bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of a Novel ACS/CS/EDTA Composite from Sugarcane Bagasse for Enhanced Adsorption of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Pham Quang Minh , Nghiem Xuan Son , Minh Thang Le , Vu Anh-Tuan
Published: November 2024

This study presents a simple method for the production of activated carbon (ACS) from sugarcane bagasse. To increase the CO2 adsorption efficiency, the ACS/CS/EDTA composite was prepared by modifying ACS with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and chitosan (CS). The as-prepared materials were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), High Resolution – Transmission Electron Microscope (HR-TEM), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR), and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms. The obtained ACS is an amorphous and porous material and contains both micropores and mesopores. The micropore volume, mesopore volume, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and average pore width of the ACS are 0.112 cm3/g, 0.193 cm3/g, 354.8 m2/g and 55.7 Å, respectively. The dispersion of EDTA and CS on the activated carbon leads to a deterioration of the structural properties while it increases the aggregation of the ACS/CS/EDTA composite. The performance of the materials was evaluated by CO2 adsorption at ambient pressure. The effects of EDTA, adsorption temperature and gas composition were also investigated in detail. In addition, the durability of the composite was evaluated through the adsorption and desorption cycle. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Segregation
Authors: Wolff Kristina B.
Published: December 2018

Segregation is both the informal and formal separation of one group or population from another. Often this division is based on markers of difference, where race, ethnicity, gender, social class, educational attainment, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion is used as the foundation for justifying a split between groups and populations. De facto segregation, the division of groups based on identity, culture, and social lives, is the most common. Legal separation, such as different accommodations for people based on race, gender, or nation status is de jure segregation. The repercussions of these separations are vast, creating and supporting structural inequality within societies.
Transnational Movements
Authors: Davies Thomas
Published: December 2018

After introducing the long history of transnational movements, this entry provides an overview of some of the principal transnational structures and processes of transnational movements, as well as their impacts on governments, intergovernmental organizations, and corporations. The diversity of transnational movements and their influence is emphasized, as is their significance across regional contexts. The analysis considers the latest transformations in transnational movements, and concludes with discussion of significant challenges confronting these movements in the twenty‐first century.
Variables, Independent
Authors: Delucchi Michael
Published: December 2018

Quantitative methods are used in sociology to identify causal relationships that explain human social behavior. This requires sociologists to specify the independent variable (cause) and the dependent variable (effect). The independent variable produces the effect in a causal relationship and must occur in time before the dependent variable. An independent variable is the treatment (or stimulus) within a quantitative study design that is hypothesized to affect the dependent variable. Only the simplest sociological research includes just one independent variable, whereas most studies contain multiple independent variables hypothesized to predict a single dependent variable. These other variables, referred to as control variables, are a special type of independent variable included in sociological studies because they represent other potential causes of the dependent variable.
Simultaneous “Clean‐and‐Repair” of Surfaces Using Smart Droplets
Authors: Sathyan Ashlin , Yang Zhefei , Bai Ying , Kim Hyunki , Crosby Alfred J. , Emrick Todd
Published: December 2018

An autonomous self‐healing system, inspired by transportation processes inherent to biology, is described for materials transportation and repair. The selected model system combines inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) on damaged substrates with functional emulsion droplets that pick up the particles from pristine portions of the substrate and deposit them into damaged regions. The droplets are stabilized by polymer surfactants containing phosphorylcholine groups, a polymer composition selected to impart surfactant properties for droplet stabilization as well as fouling resistance to prevent irreversible droplet adsorption on the substrates. Both the NP pickup (cleaning) and drop off (repair) steps are conducted in a system driven by an imposed flow and characterized by fluorescence microscopy. To evaluate and optimize the efficiency of this NP transportation process, the effect of both the chemical composition of the polymer surfactant and the NP surface chemistry is investigated. Interfacial interactions proved enabling for these NP transportation processes, specifically those involving NP/droplet, NP/substrate, and droplet/substrate interactions. Ultimately, droplets capable of both picking up and dropping off NPs are realized by adjusting fluid/fluid and fluid/substrate interactions, with electrostatic interactions between NPs and droplets proving most effective.
Phase‐Field Modeling of Electromechanical Breakdown in Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors
Authors: Cai Ziming , Wang Xiaohui , Li Longtu
Published: December 2018

Multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) are drawing increasing attention in the application of energy storage devices due to their high volumetric capacitance and improved energy density. However, electromechanical breakdown always occurs, especially under high operation voltage, which limits their application in high‐voltage circuit. In this work, a phase‐field electromechanical breakdown model is developed to give a fundamental understanding on the coupled electromechanical effect on the dielectric breakdown of MLCCs. The thickness‐dependent dielectric breakdown strength is well simulated through this phase‐field model. It is found that the dielectric breakdown strength and the patterns of final breakdown path is significantly influenced by the defect concentration and applied stress. An enhanced breakdown strength of MLCC is proved under either compressive or shear stress state. The model not only provides a mechanistic understanding toward the electromechanical breakdown in MLCCs, but also applies to all kinds of dielectrics and serves as guidance toward the design of high‐voltage dielectrics.
Layered Hybrid Perovskites for Highly Efficient Three‐Photon Absorbers: Theory and Experimental Observation
Authors: Lu Shunbin , Zhou Feng , Zhang Qi , Eda Goki , Ji Wei
Published: December 2018

Multiphoton absorption may find many technological applications, such as enhancing the conversion efficiency of solar cells by the utilization of sub‐band‐energy photons, below‐bandgap photodetection through the simultaneous absorption of several infrared photons for photocurrent generation, or light frequency upconversion for high‐resolution, 3D imaging. To enhance multiphoton absorption in semiconducting materials, one of the strategies is to explore low‐dimensional excitons. Here, a quantum perturbation theory on a giant enhancement in three‐photon absorption (3PA) arising from 2D excitons in multilayered crystals of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites is presented. The maximal 3PA coefficient is predicted to be in the range of 2–7 cm3 GW−2 at 1100 nm, the largest values reported so far for any 2D and bulk semiconductors at room temperature. Excellent agreement between theory and the experimental findings unambiguously demonstrates a pivotal role in the enhancement of 3PA played by 2D excitons. The theory predicts that the resonant 3PA coefficient should be enhanced further by at least two orders of magnitude with very low temperature. The findings are essential for understanding giant 3PA arising from 2D excitons in layered hybrid perovskites and may open new pathways for highly efficient conversion from infrared light energy to either electrical energy or higher‐frequency light emission/lasing.
Conducting Polymers–Thylakoid Hybrid Materials for Water Oxidation and Photoelectric Conversion
Authors: Zhou Xin , Zhou Lingyun , Zhang Pengbo , Lv Fengting , Liu Libing , Qi Ruilian , Wang Yilin , Shen Mo‐Yuan , Yu Hsiao‐Hua , Bazan Guillermo , Wang Shu
Published: December 2018

Methods and materials to manage interfaces between organelles and nonbiological functional materials have the potential to impart organelles with new and enhanced functions. Here, a hybrid bio‐photoelectrochemical system is designed by incorporating a cationic poly(fluorene‐co‐phenylene) conducting polymer (PFP) and thylakoids onto electrodes. PFP plays a critical role in boosting the efficiency of light energy conversion from the overall photoelectrochemical response. The positively charged side chains of PFP promote electrostatic binding with thylakoids, thereby improving the interfacial contact to the charge‐collecting electrode. Furthermore, the optical absorption band of PFP is complementary to the absorption profile of thylakoids. Light utility efficiency is therefore increased through a process of energy transfer. Moreover, the redox potential of PFP matches well with that of the protein complexes in electron transport chain, which facilitates electron‐transfer process from thylakoids to electrode. This combination of effects leads to a greater than 200% increase in the efficiency of water oxidation to oxygen. Under white light irradiation (350–800 nm, 50 mW cm−2), the photoelectric response of PFP/thylakoid electrode exhibits a photocurrent density of 1246 ± 41 nA cm−2, which is enhanced by approximately four times compared to that of the electrode modified only with thylakoid.
MXene—Conducting Polymer Asymmetric Pseudocapacitors
Authors: Boota Muhammad , Gogotsi Yury
Published: December 2018

Conducting polymers (CPs) are attractive pseudocapacitive materials which show the highest capacitance under positive potentials in aqueous protic electrolytes. One way to expand their voltage window (thus energy density) in aqueous electrolytes is to manufacture asymmetric supercapacitors using distinctly different anodes. However, CPs lack matching pseudocapacitive anode materials that can perform well in protic electrolytes (e.g., sulfuric acid). 2D titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx), MXene, as a universal pseudocapacitive anode material for a range of CPs, such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) deposited on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets, is reported here. All‐pseudocapacitive organic–inorganic asymmetric devices with MXene cathodes and rGO–polymer anodes can operate in voltage windows up to 1.45 V in 3 m H2SO4. Most importantly, these devices show outstanding cycling performance, outperforming many reported asymmetric pseudocapacitors.
Novel truncating variants expand the phenotypic spectrum of KAT6B‐related disorders
Authors: Brea‐Fernández Alejandro , Dacruz David , Eirís Jesús , Barros Francisco , Carracedo Ángel
Published: December 2018

Say–Barber–Biesecker–Young–Simpson syndrome (SBBYSS) and Genitopatellar syndrome (GTPTS) are very rare conditions caused by KAT6B truncating variants. Because of both syndromes often share common features the associated phenotypes are usually grouped under the term “KAT6B‐related disorders.” However, particular signs of each syndrome have been reported and their appearance seems to be dependent on where the KAT6B variant is located. Thus, whereas truncating variants associated with SBBYSS have their highest density in the distal part of exon 18, those resulting in GTPTS are distributed between the end of exon 17 and beginning of exon 18. Here, we reported two de novo heterozygous KAT6B truncating variants. The first variant (c.5802delA; p.A1935Pfs*16), identified in a boy with SSBYSS phenotype, resulting in the most distal KAT6B truncating variant reported up‐to‐date in the scientific literature. The second variant (c.3152delG; p.S1051Tfs*63), located in a region hitherto defined as specific of SBBYSS, seems to cause an overlapping SBBYSS/GTPTS phenotype. The clinical and genetic characterization of these patients could contribute to the understanding of the KAT6B‐related disorders.
SOFT syndrome in a patient from Chile
Authors: Saida Ken , Silva Sebastian , Solar Benjamin , Fujita Atsushi , Hamanaka Kohei , Mitsuhashi Satomi , Koshimizu Eriko , Mizuguchi Takeshi , Miyatake Satoko , Takata Atsushi , Miyake Noriko , Matsumoto Naomichi
Published: December 2018

SOFT syndrome (MIM614813) is an extremely rare primordial dwarfism caused by biallelic mutations in the POC1A gene. It is characterized by prenatal short stature, onychodysplasia, facial dysmorphism, hypotrichosis, and variable skeletal abnormalities including hypoplastic pelvis and sacrum, small hands, and cone‐shaped epiphyses, as well as delayed bone age. To the best of our knowledge, only eight POC1A mutations have been reported in humans to date. We report a 7‐year‐old Chilean girl with SOFT syndrome arising from a novel POC1A mutation c. 649C>T, p.Arg217Trp. Although her clinical features were largely compatible with SOFT syndrome, hand X‐ray examinations at 3.5 and 6 years unexpectedly showed normal bone age. Automated bone age determination was performed using image analysis software, BoneXpert. This case highlights the importance of the accumulation of patients with POC1A mutations to further elucidate the detailed clinical features of SOFT syndrome.
CuS‐functionalized cellulose based aerogel as biocatalyst for removal of organic dye
Authors: Saeed Rana Muhammad Yousaf , Bano Zahira , Sun Jianzhong , Wang Fengyun , Ullah Nabi , Wang Qianqian
Published: December 2018

CuS‐functionalized cellulose based aerogel (CBA) with 3D macroporous structure was synthesized by in situ deposition of visible light responsive CuS photocatalyst. Hexagonal CuS was deposited onto the outer and inner walls of CBA matrix. CuS/CBA composite catalyst has hierarchical porous structure and abundance in functional groups supporting CuS on CBA surface that enhance photodecomposition of methylene blue (MB). The CuS/CBA composite was characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM‐EDS, Atomic Absorption Analysis, and XPS analysis. Photodegradation rate of MB by CuS/CBA composite catalyst in visible light was 94.1%, whereas, 67.4% for pure CuS. Initial MB concentration effects, pH change, and variations in CuS/CBA dosage on overall reaction kinetics were also studied. CuS/CBA composite catalyst carried out Photo‐Fenton like reactions which decomposed 97% MB within 6 min, by producing hydroxyl radicals from chemical and photocatalytic reactions. CuS/CBA composite catalyst was recycled and reused. It retained over 80% MB degradation rate even after five consecutive cycles. CuS/CBA composite can be used as biocatalyst for removal of organic dyes. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47404.
Torque tracking control of electric load simulator with active motion disturbance and nonlinearity based on T‐S fuzzy model
Authors: Li Chengcheng , Pan Xudong , Wang Guanglin
Published: December 2018

This paper develops a high performance nonlinear control method for an electric load simulator (ELS). The tracking performance of the ELS is mainly affected by the actuator's active motion disturbance and friction nonlinearity. First, a nonlinear model of ELS is developed, and then the Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy model is used to represent the friction nonlinearity ofthe ELS. A state observer is constructed to estimate the speed of the load system. For converting the tracking control into a stabilization problem, a new control design called virtual desired state synthesis is proposed to define the internal desired states. External disturbances are attenuated based on an H∞criterion and the stability of the entire closed‐loop model is investigated using the well‐known quadratic Lyapunov function. Meanwhile, the feedback gains and the observer gains are obtained separately by solving a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Both a simulation and experiment were performed to validate the effectiveness of the developed algorithm.
Differential Recognition of Various Anions Utilizing Aromatic CH Hydrogen Bonding
Authors: Han Eunbi , Sohn Dae Hyup , Cho Seung Joo , Kang Jongmin
Published: December 2018

Dihydrogen phosphate selective anion receptors 1, 2, and 3 that utilize amide NH, and CH for anion recognition have been designed and synthesized. For 1 and 2, aromatic CH hydrogen bonding element is present on naphthyl rings (H
a). In addition, for receptor 1, this aromatic hydrogen bonding element is further polarized by the nitro groups, which would enhance the hydrogen bonding ability. Partial charges derived from Natural Population Analysis also supported the existence of this polarization. That is, positive partial charge of H
a in receptor 1 was more positive than that in receptor 2. As expected from the partial charge values, receptor 1 consistently showed highest affinity among three receptors, followed by receptor 2 regardless of the anions tested in this study. Therefore, we have shown that affinity modulation of a receptor was possible by changing the nature of the aromatic CH hydrogen. In addition, the receptors showed selectivity toward dihydrogen phosphate among various anions including acetate and chloride.
miRNA‐126 enhances viability, colony formation, and migration of keratinocytes HaCaT cells by regulating PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Chang Lili , Liang Jinning , Xia Xiujuan , Chen Xianjin
Published: December 2018

Wound healing is a basic biological process including proliferation and migration of keratinocyte. The effects of microRNAs on skin wound healing remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the role of microRNA‐126 (miR‐126) in human skin wound healing. Relative expression of miR‐126 after injury was evaluated by qRT‐PCR. Cell viability, colony formation, cycle distribution, migration, and the alternation of PI3 K/AKT pathway after miR‐126 knockdown or overexpression were detected, respectively. In addition, potential target gene of miR‐126 was also explored by luciferase assay. Results showed that miR‐126 was up‐regulated during skin wound healing. Moreover, overexpression of miR‐126 promoted cell proliferation and migration, whereas inhibition of miR‐126 led to the opposite effects. Additionally, we discovered that PLK2, which inhibited cell viability, colony formation and migration of keratinocyte, was a target gene of miR‐126. The expression of PLK2 was negatively correlated with the level of miR‐126 during wound healing. Finally, we demonstrated that overexpression of miR‐126 significantly increased the expression of p‐AKT, p‐ERK2, and PI3 K, indicating that overexpression of miR‐126 activated PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that miR‐126 acted as a critical regulator for promoting proliferation and migration in keratinocyte during skin wound healing.
Evaluation of an on‐site test device for the heroin metabolite 6‐acetylmorphine in urine
Authors: Picht Fabian , Beck Olof , Böttcher Michael
Published: December 2018

Detection of heroin use is an important task in clinical drug testing and can be best performed by using 6‐acetylmorphine as the target analyte. This study was performed to evaluate an on‐site test for 6‐acetylmorphine screening in urine with an assigned cut‐off limit at 10 ng/mL. The reference method was a forensic accredited liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method. The study confirmed that negative controls and negative authentic specimen resulted in negative readings. Low cross‐reactivity was recorded from other potential interfering opioids. Prepared standards and commercial calibrators demonstrated that the cutoff level of the test was lower than the assigned value and rather 2 ng/mL. A study using authentic specimens from patients on substitution treatment with methadone, morphine, and buprenorphine confirmed that the real cut‐off level was 2 ng/mL. Using this value as cutoff limit the sensitivity and specificity of the test was 100%.
Increasing the amount of phosphoric acid enhances the suitability of Bradford assay for proteomic research
Authors: Cui Weitong , Xue Huaru , Cheng Hongda , Zhang Haibin , Jin Jinghua , Wang Qinglu
Published: December 2018

The Bradford assay is one of the most commonly used methods for protein quantification. However, in proteomic research, the lysis buffer generally used for dissolving proteins can cause some interference to the assay. The dye reagent of classical Bradford assay contains 8.50% (w/v) phosphoric acid, which is an important factor relating to the color yield of the assay. In this study, the phosphoric acid content in dye reagent was increased to 9.35% (w/v), 10.20% (w/v), and 11.05% (w/v) to evaluate the changes of interference and the effects of lysis buffer on the interaction between proteins and dye reagent. Results show that lysis buffer not only causes background interference but also affects the protein–dye chromogenic process. Analysis of different components in the lysis buffer showed that carrier ampholyte is the main factor that introduces interference to the Bradford assay. Detergents are well‐known interfering compounds in the Bradford assay, but CHAPS and octyl b‐D‐glucopyranoside only cause slight interference. When the amount of phosphoric acid was increased from 8.50%(w/v) to 10.20% (w/v), the sensitivity of the Bradford assay to proteins in lysis buffer was increased, and the interference delivered by lysis buffer was considerably reduced.
Patterns and drivers of peat topographic changes determined from Structure‐from‐Motion photogrammetry at field plot and laboratory scales
Authors: Li Changjia , Grayson Richard , Smith Mark , Holden Joseph
Published: December 2018

Little is known about the spatial and temporal variability of peat erosion nor some of its topographic and weather‐related drivers. We present field and laboratory observations of peat erosion using Structure‐from‐Motion (SfM) photogrammetry. Over a 12 month period, 11 repeated SfM surveys were conducted on four geomorphological sites of 18–28 m2 (peat hagg, gully wall, riparian area and gully head) in a blanket peatland in northern England. A net topographic change of –14 to +30 mm yr–1 for the four sites was observed during the whole monitoring period. Cold conditions in the winter of 2016 resulted in highly variable volume change (net surface topographic rise first and lowering afterwards) via freeze–thaw processes. Long periods of dry conditions in the summer of 2017 led to desiccation and drying and cracking of the peat surface and a corresponding surface lowering. Topographic changes were mainly observed over short‐term intervals when intense rainfall, flow wash, needle‐ice production or surface desiccation was observed. In the laboratory, we applied rainfall simulations on peat blocks and compared the peat losses quantified by traditional sediment flux measurements with SfM derived topographic data. The magnitude of topographic change determined by SfM (mean value: 0.7 mm, SD: 4.3 mm) was very different to the areal average determined by the sediment yield from the blocks (mean value: –0.1 mm, SD: 0.1 mm). Topographic controls on spatial patterns of topographic change were illustrated from both field and laboratory surveys. Roughness was positively correlated to positive topographic change and was negatively correlated to negative topographic change at field plot scale and laboratory macroscale. Overall, the importance of event‐scale change and the direct relationship between surface roughness and the rate of topographic change are important characteristics which we suggest are generalizable to other environments. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating sand concentrations using ADCP‐based acoustic inversion in a large fluvial system characterized by bi‐modal suspended‐sediment distributions
Authors: Szupiany Ricardo N. , Lopez Weibel Cecilia , Guerrero Massimo , Latosinski Francisco , Wood Molly , Dominguez Ruben Lucas , Oberg Kevin
Published: December 2018

Quantifying sediment flux within rivers is a challenge for many disciplines due, mainly, to difficulties inherent to traditional sediment sampling methods. These methods are operationally complex, high cost, and high risk. Additionally, the resulting data provide a low spatial and temporal resolution estimate of the total sediment flux, which has impeded advances in the understanding of the hydro‐geomorphic characteristics of rivers. Acoustic technologies have been recognized as a leading tool for increasing the resolution of sediment data by relating their echo intensity level measurements to suspended sediment. Further effort is required to robustly test and develop these techniques across a wide range of conditions found in natural river systems. This article aims to evaluate the application of acoustic inversion techniques using commercially available, down‐looking acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) in quantifying suspended sediment in a large sand bed river with varying bi‐modal particle size distributions, wash load and suspended‐sand ratios, and water stages. To achieve this objective, suspended sediment was physically sampled along the Paraná River, Argentina, under various hydro‐sedimentological regimes. Two ADCPs emitting different sound frequencies were used to simultaneously profile echo intensity level within the water column. Using the sonar equation, calibrations were determined between suspended‐sand concentrations and acoustic backscatter to solve the inverse problem. The study also analyzed the roles played by each term of the sonar equation, such as ADCP frequency, power supply, instrument constants, and particle size distributions typically found in sand bed rivers, on sediment attenuation and backscatter. Calibrations were successfully developed between corrected backscatter and suspended‐sand concentrations for all sites and ADCP frequencies, resulting in mean suspended‐sand concentration estimates within about 40% of the mean sampled concentrations. Noise values, calculated using the sonar equation and sediment sample characteristics, were fairly constant across evaluations, suggesting that they could be applied to other sand bed rivers. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of some quality parameters of cassava starch and soy protein isolate matrices during deep fat frying in soybean oil
Authors: Omidiran Adebukola T. , Sobukola Olajide P. , Sanni Silifat A. , Sanni Lateef O. , Adebowale Abdulrasaq A. , Shajobi Adebola O. , Kulakow Peter
Published: December 2018

Snack industry is recently focused on the production of snacks with minimal oil content and enhanced quality attributes which prompted the need to study the changes in snack matrices produced from cassava starch processed from three varieties of cassava roots (TMS‐950289, TME‐419, and TMS‐30572) and soy protein isolate blends fried in soybean oil. Effect of frying temperature (170–180°C), frying time (2–4 min), soy protein isolate inclusion level (5%–15%) on proximate composition, color changes, expansion, texture, and sensory attributes of the snacks was investigated. Optimization of process variables was carried out based on a factorial design (2 level by 3 factor) in the Design Expert version 6.0.8, and models were generated showing the relationship between the independent variables and the responses. The desired goal for each constraint (processing conditions) was kept within 170–180°C for 2–4 min, while all responses, except chewiness, expansion, yellowness, and protein, were set at minimum. Evaluation of sensory attributes of the optimized sample was carried out to determine its level of desirability. The optimized frying conditions for matrices produced from starches of TMS‐950289 are 170°C/4 min/5% SPI with desirability value of 0.507; from TME‐419 are 180°C/2 min/5% SPI with desirability value of 0.475 while for those from TMS‐30572 are 170°C/4 min/15% SPI with desirability value of 0.459. At higher SPI level, the protein content was high at 170°C. At 4 min frying time for all the varieties, the moisture content reduces. The most desired optimized fried snack produced from starch of TMS‐30572 (containing 15% SPI) had higher crispness and lower oil content than other optimized fried snacks.
Neutrophil recruitment to inflamed joints can occur without cellular priming
Authors: Björkman Lena , Christenson Karin , Davidsson Lisa , Mårtensson Jonas , Amirbeagi Firoozeh , Welin Amanda , Forsman Huamei , Karlsson Anna , Dahlgren Claes , Bylund Johan
Published: December 2018

Recruitment of neutrophils from blood to tissues is a cardinal event in inflammation during which neutrophils switch from a resting, naive state to a preactivated, primed phenotype; the priming process is characterized by alterations in the composition of cell surface adhesins, for example, shedding of l-selectin and mobilization of granule-stored integrins to the cell surface. Ligation of chemotactic receptors and interactions with the endothelial lining are established triggers of neutrophil priming and in line with this, in vivo transmigrated neutrophils obtained from tissues are typically highly primed. We here characterize the priming of neutrophils brought about by in vivo recruitment from blood to inflamed joints by the analyses of synovial fluid and blood from patients with inflammatory arthritis. For comparisons, we used controlled in vivo models of neutrophil transmigration to skin of healthy subjects. In contrast to the residing view and in vivo transmigrated neutrophils from skin models, neutrophils from synovial fluid were often surprisingly resting and phenotypically very similar to naive cells isolated from peripheral blood; synovial fluid cells often retained l-selectin and had undergone minimal up-regulation of integrin receptors. In complete agreement with our in vivo findings, cell-free synovial fluid was potently chemotactic without triggering alteration of surface receptors also in vitro. We conclude that tissue recruitment of neutrophils does not by default trigger l-selectin shedding and granule mobilization, and the chemoattractant(s) guiding neutrophils to synovial fluid apparently operate without inducing cellular priming.
Malaria, anemia, and invasive bacterial disease: A neutrophil problem?
Authors: Mooney Jason P , Galloway Lauren J , Riley Eleanor M
Published: December 2018

Invasive bacterial disease is well described in immunocompromised hosts, including those with malaria infection. One bacterial infection frequently observed in children with Plasmodium falciparum infection is nontyphoidal salmonella (NTS) infection, in which a typically intestinal infection becomes systemic with serious, often fatal, consequences. In this review, we consider the role of malaria-induced immunoregulatory responses in tipping the balance from tissue homeostasis during malaria infection to risk of invasive NTS. Also, neutrophils are crucial in the clearance of NTS but their ability to mount an oxidative burst and kill intracellular Salmonella is severely compromised during, and for some time after, an acute malaria infection. Here, we summarize the evidence linking malaria and invasive NTS infections; describe the role of neutrophils in clearing NTS infections; review evidence for neutrophil dysfunction in malaria infections; and explore roles of heme oxygenase-1, IL-10, and complement in mediating this dysfunction. Finally, given the epidemiological evidence that low density, subclinical malaria infections pose a risk for invasive NTS infections, we consider whether the high prevalence of such infections might underlie the very high incidence of invasive bacterial disease across much of sub-Saharan Africa.
The impact of digging on the evolution of the rodent mandible
Authors: McIntosh Andrew F. , Cox Philip G.
Published: December 2018

There are two main (but not mutually exclusive) methods by which subterranean rodents construct burrows: chisel‐tooth digging, where large incisors are used to dig through soil; and scratch digging, where forelimbs and claws are used to dig instead of incisors. A previous study by the authors showed that upper incisors of chisel‐tooth diggers were better adapted to dig but the overall cranial morphology within the rodent sample was not significantly different. This study analyzed the lower incisors and mandibles of the specimens used in the previous study to show the impact of chisel‐tooth digging on the rodent mandible. We compared lower incisors and mandibular shape of chisel‐tooth digging rodents with nonchisel‐tooth digging rodents to see if there were morphological differences between the two groups. The shape of incisors was quantified using incisor radius of curvature and second moment of area (SMA). Mandibular shape was quantified using landmark based geometric morphometrics. We found that lower incisor shape was strongly influenced by digging group using a Generalized Phylogenetic ancova (analysis of covariance). A phylogenetic Procrustes anova (analysis of variance) showed that mandibular shape of chisel‐tooth digging rodents was also significantly different from nonchisel‐tooth digging rodents. The phylogenetic signal of incisor radius of curvature was weak, whereas that of incisor SMA and mandibular shape was significant. This is despite the analyses revealing significant differences in the shape of both mandibles and incisors between digging groups. In conclusion, we showed that although the mandible and incisor of rodents are influenced by function, there is also a degree of phylogenetic affinity that shapes the rodent mandibular apparatus.
Hypoxia‐induced developmental plasticity of larval growth, gill and labyrinth organ morphometrics in two anabantoid fish: The facultative air‐breather Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) and the obligate air‐breather the blue gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus)
Authors: Mendez‐Sanchez Jose Fernando , Burggren Warren W.
Published: December 2018

Larval and juvenile air breathing fish may experience nocturnal and/or seasonal aquatic hypoxia. Yet, whether hypoxia induces respiratory developmental plasticity in larval air breathing fish is uncertain. This study predicted that larvae of two closely related anabantid fish—the facultative air breather the Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) and the obligate air breathing blue gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus)—show distinct differences in developmental changes in body, gill, and labyrinth morphology because of their differences in levels of dependency upon air breathing and habitat. Larval populations of both species were reared in normoxia or chronic nocturnal hypoxia from hatching through 35–38 days postfertilization. Gill and labyrinth variables were measured at the onset of air breathing. Betta splendens reared in normoxia possessed larger, more developed gills (~3× greater area) than T. trichopterus at comparable stages. Surface area of the emerging labyrinth, the air breathing organ, was ~ 85% larger in normoxic B. splendens compared to T. trichopterus. Rearing in mild hypoxia stimulated body growth in B. splendens, but neither mild nor severe hypoxia affected growth in T. trichopterus. Condition factor, K (~ 1.3 in B. splendens, 0.7 in T. trichopterus) was unaffected by mild hypoxia in either species, but was reduced by severe hypoxia to <0.9 only in B. splendens. Severe, but not mild, hypoxia decreased branchial surface area in B. splendens by ~40%, but neither hypoxia level affected Trichopodus branchial surface. Mild, but not severe, hypoxia increased labyrinth surface area by 30% in B. splendens. However, as for branchial surface area, labyrinth surface area was not affected in Trichopodus. These differential larval responses to hypoxic rearing suggest that different larval habitats and activity levels are greater factors influencing developmental plasticity than genetic closeness of the two species.
Value of fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery MRI data analyzed by the lesion segmentation toolbox in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Wirth Anna M. , Johannesen Siw , Khomenko Andrei , Baldaranov Dobri , Bruun Tim‐Henrik , Wendl Christina , Schuierer Gerhard , Greenlee Mark W. , Bogdahn Ulrich
Published: December 2018

Background

MRI fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) studies reported hyperintensity in the corticospinal tract and corpus callosum of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Purpose

To evaluate the lesion segmentation toolbox (LST) for the objective quantification of FLAIR lesions in ALS patients.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Twenty‐eight ALS patients (eight females, mean age: 50 range: 24–73, mean ALSFRS‐R sum score: 36) were compared with 31 age‐matched healthy controls (12 females, mean age: 45, range: 25–67). ALS patients were treated with riluzole and additional G‐CSF (granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor) on a named patient basis.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T, FLAIR, T1‐weighted MRI.

Assessment

The lesion prediction algorithm (LPA) of the LST enabled the extraction of individual binary lesion maps, total lesion volume (TLV), and number (TLN). Location and overlap of FLAIR lesions across patients were investigated by registration to FLAIR average space and an atlas. ALS‐specific functional rating scale revised (ALSFRS‐R), disease progression, and survival since diagnosis served as clinical correlates.

Statistical Tests

Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), repeated‐measures ANOVA, t‐test, Bravais‐Pearson correlation, Chi‐square test of independence, Kaplan–Meier analysis, Cox‐regression analysis.

Results

Both ALS patients and healthy controls exhibited FLAIR alterations. TLN significantly depended on age (F(1,54) = 24.659, P < 0.001) and sex (F(1,54) = 5.720, P = 0.020). ALS patients showed higher TLN than healthy controls depending on sex (F(1, 54) = 5.076, P = 0.028). FLAIR lesions were small and most pronounced in male ALS patients. FLAIR alterations were predominantly detected in the superior and posterior corona radiata, anterior capsula interna, and posterior thalamic radiation. Patients with pyramidal tract (PT) lesions exhibited significantly inferior survival than patients without PT lesions (P = 0.013). Covariate age exhibited strong prognostic value for survival (P = 0.015).

Data Conclusion

LST enables the objective quantification of FLAIR alterations and is a potential prognostic biomarker for ALS.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:552–559.
Spatiotemporal variations of magnetic susceptibility in the deep gray matter nuclei from 1 month to 6 years: A quantitative susceptibility mapping study
Authors: Ning Ning , Liu Congcong , Wu Peng , Hu Yajie , Zhang Weishan , Zhang Lei , Li Mengxuan , Gho Sung‐Min , Kim Dong‐Hyun , Guo Hua , Yang Jian , Jin Chao
Published: December 2018

Background

Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is emerging as a technique that quantifies the paramagnetic nonheme iron in brain tissue. Brain iron quantification during early development provides insights into the underlying mechanism of brain maturation.

Purpose

To quantify the spatiotemporal variations of brain iron‐related magnetic susceptibility in deep gray matter nuclei during early development by using QSM.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Eighty‐seven infants and children aged 1 month to 6 years.

Field Strength/Sequence

Enhanced T2*‐weighted angiography using a 3D gradient‐echo sequence at 3.0T.

Assessment

QSM was calculated by modified sophisticated harmonic artifact reduction for phase data and sparse linear equations and sparse least squares‐based algorithm. Means of susceptibility in deep gray matter nuclei (caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus, thalamus) relative to that in splenium of corpus callosum were measured.

Statistical Tests

Relationships of mean susceptibility with age and referenced iron concentration were tested by Pearson correlation. Differences of mean susceptibility between the selected nuclei in each age group were compared by one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Fisher's Linear Significant Difference (LSD) test.

Results

Positive correlations of susceptibility with both referenced iron concentration and age were found (P < 0.0001); particularly, globus pallidus showed the highest correlation with age (correlation coefficient, 0.882; slope, 1.203; P < 0.001) and greatest susceptibility (P < 0.05) among the selected nuclei.

Data Conclusion

QSM allows the feasible quantification of iron deposition in deep gray matter nuclei in infants and young children, which exhibited gradual accumulation at different speeds. The fastest and highest iron accumulation was observed in the globus pallidus with increasing age during early development.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy:Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018.
True complete left bundle branch block reveals dyssynchrony evaluated by semiconductor single‐photon emission computed tomography
Authors: Iiya Munehiro , Shimizu Masato , Fujii Hiroyuki , Suzuki Makoto , Nishizaki Mitsuhiro
Published: December 2018

Background

Conventional complete left bundle branch block (CLBBB) criteria sometimes result in a false‐positive diagnosis that does not represent dyssynchrony. Recently, true CLBBB criteria have been proposed to detect responders to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), although their correlation with severity of dyssynchrony or natural prognosis is unclear.

Methods

Ninety‐four consecutive patients (74 ± 9 years, 63 men) with conventional CLBBB during sinus rhythm underwent semiconductor SPECT. They were divided into two groups: patients with true CLBBB and others. True CLBBB was characterized by the mid‐QRS notching/slurring and wide QRS duration (male, ≥140 milliseconds; female, ≥130 milliseconds). Multivariate analysis was performed to detect left ventricular dyssynchrony (LVD), defined as bandwidth ≥145° and/or phase standard deviation (SD) ≥43°. Primary endpoints (hospitalization for heart failure or cardiac death) were evaluated.

Results

True CLBBB had wider bandwidth (145 ± 83° vs 110 ± 64°, P = 0.024) and higher phase SD (48 ± 26° vs 35 ± 19°, P = 0.007). Ejection fraction (EF), end‐diastolic volume (EDV), summed rest score (SRS), and the presence of ischemic heart disease (IHD) showed no differences between groups (P = 0.401, 0.591, 0.165, and 0.212, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that true CLBBB, EF, and EDV were significant predictors of LVD (odds ratio, 12.6, 0.90, 1.03; P = 0.003, 0.002, 0.022, respectively). At 3‐year follow‐up (median 667 days), primary endpoints were comparable in both groups (log‐rank, P = 0.92).

Conclusions

Patients with true CLBBB had more severe dyssynchrony on single‐photon emission computed tomography than patients with nontrue CLBBB. On the other hand, the two groups showed no differences in EF, EDV, the presence of IHD, hospitalization for heart failure, and cardiac death.
Recycling of Bakery Waste as an Alternative Carbon Source for Rhamnolipid Biosurfactant Production
Authors: Patowary Kaustuvmani , Das Moonjit , Patowary Rupshikha , Kalita Mohan Chandra , Deka Suresh
Published: December 2018

Production of a rhamnolipid biosurfactant (RBS) using discarded mixed bakery waste (BW) employing bacterial strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PG1 (identified by 16 s rDNA sequencing) was investigated for bioconversion of the food waste. Dry and powder form BW was supplemented with mineral salt media (MSM) as a sole carbon source for production of RBS. RBS production was measured based on the drop collapse assay and surface tension (ST) reduction of the culture media. Production of RBS in the culture media was enhanced by optimizing the carbon source (BW) concentration and the proper nitrogen source along with the pH of the MSM. Under optimized culture conditions, 11.56 g L−1 day−1 crude biosurfactant (BS) was achieved. The RBS had the ability to reduce the ST of the optimized MSM from 72.0 to 25.8 mN m−1 during culture, where the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the biosurfactant was found to be 100 mg L−1. Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (LC‐MS), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)–energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses of the purified BS confirmed that it is of rhamnolipid in nature and it is made up of both monorhamnolipid and dirhamnolipid congeners. Furthermore, the RBS did not express any cytotoxic effect on the cell line of mouse L292 fibroblastic cell indicating the biosafety nature of the high‐value biomolecule.
The effect of the food grade additive phosphate pre‐treatment prior to the industrial cooking process in the quality of cooked peeled shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Authors: Damasceno Micaela da Silva Paula , Gonçalves Alex A
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

The food‐grade additive phosphates have been highlighted as a potential alternative as a humectant agent to avoid large yield losses. Thus, the combined effect of phosphate with industrial cooking on shrimp quality was evaluated. Phosphate concentration (3% and 5%) and contact time (30 and 60 min) were evaluated as a pre‐treatment to the industrial cooking of the peeled shrimp, in a shrimp processing plant. The yield process (%), physical quality [pH, color, texture, and water‐holding capacity (WHC)] and chemical quality [moisture, protein, moisture/protein ratio, phosphate, and sodium] were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Our results showed that the food grade phosphates treatment showed a satisfactory effect on reduction of the weight loss, increase of the WHC (after cooking and posterior thawing), increase of the M/P ratio, improvement of the texture, decrease in the meat coloring, increase of the pH (0.3 to 0.5 units), but no affect on the shrimp overall quality (cooking yield, texture, WHC). Therefore, the residual phosphate and sodium contents increased proportionally with the concentration and time of contact with the additives, and slightly above the legal phosphate limit allowed.

CONCLUSION

We observed that the phosphate used as a pre‐treatment of cooking step in shrimp plant processing improves the product quality, however, this treatment must be realized in accordance with the current federal legislation in each country. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry