Generating hydrogen gas from biomass is one approach to lowering dependencies on fossil fuels for energy and chemical feedstock, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Using both equilibrium simulations and bat...Generating hydrogen gas from biomass is one approach to lowering dependencies on fossil fuels for energy and chemical feedstock, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Using both equilibrium simulations and batch experiments with NaOH as a model alkaline, this study established the technical feasibility of converting various biomasses （e.g., glucose, cellulose, xylan and lignin） into H2-rich gas via catalyst-free, alkali-thermal gasification at moderate temperatures （as low as 300℃）. This process could produce more H2 with less carbon-containing gases in the product than other comparable methods. It was shown that alkali-thermal gasification follows CxHyO2 ＋ 2xNaOH ＋ （x-z）H20 = （2x＋y/2-z）H2 ＋xNa2CO3, with carbonate being the solid product which is different from the one suggested in the literature. Moreover, the concept of hydrogen genera- tion potential （H2-GP）-the maximum amount of H2 that a biomass can yield, was introduced. For a given biomass CxHyO2, the H2-GP would be （2x ＋ y/2-z） moles of H2. It was demonstrated experimentally that the H2-GP was achievable by adjusting the amounts of H20 and NaOH, temperature and pressure. Keywords hydrogen generation potential, biomass, lignocellulose, alkali-thermal gasification, sodium hydroxide展开更多
Alexithymia refers to a cluster of emotion-related deficits such as difficulty attending to and identifying one’s feelings. Although not a diagnosable psychiatric condition, alexithymia is considered a personality ri...Alexithymia refers to a cluster of emotion-related deficits such as difficulty attending to and identifying one’s feelings. Although not a diagnosable psychiatric condition, alexithymia is considered a personality risk factor for multiple pathologies, including somatoform, substance use, eating, and mood disorders. Evidence suggests heritability, but few studies have examined the influence of specific genes on alexithymic traits. Candidate genes explored thus far include those involved in modulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and dopamine, two neurotransmitters whose functions have been implicated in human emotion processing. This study investigated the relationship between the C270T polymorphism of the BDNF gene, facets of alexithymia, and possible interactions with the COMT, DAT1, and ANKK1 genes in a sample of 130 healthy adults. Given the multidimensionality of the alexithymia construct and its overlap with the related constructs of emotional intelligence and mood awareness, we used principal components analysis to derive Clarity of Emotion and Attention to Emotion as specific facets of alexithymia. Results showed that the C270T C/C genotype group had lower Clarity of Emotion scores relative to the C/T genotype group, even after covarying for COMT, DAT1, and ANKK1 genotypes. Dopamine-related genes had no association with alexithymia dimensions, nor did they interact with the C270T polymorphism to predict Clarity of Emotion. Although the molecular mechanisms by which this polymorphism influences BDNF are unknown, this study suggests a role for BDNF in modulating aspects of alexithymia. We discuss these results in the context of BDNF’s trophic effects in the nervous system.展开更多
Multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease with no available cure, is marked by both physical and cognitive disability. In MS, central nervous system white matter lesions, believed to be cons...Multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease with no available cure, is marked by both physical and cognitive disability. In MS, central nervous system white matter lesions, believed to be consequences of inappropriate immune system reactivity, compromise inter-neuronal communication and, depending on the location of damage, beget a variety of symptoms including fatigue, loss of sensation, weakness of limbs, slowed psychomotor processing, and impaired memory. Recently, low vitamin D levels have been identified as a potential risk factor for MS, precipitating research into the immunomodulating properties of this vitamin that allow it to work in both a protective and therapeutic manner. Despite its promise as a disease-modifying agent, however, there is scant research that looks explicitly at vitamin D levels and cognitive symptoms of MS. Given the cognitive enhancing effects of vitamin D in other chronic inflammatory conditions such as chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease, there is urgent need to research whether vitamin D may prove equally beneficial in reducing cognitive sequelae in MS. Guidelines for future research are suggested.展开更多
Orthorexia nervosa (ON) describes a fixation for proper nutrition and healthy foods that leads to die-tary restrictions and nutritional deficiencies over time. Given symptom overlap among ON, obsessive-compulsive diso...Orthorexia nervosa (ON) describes a fixation for proper nutrition and healthy foods that leads to die-tary restrictions and nutritional deficiencies over time. Given symptom overlap among ON, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anorexia nervosa (AN), this study examines whether ON has a unique neuropsychological profile. Participants completed symptom checklists and neuropsychological tests chosen for their sensitivity to AN and OCD. Results showed that, across the full sample, ON is independently associated with self-reported weaknesses in Set-Shifting, Emotional Control, Self-Monitoring, and Working Memory. After controlling for AN and OCD variables, high- and low-ON groups differed in total correct trials on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. These areas of executive functioning, which are explained in the context of ON symptomatology, represent what would be considered the neuropsychological overlap among OCD and AN profiles.展开更多
文摘Generating hydrogen gas from biomass is one approach to lowering dependencies on fossil fuels for energy and chemical feedstock, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Using both equilibrium simulations and batch experiments with NaOH as a model alkaline, this study established the technical feasibility of converting various biomasses （e.g., glucose, cellulose, xylan and lignin） into H2-rich gas via catalyst-free, alkali-thermal gasification at moderate temperatures （as low as 300℃）. This process could produce more H2 with less carbon-containing gases in the product than other comparable methods. It was shown that alkali-thermal gasification follows CxHyO2 ＋ 2xNaOH ＋ （x-z）H20 = （2x＋y/2-z）H2 ＋xNa2CO3, with carbonate being the solid product which is different from the one suggested in the literature. Moreover, the concept of hydrogen genera- tion potential （H2-GP）-the maximum amount of H2 that a biomass can yield, was introduced. For a given biomass CxHyO2, the H2-GP would be （2x ＋ y/2-z） moles of H2. It was demonstrated experimentally that the H2-GP was achievable by adjusting the amounts of H20 and NaOH, temperature and pressure. Keywords hydrogen generation potential, biomass, lignocellulose, alkali-thermal gasification, sodium hydroxide
文摘Alexithymia refers to a cluster of emotion-related deficits such as difficulty attending to and identifying one’s feelings. Although not a diagnosable psychiatric condition, alexithymia is considered a personality risk factor for multiple pathologies, including somatoform, substance use, eating, and mood disorders. Evidence suggests heritability, but few studies have examined the influence of specific genes on alexithymic traits. Candidate genes explored thus far include those involved in modulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and dopamine, two neurotransmitters whose functions have been implicated in human emotion processing. This study investigated the relationship between the C270T polymorphism of the BDNF gene, facets of alexithymia, and possible interactions with the COMT, DAT1, and ANKK1 genes in a sample of 130 healthy adults. Given the multidimensionality of the alexithymia construct and its overlap with the related constructs of emotional intelligence and mood awareness, we used principal components analysis to derive Clarity of Emotion and Attention to Emotion as specific facets of alexithymia. Results showed that the C270T C/C genotype group had lower Clarity of Emotion scores relative to the C/T genotype group, even after covarying for COMT, DAT1, and ANKK1 genotypes. Dopamine-related genes had no association with alexithymia dimensions, nor did they interact with the C270T polymorphism to predict Clarity of Emotion. Although the molecular mechanisms by which this polymorphism influences BDNF are unknown, this study suggests a role for BDNF in modulating aspects of alexithymia. We discuss these results in the context of BDNF’s trophic effects in the nervous system.
文摘Multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease with no available cure, is marked by both physical and cognitive disability. In MS, central nervous system white matter lesions, believed to be consequences of inappropriate immune system reactivity, compromise inter-neuronal communication and, depending on the location of damage, beget a variety of symptoms including fatigue, loss of sensation, weakness of limbs, slowed psychomotor processing, and impaired memory. Recently, low vitamin D levels have been identified as a potential risk factor for MS, precipitating research into the immunomodulating properties of this vitamin that allow it to work in both a protective and therapeutic manner. Despite its promise as a disease-modifying agent, however, there is scant research that looks explicitly at vitamin D levels and cognitive symptoms of MS. Given the cognitive enhancing effects of vitamin D in other chronic inflammatory conditions such as chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease, there is urgent need to research whether vitamin D may prove equally beneficial in reducing cognitive sequelae in MS. Guidelines for future research are suggested.
文摘Orthorexia nervosa (ON) describes a fixation for proper nutrition and healthy foods that leads to die-tary restrictions and nutritional deficiencies over time. Given symptom overlap among ON, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anorexia nervosa (AN), this study examines whether ON has a unique neuropsychological profile. Participants completed symptom checklists and neuropsychological tests chosen for their sensitivity to AN and OCD. Results showed that, across the full sample, ON is independently associated with self-reported weaknesses in Set-Shifting, Emotional Control, Self-Monitoring, and Working Memory. After controlling for AN and OCD variables, high- and low-ON groups differed in total correct trials on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. These areas of executive functioning, which are explained in the context of ON symptomatology, represent what would be considered the neuropsychological overlap among OCD and AN profiles.
