3 catalyst had the highest effect on the activity and selectivity of the Ni/Al2O3 catalyst. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 118–126, 2019
Ultrasonic assisted sustainable dyeing of mordanted silk fabric using arjun (Terminalia arjuna) bark extracts
Authors: Adeel Shahid , Rehman Fazal ur , Iqbal Muhammad Usman , Habib Noman , Kiran Shumaila , Zuber Mohammad , Zia Khalid Mahmood , Hameed Abdul
Published: October 2018

Environmental pollution spread due to frequent use of synthetic dyes has compelled the global community to move toward sustainable and eco‐friendly products. The present research has been conducted to investigate the coloring efficacy of Arjun bark (Terminalia arjuna) for silk fabric under the influence of ultrasonic radiation. Extracts have been prepared in different media and extracts and silk fabrics have been irradiated ultrasonically for 15–60 min at 60 °C. Good color strength is obtained, by dyeing irradiated silk for 65 min at 65 °C, when irradiated extract of pH 3 (RE, 30 mL) obtained from powder (6 g) is used in the presence of salt concentration of 3 g/100 mL. Pre‐chemical mordants such as 5% of Al (Aluminum sulphate) and 9% of Fe (iron sulphate) as well as post‐chemical mordants such as 5% Al (Aluminum sulphate) and 3% of Fe (iron sulphate) have improved the color characteristics. The bio‐mordants employed reveal that 9% of pomegranate and turmeric extracts as pre and post bio‐mordants have given excellent coloring characteristics. It is concluded that Arjun bark has a great potential to act as a source of natural colorant for silk dyeing under the influence of ultrasonic radiation. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: S331–S339, 2019
Optimal sizing of a hybrid solar energy system using particle swarm optimization algorithm based on cost and pollution criteria
Authors: Charfi Sana , Atieh Ahmad , Chaabene Maher
Published: October 2018

Sizing of hybrid energy systems is primarily determined based on either cost criterion or produced pollution criterion. Optimization of a hybrid energy system for a typical house in Tunisia is investigated using particle swarm optimization (PSO). To the best of our knowledge, PSO algorithm has not been used for PV/batteries bank/diesel generator energy system optimization. Different parameters—namely, cost, required maintenance of the parts, lifetime of each components, and pollution produced by the diesel generator—are investigated simultaneously as objectives for optimal design of the hybrid system. Different designs are considered for the hybrid system where CO2 emission is measured and system total cost is calculated. It is crucial to choose proper ranges of the parameters used in the PSO algorithm to achieve stable and global optimal solution. It is found that the cost of the system optimized using minimum pollution criterion has about 0.3% extra overall cost compared to the system optimized using minimum overall system cost criterion.

New and simple method is proposed in this work to select the range of the PV panels' number to achieve optimal solution of PSO algorithm. This method is based on calculating the number of PV panels under different conditions of solar radiation and load values. The considered conditions are maximum solar radiation, 50% of maximum radiation, and the radiation at 9:00 AM for maximum and minimum load values. The choice of these conditions was arbitrary and contemplated to cover a wide range of different possible solar radiation in the year. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13055, 2019
Highly efficient low‐cost zeolite for cobalt removal from aqueous solutions: Characterization and performance
Authors: Rodríguez Araceli , Sáez Patricia , Díez Eduardo , Gómez José Maria , García Juan , Bernabé Ignacio
Published: October 2018

Cobalt is considered to be a strategic metal, with a high market value due to its scarcity and difficulty of extraction. Its concentration in wastewater is much higher than that recommended by environmental agencies. In this work, adsorption is the selected process for cobalt removal and recovery and the adsorbent, a commercial natural zeolite, was chosen because of its wide availability, low price, and adequate particle size. The zeolite employed was clinoptilolite according to XRD and FTIR results. Other techniques like XRF have helped to show that the zeolite treated with acid has suffered dealumination process while the zeolite treated with sodium has kept its Si/Al ratio and it has incorporated sodium into its structure. The optimization of the adsorption process has allowed to enhance the removal of cobalt up to a 21%, exchanging the bare zeolite with NaCl 1 M, and up to a 42%, increasing the temperature to 333 K. In relation to the mechanism, adsorption of cobalt on clinoptilolite is an endothermic and spontaneous process where both external and intraparticle diffusion take place. A pseudo‐second‐order model can adequately describe the adsorption kinetics. Regarding to adsorption equilibrium, it is better described by Double Langmuir isotherm model. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: S352–S365, 2019
Optimization of the solar brine evaporation process: Introduction of a solar air heater
Authors: Poblete Rodrigo , Salihoglu Nezih Kamil , Salihoglu Guray
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the evaporation process of reject brine by using a solar system. The solar system contained a solar still coupled with a solar air heater (SAH). Solar still had a heated base, which was connected to the solar collector with a copper pipe. The influence of the introduction of the SAH to the system and increased levels of air mass flowrates was investigated. Variations in temperature and solar irradiation were monitored as well as brine evaporation. Introducing the SAH and increasing the air mass flowrate resulted in faster brine evaporation, higher utilization rate of solar radiation, higher brine, and base temperature levels within the solar still compared to the system without the SAH. The mean base temperature of the system with the SAH was 43.46 ± 11.3°C, while that of the system without the SAH was 30.62 ± 7.35°C. The use of the SAH and high air mass flowrates influenced the temperature distribution within the solar still, which affected the evaporation of the brine in a positive way. Introduction of the SAH and high air mass flowrate increased the drying efficiency of the solar system at a level of 120%. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13062, 2019
Identifying appropriate aggregation technique for incinerability index
Authors: Sebastian Roshni Mary , Kumar Dinesh , Alappat Babu J.
Published: October 2018

A technique to quantify the incinerability of municipal solid waste (MSW) called incinerability index or i‐Index has been developed. Eight input parameters incorporate the 3‐E concept that is, environmental impact, energy recovery, and economy of operation into the index structure, to facilitate the feasibility assessment of waste incineration. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) gives the relative weightage of the input parameters and normalization of the parameters is performed using rating curves. One of the most crucial stages in the formulation of a composite indicator is the choice of the aggregation technique. While formulating i‐Index, besides ambiguity and eclipsing, the degree of information loss and sensitivity analysis are also considered to choose an aggregation function, which ensures minimal distortion in the output. From the 16 aggregation functions, six are chosen for detailed sensitivity analyses and quantifying the information loss. Based on these studies, the weighted summation technique is concluded to quantify the incinerability of MSW effectively while incorporating the parameter weightages. The incinerability of MSW generated in high‐income, upper‐middle‐income, lower middle‐income, and low‐income countries are subsequently quantified using this function, which amounted to 73, 62.4, 58.4, and 51.2, respectively, on a scale of 0–100. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13068, 2019
Rethinking the evolution of property and possession: A review and methodological proposition
Authors: Tibble Lucy , Carvalho Susana
Published: October 2018

Property is a key feature of modern human society; however, identifying the origin of this multifaceted behavior poses a formidable challenge. Here, we explore the methodologies for researching the origin of property. We discuss how an interdisciplinary approach can shed light on how our human ancestors shifted behaviorally from possessing an object to having exclusive property control over it. Possession occurs when social group members only respect an individual's claim to have exclusive access to an object when the individual has physical control over the object. Property occurs when an individual can claim exclusive access to an object, without challenge, regardless of whether the object is in their physical control or not. Researchers across different disciplines have asked what, if anything, distinguishes human property behavior from the behavior of other animals? Further, when and how did this behavior evolve in our lineage? Due to the considerable methodological challenges posed by researching this topic, few studies have been able to directly address these questions. In this review, we explore the challenges involved in defining property and possession and suggest a two‐step approach to interdisciplinary definitions. Next, we evaluate four core approaches to the study of property behavior: evolutionary game theory, ethology, comparative cognition, and developmental psychology. Finally, we propose an empirical study, using an ethological approach to test the presence of property and possessive behavior in a natural setting, using our closest living relative, the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes). Overall, we argue that this field of research is at a turning point, where the novel integration of various methods may provide an explanation to the origin of property.
Nutritional characterization of carobs and traditional carob products
Authors: Papaefstathiou Eleni , Agapiou Agapios , Giannopoulos Stelios , Kokkinofta Rebecca
Published: October 2018

Twenty traditional carob products were measured for their nutritional composition, and their results were compared with the pulp of Cypriot carob cultivars. Moisture, ash, fat, proteins, sugars, dietary fibers, minerals, caffeine‐theobromine, carbohydrates, and energy value were determined. Fluctuations of the nutritional composition values based on the ingredients’ chemical synthesis and product manufacturing process were noted. Only 60% of the products had a label indicating their nutritional value, and the majority of them (75%) were consistent with that of labeling. Chemometric analyses distinguished the carob products according to their type and the discriminator components highlighted their particular nutritional value. Carobs can be characterized as functional foods with low‐fat content, high content in dietary fibers, and high content and/or source of minerals; however, carob products partially satisfied those health and nutritional claims as expected. This pilot research contributes to the nutritional estimation of carob and highlights the traditional carob products.
Occurrence of aflatoxin in agricultural produce from local markets in Burundi and Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Udomkun Patchimaporn , Mutegi Charity , Wossen Tesfamicheal , Atehnkeng Joseph , Nabahungu Nsharwasi Léon , Njukwe Emmanuel , Vanlauwe Bernard , Bandyopadhyay Ranajit
Published: October 2018

Aflatoxins are noxious secondary metabolites, of certain fungal species, found in food and feed. Contamination of a commodity with aflatoxins is associated with production and storage losses, and subsequently less food availability. Aflatoxins can also pose human health risks and represent a barrier to the development of trade, in both domestic and international markets. In this study, samples of cassava, maize, groundnut, beans, soybean, sorghum and milk, and their processed products were collected from local markets in Burundi and Eastern DRC. In order to investigate the levels of aflatoxin, crop samples were analyzed using a single step lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (Reveal Q+), while enzyme‐linked immune‐sorbent assay (ELISA) was used to analyze aflatoxin‐M1 in milk, yogurt, and cheese samples. The results revealed the presence of aflatoxins in all samples from both countries, with levels ranging from 1.3 to 2,410 μg/kg. Samples collected from Burundi contained relatively higher (p > 0.0.5) levels of aflatoxins. In 51% of all the crops samples, total aflatoxin contamination was above the EU maximum tolerable level of 4 μg/kg. Processed products, particularly from groundnut, maize, and sorghum, had the highest levels of aflatoxin contamination when compared to unprocessed grain. With regard to milk and dairy products, the level of aflatoxin‐M1 ranged from 4.8 to 261.1 ng/kg. Approximately 29% of milk and yogurt samples had aflatoxin‐M1 higher than the EU regulatory limit of 50 ng/kg, whereas 20% of cheese samples were found to be contaminated at levels higher than the maximum limit of 250 ng/kg. These results can serve as the basis for pre‐ and postharvest approaches to reduce aflatoxin contamination in agricultural commodities in Burundi and Eastern DRC in order to reduce health risk, avoid reduced production in livestock, and open up export markets.
Dynamics of back‐arc extension controlled by subducting slab retreat: Insights from 2D thermo‐mechanical modelling
Authors: Sheng Jian , Li Cunzhu , Liao Jie , Yang Ze , Jiang Shiyi
Published: October 2018

Back‐arc regions, located in the overriding slabs and separated from fore‐arcs by magmatic extrusion, are closely coupled with subduction zones. The width of back‐arc extension is broadly varied in the world. Although the dynamics of the subducting slab is widely studied, the coupling between subducting slab dynamics and back‐arc extension development is still poorly understood. In this study, we aim to numerically analyse how subducting slab retreat influences back‐arc extension, with particular attention paid on the coupling between subducting slab dynamics and back‐arc extension dynamics. Geometry evolution of the subducting slab in the deep upper mantle is investigated. Furthermore, we investigate key parameters that may control back‐arc extension dynamic pattern and process. We perform systematically a set of numerical experiments with 2D high‐resolution thermo‐mechanical coupled oceanic–continental subduction models.
Amygdala subnuclei and healthy cognitive aging
Authors: Aghamohammadi‐Sereshki Arash , Hrybouski Stanislau , Travis Scott , Huang Yushan , Olsen Fraser , Carter Rawle , Camicioli Richard , Malykhin Nikolai V.
Published: October 2018

Amygdala is a group of nuclei involved in the neural circuits of fear, reward learning, and stress. The main goal of this magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study was to investigate the relationship between age and the amygdala subnuclei volumes in a large cohort of healthy individuals. Our second goal was to determine effects of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) polymorphisms on the amygdala structure. One hundred and twenty‐six healthy participants (18–85 years old) were recruited for this study. MRI datasets were acquired on a 4.7 T system. Amygdala was manually segmented into five major subdivisions (lateral, basal, accessory basal nuclei, and cortical, and centromedial groups). The BDNF (methionine and homozygous valine) and APOE genotypes (ε2, homozygous ε3, and ε4) were obtained using single nucleotide polymorphisms. We found significant nonlinear negative associations between age and the total amygdala and its lateral, basal, and accessory basal nuclei volumes, while the cortical amygdala showed a trend. These age‐related associations were found only in males but not in females. Centromedial amygdala did not show any relationship with age. We did not observe any statistically significant effects of APOE and BDNF polymorphisms on the amygdala subnuclei volumes. In contrast to APOE ε2 allele carriers, both older APOE ε4 and ε3 allele carriers had smaller lateral, basal, accessory basal nuclei volumes compared to their younger counterparts. This study indicates that amygdala subnuclei might be nonuniformly affected by aging and that age‐related association might be gender specific.
White matter microstructure in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: A systematic review of diffusion tensor imaging studies
Authors: Ghazi Sherbaf Farzaneh , Aarabi Mohammad Hadi , Hosein Yazdi Meisam , Haghshomar Maryam
Published: October 2018

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has revolutionized our understanding of the neural underpinnings of alcohol teratogenesis. This technique can detect alterations in white matter in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Using Prisma guidelines, we identified 23 DTI studies conducted on individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). These studies confirm the widespread nature of brain damage in PAE by reporting diffusivity alterations in commissural, association, and projection fibers; and in relation to increasing cognitive impairment. Reduced integrity in terms of lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and higher mean diffusivity (MD) and radial diffusivity (RD) is reported more consistently in the corpus callosum, cerebellar peduncles, cingulum, and longitudinal fasciculi connecting frontal and temporoparietal regions. Although these interesting results provide insight into FASD neuropathology, it is important to investigate the clinical diversity of this disorder for better treatment options and prediction of progression. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of different patterns of neural structure between PAE and typically developed individuals. We further discuss the association of alterations in diffusivity with demographic features and symptomatology of PAE. With the accumulated knowledge of the neural correlates of FASD presenting symptoms, a comprehensive understanding of the heterogeneity in FASD will potentially improve the disease management and will highlight the diagnostic challenges and potential areas of future research avenues, where neural markers may be beneficial.
Impact of All‐Oral Direct‐Acting Antivirals on Clinical and Economic Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C in the United States
Authors: Park Haesuk , Wang Wei , Henry Linda , Nelson David R.
Published: October 2018

Approved treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) with all‐oral direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) therapy is now entering into its fourth year; however, little has been reported on the real‐world clinical (decompensated cirrhosis [DCC] and hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]) and economic outcomes. A retrospective cohort analysis of the Truven Health MarketScan Database (2012‐2016) was conducted. In a cohort of 26,105 patients with newly diagnosed HCV, 30% received all‐oral DAA therapy (DAA group) and 70% were not treated (untreated group). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare the risk of developing HCC and DCC, stratified by cirrhosis status. Among patients with cirrhosis (n = 2157), DAA therapy was associated with a 72% and a 62% lower incidence of HCC (hazard ratio [HR], 0.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15‐0.52) and DCC (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.26‐0.56). Similarly, DAA therapy was associated with a 57% and a 58% lower incidence of HCC (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.26‐0.71) and DCC (HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.30‐0.58) in patients with noncirrhotic HCV (n = 23,948). A propensity score–matched cohort of 8064 HCV‐infected patients who had at least a 12‐month follow‐up after HCV treatment was included for economic analysis. For patients with cirrhosis in the DAA group, the mean adjusted liver‐related costs ($1749 vs. $4575; P < 0.001) and all‐cause medical costs ($19,300 vs. $33,039; P < 0.001) were significantly lower compared with those in the untreated group. The mean adjusted costs were not statistically different between the two groups among patients without cirrhosis. Conclusion: In the short term, all‐oral DAA treatment for HCV infection was associated with a decreased risk of developing HCC and DCC, resulting in decreased health care costs, especially in patients with cirrhosis. A longitudinal study is necessary to confirm our findings.
Proton Pump Inhibitors Are Associated With Minimal and Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy and Increased Mortality in Patients With Cirrhosis
Authors: Nardelli Silvia , Gioia Stefania , Ridola Lorenzo , Farcomeni Alessio , Merli Manuela , Riggio Oliviero
Published: October 2018

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a subclinical cognitive impairment frequently observable in patients with cirrhosis. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can contribute to small‐bowel bacterial overgrowth, but no study has investigated the link between PPIs and MHE. We investigated the relationship between MHE and PPI use as well as the role of PPI use in the development of overt HE and survival. Consecutive patients with cirrhosis (n = 310) were included in the study and followed up for 14.1 ± 12.3 months. At entry, MHE was diagnosed when the Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score was ≤–4. Data were analyzed by logistic regression for the factors associated with MHE and by time‐related models for overt HE development and survival. At inclusion, 131 out of 310 patients with cirrhosis (42%) were affected by MHE. One hundred and twenty‐five patients (40%) were using PPIs. The variables independently associated with the presence of MHE were PPI use, previous overt HE, low albumin, low sodium, and age. During follow‐up, the development of overt HE was higher (64% versus 25%, P < 0.001) and overall survival lower (41% versus 81%, P < 0.001) in PPI users than in nonusers. Variables independently associated with the development of overt HE were PPIs, history of overt HE, low albumin, MHE, and age, while variables independently associated with mortality were PPIs, development of overt HE, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score, low sodium, and age. Conclusion: The study identifies a potentially removable factor associated with the presence of MHE and related to the development of overt HE and survival in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Experiencing meaningfulness climate in teams: How spiritual leadership enhances team effectiveness when facing uncertain tasks
Authors: Yang Fu , Huang Xiaoyu , Wu Lusi
Published: October 2018

This study integrates social information processing theory with leadership and climate literature, and aims to produce novel theoretical insights into whether and how spiritual leadership and task uncertainty foster conditions to enhance meaningfulness climate and subsequent team effectiveness in China. Team effectiveness was operationalized as team performance and team organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Based on data collected at three time points over 12 months from multiple sources of 123 teams in China, we found that spiritual leadership was positively related to team performance and team OCB through meaningfulness climate. Further, the relationship between spiritual leadership and meaningfulness climate was stronger for teams with high task uncertainty than teams with low task uncertainty.
Biodegradable polymer versus second‐generation durable polymer drug‐eluting stents in patients with coronary artery disease: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu James J. , Way Joshua A.H. , Roy Probal , Yong Andy , Lowe Harry , Kritharides Leonard , Brieger David
Published: October 2018

Aims

Biodegradable polymer drug‐eluting stents (BP‐DES) were developed in hopes of reducing the risk of stent thrombosis. The comparison of this new stent platform with second‐generation durable polymer drug‐eluting stents (DP‐DES) has not been well described. We, therefore, performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy profiles of BP‐DES versus second‐generation DP‐DES in patients with coronary artery disease.

Methods and Results

Electronic database searches were conducted, from their dates of inception to June 2018, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing patients with either BP‐DES or second‐generation DP‐DES. Risk estimates were expressed as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We also performed a landmark analysis beyond 1 year and sensitivity analyses based on different variables. A total of 24,406 patients from 19 RCTs were included in the present meta‐analysis. There were no significant differences between BP‐DES and second‐generation DP‐DES for the risks of definite or probable stent thrombosis (RR 0.88; 95% CI, 0.69–1.12; P = 0.29), myocardial infarction (RR 0.97; 95% CI, 0.86–1.09; P = 0.59), cardiac death (RR 1.08; 95% CI, 0.92–1.28; P = 0.34), all‐cause death (RR 1.02; 95% CI, 0.91–1.13; P = 0.77), target lesion revascularization (RR 1.05; 95% CI, 0.94–1.17; P = 0.38), and target vessel revascularization (RR 1.05; 95% CI, 0.95–1.16; P = 0.36). Similar outcomes were observed regardless of anti‐proliferative drug and duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate similar safety and efficacy profiles between BP‐DES and second‐generation BP‐DES, with comparable rates of stent thrombosis.
CINP is a novel cofactor of KLF5 required for its role in the promotion of cell proliferation, survival and tumor growth
Authors: Wu Qiao , Fu Changying , Li Menglin , Li Juan , Li Zhigui , Qi Leilei , Ci Xinpei , Ma Gui , Gao Ang , Fu Xing , A Jun , An Na , Liu Mingcheng , Li Yixiang , King Jamie L. , Fu Liya , Zhang Baotong , Dong Jin‐Tang
Published: October 2018

Krüppel‐like factor 5 (KLF5) both suppresses and promotes tumor growth depending on cellular context. The mechanisms underlying tumor promotion could be targetable for therapy. Although a number of transcriptional targets of KLF5 have been identified and implicated in KLF5‐mediated tumor growth, how KLF5 regulates these genes remains to be addressed. Here we performed coimmunoprecipitation (co‐IP) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) in the TSU‐Pr1 bladder cancer cell line, in which KLF5 is shown to promote tumor growth, to identify KLF5‐interacting nuclear proteins that are necessary for KLF5’s tumor promoting function. LC–MS/MS revealed 122 potential KLF5 binding proteins in the nuclear proteins precipitated by the KLF5 antibody, and the top nine candidates included AHNAK, TFAM, HSDL2, HNRNPC, CINP, IST1, FBL, PABPC1 and SNRNP40. SRB assays of these nine proteins indicated that silencing CINP had the most potent inhibitory effect on cell growth in KLF5‐expressing cells but did not affect parental TSU‐Pr1 cells. Further analyses not only confirmed the physical interaction between KLF5 and CINP, also demonstrated that knockdown of CINP attenuated the effects of KLF5 on cell cycle progression, apoptosis and tumorigenesis. Silencing CINP also attenuated the effect of KLF5 on the expression of a number of genes and signaling pathways, including cell cycle regulator Cyclin D1 and apoptosis‐related Caspase 7. These results suggest that CINP is a cofactor of KLF5 that is crucial for the promotion of tumor growth, and that the KLF5‐CINP interaction could be a novel therapeutic target for inhibiting KLF5‐promoted tumor growth.
LKB1 regulates PRMT5 activity in breast cancer
Authors: Lattouf Hanine , Kassem Loay , Jacquemetton Julien , Choucair Ali , Poulard Coralie , Trédan Olivier , Corbo Laura , Diab‐Assaf Mona , Hussein Nader , Treilleux Isabelle , Le Romancer Muriel
Published: October 2018

Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is the main enzyme responsible for the symmetrical dimethylation of arginine residues on target proteins in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Though its activity has been associated with tumor progression in various cancers, the expression pattern of this oncoprotein has been scarcely studied in breast cancer. In the current work, we analyzed its expression in a large cohort of breast cancer patients, revealing higher nuclear PRMT5 levels in ERα‐positive tumors and an association with prolonged disease free and overall survival. Interestingly, high PRMT5 nuclear expression was also associated with higher nuclear liver kinase B1 (LKB1), suggesting that a functional relationship may occur. Consistently, several approaches provided evidence that PRMT5 and LKB1 interact directly in the cytoplasm of mammary epithelial cells. Moreover, although PRMT5 is not able to methylate LKB1, we found that PRMT5 is a bona fade substrate for LKB1. We identified T132, 139 and 144 residues, located in the TIM‐Barrel domain of PRMT5, as target sites for LKB1 phosphorylation. The point mutation of PRMT5 T139/144 to A139/144 drastically decreased its methyltransferase activity, due probably to the loss of its interaction with regulatory proteins such as MEP50, pICln and RiOK1. In addition, modulation of LKB1 expression modified PRMT5 activity, highlighting a new regulatory mechanism that could have clinical implications.
Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) plays a critical role in a mouse model of cancer pain
Authors: Antoniazzi Caren Tatiane De David , Nassini Romina , Rigo Flávia Karine , Milioli Alessandra Marcon , Bellinaso Fernando , Camponogara Camila , Silva Cássia Regina , de Almeida Amanda Spring , Rossato Mateus Fortes , De Logu Francesco , Oliveira Sara Marchesan , Cunha Thiago Mattar , Geppetti Pierangelo , Ferreira Juliano , Trevisan Gabriela
Published: October 2018

There is a major, unmet need for the treatment of cancer pain, and new targets and medicines are required. The transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), a cation channel expressed by nociceptors, is activated by oxidizing substances to mediate pain‐like responses in models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. As cancer is known to increase oxidative stress, the role of TRPA1 was evaluated in a mouse model of cancer pain. Fourteen days after injection of B16‐F10 murine melanoma cells into the plantar region of the right hind paw, C57BL/6 mice exhibited mechanical and thermal allodynia and thigmotaxis behavior. While heat allodynia was partially reduced in TRP vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)‐deficient mice, thigmotaxis behavior and mechanical and cold allodynia were absent in TRPA1‐deficient mice. Deletion of TRPA1 or TRPV1 did not affect cancer growth. Intrathecal TRPA1 antisense oligonucleotides and two different TRPA1 antagonists (HC‐030031 or A967079) transiently attenuated thigmotaxis behavior and mechanical and cold allodynia. A TRPV1 antagonist (capsazepine) attenuated solely heat allodynia. NADPH oxidase activity and hydrogen peroxide levels were increased in hind paw skin 14 days after cancer cell inoculation. The antioxidant, α‐lipoic acid, attenuated mechanical and cold allodynia and thigmotaxis behavior, but not heat allodynia. Whereas TRPV1, via an oxidative stress‐independent pathway, contributes partially to heat hypersensitivity, oxidative stress‐dependent activation of TRPA1 plays a key role in mediating thigmotaxis behavior and mechanical and cold allodynia in a cancer pain model. TRPA1 antagonists might be beneficial in the treatment of cancer pain.
Host‐Guest Chemistry of Self‐Assembled Hemi‐Cage Systems: The Dramatic Effect of Lost Pre‐Organization
Authors: Martí‐Centelles Vicente , Duarte Fernanda , Lusby Paul J.
Published: October 2018

New hemi‐cage compounds with the formula Pd2(L1)2(L2)2 (L1=ditopic pyridine ligand, L2=bpy or TMEDA) have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods, X‐ray crystallography and electronic structure methods. The host‐guest chemistry of these new structures, with naphthoquinone as a guest, reveals the key role of the host shape and flexibility on competitive binding processes. The influence of counteranions, solvent and non‐covalent interactions to binding were quantified by Density Functional Theory calculations. Together, this study provides new insights into the concept of pre‐organized guest binding when applied to charged, coordination‐assembled hosts.
Effect of investor inattention on price drifts following analyst recommendation revisions
Authors: Kudryavtsev Andrey
Published: October 2018

The study explores stock price dynamics after analyst recommendation revisions. Following the previous literature that documents significant post‐recommendation stock price drifts and attributes them to investor inattention to company‐specific events, I hypothesize that if on the day when a recommendation revision with respect to a stock was issued, the sign of the stock's abnormal return was opposite to the direction of the revision, then it means that investors were especially inattentive to the revision and that the subsequent price drift should be more pronounced. Analysing a large sample of analyst recommendation revisions, I document that recommendation revisions accompanied by the opposite‐sign event‐day abnormal returns are followed by significantly greater post‐event price drifts in the direction of the revision, the magnitude of the drifts increasing for longer post‐event periods. This effect is stronger for small and more volatile stocks and remains robust after accounting for additional company‐specific (size, Market Model beta, and historical volatility) and event‐specific (number of recommendation categories changed in the revision and analyst experience) factors.
Determinants of non‐adherence to antiretroviral therapy among Option B+ cases in Ndop and Fundong health districts, Northwest Region, Cameroon
Authors: Tebeu Pierre Marie , Vifeme Mirabel M. , Nshom Emmanuel M.
Published: October 2018

Non‐adherence was associated with non‐disclosure of positive HIV status. The rate was reduced among participants reporting no difficulty in taking medication as prescribed.