Search

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) can be used as a biomarker for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and sepsis. In this study, we demonstrated the ability of nanozymes to displace the natural derived enzyme in enzyme-based assays for the measurement of LPC. Synthesized polyvinylpyrrolidone-stabilized platinum–ruthenium nanozymes (PVP/PtRu NZs) had a uniform size of 2.48 ± 0.24 nm and superb peroxidase-mimicking activity. We demonstrated that the nanozymes had high activity over a wide pH and temperature range and high stability after long-term storage. The LPC concentration could be accurately analyzed through the absorbance and fluorescence signals generated by the peroxidation reaction using the synthesized nanozyme with substrates such as 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and 10-acetyl-3,7-dihydroxyphenoxazine (Ampliflu™ Red). LPC at a concentration of 0–400 µM was used for the analysis, and the coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.977, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 23.1 µM by colorimetric assay. In the fluorometric assay, the R2 was 0.999, and the LOD was 8.97 µM. The spiked recovery values for the determination of LPC concentration in human serum samples were 102–115%. Based on these results, we declared that PVP/PtRu NZs had an ability comparable to that of the native enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the enzyme-based LPC detection method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No studies have evaluated whether any clinicopathological or imaging characteristics of breast papillary lesions are associated with pathological nipple discharge (PND). We analyzed 301 surgically confirmed papillary breast lesions diagnosed between January 2012 and June 2022. We evaluated clinical (age of patient, size of lesion, pathologic nipple discharge, palpability, personal/family history of breast cancer or papillary lesion, location, multiplicity, and bilaterality) and imaging characteristics (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), sonographic, and mammographic findings) and compared malignant versus non-malignant lesions and papillary lesions with versus without PND. The malignant group was significantly older than the non-malignant group (p < 0.001). Those in the malignant group were more palpable and larger (p < 0.001). Family history of cancer and peripheral location in the malignant group were more frequent than in the non-malignant group (p = 0.022 and p < 0.001). The malignant group showed higher BI-RADS, irregular shape, complex cystic and solid echo pattern, posterior enhancement on ultrasound (US), fatty breasts, visibility, and mass type on mammography (p < 0.001, 0.003, 0.009, <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, and 0.01, respectively). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, peripheral location, palpability, and age of ≥50 years were factors significantly associated with malignancy (OR: 4.125, 3.556, and 3.390, respectively; p = 0.004, 0.034, and 0.011, respectively). Central location, intraductal nature, hyper/isoechoic pattern, and ductal change were more frequent in the PND group (p = 0.003, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Ductal change was significantly associated with PND on multivariate analysis (OR, 5.083; p = 0.029). Our findings will help clinicians examine patients with PND and breast papillary lesions more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study compared the clinical and radiologic results of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) using either the subscapularis-sparing deltopectoral approach (SSDA) or traditional deltopectoral approach (TDA) in cuff tear arthropathy patients.Materials and Method: We retrospectively evaluated 71 patients who underwent RSA for cuff tear arthropathy between July 2014 and December 2018. Patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical approach: TDA (34 cases) and SSDA (37 cases). The mean patient age was 78.6 years, and the mean (range) follow-up period was 23.5 (12-48) months. Clinical results were assessed using the Visual Analogue pain Scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score (ASES), Korean Shoulder Scoring System (KSS), and Constant score. Radiographic indicators prosthesis-scapular neck angle (PSNA), peg-glenoid rim distance (PGRD), inferior overhang, acromion-greater tuberosity (AT) distance, and glenoid-greater tuberosity (GT) distance) were assessed, and notching severity was assessed according to the Nerot-Sirveaux classification.Results: The radiographic indicator results of the TDA and SSDA groups were as follows: PSNA (131.4° ± 17.2°, 136.1° ± 7.7°), PGRD (18.7 mm ± 2.9 mm, 21.4 mm ± 2.0 mm), AT distance (38.3 mm ±6.9 mm, 37.5 mm ± 6.8 mm), GT distance (51.6 mm ± 6.3 mm, 51.4 mm ± 5.3 mm), and inferior overhang (4.4 mm ± 2.2 mm, 2.9 mm ± 1.3 mm). PGRD and inferior overhang showed statistically significant differences between groups, but the clinical results showed no significant differences. There were no complications such as neurovascular injury, implant loosening, surgical site infection, or acromion fracture in either group.Conclusion: SSDA for RSA showed no significant differences in clinical and radiological results compared with TDA. Therefore, SSDA is a viable alternative for RSA in cuff tear arthropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile synthetic method for preparing spherical silica microparticles from rice husks was developed. Spherical silica particles with an overall size of several micrometers were obtained via direct extraction of silicate solution from rice husks, followed by precipitation of silica using nitric acid and a polymer additive. The synthetic process was simplified by omitting the acid leaching and pyrolysis processes of the rice husks. Herein, it was demonstrated that the extraction of silicate under mild conditions, combined with the use of a polyethylene glycol additive during the precipitation step, are crucial for obtaining spherical silica microparticles. Moreover, the porosity of the silica particles could be controlled by adjusting the calcination temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate changes in glucose metabolism and incretin hormone response following longer intestinal bypass reconstruction after distal gastrectomy (DG) in low BMI patients with gastric cancer and type 2 diabetes. A total of 20 patients were prospectively recruited and underwent either conventional Billroth I (BI), Billroth II with long-biliopancreatic limb (BII), or Roux-en-Y anastomosis with long-Roux limb (RY) after DG. A 75g-oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was given preoperatively; and at 5 days, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Serum glucose, insulin, glucagon, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) were serially measured. At 6 months after surgery, complete diabetes remission was achieved in 57.1% of the BII group but in no patients in the other two groups (p = 0.018). BII group showed a significant reduction in glucose concentration during OGTT at 6 months in contrast to the other 2 groups. In the BII group, a significant increase in GLP-1 secretion was observed after surgery but not maintained at 6 months, while postoperative hyperglucagonemia was alleviated along with a reduction in GIP. BII gastrojejunostomy with long biliopancreatic limb achieved better diabetes control with favorable incretin response after DG compared to BI or RY reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem: Chorioamnionitis is caused by a bacterial infection that ascends from the vagina and can cause adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) is a periodontal pathogen associated with the occurrence of APOs. In this study, we evaluated whether receptor‐interacting protein kinase 2 (Ripk2), an adaptor protein of the cytosolic receptors nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain (NOD)1 and NOD2, in macrophages and human decidual stromal cells (hDSCs) contributes to immune responses against F. nucleatum. Method of Study: Bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) isolated from wild‐type (WT) and Ripk2‐deficient mice and hDSCs were cultured with F. nucleatum (MOI 1, 10, 100). BMDMs and hDSCs were assessed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot analysis, real‐time PCR, and nitrite assay. Results: Fusobacterium nucleatum‐induced production of IL‐6, but not of TNF‐α and IL‐10, was lower in Ripk2‐deficient BMDMs than in WT cells. Western blotting revealed a decrease in F. nucleatum‐induced p65 phosphorylation in Ripk2‐deficient macrophages, whereas mitogen‐activated protein kinases activation was comparable between WT and Ripk2‐deficient cells. The production of nitric oxide (NO) in response to F. nucleatum and the gene and protein expression of inducible NO synthase was impaired in Ripk2‐deficient BMDMs. In hDSCs, F. nucleatum upregulated the gene and protein expression of NOD1, NOD2, and Ripk2 in a time‐dependent manner. F. nucleatum also increased the production of IL‐6, CXCL8, and CCL2, whereas this production was decreased by the Ripk2 inhibitors SB203580 and PP2. Conclusions: In conclusion, Ripk2 signaling appears to contribute to the F. nucleatum‐induced immune response and can be a preventive and therapeutic target against APOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Orange peels was liquefied in sub/supercritical environments without N 2 supply. • The synergetic effects of process parameters promote biocrude's quality and yield. • Biocrude HHV of 38.1 MJ/kg was obtained at 50% ethanol, 430 °C and 35 min. • Biocrude' volatility and molecular weight depends on process variables. • Orange peels is an excellent bioresource material for biocrude production. The efficient valorization of biomass for energy-derived biocrudes is essential for effective waste management. However, the production of biocrudes with high energy and reduced oxygen contents during the liquefaction process requires further insight. Therefore, the impact of reaction temperature, residence time, and ethanol: acetone on the energy compositions and bioproduct's yield enhancement were investigated. The biocrudes obtained were characterized using elemental analysis, GC–MS, FTIR, GPC and TGA to understand the effects of process parameters on the biocrudes' compositions. An improved HHV (38.18 MJ/kg) and lower O/C ratio (0.11) were obtained at 430 °C, 35 min and 50% ethanol with a significant improvement in the enhancement factor, deoxygenation, and percentage hydrogenation of 2.63, 36.88%, and 77.87%, respectively. The presence of ketones, hydrocarbons, phenolics and aromatics of 23.74, 4.28, 37.20 and 17.81% respectively indicate the potential of the obtained biocrude as renewable energy sources upon further upgrading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feasibility of potassium hydroxide for simultaneous removal of chlorophyll during solvent extraction from wet microalgae (200 g/L) was evaluated. Extracted oil was converted to biodiesel by ZSM-5-based heterogeneous catalysts. The total oil (fatty acid-based) content of Nannochlorposis oceanica cultivated in open raceway ponds was 19.5%. The oil recovery yields from dry and wet microalgae using hexane were 44.4 and 11.8%, respectively, whereas using a hexane-methanol mixture were increased to 79.3 and 74.8%, respectively. For the heterogeneous transesterification of microalgal oil extracted by the hexane-methanol mixture from wet microalgae, the fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) contents were 2.3, 48.3, and 4.7% of product recovered after reaction for ZSM-5, Na/ZSM-5, and SO 4 2−/ZSM-5, respectively; by the potassium hydroxide-assisted process, the corresponding FAME contents were increased to 21.9, 86.2, and 86.0%, respectively, due to improvement of the oil properties by the decrease of the chlorophyll content. Through the addition of potassium hydroxide, chlorophyll was effectively removed from oil, and eventually, the biodiesel conversion was sharply increased with heterogeneous Na/ZSM-5 and SO 4 2−/ZSM-5 catalysts. Image 1 • Enhancement of extraction efficiency from wet microalgae by hexane-methanol mixture. • Removal of chlorophyll from N. oceanica by KOH-assisted hexane-methanol extraction. • Conversion of microalgal oil to biodiesel by Na/ZSM-5 and SO 4 2−/ZSM-5 catalysts. • Enhancement of heterogeneous transesterification by chlorophyll removal from oil. • Successful application of heterogeneous catalysts for microalgal biodiesel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous delivery of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans is usually approximated by discrete apertures at evenly-spaced gantry angles for dose calculation purposes. This approximation can potentially lead to large dose calculation errors if the gantry angle spacings are large and/or there are large changes in the MLC apertures from one control point (CP) to the next. In this work, we developed a sliding-window (SW) method to improve VMAT dose calculation accuracy. For any 2 adjacent VMAT CPs ni and ni + 1, the dose distribution was approximated by a 2-CP SW IMRT beam with the starting MLC positions at CP ni and ending MLC positions at CP ni + 1, with the gantry angle fixed in the middle of the 2 VMAT CPs. Therefore, a VMAT beam with N CPs was approximated by a SW plan with N-1 SW beams. To validate the method, VMAT plans were generated for 10 patients in Pinnacle using 4° gantry spacing. Each plan was converted to a SW plan and dose was recalculated. Another VMAT plan, with 1° gantry spacing, was created by interpolating the original VMAT beam. The original plans were delivered on an Elekta Versa HD and measured with ArcCHECK. For both the isodose distribution and DVH, there were significant differences between the original VMAT plan and either the SW or the interpolated plan. However, they were indistinguishable between the SW and the interpolated plans. When compared with measurement, the average passing rates of the original VMAT plans were 87.3 ± 2.8% and 93.1 ± 1.0% for the 5 HN and 5 spine SBRT cases, respectively. On the other hand, the passing rates for both the VMAT1 and SW plans were above 95% for all the 10 cases studied. The dose calculation times of the original VMAT plans and the SW plans were very similar. We conclude that the proposed SW approach improves VMAT dose calculation accuracy without increase in dose calculation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the effect of reaction parameters such as temperature (250–375 °C), holding time (0–4 h), and bio-oil concentration (0–100 wt%) was investigated on upgrading of esterified CG-BO (CG-EBO) over MgNiMo/AC in supercritical ethanol. The esterification of CG-BO was conducted as a pretreatment to minimize the esterification reaction during the catalytic upgrading in supercritical ethanol. The MgNiMo/AC catalyst was found to play two crucial roles in the supercritical upgrading of CG-EBO; firstly, it facilitated hydrogen production through the dissociation of ethanol. Secondly, it enables the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reactions of CG-EBO by utilizing the hydrogen generated in situ. The biofuel products obtained by the supercritical upgrading were characterized by GC–MS, FT-IR, TAN, and elemental analyses. The catalyst characterization was accomplished by SEM-EDX, XRD, BET, N 2 -physiosorption Isotherms, H 2 -TPR, and TG analyses. Optimized conditions at 375 °C, 2 h holding time, and 20 wt% CG-EBO concentration were suggested for supercritical ethanol upgrading of CG-EBO over MgNiMo catalyst. A biofuel product with 48.6 wt% yield, 44.2 mg KOH/g TAN, and 4.0 wt% oxygen content (0.07 O/C) was obtained under the conditions. Simplified reaction pathways are suggested for supercritical ethanol upgrading of CG-EBO based on the products identified. [Display omitted] • Bio-oil Esterification from waste coffee grounds was performed as a pretreatment. • Esterified bio-oil Upgrading was examined over MgNiMo/AC in supercritical ethanol. • A biofuel with a 4.0 wt% oxygen content was obtained at 375 °C and 2 h holding time. • Acids and esters in the bio-oil feed were effectively converted to hydrocarbons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Three homoisoflavonoids and one dimethoxychalcone from Portulaca oleracea L. were isolated using bioassay-guided fractionation and HPLC. Among the compounds 1 – 4 , (E)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-(2′-hydroxybenzyl)-4-chromanone (compound 3) had the most effect on glucose uptake in the adipocytes. We investigated how (E)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-(2′-hydroxybenzyl)-4-chromanone contributed to increase glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Levels of the glucose transporters GLUT-4, as well as glucose uptake, and key proteins of the insulin pathway, namely PI3K/AKT and AMPK pathway are analyzed using glucose uptake assay and western blot analysis. Our results show that (E)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-(2′-hydroxybenzyl)-4-chromanone significantly increased glucose uptake by stimulating translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. High levels of expression of GLUT4 in the plasma membrane resulted from IRS-1 phosphorylation, PI3K activation, Akt phosphorylation and phosphorylation of AMPK, resulting in increased glucose uptake by the cells. The increase in glucose uptake due to (E)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-(2′-hydroxybenzyl)-4-chromanone was significantly inhibited by the PI3K inhibitor and the AMPK inhibitor in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. These findings suggest that (E)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-(2′-hydroxybenzyl)-4-chromanone may increase glucose uptake by stimulating GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane via activating the PI3K/Akt and AMPK pathways in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose To investigate the factors affecting detectability of invasive breast cancers on BSGI. Material and methods We evaluated BSGI, mammography and pathologic reports of 89 patients with invasive breast cancers. Results 87.6% were visible on BSGI. Cancer in old or postmenopausal women were more visible on BSGI (p = 0.003, 0.046). Cancers ≥ 1.0 cm in size were significantly more visible on BSGI than those <1 cm in size (p = 0.002). Cancers in fatty breasts were more visible than those in dense breasts (p = 0.042). Conclusion Invasive cancers in older, postmenopausal patients, cancers with size ≥1.0 cm, and those with fatty breast are better visualized by BSGI, than those in younger, premenopausal patients, with size <1.0 cm and dense breast. Highlights • BSGI has a high sensitivity for detecting breast cancer. • BSGI of breast cancer can be affected by several clinical or pathologic factors. • Invasive cancers in older or postmenopausal patients are better visualized by BSGI. • Cancers with size ≥1.0 cm and with fatty breast density are more visible on BSGI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various transition metal-based Al 2 O 3 catalysts are employed for the epoxidation of methyl oleate (MO) as a representative compound of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME). Two different oxidants, H 2 O 2 and O 2 , are used for the oxidative epoxidation reaction and resulted in significantly different activities according to the catalytic properties of the Al 2 O 3 catalysts. The reactivity for H 2 O 2 -based epoxidation of methyl oleate is proportional to the acidity of the catalysts. On the other hand, in O 2 -based epoxidation, the reactivity is strongly dependent on the redox properties of the catalysts and O 2 behavior on the catalyst surface. Mo and Cu-based catalysts show outstanding catalytic performance with H 2 O 2 and O 2 via different reaction pathways. These results provide valuable information on the promising combination between catalysts and oxidants, which will be a useful guide for designing catalyst reaction processes according to the kind of oxidizing agent. [Display omitted] • H 2 O 2 and O 2 were used as an oxidant in the epoxidation of methyl oleate. • Mo/Al 2 O 3 showed outstanding catalytic performance with H 2 O 2. • Higher acidity of the catalyst led to higher catalytic activity. • Cu/Al 2 O 3 promoted the O 2 -based epoxidation with better surface oxygen mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Most VMAT algorithms compute the dose on discretized apertures with small angular separations for practical reasons. However, machines deliver the VMAT dose with a continuously moving MLC and gantry and a continuously changing dose rate. The computed dose can deviate from the delivered dose, especially if no, or loose, MLC movement constraints are applied for the VMAT optimization. The goal of this paper is to establish a simplified mathematical model to analyze the discrepancy between the VMAT plan calculation dose and the delivered dose and to provide a reasonable solution for clinical implementation. Methods A simplified metric is first introduced to describe the discrepancy between doses computed with discretized apertures and a continuous delivery model. The delivery fluences were formed separately for six different leaf movement scenarios. The formula was then rewritten in a more general form. The correlation between discretized and continuous fluence is summarized using this general form. The Fourier analysis for the impacts from three separate factors - dose kernel width, aperture width, aperture distance - to the dose discrepancy is also presented in order to provide insight into the dose discrepancy caused by under-sampling in the frequency domain. Finally, a weighting-based interpolation ( WBI) algorithm, which can improve the aperture interpolation efficiency, is proposed. The associated evaluation methods and criteria for the proposed algorithm are also given. Results The comparisons between the WBI algorithm and the equal angular interpolation ( EAI) method suggested that the proposed algorithm has a great advantage with regard to aperture number efficiency. To achieve a 90% gamma passing rate using the dose computed with apertures generated with 0.5° EAI, with the initial optimization apertures as the standard for the comparison, the WBI needs only 66% and 54% of the aperture numbers that the EAI method needs for a 2° and a 4° angular separation of the VMAT optimization, respectively. The results also suggested that the weighted dose error index value, Θ, can be used as a stopping criterion for an interpolation algorithm, e.g., WBI or EAI, or as an indicator for sampling level evaluations. The phantom results indicate that the gamma passing rate decreases with increasing depth, from the phantom surface to the iso center, for the plans computed with under-sampled apertures. No obvious variation trends were observed for the plans computed with well-sampled apertures. Conclusions The mathematical analysis suggests that the dose discrepancies due to under-sampling are strongly correlated with the aperture width, the distance between apertures, and the width of the dose kernel. The WBI algorithm proves to be an efficient aperture interpolation strategy and is useful for dose computation of VMAT plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new modified Red-Al reagent prepared from commercially available 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexamethyldisilazane and sodium bis(2-methoxyethoxy)aluminumhydride (Red-Al) is reported for the selective reduction of carbonyl compounds containing representative functional groups. Moreover, this novel reagent is superior for the chemoselective reduction of aldehydes and ketones to the corresponding alcohols in excellent yields under mild reaction conditions. Moreover, aldehydes can be reduced selectively in the presence of ketones with similar reactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the roles of autophagy and the ubiquitin-proteasome system in the degradation of histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8) and to clarify the mechanism by which cAMP signaling regulates this degradation. cAMP signaling was activated by treating H1299 non-small cell lung cancer cells with isoproterenol or forskolin/3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, and HDAC8 expression was assessed by western blot analysis. The inhibition of autophagy and ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent degradation increased HDAC8 expression. cAMP signaling inhibited JNK activation, which decreased the phosphorylation of Bcl-2, thereby reducing autophagy, and the phosphorylation of Itch, thereby reducing ubiquitination. These results suggest that the HDAC8 protein is degraded via autophagy and the ubiquitin-proteasome system and that cAMP signaling increases HDAC8 protein levels by reducing JNK-mediated autophagy and ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent degradation of the HDAC8 protein in H1299 lung cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progesterone (P4), acting through its nuclear receptor (PGR), plays an essential role in ovulation by mediating the expression of genes involved in ovulation and/or luteal formation. To identify ovulatory specific PGR-regulated genes, a preliminary microarray analysis was performed using rat granulosa cells treated with hCG ± RU486 (PGR antagonist). The transcript most highly down-regulated by RU486 was an EST (expressed sequence tag) sequence (gb: BI289578.1) that matches with predicted sequence for Xlr5c-like mRNA. Since nothing is known about Xlr5c-like , we first characterized the expression pattern of Xlr5c-like mRNA in the rat ovary. The level of mRNA for Xlr5c-like is transiently up-regulated in granulosa cells of periovulatory follicles after hCG stimulation in PMSG-primed rat ovaries. The transient induction of Xlr5c-like mRNA was mimicked by hCG treatment in cultured granulosa cells from preovulatory ovaries. We further demonstrated that the LH-activated PKA, MEK, PI3K, and p38 signaling is involved in the increase in Xlr5c-like mRNA. The increase in Xlr5c-like mRNA was abolished by RU486. The inhibitory effect of RU486 was reversed by MPA (synthetic progestin), but not by dexamethasone (synthetic glucocorticoid). Furthermore, mutation of SP1/SP3 and PGR response element sites in the promoter region of Xlr5c-like decreased Xlr5c-like reporter activity. RU486 also inhibited Xlr5c-like reporter activity. ChIP assay verified the binding of PGR and SP3 to the Xlr5c-like promoter in periovulatory granulosa cells. Functionally, siRNA-mediated Xlr5c-like knockdown in granulosa cell cultures resulted in reduced levels of mRNA for Snap25 , Cxcr4 , and Adamts1 . Recombinant Xlr5c-like protein expressed using an adenoviral approach was localized predominantly to the nucleus and to a lesser extent to the cytoplasm of rat granulosa cells. In conclusion, this is the first report showing the spatiotemporally regulated expression of Xlr5c-like mRNA by hCG in rat periovulatory ovaries. P4/PGR mediates the LH-induced increase in Xlr5c-like mRNA. In turn, Xlr5c-like is involved in regulating the expression of specific ovulatory genes such as Snap25 , Cxcr4 , and Adamts1 , possibly acting in the nucleus of periovulatory granulosa cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver inflammation is a common feature of chronic liver disease and is often associated with increased exposure of the liver to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Kupffer cells (KCs) are macrophages in the liver and produce various cytokines. Activation of KCs through the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway leads to release of proinflammatory cytokines and induces hepatocyte injury and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Lobeglitazone is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ligand and a type of thiazolidinedione that elicits anti-inflammatory effects. However, there is no clear evidence that it has direct anti-inflammatory effects in the liver. This study showed that lobeglitazone reduces LPS-induced NLPR3 inflammasome activation and production of proinflammatory cytokines in primary KCs and hepatocytes. Cytokines secreted by activated KCs increased hepatocyte inflammation and HSC activation, and lobeglitazone inhibited these responses. In addition, lobeglitazone suppressed liver fibrosis by inhibiting LPS-induced transforming growth factor (TGF)-β secretion and TGF-β-induced CTGF expression. The inhibitory effect of lobeglitazone on inflammasome activation was associated with suppression of liver fibrosis. These results suggest that lobeglitazone may be a treatment option for inflammation and fibrosis in the liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interest in biodiesel as an alternative fuel for diesel engines has been increasing because of the issue of petroleum depletion and environmental concerns related to massive carbon dioxide emissions. Researchers are strongly driven to pursue the next generation of vegetable oil-based biodiesel. Oleaginous microalgae are considered to be a promising alternative oil source. To commercialize microalgal biodiesel, cost reductions in oil extraction and downstream biodiesel conversion are stressed. Herein, starting from an investigation of oil extraction from wet microalgae, a review is conducted of transesterification using enzymes, homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, and yield enhancement by ultrasound, microwave, and supercritical process. In particular, there is a focus on direct transesterification as a simple and energy efficient process that omits a separate oil extraction step and utilizes wet microalgal biomass; however, it is still necessary to consider issues such as the purification of microalgal oils and upgrading of biodiesel properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal acid (combined with autoclaving and nitric acid) pretreatment was applied to Nannochloropsis salina as a cost-effective yet efficient way of lipid extraction from wet biomass. The optimal conditions for this pretreatment were determined using a statistical approach, and the roles of nitric acid were also determined. The maximum lipid yield (predicted: 24.6%; experimental: 24.4%) was obtained using 0.57% nitric acid at 120 °C for 30 min through response surface methodology. A relatively lower lipid yield (18.4%) was obtained using 2% nitric acid; however, chlorophyll and unsaturated fatty acids, both of which adversely affect the refinery and oxidative stability of biodiesel, were found to be not co-extracted. Considering its comparable extractability even from wet biomass and ability to reduce chlorophyll and unsaturated fatty acids, the hydrothermal nitric acid pretreatment can serve as one direct and promising route of extracting microalgae oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The number concentrations of bacteria, viruses, and insoluble submicrometer particles in seawater were simultaneously measured to investigate the effects of biological activity and anthropogenic sources on the number of submicrometer particles in seawater sampled at various coastal locations during different seasons and at varying tidal levels. It was found that when an anthropogenic source was located near a sampling site, there was an increase in the number concentration of insoluble submicrometer particles, as well as enhancements of anthropogenic elements. The concentration of insoluble submicrometer particles was the highest at the Taean site, which had the strongest biological activity. The particle concentration was two to three times higher in spring than in summer or winter, which aligns with the observation that spring had the highest biological activity, which may be caused by the increase in solar radiation and nutrients. During spring tide, when there is maximum tidal variation, strong mixing and the suspension of accumulated sediments can occur. At this time, there were significant increases in the number concentrations of insoluble particles and viruses in seawater. Data suggest that the location, season, and tidal level have great impacts on the biological materials in seawater, which affects the number of insoluble submicrometer particles, and contributes to primary marine aerosols produced by the bubble bursting process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate cancer size measurement by computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) and radiologist on breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relative to histopathology and to determine clinicopathologic and MRI factors that may affect measurements. Methods: Preoperative MRI of 208 breast cancers taken between January 2017 and March 2021 were included. We evaluated correlation between CAD-generated size and pathologic size as well as that between radiologist-measured size and pathologic size. We classified size discrepancies into accurate and inaccurate groups. For both CAD and radiologist, clinicopathologic and imaging factors were compared between accurate and inaccurate groups. Results: The mean sizes as predicted by CAD, radiologist and pathology were 2.66 ± 1.68 cm, 2.54 ± 1.68 cm, and 2.30 ± 1.61 cm, with significant difference (p < 0.001). Correlation coefficients of cancer size measurement by radiologist and CAD in reference to pathology were 0.898 and 0.823. Radiologist's measurement was more accurate than CAD, with statistical significance (p < 0.001). CAD-generated measurement was significantly more inaccurate for cancers of larger pathologic size (>2 cm), in the presence of an extensive intraductal component (EIC), with positive progesterone receptor (PR), and of non-mass enhancement (p = 0.045, 0.045, 0.03 and 0.002). Radiologist-measured size was significantly more inaccurate for cancers in presence of an in situ component, EIC, positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and non-mass enhancement (p = 0.017, 0.008, 0.003 and <0.001). Conclusion: Breast cancer size measurement showed a very strong correlation between CAD and pathology and radiologist and pathology. Radiologist-measured size was significantly more accurate than CAD size. Cancer size measurement by CAD and radiologist can both be inaccurate for cancers with EIC or non-mass enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgal lipid with a high free fatty acid (FFA) content was directly extracted from Chlorella vulgaris, using SDBS, in an acid-catalyzed hot-water extraction process. The total fatty acid content of C. vulgaris was 296.0 mg/g cell. Under the 1.0% sulfuric acid, 0.4% SDBS conditions, the FFA content of the lipid increased to 96.7%, and the lipid-extraction yield was 248.4 mg/g cell. Under the 2.0% sulfuric acid, 0.2% SDBS conditions, the FFA content of the lipid was 96.1%, and the lipid-extraction yield was 266.0 mg/g cell. Whereas the FAME content of the microalgal lipid extracted by hexane-methanol was 76.4% at the 10.0% sulfuric acid concentration, the FAME content of the high-FFA microalgal lipid was increased to 70.1% at a sulfuric acid concentration of only 0.1%. By combined sulfuric acid/SDBS treatment, high-FFA microalgal lipid was extracted in large yields; moreover, the amount of catalyst was remarkably reduced in the esterification of FFA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Chlorophyll removal from microalgal lipid by hypochlorous acid. [•] Decrease in unsaturated fatty acid content of microalgal lipid by hypochlorous acid. [•] Hypochlorous acid produced from NaClO solution and NaCl electrolysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Acid-catalyzed hot-water treatment for efficient lipid extraction from wet microalgae. [•] Conversion of extracted microalgal lipids to biodiesel by esterification. [•] Improvement of extraction yield through cell disruption and demulsification by acid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Measurements of size distribution, hygroscopicity, and volatility of submicrometer sea spray particles produced by the bubble busting of artificial and natural seawater were conducted to determine their mixing state and volume fractions of hygroscopic and nonhygroscopic species or volatile and nonvolatile species. The particles sprayed from artificial seawater having insoluble silica particles were found to be an external mixture of two groups of particles having hygroscopic growth factors (HGFs) of 1.33 (an internal mixture of nonhygroscopic silica particles and hygroscopic salt species) and 1.68 (a similar mixture having more salt species) when the mass ratio of insoluble particles to dissolved salts was higher than 2. For sea spray particles from natural seawater, the external mixing was not significantly observed because of a high concentration of dissolved salts. The HGFs of sea spray particles (80-140 nm) from natural seawater were in the range of 1.70-1.76, which were lower than from pure artificial seawater (1.87), and the HGFs had no change before and after membrane filtration of seawater, suggesting that the sea spray particles from natural seawater contained a significant amount of nonhygroscopic dissolved organic matter in addition to hygroscopic salt species. The volume fraction of the nonhygroscopic species ranged from 20% to 29%, and the highest value was observed for seawater samples from the site where strong biological activity occurred, suggesting that biological materials played an important role in the formation of nonhygroscopic organic matter. Volatility measurements also identified the existence of volatile organic species in single particles from natural seawater, with the volume fraction of volatile species evaporated at 100°C being 4%-5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors associated with lymph node (LN) metastasis in early gastric cancer patients who underwent endoscopic resection (ER) and to evaluate the feasibility of minimal LN dissection in these patients.Methods: From January 2001 to March 2011, patients who underwent gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy due to the potential risk of LN metastasis after ER were enrolled at National Cancer Center, Korea. The incidence, risk factors, and distribution of LN metastasis were evaluated.Results: Of the 147 enrolled patients, the LN metastasis was identified in 12 patients (8.2%). The incidence of LN metastasis was not significantly increased in patients with submucosal invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and mixed undifferentiated histology [odds ratio (OR), 5.55, 1.349, and 0.387; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.688-43.943, 0.405-4.494, and 0.081-1.84, respectively]. Tumor size more than 2 cm was significantly associated with LN metastasis (OR, 14.056; 95% CI, 1.76-112.267). The incidence of LN metastasis gradually increased from 3.2 to 20%, as number of risk factors increased (P = 0.019). LN metastasis was present primarily along the perigastric area in all except two patients (1.4%) with skip metastasis to extragastric area.Conclusions: Standard surgery with at least D1 + LN dissection must be recommended for patients who proved to have risk factors for LN metastasis after ER, because the potential of skip metastasis is not negligible. Nevertheless, the minimal LN dissection, such as sentinel basin dissection, might be applied cautiously in patients with small-sized tumors after ER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the incidence of axillary lymphadenopathy on ultrasound after COVID-19 vaccination and to investigate the factors affecting lymphadenopathy. Methods: We evaluated patients who had received a COVID-19 vaccination within 12 weeks before an ultrasound examination between August and October 2021. The incidence of vaccine-related ipsilateral axillary lymphadenopathy was evaluated using ultrasound. Age, sex, presence of axillary symptoms, injection site, vaccine type, interval from vaccination, and dose were compared between the groups with and without axillary lymphadenopathy. Results: We included 413 patients, 202 (49%) of whom showed axillary lymphadenopathy on ultrasound after COVID-19 vaccination. Age, interval from vaccine, vaccine brand, vaccine type, dose, and symptom were significantly different between the lymphadenopathy and non-lymphadenopathy groups (p < 0.001), while the injection site and sex were not. Receiving an mRNA vaccine was the most important factor for axillary lymphadenopathy (p < 0.001), followed by intervals of 1–14 (p < 0.001) and 15–28 days (p < 0.001), younger age (p = 0.006), and first dose (p = 0.045). Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccine-related axillary lymphadenopathy on ultrasound is common. mRNA type, an interval of 4 weeks, younger age, and first dose were the important factors. Breast clinicians should be well aware of these side effects when performing imaging examinations and provide accurate information to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenylyl cyclase type 5 knockout mice ( AC5 KO) live longer and are stress resistant, similar to calorie restriction ( CR). AC5 KO mice eat more, but actually weigh less and accumulate less fat compared with WT mice. CR applied to AC5 KO results in rapid decrease in body weight, metabolic deterioration, and death. These data suggest that despite restricted food intake in CR, but augmented food intake in AC5 KO, the two models affect longevity and metabolism similarly. To determine shared molecular mechanisms, m RNA expression was examined genome-wide for brain, heart, skeletal muscle, and liver. Significantly more genes were regulated commonly rather than oppositely in all the tissues in both models, indicating commonality between AC5 KO and CR. Gene ontology analysis identified many significantly regulated, tissue-specific pathways shared by the two models, including sensory perception in heart and brain, muscle function in skeletal muscle, and lipid metabolism in liver. Moreover, when comparing gene expression changes in the heart under stress, the glutathione regulatory pathway was consistently upregulated in the longevity models but downregulated with stress. In addition, AC5 and CR shared changes in genes and proteins involved in the regulation of longevity and stress resistance, including Sirt1, Apo D, and olfactory receptors in both young- and intermediate-age mice. Thus, the similarly regulated genes and pathways in AC5 KO and CR mice, particularly related to the metabolic phenotype, suggest a unified theory for longevity and stress resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: NaOH catalyzed steam explosion was applied to improve the enzymatic digestibility of Eucalyptus grandis. The impregnation of wood chip with NaOH solutions before steam explosion was carried out to investigate the effects of alkaline catalysis on solid recovery, enzymatic digestibility, and glucose recovery. The lignin removal was significantly affected by NaOH as a catalyst and the glucose recovery increased with increased severity index. The use of NaOH showed higher enzymatic digestibility than the use of water at most severity indexes due to the delignification of biomass and the increase of accessibility to cellulose of enzyme. The maximum glucose recovery was 65.55% having 4.4361 of severity index with 7wt.% of NaOH catalyzed steam explosion at 210°C during 9min. NaOH catalyzed steam explosion was effective to enhance the enzymatic digestibility due to the removal of lignin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

It has been difficult to produce physically and chemically pure nanoparticles from a particle solution in deionized (DI) water by atomization due to residue from impurities in the DI water. In this study, we show that further purification of DI water by reverse osmosis (RO) membrane filtration under high pressure (900 psi) substantially reduces solvent impurities when submicrometer and nanosized particles are atomized. Comparison of size distributions among several types of DI water showed that the production of residual particles significantly decreased by a factor of ∼11 (by number) after the RO filtration of regular DI water from commercially available DI water. Mixing states of aerosolized particles produced from particle solutions were examined by using the hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analyzer technique and transmission electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy. We found that residual particles were externally mixed with particles of interest during the aerosolization and drying process and that impurities in DI water can beadded onto the target particles (i.e., internally mixed). By removing impurities in DI water by the RO filtration, the effect of impurities for the production of clean nanoparticles was significantly reduced, suggesting that the atomization method can still be a promising tool to produce pure nanoparticles in a simple and inexpensive way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To develop a cylindrical phantom with rolled-up radiochromic films and dose analysis software in the rolled-out plane for quality assurance (QA) in volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Methods: The phantom consists of an acrylic cylindrical body wrapped with radiochromic film inserted into an outer cylindrical shell of 5 cm thickness. The rolled-up films with high spatial resolution enable detection of specific dose errors along the arc trajectory of continuously irradiated and modulated beams in VMAT. The developed dose analysis software facilitates dosimetric evaluation in the rolled-up and rolled-out planes of the film; the calculated doses on the corresponding points where the rolled-up film was placed were reconstructed into a rectangular dose matrix equivalent to that of the rolled-out plane of the film. The VMAT QA system was implemented in 3 clinical cases of prostate, nasopharynx, and pelvic metastasis. Each calculated dose on the rolled-out plane was compared with measurement values by modified gamma evaluation. Detected positions of dose disagreement on the rolled-out plane were also distinguished in cylindrical coordinates. The frequency of error occurrence and error distribution were summarized in a histogram and in an axial view of rolled-up plane to intuitively identify the corresponding positions of detected errors according to the gantry angle. Results: The dose matrix reconstructed from the developed VMAT QA system was used to verify the measured dose distribution along the arc trajectory. Dose discrepancies were detected on the rolled-out plane and visualized on the calculated dose matrix in cylindrical coordinates. The error histogram obtained by gamma evaluation enabled identification of the specific error frequency at each gantry angular position. The total dose error occurring on the cylindrical surface was in the range of 5%-8% for the 3 cases. Conclusions: The developed system provides a practical and reliable QA method to detect dosimetric errors according to the gantry angle. Film dosimetry based on rolled-up and rolled-out techniques leads to dose verification in the subspaces of the 3D dose volume. The system can be employed as an alternative tool to detect the pitfalls of planar dose verification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The principal objective of this study was to develop a simple multiresidue method involving a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction method for the identification and quantification of 41 pesticide residues in cooked foodstuffs including cooked potatoes, radishes, and rice using GC-μECD. The analytes were subsequently confirmed via GC–MS. The results were then compared using the classical method established by the KFDA. The quantitation of individual pesticides was based on matrix-matched calibration curves with a correlation coefficient in excess of 0.993 for the 41 pesticides selected herein. Using QuEChERS, the mean recoveries ranged between 68.6 and 130.0% for the majority of the tested pesticides; however, the classical method exhibited low recoveries for dichlofluanid, tetraconazole, oxadixyl, fenbuconazloe, and paclobutrazol. After QuEChERS, the LODs and LOQs ranged between 0.004 and 0.3μg/kg and 0.0125 and 1.0μg/kg, respectively. The proposed method was applied successfully to determine the residue levels in cooked foodstuffs, and none of the samples contained detectable amounts of pesticide residues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cardiac hypertrophy is enlargement of the heart in response to physiological or pathological stimuli, chiefly involving growth of myocytes in size rather than in number. Previous studies have shown that the expression pattern of a group of genes in hypertrophied heart induced by pressure overload resembles that at the embryonic stage of heart development, a phenomenon known as activation of the ''fetal gene program''. Here, using a genome-wide approach we systematically defined genes and pathways regulated in short- and long-term cardiac hypertrophy conditions using mice with transverse aortic constriction (TAC), and compared them with those regulated at different stages of embryonic and postnatal development. In addition, exon-level analysis revealed widespread mRNA isoform changes during cardiac hypertrophy resulting from alternative usage of terminal or internal exons, some of which are also developmentally regulated and may be attributable to decreased expression of Fox-1 protein in cardiac hypertrophy. Genes with functions in certain pathways, such as cell adhesion and cell morphology, are more likely to be regulated by alternative splicing. Moreover, we found 39UTRs of mRNAs were generally shortened through alternative cleavage and polyadenylation in hypertrophy, and microRNA target genes were generally de-repressed, suggesting coordinated mechanisms to increase mRNA stability and protein production during hypertrophy. Taken together, our results comprehensively delineated gene and mRNA isoform regulation events in cardiac hypertrophy and revealed their relations to those in development, and suggested that modulation of mRNA isoform expression plays an importance role in heart remodeling under pressure overload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To maximize the production of biodiesel from soybean soapstock, the effects of water on the esterification of high-FFA (free fatty acid) oils were investigated. Oleic acid and high acid acid oil (HAAO) were esterified by reaction with methanol in the presence of Amberlyst-15 as a heterogeneous catalyst or sulfuric acid as a homogeneous catalyst. The yield of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) was studied at oil to methanol molar ratios of 1:3 and 1:6 and reaction temperatures of 60 and 80°C. The rate of esterification of oleic acid significantly decreased as the initial water content increased to 20% of the oil. The activity of Amberlyst-15 decreased more rapidly than that of sulfuric acid, due to the direct poisoning of acid sites by water. Esterification using sulfuric acid was not affected by water until there was a 5% water addition at a 1:6 molar ratio of oil to methanol. FAME content of HAAO prepared from soapstock rapidly increased for the first 30min of esterification. Following the 30-min mark, the rate of FAME production decreased significantly due to the accumulation of water. When methanol and Amberlyst-15 were removed from the HAAO after 30min of esterification and fresh methanol and a catalyst were added, the time required to reach 85% FAME content was reduced from 6h to 1.8h. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Suspended particles and dissolved solids in seawater during desalination process have been known to cause colloidal fouling in membranes. The membrane filtration-differential mobility analyzer (MF-DMA) counting technique has been developed to quantify suspended nanoparticles and dissolved solids in water in real time. Various types of suspended particles (PSL, CaCO3, and MgCO3) and dissolved solids (artificial seawater, NaCl, KCl, MgCl2, and CaCl2) were used to evaluate the MF-DMA method. By using PSL particles of known sizes and numbers in water, a linear relationship between particle number concentrations in air (particles/cm3) and in water (particles/ml) was established, which was valid independent of particle size. This relationship was used to determine number concentrations of CaCO3 and MgCO3 particles in water, showing good agreements with the calculated values within ∼19%. By using artificial seawater, a linear relationship between mass concentration of dissolved solids in air (μg/m3) and in water (ppm) was also found. Mass concentrations of dissolved solids (NaCl, KCl, CaCl2, and MgCl2) in water estimated by the MF-DMA method were in good agreements with those measured with the TDS meter within ∼15%. The current real time technique can be applied to monitor both suspended particles and dissolved solids in pretreated seawater during RO membrane desalination process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have previously demonstrated that the synthetic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) agonist ciglitazone induces apoptosis accompanied by activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear translocation of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) in opossum kidney (OK) renal epithelial cells. However, the precise mechanism by which ciglitazone induces activation of p38 MAPK and the role of AIF in the induction of the apoptosis are not defined. This study was therefore undertaken to determine whether the roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and intracellular Ca2+ in the ciglitazone-induced activation of p38 MAPK and whether AIF nuclear translocation is responsible for the ciglitazone-induced apoptosis in OK renal epithelial cells. Ciglitazone caused generation of ROS and an increase in intracellular Ca2+. Ciglitazone-induced cell death was reduced by the antioxidant Trolox, the Ca2+ chelator EGTA, and the store-operated Ca2+ channels (SOCC) blocker lanthanum chloride (La3+), indicating involvement of ROS and Ca2+ in the ciglitazone-induced cell death. Ciglitazone-induced intracellular Ca2+ increase was decreased by Trolox, while ROS generation was not affected by EGTA and La3+, suggesting that ROS generation promote the increase of intracellular Ca2+. Transfection of small interfering RNA (siRNA) of p38 MAPK or vector expressing microRNA (miRNA) of AIF prevented the ciglitazone-induced cell death. Activation of p38 MAPK, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and AIF nuclear translocation induced by ciglitazone were inhibited by Trolox, EGTA and La3+. Taken together, these results suggest that ROS-dependent intracellular Ca2+ increase is responsible for activation of p38 MAPK and nuclear translocation of AIF by ciglitazone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We developed a real-time aerosolization method combined with membrane filtration technique to determine size and number of dissolved and suspended colloid nanoparticles in water. Feed water before and after being treated by MF, UF or NF membranes was in-situ aerosolized and dried, and size and number of particles were determined in real time. Humic acid, CaCO3, and NaCl nanoparticles with varying solute concentrations, and standard nanoparticles with known size and number, were used to evaluate performance of the current method. We also measured size and number of colloidal nanoparticles in wastewater effluent, river water, and seawater. We found that there exists a significant amount of nanoparticles remaining even after UF and NF filtration, suggesting that dissolved nanoparticles that survived by UF and NF filtration may affect the fouling in RO membranes in the desalination process. The dissolved nanoparticles are defined here as those that are originally not in particle phase in feed water but that are able to precipitate near the membranes by crystallization or concentration polarization in the form of particle phase. Separating of dissolved and suspended nanoparticles in water was achieved with the current method, leading to determine their relative contribution in the feed water. The fraction of dissolved nanoparticles in seawater that survived through NF filtration in total particle count is 66% while that in river water is 44%. TEM/EDS analysis verified that a significant amount of dissolved nanoparticles survived through UF and NF filtration, and that distinct types of dissolved nanoparticles exist in river water and seawater. Dissolved nanoparticles in seawater were classified into four types: carbon-rich spherical particles, carbon-mineral rich (Ca-O-C-Mg-S-Cl-Si) irregular particles, carbon-mineral rich spherical particles (C-Cu-Ca-O-Si-Mg), and Na-containing cubic particles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper addresses a gradual performance loss that is encountered in a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) when it is subjected to a continuous operation at constant-load conditions for a period of 600h. To gain insights into the physico-chemical origins of the degradation process, various analytical techniques are employed and characterization of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is carried out before and after the lifetime test. The results reveal that the performance degradation of MEA mainly stems from the degradations at the cathode, and this is further confirmed by individual impedance analyses of cathode and anode as well as by the observation on finding increased quantity of methanol exiting from the cathode with increased operational time. Supplement experiments with the cathodes containing either pre-oxidized Pt catalyst or a fractional amount of Ru catalyst offer new clues to understand the deactivation mechanism. The hydrophobicity losses of gas diffusion layers are prominent in the outlet regions compared to the inlet regions of the DMFC assembly. Further, a couple of restoration techniques are employed to evaluate performance recovery. A periodical on–off switching of applied load and an air-break technique are found to be effective to restore the performance loss that occurs during fuel cell operations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The status of R&D works being carried out for the development of the technology for the coated fuel particles and the achievements in the first phase in Korea is described. Emphasis is given to the development of the laboratory equipment and apparatus and the first results of the experiments carried out for the kernel preparation and coating of PyC and SiC as well as their respective characterizations and relevant quality control (QC) methods. The current status of the in-reactor performance model and the analytical code development are included as well as some preliminary results from the feasibility study on the irradiation test of the fuel specimens in the HANARO research reactor in Korea. Also discussed are the essential involvements in the GIF collaboration and with the IAEA as well as other international collaboration schemes during the development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To improve the oxidation stability and the low temperature flow properties of a biodiesel mixture, the dependence of the oxidation stability and the cold filter plugging point (CFPP) on the fatty acid compositions was examined. Three different kinds of biodiesels, palm, rapeseed, and soybean biodiesels, were blended with the different weight ratios. The oxidation stability and the CFPP of the blended biodiesels had a close relationship with the compositions of the major fatty acid components. The oxidation stability of the blended biodiesels decreased as the total contents of the linoleic and linolenic acids increased. The correlation was obtained as Y =117.9295/X +2.5905 (0< X <100) where X is the content of the linoleic and linolenic acids (wt%) and Y is the oxidation stability (h). The CFPP decreased with the increase of the total unsaturated fatty acid contents. The correlation was obtained as Y =−0.4880X +36.0548 (0< X ⩽88) and Y =−2.7043X +232.0036 (88< X <100) where X is the content of the unsaturated fatty acid (wt%) and Y is the CFPP (°C). If the compositions of the blended biodiesels are determined, it is possible to predict their oxidation stability and CFPP. Using the above three correlations, the blending ratios of biodiesel mixture having the specified properties can be determined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ultrafine particle concentration (3–100nm) was continuously measured in summer (6/7/2006–17/8/2006), fall (1/10/2006–31/10/2006), winter (2/2/2007–7/3/2007), and spring (7/4/2007–7/5/2007) in urban Gwangju, Korea. By considering the size range with elevated concentration and hypothesizing the source or formation pathways, we classified ultrafine particle events into: (1) “10–100nm traffic event,” (2) “50–100nm residential heating event,” and (3) “10–30nm photochemical event.” Coincidence of NO x , CO, O3, and solar radiation with ultrafine particle concentration was used as an indicator for the traffic, residential heating, and photochemical contributions. We showed that particles due to traffic and residential heating led to enhanced ultrafine particle concentration in winter, while in summer particles formed by photochemical activity led to increased ultrafine particle concentration. The average ultrafine particle number concentrations were 8.8×103, 7.4×103, and 7.9×103 cm−3 with geometric mean diameters (GMDs) of 25, 48, and 53nm in the photochemical, traffic, and residential heating events, respectively. Our ultrafine particle concentrations and other gas concentrations (NO x and CO) were found to be lower than observations in Atlanta and in Fresno, probably due to lower source strength such as traffic and residential heating in current site. We occasionally observed particle growth after formation of particles in the photochemical event with growth rates of 2.2–4.7nmh−1. Morphological and elemental analysis for size-selected ultrafine particles showed that mixtures of sulfate and metals with the presence of semi-transparent part inside the particle were observed in the photochemical event (49 over 200 particles), while in the traffic event agglomerated carbonaceous particles were observed (66 over 130 particles), which were rarely detected in the photochemical event. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Removal of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) using surfactant-enhanced electrokinetic (EK) method was studied in a model system. Kaolinite and phenanthrene were selected as a model clay soil and a representative HOC, respectively. Three different types of surfactants: APG (alkyl polyglucoside), Brij30 (polyoxyethylene-4-lauryl ether), and SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate), were used to enhance the solubility of HOC. Characteristics of surfactants, such as surface tension, HOC solubility, and biodegradability were measured. In the case of Brij30 solution, phenanthrene solubility was higher than that of others. After 4 days, APG and Brij30 were degraded by 65% and 26% of the initial amount, respectively. However, degradation of SDS was hardly detected. Electroosmotic flow (EOF) of Brij30 solution was lower than others when the 0.1M NaCl was used as electrolyte. Addition of the acetate buffer solution increased the EOF of Brij30 solution and enhanced removal of phenanthrene. Among three different surfactants tested, APG showed the highest removal efficiency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Lithium titanate (Li2TiO3) pebbles are developed as a ceramic breeder material of ITER test blanket module (TBM) for DEMO reactor. Fine and single crystalline Li2TiO3 powders were prepared by a solution combustion synthesis process and a new dry-rolling granulation process was investigated. The as-synthesized powders were compacted without a binder and sintered to a high density at a relatively low temperature (<1100°C) and short sintering time. The characteristics were examined with XRD, BET, dilatometer and SEM. Process parameters on the dry-rolling granulation process affected the characteristics of the spherical pebbles. The advantages of this process are simplicity, continuity and purity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Feasibility of electrokinetic (EK) process combined with Fenton-like reaction was investigated for the removal of phenanthrene in a two-dimensional cell. Sandy soil and bentonite were selected as a model soil and a filling material to inhibit the leak of electrolyte solution within the electrode reservoirs into the soil by hydraulic pressure difference, respectively. The effects of parameters including current, electroosmotic flow (EOF), electrolyte pH, and moisture content on the removal efficiency were examined under constant voltage. At the end of operation for 21 days, the concentration of phenanthrene near the anode was lower than the other positions of soil specimen and increased gradually towards the cathode because hydrogen peroxide solution was supplied from anode to cathode region following the direction of EOF. The concentration of phenanthrene at the bottom soil was lower than that at the top soil. Because capillary attraction in the sandy soil with high porosity was too low to maintain appropriate moisture at the top of the cell, EOF moved through the bottom soil with higher moisture content. Overall removal efficiency at 140 V was 81.6%, which was higher than 68.9% at 100 V because total EOF increased by a factor of 1.5 upon increase of the voltage from 100 to 140 V. In addition, power consumptions at 100 and 140 V were 7.2 and 19.4 kWh, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ex situ electrokinetic (EK) bioremediation of a laboratory-prepared pentadecane-contaminated kaolinite was carried out. Extraneous bacteria and ionic nutrients were continuously supplied to the soil specimen by a new electrolyte circulation method, which controlled electrical pH change of electrolyte solution to keep bacterial activity. During the EK bioremediation the anode region showed the highest colony forming unit (CFU) due to electrical attraction between anode and bacteria. Simultaneous increases of CFU and uniform pentadecane removal in most soil regions demonstrated that electro-osmosis as well as electrophoresis affected the bacterial transport in soil. At 3.13mA/cm2, increase in soil temperature to above 45°C inhibited bacterial activity, which caused the decrease of removal efficiency. The removal amount of pentadecane increased with initial pentadecane concentration at the same current densities (0.63 and 1.88mA/cm2) because of the increased amount of weakly bound pentadecane onto the soil surface. The highest removal efficiency (77.6%) was obtained at 0.63mA/cm2 for 1000mg/kg pentadecane after 14 days. Consequently, the present methods of EK bioremediation demonstrated superiority over the conventional bioremediation, which had inherent demerits of slow degradation and low removal efficiency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells (APCs) for naive T cells and play an important role in cancer immunology. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is known to be a differentiating agent in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). In this study, we investigated whether ATRA can differentiate the retinoic acid (RA)-sensitive promyelocytic leukemic cell line, NB4, to DC-like cells and whether these differentiated cells can activate T cells. NB4 cells were differentiated to myeloid cells by 4, 6, and 8 days of ATRA treatment. NB4 cells up-regulated markers found in DCs, including HLA-DR, costimulatory molecules (CD80 and CD86), adhesion molecules (CD40), and chemokine receptors (CCR6) when cultured for 8 days in the presence of 1 μM ATRA. Upregulation of CD83 was also detected on the surface of ATRA-treated NB4 cells versus untreated cells. The addition of cytokines alone, such as GM-CSF or CD40 ligand, did not affect the expression of CD83 in untreated NB4 cells but they up-regulated CD83 in ATRA-treated cells. CD11b was coexpressed with CD80, CD83, and CD86 in ATRA-treated NB4 cells. In a functional assay, ATRA-treated NB4 cells stimulated T cell proliferation when challenged with Staphylococcus enterotoxin B. These results suggest that the differentiation of NB4 cells by ATRA causes the cells to express DC markers, and that ATRA-differentiated NB4 cells are able to present antigens to T cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The whisker growing and matrix filling process was applied to reduce the canning effect during the CVI process. Grown whiskers may serve to divide the large natural pores between fibers or bundles and then matrix filling may be efficiently carried out through the modified pore structure. In this study, the multi-step of the in situ whisker growing and matrix filling process were performed to investigate the densification behaviors of SiCf/SiC composite. MTS (CH3SiCl3) and H2 were used as source and diluent gases, respectively. The process cycles were repeated three times. The whisker growth and densification behaviors with the number of the process cycles were evaluated. SiC whiskers were grown in the SiC fiber preforms at the input gas ratio of 60 and the total reaction pressure of 5 Torr. As the number of process cycles increased, the maximum size of the large voids decreased and homogeneity of the voids distributions increased. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Neutrophil apoptosis is a constitutive process that can be enhanced or delayed by various stimuli. In this study, the effect of brefeldin A (BFA), which affects the biological process of secretion, on constitutive and delayed apoptosis of neutrophils was investigated. Neutrophil apoptosis was determined after culturing for 20 h in vitro by morphological changes, annexin V staining, and DNA electrophoresis. BFA dose-dependently increased the constitutive apoptotic rate of neutrophils. The delay of apoptosis induced by granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was also blocked by BFA. However, this effect of BFA was less marked when neutrophils were treated with dexamethasone, interleukin-8 (IL-8), or dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP). Moreover, the delay of neutrophil apoptosis induced by rottlerin, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC)-δ, was significantly abrogated by BFA. Although BFA-induced apoptosis was not blocked by the caspase-3 inhibitor, zDEVD-fmk, myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) expression levels were downregulated by BFA. These results suggest that derangement of vesicular protein transport may be involved in the apoptosis of neutrophils, and that the action of BFA on apoptosis is dependent on changes in the expression of Mcl-1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: During sentinel node navigation surgery in patients with gastric cancer, intraoperative pathologic examination of sentinel nodes is crucial in determining the extent of surgery. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility and accuracy of intraoperative pathologic protocols using data from a prospective, multicenter, randomized trial. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from the SEntinel Node ORIented Tailored Approach trials from 2013 to 2016. All sentinel lymph nodes were evaluated during surgery with hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining using a representative section at the largest plane for lymph nodes. For permanent histologic evaluation, sentinel basin nodes were stained with HE and cytokeratin immunohistochemistry in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sections and examined with HE for three deeper-step sections at 200-μm intervals. The failure rate of identification by frozen section and the metastasis rate in non-sentinel basins were investigated. Results: Of the 237 patients who underwent sentinel node basin dissection, 30 had lymph node metastases on permanent pathology. Thirteen patients had macrometastasis confirmed in frozen sections as well as FFPE sections (failure rate: 0%). Patients with negative sentinel nodes in frozen sections but micrometastasis in FFPE sections had no lymph node recurrence during the follow-up period (0%, 0/6). However, in cases with tumor-positive nodes in frozen sections, metastases in non-sentinel basins were detected in the paraffin blocks (8.3%, 2/24). Conclusions: The single-section HE staining method is sufficient for detecting macrometastasis via intraoperative pathological examination. If a negative frozen-section result is confirmed, sentinel basin dissection can be performed safely. Otherwise, standard surgery is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]