bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transgenerational epigenetics: Inheritance of global cytosine methylation and methylation‐related epigenetic markers in the shrub Lavandula latifolia
Authors: Herrera Carlos M. , Alonso Conchita , Medrano Mónica , Pérez Ricardo , Bazaga Pilar
Published: May 2018

Premise of the Study

The ecological and evolutionary significance of natural epigenetic variation (i.e., not based on DNA sequence variants) variation will depend critically on whether epigenetic states are transmitted from parents to offspring, but little is known on epigenetic inheritance in nonmodel plants.

Methods

We present a quantitative analysis of transgenerational transmission of global DNA cytosine methylation (= proportion of all genomic cytosines that are methylated) and individual epigenetic markers (= methylation status of anonymous MSAP markers) in the shrub Lavandula latifolia. Methods based on parent‐offspring correlations and parental variance component estimation were applied to epigenetic features of field‐growing plants (‘maternal parents’) and greenhouse‐grown progenies. Transmission of genetic markers (AFLP) was also assessed for reference.

Key Results

Maternal parents differed significantly in global DNA cytosine methylation (range = 21.7–36.7%). Greenhouse‐grown maternal families differed significantly in global methylation, and their differences were significantly related to maternal origin. Methylation‐sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) markers exhibited significant transgenerational transmission, as denoted by significant maternal variance component of marker scores in greenhouse families and significant mother‐offspring correlations of marker scores.

Conclusions

Although transmission‐related measurements for global methylation and MSAP markers were quantitatively lower than those for AFLP markers taken as reference, this study has revealed extensive transgenerational transmission of genome‐wide global cytosine methylation and anonymous epigenetic markers in L. latifolia. Similarity of results for global cytosine methylation and epigenetic markers lends robustness to this conclusion, and stresses the value of considering both types of information in epigenetic studies of nonmodel plants.
Diels–Alder Reactions in Creating Complexity in Higher Order Isoprenoids: Proposed Biosynthesis and Biomimetic Total Syntheses
Authors: Bisai Vishnumaya , Bisai Alakesh
Published: May 2018

Diels–Alder reactions and hetero Diels–Alder reactions play crucial role in building complexity in many naturally occurring isoprenoids. A number of structurally intriguing complex isoprenoids have been isolated form Nature, those are believed to follow a [4+2]‐cycloaddition reaction in their biosynthetic proposal. In this focus review, we discuss on the recent efforts on biomimetic total syntheses of complex isoprenoids utilizing Diels–Alder and hetero Diels–Alder reactions. In particular, we have considered isoprenoids arising from a basic icetaxane, abietane, dinor‐abietane, and abeo‐abietane structural scaffolds.
PVDF membrane assisted by modified hydrophobic ZnO nanoparticle for membrane distillation
Authors: Ardeshiri Fatemeh , Salehi Setareh , Peyravi Majid , Jahanshahi Mohsen , Amiri Alireza , Rad Ali Shokuhi
Published: May 2018

In this study, the modified ZnO/poly vinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes were prepared to examine the membrane distillation performance. The modified ZnO nanoparticle was synthesized using 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane as a coupling agent and lauric acid in order to increase the hydrophobicity of nanoparticle surface. The modified nanoparticles with 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% contents were intercalated within PVDF scaffold to prepare composite membranes through phase inversion method. The influence of modified nanoparticle content on the characteristics of membranes including hydrophobicity, morphology, porosity, liquid entry pressure of water, and direct contact membrane distillation performance was investigated. By adding modified ZnO nanoparticle into casting solution, porosity and roughness were increased and revealed by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, respectively. The results of direct contact membrane distillation performance was indicated that the permeate flux of modified membranes had a significant increase in comparison with neat PVDF membrane. Also, the thermal property of these nanocomposite membranes was examined.
Interfacial liquid crystalline mesophase domain on carbon nanofillers in aromatic thermosetting copolyester matrix
Authors: Bakir Mete , Elhebeary Mohamed , Meyer Jacob L. , Sutrisno Andre , Economy James , Jasiuk Iwona
Published: May 2018

This work presents the formation process and thermophysical characteristics of preferentially oriented interfacial liquid crystalline (LC) mesophase domain emerging around graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) particles within an amorphous aromatic thermosetting copolyester (ATSP) matrix. Acetoxy‐ and carboxylic acid‐capped matched oligomers of ATSP interact with oxygen‐bearing functional groups on the GNPs during the thermal polymerization process which tethers the nanofillers to the crosslinked polymer backbone. Upon curing, a nematic phase LC network develops at the nanoparticle and matrix interface via the crystalline carbonaceous structure induced local ordering effects. The LC region exhibits a thermally reversible phase transition characteristic; attains an isotropic morphology through a heating cycle and reverses to the nematic form following a subsequent cooling cycle. Solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis reveals the presence of a robust interfacial attachment between the GNPs and ATSP backbone. The strong covalent conjugation induces a marked upshift in the glass transition temperature (Tg) in the ATSP‐GNP nanocomposites. Introduction of an LC interlayer region surrounding the nanofillers facilitated by a strong interfacial attachment mechanism could help to optimize the performance of polymer nanocomposites. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46584.
Oligomeric poly(ether‐imide)s bearing ortho trifluoromethyl groups: Solubility, thermal studies, and optical properties
Authors: Jessop Ignacio A. , Tagle Luis Hernán , Coll Deysma , Ortiz Pablo , Pérez Germán , Terraza Claudio A. , Tundidor‐Camba Alain
Published: May 2018

In the development of processable high‐temperature materials, six new aromatic poly(imide)s based on diamines containing ortho trifluoromethyl groups, ether linkages and R,R‐methylenes moieties (R = Me or Ph) and previously reported dianhydrides have been synthesized vía polycondensation reactions. All polymers were obtained with good yields, were soluble in a variety of polar aprotic solvents, and exhibited inherent viscosity (ηinh) values between 0.15 and 0.20 dL g−1, which is indicative of low molecular‐weight species. Preliminary studies of their physical properties were carried out. The new materials were transparent in the visible region and they exhibited thermal decomposition temperatures ranging from 475 to 545 °C and glass‐transition temperatures varying from 288 to 304 °C. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46613.
From whaling to whale watching: Identifying fin whale critical foraging habitats off the Chilean coast
Authors: Sepúlveda Maritza , Pérez‐Álvarez María José , Santos‐Carvallo Macarena , Pavez Guido , Olavarría Carlos , Moraga Rodrigo , Zerbini Alexandre N.
Published: May 2018

Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) have been documented along the coast of Chile since the early 20th century; however, information on their ecology and movement patterns remains poorly known.

In the spring of 2015, six implantable satellite tags were deployed on fin whales around the marine reserves of Isla Chañaral and Islas Choros‐Damas (approximately 29°S) to evaluate their movements and habitat use off the coast of Chile. A switching state–space model was used to estimate the predicted track of the whales as well as behavioural modes classified as ‘transiting’ and ‘area‐restricted search’ (ARS).

Whales were tracked for periods ranging between 4 and 162 days (mean = 68 ± 52 days), covering an average distance of 3225.7 ± 2871.6 km. Five of the six whales remained at middle latitudes for prolonged periods of time, moving in a north–south pattern near the coast, and spending most of their time in ARS behaviour (72.5% of the locations). Only one individual showed a clear southbound migratory behaviour, and remained in transit behaviour for most of the period it was followed.

These results suggest that some of the fin whales that are observed in Chile do follow a migration to high latitudes, whereas others remained at middle latitudes, probably using critical habitats as feeding grounds during the summer. This information not only contributes new information on the behaviour and foraging patterns of this species, but is also of particular interest to promote the growing whale‐watching activity, and also to better inform conservation and management efforts for this species in Chile.
Predictive Consensus for Networked Multi‐Agent Systems with Switching Topology and Variable Delay
Authors: Li Chang‐Jiang , Liu Guo‐Ping
Published: May 2018

This paper investigates consensus problems of networked linear time invariant (LTI) multi‐agent systems, subject to variable network delays and switching topology. A new protocol is proposed for such systems with matrix B that has full row rank, based on stochastic, indecomposable, aperiodic (SIA) matrix and the predictive control scheme. With the predictive scheme the network delay is compensated. Consensus analysis based on the seminorm is provided. The conditions are obtained for such systems with periodic switching topology to reach consensus. The proposed protocol can deal with time‐varying delays, switching topology, and an unstable mode. The numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
A High‐Throughput Workflow for CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated Combinatorial Promoter Replacements and Phenotype Characterization in Yeast
Authors: Kuivanen Joosu , Holmström Sami , Lehtinen Birgitta , Penttilä Merja , Jäntti Jussi
Published: May 2018

Due to the rapidly increasing sequence information on gene variants generated by evolution and the improved abilities to engineer novel biological activities, microbial cells can be evolved for the production of a growing spectrum of compounds. For high productivity, efficient carbon channeling toward the end product is a key element. In large scale production systems the genetic modifications that ensure optimal performance cannot be dependent on plasmid‐based regulators, but need to be engineered stably into the host genome. Here, a CRISPR/Cas9 mediated high‐throughput workflow for combinatorial and multiplexed replacement of native promoters with synthetic promoters and the following high‐throughput phenotype characterization in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is described. The workflow is demonstrated with three central metabolic genes, ZWF1, PGI1, and TKL1 encoding a glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphoglucose isomerase, and transketolase, respectively. The synthetic promoter donor DNA libraries are generated by PCR and transformed to yeast cells. A 50% efficiency is achieved for simultaneous replacement at three individual loci using short 60‐bp flanking homology sequences in the donor promoters. Phenotypic strain characterization is validated and demonstrated using liquid handling automation and 150 μL cultivation volume in 96‐well plate format. The established workflow offers a robust platform for automated engineering and improvement of yeast strains.
Determination of armepavine in mouse blood by UPLC‐MS/MS and its application to pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Geng Peiwu , Luo Jun , Weng Ziwei , Fan Zhehua , Zhang Bin , Ma Jianshe , Wang Xianqin , Zhang Meiling
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study was to develop an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) method to determine armepavine in mouse blood. Nuciferine was used as internal standard. Chromatographic separation was performed on a UPLC BEH (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 μm) column with a gradient elution of acetonitrile and 10 mmol/L ammonium acetate solution (containing 0.1% formic acid). The quantitative analysis was conducted in multiple reaction monitoring mode with m/z 314.1 → 106.9 for armepavine and m/z 296.2 → 265.1 for nuciferine. Calibration curves were linear (r > 0.995) over the concentration range 1–1000 ng/mL in mouse blood with a lowest limit of quantitation of 1 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions of armepavine in mouse were < 13.5 and 10.8%, respectively. The accuracy ranged between 86.8 and 103.3%. Meanwhile, the average recovery was >70.7% and the matrix effect was within the range 109.5–113.7%. All of the obtained data confirmed the satisfactory sensitivity and selectivity of the developed method which was then successfully applied to evaluate the pharmacokinetic behavior of armepavine in mouse for the first time. The bioavailability of armepavine in mouse was calculated to be 11.3%.
Liver injury after pulsed methylprednisolone therapy in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Nociti Viviana , Biolato Marco , De Fino Chiara , Bianco Assunta , Losavio Francesco Antonio , Lucchini Matteo , Marrone Giuseppe , Grieco Antonio , Mirabella Massimiliano
Published: May 2018

Objectives

High‐dose pulsed methylprednisolone‐related liver injury cases have been reported in the literature, but a prospective study in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has never been performed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of liver injury in patients with MS after pulsed methylprednisolone therapy.

Methods

We performed a prospective observational single‐center study on patients with MS treated with i.v. methylprednisolone 1,000 mg/day for 5 days. We tested the liver functionality before and 2 weeks after the treatment. In case of severe liver injury, defined according to “Hy's law,” a comprehensive hepatologic workup was performed.

Results

During a 12‐month observation period, we collected data on 251 cycles of i.v. steroid treatment of 175 patients with MS. After excluding eight cycles presenting a basal alteration of the biochemical liver tests, we observed a prevalence of 8.6% of liver injury in MS patients treated with pulsed methylprednisolone for clinical and neuroradiological relapses. In 2.5% of the patients, the liver injury was severe according to Hy's law; after a comprehensive hepatologic workup, three of them received a diagnosis of drug‐induced liver injury and the other three of autoimmune hepatitis.

Conclusions

Liver injury after pulsed methylprednisolone therapy in patients with MS is not infrequent, and a close monitoring of aminotransferase level before treatment and 2 weeks later seems advisable.
Self‐Templated Synthesis of Cuprous Oxide Nanofiber‐Assembled Hollow Spheres for High‐Performance Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Xu Panpan , Wang Guiling , Miao Chenxu , Zhang Hongquan , Cheng Kui , Ye Ke , Zhu Kai , Yan Jun , Cao Dianxue , Zhang Xianfa
Published: May 2018

Hollow structures are considered as promising electrode materials. Their enhanced surface‐to‐volume ratio results in an increased contact area between the electrolyte and electrode and, thereby, a higher accessibility of active material. Here, a facile hydrothermal method is applied to synthesize hollow Cu2O spheres, assembled by well‐aligned nanofibers. Based on the investigation of the samples at different reaction times, a growing mechanism is proposed. Nano building‐blocks create porous channels within the shell, which could facilitate the transfer and shorten the transportation pathway for both ions and charge. The Cu2O with its unique structure displays a high specific capacitance of 1075 F g−1 at a current density of 5 mA cm−2, a remarkable rate capability of 82 %, and an excellent cycling property of nearly 100 % of the initial value remaining after 5000 charge‐discharge cycles. Moreover, the hollow Cu2O spheres are first used for the preparation of a positive electrode in an asymmetric supercapacitor, using carbon as a negative electrode. The device exhibits a high energy density of 44.7 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 420.2 W kg−1, and when the power density reaches values as high as 4201.7 W kg−1, an energy density of 16 Wh kg−1 is still attained.
Facile and Cost‐Efficient Synthesis of Quasi‐0D/2D ZnO/MoS2 Nanocomposites for Highly Enhanced Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants and Antibiotics
Authors: Islam Sk Emdadul , Hang Da‐Ren , Chen Chun‐Hu , Sharma Krishna Hari
Published: May 2018

Nanoscale transition‐metal dichalcogenide materials showed promising potential for visible‐light responsive photocatalysis. Here, we report our investigations on the synthesis of heterodimensional nanostructures of two‐dimensional (2D) ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets interspersed with ZnO nanoparticles by using a facile two‐step method consisting of sonication‐aided exfoliation technique followed by a wet chemical process. The photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposites was examined by studying the degradation of different organic dye pollutants and tetracycline, a common antibiotic, under visible‐light irradiation. It is found that within 30 min more than 90 % of the model organic dye was photodegraded by the optimized quasi‐0D/2D hybrid nanomaterial. The reaction rate of pollutant degradation is about five and eight times higher than those of the pristine MoS2 naonosheets and P25 photocatalysts, respectively. The outstanding photocatalytic activity of the heterodimensional hybrids can be attributed to a few beneficial features from the synergetic effects. Most importantly, the intimate junction between ZnO and MoS2 facilitates the separation of photogenerated carriers, leading to the enhancement of photocatalytic efficiency. A tentative photocatalytic degradation mechanism was proposed and tested. Overall, the present work provides valuable insights for the exploration of cost‐effective nanoscale heterodimensional hybrids constructed from atomically thin layered materials.
Metal‐Free Oxidative Cross Coupling of Indoles with Electron‐Rich (Hetero)arenes
Authors: Caramenti Paola , Nandi Raj Kumar , Waser Jerome
Published: May 2018

A new method for the synthesis of bi‐heteroaryls is reported, based on the umpolung of indoles with benziodoxol(on)e hypervalent iodine reagents (IndoleBX). The oxidative coupling of IndoleBX with an equimolar amount of electron‐rich benzenes, indoles, pyrroles, and thiophenes proceeded under mild transition‐metal‐free conditions. Functionalized non‐symmetrical bi‐indolyl heterocycles were accessed efficiently. Introduction of a new type of C2‐substituted indole benziodoxole reagents further allowed extending the scope of the reaction to NH unprotected and C3‐alkylated indoles. The obtained bi‐heterocycles are important building blocks in synthetic and medicinal chemistry, and could be easily transformed into more complex heterocyclic systems.
Development of efficient formulation for the removal of iron sulphide scale in sour production wells
Authors: Mahmoud Mohamed , Hussein Ibnelwaleed A. , Sultan Abdullah , Saad Mohammed A. , Buijs Willem , Vlugt Thijs J. H.
Published: May 2018

Iron sulphide scale, which exists in different forms, is common in sour oil and gas production wells. Iron sulphide hard scales are difficult to remove with acids, requiring mechanical intervention or the replacement of the production tubing. An environmentally friendly formulation with a high pH is proposed for the removal of both soft and hard iron sulphide scale from oil and gas wells. The formulation consists of DTPA (di‐ethylene tri‐amine penta acetic acid) in addition to K2CO3 as a catalyst. High pressure high temperature solubility experiments were performed under both static and dynamic conditions in the temperature range of 70–150 °C and a constant pressure of 3447.38 kPa. Several combinations of the catalyst and DTPA chelating agent were used to optimize the catalyst/DTPA ratio to achieve maximum scale solubility. Field scale samples were collected and analyzed using XRD. The scale removal efficiency of the proposed formulation outperforms that of the current formulations used in the oil industry, with the added advantage of not releasing H2S. The optimum DTPA concentration is 20 wt% and the optimum catalyst concentration is 9 wt%, which provides a solubility of 90 % of the field scale. In addition, the ecotox profile of the proposed formulation is better than that of the currently used formulations because toxic corrosion inhibitors are not used. The maximum reported corrosion rate for the new formulation is 0.036 kg/m2, which is well below the acceptable limit (< 0.227 kg/m2).
Fragmentation and matrix contrast favor understory plants through negative cascading effects on a strong competitor palm
Authors: Hernández‐Ruedas Manuel A. , Arroyo‐Rodríguez Víctor , Morante‐Filho José Carlos , Meave Jorge A. , Martínez‐Ramos Miguel
Published: May 2018

Understanding the patterns and processes driving biodiversity maintenance in fragmented tropical forests is urgently needed for conservation planning, especially in species‐rich forest reserves. Of particular concern are the effects that habitat modifications at the landscape scale may have on forest regeneration and ecosystem functioning: a topic that has received limited attention. Here, we assessed the effects of landscape structure (i.e., forest cover, open area matrices, forest fragmentation, and mean inter‐patch isolation distance) on understory plant assemblages in the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. Previous studies suggest that the demographic burst of the strong competitor palm Astrocaryum mexicanum in the core area of this reserve limits plant recruitment and imperils biodiversity conservation within this protected area. Yet, the local and landscape predictors of this palm, and its impact on tree recruitment at a regional scale are unknown. Thus, we used structural equation modeling to assess the direct and cascading effects of landscape structure on stem and species density in the understory of 20 forest sites distributed across this biodiversity hotspot. Indirect paths included the effect of landscape structure on tree basal area (a proxy of local disturbance), and the effects of these variables on A. mexicanum. Density of A. mexicanum mainly increased with decreasing both fragmentation and open areas in the matrix (matrix contrast, hereafter), and such an increase in palm density negatively affected stem and species density in the understory. The negative direct effect of matrix contrast on stem density was overridden by the indirect positive effects (i.e., through negative cascading effects on A. mexicanum), resulting in a weak effect of matrix contrast on stem density. These findings suggest that dispersal limitation and negative edge effects in more fragmented landscapes dominated by open areas prevent the proliferation of this palm species, enhancing the diversity and abundance of understory trees. This “positive” news adds to an increasing line of evidence suggesting that fragmentation may have some positive effects on biodiversity, in this case by preventing the proliferation of species that can jeopardize biodiversity conservation within tropical reserves.
A Dual‐graphite Battery with Pure 1‐Butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) Imide as the Electrolyte
Authors: Wang Aiye , Yuan Wenhui , Fan Jiaxin , Li Li
Published: May 2018

Rechargeable dual‐ion batteries are considered to be potential candidates for applications in electrochemical energy storage devices. Ionic liquid is one of the most promising electrolytes due to its superior ionic conductivity and the wide electrochemical window. In this work, a novel dual‐graphite battery system was developed based on a pure 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide ionic liquid electrolyte and dual graphite electrodes. The working mechanism of the dual‐graphite battery based on a pure ionic liquid electrolyte without any metallic elements was proposed and investigated in detail. The cell delivers a reversible specific capacity of 49 mAh g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1, a high Coulombic efficiency of approximately 97.4 % and a fine cycling stability at high cut‐off voltage 4.6 V over 100 cycles. Moreover, the dual‐ion battery system, which is made entirely of non‐metallic elements, exhibits a high and obvious discharge voltage plateaus at about 3.7 V. These results encourage the further development of new types of futuristic rechargeable non‐metallic battery energy storage systems.
Techno‐economic studies on the influences of nonuniform feeding in the biogas plants of educational institutions
Authors: Glivin Godwin , Edwin M. , Sekhar S. Joseph
Published: May 2018

The scarcity of conventional energy sources and their environmental impacts have led to successful implementation of biogas technologies in various applications. However, the lack of awareness in the society and economic viability are a few constraints that hinder the effective use of biogas in many sectors. Therefore, intensive research is needed to overcome the above said issues and extend the use of biogas into many newer avenues. Academic institutions are the places where people have more awareness on the environmental impacts. However, the nonuniform availability of biowastes and the lack of studies on the economic benefits of this technology restrict the implementation of the same. This study focuses on the economic benefits of implementing three types of biogas digesters, KVIC, JANATA, and Fiber‐glass reinforced polyester biogas plants, in five different academic institutions where the student population and generation of biowastes throughout a year are nonuniform, and the digester may not run with full load continuously. Based on a pilot study, the quality and quantity variations because of the nonuniform strength of student during a year have been studied and the same have been used to predict the biogas generation in the selected institutions. The result shows that biogas energy production is economically viable for capacities ranging from 25 to 450 m3 with a payback period between 3.18 and 7.59 years for various types used in the study. The economic viability of the biogas plants is proved with positive net present value. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1901–1907, 2018
Enhanced adsorption capacity and selectivity toward inorganic and organic mercury ions from aqueous solution by dye‐affinity adsorbents
Authors: Saman Norasikin , Johari Khairiraihanna , Song Shiow‐Tien , Kong Helen , Cheu Siew‐Chin , Mat Hanapi
Published: May 2018

Adsorption of inorganic mercury [Hg(II)] and organic methylmercury [MeHg(II)] ions onto dye‐affinity agrowaste (dye‐AW) was investigated. The dye‐affinity adsorbents were prepared by the chemical‐thermal reaction between the agrowaste (AW) and dye solutions [i.e., Reactive Red 120 (RR), Reactive Black B (RB), Methylene Blue (MB), and Methyl Orange (MO)] under an alkaline condition. An almost perfect removal of Hg(II) was observed for all adsorbents, while for MeHg(II), the dye‐affinity adsorbents have a higher removal efficiency than a pristine adsorbent. The maximum adsorption capacity (Qe, max) of mercury ions onto the Reactive Red 120‐modified AW (RR‐AW) was 2.60 mmol g−1 for Hg(II) and 0.76 mmol g−1 for MeHg(II). The adsorption rate of Hg(II) was faster than MeHg(II), and both kinetic data followed the pseudo‐second order kinetic model with the diffusion steps controlled by the film diffusion. The regenerated adsorbent showed very encouraging results especially toward Hg(II). The promising results were also obtained by using oilfield produced water (OPW) and natural gas condensate (NGC) samples. These studies finally demonstrated that the agricultural wastes initially loaded with dyes have the potential to be good mercury adsorbents. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: S54–S67, 2019
Kinetics of magnesium sulfite oxidation catalyzed by cobalt using a straw/sludge substrate as support
Authors: Wang Lidong , Qi Dan , Zhang Guangman , Li Danyang , Qi Tieyue , Liu Jie , Li Meng , Ma Yongliang
Published: May 2018

Oxidation of magnesium sulfite is a key step in the wet magnesia desulfurization. Using the mixture of waste corn stalk (CS) and activated sludge (AS) as a support, the cobalt‐based catalyst was prepared by the impregnation method to promote the oxidation rate. The results indicated that the catalysis performance is highly dependent on the ratio of CS/AS in which 8:2 is the optimal, and that with the cobalt loading of 0.6% dominates the catalytic activity. The physicochemical properties of catalyst were identified by FTIR, XRD, TEM and XPS to reveal the catalytic mechanism. The catalyzed oxidation kinetics of magnesium sulfite was investigated in a bubbling tank. The reaction orders with respect to catalyst, magnesium sulfite and oxygen were achieved to be 0.75, 0 and 0.67, respectively. The apparent activation energy were derived as 34.9 kJ·mol−1. Integrating with a three‐phase reaction model, it was inferred that the overall oxidation is controlled by the inner diffusion of oxygen. The research results can serve as a reference for the development of low‐cost catalytic techniques for the magnesia desulfurization. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 201–207, 2019
Recovery of energy and simultaneous treatment of dewatered sludge using membrane‐less microbial fuel cell
Authors: Muaz M. Z. M. , Abdul R. , Vadivelu V. M.
Published: May 2018

Microbial fuel cells (MFC) haves drawn much attention as a potential approach for sludge treatment and renewable energy production. In this study, a single chamber air‐cathode in a membrane‐less MFC (ML‐MFC) was operated in batch mode with dewatered sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant as the substrate. Electrogenic bacterial species in the sludge acted as a catalyst for the generation of electricity. The performance of the ML‐MFC was evaluated using one‐factor‐at‐a‐time (OFAT) method followed by response surface methodology (RSM) via Central Composite Design using a quadratic model. In the preliminary OFAT study, the highest voltage generation (852.7 mV) and COD removal (149.2 mg/L) were obtained when the pH, electrode distance, moisture content, and temperature were at 6.0, 3 cm, 30% (vol/wt), and 35°C, respectively. After incubation of the ML‐MFC using optimum conditions suggested by the RSM, the voltage was successfully increased to 927.7 mV (improved 9%), while COD removal increased to 170.8 mg/L (improved 15%). This showed that optimization using RSM gave better results than the OFAT method. The maximum power density recorded from the optimum conditions was 41.3 mW/m2. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 208–219, 2019
Zircon grain shape holds provenance information: A case study from southwestern Australia
Authors: Makuluni P. , Kirkland C.L. , Barham M.
Published: May 2018

Detrital zircon geochronology is a powerful tool to address a range of geological questions related to sedimentary provenance. Nonetheless, non‐unique answers may result when igneous rocks of the same age are sourced from disparate locations. In an effort to resolve some of this issue in zircon provenance investigations, we explore the potential of detrital zircon grains to be linked to their original magmatic source through their grain shape. In order to develop this grain shape measure as a provenance tool, we first examine the relationships between chemistry and a range of different grain shape descriptors. We find grain shape to show a linear relationship to U‐concentration on a lithologic unit level. We interpret this relationship to be a function of crystal chemical control in igneous samples. Principal component analysis demonstrates the potential of simple grain shape descriptors (major axis, minor axis, and effective diameter) to characterize grains from particular rock units. Applying these same shape measures to sedimentary basins in the Proterozoic Albany–Fraser Orogen in southwest Australia allows us to closely replicate the findings of previous traditional U–Pb geochronological investigations in terms of grain provenance. In addition, we apply this technique to Mesozoic sediment on the southern margin of Australia and show for the first time that its detritus is more likely derived from the underlying crystalline basement rather than surrounding orogens that share similar magmatic ages.
Elder abuse and its medical outcomes in older Chinese people with cognitive and physical impairments
Authors: Fang Boye , Yan Elsie , Chan Ko Ling , Ip Partick
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Elder abuse poses a major public health threat considering the ongoing rapid aging of the global population. This study investigates the association between elder abuse by family caregivers and medical outcomes among older Chinese patients with cognitive and physical impairments in the People's Republic of China.

Methods

Using cross‐sectional design, 1002 older patients (aged 55 y and older) and their family caregivers were recruited from 3 grade A hospitals in Guangdong Province. The major independent variable is caregiver‐reported elder abuse, while outcome variables include cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peptic ulcer, digestive disorder, chronic hepatic disease, chronic renal disease, metabolic disease, acute inflammation, joint disease, tumor, and general injury. The prevalence of these medical conditions among patients who were abused and those who were not were compared using descriptive analyses and chi‐square tests, and logistic regression was used to establish the relevant independent associations.

Results

A total of 429 (42.8%) older persons have experienced physical or psychological abuse over the past 12 months. After adjusting for potential confounders, abused older persons were more susceptible to cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peptic ulcer, digestive disorder, metabolic disease, acute inflammation, tumor, and injuries.

Conclusion

Elder abuse is associated with various major medical morbidities. Interdisciplinary cooperation is necessary to identify and reduce the adverse physiological consequences in victims.
Baicalein Targets GTPase‐Mediated Autophagy to Eliminate Liver Tumor–Initiating Stem Cell–Like Cells Resistant to mTORC1 Inhibition
Authors: Wu Raymond , Murali Ramachandran , Kabe Yasuaki , French Samuel W. , Chiang Yi‐Ming , Liu Siyu , Sher Linda , Wang Clay C. , Louie Stan , Tsukamoto Hidekazu
Published: May 2018

Drug resistance is a major problem in the treatment of liver cancer. Mammalian Target of Rapamycin 1 (mTORC1) inhibitors have been tested for the treatment of liver cancer based on hyperactive mTOR in this malignancy. However, their clinical trials showed poor outcome, most likely due to their ability to upregulate CD133 and promote chemoresistance. The CD133+ tumor–initiating stem cell–like cells (TICs) isolated from mouse and human liver tumors are chemoresistant, and identification of an approach to abrogate this resistance is desired. In search of a compound that rescinds resistance of TICs to mTORC1 inhibition and improves chemotherapy, we identified baicalein (BC), which selectively chemosensitizes TICs and the human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line Huh7 cells but not mouse and human primary hepatocytes. Nanobead pull‐down and mass‐spectrometric analysis, biochemical binding assay, and three‐dimensional computational modeling studies reveal BC's ability to competitively inhibit guanosine triphosphate binding of SAR1B guanosine triphosphatase, which is essential for autophagy. Indeed, BC suppresses autophagy induced by an mTORC1 inhibitor and synergizes cell death caused by mTORC1 inhibition in TIC and Huh7 spheroid formation and in the patient‐derived xenograft model of HCC. The BC‐induced chemosensitization is rescued by SAR1B expression and phenocopied by SAR1B knockdown in cancer cells treated with a mTORC1 inhibitor. Conclusion: These results identify SAR1B as a target in liver TICs and HCC cells resistant to mTORC1 inhibition.
Vacuolar Protein Sorting 33B Is a Tumor Suppressor in Hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Wang Conghui , Cheng Yuqiang , Zhang Xiuping , Li Nan , Zhang Lin , Wang Shengdian , Tong Xuemei , Xu Ying , Chen Guo‐qiang , Cheng Shuqun , Fan Xuemei , Liu Junling
Published: May 2018

Polarity defects are frequently involved in liver diseases, such as chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It was reported that vacuolar protein sorting 33B (Vps33b) plays critical roles in the maintenance of hepatocyte polarity; however, the functional roles and mechanisms of Vps33b in HCC occurrence and progression remain unknown. First of all, we showed that Vps33b is down‐regulated in human and mouse liver cancer samples, and the low expression levels of Vps33b correlate with the poor prognosis of many HCC patients. Liver‐specific Vps33b deficiency induces liver damage, progressive hepatitis, fibrosis, and HCC in male mice, indicating that Vps33b is a crucial contributory factor to hepatocarcinogenesis. Vps33b deficiency–caused liver damage was primarily due to the disorders of structural and functional hepatocyte polarity, which were reflected by the decreased protein levels of E‐cadherin because of inaccurate location to lysosomes and polarity defects at both apical and lateral plasma membrane proteins. The results of a mechanism study revealed that Vps33b interacts with VPS33B‐interacting protein, which is involved in polarity and apical protein restriction; vesicle‐trafficking protein Sec22b; and Flotillin‐1 in hepatocytes and is in charge of the normal distribution of polarity‐determined proteins. Expression levels of Vps33b negatively correlated with the degree of inflammatory cell infiltration in livers from diethylnitrosamine‐induced or transgenic HCC mouse models, and the inflammatory stimuli suppressed the expression of Vps33b in vitro. Conclusion: Down‐regulation of Vps33b expression is a critical step for inflammation‐driven HCC, and Vps33b serves as an important tumor suppressor in hepatocarcinogenesis.
Outcome of Antiviral Immunity in the Liver Is Shaped by the Level of Antigen Expressed in Infected Hepatocytes
Authors: Manske Katrin , Kallin Nina , König Verena , Schneider Annika , Kurz Sandra , Bosch Miriam , Welz Meike , Cheng Ru‐Lin , Bengsch Bertram , Steiger Katja , Protzer Ulrike , Thimme Robert , Knolle Percy A. , Wohlleber Dirk
Published: May 2018

The liver bears unique immune properties that support both immune tolerance and immunity, but the mechanisms responsible for clearance versus persistence of virus‐infected hepatocytes remain unclear. Here, we dissect the factors determining the outcome of antiviral immunity using recombinant adenoviruses that reflect the hepatropism and hepatrophism of hepatitis viruses. We generated replication‐deficient adenoviruses with equimolar expression of ovalbumin, luciferase, and green fluorescent protein driven by a strong ubiquitous cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter (Ad‐CMV‐GOL) or by 100‐fold weaker, yet hepatocyte‐specific, transthyretin (TTR) promoter (Ad‐TTR‐GOL). Using in vivo bioluminescence to quantitatively and dynamically image luciferase activity, we demonstrated that Ad‐TTR‐GOL infection always persists, whereas Ad‐CMV‐GOL infection is always cleared, independent of the number of infected hepatocytes. Failure to clear Ad‐TTR‐GOL infection involved mechanisms acting during initiation as well as execution of antigen‐specific immunity. First, hepatocyte‐restricted antigen expression led to delayed and curtailed T‐cell expansion—10,000‐fold after Ad‐CMV‐GOL versus 150‐fold after Ad‐TTR‐GOL‐infection. Second, CD8 T‐cells primed toward antigens selectively expressed by hepatocytes showed high PD‐1/Tim‐3/LAG‐3/CTLA‐4/CD160 expression levels similar to that seen in chronic hepatitis B. Third, Ad‐TTR‐GOL but not Ad‐CMV‐GOL‐infected hepatocytes escaped being killed by effector T‐cells while still inducing high PD‐1/Tim‐3/LAG‐3/CTLA‐4/CD160 expression, indicating different thresholds of T‐cell receptor signaling relevant for triggering effector functions compared with exhaustion. Conclusion: Our study identifies deficits in the generation of CD8 T‐cell immunity toward hepatocyte‐expressed antigens and escape of infected hepatocytes expressing low viral antigen levels from effector T‐cell killing as independent factors promoting viral persistence. This highlights the importance of addressing both the restauration of CD8 T‐cell dysfunction and overcoming local hurdles of effector T‐cell function to eliminate virus‐infected hepatocytes.
Ganglioside‐Selective Mechanosensitive Fluorescent Membrane Probes
Authors: Strakova Karolina , Soleimanpour Saeideh , Diez‐Castellnou Marta , Sakai Naomi , Matile Stefan
Published: May 2018

The development of fluorescent probes to image forces in cells is an important challenge in chemistry and biology. Planarizable push‐pull probes have been introduced recently for this purpose. To provide most valuable information on forces in complex systems, these mechanosensitive ‘flipper’ probes will have to be localized by molecular recognition of targets of interest. Here we report fluorescent flippers that selectively recognize gangliosides on the surface of lipid bilayer membranes by formation of dynamic covalent boronate esters. The original flipper probes were equipped with 2‐fluorophenyl boronic acids and benzoboroxoles using consecutive triazole and oxime ligation. Evaluation was done in large unilamellar vesicles composed of EYPC/SM/CL/GM 40:40‐x:20:x to obtain mixed membranes with separate liquid‐disordered (Ld) and ganglioside (GM) containing liquid‐ordered (Lo) domains. With increasing GM concentration, fluorescence intensities increased and excitation maximum shifted to the red. Deconvolution of the spectra confirmed that these changes originate from a migration of the flipper probes from Ld to Lo domains upon binding to the gangliosides and thus the planarization in the more ordered environment. Control mechanophores without boronic acids failed to show the same response, and fructose partially inhibited the ganglioside sensitivity. These results demonstrate that it is possible to selectively accumulate mechanosensitive flipper probes in Lo domains and, more generally, that probe localization in complex membranes is possible and matters.
Simple 3‐criteria‐based ex vivo confocal diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Hartmann Daniela , Krammer Sebastian , Bachmann Mario R. , Mathemeier Leonie , Ruzicka Thomas , von Braunmühl Tanja
Published: May 2018

Background

Fast and simple microscopic evaluation of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) together with its subtype determination would accelerate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in dermatology including Mohs surgery.

Objectives

Assessing whether simplified 3‐criteria‐based ex vivo confocal microscopic (CM) examination can reliably predict BCC diagnosis and subtype. Analyzing interobserver agreement between expert and novice examiner.

Methods

CM images of 235 skin samples from 150 patients were prospectively evaluated by 2 blinded examiners for the presence of 3 predefined BCC criteria namely presence of tumor mass, peripheral palisading and clefting.

Results

Out of 235 skin samples 116 showed histological presence of BCC, confocally expert diagnosed a BCC in 110 and novice examiner in 107 samples. The overall sensitivity and specificity of detecting residual BCC was 96.6% and 98.7%, respectively. Confocally, examiners diagnosed correctly nodular BCC in 96.6%, respectively, 98.3%, superficial BCC in 96.8%, respectively, 93.5%, infiltrating BCC in 88.9%, respectively, 83.3% and other BCC subtype in 22.2%, respectively, 0% (expert and novice examiner, respectively).

Conclusion

Ex vivo CM allowed intraoperative examination of BCC based on only 3‐criteria with high sensitivity and specificity, provided useful information on tumor subtype and showed that both experienced and non‐experienced examiners may use this diagnostic approach with excellent results.
Peri‐implant soft tissue inflammatory parameters and crestal bone loss among waterpipe (narghile) smokers and never‐smokers with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Al‐Sowygh Zeyad H. , Al‐Kheraif Abdulaziz A. , Akram Zohaib , Vohra Fahim , Javed Fawad
Published: May 2018

Background

Peri‐implant soft tissue inflammatory parameters and crestal bone loss (CBL) among waterpipe smokers (WS) with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains uninvestigated. The aim of the present study was to assess peri‐implant soft tissue inflammatory parameters and CBL among WS and never smokers (NS) with and without T2DM.

Methods

Demographic data and information regarding duration of implants in function, daily frequency of smoking, duration and treatment of T2DM, and daily toothbrushing was collected using a questionnaire. Peri‐implant plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) ≥4 mm, CBL, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were assessed in all individuals. Level of significance was set at 5%.

Results

Seventy‐nine male individuals (39 patients with T2DM [20 WS and 19 NS] and 40 systemically healthy individuals [21 WS smokers and 19 NS]) were included. The mean age was comparable among individuals in all groups. The mean HbA1c levels were significantly higher among patients with T2DM compared to controls (P < 0.01). Peri‐implant PI, BOP, PD, and CBL were comparable among WS and NS with T2DM. Among patients without T2DM, PI (P < 0.05), PD ≥4 mm (P < 0.05) and mesial and distal CBL (P < 0.05) were significantly higher in WS than NS. Among individuals without T2DM, BOP was significantly higher among NS (P < 0.05) than WS. In patients with T2DM, BOP was comparable among WS and NS.

Conclusions

Peri‐implant soft tissue inflammatory parameters and CBL were comparable among WS and NS with T2DM. Among individuals without T2DM, these parameters were worse among WS than NS.
Comparison of two different surgical approaches to increase peri‐implant mucosal thickness: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Hutton Christopher G. , Johnson Georgia K. , Barwacz Christopher A. , Allareddy Veerasathpurush , Avila‐Ortiz Gustavo
Published: May 2018

Background

Current evidence supports the positive effect of adequate peri‐implant mucosal thickness (PMT) on both marginal bone level stability and esthetic outcomes. While the subepithelial connective tissue graft (sCTG) has been traditionally considered as the gold standard for peri‐implant mucosal augmentation, acellular dermal matrix (ADM) may be a valid alternative. The primary aim of this randomized clinical trial was to determine the clinical efficacy of ADM in the augmentation of PMT as compared to an autologous sCTG.

Methods

Patients who could benefit from peri‐implant mucosal augmentation at the time of implant placement were recruited. Participants were randomized to the control (simultaneous sCTG) or test (simultaneous ADM) group. The primary outcome in this study was changes in PMT between baseline and 16 weeks later. Keratinized mucosal width (KMW) changes, modified wound healing index (MWHI) variations and patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) were recorded, as well.

Results

A total of 20 participants were recruited per an a priori power analysis. There were no statistically significant differences between groups at baseline for any of the parameters analyzed. The gain in PMT at 1 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm from the expected mucosal margin was 0.44 ± 2.04 mm, 1.20 ± 1.48 mm, and 1.20 ± 0.89 mm in the sCTG group, and 0.05 ± 1.57 mm, 0.85 ± 1.29 mm, and 1.45 ± 1.17 mm in the ADM group. No statistically significant differences in terms of PMT, KMW, and MWHI changes were observed between groups. The perceived discomfort was higher at 2 and 4 weeks for patients in the sCTG group.

Conclusion

ADM produces similar outcomes to sCTG in terms of mucosal augmentation at the time of implant placement.