bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anxiety and Psychological Well-Being Levels of Faculty of Sports Sciences Students
Authors: Tunç Aygül Çağlayan
Published: April 2020

The aim of the study is to examine the anxiety and psychological well-being levels of the students of the sports sciences. The study is in relational screening model. 210 university students participated in the study with simple random sampling method. Collection of data; Anxiety assessment scale and psychological well-being scale were used. Information was collected from the participants about gender, whether to do active sports or not, and income level. Data analysis was done with SPSS 22 package program. Skewness and kurtosis values are in normal distribution. Independent sample t test was used in binary comparisons and Anova test was used in more than two comparisons. Pearson correlation test was used in the correlation analysis. The significance level for all tests is α = 0.05. Participants have moderate anxiety. According to gender, women’s anxiety level is higher than men’s. There was a significant difference in anxiety psychic subscale and total score. In anxiety, somatic sub-dimension and psychological well-being, no significant difference was found in terms of gender. (P<0.05). According to whether to do active sports; There is no significant difference for anxiety and psychological well-being (p>0.05). According to the economic level; Significant differentiation was found in anxiety somatic sub-dimension and total score. Those with bad income were found to have high anxiety and low psychological well-being than those with good and moderate levels (p<0.05).
Book Review: Intellectual Property and Information Rights for Librarians
Authors: Watts Kathy A.
Published: April 2020

Intellectual Property and Information Rights for Librarians is a detailed and engaging read that provides librarians from all types of libraries with practical information about the intellectual property issues facing their library users.
Assessment of the Sub-acute Toxicity Profile of Vitex doniana (Sweet) Leaf Fractions on Albino Rats
Authors: Onwukwe O. S. , Ukwuani J. N. , Onyemelukwe A. O. , Azubuike N. C. , Onuba A. C. , Ogu O. C. , Odo O. F. , Achukwu P. U.
Published: April 2020

Aim: To evaluate the sub-acute toxicity profile of fractions of Vitex doniana using adult albino rats.

Study Design: An experimental study that lasted for 28 days.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Animal House Unit, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, between January 2019 and March 2019.

Methodology: Methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane fractions of V. doniana were orally administered to 6 groups of animals at doses of 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg body weight for each fraction, for 28 days. At the end of the administration, the animals were sacrificed. Body weight changes, Relative Organ Weights (ROW), haematological analysis, serum biochemical assay and histopathological changes of vital organs were used to evaluate the potential toxic effects of the fractions after treatments.

Results: The fractions had no adverse effects on the body weights, ROW and gross appearance of the tissues. There were no significant changes in the haematological and biochemical parameters of the treated animals compared to the controls. Histological assessment of the excised organs also showed no overt pathological changes apart from thickened alveolar septa in the lungs of the animals that received methanol and ethyl acetate fractions.

Conclusion: The polar fractions of V. doniana at the doses tested did not induce any toxic changes in the treated animals.
Screening of Aspergillus and Candida Species with Utmost Potential to Synthesize Citric Acid
Authors: Uzah G. A. , Akani N. P. , Odu N. N.
Published: April 2020

Background: Citric acid production through fermentation is economical but meeting its increasing global demand has been challenging in recent times.

Aim: This study aimed to screen Aspergillus and Candida sp. isolated from different sources with potentials of producing citric acid.

Methodology: Aspergillus and Candida spp. were isolated from compost soil and fruits (cucumber and banana) and their morphological characteristics were described using standard microbiological methods. The isolates were quantitatively screened for citric acid production based on appearance of yellow zone of clearance for 3 days. All the isolates which had acid unitage (AU) values> 5.0 were selected for further characterization using molecular methods.

Results: Candida tropicalis, Aspergillus sp. A. niger and Penicillium sp. were isolated from the soil and fruit samples. The isolates screened for citric acid production displayed varying diameters of yellow zones around their colonies is indicative of varying capability of the microbial strains. A. niger from compost soil which had highest AU value of 8.5 at Day 3 demonstrated greatest potential to yield citric acid. Molecular characterization revealed high citric acid producing strains as Aspergillus niger (EU440768.1) and Aspergillus welwitschiae (MG669181.1).

Conclusion: Although Aspergillus niger is widely utilized for industrial production of citric acid, this study has demonstrated that A. welwitschiae is a specie of Aspergillus capable of synthesizing citric acid reasonably.
Technology‐Integrated Project‐Based Language Learning
Authors: Beckett Gulbahar H. , Slater Tammy
Published: April 2020

This entry defines project‐based language learning (PBLL) as a student‐centered, comprehensive approach that focuses on the development of language, content, and skills in an integrated and meaningful way. It also focuses on research that utilizes technology in its implementation. It lists criteria involved in the approach, provides a review of the findings from research on technology‐mediated PBLL, and identifies gaps for further research.
Textbook Analysis
Authors: Weninger Csilla
Published: April 2020

Textbook analysis is a small but distinct subfield of applied linguistic research aimed at examining textbooks as curricular‐cultural artifacts that communicate important meanings through their content and design. Orienting to an interdisciplinary, critical theoretical paradigm, researchers examine how the textual and visual material in textbooks represents people, places, and languages as well as how it positions and shapes learners' understanding.
Concentration‐Driven Disruption of Single‐File Water
Authors: Rezvova Maria , Gölzhäuser Armin , Dementyev Petr
Published: April 2020

Strong hydrogen bonding is known to entail some of the spectacular physical properties of liquid water, including fast diffusion under nanoconfinement. Similar to biological channels, the single‐file or collective motion of interconnected water molecules has been observed in nanotubes and laminar structures, exhibiting tremendous potential for energy‐efficient separation applications. Desalination, breaking azeotropes, and dehumidification have been all addressed with the membranes enabling selective transport of water while most attention has been paid to the fabrication and morphological characteristics of the respective microporous materials. However, the performance of membrane processes also depends on the properties of the chemical systems to be treated, often facing problems under realistic conditions such as concentration polarization. In this study, adsorption controlled permeation is employed to explore the interfacial behavior of water–alcohol mixtures in nanostructured membranes as a function of concentration. The permeation rate of water is found to sink manifold as the molar fraction of isopropanol molecules increases, indicating breakdown of the single‐file mechanism. A phenomenological model is devised to account for intermolecular interactions in the binary liquid–liquid mixture whereas kinetic simulations agree well with the experimental data. The results point to the fundamental limitations of water‐selective conduits for dehydrating organic solvents.
Key Ionic Electrolytes for Highly Self‐Stable Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells Based on Ir(III) Complexes
Authors: Fresta Elisa , Monclús Miguel A. , Bertz Morten , Ezquerro Cintia , Molina‐Aldareguia Jon M. , Berenguer Jesús R. , Kunimoto Masahiro , Homma Takayuki , Costa Rubén D.
Published: April 2020

Self‐stability in light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) based on Ir(III) ionic transition metal complexes (Ir‐iTMC) has been long overlooked. Herein, it is demonstrated that the nature of the active layer blending an archetype Ir‐iTMC as emitter and ionic electrolytes—ionic liquid (IL) or ionic polyelectrolyte (IP)—is paramount for the storage and mechanical stability of rigid/flexible LECs. Strikingly, devices with ionic polyelectrolytes (IPs) stand out compared to those with traditional configurations with or without ILs. They exhibit i) superior brightness and efficiencies in rigid/flexible devices due to the higher photoluminescence quantum yield, ii) the best performance at pulsed current driving mode under inert/ambient operation conditions due to a slower growth of the doped regions, iii) enhanced device stabilities upon ambient/inert storage, resulting in <10% performance loss after 1 month of aging, and iv) the smallest performance loss (<10%) upon bending stress, since IPs prevent mechanically induced damage, preserving morphological and spectroscopic features. These findings are supported by steady‐state and time‐resolved emission spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, microscopic and mechanical assays, along with the analysis of fresh and aged devices driven at different modes under inert/ambient conditions. Overall, this work highlights the need of revisiting new emitter:electrolyte combinations toward realizing highly self‐stable LECs.
Insights into the Substrate Promiscuity of Novel Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases
Authors: Bertuletti Susanna , Ferrandi Erica Elisa , Marzorati Stefano , Vanoni Marta , Riva Sergio , Monti Daniela
Published: April 2020

Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDHs) are valuable biocatalysts for the regio‐ and stereoselective modification of steroids, bile acids and other steroid derivatives. In this work, we investigated the substrate promiscuity of this highly selective class of enzymes. In order to reach this goal, a preliminary search of HSDH homologues in in‐house or public available (meta)genomes was carried out. Eight novel NAD(H)‐dependent HSDHs, showing either 7α‐, 7β‐, or 12α‐HSDH activity, and including, for the first time, enzymes from extremophilic microorganisms, were identified, recombinantly produced, and characterized. Among the novel HSDHs, four highly active (up to 92 U mg−1) NAD(H)‐dependent 7β‐HSDHs showing negligible similarity towards previously described 7β‐HSDHs, were discovered.

These enzymes, along with previously characterized HSDHs, were tested as biocatalysts for the stereoselective reduction of a panel of substrates including two α‐ketoesters of pharmaceutical interest and selected ketones that partially resemble the structural features of steroids. All the reactions were coupled with a suitable cofactor regeneration system. Regarding the α‐ketoesters, nearly all of the tested HSDHs showed a good activity toward the selected substrates, yielding the reduced α‐hydroxyester with up to 99% conversions and enantiomeric excesses. On the other hand, only the 7β‐HSDHs from Collinsella aerofaciens and Clostridium absonum showed appreciable activity toward more complex ketones, i. e., (±)‐trans‐1‐decalone, but with interesting as well as different selectivity.

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Constructing High‐Performance Organic Photovoltaics via Emerging Non‐Fullerene Acceptors and Tandem‐Junction Structure
Authors: Cheng Pei , Wang Jiayu , Zhan Xiaowei , Yang Yang
Published: April 2020

In consideration of the unique advantages of new non‐fullerene acceptors and the tandem‐junction structure, organic photovoltaics (OPVs) based on them are very promising. Studies related to this emerging area began in 2016 with achieved power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 8–10%, which have now been boosted to 17%. In this essay, the construction of high‐performance OPVs is discussed, with a focus on combining the advantages of new non‐fullerene acceptors and the tandem‐junction structure. In order to achieve higher PCEs, methods to enable high short‐circuit current density, open‐circuit voltage, and fill factor are discussed. In addition, the stability and reproducibility of high‐efficiency OPVs are also addressed. Herein, it is forecast that the new non‐fullerene acceptors‐based tandem‐junction OPVs will become the next big wave in the field and achieve high PCEs over 20% in the near future. Some promising research directions on this emerging hot topic are proposed which may further push the field into the 25% high efficiency era and considerably advance the technology beyond laboratory research.
Alternative assays to dRVVT and aPTT for lupus anticoagulant detection
Authors: Moore Gary W.
Published: April 2020

Lupus anticoagulants (LA) are heterogeneous antibodies and no single assay will detect every LA. Consequently, testing is commonly undertaken with both dilute Russell's viper venom time (dRVVT) and LA‐responsive activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) to maximize detection rates. Although a huge body of evidence attests to the diagnostic utility of these assays, they have limitations that can render them unreliable in certain circumstances. Other assays are available for detecting LA but unfamiliarity, variable availability and technical concerns expressed in guidelines contribute to less usage than dRVVT and aPTT. However, assays such as Taipan snake venom time and Textarin time are insensitive to anticoagulants that compromise dRVVT and aPTT, and assays such as dilute prothrombin time can detect LA unreactive in dRVVT and aPTT. The pros and cons of alternative assays to dRVVT and APTT for LA detection are discussed.
An Autonomous Chemical Robot Discovers the Rules of Inorganic Coordination Chemistry without Prior Knowledge
Authors: Porwol Luzian , Kowalski Daniel J. , Henson Alon , Long De‐Liang , Bell Nicola L. , Cronin Leroy
Published: April 2020

We present a chemical discovery robot for the efficient and reliable discovery of supramolecular architectures through the exploration of a huge reaction space exceeding ten billion combinations. The system was designed to search for areas of reactivity found through autonomous selection of the reagent types, amounts, and reaction conditions aiming for combinations that are reactive. The process consists of two parts where reagents are mixed together, choosing from one type of aldehyde, one amine and one azide (from a possible family of two amines, two aldehydes and four azides) with different volumes, ratios, reaction times, and temperatures, whereby the reagents are passed through a copper coil reactor. Next, either cobalt or iron is added, again from a large number of possible quantities. The reactivity was determined by evaluating differences in pH, UV‐Vis, and mass spectra before and after the search was started. The algorithm was focused on the exploration of interesting regions, as defined by the outputs from the sensors, and this led to the discovery of a range of 1‐benzyl‐(1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)‐N‐alkyl‐(2‐pyridinemethanimine) ligands and new complexes: [Fe(L1)2](ClO4)2 (1); [Fe(L2)2](ClO4)2 (2); [Co2(L3)2](ClO4)4 (3); [Fe2(L3)2](ClO4)4 (4), which were crystallised and their structure confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction determination, as well as a range of new supramolecular clusters discovered in solution using high‐resolution mass spectrometry.
Chalcogen Bond Mediated Enhancement of Cooperative Ion‐Pair Recognition
Authors: Bunchuay Thanthapatra , Docker Andrew , Eiamprasert Utt , Surawatanawong Panida , Brown Asha , Beer Paul D.
Published: April 2020

A series of heteroditopic receptors containing halogen bond (XB) and unprecedented chalcogen bond (ChB) donors integrated into a 3,5‐bis‐triazole pyridine structure covalently linked to benzo‐15‐crown‐5 ether motifs exhibit remarkable cooperative recognition of halide anions. Multi‐nuclear 1H, 13C, 125Te and 19F NMR, ion pair binding investigations reveal sodium cation–benzo‐crown ether binding dramatically enhances the recognition of bromide and iodide halide anions, with the chalcogen bonding heteroditopic receptor notably displaying the largest enhancement of halide binding strength of over two hundred‐fold, in comparison to the halogen bonding and hydrogen bonding heteroditopic receptor analogues. DFT calculations suggest crown ether sodium cation complexation induces a polarisation of the sigma hole of ChB and XB heteroditopic receptor donors as a significant contribution to the origin of the unique cooperativity exhibited by these systems.
Semisynthesis of Functional Glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐Anchored Proteins
Authors: Roller Renée F. , Malik Ankita , Carillo Maria A. , Garg Monika , Rella Antonella , Raulf Marie‐Kristin , Lepenies Bernd , Seeberger Peter H. , Varón Silva Daniel
Published: April 2020

Glypiation is a common posttranslational modification of eukaryotic proteins involving the attachment of a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) glycolipid. GPIs contain a conserved phosphoglycan that is modified in a cell‐ and tissue‐specific manner. GPI complexity suggests roles in biological processes and effects on the attached protein, but the difficulties to get homogeneous material have hindered studies. We disclose a one‐pot intein‐mediated ligation (OPL) to obtain GPI‐anchored proteins. The strategy enables the glypiation of folded and denatured proteins with a natural linkage to the glycolipid. Using the strategy, glypiated eGFP, Thy1, and the Plasmodium berghei protein MSP119 were prepared. Glypiation did not alter the structure of eGFP and MSP119 proteins in solution, but it induced a strong pro‐inflammatory response in vitro. The strategy provides access to glypiated proteins to elucidate the activity of this modification and for use as vaccine candidates against parasitic infections.
Observation of the Low‐Frequency Spectrum of the Water Trimer as a Sensitive Test of the Water‐Trimer Potential and the Dipole‐Moment Surface
Authors: Schwan Raffael , Qu Chen , Mani Devendra , Pal Nitish , Schwaab Gerhard , Bowman Joel M. , Tschumper Gregory S. , Havenith Martina
Published: April 2020

Intermolecular interactions in bulk water are dominated by pairwise and non‐pairwise cooperative interactions. While accurate descriptions of the pairwise interactions are available and can be tested by precise low‐frequency spectra of the water dimer up to 550 cm−1, the same does not hold for the three‐body interactions. Here, we report the first comprehensive spectrum of the water trimer in the frequency region from 70 to 620 cm−1 using helium‐nanodroplet isolation and free‐electron lasers. By comparison to accompanying high‐level quantum calculations, the experimentally observed intermolecular bands can be assigned. The transition frequencies of the degenerate translation, the degenerate in‐plane and the non‐degenerate out‐of‐plane libration, as well as additional bands of the out‐of‐plane librational mode are reported for the first time. These provide a benchmark for state‐of‐the‐art water potentials and dipole‐moment surfaces, especially with respect to three‐body interactions.
In Situ Synthesis of an Aptamer‐Based Polyvalent Antibody Mimic on the Cell Surface for Enhanced Interactions between Immune and Cancer Cells
Authors: Shi Peng , Wang Xuelin , Davis Brandon , Coyne James , Dong Cheng , Reynolds Joshua , Wang Yong
Published: April 2020

An ability to promote therapeutic immune cells to recognize cancer cells is important for the success of cell‐based cancer immunotherapy. We present a synthetic method for functionalizing the surface of natural killer (NK) cells with a supramolecular aptamer‐based polyvalent antibody mimic (PAM). The PAM is synthesized on the cell surface through nucleic acid assembly and hybridization. The data show that PAM has superiority over its monovalent counterpart in powering NKs to bind to cancer cells, and that PAM‐engineered NK cells exhibit the capability of killing cancer cells more effectively. Notably, aptamers can, in principle, be discovered against any cell receptors; moreover, the aptamers can be replaced by any other ligands when developing a PAM. Thus, this work has successfully demonstrated a technology platform for promoting interactions between immune and cancer cells.
Reduktive Desaminierung mit Hydrosilanen katalysiert durch B(C6F5)3
Authors: Fang Huaquan , Oestreich Martin
Published: April 2020

Es ist bekannt, dass die starke Bor‐Lewis‐Säure Tris(pentafluorphenyl)boran B(C6F5)3 die dehydrierende Kupplung von bestimmten Aminen und Hydrosilanen bei erhöhten Temperaturen katalysiert. Bei noch höheren Temperaturen konkurriert der Reaktionspfad der Dehydrierung mit dem Bruch der C‐N‐Bindung, was in Defunktionalisierung mündet. Genau das lässt sich zu einer nützlichen Methode für die übergangsmetallfreie, reduktive Desaminierung einer breiten Palette an Aminen sowie Heterocumulenen, z. B. einem Isocyanat und einem Isothiocyanat, ausbauen.
Ultrathin polypyrrole films on self‐assembled monolayers as an efficient ultramicroelectrode assay
Authors: Bolat Gulcin , Yaman Yesim T. , Kuralay Filiz , Abaci Serdar
Published: April 2020

In this work, we investigated the effect of electrodeposition of polypyrrole (PPy) films on two different self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) modified gold electrode for the electrochemical construction of ultramicroelectrode (UME). In order to obtain SAM modified surfaces, 4‐mercapto‐1‐butanol and 11‐mercaptoundecanoic acid were used. The effect of these two chains on pyrrole electropolymerization was compared. Electropolymerization of pyrrole on SAM modified Au electrode was carried out by using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and constant potential electrolysis. To investigate the UME formation, the obtained surfaces were tested in Fe(CN)63−/4− redox system. UMEs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The designed UME was applied as an immobilization matrix to entrap a redox protein, Hemoglobin (Hb), as a model. Direct electron transfer between this protein and the fabricated thiol modified PPy based UME was achieved, which is very challenging on bare electrode surfaces. With this study, a simple, low‐cost and reproducible UME production way has been successfully accomplished and Hb modified UME is promising for different bioanalytical applications, for instance; cellular hydrogen peroxide or nitrite sensing.
Setting Guidelines for Electromagnetic Exposures and Research Needs
Authors: Barnes Frank , Greenebaum Ben
Published: April 2020

Current limits for exposures to nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) are set, based on relatively short‐term exposures. Long‐term exposures to weak EMF are not addressed in the current guidelines. Nevertheless, a large and growing amount of evidence indicates that long‐term exposure to weak fields can affect biological systems and might have effects on human health. If they do, the public health issues could be important because of the very large fraction of the population worldwide that is exposed. We also discuss research that needs to be done to clarify questions about the effects of weak fields. In addition to the current short‐term exposure guidelines, we propose an approach to how weak field exposure guidelines for long‐term exposures might be set, in which the responsibility for limiting exposure is divided between the manufacturer, system operator, and individual being exposed. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society
Impurity profiling high‐performance‐thin‐layer chromatography method involving the assay of essential human micronutrient niacin with eco‐scale assessment
Authors: Naguib Ibrahim A. , Draz Mohammed E. , Abdallah Fatma F.
Published: April 2020

Currently, analytical scientists are paying special attention to reducing reliance on hazardous chemicals in various analytical methods. By embracing this concept, we developed an eco‐friendly high‐performancethin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC) method as an alternative for the conventional HPLC method for the determination of an essential human micronutrient, niacin (NIA), which is used improve the lipid profile of patients. Furthermore, the proposed HPTLC method is capable of determining the structurally related impurities of NIA such as pyridine‐2,5‐dicarboxylic acid, isonicotinic acid, pyridine, and 5‐ethyl‐2‐methylpyridine, which exhibit nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic effects. The separation of this challenging mixture was achieved on HPTLC sheets using a mixture of ethyl acetate/ethanol/ammonia solution (6:4:0.05, v/v/v), and then the dried plates were scanned at 254 nm. The analytical eco‐scale assessment protocol was used to assess the greenness profile of the presented method and compare it with the reported HPLC method. The suggested method was found to be greener with regard to the consumption of solvents and the yielding of waste. The results suggest that the described method can be safely implemented for the routine analysis of NIA pharmaceutical dosage without the interference of potential impurities in quality control laboratories.
Antidepressant‐like effect of flaxseed in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress
Authors: Han Yan , Deng Xin , Zhang Yi , Wang Xin , Zhu Xiongzhao , Mei Shiyong , Chen Anguo
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Depression is a serious mental illness. However, a significant proportion of patients with depression fail to achieve remission with antidepressant therapies. This study was conducted to explore the antidepressant‐like effect of flaxseed oil and flour in an animal model with depression‐like behaviors induced by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS).

Methods

Rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal control (Sham–Sham), CUS plus saline (S‐SN), CUS plus escitalopram (S‐Esc), CUS plus flaxseeds oil (S‐FO), and CUS plus flaxseed flour (S‐FF). Behaviors were tested using sucrose preference test and forced swimming test. The serum BDNF concentration, hippocampal BDNF mRNA, and protein expression were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, real‐time PCR, and Western blot, respectively.

Results

The sucrose preference rate was significantly higher in S‐FO and S‐FF rats than in S‐SN and S‐Esc rats (p < .01), and lower in S‐Esc rats than in Sham–Sham rats (p < .01). The immobility time was significantly shorter in S‐FO and S‐FF rats than in S‐SN rats (p < .01), and shorter in S‐Esc rats than in S‐SN rats (p < .01). Plasma BDNF concentrations were significantly lower in S‐FO, S‐FF, and S‐Esc rats than in Sham–Sham rats (p < .01); BDNF was lower in S‐FO, S‐FF, and S‐SN rats than in S‐Esc rats. The hippocampal BDNF protein expression was significantly higher in S‐Esc rats than in S‐SN rats (p < .05). The hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression was significantly higher in S‐Esc rats than in S‐SN rats (p < .01). The BDNF gene expression in plasma and the hippocampus negatively correlated with the immobility time (p < .05), but BDNF gene expression in the hippocampus positively correlated with the sucrose preference rate (p < .05).

Conclusion

Flaxseed oil and flaxseed flour exert antidepressant‐like effect in rats exposed to chronic stress. Flaxseed may have a therapeutic effect on depression.
Protective effect of epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate against neuroinflammation and anxiety‐like behavior in a rat model of myocardial infarction
Authors: Wang Jinpeng , Li Ping , Qin Tian , Sun Dongjie , Zhao Xin , Zhang Beilin
Published: April 2020

Objective

Individuals who experience myocardial infarction (MI) often experience anxiety. Green tea has potent antioxidative properties and, epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), which is a primary component of tea polyphenols, has advantageous effects on anxiety and depression. However, its mechanism of action regarding the inhibition of anxiety‐like symptoms after MI remains unclear. This study examined whether EGCG alleviated anxiety‐like behavior in MI rats and its possible mechanism.

Material and Methods

Rats were administered a daily gavage of EGCG (50 mg/kg) 7 days before and 14 consecutive days after the MI procedure. The open‐field test and light/dark shuttle box were performed to evaluate anxiety‐like behavior. Serum and hippocampus interleukin (IL)‐6 levels were tested using ELISA. Caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 9 and bcl‐2 messenger RNA levels in the hippocampus were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and STAT3 protein was detected by Western blot.

Results

Results of the open field test and light/dark shuttle box task demonstrated that the MI procedure induced anxiety‐like behavior in the animals, and this impairment was improved by EGCG. Daily EGCG administration significantly decreased the level of IL‐6 both in serum and hippocampus after MI. The administration of EGCG also significantly moderated the expression of caspases 3, 8, and 9 mRNA, which was related to apoptosis in the hippocampus. Furthermore, EGCG also downregulated the expression of STAT3, which was related to the activity of IL‐6. These results suggest that EGCG alleviated anxiety‐like behavior by inhibiting increases in neuroinflammation and apoptosis in the rat hippocampus. In addition, EGCG reversed alterations of IL‐6 and STAT3 in the brain to alleviate apoptosis in the hippocampus.

Conclusions

Thus, EGCG reversed anxiety‐like behavior through an anti‐inflammation effect to alleviate apoptosis in neurons and may be a useful therapeutic material for anxiety‐like behavior after MI.
The in Vitro Antiplasmodial and Antiproliferative Activity of New Ferrocene‐Based α‐Aminocresols Targeting Hemozoin Inhibition and DNA Interaction
Authors: Mbaba Mziyanda , Dingle Laura M. K. , Swart Tarryn , Cash Devon , Laming Dustin , de la Mare Jo‐Anne , Taylor Dale , Hoppe Heinrich C. , Biot Christophe , Edkins Adrienne L. , Khanye Setshaba D.
Published: April 2020

The conjugation of organometallic complexes to known bioactive organic frameworks is a proven strategy revered for devising new drug molecules with novel modes of action. This approach holds great promise for the generation of potent drug leads in the quest for therapeutic chemotypes with the potential to overcome the development of clinical resistance. Herein, we present the in vitro antiplasmodial and antiproliferative investigation of ferrocenyl α‐aminocresol conjugates assembled by amalgamation of the organometallic ferrocene unit and an α‐aminocresol scaffold possessing antimalarial activity. The compounds pursued in the study exhibited higher toxicity towards the chemosensitive (3D7) and ‐resistant (Dd2) strains of the Plasmodium falciparum parasite than to the human HCC70 triple‐negative breast cancer cell line. Indication of cross‐resistance was absent for the compounds evaluated against the multi‐resistant Dd2 strain. Structure‐activity analysis revealed that the phenolic hydroxy group and rotatable σ bond between the α‐carbon and NH group of the α‐amino‐o‐cresol skeleton are crucial for the biological activity of the compounds. Spectrophotometric techniques and in silico docking simulations performed on selected derivatives suggest that the compounds show a dual mode of action involving hemozoin inhibition and DNA interaction via minor‐groove binding. Lastly, compound 9 a, identified as a possible lead, exhibited preferential binding for the plasmodial DNA isolated from 3D7 P. falciparum trophozoites over the mammalian calf thymus DNA, thereby substantiating the enhanced antiplasmodial activity of the compounds. The presented research demonstrates the strategy of incorporating organometallic complexes into known biologically active organic scaffolds as a viable avenue to fashion novel multimodal compounds with potential to counter the development drug resistance.
Systematic Evaluation of Imine‐Reducing Enzymes: Common Principles in Imine Reductases, β‐Hydroxy Acid Dehydrogenases, and Short‐Chain Dehydrogenases/ Reductases
Authors: Stockinger Peter , Roth Sebastian , Müller Michael , Pleiss Jürgen
Published: April 2020

The enzymatic, asymmetric reduction of imines is catalyzed by imine reductases (IREDs), members of the short‐chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) family, and β‐hydroxy acid dehydrogenase (βHAD) variants. Systematic evaluation of the structures and substrate‐binding sites of the three enzyme families has revealed four common principles for imine reduction: structurally conserved cofactor‐binding domains; tyrosine, aspartate, or glutamate as proton donor; at least four characteristic flanking residues that adapt the donor's pKa and polarize the substrate; and a negative electrostatic potential in the substrate‐binding site to stabilize the transition state. As additional catalytically relevant positions, we propose alternative proton donors in IREDs and βHADs as well as proton relays in IREDs, βHADs, and SDRs. The functional role of flanking residues was experimentally confirmed by alanine scanning of the imine‐reducing SDR from Zephyranthes treatiae. Mutating the “gatekeeping” phenylalanine at standard position 200 resulted in a tenfold increase in imine‐reducing activity.
Optical Control of GABAA Receptors with a Fulgimide‐Based Potentiator
Authors: Rustler Karin , Maleeva Galyna , Gomila Alexandre M. J. , Gorostiza Pau , Bregestovski Piotr , König Burkhard
Published: April 2020

Optogenetic and photopharmacological tools to manipulate neuronal inhibition have limited efficacy and reversibility. We report the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of Fulgazepam, a fulgimide derivative of benzodiazepine that behaves as a pure potentiator of ionotropic γ‐aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAARs) and displays full and reversible photoswitching in vitro and in vivo. The compound enables high‐resolution studies of GABAergic neurotransmission, and phototherapies based on localized, acute, and reversible neuroinhibition.
Signalkreisspezifische Fehlermeldung
Authors: Grimsehl Andreas
Published: April 2020

In sensiblen Bereichen der Prozessindustrie muss auch bei Leitungsfehlern das sichere Schalten von Pumpen, Ventilen oder aktiven Kühlungen gewährleistet sein.
Wassertransport
Authors: Pauly Christoph P.
Published: April 2020

Pumpen, Armaturen und Systeme von KSB helfen, mit der Ressource Wasser verantwortungsvoll umzugehen. Zur Ifat kommen neue effiziente Brunnen – und Abwasserpumpen.
Niederdruck aus Oberfanken
Authors: Köhler Daniela
Published: April 2020

Kaeser Kompressoren zeigt zur Ifat Schraubengebläse mit Synchron‐Reluktanz‐Motor, erstmals Turbogebläse sowie die maschinenübergreifende Steuerung Sigma Air Manager 4.0.
In Situ Bioremediation of Toluene‐Polluted Vadose Zone: Integrated Column and Wetland Study
Authors: Basu Shreejita , Yadav Brijesh Kumar , Mathur Shashi , Gupta Pankaj Kumar
Published: April 2020

A vertical soil column setup integrated with wetlands is developed to study the biodegradation and transport of toluene, a light non‐aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL), in the subsurface environment. LNAPL‐contaminated water is applied to infiltrate from the top of the soil column. The observed and simulated breakthrough curves show high equilibrium concentration at top ports rather than at lower ports, indicating effective toluene biodegradation with soil depth. The observed equilibrium concentration of toluene is higher in the case of unplanted wetland, asserting an accelerated biodegradation rate in the planted case. A difference in the relative concentration of toluene between input and output fluxes at 100 h is found as 13.34% and 30.86% for planted and unplanted wetland setups, respectively. Estimated biodegradation rates show that toluene degradation is 2.5 times faster in the planted wetland setup. In addition, the difference in the observed bacterial count and dissolved oxygen prove that toluene degraded aerobically at a faster rate in the planted setup. Simulations show that as time reached 80–100 h, there is no significant change in concentration profile, thereby confirming the equilibrium condition. The results of this study will be useful to frame plant‐assisted bioremediation techniques for LNAPL‐contaminated soil–water resources in the field.
Perineuronal nets and subtypes ofGABAergiccells differentiate auditory and multisensory nuclei in the intercollicular area of the midbrain
Authors: Beebe Nichole L , Noftz William A , Schofield Brett R
Published: April 2020

The intercollicular region, which lies between the inferior and superior colliculi in the midbrain, contains neurons that respond to auditory, visual, and somatosensory stimuli. Golgi studies have been used to parse this region into three distinct nuclei: the intercollicular tegmentum (ICt), the rostral pole of the inferior colliculus (ICrp), and the nucleus of the brachium of the IC (NBIC). Few reports have focused on these nuclei, especially the ICt and the ICrp, possibly due to lack of a marker that distinguishes these areas and is compatible with modern methods. Here, we found that staining for GABAergic cells and perineuronal nets differentiates these intercollicular nuclei in guinea pigs. Further, we found that the proportions of four subtypes of GABAergic cells differentiate intercollicular nuclei from each other and from adjacent inferior collicular subdivisions. Our results support earlier studies that suggest distinct morphology and functions for intercollicular nuclei, and provide staining methods that differentiate intercollicular nuclei and are compatible with most modern techniques. We hope that this will help future studies to further characterize the intercollicular region.
Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metal Ions Complexes with a Partial Peptide of the Selectivity Filter in K+ Channels Studied by a Cold Ion Trap Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Otsuka Remina , Hirata Keisuke , Sasaki Yuta , Lisy James M. , Ishiuchi Shun‐ichi , Fujii Masaaki
Published: April 2020

The front cover artwork is provided by Takashi Tsujino (Science Graphics Co., Ltd.) . The image shows the efficacy of a bottom‐up approach to ion selectivity of K+ channels. The GYG‐K+ complex, which replicates the local portion of K+ channels, has three conformations with an equivalent distribution. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/cphc.202000033.
Design of low‐power all‐optical networks under the constraint of four‐wave mixing
Authors: Hirata Kouji , Kimura Tomotaka , Fukuchi Yutaka , Muraguchi Masahiro
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we propose a static lightpath establishment method to design low‐power all‐optical networks under the constraint of four‐wave mixing (FWM). Since the FWM causes nonlinear interchannel crosstalk, it degrades the communication quality of optical signals. The FWM crosstalk effect becomes strong in a fiber as the number of passing optical signals increases. Therefore, we should reduce the number of optical signals passing through the same fiber from the perspective of the FWM. Meanwhile, in order to enhance the power efficiency of optical amplifiers, which are deployed at each optical fiber, it is preferred that multiple optical signals are transmitted in the same fiber. In order to decrease the power consumption while keeping high communication quality, the proposed method statically selects routes, wavelengths, and fibers for each traffic demand, considering the FWM crosstalk effect and the usage efficiency of the optical amplifiers. We show the performance of the proposed method through numerical experiments.
High‐frequency sequences within a retrogradational deltaic succession: Upper Cenomanian Dunvegan Formation, Western Canada Foreland Basin
Authors: Hay Michael J. , Plint A. Guy
Published: April 2020

After prograding for several hundred kilometres during Middle Cenomanian time, the Dunvegan delta complex in north‐west Alberta and adjacent British Columbia experienced stepwise transgression, commencing at about the Middle to Late Cenomanian boundary. Progressive drowning of the delta complex is recorded by Dunvegan allomembers B and A, each comprised of three simple depositional sequences, bounded by composite subaerial unconformity/flooding surfaces. Each sequence represents an array of deltaic depositional environments. Delta‐front sandstones preserve little evidence, such as hummocky cross‐stratification, for powerful storm wave action, although wave and combined‐flow ripples are common. Delta‐front sandstone bodies tend to be smaller and lobate in the lower part of the studied interval, and larger and more linear near the top. This suggests increasingly effective wave‐driven redistribution of sand as more open‐marine conditions were gradually established. The top surfaces of allomembers B and A are locally incised by sandstone‐filled palaeovalleys up to 19 m deep; river incision may have been a response to relative sea‐level fall and/or a change in the ratio of discharge to sediment load. Overall, the shoreline described a broad arc, open to the south east, with the sense of shoreline migration north‐west to south‐east. For each sequence, the shoreline migrated an average of 80 km between transgressive and regressive limits. The transgressive limit shows a progressive landward offset of about 15 km per sequence, culminating in complete drowning of the delta system above sequence A3. Isopach maps show that syn‐depositional tectonic subsidence rotated the basin down to the south‐west; palaeogeographic maps show, however, that the sea floor sloped to the south‐east, implying that sediment redistribution effectively filled all tectonically generated accommodation and maintained a south‐east inclined depositional surface. Transgressions and regressions across this surface were therefore driven primarily by eustasy rather than pulses of tectonic subsidence. Simple calculations based on inferred alluvial gradients of 10–20 cm/km suggest that eustatic excursions of ca 8–16 m would have been sufficient to generate sequence thicknesses on the order of 10 m. Limited geochronologic and biostratigraphic control suggests that the six simple sequences that form Dunvegan allomembers B and A each represent an average of about 41 kyr, suggesting that the orbital obliquity cycle was the primary control on high‐frequency sea‐level cycles.
CFAR processing by converting Weibull to Rayleigh distributions
Authors: Sayama Shuji
Published: April 2020

I have observed sea clutter containing a target (ship) using an X‐band radar with a frequency of 9.41 GHz, a beamwidth of 1.0°, a pulsewidth of 0.5 μs, and a pulse‐repetition frequency of 1600 Hz. To investigate the sea clutter amplitude statistics, I introduce the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). I have found that the sea clutter amplitudes obey the Weibull distribution with the shape parameter of c = 2.83 for entire data and the log‐normal, Weibull, and log‐Weibull distributions with the shape parameters of σ = 0.439, c = 2.76 to 4.59, and c = 8.09 to 10.42, respectively, for data within the beam width of an antenna. The number of the smallest AIC (MAIC) of the log‐normal, Weibull, and log‐Weibull distributions to data are 1, 18, and 2, respectively, from 21 range sweep numbers. I have used a circuit to convert Weibull to Rayleigh distributions and a Cell‐Averaging (CA) LOG/CFAR circuit. It is found that ship is detected and sea clutter is suppressed with improvement of 31.43 dB by CFAR processing.
MiRNA‐181a is a novel regulator of aldosterone–mineralocorticoid receptor‐mediated cardiac remodelling
Authors: Garg Ankita , Foinquinos Ariana , Jung Mira , Janssen‐Peters Heike , Biss Sinje , Bauersachs Johann , Gupta Shashi Kumar , Thum Thomas
Published: April 2020

Aim

The aldosterone–mineralocorticoid receptor (Aldo–MR) pathway is activated during cardiac stress, such as hypertension, myocardial infarction (MI), and heart failure. The importance of Aldo and MR in the pathogenesis of cardiac diseases is well established; however, the regulatory mechanisms behind Aldo/MR‐induced cardiac remodelling remain uncertain. We here investigated potential miRNA‐mediated regulation of the Aldo–MR pathway to improve mechanistic understanding.

Methods and results

High‐throughput screening of 2,555 miRNAs using an MR responsive stable cardiomyocyte cell line (MMTV‐GFP‐HL‐1) identified miR‐181a as a potential regulator of Aldo–MR pathway. MiR‐181a was found to downregulate the expression of Ngal (lipocalin‐2), a well‐established downstream effector molecule of Aldo–MR. In addition, Aldo‐induced cellular hypertrophy decreased significantly upon miR‐181a overexpression. Genetic miR‐181 knockout in murine MI model led to deteriorated cardiac function, cardiac remodelling, and activation of Aldo–MR pathway while AAV9‐mediated miR‐181a overexpression improved cardiac function and deactivated Aldo–MR pathway proving a cardio‐protective role of miR‐181a. Global RNA sequencing of cells under Aldo treatment with/without miR‐181a overexpression identified potential miR‐181a targets functionally contributing to Aldo–MR pathway. Adamts1, a direct target of miR‐181a, was found to be downregulated with miR‐181a overexpression and upregulated with inhibition. Similar to miR‐181a overexpression, siRNA‐mediated inhibition of Adamts1 inhibited Aldo–MR pathway.

Conclusion

We here show that miR‐181a is a novel regulator of the Aldo–MR pathway regulating the levels of Ngal via direct targeting of Adamts1. This new insight establishes miR‐181a as a factor of immense value participating in downstream networks of Aldo–MR pathway. Our in vivo studies further confirmed miR‐181a as cardio‐protective under MI stress. Thus, miR‐181a's involvement in Aldo–MR‐mediated cardiac remodelling confers it with tremendous potential to be developed further as a new therapeutic target.
A Naphthalimide‐Based ND‐O‐EAc Photocatalyst for Sulfonation of Alkenes to Access β‐Ketosulfones Under Visible Light
Authors: Yang Xiaoting , Yang Jianjing , Yan Kelu , Qin Hongyun , Dong Wenjie , Wen Jiangwei , Wang Hua
Published: April 2020

The development of facile, efficient, cost‐effective, and visible light‐driven photocatalysts for organic synthetic chemistry has received increasing attention. This protocol has initially synthesized a naphthalimide‐based ND‐O‐EAc visible light photocatalyst for the sulfonation of alkenes to produce β‐ketosulfones. Compared with the current photosynthetic strategies, the newly developed catalytic system has some merits, namely high efficiency, gram‐scale preparation of low‐cost photocatalyst, no metal contamination, wide substrate scope, and green terminal oxidant of air. Moreover, the prepared photocatalyst of ND‐O‐EAc is feasible for the sulfonation reactions of androstenones. Importantly, such a photocatalysis strategy can easily realize the scale‐up synthesis for β‐ketosulfone drugs under the mild conditions up to 90 % yield.
Scarcity in the Covid‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Solomon Mildred Z. , Wynia Matthew , Gostin Lawrence O.
Published: April 2020

As we write, U.S. cities and states with extensive community transmission of Covid‐19 are in harm's way—not only because of the disease itself but also because of prior and current failures to act. During the 2009 influenza pandemic, public health agencies and hospitals developed but never adequately implemented preparedness plans. Focused on efficiency in a competitive market, health systems had few incentives to maintain stockpiles of essential medical equipment. Just‐in‐time economic models resulted in storage of only those supplies needed then. At the same time, global purchasing in search of lower prices reduced the number of U.S. suppliers, with hospitals dependent on foreign companies. There is still a possibility that the pandemic will be manageably bad rather than unmanageably catastrophic in this country. Immediate, powerful, and sustained federal action could make the difference.