Management of Neonatal Hepatic Hemangiomas: A Single-Center Experience Focused on Challenging Cases.

Background: Management of hepatic hemangioma (HH) in infancy ranges from close monitoring to surgical resection. We analyzed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of HH according to its treatment options, with particular focus on challenging cases. Methods: Data of patients diagnosed with HHs in their first year of life and followed up for at least 1 year were retrospectively reviewed and divided into treatment and observation groups. Serial imaging results, serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, medications, and clinical outcomes were compared. The detailed clinical progress in the treatment group was reviewed separately. Results: A total of 87 patients (75 in the observation group and 12 in the treatment group) were included. The median HH size at the initial diagnosis and the maximum size were significantly larger in the treatment group than the observation group (2.2 [0.5-10.3] cm vs. 1.0 [0.4-4.0] cm and 2.1 [0.7-13.2] vs. 1.1 [0.4-4.0], respectively; all p < 0.05]. The median initial and last serum AFP levels were significantly higher in the treatment group than in the observation group (76,818.7 vs. 627.2 and 98.4 vs. 8.7, respectively; all p < 0.05). Serum AFP levels in both groups rapidly declined during the first 3 months of life and were almost undetectable after 6 months. Among the challenging cases, a large (14 × 10 × 6.5 cm sized) focal HH was successfully treated using stepwise medical-to-surgical treatment. Conclusions: Patients with large HH and mild symptoms can be treated using stepwise pharmacotherapy. More aggressive surgical treatment of tumors unresponsive to initial pharmacotherapy may help shorten the treatment period and improve outcomes.

Hydrogen Production by Steam Reforming of Natural Gas Over Vanadium-Nickel-Alumina Catalysts.

A series of vanadium-nickel-alumina (xVNA) catalysts were prepared by a single-step sol-gel method with a variation of vanadium content (x, wt%) for use in the hydrogen production by steam reforming of natural gas. The effect of vanadium content on the physicochemical properties and catalytic activities of xVNA catalysts in the steam reforming of natural gas was investigated. It was found that natural gas conversion and hydrogen yield showed volcano-shaped trends with respect to vanadium content. It was also revealed that natural gas conversion and hydrogen yield increased with decreasing nickel crystallite size.

Alkylation of Isobutane/2-Butene Over Modified FAU-Type Zeolites.

A serious of mesoporous La-zeolite X catalysts (La-x-Zeol X (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, and 2.0)) were prepared by a hydrothermal method with a variation of carbon template content (x, wt%). The prepared catalysts were applied to the isobutane/2-butene alkylation. Mesopore volume of the catalysts increased with increasing carbon template content, while acidity of the catalysts decreased with increasing carbon template content. In the catalytic reaction, productivity of C8 alkylate (C8 alkylate g/g-catalyst) and selectivity for C8 alkylate showed volcano-shaped trends with respect to carbon template content. Among the catalysts, La-0.5-Zeol X showed the highest productivity and selectivity for C8 alkylate. The maximum productivity and selectivity for C8 alkylate over La-0.5-Zeol X were due to the offset of two opposite trends between mesopore volume and acidity of La-x-Zeol X catalysts.

Fluid shear stress regulates vascular remodeling via VEGFR-3 activation, although independently of its ligand, VEGF-C, in the uterus during pregnancy.

Early pregnancy is characterized by an increase in the blood volume of the uterus for embryonic development, thereby exerting fluid shear stress (FSS) on the vascular walls. The uterus experiences vascular remodeling to accommodate the increased blood flow. The blood flow­induced FSS elevates the expression of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptors, and regulates vascular remodeling through the activation of VEGF receptor-3 (VEGFR-3). However, the mechanisms responsible for FSS-induced VEGFR-3 expression in the uterus during pregnancy are unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that vascular remodeling in the uterus during pregnancy is regulated by FSS-induced VEGFR-3 expression. We examined the association between VEGFR-3 and FSS through in vivo and in vitro experiments. In vivo experiments revealed VEGFR-3 expression in the CD31-positive region of the uterus of pregnant mice; VEGF-C (ligand for VEGFR­3) was undetected in the uterus. These results confirmed that VEGFR-3 expression in the endometrium is independent of its ligand. In vitro studies experiments revealed that FSS induced morphological changes and increased VEGFR-3 expression in human uterine microvascular endothelial cells. Thus, VEGFR-3 activation by FSS is associated with vascular remodeling to allow increased blood flow in the uterus during pregnancy.

Direct Dehydrogenation of n-Butane Over Pt/Sn/Zn-K/Al2O3 Catalyst: Effect of Hydrogen in the Feed.

Al2O3 was prepared by a sol-gel method for use as a support. Pt/Sn/Zn-K/Al2O3 catalyst was then prepared by a sequential impregnation method, and it was applied to the direct dehydrogenation of n-butane to n-butenes and 1,3-butadiene. Physicochemical properties of Pt/Sn/Zn-K/Al2O3 catalyst were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), CO chemisorption, and temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO) measurements. In order to improve the catalyst stability, the effect of hydrogen in the feed on the catalytic performance in the direct dehydrogenation of n-butane was studied. The catalyst stability and reusability in the direct dehydrogenation of n-butane was also investigated. Experimental results revealed that the addition of hydrogen in the feed decreased conversion of n-butane and yield for total dehydrogenation products but improved the stability of the catalyst. The catalytic activity and stability of regenerated Pt/Sn/Zn-K/Al2O3 catalyst in the presence of hydrogen slightly decreased compared to those of fresh Pt/Sn/Zn-K/Al2O3 catalyst due to the slight sintering of platinum particles.

Hydrogen Production by Steam Reforming of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Over Nickel-Phosphorus-Alumina Xerogel Catalyst Prepared by a Carbon-Templating Epoxide-Driven Sol-Gel Method.

A nickel-phosphorus-alumina xerogel catalyst was prepared by a carbon-templating epoxide-driven sol-gel method (denoted as CNPA catalyst), and it was applied to the hydrogen production by steam reforming of liquefied natural gas (LNG). For comparison, a nickel-phosphorus-alumina xerogel catalyst was also prepared by a similar method in the absence of carbon template (denoted as NPA catalyst). The effect of carbon template addition on the physicochemical properties and catalytic activities of the catalysts in the steam reforming of LNG was investigated. Both CNPA and NPA catalysts showed excellent textural properties with well-developed mesoporous structure. However, CNPA catalyst retained a more reducible nickel aluminate phase than NPA catalyst. XRD analysis of the reduced CNPA and NPA catalysts revealed that nickel sintering on the CNPA catalyst was suppressed compared to that on the NPA catalyst. From H2-TPD and CH4-TPD measurements of the reduced CNPA and NPA catalysts, it was also revealed that CNPA catalyst with large amount of hydrogen uptake and strong hydrogen-binding sites showed larger amount of methane adsorption than NPA catalyst. In the hydrogen production by steam reforming of LNG, CNPA catalyst with large methane adsorption capacity showed a better catalytic activity than NPA catalyst.

Platinum-Tin Nano-Catalysts Supported on Alumina for Direct Dehydrogenation of n-Butane.

Al2O3 supports were prepared by a precipitation method using various basic solutions (NaOH, KOH, NH4OH, and Na2CO3) as precipitation agents, and Pt/Sn/Al2O3 nano-catalysts were then prepared by a sequential impregnation method. The prepared catalysts were applied to the direct dehydrogenation of n-butane to n-butenes and 1,3-butadiene. The effect of precipitation agents on the physicochemical properties and catalytic activities of Pt/Sn/Al2O3 nano-catalysts in the direct dehydrogenation of n-butane was investigated. Catalytic performance of Pt/Sn/Al2O3 nano-catalysts decreased in order of Pt/Sn/Al2O3 (NaOH) > Pt/Sn/Al2O3 (KOH) > Pt/Sn/Al2O3 (NH4OH) > Pt/Sn/Al2O3 (Na2CO3). Among the catalysts tested, Pt/Sn/Al2O3 (NaOH) nano-catalyst showed the best catalytic performance in terms of yield for total dehydrogenation products (TDP, n-butenes and 1,3-butadiene). Hydrogen chemisorption experiments revealed that platinum surface area of the catalyst was closely related to the catalytic performance. Yield for TDP increased with increasing platinum surface area of the catalyst.

Production of Light Olefins Through Catalytic Cracking of C5 Raffinate Over Surface-Modified ZSM-5 Catalyst.

Surface modification of phosphorous-containing porous ZSM-5 catalyst (P/C-ZSM5-Sil.(X)) was carried out by a chemical liquid deposition (CLD) method using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as a silylation agent. Different amount of TEOS (X = 5, 10, 20, and 30 wt%) was introduced into P/C-ZSM5il.(X) catalysts for surface modification. The catalysts were used for the production of light olefins (ethylene and propylene) through catalytic cracking of C5 raffinate. It was found that external surface acidity of P/C-ZSM5-Sil.(X) catalysts significantly decreased with increasing TEOS content. In the catalytic reaction, both conversion of C5 raffinate and yield for light olefins showed volcano-shaped curves with respect to TEOS content. Among the catalysts tested, P/C-ZSM5-Sil.(20) catalyst exhibited the best catalytic performance in terms of conversion of C5 raffinate and yield for light olefins. Thus, an optimal TEOS content was required for CLD treatment to maximize light olefin production in the catalytic cracking of C5 raffinate over P/C-ZSM5-Sil.(X) catalysts.

Direct Dehydrogenation of n-Butane Over Pt/Sn/Zn/γ-Al2O3 Nano-Catalyst: Effect of Zn Content.

A series of Pt/Sn/XZn/γ-Al2O3 nano-catalysts with different Zn content (X = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 wt%) were prepared by a sequential impregnation method. They were applied to the direct dehydrogenation of n-butane to n-butene and 1,3-butadiene. The effect of zinc content of Pt/Sn/XZn/γ-Al2O3 nano-catalysts on their physicochemical properties and catalytic activities in the direct dehydrogenation of n-butane was investigated. The catalytic performance of Pt/Sn/XZn/γ-Al2O3 nano-catalysts strongly depended on zinc content. Among the catalysts tested, Pt/Sn/0.5Zn/γ-Al2O3 nano-catalyst showed the best catalytic performance in terms of yield for total dehydrogenation products (TDP, n-butene and 1,3-butadiene). TPR (temperature-programmed reduction) and H2-chemisorption experiments were carried out to measure metal-support interaction and Pt surface area of the catalysts. Experimental results revealed that metal-support interaction and Pt surface area of the catalysts were closely related to the catalytic performance. Yield for TDP increased with increasing metal-support interaction and Pt surface area of the catalysts.

Synthesis of Dimethyl Carbonate from Ethylene Carbonate and Methanol Over Nano-Catalysts Supported on CeO2-MgO.

A series of CeO2(X)-MgO(1-X) (X = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0) nano-catalysts were prepared by a co-precipitation method for use in the synthesis of dimethyl carbonate from ethylene carbonate and methanol. Among the CeO2(X)-MgO(1-X) catalysts, CeO2(0.25)-MgO(0.75) nano-catalyst showed the best catalytic performance. Alkali and alkaline earth metal oxides (MO = Li2O, K2O, Cs2O, SrO, and BaO) were then supported on CeO2(0.25)-MgO(0.75) by an incipient wetness impregnation method with an aim of improving the catalytic performance of CeO2(0.25)-MgO(0.75). Basicity of the catalysts was determined by CO2-TPD experiments in order to elucidate the effect of basicity on the catalytic performance. The correlation between catalytic performance and basicity showed that basicity played an important role in the reaction. Yield for dimethyl carbonate increased with increasing basicity of the catalysts. Among the catalysts tested, Li2O/CeO2(0.25)-MgO(0.75) nano-catalyst with the largest basicity showed the best catalytic performance in the synthesis of dimethyl carbonate.

Dehydration of Glycerin to Acrolein Over Heteropolyacid Nano-Catalysts Supported on Silica-Alumina.

A series of H3PW12O40 nano-catalysts supported on silica-alumina (XH3PW12O40/SA (X = 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30)) with different H3PW12O40 content (X, wt%) were prepared, and they were applied to the dehydration of glycerin to acrolein. The effect of H3PW12O40 content on the physicochemical properties and catalytic activities of XH3PW12O40/SA nano-catalysts was investigated. Surface area and pore volume of XH3PW12O40/SA catalysts decreased with increasing H3PW12O40 content. Formation of H3PW12O40 aggregates was observed in the catalysts with high H3PW12O40 loading. Brønsted acidity of the catalysts showed a volcano-shaped trend with respect to H3PW12O40 content. It was revealed that yield for acrolein increased with increasing Brønsted acidity of XH3PW12O40/SA catalysts. Brønsted acidity of XH3PW12O40/SA catalysts served as a crucial factor determining the catalytic performance in the dehydration of glycerin. Among the catalysts tested, 25H3PW12O40/SA catalyst with the largest Brønsted acidity showed the best catalytic performance.

Direct Synthesis of Diphenyl Carbonate from Phenol and Carbon Dioxide Over Ti-Salen-Based Catalysts.

Various metal-salen catalysts were prepared for use in the direct synthesis of diphenyl carbonate (DPC) from phenol and carbon dioxide. We found that metal-salen complexes containing titanium as central metal species retained suitable Lewis acid property for the reaction. It was revealed that the catalytic activity of Ti-salen complexes could be controlled by introducing appropriate substituents into salen ligand. Insertion of phosphonium salts into para-position of aromatic aldehyde of salen ligand enhanced solubility of the catalyst in the methanol-phenol solution, and tert-butyl substituent in the salen ligand induced selective formation of DPC due to steric effect. In addition, introduction of various bridging groups into salen ligand caused change in electronic property of central metal atom. Among the catalysts tested, Ti-(t-butyl)salphen(PPh3)Cl showed the best catalytic performance at 100 °C and 60 bar. The catalytic system utilizing Ti-(t-butyl)salphen(PPh3)Cl catalyst was then optimized by conducting the reaction at various reaction temperatures and pressures.

CO2 Activated Carbon Aerogel with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance as a Supercapacitor Electrode Material.

Carbon aerogel (CA) was prepared by a sol-gel polymerization of resorcinol and formaldehyde in ambient conditions. A series of activated carbon aerogels (ACA-X, X = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 h) were then prepared by CO2 activation of CA with a variation of activation time (X) for use as an electrode material for supercapacitor. Specific capacitances of CA and ACA-X electrodes were measured by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge methods in 6 M KOH electrolyte. Among the samples, ACA-5 h showed the highest BET surface area (2574 m2/g) and the highest specific capacitance (100 F/g). It was found that CO2 activation was a very efficient method for enhancing physicochemical property and supercapacitive electrochemical performance of activated carbon aerogel.

Catalytic Decomposition of 2,3-Dihydrobenzofuran to Monocyclic Compounds Over Palladium Catalysts Supported on Sulfonated Ordered Mesoporous Carbon.

Ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) was sulfonated at different temperature (OMC-SO3H-X, X = 125, 150, 175, 200, and 225 degrees C) in order to provide acid sites to OMC. Palladium catalysts were then supported on OMC-SO3H-X by an incipient wetness impregnation method for use in the catalytic decomposition of 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran to monocyclic compounds. 2,3-Dihydrobenzofuran was used as a lignin model compound for representing ß-5 linkage of lignin. In the catalytic decomposition of 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran over Pd/OMC-SO3H-X, ethylcyclohexane and 2-ethlyphenol were mainly produced. Conversion of 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran and total yield for main products (ethylcyclohexane and 2-ethylphenol) were closely related to the acidity of the catalysts. Conversion of 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran and total. yield for main products increased with increasing acidity of Pd/OMC-SO3H-X catalysts. Among the catalysts tested, Pd/OMC-SO3H-150 with the largest acidity showed the highest conversion of 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran and the highest total yield for main products.

High temperature carbon dioxide capture on nano-structured MgO-Al2O3 and CaO-Al2O3 adsorbents: an experimental and theoretical study.

Nano-structured alkaline-earth metal oxide adsorbents (denoted as MgO-Al2O3 and CaO-Al2O3) were prepared by an epoxide-driven one-pot sol-gel method, and they were applied to the dynamic and static CO2 adsorption. For comparison, a nano-structured aluminum oxide adsorbent (denoted as Al2O3) was also prepared by a similar method. MgO-Al2O3 adsorbent exhibited a well-developed mesopore structure through the formation of MgAl2O4 spinel phase, whereas CaO-Al2O3 adsorbent was composed of nano-sized CaO and CaAl2O4, resulting in a pore plugging. It was revealed that total basicity increased in the order of Al2O3 (0.11 mmol-CO2/g) < MgO-Al2O3 (0.37 mmol-CO2/g) < CaO-Al2O3, (1.21 mmol-CO2/g), which is in concurrent with adsorption energy obtained from DFT calculations. However, it was found that both basicity and base strength of the adsorbents played an important role in determining the CO2 adsorptive performance at different operating temperature. Among the adsorbents tested, MgO-Al2O3, which mostly retained medium basic sites, exhibited a best CO2 adsorptive performance at 200 degrees C. Furthermore, the experimental results are well supported by theoretical estimation, suggesting a useful design method of adsorbents for facile and regenerative adsorption in the applications of CO2 capture.

Graphene-containing carbon aerogel prepared using polyethyleneimine (PEl)-modified graphene oxide (GO) for supercapacitor: effect of polyethyleneimine-modified GO content.

Graphene-containing carbon aerogel was prepared by a sol-gel polymerization of resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) method using polyethyleneimine (PEL)-modified chemically exfoliated graphene oxide (GO), and its electrochemical performance as an electrode for supercapacitor was examined. The effect of PEI-modified GO content on the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of graphene-containing carbon aerogel was investigated. For comparison, graphene-free carbon aerogel was also prepared. Among the samples, graphene-containing carbon aerogel prepared using 45 wt% PEI-modified GO solution (CA(45PG)) showed the highest BET surface area (784 m2/g) and the largest pore volume (1.71 cm3/g) with well-developed porous structure. Electrochemical properties of graphene-containing carbon aerogel and graphene-free carbon aerogel electrodes were measured by cyclic voltammetry, charge/discharge test, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 6 M KOH electrolyte. Various electrochemical measurements revealed that CA(45PG) showed the highest specific capacitance (261 F/g), the lowest equivalent series resistance (0.16 Ω), and superior capacitive behavior. It is concluded that PEI-modified GO content served as an important factor determining the physicochemical properties and supercapacitive electrochemical performance of graphene-containing carbon aerogel.

NiO/CeO2-ZnO nano-catalysts for direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate from methanol and carbon dioxide.

XNiO/CeO2(0.7)-ZnO(0.3) (X = 0, 1, 5, 10, and 15) nano-catalysts were prepared by a wet impregnation method with a variation of NiO content (X, wt%). The prepared catalysts were then applied to the direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate from methanol and carbon dioxide. Successful formation of XNiO/CeO2(0.7)-ZnO(0.3) nano-catalysts was confirmed by XRD and ICP-AES analyses. Acidity and basicity of XNiO/CeO2-ZnO were measured by NH3-TPD (temperature-programmed desorption) and CO2-TPD experiments, respectively, with an aim of elucidating the effect of acidity and basicity of the catalysts on the catalytic performance in the reaction. It was revealed that the catalytic activity of XNiO/CeO2(0.7)-ZnO(0.3) was closely related to both acidity and basicity of the catalysts. The amount of dimethyl carbonate produced over XNiO/CeO2(0.7)-ZnO(0.3) increased with increasing acidity and basicity of the catalysts. Thus, both acidity and basicity of the catalysts played important roles in determining the catalytic performance in the direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate from methanol and carbon dioxide.

Microporous and mesoporous ZSM-5 catalyst for catalytic cracking of C5 raffinate to light olefins.

ZSM5 catalysts (PAM(X)-ZSM5) with micropores and mesopores were prepared using polyacrylamide (PAM) as a soft template at different PAM content (X = 0, 0.12, 0.25, 0.53, 0.64, and 0.78 wt%), and they were applied to the production of light olefins (ethylene and propylene) through catalytic cracking of C5 raffinate. The effect of PAM content of PAM(X)-ZSM5 catalysts on the physicochemical properties and catalytic activities was investigated. N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms of PAM(X)-ZSM5 catalysts exhibited a broad hysteresis loop at high relative pressure, indicating the existence of mesopores in the catalysts. It was found that the catalytic performance of PAM(X)-ZSM5 catalysts was closely related to the mesoporosity of the catalysts. Conversion of C5 raffinate and yield for light olefins showed volcano-shaped trends with respect to mesopore/micropore volume ratio of the catalysts. Thus, an optimal PAM content was required to achieve maximum production of light olefins through catalytic cracking of C5 raffinate over microporous and mesoporous PAM(X)-ZSM5 catalysts.

Conversion of succinic acid to 1,4-butanediol via dimethyl succinate over rhenium nano-catalyst supported on copper-containing mesoporous carbon.

Copper-containing mesoporous carbons (XCu-MC) with different copper content (X = 8.0, 12.7, 15.9, 23.3, and 26.8 wt%) were prepared by a single-step surfactant-templating method. Rhenium nano-catalysts supported on copper-containing mesoporous carbons (Re/XCu-MC) were then prepared by an incipient wetness method. Re/XCu-MC (X = 8.0, 12.7, 15.9, 23.3, and 26.8 wt%) catalysts were characterized by nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm, HR-TEM, FT-IR, and H2- TPR analyses. Liquid-phase hydrogenation of succinic acid to 1,4-butanediol (BDO) via dimethyl succinate (DMS) was carried out over Re/XCu-MC catalysts in a batch reactor. The effect of copper content on the physicochemical properties and catalytic activities of Re/XCu-MC catalysts in the hydrogenation of succinic acid to BDO was investigated. Re/XCu-MC catalysts retained different physicochemical properties depending on copper content. In the hydrogenation of succinic acid to BDO, yield for BDO showed a volcano-shaped trend with respect to copper content. Thus, an optimal copper content was required to achieve maximum catalytic performance of Re/XCu-MC. It was also observed that yield for BDO increased with increasing the amount of hydrogen consumption by copper in the Re/XCu-MC catalysts.

Scanning tunneling microscopy investigation of nano-structured α-K5PW11(M x OH2)O39(M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II)) Keggin heteropolyacid catalyst monolayers.

Nano-structured α-K5PW11(M x OH2)O39 (M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II)) Keggin heteropolyacids (HPAs) were investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and tunneling spectroscopy (TS) measurements in order to elucidate their redox property and oxidation catalysis. HPA molecules formed two-dimensional self-assembled monolayer arrays on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface. Furthermore, HPAs exhibited a distinctive current-voltage behavior referred to as negative differential resistance (NDR) phenomenon. The measured NDR peak voltage of HPAs was correlated with the reduction potential and the absorption edge energy determined by electrochemical method and UV-visible spectroscopy, respectively. NDR peak voltage of HPAs appeared at less negative voltage with increasing reduction potential and with decreasing UV-visible absorption edge energy. The correlations strongly suggested that NDR phenomenon was closely related to the redox property of HPAs. Vapor-phase oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde was carried out as a model reaction to track the oxidation catalysis of HPAs. NDR peak voltage appeared at less negative voltage with increasing yield for benzaldehyde.