bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High titer oncolytic measles virus production process by integration of dielectric spectroscopy as online monitoring system
Authors: Grein Tanja A. , Loewe Daniel , Dieken Hauke , Salzig Denise , Weidner Tobias , Czermak Peter
Published: December 2017

Oncolytic viruses offer new hope to millions of patients with incurable cancer. One promising class of oncolytic viruses is Measles virus, but its broad administration to cancer patients is currently hampered by the inability to produce the large amounts of virus needed for treatment (1010–1012 virus particles per dose). Measles virus is unstable, leading to very low virus titers during production. The time of infection and time of harvest are therefore critical parameters in a Measles virus production process, and their optimization requires an accurate online monitoring system. We integrated a probe based on dielectric spectroscopy (DS) into a stirred tank reactor to characterize the Measles virus production process in adherent growing Vero cells. We found that DS could be used to monitor cell adhesion on the microcarrier and that the optimal virus harvest time correlated with the global maximum permittivity signal. In 16 independent bioreactor runs, the maximum Measles virus titer was achieved approximately 40 hr after the permittivity maximum. Compared to an uncontrolled Measles virus production process, the integration of DS increased the maximum virus concentration by more than three orders of magnitude. This was sufficient to achieve an active Measles virus concentration of > 1010 TCID50 ml−1.
From lab to market: An integrated bioprocess design approach for new‐to‐nature biosurfactants produced by Starmerella bombicola
Authors: Van Renterghem Lisa , Roelants Sophie L.K.W. , Baccile Niki , Uyttersprot Katrijn , Taelman Marie Claire , Everaert Bernd , Mincke Stein , Ledegen Sam , Debrouwer Sam , Scholtens Kristel , Stevens Christian , Soetaert Wim
Published: December 2017

Glycolipid microbial biosurfactants, such as sophorolipids (SLs), generate high industrial interest as 100% biobased alternatives for traditional surfactants. A well‐known success story is the efficient SL producer Starmerella bombicola, which reaches titers well above 200 g/L. Recent engineering attempts have enabled the production of completely new types of molecules by S. bombicola, e.g. the bolaform SLs. Scale‐up of bolaform SL production was performed at 150 L scale. The purified product was evaluated in detergent applications, as classic SLs are mostly applied in eco‐friendly detergents. In this paper, we show that they can be used as green and non‐irritant surfactants in for example (automatic) dishwashing applications. However, due to the presence of an ester function in the biosurfactant molecule a limited chemical stability at higher pH values (>6.5) was noticed, (therefore called ‘non‐symmetrical’ (nsBola)) which, is a major drawback that will most likely inhibit market introduction. An integrated bioprocess design (IBPD) strategy was thus applied to resolve this issue. The strategy was to replace the fed fatty acids with fatty alcohols, to generate so‐called “symmetrical bolaform (sBola) sophorosides (SSs),” containing two instead of one glycosidic bond. Next to a change in feeding strategy, the blocking of the fatty alcohols from metabolizing/oxidizing through the suggested ω‐oxidation pathway was necessary. For the latter, two putative fatty alcohol oxidase genes (fao1 and fao2) were identified in the S. bombicola genome and deleted in the bolaform SL producing strain (ΔatΔsble). Shake flask experiments for these new strains (ΔatΔsbleΔfao1 and ΔatΔsbleΔfao2) were performed to evaluate if the fed fatty alcohols were directly implemented into the SL biosynthesis pathway. Indeed, sBola sophorosides (SSs) production up to 20 g/L was observed for the ΔatΔsbleΔfao1 strain. Unexpectedly, the ΔatΔsbleΔfao2 strain only produced minor amounts of sBola sophorosides (SSs), and mainly nsBola SLs (alike the parental ΔatΔsble strain). The sBola sophorosides (SSs) were purified and their symmetrical structure was confirmed by NMR. They were found to be significantly more stable at higher pH, opening up the application potential of the biosurfactant by enhancing its stability properties.
Combined prediction of miR‐210 and miR‐374a for severity and prognosis of hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: Wang Zhansheng , Liu Yulu , Shao Minkun , Wang Dong , Zhang Ying
Published: December 2017

Background and Aim

Hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a disorder featured by hypoxic and ischemic damages during the perinatal period and its high mortality (i.e., 15%–20%) could be partly attributed to late diagnosis. Therefore, miR‐210 and miR‐374a were investigated to find if they could improve the diagnostic values of S100B protein and neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) for HIE.

Methods

Altogether 167 HIE newborns and 82 healthy newborns were recruited, and their blood were sampled for determining the levels of biomarkers. Specifically, S100B protein and NSE levels were detected based on the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, while the expressions of miR‐210 and miR‐374a were quantified by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Moreover, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were established to assess the diagnostic values of the above biomarkers for HIE. Finally, the correlation analysis between miR‐210/miR‐374 and Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment (NBNA) scoring or Gesell intellectual development were also conducted.

Results

The levels of miR‐210, miR‐374a, S100B protein, and NSE were significantly distinct between HIE patients and healthy newborns (p < .05). Besides, miR‐210 (rs = .573), miR‐374a (rs = .651), NSE level (rs = −.622), and S100B level (rs = −.55) were all, respectively, correlated with NBNA scoring with statistical significance (p < .05). Furthermore, it was revealed that the combined diagnosis of miR‐210, miR‐374a, S100B protein, and NSE could obtain the highest accuracy regarding pairs of mild HIE versus moderate HIE (AUC = 0.898), moderate HIE versus severe HIE (AUC = 0.922), mild HIE versus severe HIE (AUC = 0.996), and HIE versus control (AUC = 0.960). More than that, the four molecules were also remarkably associated with Gesell intellectual development (p < .05).

Conclusion

MiR‐210 and miR‐374a could help to elevate the diagnostic value and prognostic prediction of S100B protein and NSE for HIE.
Nitric oxide modulates actin filament organization in Arabidopsis thaliana primary root cells at low temperatures
Authors: Plohovska Svitlana H. , Krasylenko Yuliya A. , Yemets Alla I.
Published: December 2017

Cytoskeleton is gaining the increasing recognition as one of nitric oxide (NO)—downstream targets because of its involvement in plenty of NO‐controlled processes in plants throughout the entire life cycle starting from seed germination to pollination as well as (a)biotic stress tolerance. It has been revealed that low temperature (+0.5°C) has an inhibitory effect on A. thaliana primary root growth and causes an anisotropic increase of epidermal cells diameter in elongation zone. Furthermore, actin filaments’ organization of epidermal cells in different zones of primary roots is modulated by NO content. Thus, the exogenous NO donor (SNP) favors to actin filaments network reorganization, while both cold and NO scavenger (c‐PTIO) increase its randomization. According to the data obtained, it can be assumed that not only actin filaments act as NO sensors, but NO is also involved into plant cell response on low temperatures by the signaling via such important cytoskeleton machinery as actin network.
Evolution of Self‐Propelled Objects: From the Viewpoint of Nonlinear Science
Authors: Suematsu Nobuhiko J. , Nakata Satoshi
Published: December 2017

A variety of moving objects driven by chemical energy have been reported. In this Minireview, we focus on self‐propelled objects driven by interfacial tension and explain three types of basic mechanisms for such self‐propelled motion, that is, driven by a) surface tension difference, b) contact angle difference, and c) axisymmetric swirling flow in a droplet. Simple behavior induced from the basic mechanisms is then extended by coupling to a chemical reaction or increasing the number of moving objects. Even though the chemicals used here are still simple, the extended systems could show characteristic nonlinear behavior, such as reciprocating motion, oscillatory motion, and spatiotemporal pattern formation. Combining the dynamical information about these characteristic motions with the knowledge of molecular structures will lead to the development of more advanced self‐propelled objects. We believe this Minireview can help chemists in investigating self‐propelled objects displaying various functional motions observed in a biological system.
Fluorescent Porous Carbazole‐Decorated Copolymer Monodisperse Microspheres: Facile synthesis, Selective and Recyclable Detection of Iron (III) in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Zhang Chunyan , Luo Jianxin , Ou Lijuan , Lun Yinghui , Cai Songtao , Hu Bonian , Yu Guipeng , Pan Chunyue
Published: December 2017

We demonstrate an environmentally friendly one‐step soap‐free emulsion polymerization strategy to develop fluorescent carbazole‐based copolymer monodisperse microspheres for highly sensitive and selective detection of Fe3+. The copolymer microspheres feature a stable spherical morphology with a narrow size distribution through regulating N‐vinylcarbazole (NVCz) content (1.25–10.0 wt.%). Notably, the as‐made microspheres exhibit a strong luminescence, tunable emission intensity and specific surface areas. Interestingly, the fluorescence of the copolymer microspheres can be selectively quenched by trace amounts of Fe3+ due to the oxidation of carbazole, and the quenching fluorescence can be facilely recovered by reduction with NaBH4. Its excellent sensing performance is shown in terms of high sensitivity (low limit of detection, 1.3 μm), excellent selectivity, and rapid response rate, due to the porous nature of the copolymer microspheres. These results illustrate the copolymer microspheres obtained by simple preparative procedure without using expensive or toxic raw materials would serve as a high performance sensor for highly selective and recyclable detection of Fe3+ in aqueous medium.
Cancer‐Targeting Functionalization of Selenium‐Containing Ruthenium Conjugate with Tumor Microenvironment‐Responsive Property to Enhance Theranostic Effects
Authors: Zhao Zhennan , Gao Pan , You Yuanyuan , Chen Tianfeng
Published: December 2017

A mutifunctional ruthenium‐based conjugate Ru‐BSe was designed and synthesized. The Ru complex with favorable bioimaging function was covalently linked with a cancer‐targeted molecule that could be effectively internalized by the tumor to realize enhanced theranostic effects. The pH‐response of the Ru conjugate in tumor acidic microenvironment causes ligand substitution and release of therapeutic complex. This activated complex remains inert to the reducing biomolecule‐glutathione and terminally locates in mitochondria, in which it triggers oxidative stress, and activates intrinsic apoptosis. Real‐time monitoring reveals that this Ru conjugate could selectively accumulate in tumor tissue in vivo, which significantly suppresses tumor progression and alleviate the damage to normal organs, realizing the precise cancer theranosis.
Photophysics of a UV‐B Filter 4‐Methylbenzylidene Camphor: Intersystem Crossing Plays an Important Role
Authors: Fang Ye‐Guang , Li Chun‐Xiang , Chang Xue‐Ping , Cui Ganglong
Published: December 2017

4‐Methylbenzylidene camphor (4MBC) is a frequently used ultraviolet (UV) filter in commercial sunscreens, which is experimentally found to undergo efficient intersystem crossing to triplet manifolds followed by predominant radiationless decay to the ground state. However, its photophysical mechanism is unclear. Herein, we have employed combined CASPT2 and CASSCF methods to study the spectroscopic properties, geometric and electronic structures, conical intersections and crossing points, and excited‐state deactivation channels of 4MBC. We have found that the V(1ππ*) state is populated with large probability in the Franck–Condon region. Starting from this state, there are two efficient nonradiative relaxation processes to populate the 3ππ* state. In the first one, the V(1ππ*) state decays to the V′(1ππ*) state. The resultant V′(1ππ*) state further jumps to the 1nπ* state by internal conversion at the 1ππ*/1nπ* conical intersection. Then, the 1nπ* state hops to the 3ππ* state through an efficient 1nπ*→3ππ* intersystem crossing process. In the second one, the V(1ππ*) state can diabatically relax along the photoisomerization reaction coordinate. In this process, a 1ππ*/3nπ* crossing point helps the 1ππ* system decay to the 3nπ* state, which further decays to the 3ππ* state through internal conversion at the 3nπ*/3ππ* conical intersection. Once the 3ππ* state is formed, a nearly barrierless relaxation path drives the 3ππ* system to hop to the S0 state via the 3ππ*/S0 crossing point. Our current work not only rationalizes recent experimental observations but also enriches our photophysical knowledge of UV filters.
Range expansion of the Asian native giant resin bee Megachile sculpturalis (Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Megachilidae) in France
Authors: Le Féon Violette , Aubert Matthieu , Genoud David , Andrieu‐Ponel Valérie , Westrich Paul , Geslin Benoît
Published: January 2018

In 2008, a new species for the French bee fauna was recorded in Allauch near Marseille: the giant resin bee, Megachile sculpturalis (Smith, 1853). This was the first European record of this species that is native to East Asia. To our knowledge, it is the first introduced bee species in Europe. Here, we provide an overview of the current distribution of M. sculpturalis in France and we describe the history of its range expansion. Besides our own observations, information was compiled from literature and Internet websites, and by contacting naturalist networks. We collected a total of 117 records (locality × year combinations) for the 2008–2016 period. The geographical range of M. sculpturalis has extended remarkably, now occupying a third of continental France, with the most northern and western records located 335 and 520 km from Allauch, respectively. Information on its phenology, feeding, and nesting behavior is also provided. We report several events of nest occupation or eviction of Osmia sp. and Xylocopa sp. individuals by M. sculpturalis. Our results show that M. sculpturalis is now well established in France. Given its capacity to adapt and rapidly expand its range, we recommend amplifying the monitoring of this species to better anticipate the changes in its geographical range and its potential impacts on native bees.
One‐Pot Allan–Robinson/Friedländer Route to Chromen‐/Quinolin‐4‐ones through the Domino Acetylative Cyclisation of 2‐Hydroxy‐/2‐Aminobenzaldehydes
Authors: Rai Vijai K. , Verma Fooleswar , Sahu Ganeshwar P. , Singh Manorama , Rai Ankita
Published: December 2017

The domino synthesis of 2‐phenyl‐4H‐chromen‐4‐ones and quinolin‐4‐ones through acetylation of 2‐hydroxy‐/2‐aminobenzaldehydes with α‐haloketones followed by intramolecular oxa‐/azaheterocyclisation is reported. This method represents a new extension of the Allan–Robinson and Friedländer reactions, and uses N‐heterocyclic‐carbene catalysis to construct the target molecules in good to excellent yields: 86–95 % for the chromen‐4‐ones, and 83–96 % for the quinolin‐4‐ones. This approach has the advantages of operational simplicity, ambient reaction conditions, and no by‐product formation.
Enhanced cell trapping throughput using DC‐biased AC electric field in a dielectrophoresis‐based fluidic device with densely packed silica beads
Authors: Lewpiriyawong Nuttawut , Xu Guolin , Yang Chun
Published: December 2017

This paper presents the use of DC‐biased AC electric field for enhancing cell trapping throughput in an insulator‐based dielectrophoretic (iDEP) fluidic device with densely packed silica beads. Cell suspension is carried through the iDEP device by a pressure‐driven flow. Under an applied DC‐biased AC electric field, DEP trapping force is produced as a result of non‐uniform electric field induced by the gap of electrically insulating silica beads packed between two mesh electrodes that allow both fluid and cells to pass through. While the AC component is mainly to control the magnitude of DEP trapping force, the DC component generates local electroosmotic (EO) flow in the cavity between the beads and the EO flow can be set to move along or against the main pressure‐driven flow. Our experimental and simulation results show that desirable trapping is achieved when the EO flow direction is along (not against) the main flow direction. Using our proposed DC‐biased AC field, the device can enhance the trapping throughput (in terms of the flowrate of cell suspension) up to five times while yielding almost the same cell capture rates as compared to the pure AC field case. Additionally, the device was demonstrated to selectively trap dead yeast cells from a mixture of flowing live and dead yeast cells.
Properties of global‐ and local‐ancestry adjustments in genetic association tests in admixed populations
Authors: Martin Eden R. , Tunc Ilker , Liu Zhi , Slifer Susan H. , Beecham Ashley H. , Beecham Gary W.
Published: December 2017

Population substructure can lead to confounding in tests for genetic association, and failure to adjust properly can result in spurious findings. Here we address this issue of confounding by considering the impact of global ancestry (average ancestry across the genome) and local ancestry (ancestry at a specific chromosomal location) on regression parameters and relative power in ancestry‐adjusted and ‐unadjusted models. We examine theoretical expectations under different scenarios for population substructure; applying different regression models, verifying and generalizing using simulations, and exploring the findings in real‐world admixed populations. We show that admixture does not lead to confounding when the trait locus is tested directly in a single admixed population. However, if there is more complex population structure or a marker locus in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with the trait locus is tested, both global and local ancestry can be confounders. Additionally, we show the genotype parameters of adjusted and unadjusted models all provide tests for LD between the marker and trait locus, but in different contexts. The local ancestry adjusted model tests for LD in the ancestral populations, while tests using the unadjusted and the global ancestry adjusted models depend on LD in the admixed population(s), which may be enriched due to different ancestral allele frequencies. Practically, this implies that global‐ancestry adjustment should be used for screening, but local‐ancestry adjustment may better inform fine mapping and provide better effect estimates at trait loci.
Paleogeotemperature and maturity evolutionary history of the source rocks in the Ordos Basin
Authors: Yu Qiang , Ren Zhanli , Li Rongxi , Wang Baojiang , Qin Xiaoli , Tao Ni
Published: December 2017

Tectonothermal evolution has an important control on maturity and hydrocarbon‐generation of source rocks. On the basis of analysis of the present‐day geothermal gradient, rock thermophysical parameters and heat flow, the thickness contour and vitrinite reflectance can be identified, and the distribution of thermal anomaly was discussed. The paleogeotemperature and paleogeothermal gradients are calculated after the recovery of the erosional thickness. With the theory of the recovering of the superposed and modified sedimentary basin, the evolutionary history since the end of Triassic, the end of Jurassic, the Late Early Cretaceous is presented for two sets of source rocks recovered in various perspectives of plans, cross‐sections, important wells, and typical areas. The impact of tectonothermal evolution on the maturity and hydrocarbon‐generation history of the source rocks is discussed. The paleogeothermal gradient (4.0 °C/100 m on average) is higher than the present one (2.9 °C/100 m on average). With the slightly continuous increase since the Late Paleozoic, the paleogeotemperature of the Ordos Basin reached its maximum in Late Early Cretaceous and decreased continuously from then on. The paleogeotemperature and maturity of the source rocks continuously increased before Late Early Cretaceous. The tectonothermal event during Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous controlled the source rocks with the high temperature and maturity in the Wuqi‐Qingyang‐Fuxian. The temperature decreased, and the maturity hardly changed after the Late Cretaceous. The source rocks of the Shanxi Formation reached maturity, high maturity and over‐maturity at the Late Triassic, the Late Jurassic, and the Early Cretaceous, respectively. The source rocks of the Yanchang Formation reached low maturity and maturity sequentially all in the Early Cretaceous.
The Jurassic basin prototypes and episodic sedimentary characteristics of the Hongshan Sag in the eastern segment of the Northern Qaidam Basin, NW China
Authors: Feng Huaiwei , Xu Shumei , Zhang Xiaodong , Li Sanzhong , Wang Jinduo , Somerville Ian
Published: December 2017

The Hongshan Sag, located in the eastern segment of the northern Qaidam block, has undergone complicated tectonic evolution, which results in the controversy on the Jurassic basin prototype. Based on field geological investigation, interpretation of seismic stratigraphy, restoration of balanced cross‐section, recognition of stratigraphic contact relationship, observation of lithofacies features, and exploration of basin filling characteristics in the Hongshan Sag, the paper analyses the basin prototype, establishes a sequence stratigraphic framework, and explores episodic sedimentary features. The Hongshan Sag was a small‐scale faulted basin pulled apart by NE‐oriented extensional stress along the margin of the Qaidam Block during the Early Jurassic. During the Middle Jurassic, along with protracted rifting, the Hongshan Sag evolved into a relatively large‐scale faulted basin controlled by NE‐oriented extensional stress. The faulted basin evolved into a compressional sag during the Late Jurassic. The Jurassic strata are subdivided into 2 first‐order sequences, 3 second‐order sequences, and 5 third‐order sequences. Every third‐order sequence corresponds to an episode. The deposits of Episode I(SIII1) mainly contain coarse‐grained clasts of alluvial fan and braided river, which is locally distributed in the eastern sub‐sag. The deposits of Episode II(SIII2) mainly encompass coarse‐grained clasts of shallow water braided delta, which is distributed in discrete eastern and western sub‐sags. During the period of Episode III(SIII3), the isolated eastern and western sub‐sags connect to a whole sag, whose sediments are composed of coarse‐grained clasts of fan delta in steep slope of basin. Deposits of Episode IV(SIII4) comprises fine‐grained clasts, which are distributed throughout the basin. The deposits of compressional Episode V(SIII5) mainly consist of red fine‐grained clasts, but suffer from obvious erosion on the margin of the basin.
ProMoIJ: A new tool for automatic three‐dimensional analysis of microglial process motility
Authors: Paris Iñaki , Savage Julie C. , Escobar Laura , Abiega Oihane , Gagnon Steven , Hui Chin‐Wai , Tremblay Marie‐Ève , Sierra Amanda , Valero Jorge
Published: December 2017

Microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system, continuously survey the brain to detect alterations and maintain tissue homeostasis. The motility of microglial processes is indicative of their surveying capacity in normal and pathological conditions. The gold standard technique to study motility involves the use of two‐photon microscopy to obtain time‐lapse images from brain slices or the cortex of living animals. This technique generates four dimensionally‐coded images which are analyzed manually using time‐consuming, non‐standardized protocols. Microglial process motility analysis is frequently performed using Z‐stack projections with the consequent loss of three‐dimensional (3D) information. To overcome these limitations, we developed ProMoIJ, a pack of ImageJ macros that perform automatic motility analysis of cellular processes in 3D. The main core of ProMoIJ is formed by two macros that assist the selection of processes, automatically reconstruct their 3D skeleton, and analyze their motility (process and tip velocity). Our results show that ProMoIJ presents several key advantages compared with conventional manual analysis: (1) reduces the time required for analysis, (2) is less sensitive to experimenter bias, and (3) is more robust to varying numbers of processes analyzed. In addition, we used ProMoIJ to demonstrate that commonly performed 2D analysis underestimates microglial process motility, to reveal that only cells adjacent to a laser injured area extend their processes toward the lesion site, and to demonstrate that systemic inflammation reduces microglial process motility. ProMoIJ is a novel, open‐source, freely‐available tool which standardizes and accelerates the time‐consuming labor of 3D analysis of microglial process motility.
Fractionation enhances acute oligodendrocyte progenitor cell radiation sensitivity and leads to long term depletion
Authors: Begolly Sage , Olschowka John A. , Love Tanzy , Williams Jacqueline P. , O'Banion M. Kerry
Published: December 2017

Ionizing radiation (IR) is commonly used to treat central nervous system (CNS) cancers and metastases. While IR promotes remission, frequent side effects including impaired cognition and white matter loss occur following treatment. Fractionation is used to minimize these CNS late side effects, as it reduces IR effects in differentiated normal tissue, but not rapidly proliferating normal or tumor tissue. However, side effects occur even with the use of fractionated paradigms. Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) are a proliferative population within the CNS affected by radiation. We hypothesized that fractionated radiation would lead to OPC loss, which could contribute to the delayed white matter loss seen after radiation exposure. We found that fractionated IR induced a greater early loss of OPCs than an equivalent single dose exposure. Furthermore, OPC recovery was impaired following fractionated IR. Finally, reduced OPC differentiation and mature oligodendrocyte numbers occurred in single dose and fractionated IR paradigms. This work demonstrates that fractionation does not spare normal brain tissue and, importantly, highlights the sensitivity of OPCs to fractionated IR, suggesting that fractionated schedules may promote white matter dysfunction, a point that should be considered in radiotherapy.
Investigating multiple human performance measures in teleoperation task: A translation task in a tele‐sandblasting maintenance system
Authors: Jientrakul Ranon , Yuangyai Chumpol , Cheng Chen‐Yang , Chotiprayanakul Pholchai , Limnararat Sunpasit
Published: December 2017

In sandblasting tasks for complex steel structure maintenance, teleoperation is required to keep humans away from occupational risk and hazard. On the other hand, teleoperation typically degrades system‐human performances, resulting in poor product quality and must be designed such that the performances remain as high as possible. However, designing the teleoperation system regarding to a single performance measure may lead to an improper design. In this article, we propose two novel loss‐function‐based human‐performance measures to incorporate with a widely used performance measure, movement time, to thoroughly represent performance: unfinished surface and damaged surface. We aim to investigate the effects of two main design parameters, viewing distance and path width. The results show that only path width is significant for overall performances. Furthermore, the effect of gender is significant such that men outperform women in cleaning the surface. Finally, the optimal setting conditions are suggested to achieve their optimal performances.
Advanced treatment of biotreated coking wastewater with peroxymonosulfate oxidation catalyzed by granular activated carbon
Authors: Song Xiulan , Liu Meiqin
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

After biological treatment, coking wastewater contains high concentrations of toxic organic contaminants and thus requires further treatment.

RESULTS

Advanced treatment of biotreated coking wastewater (BTCW) with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) oxidation catalyzed by granular activated carbon (GAC) at ambient temperature (25 °C) was comprehensively investigated. The GAC/PMS system exhibited higher efficiency for total organic carbon (TOC) removal from BTCW than did the PMS‐only and GAC‐only systems. Up to 75.7% of TOC was removed over a 5 h period with 2 g L‐1 of KHSO5 and 10 g L‐1 of GAC at an initial pH of approximately 5. The TOC removal efficiency increased with PMS concentration and GAC dosage; however, the superfluous PMS was not conducive to organic degradation. The PMS decomposition followed a first‐order kinetics behavior. The GAC/PMS system's capacity for TOC removal gradually weakened with increase in the number of times the GAC was reused. Almost half of the removal rate was retained after four uses of GAC. The excitation–emission matrix fluorescence demonstrated that humic‐acid‐like substances are effectively adsorbed and preferentially decomposed in wastewater.

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that it is feasible for advanced treatment of BTCW with PMS oxidation catalyzed by GAC, achieving high efficiency for TOC removal. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Electrochemical promotion of carbon supported Pt, Rh and Pd catalysts for H2 oxidation in aqueous alkaline media
Authors: Athanasiou Michail , Hasa Bjorn , Vakros John , Sygellou Labrini , Katsaounis Alexandros
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

The effect of electrochemical promotion of catalysis (EPOC) for the case of H2 oxidation reaction over commercial M (M=Pt, Rh, Pd)/Vulcan XC72 (ETEK) electrodes immersed in alkaline media was explored in this study. Various reactant mixtures (H2 and O2) fed simultaneously through a glass frit to the anodic electrode which was immersed in the electrolyte. Both positive and negative currents were applied between anode and cathode while all the reactants were followed by mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

In the case of Pt electrode, it was found that application of small positive currents resulted in a reversible enhancement of both oxygen and hydrogen consumption rate, higher than the expected Faradaic one (I/2F). Pd and Rh electrodes exhibited lower catalytic activity at ambient temperature while positive current applications induced an acceleration of the catalytic reaction. Interestingly, modification of the catalytic activity of Pd and Rh electrodes was found to be irreversible even under negative current applications.

CONCLUSION

Commercially available, carbon supported metal (Pt, Rh, Pd) catalysts, can be electrochemically promoted during hydrogen oxidation reaction in alkaline media. The rate enhancement could be explained by modification of the work function of the catalytic surface (thus the strength of the reactant's adsorption bond) during potential or current application as well as modification of the catalyst surface composition. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Insects as human food; from farm to fork
Authors: Bessa Leah Wilson , Pieterse Elsje , Sigge Gunnar , Hoffman Louw Christiaan
Published: December 2017

Over the course of the last few years, the consumption of insects, known as entomophagy, has sparked increasing interest amongst scientists and environmentalists as a potential solution to the inevitable global food security and sustainability issues humans will be facing in the coming years. Despite the fact that insects have been an integral part of over 2 billion people's diet worldwide, the concept of eating insects is still new to Western culture. As a result, there are many unknowns regarding insects as a food source, and this has led to a number of studies and investigations being done in recent years to create more knowledge and awareness around this new concept in the food industry. This review discusses some of the key topics and new developments published over recent years, such as the nutritional benefits, food safety concerns, functional properties, potential product concepts and the current ideas and attitudes towards insects as a food source in Western culture. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
In situ derivatization and hollow‐fiber liquid‐phase microextraction to determine sulfonamides in water using UHPLC with fluorescence detection
Authors: Yang Lihua , Shi Yang , Li Jinjin , Luan Tiangang
Published: December 2017

A sensitive method for determining sulfonamides in water was developed and validated through in situ derivatization and hollow‐fiber liquid‐phase microextraction with ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection. The target sulfonamides were sulfadiazine, sulfacetamide, sulfamerazine, sulfamethazine, sulfamethoxypyridazine, sulfachloropyridazine, sulfamethoxazole, and sulfisoxazole. Following in situ derivatization with fluorescamine, three‐phase hollow‐fiber liquid‐phase microextraction with an S 6/2 polypropylene hollow‐fiber membrane was applied automatically using a multipurpose autosampler. Experimental parameters including derivatization time, choice of organic phase, pH of donor and acceptor phase, stirring rate, extraction temperature and time were optimized. Under optimized conditions, the target sulfonamides achieved excellent linearity with correlation coefficients of 0.9924–0.9994 within the concentration range of 0.05–5 μg/L. The limits of detection of the eight sulfonamides were 3.1–11.2 ng/L, and the limits of quantification were 10.3–37.3 ng/L. Enrichment factors of 0.1 and 5 μg/L sulfonamides spiked in lake water were 14–60, and recoveries were 56–113% with relative standard derivations of 3–19%. Applied with the developed method, sulfamerazine and sulfamethoxazole were measurable in both influent and effluent water of the three sewage treatment plants in Guangzhou, China. The developed method was sensitive and provided an alternative method for simultaneously enriching and quantifying multiple sulfonamides in environmental water.
Factors Affecting the Quality of Breast Quasistatic Ultrasound Elastograms
Authors: Zou Hongsheng , Xue Yan , Ou Yang , Li Sheng , Zhao Yuehuan , Shao Limei , Li Yunling
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To explore factors affecting the quality of quasistatic ultrasound elastograms of the breast and to evaluate their accuracy in distinguishing benign and malignant breast lesions.

Methods

A total of 663 patients with 702 breast lesions were recruited. All patients received both conventional ultrasonography and quasistatic elastography. Patients' breast lesions were divided into A and B groups according to satisfactory and unsatisfactory elastographic examinations. Group A included 590 satisfactory elastograms, whereas Group B included 112 unsatisfactory elastograms. Various factors—maximum depth of the lesion, maximum transverse diameter of the lesion, thickness of the adipose layer, thickness of the glandular layer, thickness of the breast, distance between the nipple and lesion, age, body mass index, and menopausal status—were analyzed and compared between the groups to gauge their effects on the quality of the elastograms.

Results

Significantly deeper lesions, higher maximum transverse lesion diameters, thicker adipose layers, thicker glandular layers, and thicker breasts were identified in group B patients compared to group A patients (P < .05). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the maximum depth of the lesion, thickness of the adipose layer, and thickness of the breast were independent factors in the quality of elastograms. The area under the curve for the maximum depth of the lesion was 0.986 with the optimal cutoff threshold of 2.5 cm.

Conclusions

Quasistatic elastography can be a supplementary approach to conventional ultrasonography in helping improve the diagnostic accuracy of breast lesions. The depth and size of breast lesions are correlated with the quality of elastograms.
Comparison of Different‐Gauge Needles for Fine‐Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Zhang Lili , Liu Yujiang , Tan Xiaoqu , Liu Xi , Zhang Hong , Qian Linxue
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To compare the adequacy of 23‐, 25‐, and 27‐gauge needles in the fine‐needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules to develop guidelines for the collection of better specimens for cytologic diagnosis.

Methods

This randomized prospective study included 156 consecutively enrolled patients with 156 nodules. Each nodule was aspirated with a needle of each size. The obtained specimens were analyzed independently by 2 cytopathologists, and adequacy rates were calculated.

Results

In our investigation, there were no statistically significant differences among the adequacy rates achieved with 23‐, 25‐, and 27‐gauge needles (88.5%, 90.4%, and 89.7%, respectively; P > .05). The adequacy rates achieved with all 3 needle sizes in hyperechoic nodules were higher than those in hypoechoic samples (P < .05). Finally, no differences in adequacy for the different needle sizes were observed according to nodule size (P > .05).

Conclusions

We conclude that fine‐needle aspiration biopsy with a 27‐gauge needle can aspirate an adequate specimen for cytopathologic diagnosis of thyroid nodules. The likelihood that inadequate materials will be obtained from hypoechoic nodules is higher than that for hyperechoic nodules.
Ultrasound‐Enhanced Drug Delivery for Treatment of Onychomycosis
Authors: Kline‐Schoder Alina , Le Zung , Zderic Vesna
Published: December 2017

Objectives

The aim of our study was to determine the effectiveness of using ultrasound (US) to increase the permeability of the nail, with the goal of improving outcomes in the treatment of onychomycosis.

Methods

Porcine nails were used because of their similarity to human nails. A hydrophilic blue dye was used as a drug‐mimicking compound. Two sets of experiments were performed: luminosity experiments to assess the dye levels inside the nail after US and sham treatments and diffusion cell experiments for determination of changes in nail permeability due to US application. In both sets of experiments, planar US transducers were used to sonicate the nails at frequencies of 400, 600, and 800 kHz and 1 MHz, an intensity of 1 W/cm2, and a duration of 5 min in a continuous mode. Modeling studies were also performed to assess the safety of US application to the human toe for later clinical studies.

Results

In the luminosity experiments, application of US at frequencies of 600 and 800 kHz led to statistically significant results (P < .05), with an increase in dye delivery into the nail of up to 95% compared to control values. The diffusion cell results found statistical significance (P < .05) at all applied frequencies, with up to a 70% increase in the nail permeability compared to the control. Safety modeling studies found a maximal temperature increase of 4.4 °C in the bone.

Conclusions

Our proposed US method may offer an alternative for improved treatment of onychomycosis. The current maximal temperature increase was found to be at the safety limit, and so pulsing and other alternatives will be investigated to minimize this temperature increase.
Jet ventilation in obese patients undergoing airway surgery for subglottic and tracheal stenosis
Authors: Philips Ramez , deSilva Brad , Matrka Laura
Published: December 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To assess the feasibility of jet ventilation in obese patients and to compare complications of jet ventilation in obese and nonobese patients.

Study Design

Retrospective review of medical records.

Methods

We reviewed 46 patient charts (70 procedures) with the diagnosis of tracheal or subglottic stenosis who underwent endoscopic surgery with jet ventilation between March 2014 and January 2017. Adequacy of jet ventilation was assessed by chest rise, avoidance of endotracheal intubation, and length of case and ventilation. Records were reviewed for demographic details, anesthesia records, and complications.

Results

In 29/70 (41.4%) of cases, patients were obese; in 9/29 (31.0%) of these cases, patients were morbidly obese. Jet ventilation was successful in 28/29 (97%) of obese cases. In 1/29 (3.4%) of cases, the patient required alternative airway management. There were no significant differences between obese and nonobese patients in chest rise, need for endotracheal intubation, and length of surgery or ventilation (P > .05). There were 2/29 (6.9%) cases of intra‐ and postoperative complications including laryngospasm (1/29, 3.4%) and tachycardia (1/29, 3.4%). Rate of complications did not differ between obese and nonobese patients (P = .178).

Conclusions

Jet ventilation in obese patients can be done successfully, and complications are similar between obese patients and nonobese patients.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 1887–1892, 2018
Clade and strain specific contributions of Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus to carbon export in the Sargasso Sea
Authors: De Martini Francesca , Neuer Susanne , Hamill Demetra , Robidart Julie , Lomas Michael W.
Published: December 2017

The marine picocyanobacteria Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus dominate primary production in oligotrophic oceans, but their role in the particulate organic carbon (POC) flux into the deeper ocean remains unresolved. Here, we present for the first‐time data on the absolute clade and strain‐specific contribution to POC flux of two of the most abundant clades of Synechococcus (II and III) and strains of Prochlorococcus (high‐light strain MIT 9312 and low‐light strain MIT 9313) in the Sargasso Sea, by targeting the 23S‐16S rDNA internally transcribed spacer region using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction. We collected seawater samples and sinking particles using shallow sediment traps during winter and summer 2012 around the Bermuda Atlantic Time Series station. Both clades of Synechococcus had a higher contribution to the total POC flux during winter compared to the summer, with both clades contributing up to 2.7% to the total winter POC flux. Prochlorococcus was more abundant during the summer, but both strains of Prochlorococcus contributed less than 0.2% to the POC flux in both seasons. We found these differences in the contribution to flux to be mainly due to the smaller size of the Prochlorococcus. In addition, the flux of Synechococcus clade III, and Prochlorococcus MIT9312 was enhanced relative to their standing stock in a cyclonic eddy sampled during winter 2012. Using quantification of genetic markers, this study establishes distinct clade‐and strain specific patterns in POC flux among the most abundant picophytoplankton groups in the Atlantic Ocean.
Thermal reaction norms of a subtropical and a tropical species of Diaphanosoma (cladocera) explain their distribution
Authors: Pajk Franja , Zhang Jiexiang , Han Bo‐Ping , Dumont Henri J.
Published: December 2017

Species distribution boundaries are often associated with aspects of climate and modified by competitive interactions. In the tropical region, Diaphanosoma is the most diverse genus of Cladocera. Diaphanosoma dubium is widely distributed in China, whereas the tropical Diaphanosoma excisum is restricted to the islands off the south China coast. The mean temperature of the coldest month at the northern limit of its distribution is 15°C. We studied the effect of temperature (10–40°C) on life history traits of clones from 16 populations of D. dubium and D. excisum in life‐table experiments in order to determine if their thermal performance curves (TPCs) explain their distribution and to estimate the extent and mode of genetic variation in their TPCs. Our results show that both species have higher optimum temperatures (To ∼ 33°C), critical thermal minimum (CTmin = 10–15°C), and maximum (CTmax = 39–40°C) than temperate cladocerans. Clones of D. excisum had narrower TPCs and higher To than D. dubium clones, in accordance with predictions based on changes of temperature distributions with latitude. Significant levels of genetic variation in TPCs were present in both species. D. excisum had higher fitness than D. dubium at all temperatures above 15°C. However, at 15°C and below, D. dubium fitness was higher. Negative r at 15°C and below in combination with competition with the more cold‐adapted D. dubium exclude D. excisum from mainland China. TPCs of interacting species may be the basis of predicting future species distributions as temperature increases change the balance of biotic interactions.
Distribution of trace elements and the influence of major‐ion water chemistry in saline lakes
Authors: Mochizuki Akihito , Murata Takahiro , Hosoda Ko , Dulmaa Ayuriin , Ayushsuren Chananbaatar , Ganchimeg Darmaa , Drucker Valentin V. , Fialkov Vladimir A. , Depci Tolga , Üner Tijen , Oğhan Fatih , Sugiyama Masahito
Published: December 2017

Although the water chemistry in saline lakes can differ drastically due to subtle differences in inflowing water conditions, the concentrations, distributions, and geochemical behaviors of trace elements in such environments are poorly understood. In this study, the influence of major‐ion chemistry on the trace element distribution in saline lakes is examined based on major and trace element concentrations and geochemical modeling in three carbonate‐rich saline lakes located in Mongolia and Turkey. The results are compared to data reported from other carbonate‐rich and carbonate‐depleted lakes. The concentrations of U and oxyanions (V, Mo, and W) in carbonate‐rich saline lakes are several orders of magnitude higher than their contributing rivers and seawater. By contrast, their concentrations in carbonate‐depleted saline lakes are lower than those in rivers and oceans. The high U concentrations in carbonate‐rich saline lakes are possibly attributed to the formation of (magnesium–)uranyl–carbonate complexes, and the high oxyanion concentrations are likely a result of the high pH of lake water preventing them from being adsorbed onto solid phases such as suspended particulate matter and sediment. Strontium and Ba concentrations are lower in carbonate‐rich saline lakes than in river water and seawater, but relatively higher in carbonate‐depleted lakes. Incorporation into aragonite and/or calcite, adsorption onto solid phases, and formation of carbonate minerals are possible mechanisms that may account for the lower concentrations of these elements in carbonate‐rich lakes. These results help elucidate the influence of water chemistry on trace element distribution in saline lakes.