bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetic of Adsorption Process of Sulfonated Carbon-derived from Eichhornia crassipes in the Adsorption of Methylene Blue Dye from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Nurhadi Mukhamad , Widiyowati Iis Intan , Wirhanuddin Wirhanuddin , Chandren Sheela
Published: January 2019

The evaluation of kinetic adsorption process of sulfonated carbon-derived from Eichhornia crassipes in the adsorption of methylene blue dye from aqueous solution has been carried out. The sulfonated carbon-derived from E. crassipes (EGS-600) was prepared by carbonation of E. crassipes powder at 600 °C for 1 h, followed by sulfonation with concentrated sulfuric acid for 3 h. The physical properties of the adsorbents were characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and nitrogen adsorption-desorption studies. Adsorption study using methylene blue dye was carried out by varying the contact time and initial dye concentration for investigated kinetics adsorption models. The effect of varying temperature was used to determine the thermodynamic parameter value of ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS. The results showed that the equilibrium adsorption capacity was 98% when EGS-600 is used as an adsorbent. The methylene blue dye adsorption onto adsorbent takes place spontaneity and follows a pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetic model.
A Green Synthesis of Polylimonene Using Maghnite-H+, an Exchanged Montmorillonite Clay, as Eco-Catalyst
Authors: Derdar Hodhaifa , Belbachir Mohammed , Harrane Amine
Published: January 2019

A new green polymerization technique to synthesis polylimonene (PLM) is carried out in this work. This technique consists of using Maghnite-H+ as eco-catalyst to replace Friedel-Crafts catalysts which are toxics. Maghnite-H+ is a montmorillonite silicate sheet clay which is prepared through a simple exchange process. Polymerization experiments are performed in bulk and in solution using CH2Cl2 as solvent. Effect of reaction time, temperature and amount of catalyst is studied, in order to find the optimal reaction conditions. The polymerization in solution leads to the best yield (48.5%) at -5°C for a reaction time of 6 h but the bulk polymerization, that is performed at 25°C, remains preferred even if the yield is lower (40.3%) in order to respect the principles of a green chemistry which recommend syntheses under mild conditions, without solvents and at room temperature. The structure of the obtained polymer (PLM) is confirmed by FT-IR and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of proton (1H-NMR). The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polylimonene is defined using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and is between 113°C and 116°C. The molecular weight of the obtained polymer is determined by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) analysis and is about 1360 g/mol. Copyright © 2019 BCREC Group. All rights reserved
Evaluation of La-Doped CaO Derived from Cockle Shells for Photodegradation of POME
Authors: Ghazali Siti Shariah , Kem Kem Ley , Jusoh Rohayu , Abdullah Sureena , Shariffuddin Jun Haslinda
Published: January 2019

Photocatalysis has merged to be one of the most promising technology in wastewater remediation. However, the application of photocatalysis in treating palm oil mill effluent (POME) is still limited. Many researches were conducted to explore simple and cost-effective alternatives to replace TiO2 for various industrial purposes. Therefore, the aim of this study is to synthesize and characterize lanthanum doped calcium oxide (La/CaO) as photocatalyst as well as to evaluate the performance of these photocatalysts in the degradation of POME. The photocatalyst used in this study was converted from cockle shells to transform into calcium oxide (CaO) through calcination process. The CaO produced was doped with 1 wt%, 3 wt%, and 5 wt% of lanthanum (La) using wet impregnation method to enhance its photocatalytic activity. The photocatalysts were characterised using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersion X-ray (EDX) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS). Then, this photocatalyst was performed on POME under UVC in a batch system by using different La/CaO at optimum catalyst dosage of 3.0 g/L. Through this research, it was found that the POME degradation through photocatalytic reaction was increased with the incorporation of La where 3 wt% La/CaO shows the highest POME degradation compared to others. This is due to the larger BET surface area that provides more active sites resulted from the incorporation of La. The findings of this study imply that the contaminants in POME can be reduced by utilizing CaO derived from cockle shells.
Microwave-assisted Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles Stabilized with Gum Arabic: Effect of Microwave Irradiation Time on ZnO Nanoparticles Size and Morphology
Authors: Pauzi Norlin , Mat Zain Norashikin , Ahmad Yusof Nurul Amira
Published: January 2019

The conventional heating methods of nanoparticle synthesis regularly depend on the energy inputs from outer heat sources that resulted high energy intake and low reaction competences. In this paper ZnO nanoparticles stabilized with gum arabic are synthesized using precipitating method assisted by simple and cost effective microwave heating technique. The objective of this work is to investigate the effect of microwave irradiation time towards ZnO nanoparticles morphology and size. The effect of microwave irradiation time has been investigated at 2, 4, 6, and 10 minutes. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) was employed to measure the size of ZnO nanoparticles. Ultraviolet–Visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) were used for the characterization of the ZnO nanoparticles. UV-vis absorption spectrum was found in the range of 350 nm indicating the absorption peak of ZnO nanoparticles. FTIR spectra showed peaks range from 424 to 475 cm–1 which indicating standard of Zn–O stretching. The presence of (100), (002), and (101) planes were apparent in the XRD result, indicating the crystalline phase of ZnO nanoparticles. The increase in the microwave irradiation time affected the processes of nucleation and crystal growth promoted larger ZnO nanoparticles size. Microwave irradiation time at 2 minutes was selected as the best microwave irradiation time for smallest ZnO nanoparticles averaging about 168 nm sizes based on DLS analysis.
Utilization of Lapindo Volcanic Mud for Enhanced Sono-sorption Removal of Acid Orange 52
Authors: Kamarudin Nur Hidayatul Nazirah , Setiabudi Herma Dina , Abdul Jalil Aishah , Adam Siti Hazirah , Muhamad Salleh Nur Fatien
Published: January 2019

This study applied ultrasonic irradiation technique to remove acid orange 52 (AO52) and in the meantime utilizing the potential adsorbent, Lapindo volcanic mud (LVM). LVM was collected from the erupted mud in Sidoarjo, Indonesia and calcined prior the adsorption process. Previously in another study, Lapindo was proven to be efficient for adsorption of dyes in single adsorption method. In this study, the combination of adsorption with ultrasound, or as known as sono-sorption shows that the adsorptivity increased from 95.54 mg/g to 129.5 mg/g. The isotherm study shows that this process obeyed Langmuir isotherm model with adsorption capacity of 833.33 mg/g. The enhancement of sono-sorption method as compared to conventional method is believed to be resulted from the facilitated mass transfer driven by the ultrasound, along with the adsorption ability of LVM. The kinetic study fit to the pseudo second order equation.
Development of CaO/PVA Catalyst from Fish Bone for Biodiesel Production
Authors: Sulaiman Sarina , Abdul Jamaludin Nor Fatin , Kabbashi Nassereldeen Ahmed
Published: January 2019

In this study, calcium oxide were synthesized from fish bone waste and the optimum condition : catalyst amount, temperature and methanol to oil ratio (molar) for biodiesel production were studied. The calcium oxide (CaO) derived from fish bone wastes was then supported on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to easily separate the catalyst and biodiesel. Fish bone were dried in oven at 70 oC for 24 hr before calcination process at 900 oC for 4 hours. The biodiesel yield was studied by varying three parameters, namely methanol to oil ratio (molar) (6:1 - 20:1), amount of catalyst (1-10 wt%) and temperature (55-65 oC). The highest yield obtained from this study was at 80.40 % with catalyst amount of 10 wt%, methanol to oil ratio (molar) of 20:1 and temperature of 65  oC.
Intercalations and Characterization of Zinc/Aluminium Layered Double Hydroxide-Cinnamic Acid
Authors: Adam Nurain , Sheikh Mohd Ghazali Sheikh Ahmad Izaddin , Dzulkifli Nur Nadia , Che Hak Cik Rohaida , Sarijo Siti Halimah
Published: January 2019

Cinnamic acid (CA) is known to lose its definite function by forming into radicals that able to penetrate into the skin and lead to health issues. Incorporating CA into zinc/aluminum-layered double hydroxides (Zn/Al-LDH) able to reduce photodegradation and eliminate close contact between skin and CA. Co-precipitation or direct method used by using zinc nitrate hexahydrate and aluminium nitrate nonahydrate as starting precursors with addition of various concentration of CA. The pH were kept constant at 7 ± 0.5. Fourier Transform Infrared-Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) shows the presence of nanocomposites peak 3381 cm–1 for OH group, 1641 cm–1 for C=O group, 1543 cm–1 for C=C group and 1206 cm–1 for C–O group  and disappearance of  N–O peak at 1352 cm–1 indicates that cinnamic acid were intercalated in between the layered structures. Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD) analysis for Zn/Al-LDH show the basal spacing of 9.0 Ǻ indicates the presence of nitrate and increases to 18.0 Ǻ in basal spacing in 0.4M Zn/Al-LDH-CA. CHNS analysis stated that 40 % of cinnamic acid were being found and intercalated in between the interlayer region of the Zn/Al-LDH with higher thermal stability. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) images of 0.4 M Zn/Al-LDH-CA shows that the nanocomposites are in more compact, flaky non porous, large agglomerates with smooth the surfaces of the intercalated compound. Controlled release was successful with 80 % release in phosphite anion and 70 % release carbonate anion. The cinnamic acid was successfully inserted between the interlayer regions of Zn/Al-LDH with slow release formulation.
Synthesis of KCC-1 Using Rice Husk Ash for Pb Removal from Aqueous Solution and Petrochemical Wastewater
Authors: Hasan Rosalyza , Chong Chi Cheng , Setiabudi Herma Dina
Published: January 2019

A silica-rich rice husk ash (RHA, 95.44% SiO2) was used as a silica precursor in the synthesis of KCC-1 for Pb(II) removal. The extraction of silica was carried out under several extraction methods (alkali fusion (AF), reflux (RF) and microwave heating (MW)) and extraction parameters (NaOH/RHA mass ratio, fusion temperature and H2O/NaOH-fused RHA mass ratio). The highest silica content was obtained using AF method at extraction conditions of NaOH/RHA mass ratio = 2, fusion temperature = 550 ºC, and H2O/NaOH-fused RHA mass ratio = 4, with silica concentration of 85,490 ppm. TEM, FTIR, and BET analyses revealed the synthesized KCC-1 has fibrous morphology with surface area of 220 m2/g. The synthesized KCC-1 showed good performance in removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solution (74%) and petrochemical wastewater (70%). The analyses of petrochemical wastewater revealed that the adsorption process using synthesized KCC-1 effectively decreased the concentration of COD (489 mg/L to 106 mg/L), BOD (56 mg/L to 34 mg/L) and Pb(II) (22.8 mg/L to 6.71 mg/L). This study affirmed that KCC-1 was successfully synthesized using RHA as silica precursor and applied as an efficient adsorbent for Pb(II) removal.
Resident Clinical Experience in the Emergency Department: Patient Encounters by Postgraduate Year
Authors: Douglass Amy , Yip Kathleen , Lumanauw Debryna , Fleischman Ross J. , Jordan Jaime , Tanen David A.
Published: January 2019

Background

During emergency medicine (EM) training, residents are exposed to a wide spectrum of patient complaints. We sought to determine how resident clinical experience changes based on training level in relation to the patient acuity levels, chief complaints, and dispositions.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients seen at a safety‐net, academic hospital in Los Angeles from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016. Resident postgraduate year (PGY) level and specialty, patient acuity (based on the Emergency Severity Index), chief complaint (based on one of 30 categories), and disposition were abstracted. Our primary objective was to examine the progression of EM resident experience throughout the course of training. As a secondary objective, we compared the cases seen by EM and off‐service PGY‐1s.

Results

A total of 49,535 visits were examined, and of these, 32,870 (66.4%) were in the adult ED (AED) and 16,665 (33.6%) were in the pediatric ED (PED). The median acuity level was 3, and 27.4% of AED patients and 7.3% of PED patients were admitted. Data from 126 residents were analyzed. This included 94 PGY‐1 residents (16 EM and 78 off‐service), 16 PGY‐2 EM, and 16 PGY‐3 EM residents. Residents of different training levels evaluated different types of patients. Senior EM residents were more likely to care for higher‐acuity patients than junior EM residents. EM PGY‐3s saw higher percentages of acuity level 1 and 2 patients (2.3 and 37.8%, respectively, of their total patients) than EM PGY‐1s (0.3 and 18.7%, respectively). Conversely, EM PGY‐1s saw higher percentages of acuity level 4 and 5 patients (27.9 and 1.6%, respectively) compared to EM PGY‐3s (10.7 and 0.7%, respectively). There was a significant linear trend for increasing acuity with training year among EM residents (p < 0.001). EM PGY‐1s saw more patients than off‐service PGY‐1s with slightly higher acuities and admission rates.

Conclusion

The clinical experience of EM residents varies based on their level of training. EM residents show a progression throughout residency and are more likely to encounter higher volumes of patients with higher acuity as they progress in their training. When designing EM residency curriculums, this is a model of an EM residency program.
Simpson–Golabi–Behmel syndrome with 46,XY disorders of sex development: A case report
Authors: Fu Qian , Wang Hui , Qi Zhan , Zhang Yaxin
Published: January 2019

We present a case of a Chinese child with X‐linked Simpson–Golabi–Behmel syndrome (SGBS). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of 46,XY disorders of sex development (ambiguous genitalia, cryptorchidism, and uterus in the pelvis) in surviving SGBS patients. Other external anomalies included characteristic facial anomalies, overgrowth, macrocephaly, organomegaly, pectus excavatum, and cryptorchidism. It could be that the GPC3 gene mutation caused Leydig cell dysfunction in our patient. Disorders of sex development can be included as part of the clinical spectrum of SGBS.
Synthesis of a Cu2O/Carbon Film/NiCoB‐Graphene Oxide Heterostructure as Photocathode for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Yu Chunlin , Zhang Xingwang
Published: January 2019

Photoelectrochemical cells (PECs) for water splitting offer a promising way to convert solar energy into chemical energy. The electron transfer rate and surface‐catalyzed ability toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) play key roles in the efficiency of PEC water splitting. In this work, a photocathode based on a Cu2O/Carbon film/NiCoB‐graphene oxide (Cu2O/C/NiCoB−GO) heterostructure is fabricated. The thickness‐controllable carbon film served as the electron transport and protective layer with favorable optical properties. The NiCoB‐GO amorphous catalyst displays efficient performance towards HER in neutral condition. The optimized photocathode shows a PEC‐HER performance with a photocurrent density of −2.9 mA/cm2 at 0 V vs. RHE, and it also presents better stability than bare Cu2O. This work provides a novel heterostructure photocathode for promoting solar‐driven PEC water splitting efficiently.
Covalently Palladated Oligonucleotides Through Oxidative Addition of Pd0
Authors: Räisälä Harri , Lönnberg Tuomas
Published: January 2019

An 11‐mer oligonucleotide incorporating a central (2‐iodobenzoylamino)methyl residue has been synthesized and palladated by oxidative addition of Pd2(dba)3. UV melting profiles of the duplexes formed by the palladated oligonucleotide with its natural complements were biphasic and the higher melting temperatures (Tm) exhibited considerable hysteresis. CD spectra, in turn, resembled those of canonical B‐type double helices. Two‐step denaturation, with the “low‐Tm” melting involving only canonical base pairs and the “high‐Tm” melting involving also dissociation of a PdII‐mediated base pair, appears the most likely explanation for the observed UV melting profiles. As the latter step in all cases takes place at a higher temperature than denaturation of natural duplexes of the same length, the putative PdII‐mediated base pairs are stabilizing.
Research on the heat and mass transfer mechanisms for growth of hydrate shell from gas bubbles
Authors: Sun Xiaohui , Xia Andi , Sun Baojiang , Liao Youqiang , Wang Zhiyuan , Gao Yonghai
Published: January 2019

As a fundamental study for hydrate utilization technologies, hydrate growth is a complicated rate‐limiting process controlled by heat and mass transfer mechanisms. Generally, the experimental data of hydrate shell lateral growth in the literature are compiled based on the system subcooling, while those of hydrate shell vertical growth are compiled based on the molecular mobility of the hydrate formers and water. In this study, we quantitatively investigate the dominating factors for hydrate film growth considering the opposite mass or heat transfer limitations, which can explain the observed phenomena from the literature more comprehensively. Firstly, a model is derived to describe the lateral growth of hydrate shell considering the convective mass transfer and effective concentration driving force at the film front. It can demonstrate the important effects of subcooling and other system factors such as gas type, aqueous solution, and system pressure on hydrate shell lateral growth. Secondly, an improved self‐similar model is presented to simulate the process of hydrate shell thickening considering the heat transfer limitation. The simulation results indicate that the hydrate shell growth rate decreases with a decrease in the subcooling and an increase in the bubble radius.
Prevalence, pattern and clinical relevance of ultrasound indices of congestion in outpatients with heart failure
Authors: Pellicori Pierpaolo , Shah Parin , Cuthbert Joe , Urbinati Alessia , Zhang Jufen , Kallvikbacka‐Bennett Anna , Clark Andrew L. , Cleland John G.F.
Published: January 2019

Aims

Even if treatment controls symptoms, patients with heart failure may still be congested. We aimed at assessing the prevalence and clinical relevance of congestion in outpatients with chronic heart failure.

Methods and results

We recorded clinical and ultrasound [lung B‐lines; inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter; internal jugular vein diameter before and after a Valsalva manoeuvre (JVD ratio)] features of congestion in heart failure patients during a routine check‐up. Of 342 patients who attended, predominantly in New York Heart Association class I or II (n = 257; 75%), 242 (71%) had at least one feature of congestion, either clinical (n = 139; 41%) or by ultrasound (n = 199; 58%). Amongst patients (n = 203, 59%) clinically free of congestion, 31 (15%) had ≥ 14 B‐lines, 57 (29%) had a dilated IVC (> 2.0 cm), 38 (20%) had an abnormal JVD ratio (< 4), 87 (43%) had at least one of these, and 27 (13%) had two or more. During a median follow‐up of 234 (interquartile range 136–351) days, 60 patients (18%) died or were hospitalized for heart failure. In univariable analysis, each clinical and ultrasound measure of congestion was associated with increased risk but, in multivariable models, only higher N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide and IVC, and lower JVD ratio, were associated with the composite outcome.

Conclusions

Many patients with chronic heart failure with few symptoms have objective evidence of congestion and this is associated with an adverse prognosis. Whether using these measures of congestion to guide management improves outcomes requires investigation.
Selective Confinement of CdII in Silica Particles Functionalized with β‐Keto‐Enol‐Bisfuran Receptor: Isotherms, Kinetic and Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Tighadouini Said , Radi Smaail , Elidrissi Abderrahman , Zaghrioui Mustapha , Garcia Yann
Published: January 2019

A new hybrid inorganic‐organic material, modified with a β‐keto‐enol‐bisfuran receptor, has been synthesized and used for heavy metal adsorption. The surface of this material revealed a porous structure, and full incorporation of the metal receptor into the hybrid material was confirmed. Systematic adsorption experiments were undertaken by varying pH, adsorption time, initial concentration, and temperature. A highly selective adsorption was detected for CdII, which reached equilibrium within only 25 min. Regeneration of our hybrid material is excellent with a simple regeneration process, thus opening important perspectives in water cleaning technologies.
Co‐utilization of acidified glycerol pretreated‐sugarcane bagasse for microbial oil production by a novel Rhodosporidium strain
Authors: Hassanpour Morteza , Cai Guiqin , Gebbie Leigh K. , Speight Robert E. , Junior Te'o Valentino S. , O'Hara Ian M. , Zhang Zhanying
Published: January 2019

Acidified glycerol pretreatment is very effective to deconstruct lignocellulosics for producing glucose. Co‐utilization of pretreated biomass and residual glycerol to bioproducts could reduce the costs associated with biomass wash and solvent recovery. In this study, a novel strain Rhodosporidium toruloides RP 15, isolated from sugarcane bagasse, was selected and tested for coconversion of pretreated biomass and residual glycerol to microbial oils. In the screening trails, Rh. toruloides RP 15 demonstrated the highest oil production capacity on glucose, xylose, and glycerol among the 10 strains. At the optimal C:N molar ratio of 140:1, this strain accumulated 56.7, 38.3, and 54.7% microbial oils based on dry cell biomass with 30 g/L glucose, xylose, and glycerol, respectively. Furthermore, sugarcane bagasse medium containing 32.6 g/L glucose from glycerol‐pretreated bagasse and 23.4 g/L glycerol from pretreatment hydrolysate were used to produce microbial oils by Rh. toruloides RP 15. Under the preliminary conditions without pH control, this strain produced 7.7 g/L oil with an oil content of 59.8%, which was comparable or better than those achieved with a synthetic medium. In addition, this strain also produced 3.5 mg/L carotenoid as a by‐product. It is expected that microbial oil production can be significantly improved through process optimization.
War landform mapping and classification on the Verdun battlefield (France) using airborne LiDAR and multivariate analysis
Authors: de Matos‐Machado Rémi , Toumazet Jean‐Pierre , Bergès Jean‐Claude , Amat Jean‐Paul , Arnaud‐Fassetta Gilles , Bétard François , Bilodeau Clélia , Hupy Joseph P. , Jacquemot Stéphanie
Published: January 2019

Acting as efficient earth‐movers, soldiers can be viewed as significant geomorphological drivers of landscape change when replaced in the recent debates on Anthropocene Geomorphology. ‘Polemoforms’, generated by military activities, correspond with a set of human‐made landforms of various sizes and geometries. They are particularly common on the World War One battlefield of Verdun (France) which ranks among the largest battles of attrition along the Western Front. The artillery bombardments and building of defensive positions in that battle significantly altered the landscape, resulting in thousands of shell craters, dugouts, and gun positions that have altered both the meso and microtopography. This paper proposes an innovative methodology to make an exhaustive inventory of these small‐scale conflict‐induced landforms (excluding linear features such as trenches) using a digital terrain model (DTM) acquired by airborne LiDAR on the whole battlefield. Morphometric analysis was conducted using Kohonen's self‐organizing maps (SOMs) and hierarchical agglomerative clustering (HAC) in order to quantify and classify the high number of war landforms. This combined approach allowed for mapping more than one million landforms which can be classified into eight different shapes including shell craters and various soldier‐made landforms (i.e. shelters, gun positions, etc.). Detection quality evaluation using field observations revealed the algorithm successfully classified 93% of shell craters and 74% of anthropologically constructed landforms. Finally, the iconographic database and map series produced will help archaeologists and foresters to better manage the historic site of Verdun, today covered by a large forest of ~10 000 ha. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The PTN‐PTPRZ signal activates the AFAP1L2‐dependent PI3K‐AKT pathway for oligodendrocyte differentiation: Targeted inactivation of PTPRZ activity in mice
Authors: Tanga Naomi , Kuboyama Kazuya , Kishimoto Ayako , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Shiraishi Aki , Suzuki Ryoko , Watanabe Toshio , Fujikawa Akihiro , Noda Masaharu
Published: January 2019

Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type Z (PTPRZ) maintains oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) in an undifferentiated state. The inhibition of PTPase by its ligand pleiotrophin (PTN) promotes OPC differentiation; however, the substrate molecules of PTPRZ involved in the differentiation have not yet been elucidated in detail. We herein demonstrated that the tyrosine phosphorylation of AFAP1L2, paxillin, ERBB4, GIT1, p190RhoGAP, and NYAP2 was enhanced in OPC‐like OL1 cells by a treatment with PTN. AFAP1L2, an adaptor protein involved in the PI3K‐AKT pathway, exhibited the strongest response to PTN. PTPRZ dephosphorylated AFAP1L2 at tyrosine residues in vitro and in HEK293T cells. In OL1 cells, the knockdown of AFAP1L2 or application of a PI3K inhibitor suppressed cell differentiation as well as the PTN‐induced phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR. We generated a knock‐in mouse harboring a catalytically inactive Cys to Ser (CS) mutation in the PTPase domain. The phosphorylation levels of AFAP1L2, AKT, and mTOR were higher, and the expression of oligodendrocyte markers, including myelin basic protein (MBP) and myelin regulatory factor (MYRF), was stronger in CS knock‐in brains than in wild‐type brains on postnatal day 10; however, these differences mostly disappeared in the adult stage. Adult CS knock‐in mice exhibited earlier remyelination after cuprizone‐induced demyelination through the accelerated differentiation of OPCs. These phenotypes in CS knock‐in mice were similar to those in Ptprz‐deficient mice. Therefore, we conclude that the PTN‐PTPRZ signal stimulates OPC differentiation partly by enhancing the tyrosine phosphorylation of AFAP1L2 in order to activate the PI3K‐AKT pathway.
In vivo Ca2+ imaging of astrocytic microdomains reveals a critical role of the amyloid precursor protein for mitochondria
Authors: Montagna Elena , Crux Sophie , Luckner Manja , Herber Julia , Colombo Alessio V. , Marinković Petar , Tahirovic Sabina , Lichtenthaler Stefan F. , Wanner Gerhard , Müller Ulrike C. , Sgobio Carmelo , Herms Jochen
Published: January 2019

The investigation of amyloid precursor protein (APP) has been mainly confined to its neuronal functions, whereas very little is known about its physiological role in astrocytes. Astrocytes exhibit a particular morphology with slender extensions protruding from somata and primary branches. Along these fine extensions, spontaneous calcium transients occur in spatially restricted microdomains. Within these microdomains mitochondria are responsible for local energy supply and Ca2+ buffering. Using two‐photon in vivo Ca2+ imaging, we report a significant decrease in the density of active microdomains, frequency of spontaneous Ca2+ transients and slower Ca2+ kinetics in mice lacking APP. Mechanistically, these changes could be potentially linked to mitochondrial malfunction as our in vivo and in vitro data revealed severe, APP‐dependent structural mitochondrial fragmentation in astrocytes. Functionally, such mitochondria exhibited prolonged kinetics and morphology dependent signal size of ATP‐induced Ca2+ transients. Our results highlight a prominent role of APP in the modulation of Ca2+ activity in astrocytic microdomains whose precise functioning is crucial for the reinforcement and modulation of synaptic function. This study provides novel insights in APP physiological functions which are important for the understanding of the effects of drugs validated in Alzheimer's disease treatment that affect the function of APP.
Cortical and structural‐connectivity damage correlated with impaired syntactic processing in aphasia
Authors: den Ouden Dirk‐Bart , Malyutina Svetlana , Basilakos Alexandra , Bonilha Leonardo , Gleichgerrcht Ezequiel , Yourganov Grigori , Hillis Argye E. , Hickok Gregory , Rorden Chris , Fridriksson Julius
Published: January 2019

Agrammatism in aphasia is not a homogeneous syndrome, but a characterization of a nonuniform set of language behaviors in which grammatical markers and complex syntactic structures are omitted, simplified, or misinterpreted. In a sample of 71 left‐hemisphere stroke survivors, syntactic processing was quantified with the Northwestern Assessment of Verbs and Sentences (NAVS). Classification analyses were used to assess the relation between NAVS performance and morphosyntactically reduced speech in picture descriptions. Voxel‐based and connectivity‐based lesion‐symptom mapping were applied to investigate neural correlates of impaired syntactic processing. Despite a nonrandom correspondence between NAVS performance and morphosyntactic production deficits, there was variation in individual patterns of syntactic processing. Morphosyntactically reduced production was predicted by lesions to left‐hemisphere inferior frontal cortex. Impaired verb argument structure production was predicted by damage to left‐hemisphere posterior superior temporal and angular gyrus, as well as to a ventral pathway between temporal and frontal cortex. Damage to this pathway was also predictive of impaired sentence comprehension and production, particularly of noncanonical sentences. Although agrammatic speech production is primarily predicted by lesions to inferior frontal cortex, other aspects of syntactic processing rely rather on regional integrity in temporoparietal cortex and the ventral stream.
The role of arsenic in obesity and diabetes
Authors: Farkhondeh Tahereh , Samarghandian Saeed , Azimi‐Nezhad Mohsen
Published: January 2019

As many individuals worlwide are exposed to arsenic, it is necessary to unravel the role of arsenic in the risk of obesity and diabetes. Therefore, the present study reviewed the effects of arsenic exposure on the risk and potential etiologic mechanisms of obesity and diabetes. It has been suggested that inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis contribute to the pathogenesis of arsenic‐induced diabetes and obesity. Though arsenic is known to cause diabetes through different mechanisms, the role of adipose tissue in diabetes is still unclear. This review exhibited the effects of arsenic on the metabolism and signaling pathways within adipose tissue (such as sirtuin 3 [SIRT3]‐ forkhead box O3 [FOXO3a], mitogen‐activated protein kinase [MAPK], phosphoinositide‐dependant kinase‐1 [PDK‐1], unfolded protein response, and C/EBP homologous protein [CHOP10]). Different types of adipokines involved in arsenic‐induced diabetes are yet to be elucidated. Arsenic exerts negative effects on the white adipose tissue by decreasing adipogenesis and enhancing lipolysis. Some epidemiological studies have shown that arsenic can promote obesity. Nevertheless, few studies have indicated that arsenic may induce lipodystrophy. Arsenic multifactorial effects include accelerating birth and postnatal weight gains, elevated body fat content, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and increased serum lipid profile. Arsenic also elevated cord blood and placental, as well as postnatal serum leptin levels. The data from human studies indicate an association between inorganic arsenic exposure and the risk of diabetes and obesity. However, the currently available evidence is insufficient to conclude that low‐moderate dose arsenic is associated with diabetes or obesity development. Therefore, more investigations are needed to determine biological mechanisms linking arsenic exposure to obesity and diabetes.
Structure of the stomach cuticle in adult and larvae of the spider crab Maja brachydactyla (Brachyura, Decapoda)
Authors: Castejón Diego , Rotllant Guiomar , Ribes Enric , Durfort Mercè , Guerao Guillermo
Published: January 2019

The stomach of decapods is a complex organ with specialized structures that are delimited by a cuticle. The morphology and ontogeny of the stomach are largely described, but few studies have focused on the morphology of its cuticle. This study examined the morphology of the stomach cuticle of cardiac sacs, gastric mill ossicles, cardio‐pyloric valve and pyloric filters, and during various stages (zoea I and II, megalopa, first juvenile, and adult) of the common spider crab Maja brachydactyla using dissection, histology and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that cuticle morphology varies among structures (e.g., cardiac sacs, urocardiac ossicle, cardio‐pyloric valve, pyloric filters), within a single structure (e.g., different sides of the urocardiac ossicle) and among different life stages. The cuticle during the larval stages is very thin and the different layers (epicuticle, exocuticle, and endocuticle) are infrequently distinguishable by histology. Major changes during larval development regarding cuticle morphology are observed after the molt to megalopa, including the increment in thickness in the gastric mill ossicles and cardio‐pyloric valve, and the disappearance of the long thickened setae of the cardio‐pyloric valve. The cuticle of all the stomach structures in the adults is thicker than in larval and juvenile stages. The cuticle varies in thickness, differential staining affinity and morphology of the cuticle layers. The structure–function relationship of the cuticle morphology is discussed.
Targeting mutant TP53 as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of osteosarcoma
Authors: Tang Fan , Min Li , Seebacher Nicole A. , Li Xiaoyang , Zhou Yubin , Hornicek Francis J. , Wei Yuquan , Tu Chongqi , Duan Zhenfeng
Published: January 2019

Mutant TP53 is a promising therapeutic target in cancers. Considering the current challenges facing the clinical treatment of cancer, as well as the urgent need to identify novel therapeutic targets in osteosarcomas, we aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of mutant TP53 in osteosarcoma patients and to explore the therapeutic effect of targeting mutant TP53 in osteosarcomas. We performed a meta‐analysis to investigate the relationship between mutant TP53 and the overall survival of patients with osteosarcoma. A CRISPR‐Cas9 system and a TP53 inhibitor, NSC59984, were also used to specifically knock‐out and inhibit mutant TP53 in the human osteosarcoma cell lines, KHOS, and KHOSR2. The meta‐analysis demonstrated that mutations in the TP53 gene could be used to predict a poor 2‐year survival in osteosarcoma patients. We also demonstrated that the expression of mutant TP53 in human osteosarcoma cell lines can be efficiently knocked‐out using CRISPR‐Cas9, and this decreased the proliferation, migration, and tumor formation activity of these osteosarcoma cells. Moreover, drug sensitivity to doxorubicin was increased in these TP53 knock‐out osteosarcoma cells. NSC59984 also showed similar anti‐tumor effects as CRISPR‐Cas9 targeted TP53 in the osteosarcoma cells in vitro. We have also demonstrated that the knock‐out or inhibition of mutant TP53 decreased the expression of the oncogene IGF‐1R, anti‐apoptotic proteins Bcl‐2, and Survivin in osteosarcoma cells. Collectively, these results suggest that mutant TP53 is a promising therapeutic target in osteosarcomas. Therefore, further studies exploring novel strategies to target mutant TP53 may help improve the treatment outcomes of osteosarcoma patients in the clinic. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
New Interfacial Rheology Characteristics Measured Using a Spinning Drop Rheometer at the Optimum Formulation. Part 2. Surfactant–Oil–Water Systems with a High Volume of Middle‐Phase Microemulsion
Authors: Marquez Ronald , Antón Raquel , Vejar Francia , Salager Jean‐Louis , Forgiarini Ana M.
Published: January 2019

This article is a continuation of our first study on dilational interfacial rheology properties at optimum formulation for surfactant‐oil–water systems at low surfactant concentration just above the cμc. Here, we have investigated a high content of middle‐phase microemulsion with an optimum WIII phase behavior for a system containing sodium dodecyl sulfate, n‐pentanol, and kerosene. A new oscillating spinning drop interfacial rheometer was used to measure the interfacial properties. The very low dilational elasticity moduli and phase angle found at or near hydrophilic–lipophilic deviation (HLD) = 0 are related to the presence of the bicontinuous phase microemulsion and to the fast surfactant exchanges between the bulk and the interface, regardless of the phases involved in the measurement using the spinning drop apparatus, i.e., the two‐phase excess oil and excess water (O‐W) or the bicontinuous microemulsion and excess water (M‐W). We show that at or near optimum formulation, the interfacial tension and the dilational modulus for the M‐W case almost instantly reach equilibrium, because of the high surfactant content in the microemulsion and the fast exchanges between the bulk and the interface. In contrast, when both excess phases (O‐W) are measured, the changes in these properties are slower, due to the scarce presence of surfactants in both phases. The possibility of having almost all the surfactants trapped in the middle‐phase bicontinuous microemulsion could explain the emulsion instability in all the WIII range. This is behaving as if there were no surfactant available in the oil and water phases to stabilize the oil or water droplets thus formed.
Surfactin from Bacillus velezensis H2O‐1: Production and Physicochemical Characterization for Postsalt Applications
Authors: Guimarães Carolina Reis , Pasqualino Ilson Paranhos , da Mota Fabio Faria , de Godoy Mateus Gomes , Seldin Lucy , de Castilho Livia Vieira Araujo , Freire Denise Maria Guimarães
Published: January 2019

The use of surfactin, a powerful biosurfactant, is generally hampered by poor production yield. Consequently, identification of new producers and the study of operational parameters are essential. We identify Bacillus sp. H2O‐1 as Bacillus velezensis, a species previously not investigated for its biosurfactant production. Among the nitrogen sources we tested, (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3 were the most appropriate for surfactin production, reaching 608.5 and 659.5 mg L−1, respectively. Only temperature affected the production, whereas rotation and the C/N ratio did not. Biosurfactants can be used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in reservoirs located in the presalt and postsalt layers, where conditions of temperature, pressure, and salinity are quite varied, requiring a study of the stability of these molecules under these conditions. We found the surfactin produced by B. velezensis to be stable at different temperatures, pH, and ionic strengths. We evaluated the concurrent effects of different salinity, temperature, and pressure conditions on surface and interfacial activities of this surfactin. Overall, we found the surfactin produced by B. velezensis H2O‐1 to have considerable potential for industrial applications, mainly due to the stability of its physical and chemical characteristics when subjected to different temperatures, pressures, and salinities, in addition to its low toxicity.
Simultaneous detection of four flavonoids and two alkaloids in rat plasma by LC–MS/MS and its application to a comparative study of the pharmacokinetics between Abri Herba and Abri mollis Herba extract after oral administration
Authors: Liu Ruina , Yan Wenying , Han Qingjie , Lv Tao , Wang Xin , Liu Xiaochen , Fan Xueyan , Meng Caifeng , Wang Chunying
Published: January 2019

Abri Herba and Abri mollis Herba both were important members of the Leguminosae family in southwestern China. Abri mollis Herba was often used as Abri Herba due to their proximity, but there are few studies on pharmacokinetics to compare their main identical active compositions. A sensitive and selective high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method in the positive/negative electrospray ionization switching mode was developed and validated for the simultaneous analysis of four flavonoids and two alkaloids in rat plasma. The chromatographic separation was carried out on a C18 column with a gradient mobile phase consisting of methanol and 0.5% acetic acid. The detection of the target compounds was conducted in multiple‐reaction monitoring mode with a hybrid triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer equipped with positive/negative ion‐switching electrospray ion source. The differences in pharmacokinetics were discovered, which indicated that the substitution between them is some degree of irrationality. The validated method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic study of the six components in male rat plasma after oral administration of Abri Herba and Abri mollis Herba extract and the results in the study would provide a useful guide for the clinical application of Abri Herba with those in Abri mollis Herba.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Maltreated Children Grown Up: The Influence of Neighborhood
Authors: Schuck Amie M. , Widom Cathy Spatz
Published: January 2019

In this study, we examined the effects of childhood neighborhood characteristics on the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a sample of abused and neglected individuals and matched controls followed into adulthood (N = 1,132). Using generalized linear models (GLM), the results indicated that growing up in more advantaged neighborhoods (middle‐ and upper‐class) was associated with the development of fewer PTSD symptoms,R2 = .09,p < .001. In contrast, growing up in more economically disadvantaged areas was associated with more PTSD symptoms, but only for nonmaltreated controls,R2 = .09,p < .001. We did not find that neighborhood characteristics were associated with PTSD in terms of the number of traumatic events reported,R2 = .60,p < .001, or being the victim of more than one type of maltreatment, pseudoR2 = .11,p < .001. The results generally supported the premise that characteristics of one's residential environment in childhood, especially factors reflecting social and economic advantage and disadvantage, have an influence on mental health functioning later in life. Future research should examine the mechanisms that might explain the impact of childhood neighborhood on PTSD outcomes and the aggravating effects of pretrauma vulnerabilities associated with neighborhood disadvantage.
The Association Between Disease Severity and Microbiome in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Rom Darren , Bassiouni Ahmed , Eykman Elizabeth , Liu Zhixin , Paramasivan Sathish , Alvarado Raquel , Earls Peter , Psaltis Alkis J. , Harvey Richard J.
Published: January 2019

Objective

The role of the microbiome in the etiology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is still in debate. Reductions in richness and diversity have been implicated in CRS; however, limited knowledge exists regarding the impact of the severity of disease on the microbiome. The associations between constituents of the microbiome and the degree of mucosal inflammation and tissue eosinophilia are described.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of CRS and non‐CRS patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery was performed. Sinus mucosal biopsies were assessed for the degree of inflammation and tissue eosinophilia. Middle‐meatal swabs were subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing, which quantified the prevalence, mean relative abundance, richness, and diversity. Comparisons between the microbiome at the genus level and degree of inflammation (absent, mild, moderate, severe) and tissue eosinophilia (absent, < 10, 10–100, > 100 per high‐powered field) were performed.

Results

Eight‐nine patients (52.8 ± 14.21 years, 64.0% male) were assessed. Of those, 52 had CRS and 37 were controls. Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus were the most abundant genera in both the CRS (29% and 16%) and non‐CRS groups (40% and 20%). Richness decreased in more severely inflamed patients (23.2 ± 13.9 vs. 18.1 ± 16.1 vs. 16.8 ± 12.3 vs. 14.7 ± 10.9; P < 0.01), as did diversity (1.4 ± 0.7 vs. 1.2 ± 1.0 vs. 1.2 ± 0.8 vs. 0.9 ± 0.7; P = 0.05). Richness was associated with higher tissue eosinophilia (23.2 ± 13.9 vs. 19.3 ± 17.2 vs. 15.9 ± 11.6 vs. 13.4 ± 6.6; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The loss of richness and diversity seen in the CRS microbiome appears to be a product of severity of inflammation and tissue eosinophilia. Whether this dysbiosis is causative or a result of the disease with impaired epithelial integrity requires ongoing research.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 129:1265–1273, 2019
Incorporation of a spectral model in a convolutional neural network for accelerated spectral fitting
Authors: Gurbani Saumya S. , Sheriff Sulaiman , Maudsley Andrew A. , Shim Hyunsuk , Cooper Lee A.D.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

MRSI has shown great promise in the detection and monitoring of neurologic pathologies such as tumor. A necessary component of data processing includes the quantitation of each metabolite, typically done through fitting a model of the spectrum to the data. For high‐resolution volumetric MRSI of the brain, which may have ~10,000 spectra, significant processing time is required for spectral analysis and generation of metabolite maps.

Methods

A novel unsupervised deep learning architecture that combines a convolutional neural network with a priori models of the spectrum is presented. This architecture, a convolutional encoder–model decoder (CEMD), combines the strengths of adaptive and unbiased convolutional networks with models of magnetic resonance and is readily interpretable.

Results

The CEMD architecture performs accurate spectral fitting for volumetric MRSI in patients with glioblastoma, provides whole‐brain fitting in 1 min on a standard computer, and handles a variety of spectral artifacts.

Conclusion

A new architecture combining physics domain knowledge with convolutional neural networks has been developed and is able to perform rapid spectral fitting of whole‐brain data. Rapid processing is a critical step toward routine clinical practice.