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Polyethylene terephthalate widely used as fibre materials and container packaging materials is produced by the condensation polymerisation of monoethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Monoethylene glycol and terephthalic acid have been conventionally manufactured using petroleum as the raw material, however monoethylene glycol has recently been manufactured from biomass as the raw material from the viewpoint of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Recently, a process for manufacturing para-xylene from ethanol was developed, and 100% bio-derived polyethylene terephthalate using terephthalic acid produced by para-xylene obtained from bio-based ethanol and bio-based monoethylene glycol is currently under development. However, a study of calculating greenhouse gas emissions from 100% bio-derived polyethylene terephthalate has not been reported. In this study, greenhouse gas emissions of 100% bio-derived polyethylene terephthalate were calculated using material balance data from the production process of para-xylene from ethanol under development. This methodology complied with the life cycle inventory study of ISO 14040 (2006) and 14044 (2006). As the result, greenhouse gas emissions of 100% bio-derived polyethylene terephthalate, assuming that bio-para-xylene is produced by 20% of sugarcane and 80% of corn, decreased by 24.0% compared with those of petroleum-derived polyethylene terephthalate. In addition, the greenhouse gas emissions of 100% bio-derived polyethylene terephthalate using bio-based ethanol obtained only from sugarcane as the raw material of bio-based para-xylene were 1.88 kg-CO 2e /kg-polyethylene terephthalate, which demonstrates the potential to decrease greenhouse gas emissions from petroleum-derived polyethylene terephthalate by about 58%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The diagnostic accuracy of peroral video-cholangioscopy for indeterminate biliary lesions has not been determined in a prospective study. Objective: To evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of the peroral video-cholangioscopic visual findings for indeterminate biliary lesions with that of the cholangioscopy-guided forceps biopsy findings. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Tertiary-care referral center. Patients: Patients who showed indeterminate biliary lesions on endoscopic retrograde cholangiography underwent peroral video-cholangioscopy for diagnosis. Intervention: Each patient underwent peroral video-cholangioscopy with cholangioscopy-guided forceps biopsy. Main Outcome Measurements: The accuracy of diagnosis by the peroral video-cholangioscopic visual findings and cholangioscopy-guided forceps biopsy findings compared with that of the final diagnosis by other methods (malignant or benign). Results: Thirty-three patients were enrolled, and the final diagnoses revealed that the lesions were malignant in 21 patients. All procedures were technically successful, and fine views were obtained in all patients. Procedure-related complications occurred in 2 patients (6.1%), but these complications were mild. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 100%, 91.7%, and 97.0%, respectively, for the peroral video-cholangioscopic visual findings and 38.1%, 100%, and 60.6%, respectively, for the cholangioscopy-guided forceps biopsy findings, and a significant difference was observed in the accuracy (P = .0018). Limitations: This was not a blinded study. No comparison was made with other diagnostic modalities involving tissue sampling. Conclusion: The diagnostic accuracy of the peroral video-cholangioscopic visual findings for indeterminate biliary lesions was excellent and significantly higher than that of the cholangioscopy-guided forceps biopsy findings. The accuracy of the cholangioscopy-guided forceps biopsy was insufficient, but the technique had an excellent specificity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background & Aims: We investigated the usefulness of dual-phase F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) to differentiate benign from malignant intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) and to evaluate branch-duct IPMNs. Methods: We used FDG-PET/CT to evaluate IPMNs in 48 consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection from May 2004 to March 2012. IPMNs were classified as benign (n = 16) or malignant (n = 32) on the basis of histology analysis. The ability of FDG-PET/CT to identify branch-duct IPMNs was compared with that of the International Consensus Guidelines. Results: The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was higher for early-phase malignant IPMNs than that for benign IPMNs (3.5 ± 2.2 vs 1.5 ± 0.4, P < .001). When the SUVmax cutoff value was set at 2.0, early-phase malignant IPMNs were identified with 88% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. The retention index values for malignant and benign IPMNs were 19.6 ± 17.8 and −2.6 ± 12.9, respectively. When the SUVmax cutoff was set to 2.0 and the retention index value to −10.0, early-phase malignant IPMNs were identified with 88% sensitivity, 94% specificity, and 90% accuracy. In identification of branch-duct IPMNs, when the SUVmax cutoff was set to 2.0, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy values were 79%, 92%, and 84%, respectively. By using a maximum main pancreatic duct diameter ≥7 mm, the Guidelines identified branch-duct IPMNs with greater specificity than FDG-PET/CT. The Guidelines criteria of maximum cyst size ≥30 mm and the presence of intramural nodules identified branch-duct IPMNs with almost equal sensitivity to FDG-PET/CT. Conclusions: Dual-phase FDG-PET/CT is useful for preoperative identification of malignant IPMN and for evaluating branch-duct IPMN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We evaluated the utility of peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) for distinguishing malignant from benign biliary disease to cover low sensitivity of tissue sampling. Methods: From February 1992 to April 2004, all consecutive patients who underwent POCS to confirm the etiology of biliary disorders were included in this study. Brushing cytology or endobiliary forceps biopsy also was performed. We analyzed the diagnostic accuracy of tissue sampling with or without POCS diagnosis. Results: A total of 97 patients (66 men, 31 women; mean age 64.2 years) were included. The final diagnosis was confirmed by surgical resection in 44, clinical follow-up in 52, and cytologic study of ascitic fluid in one. On the basis of ERCP findings, there were 76 strictures and 21 filling defects. Forceps biopsy was performed in 25 patients, and brush cytology was performed in 68 patients. In the remaining 4 patients (4 filling defects, which were identified as stones by POCS), tissue samplings were not carried out. ERCP/tissue sampling correctly identified 22 of 38 malignant strictures and all 35 benign lesions except in 3 patients with inadequate samples (accuracy, 78.0%; sensitivity, 57.9%; specificity, 100%). The addition of POCS correctly identified all 38 malignant strictures and 33 of 38 benign lesions (accuracy, 93.4%; sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 86.8%). For the 21 filling defects observed by ERCP, POCS correctly diagnosed all 8 malignant diseases and 13 benign lesions. Conclusions: The addition of POCS to tissue sampling improves the diagnostic ability and covers for insufficient sensitivity. POCS is especially useful for diagnosing a filling defect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The rising atmospheric CO 2 emissions from the burning of fossil fuels remains a global concern. Mangrove forests, which are important for global biodiversity, are known for their high carbon fixation capacity. However, the characteristics of the pyrolysis and gasification of mangroves remain unclear. Thus, this study focused on mangroves' basic pyrolysis and steam gasification properties for use as a gasification fuel. Three mangrove species: Rhizophora mucronata , Bruguiera cylindrica , and Avicennia marina , were used as experimental samples. In addition, three species of land wood were used for comparison: Eucalyptus, Japanese cedar, and Japanese cypress. In addition to the raw sample, a demineralized sample was used for each sample to account for the influence of the alkali and alkaline earth metals (AAEMs) on pyrolysis and steam gasification. Thermogravimetric analysis was performed to obtain thermogravimetric curves of mangroves and land wood. A laboratory-scale instrument for pyrolysis and gasification using a batch-type horizontal electric furnace was also used at 800 °C in an inert and steam atmosphere. The char yield of raw mangroves was high and independent of the Klason lignin content, suggesting that AAEMs influence char formation during the initial pyrolysis of the mangroves. The results of pyrolysis and gasification under steam atmosphere showed that the H 2 production ratio (Steam/Inert) from mangroves was 2.52–5.33, compared to 1.76–2.35 for land woods, the addition of steam significantly enhanced the steam gasification of mangroves. Mangroves contain relatively large amounts of AAEMs, which indicates their potential as a gasification feedstock. [Display omitted] • Mangroves' pyrolysis and steam gasification were examined. • Mangroves' abundant alkali and alkaline earth metals promoted char formation. • Mangroves' abundant alkali and alkaline earth metals aid steam gasification. • Mangroves react well to gasification in a steam atmosphere. • Our results indicate mangroves' potential as a gasification feedstock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Growth of Eucalyptus camaldulensis in an arid environment was observed for 15 years. • Hardpan blasting with water-harvesting enabled the growth and survival of trees. • Predicted growth rate of E. camaldulensis was dependent on supplied water. • Afforestation by active site engineering demonstrates a viable mitigation technique in arid areas. Large-scale afforestation is a key measure to mitigate global warming, however, implementation may result in land-use competition with agriculture. To avoid such competition, carbon mitigation methods using arid and semi-arid areas have been proposed, but to our knowledge there is no report of rates of sequestration based on long-term observations from actual experimentation. In this study (1999–2015), in an arid area near Leonora, Western Australia (annual rainfall: 220 mm year−1; pan evaporation: 3400 mm year−1), carbon sequestration was assessed in above and below ground biomass in Eucalyptus camaldulensis under ambient conditions and with active site amelioration (combination of water harvesting with large mounds and hardpan blasting). The carbon sequestration rate was estimated at 7.92 Mg-CO 2 -e ha−1 year−1 for a total carbon sink of 230 Mg-CO 2 -e ha−1. Carbon mitigation may thus be a viable option in arid regions, not only in Western Australia but globally, and can be enhanced with active site engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine carbonyl reductases (pCBR1 and pCBR-N1) and aldo-keto reductases (pAKR1C1 and pAKR1C4) exhibit hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) activity. However, their roles in the metabolism of porcine-specific androgens (19-nortestosterone and epiandrosterone), 11-oxygenated androgens, neurosteroids, and corticosteroids remain unclear. Here, we compared the steroid specificity of the four recombinant enzymes by kinetic and product analyses. In C 18 /C 19 -steroids,11-keto- and 11β-hydroxy-5α-androstane-3,17-diones were reduced by all the enzymes, whereas 5α-dihydronandrolone (19-nortestosterone metabolite) and 11-ketodihydrotestosterone were reduced by pCBR1, pCBR-N1, and pAKR1C1, of which pCBR1 exhibited the lowest (submicromolar) K m values. Product analysis showed that pCBR1 and pCBR-N1 function as 3α/β-HSDs, in contrast to pAKR1C1 and pAKR1C4 (acting as 3β-HSD and 3α-HSD, respectively). Additionally, 17β-HSD activity was observed in pCBR1 and pCBR-N1 (toward epiandrosterone and its 11-oxygenated derivatives) and in pAKR1C1 (toward androsterone, 4-androstene-3,17-dione and their 11-oxygenated derivatives). The four enzymes also showed different substrate specificity for 3-keto-5α/β-dihydro-C 21 -steroids, including GABAergic neurosteroid precursors and corticosteroid metabolites. 5β-Dihydroprogesterone was reduced by all the enzymes, whereas 5α-dihydroprogesterone was reduced only by pCBR1, and 5α/β-dihydrodeoxycorticosterones by pCBR1 and pCBR-N1. The two pCBRs also reduced the 5α/β-dihydro-metabolites of cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, cortisone, and corticosterone. pCBR1 exhibited lower K m values (0.3–2.9 μM) for the 3-keto-C 21 -steroids than pCBR-N1 (K m =10–36 μM). The reduced products of the 3-keto-C 21 -steroids by pCBR1 and pCBR-N1 were their 3α-hydroxy-metabolites. Finally, we found that human CBR1 has similar substrate specificity for the C 18 /C 19 /C 21 -steroids to pCBR-N1. Based on these results, it was concluded that porcine and human CBRs can be involved in the metabolism of the aforementioned steroids as 3α/β,17β-HSDs. [Display omitted] • Porcine CBR1 and CBR-N1 exhibit 3α/3β/17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity. • They are involved in the metabolism of epiandrosterone and 5α-dihydronandrolone. • The metabolism of 11-keto/11β-hydroxy-C 19 -steroids is also mediated by the enzymes. • They additionally function in corticosteroid catabolism and neurosteroid synthesis. • Human CBR1 has similar steroid specificity to porcine CBR-N1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaranthus hypochondriacus (A. hypochondriacus) is a good cadmium (Cd) accumulating plant with characterized by fast growth, large biomass and strong adaptability. However, Cd stress leads to overaccumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which affects its growth and limits Cd extraction performance. Rutin is a natural flavonoid compound with a strong ability to scavenge free radicals and resist environmental stress. So far, the effect of rutin on plant tolerance under Cd stress is not clear. In present study, we explored the effect of exogenous rutin on plant growth and Cd uptake in A. hypochondriacus , and further analyzed the Cd-resistance mechanisms based on antioxidant systems. The results showed that rutin had a positive effect on plant biomass and Cd uptake. Under 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg Cd treatments, 5 mg/mL rutin stimulation increased the total amount of Cd in A. hypochondriacus by 2.97 times, 2.9 times and 2.67 times, respectively. Meanwhile, rutin enhanced the plant tolerance, and showed different Cd resistance mechanisms under different Cd concentrations. At lower concentrations of Cd (10 mg/kg), the flavonoids synthesis was activated by rutin in response to oxidative stress. At higher concentrations of soil Cd (50 and 100 mg/kg), rutin comprehensively increased the levels of flavonoids, glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT)), activated more stress resistance pathways to improve the Cd tolerance. In addition, the metabolic activity of flavonoids in leaves was highly correlated with the Cd concentration and had a significant effect on Cd tolerance. These results indicated that rutin could alleviate Cd toxicity by inducing flavonoid metabolism and enhancing the antioxidant system, effectively improving the repair efficiency of A. hypochondriacus. [Display omitted] • Rutin alleviated Cd toxicity and improved the growth of A. hypochondriacus. • Rutin enhanced Cd accumulation and translocation to the shoot. • Rutin activated antioxidants (SOD, POD, CAT, GSH and flavonoids) to improve Cd tolerance. • Rutin induced flavonoid metabolism to strengthen antioxidant defense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Energy-filtered X-ray photoemission electron microscopy (EXPEEM) is a new surface chemical imaging method that combines X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM). We have developed a collinear type EXPEEM system using a Wien-filter-type electron energy analyzer. The collinear arrangement has the advantage of carrying out an easy alignment of the electron optical axis. We have measured EXPEEM images, μ-X-ray absorption near edge structure (μ-XANES) and μ-XPS of Au on Ta and Ag(DM)2. We discuss the advantage of EXPEEM and future applications to organic devices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]