bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autophagy Suppresses Tumorigenesis of Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Degradation of MicroRNA-224
Authors: Lan Sheng-Hui , Wu Shan-Ying , Zuchini Roberto , Lin Xi-Zhang , Su Ih-Jen , Tsai Ting-Fen , Lin Yen-Ju , Wu Cheng-Tao , Liu Hsiao-Sheng
Published: August 2013

In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), dysregulated expression of microRNA-224 (miR-224) and impaired autophagy have been reported separately. However, the relationship between them has not been explored. In this study we determined that autophagy is down-regulated and inversely correlated with miR-224 expression in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated HCC patient specimens. These results were confirmed in liver tumors of HBV X gene transgenic mice. Furthermore, miR-224 was preferentially recruited and degraded during autophagic progression demonstrated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and miRNA

in situ

hybridization electron microscopy after extraction of autophagosomes. Our

in vitro

study demonstrated that miR-224 played an oncogenic role in hepatoma cell migration and tumor formation through silencing its target gene Smad4. In HCC patients, the expression of low-Atg5, high-miR-224, and low-Smad4 showed significant correlation with HBV infection and a poor overall survival rate. Autophagy-mediated miR-224 degradation and liver tumor suppression were further confirmed by the autophagy inducer amiodarone and miR-224 antagonist using an orthotopic SD rat model.

Conclusion

: A noncanonical pathway links autophagy, miR-224, Smad4, and HBV-associated HCC. These findings open a new avenue for the treatment of HCC. (Hepatology 2014;59:505–517)
Highly Efficient Infectious Cell Culture of Three Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 2B Strains and Sensitivity to Lead Protease, Nonstructural Protein 5A, and Polymerase Inhibitors
Authors: Ramirez Santseharay , Li Yi-Ping , Jensen Sanne B. , Pedersen Jannie , Gottwein Judith M. , Bukh Jens
Published: August 2013

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a genetically diverse virus with multiple genotypes exhibiting remarkable differences, particularly in drug susceptibility. Drug and vaccine development will benefit from high-titer HCV cultures mimicking the complete viral life cycle, but such systems only exist for genotypes 1a and 2a. We developed efficient culture systems for the epidemiologically important genotype 2b. Full-length molecular clones of patient strains DH8 and DH10 were adapted to efficient growth in Huh7.5 cells by using F1468L/A1676S/D3001G (LSG) mutations. The previously developed J8cc prototype 2b recombinant was further adapted. DH8 and J8 achieved infectivity titers >4.5 log10 Focus-Forming Units/mL. A defined set of DH8 mutations had cross-isolate adapting potential. A chimeric genome with the DH10 polyprotein coding sequence inserted into a vector with J8 untranslated regions was viable. Importantly, we succeeded in generating DH8, J8, and DH10 viruses with authentic sequences in the regions targeted by lead direct-acting antivirals. Nonstructural protein (NS)5B inhibitors sofosbuvir, mericitabine, and BI207127 had activity against 1a (strain TN), 2a (strains JFH1 and J6), and the 2b strains, whereas VX-222 and filibuvir only inhibited 1a. Genotype 2b strains were least sensitive to seven lead protease inhibitors, including MK-5172 with high overall potency. NS5A inhibitor daclatasvir was exceptionally potent, but efficacy was affected by the HCV strain.

Conclusion

: Highly efficient HCV full-length 2b culture systems can be established by using consensus clones with defined mutations. Lead protease and NS5A inhibitors, as well as polymerase inhibitors sofosbuvir, mericitabine, and BI207127, show cross-activity against full-length 1a, 2a, and 2b viruses, but important sensitivity differences exist at the isolate level. Infectious cultures for different HCV strains will advance studies on viral biology and pathogenesis and promote individualized patient treatment. (Hepatology 2014;59:395–407)
Hepatic Gene Expression Profiles Differentiate Presymptomatic Patients With Mild Versus Severe Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Moylan Cynthia A. , Pang Herbert , Dellinger Andrew , Suzuki Ayako , Garrett Melanie E. , Guy Cynthia D. , Murphy Susan K. , Ashley-Koch Allison E. , Choi Steve S. , Michelotti Gregory A. , Hampton Daniel D. , Chen Yuping , Tillmann Hans L. , Hauser Michael A. , Abdelmalek Manal F. , Diehl Anna Mae
Published: August 2013

Clinicians rely upon the severity of liver fibrosis to segregate patients with well-compensated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) into subpopulations at high- versus low-risk for eventual liver-related morbidity and mortality. We compared hepatic gene expression profiles in high- and low-risk NAFLD patients to identify processes that distinguish the two groups and hence might be novel biomarkers or treatment targets. Microarray analysis was used to characterize gene expression in percutaneous liver biopsies from low-risk, “mild” NAFLD patients (fibrosis stage 0–1; n = 40) and high-risk, “severe” NAFLD patients (fibrosis stage 3–4; n = 32). Findings were validated in a second, independent cohort and confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry (IHC). As a group, patients at risk for bad NAFLD outcomes had significantly worse liver injury and more advanced fibrosis (severe NAFLD) than clinically indistinguishable NAFLD patients with a good prognosis (mild NAFLD). A 64-gene profile reproducibly differentiated severe NAFLD from mild NAFLD, and a 20-gene subset within this profile correlated with NAFLD severity, independent of other factors known to influence NAFLD progression. Multiple genes involved with tissue repair/regeneration and certain metabolism-related genes were induced in severe NAFLD. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and IHC confirmed deregulation of metabolic and regenerative pathways in severe NAFLD and revealed overlap among the gene expression patterns of severe NAFLD, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

Conclusion

: By demonstrating specific metabolic and repair pathways that are differentially activated in livers with severe NAFLD, gene profiling identified novel targets that can be exploited to improve diagnosis and treatment of patients who are at greatest risk for NAFLD-related morbidity and mortality. (Hepatology 2014;59:471–482)
MicroRNA-494 within an oncogenic microRNA megacluster regulates G1/S transition in liver tumorigenesis through suppression of mutated in colorectal cancer
Authors: Lim Lionel , Balakrishnan Asha , Huskey Noelle , Jones Kirk D. , Jodari Mona , Ng Raymond , Song Guisheng , Riordan Jesse , Anderton Brittany , Cheung Siu-Tim , Willenbring Holger , Dupuy Adam , Chen Xin , Brown David , Chang Aaron N. , Goga Andrei
Published: August 2013

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with poor survival for patients and few effective treatment options, raising the need for novel therapeutic strategies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in tumor development and show deregulated patterns of expression in HCC. Because of the liver's unique affinity for small nucleic acids, miRNA-based therapy has been proposed in the treatment of liver disease. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify and characterize aberrantly expressed miRNAs in HCC. In our study, we profiled miRNA expression changes in

de novo

liver tumors driven by MYC and/or RAS, two canonical oncogenes activated in a majority of human HCCs. We identified an up-regulated miRNA megacluster comprised of 53 miRNAs on mouse chromosome 12qF1 (human homolog 14q32). This miRNA megacluster is up-regulated in all three transgenic liver models and in a subset of human HCCs. An unbiased functional analysis of all miRNAs within this cluster was performed. We found that miR-494 is overexpressed in human HCC and aids in transformation by regulating the G1/S cell cycle transition through targeting of the Mutated in Colorectal Cancer tumor suppressor. miR-494 inhibition in human HCC cell lines decreases cellular transformation, and anti-miR-494 treatment of primary MYC-driven liver tumor formation significantly diminishes tumor size.

Conclusion :

Our findings identify a new therapeutic target (miR-494) for the treatment of HCC.
Furthering the derivation of predictive wildlife toxicity reference values for use in soil cleanup decisions
Authors: Mayfield David B , Johnson Mark S , Burris Janet A , Fairbrother Anne
Published: August 2013

The development of media-specific ecological values for risk assessment includes the derivation of acceptable levels of exposure for terrestrial wildlife (e.g., birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians). Although the derivation and subsequent application of these values can be used for screening purposes, there is a need to identify toxicological effects thresholds specifically for making remedial decisions at individual contaminated sites. A workshop was held in the fall of 2012 to evaluate existing methods and recent scientific developments for refining ecological soil screening levels (Eco-SSLs) and improving the derivation of site-specific ecological soil clean-up values for metals (Eco-SCVs). This included a focused session on the development and derivation of toxicity reference values (TRVs) for terrestrial wildlife. Topics that were examined included: methods for toxicological endpoint selection, techniques for dose–response assessment, approaches for cross-species extrapolation, and tools to incorporate environmental factors (e.g., metal bioavailability and chemistry) into a reference value. The workgroup also made recommendations to risk assessors and regulators on how to incorporate site-specific wildlife life history and toxicity information into the derivation of TRVs to be used in the further development of soil cleanup levels. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2014;10:358–371. © 2013 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management Published by SETAC

Key Points

Recent scientific advancements for developing species- and site-specific wildlife toxicity reference values (TRVs) for soil cleanup decisions allow for more realistic cleanup levels, as opposed to more general screening values. TRVs are improved through incorporating local environmental factors, bioavailability differences between laboratory and field diets, appropriate endpoint selection, and dose-response information needed for parameterizing population models. Interspecies extrapolation requires knowledge about physiological pathways, mode of action, mechanism of toxicity, and toxicokinetics; and as a rule, when physiological differences are profound, interspecies extrapolation is not recommended. The application of generic safety or uncertainty factors should be considered as a risk management decision and not a scientifically based recommendation.
Optimized fluorescent labeling to identify memory B cells specific for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B vaccine antigens ex vivo
Authors: Nair Nitya , Buti Ludovico , Faenzi Elisa , Buricchi Francesca , Nuti Sandra , Sammicheli Chiara , Tavarini Simona , Popp Maximilian W.L. , Ploegh Hidde , Berti Francesco , Pizza Mariagrazia , Castellino Flora , Finco Oretta , Rappuoli Rino , Del Giudice Giuseppe , Galli Grazia , Bardelli Monia
Published: August 2013

Antigen‐specific memory B cells generate anamnestic responses and high affinity antibodies upon re‐exposure to pathogens. Attempts to isolate rare antigen‐specific memory B cells for in‐depth functional analysis at the single‐cell level have been hindered by the lack of tools with adequate sensitivity. We applied two independent methods of protein labeling to sensitive and specific ex vivo identification of antigen‐specific memory B cells by flow cytometry: stringently controlled amine labeling, and sortagging, a novel method whereby a single nucleophilic fluorochrome molecule is added onto an LPETG motif carried by the target protein. We show that sortagged NadA, a major antigen in the meningococcal serogroup B vaccine, identifies NadA‐specific memory B cells with high sensitivity and specificity, comparable to NadA amine‐labeled under stringent reaction parameters in a mouse model of vaccination. We distinguish NadA‐specific switched MBC induced by vaccination from the background signal contributed by splenic transitional and marginal zone B cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate that protein structural data coupled with sortag technology allows the development of engineered antigens that are as sensitive and specific as conventional chemically labeled antigens in detecting rare MBC, and minimize the possibility of disrupting conformational B cell epitopes.
Prognostic value of p16‐INK4A protein in women with negative or CIN1 histology result: A follow‐up study
Authors: Pacchiarotti Alberto , Ferrari Francesca , Bellardini Paola , Chini Francesco , Collina Guido , Dalla Palma Paolo , Ghiringhello Bruno , Maccallini Vincenzo , Musolino Fabio , Negri Giovanni , Pisa Roberto , Sabatucci Ilaria , Giorgi Rossi Paolo
Published: August 2013

P16‐INK4A overexpression has been proposed as a prognostic marker to manage the follow up of women with positive cytology and/or HPV test but without high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2+). This study measures the relative risk (RR) of CIN2+ of p16 positive versus negative in these women. All the women referred to colposcopy from October 2008 to September 2010 with negative or CIN1 colposcopy‐guided biopsy were included in the study; women surgically treated or having a CIN2–3 were excluded. All baseline biopsies were dyed with hematoxylin and eosin and p16. Women were followed up according to screening protocols, with cytology or colposcopy at 6 or 12 months. CIN2/3 RRs and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were computed. Of 442 eligible women, 369 (83.5%) had at least one follow‐up episode. At baseline, 113 (30.6%) were CIN1, 248 (67.2%) negative, and 8 (2.2%) inadequate histology; 293 (79.4%) were p16‐negative, 64 (17.3%) p16 positive and 12 (3.2%) not valid. During follow up, we found ten CIN2 and three CIN3; of these, six were p16 positive (sensitivity 46%, 95% CI 19–75). The absolute risk among p16 positives was 9.4/100 compared to 1.7/100 of the p16 negatives (RR 5.5; 95% CI 1.7–17.4). The risk was also higher for CIN1 than for histologically negative women (RR 4.4; 95% CI 1.3–14.3). The RR for p16 in CIN1 did not change (RR 5.2; 95% CI 0.6–47.5). P16 overexpression is a good candidate for modulating follow‐up intensity after a negative colposcopy but is limited by its low prospective sensitivity.
Calcium phosphate glasses: Silanation process and effect on the bioactivity behavior of glass‐PMMA composites
Authors: Alonso Lizette Morejón , García‐Menocal José Ángel Delgado , Aymerich Mariona Tarragó , Guichard Julio Ándrés Álvarez , García‐Vallés Maite , Manent Salvador Martínez , Ginebra Maria‐Pau
Published: August 2013

This article presents the results of a study of the efficiency of silanation process of calcium phosphate glasses particles and its effect on the bioactivity behavior of glass‐ poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites. Two different calcium phosphate glasses: 44.5CaO‐44.5P2O5‐11Na2O (BV11) and 44.5CaO‐44.5P2O5‐6Na2O‐5TiO2 (G5) were synthesized and treated with silane coupling agent. The glasses obtained were characterized by Microprobe and BET while the efficiency of silanation process was determined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Thermal Analysis (DTA and TG) techniques. The content of coupling agent chemically tightly bond to the silanated glasses ascended to 1.69 ± 0.02 wt % for BV11sil glass and 0.93 ± 0.01 wt % for G5sil glass. The in vitro bioactivity test carried out in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) revealed certain bioactive performance with the use of both silanated glasses in a 30% (by weight) as filler of the PMMA composites because of a superficial deposition of an apatite‐like layer with low content of CO32− and HPO42− in its structure after soaking for 30 days occurred. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 205–213, 2014.
Photoembossing of surface relief structures in polymer films for biomedical applications
Authors: Hughes‐Brittain Nanayaa F. , Qiu Lin , Wang Wen , Peijs Ton , Bastiaansen Cees W.M.
Published: August 2013

Photoembossing is a technique used to create relief structures using a patterned contact photo‐mask exposure and a thermal development step. Typically, the photopolymer consists of a polymer binder and a monomer in a 1/1 ratio together with a photo‐initiator, which results in a solid and non‐tacky material at room temperature. Here, new mixtures for photoembossing are presented which are potentially biocompatible. Poly(methyl methacrylate) is used as a polymer binder and two different acrylate monomers trimethylolpropane ethoxylate triacrylate (TPETA) and dipentaerythritol penta‐/hexa‐acrylate (DPPHA) are tested. PMMA‐TPETA had a higher surface relief features. Biocompatibility is evaluated by culturing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) on films of these photopolymer blends. PMMA with TPETA and PMMA‐DPPHA films showed enhanced cell adhesion compared to PMMA. The cells also showed alignment on surface textured films with the highest degree of alignment on films with 20 μm pitch and 2 μm height. This study shows that photoembossing is a feasible method to produce surface textures on films that can be adopted in the field of tissue engineering to promote cell adhesion and alignment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 214–220, 2014.
Distinctive Subcellular Akt‐1 Responses to Shear Stress in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Melchior Benoît , Frangos John A.
Published: August 2013

Endothelial cells undergo a rapid cell–cell junction inclination following exposure to atheroprotective unidirectional flow. In contrast, atherosclerotic lesions correlate with a heterogeneous distribution of the junctional wall inclination in cells exposed to time‐varying, reversing, and oscillatory flow as well as to low mean shear stress. However, the underlying biochemical events by which endothelial cells distinctively respond to unidirectional versus flow reversal remain unclear. Here, we show that the subcellular distribution of flow‐induced Akt‐1 phosphorylation in endothelial cells lining the mouse aorta varies depending on local hemodynamics. Activated Akt‐1 accumulated in perinuclear areas of cells in regions predisposed to disturbed flow but were localized at the cell–cell junction in regions of high unidirectional laminar shear stress. In flow‐adapted human endothelial cells, reversal in flow direction was associated within minutes with a subcellular concentration of phosphorylated Akt‐1 at the upstream edge of cells. Interestingly, oscillatory flow (with a zero mean shear stress) failed to activate Akt‐1, whereas a unidirectional pulsatile flow of similar amplitude induced an increase in Akt‐1 phosphorylation. Finally, silencing of the G protein αq/11 subunit abrogated both flow‐induced Akt‐1 and GSK‐3β activation. Together, these results characterize the existence of a Gαq/11‐mediated Akt‐1 signaling pathway that is dynamically responsive to flow direction, thereby offering a novel approach to regulating EC dysfunctions in regions subjected to flow reversal. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 121–129, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Convergence in the QM‐only and QM/MM modeling of enzymatic reactions: A case study for acetylene hydratase
Authors: Liao Rong‐Zhen , Thiel Walter
Published: August 2013

We report systematic quantum mechanics‐only (QM‐only) and QM/molecular mechanics (MM) calculations on an enzyme‐catalyzed reaction to assess the convergence behavior of QM‐only and QM/MM energies with respect to the size of the chosen QM region. The QM and MM parts are described by density functional theory (typically B3LYP/def2‐SVP) and the CHARMM force field, respectively. Extending our previous work on acetylene hydratase with QM regions up to 157 atoms (Liao and Thiel, J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2012, 8, 3793), we performed QM/MM geometry optimizations with a QM region M4 composed of 408 atoms, as well as further QM/MM single‐point calculations with even larger QM regions up to 657 atoms. A charge deletion analysis was conducted for the previously used QM/MM model (M3a, with a QM region of 157 atoms) to identify all MM residues with strong electrostatic contributions to the reaction energetics (typically more than 2 kcal/mol), which were then included in M4. QM/MM calculations with this large QM region M4 lead to the same overall mechanism as the previous QM/MM calculations with M3a, but there are some variations in the relative energies of the stationary points, with a mean absolute deviation (MAD) of 2.7 kcal/mol. The energies of the two relevant transition states are close to each other at all levels applied (typically within 2 kcal/mol), with the first (second) one being rate‐limiting in the QM/MM calculations with M3a (M4). QM‐only gas‐phase calculations give a very similar energy profile for QM region M4 (MAD of 1.7 kcal/mol), contrary to the situation for M3a where we had previously found significant discrepancies between the QM‐only and QM/MM results (MAD of 7.9 kcal/mol). Extension of the QM region beyond M4 up to M7 (657 atoms) leads to only rather small variations in the relative energies from single‐point QM‐only and QM/MM calculations (MAD typically about 1–2 kcal/mol). In the case of acetylene hydratase, a model with 408 QM atoms thus seems sufficient to achieve convergence in the computed relative energies to within 1–2 kcal/mol.Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anti‐IL21 receptor monoclonal antibody (ATR‐107): Safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamic evaluation in healthy volunteers: A phase I, first‐in‐human study
Authors: Hua Fei , Comer Gail M. , Stockert Lori , Jin Bo , Nowak John , Pleasic‐Williams Susan , Wunderlich David , Cheng John , Beebe Jean S.
Published: August 2013

Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of ATR‐107, a fully human monoclonal anti‐IL‐21 receptor (IL‐21R) antibody, administered as ascending single doses, subcutaneously or intravenously, was evaluated in a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind trial in healthy subjects. The dose levels were 3–300 mg by SC and 30–120 mg by IV. The most important adverse events were hypersensitivity reactions occurring in three out of six subjects in 300 mg SC cohort and considered as dose limiting toxicity. More than 75% of the subjects who received ATR‐107 developed anti‐drug antibodies (ADAs), which had no discernible impact on PK or safety. The PK of ATR‐107 appeared to be dose ‐proportional. T1/2 was shorter than typical therapeutic antibodies. Bioavailability of ATR‐107 was about 30%. IL‐21R occupancy was measured in circulating B cells in the 60 and 120 mg IV cohort. The data indicated that single dose of ATR‐107 was able to maximally occupy IL‐21Rs through at least Day 42. Further escalation in the FIH study was halted partially due to the high rates of ADA formation. In conclusion, ATR‐107 had a prolonged PD effect measured by IL‐21R occupancy; was highly immunogenic after single dose administration and had PK properties with rapid clearance and low bioavailability.
Novel mutant strains of Rhodosporidium toruloides by plasma mutagenesis approach and their tolerance for inhibitors in lignocellulosic hydrolyzate
Authors: Qi Feng , Kitahara Yuki , Wang Zitian , Zhao Xuebing , Du Wei , Liu Dehua
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND

Rhodosporidium toruloides can transform carbohydrates from lignocellulosic hydrolyzate into long‐chain fatty acids that contribute to biodiesel production. However R. toruloides cannot survive in lignocellulosic hydrolyzate due to the inhibitory effects of the byproducts co‐produced by hydrolysis.

RESULTS

To circumvent the limitation, atmospheric room temperature plasma (ARTP) mutagenesis was utilized to obtain R. toruloides mutant strains M11, M14, and M18 that had strong tolerance for the inhibitory compounds and could grow in lignocellulosic hydrolyzate without detoxification. It was demonstrated that acetic acid and vanillin (phenolic compounds) were major inhibitors that decreased lipid productivity by 30%. Furthermore, acetic acid and vanillin changed the fatty acid composition of the lipids. Among the mutants, M18 exhibited the highest tolerance for all the inhibitory compounds and had near 50% lipid content.

CONCLUSIONS

This work provides novel potential strains for biodiesel production using lignocellulosic biomass and a useful foundation for optimization of the pretreatment of lignocellulose. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced cephalosporin C production with a novel DO‐Stat based carbon resources co‐feeding strategy
Authors: Duan Shengbing , Ni Weijia , Yuan Guoqiang , Zhao Yanli , Liu Fan
Published: August 2013

Background

To solve the problems of high by‐product accumulations and low substrate utilization efficiencies in the traditional cephalosporin C (CPC) fermentation process, a novel DO‐Stat based substrates co‐feeding strategy for CPC production by Acremonium chrysogenum (A. chrysogenum) was conducted in a 7 L fermentor using the addition of glucose coupled with soybean oil.

RESULTS

Compared with the sole soybean oil feeding method, the final CPC concentration was enhanced from 25.3 g L‐1 to a higher level of 31.9 g L‐1 by the novel substrate co‐feeding strategy. The major by‐product of deacetoxycephalosporin C (DAOC) was reduced from 0.32 g L‐1 to a lower level of 0.092 g L‐1, and the final DAOC/CPC ratio (0.28%) reached the CPC fermentation quality standard (below 0.5%). Metabolic flux analysis revealed that the carbon fluxes in the CPC synthesis related route were increased about 2.2‐fold by applying the novel substrate co‐feeding strategy.

Conclusion

The results indicated that the co‐feeding of glucose and soybean oil in the main CPC production phase was desirable for CPC fermentation, and led to higher CPC production/yield and substrate utilization efficiencies but less DAOC accumulation. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced water reduction by turning during sewage sludge composting
Authors: Hong Nian , Chen Jun , Gao Ding , Chen Tong‐Bin , Zhang Xue‐Hong , Cai Lu
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND

Turning can supply oxygen and increase dewatering efficiency during composting. This study was conducted to investigate the influence of turning on water removal and the interactive influence of turning during different phases. Dewatered sewage sludge was composted using control technology for bio‐composting, during which the temperature, free airspace, pile settlement and water reduction were measured and calculated. During the temperature‐increasing and thermophilic phase, turning once and without turning were performed and compared. During the cooling phase, higher (every 2 days) and lower (every 4 days) turning frequencies were used and compared.

RESULTS

The results showed that there was a significant difference in water removal between the different turning modes during three phases (P value of temperature increasing, thermophilic and cooling phase, respectively, 0.0122, 0.0092 and 0.0056). Furthermore, the water removal was significantly related to the interaction between different turning modes during the thermophilic phase and cooling phase (P = 0.0092).

CONCLUSION

No turning in the temperature‐increasing phase, turning once in the thermophilic phase, and turning every 4 days in the cooling phase was the most efficient turning strategy for water removal, for which the water reduction was 591.63 kg ton‐1 matrix, significantly higher than those in other treatments. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Pb(II) removal from aqueous solution by Myriophyllum spicatum and its compost: equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic study
Authors: Milojković Jelena V. , Mihajlović Marija L. , Stojanović Mirjana D. , Lopičić Zorica R. , Petrović Marija S. , Šoštarić Tatjana D. , Ristić Mirjana Đ.
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND

Lead is one of the frequent contaminants of industrial wastewater. Since it has been shown that aquatic plants can be used for the removal of heavy metals, herein Pb(II) biosorption by Myriophyllum spicatum and its compost were investigated. Effects of pH, ionic strength and contact time were analyzed using a batch experiment. Biomasses were characterized chemically and by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction techniques.

RESULTS

The adsorption process of both biosorbents followed a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Compost exhibits better Pb(II) removal from solution (71%) compared with the plant (61%). Lead binding capacities for M. spicatum and its compost were 0.234 mmol g‐1 and 0.287 mmol g‐1 at pH 5.0, respectively. Lead binding takes place mainly through an ion exchange mechanism, but chemisorption via identified functional groups cannot be neglected. The Langmuir, Freundlich and Sips adsorption models for compost were applied. The Sips isotherm model gave the best fit with the equilibrium experimental data. The sorption process by compost was endothermic and spontaneous.

CONCLUSION

Aquatic weed compost as a low cost biosorbent with high biosorption capacity can potentially be used for the removal of lead from wastewaters. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Sonographic measurement criteria for the diagnosis of internal jugular phlebectasia in children
Authors: Eksioglu Ayse Secil , Senel Saliha , Cinar Gokce , Karacan Can Demir
Published: August 2013

Background

To establish sonographic (US) criteria for the diagnosis of internal jugular phlebectasia (IJP) in children and to determine reliable cutoff values of US measurements with high specificity and sensitivity.

Methods

We used B‐mode US for the measurement of internal jugular vein transverse (T) and anteroposterior (AP) diameter, and cross‐sectional area (CSA) at rest and during the Valsalva maneuver (VM) in 21 patients, aged 15 months to 16 years, diagnosed with IJP, and compared the results with those of 88 healthy children. Receiver operating characteristics curves were used to determine the optimal cutoff values.

Results

Patients with IJP had higher T, AP diameters, and CSA at rest and during VM than controls on the same side (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristics curves showed that CSA during the VM on both sides yielded the best results (cutoff value 220 mm2 with 92.3% sensitivity, 92% specificity on the right side; 188 mm2 with 90% sensitivity, 87.5% specificity on the left side). AP diameter offered better specificity and sensitivity (≥85%) than T diameter during VM on both sides.

Conclusions

We suggest using an AP diameter >15 mm as a cutoff point for both sides for the diagnosis of IJP in daily practice. US measurement of the jugular vein diameter might help increasing clinicians' awareness of clinically unrecognized cases of IJP and identifying borderline cases that require follow‐up. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 41:486–492, 2013;
Catastrophic mitral prosthesis dehiscence diagnosed by three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Ciobanu Andrea O. , Griffin Steven C. , Bennett Sean , Vinereanu Dragos
Published: August 2013

In emergency situations, real‐time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT 3‐dimensional TEE) may provide unique anatomic insights on prosthetic valves when two‐dimensional imaging is inconclusive. We report the case of a 76‐year‐old woman, in cardiogenic shock, who had undergone mitral valve replacement 3 months ago. RT 3‐dimensional TEE revealed almost total, catastrophic prosthesis dehiscence following infective endocarditis, the prosthesis being perpendicular to the normal mitral plane. Corrective surgery was not feasible, and the patient died shortly after admission. Although the outcome was unfortunate, RT 3‐dimensional TEE helped rapidly reach a definitive diagnosis, essential for decision‐making. Three‐dimensional TEE should be used as a complementary technique in difficult cases. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:249–251, 2014
Diurnal and seasonal variation of electron heat flux measured with the Poker Flat Incoherent‐Scatter Radar
Authors: Fallen Christopher T. , Watkins Brenton J.
Published: August 2013

Measurements made with the Advanced Modular Incoherent Scatter Radar were used to calculate the average diurnal electron temperature and corresponding vertical heat flux above Poker Flat, Alaska. Our results show that both the electron heat flux and temperature exhibited seasonal variation during 12 consecutive months in 2009 and 2010, a period of exceptionally quiet solar and geomagnetic activity. Both the electron temperature and heat flux varied diurnally, with larger magnitudes observed during the day than night. Contrary to midlatitude measurements from the late 1960s, the downward heat fluxes above Poker Flat were found to vary significantly with season and were typically greater during summer than winter. The time‐dependent topside electron heat flux is an important parameter describing magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling and it also drives boundary conditions in physics‐based ionosphere models. Parameterizations of the average electron thermal flux and temperature sufficient for use in ionosphere models are provided. A physics‐based high‐latitude ionosphere model is used to demonstrate that a constant heat flux boundary condition leads to an electron temperature increase near local midnight that is not observed in the radar measurements. The resulting inaccuracy in electron temperature calculations leads to more than a 15% overestimate of daytime peak electron number density. Applying a time‐varying heat flux boundary condition brings the model electron temperature and peak density to good agreement with measurements.
Characterizing moisture exchange between the Hawaiian convective boundary layer and free troposphere using stable isotopes in water
Authors: Bailey Adriana , Toohey Darin , Noone David
Published: August 2013

The subtropical convective boundary layer (CBL) plays a critical role in climate by regulating the vertical exchange of moisture, energy, trace gases, and pollutants between the ocean surface and free troposphere. Yet bulk features of this exchange are poorly constrained in climate models. To improve our understanding of moisture transport between the boundary layer and free troposphere, paired measurements of water vapor mixing ratio and the stable isotope ratio 18O/16O are used to evaluate moist convective mixing and entrainment processes near the Big Island of Hawaii. Profile data from the island's east side are consistent with moist adiabatic processes below the trade wind temperature inversion. In contrast, profiles on the west side follow moist adiabatic lapse rates within discrete stable layers, suggesting moist convection sets the humidity structure of even the unsaturated regions around the island. Above the trade wind inversion, the transition from well‐mixed boundary layer to free troposphere is characterized by a simple mixing line analysis, so long as the thermodynamic properties of the air mass at CBL top are known. Deviations from the mixing line identify thermodynamic boundaries in the atmospheric profile, which can persist from one day to the next. These findings indicate residual layers form during strong mixing events and regulate vertical moisture transport for multiple days at a time. Basic assumptions that synoptic‐scale transport controls isotope ratios at CBL top are therefore not sufficient for describing moisture exchange between the boundary layer and free troposphere in the subtropics.
Sensitivity of stratospheric dynamics to uncertainty in O3production
Authors: Hsu Juno , Prather Michael J. , Bergmann Dan , Cameron‐Smith Philip
Published: August 2013

Some key photochemical uncertainties that cannot be readily eliminated by current observations translate into a range of stratospheric O3abundances in the tens of percent. The uncertainty in O3production due to that in the cross sections for O2in the Hertzberg continuum is studied here with the NCAR Community Atmosphere Model, which allows for interactive climate and ozone chemistry. A min‐max range in the O2cross sections of 30%, consistent with current uncertainties, changes O3abundances in the lower tropical stratosphere by up to 30%, with a relatively smaller and opposite change above 30 hPa. Here we have systematically examined the changes in the time‐mean state, the seasonal cycle, and the interannual variability of the temperature and circulation associated with the ±30% change in O2cross sections. This study points to the important role of O3in the lower tropical stratosphere in determining the physical characteristics of the tropical tropopause layer. Reducing O2cross sections by 30% increases ozone abundances which warms the lower stratosphere (60°S −60°N; 2 K maximum at equator) and lowers the tropopause height by 100–200 m (30°S –30°N). The large‐scale warming leads to enhanced stratification near the tropopause which reduces upward wave propagation everywhere except for high latitudes. The lowermost tropical stratosphere is better ventilated during austral winter. The annual cycle of ozone is amplified. The interannual variability of the winter stratospheric polar vortices also increases, but the mechanism involves wave‐mean flow interaction, and the exact role of ozone in it needs further investigation.
An analysis of parameterization interactions and sensitivity of single‐column model simulations to convection schemes in CAM4 and CAM5
Authors: Wang Xiaocong , Zhang Minghua
Published: August 2013

This paper uses different deep convection triggering functions and closure assumptions in two versions of the Community Atmospheric Model (CAM4 and CAM5) to investigate the interactions of parameterization components and the sensitivity of single‐column model simulations of tropical convection. The schemes include those used in the standard CAM4 and CAM5 as well as two variants used in other global models. Large‐scale forcing and verification data are from the Global Atmospheric Research Program's Atlantic Tropical Experiment and Kwajalein Experiment field campaigns during which many deep and shallow convective events were observed. Results show that in both CAM4 and CAM5, when the intensity of deep convection decreases as a result of parameterization change, the intensity of shallow convection increases, leading to little change in the total simulated precipitation but very different changes in precipitation types. The different precipitation types manifest themselves in other measures of model performances including temperature and humidity. The standard CAM4 and CAM5 both simulated warm bias in the middle troposphere and dry bias in the lower troposphere. In experiments where deep convection is reduced, these biases are also reduced, but the associated changes in shallow convection create new patterns of model biases. Results imply the need to use multiple independent observations simultaneously to constrain models so that the degrees of model freedom are reduced and to treat model physical parameterizations as an integrated system rather than individual components.
By‐product from decoction process of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyces as a source of polyphenols and dietary fiber
Authors: Sáyago‐Ayerdi Sonia G , Velázquez‐López Carolina , Montalvo‐González Efigenia , Goñi Isabel
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND

Dietary fiber (DF) and antioxidant compounds are widely used as functional ingredients. The market in this field is competitive and the search for new types of quality ingredients for the food industry is intensifying. The aim of this study was to evaluate the composition and antioxidant activity of by‐products generated during the decoction of calyces of four Mexican Hibiscus sabdariffa L. cultivars (‘Criolla’, ‘China’, ‘Rosalis’ and ‘Tecoanapa’) in order to assess them as a source of functional ingredients.

RESULTS

Some calyx components were partially transferred to the beverage during the decoction process, while most were retained in the decoction residues. These by‐products proved to be a good source of DF (407.4–457.0 g kg−1 dry matter) and natural antioxidants (50.7–121.8 µmol Trolox equivalent g−1 dry matter).

CONCLUSION

The decoction process extracted some soluble carbohydrates, ash and some extractable polyphenols. The DF content changed in the dried residues, which could be considered as high‐DF materials with a high proportion of soluble DF (∼20% of total DF) and considerable antioxidant capacity. These by‐products could be used as an antioxidant DF source. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Changes in growth, essential oil yield and composition of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) as affected by growing media
Authors: Rezaei Nejad Abdolhossein , Ismaili Ahmad
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND

Using proper growing medium is known to be an effective way to improve crop growth and yield. However, the effects of growing media on geranium essential oil have scarcely ever been examined in detail. In this research, the effects of different growing media (soil, sand, pumice, perlite and perlite + cocopeat) on growth, oil yield and composition of geranium were studied.

RESULTS

Growth was significantly improved in soilless‐grown plants compared with soil‐grown plants. Oil yield of soilless‐grown plants (except for pumice) was about threefold higher than that of soil‐grown plants. The increase in oil yield was correlated with higher leaf dry weight (r2 = 0.96), as oil content was not affected. The citronellol/geranium ratio of oil was clearly affected by growing media, ranging from 5:1 in soil culture to 3:1 in soilless culture. The latter is acceptable for perfumery.

CONCLUSION

Compared with soil, soilless media could produce higher yields of high‐quality geranium oil that fits market requirements. Growth, oil yield and composition of plants grown in sand (a cheap and abundant growing medium) were not significantly different from those of plants grown in perlite and perlite + cocopeat. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation and application of a polythiophene solid‐phase microextraction fiber for the determination of endocrine‐disruptor pesticides in well waters
Authors: Pelit Levent , Dizdaş Tuğberk Nail
Published: August 2013

A robust solid‐phase microextraction fiber was fabricated by electropolymerization of thiophene on a stainless steel wire. This fiber was applied for the determination of endocrine‐disruptor pesticides, namely, chlorpyrifos, penconazole, procymidone, bromopropylate, and λ‐cyhalothrin in well waters by a headspace solid‐phase microextraction procedure. Operational parameters, namely, pH, sample volume, adsorption temperature and time, desorption temperature, stirring rate, and salt amount were optimized as 7.0, 8 mL, 70°C and 20 min, 250°C, 600 rpm, and 0.3 g/mL, respectively. The separation power of GC was coupled with the excellent sensitivity of the developed fiber enabling us to determine pesticide mixtures simultaneously in a ng/mL range. The LOD was in the range of 0.02–0.64 ng/mL. The method was successfully applied for the selective and sensitive determination of target pesticides in well water samples with acceptable recovery values (92–110%). The polythiophene fiber gives satisfactory results compared with commercial fibers. Commonly used pesticides with different polarities were chosen as representative compounds to search the applicability of the fiber for well water analysis collected from vineyards.
Hydroformylation of vegetable oils and the potential use of hydroformylated fatty acids
Authors: Vanbesien Théodore , Hapiot Frédéric , Monflier Eric
Published: August 2013

Hydroformylation consists in adding a formyl group over a double bond. This reaction can be applied successfully to oils from natural resources as they are constituted of triacylglycerols or fatty acids derivatives containing at least one internal unsaturation. Herein we report on hydroformylation of vegetable oils and the potential applications of the resulting hydroformylated compounds in the field of bio‐sourced chemicals, especially polymers, lubricants and plasticizers.
Increasing seed oil content in Brassica species through breeding and biotechnology
Authors: Rahman Habibur , Harwood John , Weselake Randall
Published: August 2013

Increasing the seed oil content of Brassica species and other major oilseed crops is of paramount importance in maintaining a future supply of vegetable oil for a growing global population. Currently, commercially‐available Brassica species with enhanced seed oil content have all been developed through plant breeding. Many quantitative trait loci including gene interactions are involved in the control of seed oil content. Despite this complexity, manipulation of specific steps in storage lipid biosynthesis using genetic engineering has resulted in transgenic lines of Brassica napus with increased seed oil content. Recent studies suggest that engineering of seed oil content can be guided using methods in metabolic analysis.
Changing donor characteristics in liver transplantation over the last 10 years in canada
Authors: Sela Nathalie , Croome Kris P. , Chandok Natasha , Marotta Paul , Wall William , Hernandez-Alejandro Roberto
Published: August 2013

Liver donor characteristics have a significant impact on graft quality and, in turn, recipient outcomes. In this study, we examined deceased liver donor characteristics and donor risk index (DRI) trends in Canada over the past decade. Data were extracted from the Canadian Organ Replacement Register and Transplant Québec for the decade (2000-2010). Trends in the DRI and donor characteristics, including age, race, height, cause of death (COD), location, cold ischemia time (CIT), and type of donation, were examined. In all, 3746 transplants using deceased liver donors were analyzed. The age of donors, the proportion of black donors, the proportion of cerebrovascular accidents as the COD, and the proportion of donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors all increased over the aforementioned time period. The proportion of transplants classified geographically as local increased, and the CIT for donor livers decreased. Although many of the parameters adversely affecting the DRI increased over the study period, the DRI showed only a slightly significant trend of increasing. The increase in these parameters was counteracted by a decrease in modifiable risk factors such as the CIT and distance traveled. The 5-year recipient survival rate increased from 71.43% (1999-2001) to 75.50% (2005-2007); however, this trend was not significant. Although there was an increase in the use of older and DCD organs, recipient survival was not compromised. In conclusion, demographic trends for liver donors in Canada suggest an increase in the use of higher risk donors. However, the overall graft quality has been not compromised because of a decreasing trend for the CIT and an increase in local transplants. Better coordination and allocation practices in liver transplantation across Canada have minimized the risk of graft failure and resulted in good recipient outcomes. Liver Transpl 19:1236–1244, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Influence of Smectic Liquid Crystallinity on Lamellar Microdomain Structure in a Main‐Chain Liquid Crystal Block Copolymer Fiber
Authors: Koga Maito , Sato Kazunori , Kang Sungmin , Sakajiri Koichi , Watanabe Junji , Tokita Masatoshi
Published: August 2013

The microlamellar and smectic liquid crystal (LC) structures of a block copolymer of a main‐chain LC polyester connected at both ends with poly(ethyl methacrylate) are investigated by fiber X‐ray scattering. In the as‐spun fiber, the lamellae are parallel to the fiber axis, while the smectic layers are perpendicular to it. Annealing the as‐spun fiber at a temperature higher than the isotropization temperature (Ti) of the LC segment preserves the lamellae, but the LC structure disappears. Further annealing the fiber at T < Ti improves the lamellar stacking coherence and aligns the smectic layers parallel to the lamellae. In contrast, annealing the as‐spun fiber at T < Ti conserves the smectic layers and arranges the lamellae in parallel to the smectic layers. Thus, the liquid crystallinity affects the lamellar ordering and orientation.

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