bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The causal role of circulating vitamin D concentrations in human complex traits and diseases: a large-scale Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Jiang Xia , Ge Tian , Chen Chia-Yen
Published: January 2021

Vitamin D has been associated with a variety of human complex traits and diseases in observational studies, but a causal relationship remains unclear. To examine a putative causal effect of vitamin D across phenotypic domains and disease categories, we conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses using genetic instruments associated with circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations. We leveraged genome-wide significant 25(OH)D-associated SNPs (N = 138) from a meta-analysis combining a vitamin D GWAS conducted in 401,460 white British UK Biobank (UKBB) participants and an independent vitamin D GWAS including 42,274 samples of European ancestry, and examined 190 large-scale health-related GWAS spanning a broad spectrum of complex traits, diseases and biomarkers. We applied multiple MR methods to estimate the causal effect of vitamin D while testing and controlling for potential biases from horizontal pleiotropy. Consistent with previous findings, genetically predicted increased 25(OH)D levels significantly decreased the risk of multiple sclerosis (OR = 0.824; 95% CI 0.689–0.986). The protective effect estimate was consistent across different MR methods and four different multiple sclerosis GWAS with varying sample sizes and genotyping platforms. On the contrary, we found limited evidence in support of a causal effect of 25(OH)D on anthropometric traits, obesity, cognitive function, sleep behavior, breast and prostate cancer, and autoimmune, cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological and psychiatric traits and diseases, and blood biomarkers. Our results may inform ongoing and future randomized clinical trials of vitamin D supplementation.
GluN2B and GluN2A-containing NMDAR are differentially involved in extinction memory destabilization and restabilization during reconsolidation
Authors: Radiske Andressa , Gonzalez Maria Carolina , Nôga Diana A. , Rossato Janine I. , Bevilaqua Lia R. M. , Cammarota Martín
Published: January 2021

Extinction memory destabilized by recall is restabilized through mTOR-dependent reconsolidation in the hippocampus, but the upstream pathways controlling these processes remain unknown. Hippocampal NMDARs drive local protein synthesis via mTOR signaling and may control active memory maintenance. We found that in adult male Wistar rats, intra dorsal-CA1 administration of the non-subunit selective NMDAR antagonist AP5 or of the GluN2A subunit-containing NMDAR antagonist TCN201 after step down inhibitory avoidance (SDIA) extinction memory recall impaired extinction memory retention and caused SDIA memory recovery. On the contrary, pre-recall administration of AP5 or of the GluN2B subunit-containing NMDAR antagonist RO25-6981 had no effect on extinction memory recall or retention per se but hindered the recovery of the avoidance response induced by post-recall intra-CA1 infusion of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin. Our results indicate that GluN2B-containing NMDARs are necessary for extinction memory destabilization whereas GluN2A-containing NMDARs are involved in its restabilization, and suggest that pharmacological modulation of the relative activation state of these receptor subtypes around the moment of extinction memory recall may regulate the dominance of extinction memory over the original memory trace.
A capsaicinoid-based soft drug, AG1529, for attenuating TRPV1-mediated histaminergic and inflammatory sensory neuron excitability
Authors: Nikolaeva-Koleva Magdalena , Butron Laura , González-Rodríguez Sara , Devesa Isabel , Valente Pierluigi , Serafini Marta , Genazzani Armando A. , Pirali Tracey , Ballester Gregorio Fernández , Fernández-Carvajal Asia , Ferrer-Montiel Antonio
Published: January 2021

TRPV1, a member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family, is a nonselective calcium permeable ion channel gated by physical and chemical stimuli. In the skin, TRPV1 plays an important role in neurogenic inflammation, pain and pruritus associated to many dermatological diseases. Consequently, TRPV1 modulators could represent pharmacological tools to respond to important patient needs that still represent an unmet medical demand. Previously, we reported the design of capsaicinoid-based molecules that undergo dermal deactivation (soft drugs), thus preventing their long-term dermal accumulation. Here, we investigated the pharmacological properties of the lead antagonist, 2-((4-hydroxy-2-iodo-5-methoxybenzyl) amino)-2-oxoethyl dodecanoate (AG1529), on heterologously expressed human TRPV1 (hTRPV1), on nociceptor excitability and on an in vivo model of acute pruritus. We report that AG1529 competitively blocked capsaicin-evoked activation of hTRPV1 with micromolar potency, moderately affected pH-induced gating, and did not alter voltage- and heat-mediated responses. AG1529 displays modest receptor selectivity as it mildly blocked recombinant hTRPA1 and hTRPM8 channels. In primary cultures of rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, AG1529 potently reduced capsaicin-evoked neuronal firing. AG1529 exhibited lower potency on pH-evoked TRPV1 firing, and TRPA1-elicited nociceptor excitability. Furthermore, AG1529 abolished histaminergic and inflammation mediated TRPV1 sensitization in primary cultures of DRG neurons. Noteworthy, dermal wiping of AG1529, either in an acetone-based formulation or in an anhydrous ointment, dose-dependently attenuated acute histaminergic itch in a rodent model. This cutaneous anti-pruritic effect was devoid of the normal nocifensive action evoked by the burning sensation of capsaicin. Taken together, these preclinical results unveil the mode of action of AG1529 on TRPV1 channels and substantiate the tenet that this capsaicinoid-based soft drug is a promising candidate for drug development as a topical anti-pruritic and anti-inflammatory medication.
Author Correction: Boundary integral equation method for resonances in gradient index cavities designed by conformal transformation optics
Authors: Ryu Jung-Wan , Cho Jinhang , Lee Soo-Young , Kim Yushin , Park Sang-Jun , Rim Sunghwan , Choi Muhan , Kim Inbo
Published: January 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: A biomimetic assay platform for the interrogation of antigen-dependent anti-tumor T-cell function
Authors: To Jeremy , Quackenbush Doug , Rowell Emily , Li Lilin , Reed Connor , Lo Frederick , Horman Shane R.
Published: January 2021

Overcoming tumor-mediated immunosuppression and enhancing cytotoxic
T-cell activity within the tumor microenvironment are two central goals of
immuno-oncology (IO) drug discovery initiatives. However, exploratory assays
involving immune components are often plagued by low-throughput and poor clinical
relevance. Here we present an innovative ultra-high-content assay platform for
interrogating T-cell-mediated killing of 3D multicellular tumor spheroids. Employing
this assay platform in a chemical genomics screen of 1800 annotated compounds
enabled identification of small molecule perturbagens capable of enhancing cytotoxic
CD8+ T-cell activity in an antigen-dependent manner.
Specifically, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) and bromodomain (BRD) protein inhibitors
were shown to significantly augment anti-tumor T-cell function by increasing
cytolytic granule and type II interferon secretion in T-cells in addition to
upregulating major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expression and antigen
presentation in tumor cells. The described biotechnology screening platform yields
multi-parametric, clinically-relevant data and can be employed kinetically for the
discovery of first-in-class IO therapeutic agents.
In situ sulfation of Cu/TiO2 catalysts for catalytic combustion of dichloromethane
Authors: Ying Qingji , Liu Yue , Zhang Yaoyu , Wu Zhongbiao
Published: January 2021

Herein, a facile in situ sulfation strategy was employed for modifying Cu/TiO2 catalysts using CuSO4 as the precursor to enhance the performance of dichloromethane (DCM) catalytic combustion.
Recent strategies to improve the photoactivity of metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Yan Yu , Abazari Reza , Yao Juming , Gao Junkuo
Published: January 2021

The current state-of-the-art strategies to improve the photoactivity of metal–organic frameworks are summarized.
Reversible temperature-dependent photoluminescence in semiconductor quantum dots for the development of a smartphone-based optical thermometer
Authors: Kumbhakar Partha , Roy Karmakar Abhirup , Das Gour Prasad , Chakraborty Jayjeet , Tiwary Chandra S. , Kumbhakar Pathik
Published: January 2021

Photoluminescence (PL) intensity-based non-contact optical temperature sensors are in great demand due to their non-contact nature, rapid response, sensitivity, as well as thermal and chemical stability at different environmental conditions.
Self-limiting self-assembly of supraparticles for potential biological applications
Authors: Li Si , Guo Xiao , Sun Maozhong , Qu Aihua , Hao Changlong , Wu Xiaoling , Guo Jun , Xu Chuanlai , Kuang Hua , Xu Liguang
Published: January 2021

Self-limiting self-assembly supraparticles produce new nanostructures and display great priorities to create biomimicking nanostructures with desired functionalities.
Syntheses and medicinal chemistry of azepinoindolones: a look back to leap forward
Authors: Kadagathur Manasa , Patra Sandip , Sigalapalli Dilep Kumar , Shankaraiah Nagula , Tangellamudi Neelima D.
Published: January 2021

This review emphasizes the synthetic aspects, derivatization methods of azepinoindolones and the application of this nucleus in the whole range of medicinal chemistry.
PhI(OAc)2 and iodine-mediated synthesis of N-alkyl sulfonamides derived from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon scaffolds and determination of their antibacterial and cytotoxic activities
Authors: Hopkins Megan D. , Ozmer Garett L. , Witt Ryan C. , Brandeburg Zachary C. , Rogers David A. , Keating Claire E. , Petcoff Presley L. , Sheaff Robert J. , Lamar Angus A.
Published: January 2021

The direct incorporation of a sulfonamide unit into PAH scaffolds has been developed and products were screened for biological activity.
A DFT study on the C–H oxidation reactivity of Fe(iv)–oxo species with N4/N5 ligands derived from l-proline
Authors: Lin Jin , Sun Qiangsheng , Sun Wei
Published: January 2021

The hydroxylation of hexane by two FeIVO complexes bearing a pentadentate ligand (N5, Pro3Py) and a tetradentate ligand (N4, Pro2PyBn) derived from l-proline was studied by DFT calculations.
Enone-promoted decarboxylation of trans-4-hydroxy-l-proline in flow: a side-by-side comparison to batch
Authors: Pilkington Rowan L. , Dallaston Madeleine A. , Savage G. Paul , Williams Craig M. , Polyzos Anastasios
Published: January 2021

An efficient and scalable enone-promoted method for the decarboxylation of trans-4-hydroxy-proline has been developed in flow to provide access to (R)-pyrrolidin-3-ol hydrochloride using biomass-derived isophorone.
Recent discoveries on the structure of iodine(iii) reagents and their use in cross-nucleophile coupling
Authors: Bauer Adriano , Maulide Nuno
Published: January 2021

This perspective article discusses structural features of iodine(iii) compounds as a prelude to presenting their use as umpolung reagents, to promote the selective coupling of two nucleophilic species via 2e− oxidation.
Identifying key mononuclear Fe species for low-temperature methane oxidation
Authors: Yu Tao , Li Zhi , Jones Wilm , Liu Yuanshuai , He Qian , Song Weiyu , Du Pengfei , Yang Bing , An Hongyu , Farmer Daniela M. , Qiu Chengwu , Wang Aiqin , Weckhuysen Bert M. , Beale Andrew M. , Luo Wenhao
Published: January 2021

The monomeric Fe species in Fe/ZSM-5 have been identified as the intrinsic active sites for the low-temperature methane oxidation.
Boosting homogeneous chemoselective hydrogenation of olefins mediated by a bis(silylenyl)terphenyl-nickel(0) pre-catalyst
Authors: Lücke Marcel-Philip , Yao Shenglai , Driess Matthias
Published: January 2021

The isolable chelating bis(N-heterocyclic silylenyl)-substituted terphenyl ligand [SiII(Terp)SiII] as well as its bis(phosphine) analogue [PIII(Terp)PIII] have been synthesised and fully characterised.
Fluorogenic probes for detecting deacylase and demethylase activity towards post-translationally-modified lysine residues
Authors: Hori Yuichiro , Nishiura Miyako , Tao Tomomi , Baba Reisuke , Bull Steven D. , Kikuchi Kazuya
Published: January 2021

We developed “turn-on” fluorescent probes that detect enzymatic lysine deacylation and demethylation critical for epigenetic and other cellular phenomena, using intramolecular O- to N-ester transfer reactions.
Retraction: Electrospun hybrid nanofibers of poly(vinylidene fluoride) and functionalized graphene oxide as a piezoelectric energy harvester
Authors: Scriven Neil
Published: January 2021

Retraction for ‘Electrospun hybrid nanofibers of poly(vinylidene fluoride) and functionalized graphene oxide as a piezoelectric energy harvester’ by Pralay Maiti et al., Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2020, 4, 2469–2479, DOI: 10.1039/D0SE00033G.
Perceived Voice Disorders in Older Adults and Impact on Social Interactions
Authors: Porcaro Connie K. , Singer Clare , Djokic Boris , Danesh Ali A. , Tappen Ruth , Engstrom Gabriella
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Many aging individuals, even those who are healthy, report voice changes that can impact their ability to communicate as they once did. While this is commonly reported, most do not seek evaluation or management for this issue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and differences in voice disorders in older adults, along with the effect of fatigue on their social interactions.

Method

This is a cross-sectional investigation of a community-dwelling sample of individuals aged 60 years or older. Participants completed the Questionnaire on Vocal Performance, the Social Engagement Index subset “Engagement in Social or Leisure Activities,” and the Fatigue Severity Scale.

Results

Results indicated 32.5% of the 332 participants reported symptoms of voice problems with no difference found between male and female respondents. A slight increase in report of voice problems was noted with each year of age. Participants who self-reported voice problems indicated less interaction in social activities involving communication than those who did not. Finally, as severity of self-reported voice problems increased, an increase was reported by the same individuals for signs of fatigue.

Conclusions

Voice problems and resulting decreased social interaction are commonly experienced by older individuals. Voice symptoms in older adults have been found to benefit from evidence-based treatment strategies. It is critical to provide education to encourage older individuals to seek appropriate evaluation and management for voice issues through a speech-language pathologist or medical professional.
Spectroscopic study of CEMP-(s & r/s) stars
Authors: Goswami Partha Pratim , Rathour Rajeev Singh , Goswami Aruna
Published: January 2021

Context. The origin of the enhanced abundances of both s- and r-process elements observed in a subclass of carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) stars, denoted CEMP-r/s stars, still remains poorly understood. The i-process nucleosynthesis has been suggested as one of the most promising mechanisms for the origin of these stars.

Aims. Our aim is to better understand the chemical signatures and formation mechanism(s) of five previously claimed potential CH star candidates HE 0017+0055, HE 2144−1832, HE 2339−0837, HD 145777, and CD−27 14351 through a detailed systematic follow-up spectroscopic study based on high-resolution spectra.

Methods. The stellar atmospheric parameters, the effective temperature Teff, the microturbulent velocity ζ, the surface gravity log g, and the metallicity [Fe/H] are derived from local thermodynamic equilibrium analyses using model atmospheres. Elemental abundances of C, N, α-elements, iron-peak elements, and several neutron-capture elements are estimated using the equivalent width measurement technique as well as spectrum synthesis calculations in some cases. In the context of the double enhancement observed in four of the programme stars, we have critically examined whether the literature i-process model yields ([X/Fe]) of heavy elements can explain the observed abundance distribution.

Results. The estimated metallicity [Fe/H] of the programme stars ranges from −1.63 to −2.74. All five stars show enhanced abundance for Ba, and four of them exhibit enhanced abundance for Eu. Based on our analysis, HE 0017+0055, HE 2144−1832, and HE 2339−0837 are found to be CEMP-r/s stars, whereas HD 145777 and CD−27 14351 show characteristic properties of CEMP-s stars. From a detailed analysis of different classifiers of CEMP stars, we have identified the one which best describes the CEMP-s and CEMP-r/s stars. We found that for both CEMP-s and CEMP-r/s stars, [Ba/Eu] and [La/Eu] exhibit positive values and [Ba/Fe] ≥ 1.0. However, CEMP-r/s stars satisfy [Eu/Fe] ≥ 1.0, 0.0 ≤ [Ba/Eu] ≤ 1.0, and/or 0.0 ≤ [La/Eu] ≤ 0.7. CEMP-s stars normally show [Eu/Fe] < 1.0 with [Ba/Eu] > 0.0 and/or [La/Eu] > 0.5. If [Eu/Fe] ≥ 1.0, then the condition on [Ba/Eu] and/or [La/Eu] for a star to be a CEMP-s star is [Ba/Eu] > 1.0 and/or [La/Eu] > 0.7. Using a large sample of similar stars from the literature we have examined whether the ratio of heavy-s to light-s process elements [hs/ls] alone can be used as a classifier, and if there are any limiting values for [hs/ls] that can be used to distinguish between CEMP-s and CEMP-r/s stars. Even though they peak at different values of [hs/ls], CEMP-s and CEMP-r/s stars show an overlap in the range 0.0 < [hs/ls] < 1.5, and hence this ratio cannot be used to distinguish between CEMP-s and CEMP-r/s stars. We have noticed a similar overlap in the case of [Sr/Ba] as well, in the range −1.6 < [Sr/Ba] < −0.5, and hence this ratio also cannot be used to separate the two subclasses.
Planetesimal formation around the snow line
Authors: Ida Shigeru , Guillot Tristan , Hyodo Ryuki , Okuzumi Satoshi , Youdin Andrew N.
Published: January 2021

Context.The formation of rocky planetesimals is a long-standing problem in planet formation theory. One of the possibilities is that it results from gravitational instability as a result of the pile-up of small silicate dust particles released from sublimating icy pebbles that pass the snow line.

Aims.We want to understand and quantify the role of the water snow line for the formation of rock-rich and ice-rich planetesimals. In this paper, we focus on the formation of rock-rich planetesimals. A companion paper examines the combined formation of both rock-rich and ice-rich planetesimals.

Methods.We developed a new Monte Carlo code to calculate the radial evolution of silicate particles in a turbulent accretion disk, accounting for the back reaction (i.e., inertia) of the particles on their radial drift velocity and diffusion. Results depend in particular on the particle injection width (determined from the radial sublimation width of icy pebbles), the pebble scale height, and the pebble mass flux through the disk. The scale height evolution of the silicate particles, which is the most important factor for the runaway pile-up, is calculated automatically in this Lagrange method.

Results.From the numerical results, we derive semi-analytical relations for the scale height of the silicate dust particles and the particle-to-gas density ratio at the midplane, as functions of a pebble-to-gas mass flux ratio and theαparameters for disk gas accretion and vertical/radial diffusion We find that the runaway pile-up of the silicate particles (formation of rocky planetesimals) occurs if the pebble-to-gas mass flux ratio is ≳ [(αDz/αacc)/3 × 10−2]1/2, whereαDzandαaccare theαparameters for vertical turbulent diffusion and disk gas accretion.
Whipping Behavior of Rice Flour Dough
Authors: Ichikawa Chiaki , Fukunaga Takahiro , Ishikawa Daitaro , Fujii Tomoyuki
Published: January 2021

In this study, the bubbles in rice flour dough were investigated under a constant temperature. The bubble size distribution is important for the control of food texture. If bubble sizes depend mainly on the inertial force, viscous force, and surface tension, then the normalized mean bubble diameter should be a function of the Reynolds number and Weber number. We obtained experimental data using a hand mixer, and compared the properties of doughs prepared using six rice flours; each flour was prepared through a different milling process. We also added the size effect of the rice flour particles as the Bond number. Furthermore, we performed a dynamic wettability test to estimate the wettability of the rice flour surface. The results of this test were described well by the Washburn equation, and dccosθ was calculated as a wettability parameter (where, dc: effective diameter of a capillary in a powder bed, cosθ: the contact angle). The mean bubble diameter (dbm) generated by whipping was expected to be affected by the thickness (d) of the rod of the mixer, its movement speed, physical properties of the material, and gravitational acceleration. Therefore, dimensionless mean diameter (dbm/d) was expressed by a dimensionless equation. The empirical equation obtained was generally applicable to the variety of materials selected for this study.
Numerical Simulation of Particle Motions in Cascade Impactor and Human Respiratory System
Authors: Ohsaki Shuji , Mitani Ryosuke , Fujiwara Saki , Nakamura Hideya , Watano Satoru
Published: January 2021

Dry powder inhalations (DPIs) have gathered attention as a treatment for respiratory diseases due to the large effective absorption area in a human lung. A cascade impactor is generally used to investigate the inhalation performance of DPIs. For the improvement of the efficiency of DPIs, understanding the particle motion and deposition behavior in the human lung and the cascade impactor is required. In the present study, computer simulations were conducted to calculate the particle motion and deposition behavior in the human lung and the cascade impactor. As simulation methods, a coupling model of a computational fluid dynamics and a discrete phase method (CFD−DPM) and a coupling model of a CFD and a discrete element method (CFD−DEM) were used. The CFD−DEM simulation could reproduce the experimental particle deposition behavior in the cascade impactor, although it was difficult by the CFD−DPM simulation. Furthermore, the calculation results using the CFD−DEM simulation quantitatively demonstrated the higher particle reachability into the simple lung model when smaller particles were used. It was found that the CFD−DEM simulation is a powerful tool to calculate the particle motion and deposition behavior in the cascade impactor and human lung.
Analysis of Thermal and Light Properties of Greenhouse Considering Greenhouse Sheets Characteristics in Hot and Humid Area in Asia
Authors: Matsuo Seiji , Honzawa Yuki , Fujita Toyohisa , Iwasaki Yasunaga
Published: January 2021

Food market in Asia is expanding at dramatic rate. In the near future, there will be about 400 million rich people who will eat raw vegetables as well as Japanese people, which is a great business opportunity for the farmer in Japan who has the know-how to produce high-quality vegetables. However, the weather conditions in Asia, especially in south-east Asia, can induce poor growth of plants because of its distinctive high temperature and humidity. In this case, putting a light shielding material on the outside of film can be a good method for cooling the greenhouse. In this study, the authors investigated the effects of some greenhouse shielding sheets on the environment of greenhouse in hot and humid regions of Asia. Consequently, it became possible to analyze the degree of suppression of the temperature rise of the greenhouse due to absorption of heat rays using shielding materials for the greenhouse at high temperature and its mechanism. It was suggested that focusing on the physical value of the film such as absorption rate is important by this simulation.
Separation of Colloidal Particle Using Elastic-Gel-Packed Column
Authors: Kawakita Hidetaka , Yokoyama Kaori , Esaki Shohei , Morisada Shintaro , Ohto Keisuke
Published: January 2021

Polymerized spherical gel (46 μm) was packed in a column to permeate silica particle suspension for the separation due to their differences of sizes. The elastic gel in the bottom domain of column deformed more because the pressure of the fluid flow suppressed the packed gel layer, that is, the formed gaps among the gels at the bottom domain had the smaller ‘pore’, resulting in filtering the smaller-size of the particles at the bottom of the column. The larger the size of silica particle, the upper the filtered domain in the column. To elute the filtered silica particle, the gel layer was compacted and restored by on-off of the fluid flow, to open the gaps in the gel layer repeatedly, demonstrating that the elution percentage of silica particle was gradually increased by the repeated on-off permeation of water.
Improved Adsorption Capacity of EDTA-type Chitosan for Separation of Rare Earths
Authors: Matsuda Motofumi , Ohto Keisuke
Published: January 2021

By optimizing the raw material ratio for the preparation of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-type chitosan (EDTA-type chitosan), the extraction efficiency of rare earth elements was improved. The synthesis with a lower concentration ratio of chitosan to acetic acid than that in the previously reported preparation method was confirmed by IR spectra that the peak assigned as the carboxyl group of EDTA was drastically decreased and the amide bond reaction between chitosan and EDTA was more facilitated. In the preparation method of this work, the amide formation was preferable to the competitive acetylation of chitosan. By the optimizing preparation conditions, the adsorption capacities for Nd, Sm, Tb, and Dy were improved about twice. On the contrary, the separation factor of rare earths was not changed, and it is suggested that other compounds having adsorption ability were not produced. EDTA-type chitosan was applied to chromatographic separation of La, Nd, Sm, Tb, and Dy. In the column method, it was confirmed that lighter rare earth sequentially eluted from the column, therefore it has been proved that adsorption of lighter rare earth was substituted by heavier rare earth.
Solvent Extraction of Scandium and Yttrium Using Carboxylic Acid
Authors: Moon Jeong-Yi , Nishihama Syouhei , Yoshizuka Kazuharu
Published: January 2021

Separation of scandium (Sc) from yttrium (Y) in aqueous chloride media by solvent extraction using Versatic acid 10 was investigated. Conventional slope analysis method revealed the extraction equilibrium formulation of the metals. Sc is more strongly extracted than Y by Versatic acid 10, and the separation factor of the metals is quite high at 1.93 × 104. Complete stripping of Sc from the loaded organic solution of Versatic acid 10 was achieved by 3M HCl solution. Then Versatic acid 10 was applied to solvent impregnated resin (SIR), separation of Sc was progressed via Langmuir adsorption model.
Direct Synthesis of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from Cellulose using Saturated Steam
Authors: Yoshida Seiichiro , Matsushima Keiichiro , Joboji Tohru
Published: January 2021

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a compound that can be synthesized from cellulose, has attracted significant attention because it can be converted into various chemical products. Although various methods for the direct conversion of cellulose to HMF using special solvents and catalysts have been reported, they are not desirable in terms of green sustainable chemistry and manufacturing costs. Herein, we report the direct conversion of cellulose to HMF using saturated steam, i.e., water, as an environment-friendly method. We investigated the effects of the molecular weight of cellulose and amount of added water on the yields of glucose and HMF using a batch system. Glucose and HMF yields were improved by using low-molecular-weight cellulose as the raw material and the amount of added water was important for maximizing the HMF yield. The balance of hydrolysis and dehydration was controlled by optimizing the amount of added water, with a maximized HMF yields of 21%. This study demonstrates that saturated steam has great potential to be applied for the direct conversion of cellulose to HMF.
Verification of CFD Prediction Accuracy of Particle and Droplet Induced Erosion Rate for Engineering Applications
Authors: Qian Shaoxiang , Kanamaru Shinichiro
Published: January 2021

The solid particles or liquid droplets entrained by multi-phase flow in process plants can cause erosion resulting in pipe wall thinning. Hence, it is essential to evaluate erosion rate for determining design margin and taking counter-measures. Many models have been proposed for prediction of erosion induced by particles and droplets, but there is significant difference in their prediction accuracy. The present study aims at verifying prediction accuracy of some major erosion models using the published experimental data, for engineering applications. CFD benchmark simulations were conducted for different flow velocities and piping geometries to investigate prediction accuracy of particle-induced erosion rates for five major erosion models, using the experimental data in literature. CFD results show that the erosion rates predicted by Grant and Tabakoff model are closest to the experimental results with acceptable prediction accuracy for engineering applications. At the same time, CFD benchmark simulations were also carried out to verify the prediction accuracy of droplet induced erosion rates for three erosion models, using the published experimental data. CFD results show that the erosion rates predicted by Haugen model for all the water impingement velocities are closest to the experimental results with acceptable prediction accuracy for engineering applications.
Construction of Hypoxia-Responsive VEGF Gene-Expression System Using Synthetic Biological Approach
Authors: Masumoto Shinya , Ito Akira , Ono Akihiko , Sato Tomonaga , Yamaguchi Masaki , Kawabe Yoshinori , Kamihira Masamichi
Published: January 2021

Three-dimensional (3D) tissue construction from individual cells is an important process in regenerative medicine to enhance cell functions. In transplantation of tissue-engineered constructs, a limited oxygen/nutrient supply due to insufficient vascular network formation causes cell death. Thus, it is necessary to develop a system for inducing vascular networks into 3D tissue constructs under hypoxic conditions. In our previous study (Ono, A., et al., 2017), we developed a hypoxia-inducible transgene expression system in which a target gene can be expressed in response to hypoxic stress using hypoxia-responsive promoter RTP801 as a trigger, tTA transactivator as an amplifier, and oxygen-dependent degradation sequence as a noise canceler. In this study, to improve oxygen and nutritional limitation within engineered 3D tissue constructs, a hypoxia-responsive gene expression system for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was introduced into cells. We demonstrated that genetically engineered cells could regulate VEGF expression autonomously in an oxygen concentration-dependent manner. Using the genetically engineered cells, 3D tissue constructs were fabricated using a magnetic force-based tissue engineering technique (Ito, A., et al., 2005). The tissue constructs were transplanted into mice to evaluate the feasibility of the hypoxia-responsive VEGF gene expression system in vivo. The results indicated that the VEGF gene expression system is promising for the induction of vascular networks into 3D tissue constructs.
Neuronal Differentiation of NT2 Cells in Monolayer and Spheroid Cultures
Authors: Kitano Otome , Nakazawa Kohji
Published: January 2021

Metabolism and differentiation of cultured cells are influenced by changes in cellular morphology. In this study, we investigated the differences in cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation of NT2 cells in monolayer (2D) and spheroid (3D) cultures. In the monolayer culture, the cells adhered and extended on a tissue culture plate. For the spheroid culture, we fabricated a microwell chip comprising 195 circular microwells (600 ìm in diameter) on a cutture plate, and the surface was modified with polyethylene glycol to promote spheroid formation. The cells were aggregated in each microwell and formed spheroids within 24 hours of culture, and the spheroid morphology was maintained thoughout the culture period. Although the cell proliferation ability in monolayer culture was higher than that in spheroid culture, the neuronal differentiation ability of NT2 spheroid culture was higher than that in monolayer culture. Furthermore, the neuronal differentiation of NT2 spheroids was dramatically enhanced by retinoic acid treatment. These results indicate that NT2 cell properties are influenced by differences in cell morphologies, and that spheroid culture is a promising technique to induce neuronal differentiation.
Modelling Bioprocesses Using Component Profiles in Natural Media, Named “Substratome”, Obtained by Performing Comprehensive Non-Targeted Analysis
Authors: Konishi Masaaki , Watanabe Kazuki , Tachibana Seiga
Published: January 2021

Natural media are often used for various commercial bioprocesses by manufacturers to cut raw material cost. However, the components of the raw materials varies between lot-to-lots and brand-to-brands. The varieties of raw materials influence to the cell growths and materials productivities, and results in unstable production across batches in manufacturing processes. To ensure the quality of raw materials among batches, it is necessary to perform a laboratory screening to purchasing the optimal one, and ensure a desirable performance in industrial process. To solve the serious problems in bioprocesses, it is developing that a modelling methodology using composition of raw materials, named us “substratome”, obtained by non-targeted metabolomicslike methods can estimate the cell growth and bio-productions. Here, we will present that two model studies: [1] Escherichia coli growths have been estimated from hydrophilic components in yeast extract obtained by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and [2] bioethanol production have been estimated by the volatile components in corncob and corn stover hydrolysates obtained by GC-MS; by partial least square regression (PLS-R). Additionally, we will present preliminary results to solve the same issues by using artificial intelligence.
Development of Wastewater Treatment Technique by Catalytic Oxidation in Superheated Steam
Authors: Watanabe Atsushi , Okajima Idzumi , Sako Takeshi , Tsukiji Makoto , Kato Takamasa , Oda Akiyoshi
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this research was the development of a wastewater treatment technique using catalytic oxidation in superheated steam. The target substance was isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The experiment was carried out using a plug-flow reactor filled with MnO2 catalyst. The optimum decomposition condition was determined, and the kinetics of the catalytic oxidation reaction were analyzed. The experimental results were expressed as total organic carbon (TOC) removal. The dependences of the TOC removal on the reaction temperature and residence time were investigated. The TOC removal increased with the reaction temperature and residence time. It was 99.8% at 300°C, 0.9 MPa, 11 s, and oxidant ratio of 1.2. On the other hand, the TOC removal was constant for a long residence time at low reaction temperatures of 200 and 230°C. This was because acetone and acetic acid were produced via the oxidation of IPA, and they were detected as TOC. The reaction kinetics were examined using the pseudo-first-order reaction model; the TOC removal correlated well with this model. Based on the results of the kinetics, the activation energy (Ea) for TOC decomposition was determined from the Arrhenius equation; it was 56.1 kJ/mol. These results indicate that catalytic oxidation in superheated steam is useful for wastewater treatment.
Ni2Fe3 Metal Catalyst and Cellulose Ratio Impact on Pyrolyzed Bio-Oil
Authors: Li Siyi , Cross Jeffrey S.
Published: January 2021

Carbon neutral bio-oil is needed to replace liquid fossil fuels in order to reduce CO2 emissions and global warming. However, the quality of bio-oil produced from biomass contains too much sugar, which is undesirable. Investigating a new method to reduce sugar concentration by changing the ratio between cellulose and catalyst is necessary because other methods all require additional costs. In this study, the Ni2Fe3 and cellulose have been chosen as the model catalyst and model biomass compound, respectively. Five different ratios have been chosen for investigation, 4:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4 (weight ratio= cellulose: catalyst) The cellulose pyrolysis experiments results show the bio-oil yield increases as the catalyst amount or ratio is increased initially and then decreased. The 2:1, 1:1, 1:2 shows the highest yields among the five different ratios. From GC-MS analysis, the sugar reduction increases initially and then decreases. Based on both results, the best cellulose/catalyst ratio was 2:1 or 1:1, which is attributed to optimized heat conduction.
Structure and Solidification Process Observation of Fe-C-Cr Alloy Using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope
Authors: Ito Shin , Kawai Hideki , Oishi Yoshihiko , Nogami Hiroshi
Published: January 2021

In this study, we investigated the growth process of M7C3 carbide by a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope. Fe-C-Cr alloy was prepared using an arc furnace. The composition was determined to be Fe:C:Cr=55:5:40(wt%). From the results of XRD and EPMA, the Fe-C-Cr alloy contained M7C3 carbide in the internal structure. In condition of two cooling rates 60°C/min and 30°C/min observed with a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope. Corners of the Hexagonal structure grew in the preferred orientation direction of M7C3 carbide at 60°C/min. After the growth of preferred orientation direction, the M7C3 carbide formed to connect between the corners. At a cooling rate of 30°C/min, M7C3 carbides grew in oblique direction to the observation area. At the beginning, the structures were hidden in the fluid. But the structures started to grow, the shape of the hexagon became eventually. After the melting experiment, the samples were observed by Optical Microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope. As a result, since hexagonal structure arose a difference in height between the outside and the inside. M7C3 carbides grew from the outside in the solidification process.
Dispersion of Nano-materials in Polymer Composite Materials
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsuya , Takahashi Yuya , Toyoda Naoya
Published: January 2021

Polymer composites materials are the subject of extensive studies because of their novel properties compared with their constituent materials. Dispersion stability of sub-micron sized particles in the medium is important from the point of colloidal views. In the present study, dispersion of nano-materials in the matrix polymer is one of the most important problems to enhance their mechanical properties. We tackled this problem to carry out surface modification of the nano-materials, such as carbon nano tubes (CNTs), using amphiphilic polymers, polyNvinylacetamide (PNVA), synthesized thorough radical polymerization. Hydrogen bond worked between PNVA onto the modified nano-materials and hydrophilic matrix, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), to enhance surface adhesions and dispersions of the nano-materials in the matrix. As a result, the mechanical properties of their composites materials were strengthened. When CNTs were used in PVA, the transparency of the composite was also increased due to improvement of their dispersions. In addition, if the CNTs formed the networks in the composites, the highly conductive and transparent polymer composite films were fabricated.
Recovery of Phosphorus from Waste Solution of Electroless Nickel-Phosphorus Plating
Authors: Yamamoto Takuji , Yoshida Yuichiro , Taguchi Shogo , Fukumuro Naoki , Yae Shinji , Itoh Kazuhiro , Maeda Kouji
Published: January 2021

We attempted to recover phosphorus species from a waste plating solution of electroless nickel-phosphorus plating. With the aim of increasing the recovery yield by oxidizing phosphite to phosphate efficiently, we examined ozonation of a model plating solution by supplying ozonecontaining oxygen gas to the solution employing an aerated mixing vessel. As a result of the measurements of the transient changes in the concentrations of the phosphorus species and dissolved ozone in the solution, we confirmed the effect of the organic additives contained in the plating solution on the ozonation efficiency. Calcium chloride was subsequently added to the ozone-treated solution to precipitate the phosphate as calcium hydrogen phosphate, which was poorly soluble to water. At this moment, the recovery yield of the phosphorus from the model waste plating solution was greater than 86%.
Evaluation of Yield and Energy of Greenhouse Tomato Production in Each Asian Monsoon Area Using Cultivation Simulator Considering Growth Condition
Authors: Matsuo Seiji , Fujita Toyohisa , Iwasaki Yasubaga
Published: January 2021

In recent years, the Asian monsoon region has a large business opportunity for the global food market for Japan. In this study, the authors evaluated the crop growth conditions and energy of greenhouse tomato production in several Asian monsoon areas. In these evaluations, a cultivation simulator considering growth conditions was used. In the calculation of the energy required to maintain the cultivation environment of the greenhouse, the photosynthesis rate of the plants and the transpiration rate were also calculated by simulation. As a result, the difficulty of greenhouse tomato production under high temperature and humidity conditions in Asia and the differences in crop growth conditions among these regions could be clarified by this analysis. In the future, it was suggested that it would be necessary to reduce the temperature of the greenhouse while maintaining the amount of photosynthesis.
Antibody Concentration Measurement Using Optical Rotation: Toward Process Analytical Technology
Authors: Inaba Hidenori , Wakabayashi Kosuke , Tsujimoto Ikuo , Yoshimoto Noriko , Yamamoto Shuichi
Published: January 2021

The antibody manufacturing process consists of the cell culture process using animal cells and the purification process including several chromatography steps and filtration steps. The purification process is important to obtain high quality bio-pharmaceutical products by removing impurities, and measurement of antibody concentrations is a fundamental and essential factor to control the manufacturing process and to confirm the yield of each purification step. Here we introduce the optical rotation method as a resolution for measuring antibody concentrations in the manufacturing process. Feasibility evaluation showed that optical rotation is applicable for measuring a wide range of antibody concentrations even in cell culture supernatants containing various contaminants. In addition, as examples of application to the process analytical technology, we show the possibility of the optical rotation method in the continuous cell culture and chromatography process, and the tangential flow filtration concentration process.
Performance Evaluation of Phase Separation Process Using High-concentration AMP Promoted by MAPA for CO2 Capture
Authors: Matsui Akihisa , Ogiyama Naoya , Endo Takumi , Arakawa Jun , Nakagaki Takao
Published: January 2021

Reduction of the energy penalty and cost of CO2 capture from concentrated gas streams using amine-based solutions can be achieved by minimizing the energy penalty in the solvent regeneration process. High concentration 2-Amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) solution precipitates as a carbonate when enough CO2 has been absorbed. By sending the separated carbonate to the stripper, the sensible heat of regeneration can be reduced. However, previous testing using 50 weight percent AMP solution mixed with Piperazine (PZ) with solid-liquid separation showed that the CO2 recovery rate was limited to 65% due to the lack of PZ regeneration. To improve the CO2 recovery rate, a novel solution and injection process were developed. N-Methyl-1,3-diaminopropane (MAPA) was selected as an alternative promoter based on reaction rate testing. Various tests were employed to characterize the behaviour of the AMP/MAPA solution under CO2 capture and recovery conditions. The injection point was relocated to avoid the inhibition of CO2 absorption observed when CO2 semi-lean liquid was sent to the upper portion of the absorber. The CO2 recovery rate and the precipitation quantity were simulated using a model built in Aspen Plus®. The novel solution and injection set-up were evaluated experimentally by a bench-scale apparatus.
Alteration of the fecal microbiota in Chinese patients with Schistosoma japonicum infection
Authors: Jiang Yanyan , Yuan Zhongying , Shen Yujuan , Rosa Bruce A. , Martin John , Cao Shengkui , Zhou Yanjiao , Mitreva Makedonka , Cao Jianping
Published: January 2021

Schistosoma japonicum infection causes pathological injury to the host. Multiple studies have shown that intestinal helminth infection causes dysbiosis for the gut microbial community and impacts host immunology. However, the effect of acute S. japonicum infection on the gut microbiome structure (abundance and diversity) is still unclear. We collected fecal samples from healthy and infected patients from a single hospital in Hunan Province, China. The bacterial community was analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region using the HiSeq platform. Compared with healthy subjects, infected patients exhibited an increase in relative abundance of the TM7 phylum. At the genus level, there were seven differentially abundant genera between groups. The most significant finding was a Bacteroides enterotype in patients with acute schistosomiasis. These results suggest that S. japonicum infection has a significant effect on microbiome composition characterized by a higher abundance of the TM7 phylum and development of a Bacteroides enterotype.
Molecular prevalence, characterization and associated risk factors of Anaplasma spp. and Theileria spp. in small ruminants in Northern Pakistan
Authors: Niaz Sadaf , Ur Rahman Zia , Ali Ijaz , Cossío-Bayúgar Raquel , Amaro-Estrada Itzel , Alanazi Abdullah D. , Khattak Irfan , Zeb Jehan , Nasreen Nasreen , Khan Adil
Published: January 2021

This study was conducted in four districts (Malakand, Swat, Bajaur and Shangla) of Northern Pakistan to investigate the prevalence, associated risk factors and phylogenetic analyses of Theileria and Anaplasma species in small ruminants. A total of 800 blood samples, 200 from each district, were collected from apparently healthy animals. PCR assays were performed using generic primers for Anaplasma spp. and Theileria spp. as well as species specific primers for A. ovis and T. ovis. Overall infection prevalence was 361/800 (45.1%). Theileria spp. infection prevalence (187/800, 23.3%) was higher than Anaplasma spp. (174/800, 21.7%). Amplified partial 18S rRNA genes were sequenced and enrolled animals were found to be infected by T. ovis (115/800, 14.3%), and at least two more Theileria species (72/800, 9%) were present (T. lestoquardi and T. annulata). All blood samples that were found to be positive for Anaplasma spp. were also positive for A. ovis. Infection prevalence was higher in sheep (227/361, 28.3%) compared to goats (134/361, 16.6%) (p < 0.005). Univariable analysis of risk factors showed that host, age, grazing system and acaricide treatment were significant determinants (p < 0.05) for both Theileria and Anaplasma infections. Multivariable analysis revealed that host, sex, age, tick infestation and grazing system were significant risk factors (p < 0.005) for both pathogens. Phylogenetic analysis revealed variants among the A. ovis and T. annulata samples analysed, indicating that different genotypes are circulating in the field while T. ovis presented the same genotype for the samples analysed.