bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism‐Based Inhibitor of DNA Cytosine‐5 Methyltransferase by a SNAr Reaction with an Oligodeoxyribonucleotide Containing a 2‐Amino‐4‐Halopyridine‐C‐Nucleoside
Authors: Sato Kousuke , Kunitomo Yuma , Kasai Yukiko , Utsumi Shohei , Suetake Isao , Tajima Shoji , Ichikawa Satoshi , Matsuda Akira
Published: February 2018

In chromatin, 5‐methylcytosine (mC), which represents the fifth nucleobase in genomic DNA, plays a role as an inducer of epigenetic changes. Tumor cells exhibit aberrant DNA methylation patterns, and inhibition of human DNA cytosine‐5 methyltransferase (DNMT), which is responsible for generating mC in CpG sequences, is an effective strategy to treat various cancers. Here, we describe the design, synthesis, and evaluation of the properties of 2‐amino‐4‐halopyridine‐C‐nucleosides (dXP) and oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) containing dXP as a novel mechanism‐based inhibitor of DNMTs. The designed ODN containing XPpG forms a complex with DNMTs by covalent bonding through a nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) reaction, and its cell proliferation activity is investigated. This study suggests that dXP in a CpG sequence of DNA could serve as a potential nucleic acid drug lead in cancer chemotherapy and a useful chemical probe for studies of epigenetics. Our molecular design using a SNAr reaction would be useful for DNMTs and other protein–DNA interactions.
Flue‐Gas Desulfurization by Using a HiGee Electric‐Field Device
Authors: Zou Hai-Kui , Arowo Moses , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Liangliang , Sun Baochang , Chu Guang-Wen , Shao Lei , Chen Jian-Feng
Published: February 2018

An innovative technique to remove SO2 from flue gas, comprising a rotating packed bed (RPB) coupled with an electric‐field device, is presented herein. The effects of operating conditions, such as packing type, rotation speed, gas‐liquid volumetric ratio, Na2SO3 content, and voltage supply on SO2 removal efficiency (η), as well as the gas‐phase overall volumetric mass‐transfer coefficient (KGa), were systematically investigated. Results indicate that a high η can be achieved under certain operating conditions. A correlation to predict KGa was also established and results show that the predicted values are in agreement with the experimental results. This work generally provides a feasible means of intensification for flue gas desulfurization.
Hierarchical Nanostructures of Metal‐Organic Frameworks Applied in Gas Separating ZIF‐8‐on‐ZIF‐67 Membranes
Authors: Knebel Alexander , Wulfert‐Holzmann Paul , Friebe Sebastian , Pavel Janet , Strauß Ina , Mundstock Alexander , Steinbach Frank , Caro Jürgen
Published: February 2018

Membranes from metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly interesting for industrial gas separation applications. Strongly improved performances for carbon capture and H2 purification tasks in MOF membranes are obtained by using highly reproducable and very accuratly, hierarchically grown ZIF‐8‐on‐ZIF‐67 (ZIF‐8@ZIF‐67) nanostructures. To forgo hardly controllable solvothermal synthesis, particles and layers are prepared by self‐assembling methods. It was possible for the first time to confirm ZIF‐8‐on‐ZIF‐67 membrane growth on rough and porous ceramic supports using the layer‐by‐layer deposition. Additionally, hierarchical particles are made in a fast RT synthesis with high monodispersity. Characterization of the hierarchical and epitaxial grown layers and particles is performed by SEM, TEM, EDXM and gas permeation. The system ZIF‐8@ZIF‐67 shows a nearly doubled H2/CO2 separation factor, regardless of whether neat membrane or mixed‐matrix‐membrane in comparison to other MOF materials.
Impacts of Anthropogenic Land Use Changes on Nutrient Concentrations in Surface Waterbodies: A Review
Authors: Delkash Madjid , Al‐Faraj Furat A.M. , Scholz Miklas
Published: February 2018

Increased population leads to land use (LU) changes from natural to urban and agricultural LU. These disturbances not only decrease the natural treatment potential but they also worsen surface water quality (SWQ). The aim of this review is to assess studies about impacts of anthropogenic LU changes on levels of nutrient concentrations in surface waterbodies, highlighting the important parameters needed for an integrated simulation. The results reported in the literature are not always fully consistent. These contradictory results can sometimes be explained by field measurements under different climatic conditions, different features of landscapes, air deposition rates on ground surfaces, and groundwater flow interactions with surface water. Integrated modelling has been suggested to overcome these inconsistencies. Physical‐based and empirical models are the most popular approaches for LU‐SWQ studies. Generally, anthropogenic LU such as agricultural and urban areas usually enhances nutrient concentrations much more than natural lands such as forest and barren. Developing sustainable metropolitan areas instead of rural areas, establishing high‐standard wastewater treatment plants, and practicing efficient fertiliser application would ameliorate the poor nutrient conditions in SWQ. Riparian vegetation, grassed swales, and construction of artificial wetlands as buffer zones are the most promising natural water quality control measures.
CHIPMUNK: A Virtual Synthesizable Small‐Molecule Library for Medicinal Chemistry, Exploitable for Protein–Protein Interaction Modulators
Authors: Humbeck Lina , Weigang Sebastian , Schäfer Till , Mutzel Petra , Koch Oliver
Published: February 2018

A common issue during drug design and development is the discovery of novel scaffolds for protein targets. On the one hand the chemical space of purchasable compounds is rather limited; on the other hand artificially generated molecules suffer from a grave lack of accessibility in practice. Therefore, we generated a novel virtual library of small molecules which are synthesizable from purchasable educts, called CHIPMUNK (CHemically feasible In silico Public Molecular UNiverse Knowledge base). Altogether, CHIPMUNK covers over 95 million compounds and encompasses regions of the chemical space that are not covered by existing databases. The coverage of CHIPMUNK exceeds the chemical space spanned by the Lipinski rule of five to foster the exploration of novel and difficult target classes. The analysis of the generated property space reveals that CHIPMUNK is well suited for the design of protein–protein interaction inhibitors (PPIIs). Furthermore, a recently developed structural clustering algorithm (StruClus) for big data was used to partition the sub‐libraries into meaningful subsets and assist scientists to process the large amount of data. These clustered subsets also contain the target space based on ChEMBL data which was included during clustering.
Case report: Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition of the temporomandibular joint diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Fuentes‐Martinez N. , Tani E. , Darai‐Ramqvist E. , Skoog L.
Published: February 2018

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition (CPDD) is the accepted name for a disease that mainly occurs in elderly patients. This disease affects many joints in particular the knee joint. CPDD is extremely rare in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with only few cases reported in the English literature. Herein, we present a case of an 89 years old woman with a radiological diagnosis of chondrosarcoma of TMJ. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology however showed crystals, multinucleated giant cells and macrophages which allowed a correct diagnosis of CPDD.
Treatment of co‐occurring food avoidance and alcohol use disorder in an adult: Possible avoidant restrictive food intake disorder?
Authors: Steen Eloisa , Wade Tracey D.
Published: February 2018

Objective

This case report details the presentation and treatment of a 42‐year‐old male self‐presenting for treatment who reported having been a restrictive eater since childhood; since adolescence he had failed to meet appropriate nutritional intake with one meal at night followed by around 10–20 standard alcoholic drinks.

Method

Ten sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy were offered emphasizing the need to adhere to regular eating patterns in conjunction with significant reduction of binge drinking.

Results

At the end of treatment, and 1‐month follow‐up, improvements in nutritional intake and alcohol intake were observed, accompanied by improvements in depression, anxiety, and stress.

Discussion

However, excessive alcohol intake had reoccurred at 3‐month follow‐up, accompanied by increases in negative affect and impairment due to eating, indicating that longer‐term therapy may be required for this group of people.
Synthesis of Fused B‐Containing Heterocyclic Compounds and Their Relevant Optical Properties
Authors: An Zhenyu , Wu Mingzhong , Kang Jie , Ni Jixiang , Qi Zhenjie , Yuan Bingxiang , Yan Rulong
Published: February 2018

A series of fused 4,5‐borazaropyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinolines have been prepared from potassium organotrifluoroborates and substituted 1‐(2‐aminophenyl)pyrroles via direct formation of C–B and N–B bonds. The target products were obtained in moderate to high yields under mild conditions. The optical properties of some products were investigated by UV/Vis spectroscopy and spectrofluorometry. Moreover, the influence of structural modification on the spectroscopic and electronic properties was studied by DFT calculations.
Robust, Bridge‐less Ion‐selective Electrodes with Significantly Reduced Need for Pre‐ and Post‐application Handling
Authors: Schazmann B. , Demey S. , Ali Z. Waqar , Plissart M‐S. , Brennan E. , Radu A.
Published: February 2018

We are demonstrating robust, single‐layer ion‐selective electrode (ISE) utilizing simple Ag/AgCl electrode as solid support without the need for intermediate polymer layer. We have created and chemically linked a family of imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) with poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) using click chemistry, resulting in hybrid materials with tunable characteristics. The resultant material inherently contains chloride ion thus offering the ability to stabilize interfacial potential. This allowed us to construct very simple, single‐layer membranes with significantly reduced need for conditioning as an added bonus compared to traditional sensors. Chemical immobilization of ISE membrane components also led to extended lifetime as the potential for material loss is reduced and detection limits are lowered. In our characterization we focused on perchlorate as a model ion. It's levels of around 10−7 M could be repeatedly quantified over a 100 day period despite constant exposure of ISEs to aqueous solution over this time. Most importantly, the electrodes exhibited stable and reproducible signal with significantly simplified pre‐ and post‐operation handling protocols. This offers potential for in situ applications as well as to advanced fabrication techniques and miniaturization. Simplicity of construction and operation, and low cost of the solid substrate allows for disposable ISE formats.
Numerical Study of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Contacting Mechanics
Authors: Chen Z. , Wang X. , Brandon N. , Atkinson A.
Published: February 2018

Assembly of a planar solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) or solid electrolyzer (SOE) stack involves the lamination of cells and interconnect plates under an applied load. In most designs a pattern of ribs on the interconnector makes contact with a porous ceramic current collector layer on the air side. These localized contacts are regions of increased stress on the cells and can cause damage if the stresses become too large. In this paper the mechanical response of an anode‐supported cell to localized loads from interconnector ribs is simulated. The simulations show that the critical stress for initiating and propagating a crack in the electrolyte (∼300MPa for a 10 μm thick electrolyte) is reached when the interconnector displacement reaches 20 μm (after touching the cathode) with reduced support, or 30 μm when in an oxidized state. The difference is due to the lower stiffness of the reduced support. The residual compressive stress in the electrolyte layer has a major protective effect for the electrolyte. It is concluded that fracture is very unlikely for a geometrically perfect contact, but if the contact is non‐uniform due to manufacturing variability in the contact plate or cell, local displacements >∼20 μm can be dangerous. The simulations are used in an example of contacting geometry optimization.
Berechnung von Gleitkreisen mit dem Lamellenverfahren und die Berücksichtigung von Zuggliedern
Authors: Goldscheider Michael
Published: February 2018

Das in der Praxis übliche vereinfachte Verfahren nach Bishop für Gleitkreisberechnungen mit Lamellen wird hergeleitet und die zugrundeliegenden Annahmen und die Lösungsmethode erläutert. Die für alle Berechnungsverfahren mit Lamellen geltenden statischen Gesetzmäßigkeiten, die für eine statisch mögliche, widerspruchsfreie und eindeutige Lösung notwendig sind, werden dargestellt. Ferner werden die Publikationen anderer Autoren, die durch genauere Berechnungen zur Entwicklung und Begründung und zum Nachweis der Genauigkeit des vereinfachten Verfahrens entscheidend beigetragen haben, in den Grundzügen wiedergegeben und bewertet. Auf der Grundlage der Annahmen des vereinfachten Verfahrens werden Ansätze zur Berücksichtigung von Verpressankern und Bodennägeln entwickelt.
Identifying Early Carboniferous bimodal volcanic rocks and geochemical characteristics in the Atengtao Mountain, Yili Block (Chinese western Tianshan)
Authors: Wang Zuopeng , Li Yongjun , Tong Lili , Yang Gaoxue , Ren Pengfei , Wang Ran , Li Hai
Published: February 2018

The Early Carboniferous bimodal volcanic rocks are firstly recognized in the Atengtao Mountain, Yili Block (Chinese Western Tianshan). The bimodal volcanic rocks are composed of dominant rhyolite and subordinate basaltic andesite. The SiO2 contents of basaltic andesites span a range of 52.08 to 60.44 wt.%, whereas those of the rhyolites range from 72.50 to 76.78 wt.%, showing a sharp gap between 60.44 and 72.50 wt.% for SiO2 content. Zircon U–Pb dating of rhyolitic sample yielded crystallization age of 340 ± 6 Ma, which is interpreted as the extrusive age of the bimodal volcanic rocks. Basaltic andesite samples belong to the calc‐alkaline series, whereas rhyolites are peraluminous. The basaltic andesite samples display enrichment in LREE ((La/Yb)N = 3.16–6.27), and nearly no obvious Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.86–1.21), with relative enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (Rb, K, Sr, U) and depletion in high field strength elements (Nb, Ta). Compared to the basaltic andesites, the rhyolites show enriched LREE patterns ((La/Yb)N = 7.05–9.27) and significantly negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.36–0.62), with remarkably negative Nb, Ta, P, Ti, and Sr anomalies, which is consistent with A‐type granites. The rhyolites have positive εHf(t) values from 1.5 to 4.8 and TDM2(Hf) values from 1,036 to 1,247 Ma. The basaltic andesites are interpreted as resulting from partial melting of an enriched lithospheric mantle source that was metasomatized by subduction‐related components, whereas the rhyolites were derived from basaltic melt‐induced reworking of Proterozoic juvenile crustal material. Based on our data, and taking into account the regional geology, a model of back‐arc setting was proposed for the Early Carboniferous formation of the bimodal volcanic rocks in the Atengtao Mountain. Therefore, we suggest that the volcanic rocks were likely induced by the northward subduction of the South Tianshan Ocean. The subduction resulted in opening of a back‐arc basin in Atengtao Mountain, leading to upwelling of mantle that had produced the basaltic andesites. Moreover, this process provided heat to remelt the crustal materials and form the rhyolites.
Sixty‐Two‐Year‐Old Male Suffering From Uremic Leontiasis Ossea Caused by Severe Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Purrunsing Yogendranath , Zhang Jingjing , Cui Ying , Liu Wei , Xu Yi , Hong Xunning , Xing Changying , Zha Xiaoming , Wang Ningning
Published: February 2018

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a long‐term complication of chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder (CKD‐MBD). SHPT is characterized by hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands and abnormal secretion of parathyroid hormones (PTH), calcium and phosphorous metabolic disorders, renal osteodystrophy, vascular and soft tissue calcification, malnutrition, and other multiple system complications, which can seriously affect the quality of life of the patient and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality rate. Uremic leontiasis ossea (ULO) is a medical condition only rarely encountered clinically. SHPT causes craniofacial bone deformity accompanied by lesions of the nerve, cardiovascular, respiratory, bone, or other systems within the body. The case discussed here is related to severe SHPT. A 62‐year‐old male patient was suffering from leontiasis ossea, pectus excavatum, vascular calcification, spontaneous bone fractures, and lower limb deformities. He was undergoing hemodialysis and given total parathyroidectomy (TPTX) with autotransplantation (AT). We further analyzed the multivariate therapeutic effects of TPTX on this patient in order to provide clinical data for standardized treatment of individuals with CKD‐MBD. © 2018 The Authors JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Sex-, Ethnic-, and Age-Specific Centile Curves for pQCT- and HR-pQCT-Derived Measures of Bone Structure and Strength in Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Gabel Leigh , Macdonald Heather M , Nettlefold Lindsay A , McKay Heather A
Published: February 2018

There are presently no adolescent centile curves for bone parameters at the tibial midshaft using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) or at the distal radius and tibia using high-resolution pQCT (HR-pQCT). Thus, we aimed to develop sex-, ethnic-, site-, and age-specific centile curves for pQCT and HR-pQCT-derived bone outcomes for youth and young adults aged 10 to 21 years. We acquired pQCT scans (XCT3000 or XCT2000) at the tibial midshaft (50% site) and HR-pQCT scans (XtremeCT) at the distal radius (7% site) and tibia (8% site) in a convenience sample of participants in the mixed-longitudinal University of British Columbia Healthy Bones III Study. We scanned 778 10- to 21-year-olds annually for a maximum of 11 years using pQCT (413 girls, 56% Asian; 365 boys, 54% Asian; n = 3160 observations) and 349 10- to 21-year-olds annually for a maximum of 4 years using HR-pQCT (189 girls, 51% Asian; 165 boys, 50% Asian; n = 1090 observations). For pQCT, we report cortical bone mineral density (BMD), total bone cross-sectional area, and polar strength-strain index. For HR-pQCT, we report standard measures (total BMD, trabecular number, thickness, and bone volume fraction) and automated segmentation measures (total bone cross-sectional area, cortical BMD, porosity, and thickness). We applied finite element analysis to estimate failure load. We applied the lamda, mu, sigma (LMS) method using LMS ChartMaker Light (version 2.5, The Institute of Child Health, London, UK) to construct LMS tables and centile plots. We report sex- and age-specific centiles (3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 97th) for whites and Asians for pQCT bone parameters at the tibial midshaft and HR-pQCT bone parameters at the distal radius and tibia. These centile curves might be used by clinicians and scientists to interpret values or better understand trajectories of bone parameters in clinical populations, those from different geographic regions or of different ethnic origins. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A brief peer gatekeeper suicide prevention training: Results of an open pilot trial
Authors: Rallis Bethany A. , Esposito‐Smythers Christianne , Disabato David J. , Mehlenbeck Robyn S. , Kaplan Seth , Geer Leslie , Adams Ryan , Meehan Barbara
Published: February 2018

Objective

The purpose of the present study was to test a 1‐hour peer suicide gatekeeper training for students from the broad college community in the context of an open pilot trial.

Method

Two‐hundred and thirty‐one college students were recruited university‐wide, Mage = 20.7, 65.4% female, and completed a peer suicide prevention gatekeeping training program. Assessments were completed at pre‐training and post‐training as well as 3‐month follow‐up.

Results

This brief peer suicide gatekeeper training program was associated with increases in suicide prevention knowledge. It was also associated with an increase in the number of students who identified suicidal youth and made mental health referrals, as well as total number of referrals made, over the course of three months. Females reported greater improvement in suicide prevention skills and knowledge post‐training than males.

Conclusions

Offering peer suicide gatekeeper training to students from the general college population may hold promise in suicide prevention efforts.
Elevated production of the aromatic fragrance molecule, 2‐phenylethanol, using Metschnikowia pulcherrima through both de novo and ex novo conversion in batch and continuous modes
Authors: Chantasuban Tanakorn , Santomauro Fabio , Gore‐Lloyd Deborah , Parsons Sophie , Henk Daniel , Scott Roderick J , Chuck Christopher
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

2‐phenylethanol (2PE) is a fragrance molecule predominantly used in perfumes and the food industry. It can be made from petrochemicals inexpensively, however, this is unsuitable for most food applications. Currently, the main method of production for the bio‐derived compound is to extract the trace amounts found in rose petals, which is extremely costly. Potentially fermentation could provide an inexpensive, naturally sourced, alternative.

RESULTS

In this investigation, 2PE was produced from the yeast Metschnikowia pulcherrima, optimised in flasks before scaling to 2 L batch and continuous operation. 2PE can be produced in high titres under de novo process conditions with up to 1500 mg L−1 achieved in a 2 L stirred bioreactor. This is the highest reported de novo titre to date, and achieved through high sugar loadings coupled with low nitrogen conditions. The process successfully ran in continuous mode also, with a concentration of 650 mg L−1 of 2PE being maintained. The 2PE production was further increased by the ex novo conversion of phenylalanine and semi‐continuous solid phase extraction from the supernatant. Under optimal conditions 14 000 mg L−1 of 2PE was produced.

CONCLUSIONS

The work presented here offers a novel route to naturally sourced 2PE through a scalable fermentation with a robust yeast highly suited to industrial biotechnology. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Performance and bacterial community structure in three autotrophic submerged biofilters operated under different conditions
Authors: García‐Ruiz María J , Maza‐Márquez Paula , González‐Martínez Alejandro , Campos Elena , González‐López Jesús , Osorio Francisco
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Autotrophic nitrogen removal was evaluated in three bench‐scale bioreactors filled with Filtralite. This configuration is an alternative to the conventional technologies for nitrogen removal. One of the main problems associated with these new technologies, based on anammox (anaerobic ammonium oxidation) processes, is the stability of biomass. In this research the bioreactors' performance and stability of the bacterial community were studied under the following conditions: dissolved oxygen (0.3–1.5 mg O2 L‐1), influent N‐NH4+ concentration 246 mg L‐1, and different NO2‐‐N concentrations (106.5, 30 and 0 mg NO2‐‐N L‐1).

RESULTS

Total nitrogen removal efficiencies were 80.78% and 92% for bioreactors operated under microaerobic conditions (less than 1.5 mg O2 L‐1) and 30 and 0 mg NO2‐‐N L‐1, respectively. Bioreactors attained maximum efficiency after about 80 days. In contrast, the total nitrogen removal efficiency was only 69.57% for the bioreactor operated under anoxic conditions and 106.5 mg NO2‐‐N L‐1, but maximum efficiency was achieved after approximately 30 days. The presence of oxygen increased the relative abundance of ammonium‐oxidizing bacteria, which reached 6% in bioreactors with a low dissolved oxygen concentration. The relative abundance of Candidatus Brocadia remained stable in all bioreactors.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that nitrite and anoxic conditions led to quicker start‐up of a single reactor process during the initial days of operation. The combination of quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) and Illumina sequencing revealed that the operational conditions changed the bacterial community structure. The relative abundance of Candidatus Brocadia remained stable in all bioreactors, whereas significant differences were detected for Nitrosomonas. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Magnetic hydrophobic‐charge induction adsorbents for the recovery of immunoglobulins from antiserum feedstocks by high‐gradient magnetic fishing
Authors: Gomes Cláudia SG , Fashina Adedayo , Fernández‐Castané Alfred , Overton Timothy W , Hobley Timothy J , Theodosiou Eirini , Thomas Owen RT
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

The extraction of biopharmaceuticals from plasma and serum often employs overly complicated antiquated procedures that can inflict serious damage on especially prone protein targets and which afford low purification power and overall yields. This paper describes systematic development of a high‐gradient magnetic fishing process for recovery of immunoglobulins from unclarified antiserum.

RESULTS

Non‐porous superparamagnetic particles were transformed into hydrophobic‐charge induction adsorbents and then used to recover immunoglobulins from rabbit antiserum feedstocks. Comprehensive characterisation tests conducted with variously diluted clarified antiserum on a magnetic rack revealed that immunoglobulin binding was rapid (equilibrium reached in <45 s), strong (Kd < 0.1 mg mL‐1), of high capacity (Qmax = 214 mg g‐1), and pH and ionic strength dependent. In a high‐gradient magnetic fishing process conducted with the same adsorbent, and a conventional ‘magnetic filter + recycle loop’ arrangement, >72% of the immunoglobulin present in an unclarified antiserum feed was recovered in 0.5 h in >3‐fold purified form.

CONCLUSIONS

Fast magnetic particle based capture of antibodies from an unclarified high‐titre feed has been demonstrated. Efficient product recovery from ultra‐high titre bioprocess liquors by high‐gradient magnetic fishing requires that improved magnetic adsorbents displaying high selectivity, ultra‐high capacity and operational robustness are used with ‘state‐of‐the‐art’ rotor–stator magnetic separators. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Removal of copper ions by few‐layered graphene oxide nanosheets from aqueous solutions: external influences and adsorption mechanisms
Authors: Wang Hui , Hu Xinjiang , Guo Yuan , Qiu Caisheng , Long Songhua , Hao Dongmei , Cai Xiaoxi , Xu Wenwen , Wang Yufu , Liu Yunguo
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUD

In this work, graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized followed by a modified Hummers method and several characterization techniques were provided. Its adsorptive activity was evaluated based on the removal of Cu(II) from an aqueous solution. External influences were taken into account to further study the adsorption mechanism.

RESULT

Characterization results revealed that GO was well prepared and a large amount of oxygen‐containing functional groups were introduced. The Cu(II) adsorption increased with increasing solution pH and precipitate at alkaline conditions. NaCl concentration improved copper adsorption at low pH. Formate reduced copper adsorption while benzoate improved the adsorption under low pH conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Here, GO performed Cu(II) adsorption well. The external conditions have different influences on the adsorption process. Experimental results demonstrate that GO is a promising alternative material for pollutants removal. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Lose it or keep it: (how bivalves can provide) insights into mitochondrial inheritance mechanisms
Authors: Punzi Elisabetta , Milani Liliana , Ghiselli Fabrizio , Passamonti Marco
Published: February 2018

The strictly maternal inheritance (SMI) is a pattern of mitochondrial inheritance observed across the whole animal kingdom. However, some interesting exceptions are known for the class Bivalvia, in which several species show an unusual pattern called doubly uniparental inheritance (DUI) whose outcome is a heteroplasmic pool of mtDNA in males. Even if DUI has been studied for long, its molecular basis has not been established yet. The aim of this work is to select classes of proteins known to be involved in the maintenance of SMI and to compare their features in two clam species differing for their mitochondrial inheritance mechanism, that is, the SMI species Ruditapes decussatus and the DUI species Ruditapes philippinarum. Data have been obtained from the transcriptomes of male and female ripe gonads of both species. Our analysis focused on nucleases and polymerases, ubiquitination and ubiquitin‐like modifier pathways, and proteins involved in autophagy and mitophagy. For each protein group of interest, transcription bias (male or female), annotation, and mitochondrial targeting (when appropriate) were assessed. We did not find evidence supporting a role of nucleases/polymerases or autophagic machinery in the enforcement of SMI in R. decussatus. On the other hand, ubiquitinating enzymes with the expected features have been retrieved, providing us with two alternative testable models for mitochondrial inheritance mechanisms at the molecular level.
RNase reverses segment sequence in the anterior of a beetle egg (Callosobruchus maculatus, Coleoptera)
Authors: van der Meer Jitse M.
Published: February 2018

The genetic regulation of anterior–posterior segment pattern development has been elucidated in detail for Drosophila, but it is not canonical for insects. A surprising diversity of regulatory mechanisms is being uncovered not only between insect orders, but also within the order of the Diptera. The question is whether the same diversity of regulatory mechanisms exists within other insect orders. I show that anterior puncture of the egg of the pea beetle Callosobruchus maculatus submerged in RNase can induce double abdomen development suggesting a role for maternal mRNA. In a double abdomen, anterior segments are replaced by posterior segments oriented in mirror image symmetry to the original posterior segments. This effect is specific for RNase activity, for treatment of the anterior egg pole and for cytoplasmic RNA. Yield depends on developmental stage, enzyme concentration, and temperature. A maximum of 30% of treated eggs reversed segment sequence after submersion and puncture in 10 μg/mL RNase S reconstituted from S‐protein and S‐peptide at 30°C. This result sets the stage for an analysis of the genetic regulation of segment pattern formation in the long germ embryo of the coleopteran Callosobruchus and for comparison with the short germ embryo of the coleopteran Tribolium.
Where is, in 2017, the evo in evo‐devo (evolutionary developmental biology)?
Authors: Diogo Rui
Published: February 2018

After the inaugural Pan‐American‐Evo‐Devo meeting (2015, Berkeley), I showed how major concerns about evo‐devo (Evolutionary Developmental Biology) research were demonstrated by a simple, non‐biased quantitative analysis of the titles/abstracts of that meeting's talks. Here, I apply the same methodology to the titles/abstracts of the recent Pan‐American‐Evo‐Devo meeting (2017, Calgary). The aim is to evaluate if the concerns raised by me in that paper and by other authors have been addressed and/or if there are other types of differences between the two meetings that may reflect trends within the field of evo‐devo. This analysis shows that the proportion of presentations referring to “morphology”, “organism”, “selection”, “adaptive”, “phylogeny”, and their derivatives was higher in the 2017 meeting, which therefore had a more “organismal” feel. However, there was a decrease in the use of “evolution”/its derivatives and of macroevolutionary terms related to the tempo and mode of evolution in the 2017 meeting. Moreover, the disproportionately high use of genetic/genomic terms clearly shows that evo‐devo continues to be mainly focused on devo, and particularly on “Geno”, that is, on molecular/genetic studies. Furthermore, the vast majority of animal evo‐devo studies are focused only on hard tissues, which are just a small fraction of the whole organism—for example, only 15% of the tissue mass of the human body. The lack of an integrative approach is also evidenced by the lack of studies addressing conceptual/long‐standing broader questions, including the links between ecology and particularly behavior and developmental/evolutionary variability and between evo‐devo and evolutionary medicine.
A novel role for coinhibitory receptors/checkpoint proteins in the immunopathology of sepsis
Authors: Fallon Eleanor A , Biron-Girard Bethany M , Chung Chun-Shiang , Lomas-Neira Joanne , Heffernan Daithi S , Monaghan Sean F , Ayala Alfred
Published: February 2018

Coinhibitory molecules, such as PD-1, CTLA-4, 2B4, and BTLA, are an important new family of mediators in the pathophysiology of severe bacterial and/or fungal infection, as well as the combined insults of shock and sepsis. Further, the expression of these molecules may serve as indicators of the immune status of the septic individual. Using PD-1:PD-L as an example, we discuss in this review how such checkpoint molecules may affect the host response to infection by mediating the balance between effective immune defense and immune-mediated tissue injury. Additionally, we explore how the up-regulation of PD-1 and/or PD-L1 expression on not only adaptive immune cells (e.g., T cells), but also on innate immune cells (e.g., macrophages, monocytes, and neutrophils), as well as nonimmune cells during sepsis and/or shock contributes to functional alterations often with detrimental sequelae.
Mammalian target of rapamycin regulates a hyperresponsive state in pulmonary neutrophils late after burn injury
Authors: Dunn Julia L M , Kartchner Laurel B , Gast Karli , Sessions Marci , Hunter Rebecca A , Thurlow Lance , Richardson Anthony , Schoenfisch Mark , Cairns Bruce A , Maile Robert
Published: February 2018

Bacterial pneumonia is a leading cause of death late after burn injury due to the severe immune dysfunction that follows this traumatic injury. The Mechanistic/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway drives many effector functions of innate immune cells required for bacterial clearance. Studies have demonstrated alterations in multiple cellular processes in patients and animal models following burn injury in which mTOR is a central component. Goals of this study were to (1) investigate the importance of mTOR signaling in antimicrobial activity by neutrophils and (2) therapeutically target mTOR to promote normalization of the immune response. We utilized a murine model of 20% total body surface area burn and the mTOR-specific inhibitor rapamycin. Burn injury led to innate immune hyperresponsiveness in the lung including recruitment of neutrophils with greater ex vivo oxidative activity compared with neutrophils from sham-injured mice. Elevated oxidative function correlated with improved clearance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, despite down-regulated expression of the bacterial-sensing TLR molecules. Rapamycin administration reversed the burn injury-induced lung innate immune hyperresponsiveness and inhibited enhanced bacterial clearance in burn mice compared with untreated burn mice, resulting in significantly higher mortality. Neutrophil ex vivo oxidative burst was decreased by rapamycin treatment. These data indicate that (1) neutrophil function within the lung is more important than recruitment for bacterial clearance following burn injury and (2) mTOR inhibition significantly impacts innate immune hyperresponsiveness, including neutrophil effector function, allowing normalization of the immune response late after burn injury.
Method for retrospective estimation of natural head movement during structural MRI
Authors: Zacà Domenico , Hasson Uri , Minati Ludovico , Jovicich Jorge
Published: February 2018

Background

Head motion during brain structural MRI scans biases brain morphometry measurements but quantitative retrospective methods estimating head motion from structural MRI have not been evaluated.

Purpose

To verify the hypothesis that two metrics retrospectively computed from MR images: 1) average edge strength (AES, reduced with image blurring) and 2) entropy (ENT, increased with blurring and ringing artifacts) could be sensitive to in‐scanner head motion during acquisition of T1‐weighted MR images.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population/Subjects/Phantom/Specimen/Animal Model

In all, 83 healthy control (HC) and 120 Parkinson's disease (PD) patients.

Field Strength/Sequence

3D magnetization‐prepared rapid gradient‐echo (MPRAGE) images at 3T.

Assessment

We 1) compared AES and ENT distribution between HC and PD; 2) evaluated the correlation between tremor score (TS) and AES (or ENT) in PD; and 3) investigated cortical regions showing an association between AES (or ENT) and local and network‐level covariance measures of cortical thickness (CT), gray to white matter contrast (GWC) and gray matter density maps (GMx).

Statistical Tests

1) Student's t‐test. 2) Spearman's rank correlation. 3) General linear model and partial least square analysis.

Results

AES, but not ENT, differentiated HC and PD (P = 0.02, HC median AES = 39.8, interquartile range = 9.8, PD median AES = 37.6, interquartile range = 8.1). In PD, AES correlated negatively with TS (ρ = –0.21, P = 0.02) and showed a significant relationship (|Z| >3, P < 0.001) with structural covariance of CT and GWC in 54 out of 68 cortical regions.

Data Conclusion

In clinical populations prone to head motion, AES can provide a reliable retrospective index of motion during structural scans, identifying brain areas whose morphometric measures covary with motion.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:927–937.
Treatment outcome for locally advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer using TomoDirect plan and its characteristics compared to the TomoHelical plan
Authors: Mukai Yuki , Omura Motoko , Hashimoto Harumitu , Matsui Kengo , Hongo Hideyuki , Yamakabe Wataru , Yoshida Miwa , Hata Masaharu , Inoue Tomio
Published: February 2018

Introduction

TomoDirect (TD) is an intensity‐modulated radiotherapy system that uses a fixed gantry angle instead of the rotational beam delivery used in the TomoHelical (TH) system. This study was performed (1) to evaluate the treatment outcome of the TD plan for locally advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and (2) to compare the characteristics of TD plans with those of TH plans.

Methods

Twenty‐one patients with NSCLC were treated using the TD system. The prescribed dose was 40 Gy/20 Fx for the initial planning target volume (PTV), which included the gross tumour volume (GTV) and lymph node regions. A boost plan of 20 Gy/10 Fx was then applied, focusing on the GTV. For the planning study, matched TH plans of 40 Gy for the initial PTV were created for each patient, to meet the same dosimetric constraints specified in the TD plans.

Results

The 2‐year overall survival, progression‐free survival and local control rates were 47%, 45% and 74% respectively. Grade 2 treatment‐related pneumonitis occurred in three (14%) patients. The planning study comparing TD and TH showed that dose distribution to GTV and PTV were not significantly different. The lung V5 Gy was lower in the TD plans than TH plans (46.4 ± 5.4 vs. 52.3 ± 8.5), while the V20 Gy was higher (26.2 ± 4 vs. 24 ± 4.3). The TD plans had a significantly shorter treatment time than TH plans (4.5 ± 1.3 min vs. 9.8 ± 1.5 min).

Conclusions

TD is a clinically acceptable treatment option for NSCSL. The quality of the TD and TH plans are comparable.
Taxonomy characterization and plumbum bioremediation of novel fungi
Authors: Zhu Zhenyuan , Song Qiaoying , Dong Fengying
Published: February 2018

The objective of this study was to investigate the screening, taxonomy characterization, Pb biosorption, and application of the high Pb‐resistant fungus F1 separated from the heavy metal contaminated soil. Fungus F1 was screened through metal concentration gradient ranging from 25 to 4000 mg L−1. The internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of the strain was analyzed by molecular biotechnology. The adsorption conditions were also evaluated. The precipitation of fungus F1 was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier transformer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) techniques. The Pb speciation was determined by BCR three‐step sequential extraction. The highest concentration of fungus F1 resistance to Pb2+ was 3500 mg L−1. The fungus was identified as Trichoderma asperellum. The optimum condition for the Pb2+ removal rate was discovered as follows: MTL: 3500 mg L−1; pH: 7; Pb2+ concentration: 800 mg L−1; temperature was 30 °C; initial biosorbent dosage: 6% (v/v). The surface chemical functional groups of fungus F1 were amino, hydroxyl, and carbonyl groups, which may be involved in the biosorption of Pb. Application test showed that the exchangeable, acid‐and water soluble Pb were reduced, and the sulfide, organic combination state, and residual Pb were increased. With the preferable absorption capacity, fungus F1 was considered to have good prospects of bioremediation.
Spin–phonon coupling in HoCr1 − xFexO3 (x = 0 and 0.5) compounds
Authors: Kotnana Ganesh , Sathe Vasant.G. , Narayana Jammalamadaka S.
Published: February 2018

We report on the temperature dependent Raman scattering studies of polycrystalline HoCr1 − xFexO3 (x = 0 and 0.5) compounds. No signature of phonon mode related to structural phase transition is evident in the investigated temperature range in both the compounds. The thermal evolution of phonon spectra indicates a deviation of B3g(3) mode from the expected anharmonic behaviour below magnetic ordering temperature TN in HoCrO3 compound. This behaviour is attributed to spin–phonon coupling, which is due to the modulation of super exchange integral by lattice vibration. On the other hand, the anomalous behaviour of Ag mode and its line‐width around magnetic ordering in HoCr0.5Fe0.5O3 compound suggest the spin–phonon coupling. Apart from that, a clear deviation of wavenumber pertinent to B2g(1) mode suggests the possibility to observe ferroelectricity in HoCr0.5Fe0.5O3 compound. We believe that the present results would be helpful in obtaining new materials with multiferroicity near room temperature.
Characterization and subtraction of luminescence background signals in high‐wavenumber Raman spectra of human tissue
Authors: Barroso E.M. , Bakker Schut T.C. , Caspers P.J. , Santos I.P. , Wolvius E.B. , Koljenović S. , Puppels G.J.
Published: February 2018

Raman spectroscopy in the high‐wavenumber spectral region (HWR) is particularly suited for fiber‐optic in vivo medical applications. The most‐used fiber‐optic materials have negligible Raman signal in the HWR. This enables the use of simple and cheap single‐fiber‐optic probes that can be fitted in endoscopes and needles. The HWR generally shows less tissue luminescence than the fingerprint region. However, the luminescence can still be stronger than the Raman signal. Hardware‐ and software‐based strategies have been developed to correct for these luminescence signals. Typically, hardware‐based strategies are more complex and expensive than software‐based solutions. Effective software strategies have almost exclusively been developed for the fingerprint region. First‐order polynomial baseline fitting (PBF) is the most common background/luminescence estimation employed for the HWR. The goal of this study was to characterize the luminescence background signals of HW spectra of human oral tissue and compare the performance of two algorithms for correction of these background signals: PBF and multiple regression fitting (MRF). In the MRF method, we introduce here, prior knowledge of the range of Raman signals that can be obtained from the tissues of interest is explicitly used. MRF is more robust than PBF because it does not require an a priori choice of the polynomial order for fitting the background signal. This is important because, as we show, no single polynomial order can optimally characterize all backgrounds that are encountered in HW tissue spectra. We conclude that MRF should be the preferred method for background subtraction in the HWR.
FTIR spectroscopy for prediction of quality parameters and antimicrobial activity of commercial vinegars with chemometrics
Authors: Kadiroğlu Pınar
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to discriminate between commercial apple, rice, balsamic, red‐wine, rose, white‐wine, grape, and pomegranate vinegars according to their antimicrobial activities, total phenolic contents (TPC), antioxidant activities, and color parameters, and to predict the quality characteristics of vinegars using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.

RESULTS

Results showed that the highest TPC (3971.43 ± 25.00) was found in balsamic vinegar whereas the lowest TPC was observed in rice vinegar (14.36 ± 0.16). Antioxidant activities of vinegars were correlated with TPC. Grape‐based vinegars exhibited higher antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.aeruginosa). However, there were no statistically significant differences among vinegars in terms of antimicrobial activities. According to principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), vinegars were classified into three groups and each group consisted of vinegars from different raw materials. Prediction models were constructed successfully using partial least squares (PLS) considering whole FTIR spectral data.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that FTIR could be used as a rapid method to estimate the antimicrobial activities, TPC, color and antioxidant activities of vinegars. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Measurement of kinaesthetic properties of in‐brine table olives by microstructure of fracture surface, sensory evaluation and texture profile analysis (TPA)
Authors: Lanza Barbara , Amoruso Filomena
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

A series of transformations occur in olive fruit both during ripening and processing. In particular, significant changes in the microstructural composition affect the flavour, texture, nutrients and overall quality of the end product. Texture is one of the sensory quality attributes of greatest importance to consumer acceptance. In the present work, kinaesthetic properties of in‐brine table olives of three cultivars of Olea europaea L. (Bella di Cerignola, Peranzana and Taggiasca cvs) were provided by several measurements of olive tissue texture by sensory, rheological and microstructural approaches.

RESULTS

Olives at the same stage of ripening and processed with the same technology, but belonging to different cultivars, showed significant differences at microstructural, sensorial and rheological levels. To describe the relationship between the three variables, multiple regression analysis and principal component analysis were chosen.

CONCLUSION

Differences in microstructure were closely related both in terms of hardness measured by texture profile analysis and hardness measured by sensory analysis. The information provided could be an aid for screening and training of a sensory panel. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry