bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emperor Dušan's law code
Authors: Fajfrić Željko
Published: February 2021

On the state Council on the 21-st May 1349, Emperor Dušan's Law Code was proclaimed in town Skopje. Without any doubt it is most important Serbian legal document. The author indicates to the written sources of the Serbian medieval law, to the contents and to the influences of the Law Code.
Crisis and renewal of law
Authors: Basta Danilo
Published: February 2021

The author analyses the meaning and phenomenology of law crisis. He separates the crisis on the crisis of creation and the crisis of application of law and concludes that they are impossible without the crisis of state and society. The knowledge of the causes, forms and volumes of crisis is the first step to the law renewal.
European system of central banks and the European central bank
Authors: Šunjka Tomislav
Published: February 2021

Yugoslavia is being late with forming of European Union law experts. As we arc not the leading country in the international business relationships, we aproach to new rules of EU by empirical way. I believe that young lawyers should be tought that this branch of law already exists, that it lives by it's own life, that it depends upon movements of European business, that the contents of those rules is being made at European level and that other countries are unable to avoid their aplication with their boundaries and interpretations, because every boundary of such kind presents selfdisconection from taking part in European business trade. It is certain that some business subjects and national countries can impact on creation and changing of existing standards, but they also have to respect standards that are in use. It is the condition for taking a part in European business trade cooperation and to that condition a special attention must be payed in our country, which is being emphasized every day by our law and business practise as unavoidable need of our business development.
Politička kultura i naše vreme
Authors: Stepanov Radivoj
Published: February 2021

Politički značaj pojma političke kulture, koji je poslednjih godina postao neka vrsta uobičajenog paspartua, valja gotovo isključivo tražiti u njegovoj politički vrednovanoj upotrebi. Prebacivati npr. nekom "političnom protivniku ili političkom aparatu u celini nedostatak političke kulture" (Brüggemann) odnosi se u gotovo svakom evropskom jeziku na predstavu o kulturi koja teži nekim višim ciljevima. Međutim, time se u stvari najčešće podrazumeva narušavanje dobrog stila ili konsenzusa demokratskih pravila ponašanja. Ako je politička nomenklatura, sociološka misao ili publicistička elita u međuvremenu dospela do potrebe za negovanjem ovog dragocenog dobra - reč kultura inače potiče iz latinskog jezika (colere), a između ostalog podrazumeva i značenje negovati - tada tu činjenicu nikako ne bi trebalo zanemariti. Ali, da političko istraživanje kulture ima daleko više ciljeve, postaje jasno ako se ima u vidu okolnost da svaka zemlja, svaki narod i konačno svaki čovek poseduje svoju vlastitu političku kulturu. Sagledavanje ove problematike stoga je usmereno na sinhrono i dijahrono (uporedno) opisivanje, analizu, objašnjavanje i moguću prognozu onoga što je u međuvremenu prihvaćeno kao minimalna definicija subjektivnih dimenzija društvenih osnova političkih sistema. Ili malo šire shvaćeno: to su zapisane i nepisane ideje i kodeksi vrednosti, koji regulišu političko delovanje članova društva.
Right to compensation of damage arising from traffic accident in the legislation of the countries in transition
Authors: Mrvić-Petrović Nataša
Published: February 2021

By comparative analysis of the bases of liability for damages and the scope of the right to compensation for damages arising from traffic accidents existing in the legislation of the countries that are undergoing transition, the author reaches a conclusion that the process of overcoming the disadvantages of the former legislative solutions is going on slowly and that significant differences are noticed in respect of the level of protection of the injured person. In comparison to these jurisdictions, the present Yugoslav law, especially the solutions accepted in court practice, prove to be much more comprehensive. With the existing changes of the insurance law and with improved efficiency of the judicial protection, Yugoslav legislation could be more successfully adapted to the standards of the European Union.
Aiding and abetting in the commission of a crime: Doctrinal and practical aspects
Authors: Jovašević Dragan
Published: February 2021

A crime can be committed by one or more persons. When two or more persons participate simultaneously or successively in the accomplishment of the criminal deed provided by law, either at the same or at different places, by physical or mental, direct or indirect activity, or inactivity, there is complicity in crime. This is a very important legal institute of the general part of Criminal Law. All persons who participated jointly in the accomplishment of a crime are called accomplices. Complicity is not only a special form of committing a crime but also a special form of criminality - collective criminality which is much more dangerous than the solitary criminality. Aiding and abetting is an especially dangerous kind of complicity when it involves intentional help in bringing about the crime, supporting and encouraging the principal generally to commit his crime or helping him to commit it in an easier, quicker or more efficient manner.
Delegitimation of death penalty
Authors: Pihler Stanko
Published: February 2021

The author analyzes three basic problems involved in each type of punishment and thus in the death penalty as well: content (definition) of punishment, justification (legitimating) of punishment and purpose (aim) of punishment. He points out that there is a striking lack of criticism towards the death penalty and lack of knowledge of problems related to this type of punishment. He considers that death penalty is not legitimate and that a community which has no other way of resolving moral problems of its members is just as problematic as the one that has no other means for maintaining criminality at a supportable level.
Death penalty: Yes or no
Authors: Petrić Branko
Published: February 2021

The author gives an overview of arguments for and against death penalty. He considers that the arguments speaking in favor of the existence of death penalty are more justified. He expresses his opinion that the death penalty should be retained in the criminal code and that it should be provided as an alternative punishment for aggravated criminal acts such as first degree murder, homicide committed in the course of robbery, crimes against the state and its security, against humanity and international law. crimes against armed forces at times of mobilization or war.
FURANIUM COMPOSITE MATERIAL BASED ON TALL OIL AND ITS FATTY ACIDS
Authors: Nasakin Oleg E. , Egorov Pavel A. , Sazanova Alevtina A. , Shalfeeva Elvira N. , Vasilyeva Svetlana Yu.
Published: February 2021

A new polymer composite material based on furfural-acetone monomer, crude tall oil and its fatty acids, which are waste from the pulp and paper industry, was obtained. In this paper, the effect of crude tall oil and its fatty acids on furfural-acetone monomer binder in a composite material is considered. The composition for the composite material, consisting of FA monomer, filler and catalyst p-toluenesulfonic acid, was modified with crude tall oil additives or tall oil fatty acids. It was shown that the compressive strength of composite samples after 30-day exposure at room temperature, obtained with a reduced amount of furfural-acetone monomer and the introduction of 100% fatty acids of tall oil from the furfural-acetone monomer content, increases by 37%, with the introduction of 150% fatty acids of tall oil, the strength increases slightly - by 1.5%, but the density increases significantly and water absorption decreases with respect to the standard sample. Additives of crude tall oil (up to 150% of furfural-acetone monomer) lead to an increase in density, a decrease in water absorption - by 84%, but reduce the compressive strength of samples by 12%. The improvement in the physicochemical properties of the composite material was explained by the alleged chemical interaction of tall oil fatty acids with mono- and difurfurilideneneacetone (furfural-acetone monomer), which takes place with the formation of new polymers. This is confirmed by DTA data, chromatograms of the furfural-acetone monomer - fatty acids of tall oil (TLC) mixture, and IR spectra. The use of fatty acids of tall oil or crude tall oil, non-expensive, non-toxic products of natural origin in the composite material, can reduce the consumption rates of furfural-acetone monomer and improve the quality of the polymer.
PREPARATION OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS BASED ON COBALT (II) FERRITE FOR PURIFICATION OF AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS
Authors: Shabelskaya Nina P. , Egorova Marina A. , Arzumanova Anna V. , Yakovenko Elena A. , Zababurin Vladimir M. , Vyaltsev Alexander V.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, composite materials based on cobalt (II) ferrite, which is a promising object of research as a magnetic material, are obtained. Thus, it is known to be used for producing organo / inorganic and non-organo/inorganic compositions. The introduction of cobalt ferrite makes it possible to give new properties to carrier materials. As a carrier, waste from the production of phosphoric acid – phosphogypsum, ash – and – slag waste from thermal power stations and cullet-foam glass, and activated carbon were used. Finding a way to process waste to produce new composite materials is an urgent task of chemical technology. The obtained samples were studied using X-ray phase analysis and electron microscopy. In the course of the conducted research, the principal possibility of using the specified number of production wastes for the synthesis of catalytically active materials is shown. Photocatalytic reactions are widely used in water treatment processes for wastewater treatment from organic pollutants. A simple method for obtaining composite materials of the composition of foam glass/ cobalt ferrite (II), phosphogypsum/ cobalt ferrite (II), activated carbon/ cobalt ferrite (II) is proposed. The catalytic properties of synthesized materials in the process of oxidative destruction of an organic dye in the presence of hydrogen peroxide are studied. It was found that the highest activity under the specified conditions is observed for the activated carbon/ cobalt (II) ferrite composite: complete removal of the organic dye from the aqueous solution is achieved after 90 min from the beginning of the reaction. The phosphogypsum-based composite shows the least pronounced activity. The results obtained can serve as a guide for choosing a method for producing non-toxic materials that are promising for use in water treatment systems and ensuring environmental safety of industrial enterprises that use organic dyes in the production process.
A USE OF PENTOSAN-CONTAINING FRACTION OF NEUTRAL LIGNOSULFONATES FOR OBTAINING FURANE DERIVATIVES
Authors: Chetverneva Irina A. , Karimov Oleg Kh. , Teptereva Galina A. , Tivas Natalia S. , Movsumzade Eldar M. , Babayev Elbay R.
Published: February 2021

The article describes the technological possibility and gives a conditional scheme of obtaining, based on the carbohydrate part of neutral lignosulfonate, useful products such as furfurol, furan, tetrahydrofuran, properties which have a number of significant physicochemical differences from the properties of lignosulfonate obtained as a result of sulphite brews. The article discusses features of aromatic and carbohydrate constituents of neutral lignosulfonates, monomeric units of aromatic part, structure of polysaccharide components of carbohydrate part, as well as lignocarboxylic matrix characterizing their combination in macromolecule of lignosulfonate. On this basis, the possibility of using neutral LSTs as pentose-containing raw materials was studied and experimentally realized. The experimental part of the article proposes a method of fractionation of lignosulfonates, in our case lignosulfonates of the neutral-sulfite method of delignification of wood raw materials. Samples of the neutral lignosulfonate that was the subject of the study were subjected to alkaline hydrolysis, after which fractionation was carried out by exclusive chromatography or gel filtration on Sephadex grade 100. Water was used as eluent. Fractions were taken by volume, the composition of fractions, both aromatic and carbohydrate, was determined by UV spectroscopy. The criterion for the composition of the fraction was the presence or absence of peaks on the spectrogram in the wavelength region characteristic of the hydroxyl phenolic groups of the aromatic part of neutral lignosulfonates and monosaccharides of the pentose class. The combined polysaccharide fractions represented mainly by xylanes (pentosans) were extracted into an organic solvent, followed by distillation and boiling of the furan-containing compounds. Material balance of the process of producing furan derivatives based on pentose-containing component of neutral lignosulfonates is drawn up.
Det Allra bästa premiepensionssystemet? – varför skadan orsakad inom det svenska premiepensionssystemet är att betrakta som state-corporate crimes
Authors: Jansson Evelina
Published: February 2021

AbstractDuring the last few years, it has been revealed that Allra, a company that operated within the Swedish premium pension system, has acted reprehensively. In 2017 it was reported that Allra´s funds were expensive with mediocre growth and that owners at Allra benefitted at the expense of premium pension holders. Furthermore, Allra maintained subsidiaries in low tax jurisdictions that reduced tax revenues of the Swedish state and contributed to cash outflow. While this article was being written, Allra was also accused of potentially illegal transactions with a company named Oak Capital and suspected of overseeing illegal transactions between its subsidiaries in Luxembourg and Dubai. It is assumed that these transactions were made to enrich the shareholders of Allra. The current study, however, is disinterested in establishing Allra’s criminal guilt. Instead, it focuses on the role that private actors and state authorities have played in Allra’s harmful actions and potentially illegal transactions that have harmed premium pension holders and Swedish citizens. Using a theoretical framework proposed by Diane Vaughan (1983), the study explores issues of social structure and social relations. This is done in order to determine whether the social structure has played an important role in facilitating harm and whether states can be considered involved in this and, if so if it can be considered a case of state-corporate crime. The study concludes that states have been important for upholding and promoting the social structure and that the case can, therefore, be considered an example of statecorporate crime. However, since shareholders in leading positions in Allra have benefitted by using Allra as a tool, it is suggested that the concept of statecorporate crimes be broadened to include individuals and their self-interests.
De utryghedsmæssige konsekvenser af udsathed for kriminalitet i Danmark
Authors: Scherg Rune H. , Ejrnæs Anders
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis article examines the consequences of victimisation in relation to feeling of safety in Denmark.2 Using various statistical models, we address two general questions: First, how do different victimisation patterns affect victims’ feelings of safety, and second, how do victims’ demographic characteristics modify the consequences of victimisation in relation to feelings of safety. We analyse panel data from the Danish Police’s Safety Survey (2014-2018) linked to Danish register data. Although there is an abundance of international research about the victimfear nexus, there are still gaps in our current understanding of this relationship. First, research on the impact of victimization on feelings of safety is often based on cross-sectional studies, which don’t allow for solid causal inferences. Second, potential differences between different groups of victims have not been thoroughly analysed as few studies have had the statistical power to do so. Last, there is a scarcity of Scandinavian studies on the subject. The current article shows that victimization has a consistent effect on feelings of safety. However, the size of the effect is generally moderate and short-lived. The article also demonstrates that the impacts of victimization are disproportionately distributed across different groups of victims.
«Den sletteste, den nedrigste og uretfærdigste Embeds Mand» Om prosessen mot byfogd og politimester i Christiansand Mauritz Antonius Schweder
Authors: Heivoll Geir
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe first Norwegian Chiefs of Police were appointed in the four main cities during the latter part of the 1600s. The first office was established in Trondheim in 1686, then Bergen in 1692, Christiania in 1744, and finally Christiansand in 1767.

This article deals with the establishment of the police in Christiansand, when Christian VII appointed Mauritz Antonius Schweder Chief of Police in the city. Schweder had already been appointed as a bailiff in Christiansand in 1764, and from 1767 he was both bailiff and Chief of Police. But Schweder’s time in office was a turbulent one, and the conflict surrounding his office escalated so much as to finally end in the retraction of his professional appointment by the Supreme  Court in Copenhagen. This article focuses on the trial against Schweder: the many accusations against him, his defense, and the ruling of the Supreme Court, thereby shedding light on a lesser known part of the legal history of the early Norwegian Police.
»Så de lod mig bare være …« – eksempler på veje fra psykiatrisk til retspsykiatrisk patient
Authors: Møllerhøj Jette , Brandt-Christensen Mette , Stølan Liv Os
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study is to provide various perspectives on two examples in which long term psychiatric patients committed serious crimes and consequently became mentally disordered offenders. The two patients involved were found guilty, but were not punishable under Danish law and were instead sentenced to placement in a psychiatric facility. When looking at these cases from the perspective of various stakeholders, e.g., relatives, health care professionals, the patients themselves, a number of potential risk and protective factors come to light. The analysis is followed by a discussion of whether similar situations can be prevented and, if so, how. We recommend an intensified focus on risk and protective factors, as well as preventive measures, and an increased cooperation and knowledge sharing between patients, relatives, networks, hospital psychiatry and psychosocial rehabilitation units provided within municipalities.
La Celestina (teatro). Teatro Espada de Madera, Madrid
Authors: Snow Joseph T.
Published: February 2021

N/A
Z33 Hasselt: Hortus Conclusus as a Model for an Urban Interior
Authors: Plevoets Bie , Patel Shailja
Published: February 2021

This contribution reviews the recent renovation of Z33—House for Contemporary Art, Design and Architecture in Hasselt, Belgium—in the light of its unique implementation of different levels of interiority. The institute is housed in the former beguinage, a site with a rich and layered history and one of the few green public spaces in the city centre. The intervention by architect Francesca Torzo builds further on and strengthens the existing qualities of the site through a creative process of copying and improving. By doing so, she changed the overall appearance of the beguinage, strengthening its quality as an enclosed public space—an intimate yet collective hortus conclusus.
Architectural Filth and the Heroic Passivism of Farhadi's Salesman
Authors: Vahdat Vahid
Published: February 2021

Architecture in Asghar Farhadi’s The Salesman (2016) is not a mere passive backdrop to an otherwise unaffected narrative; it is an autonomous agent that takes part in the events that unfold, complicates the narrative, and even occasionally defies the ideological position of the film. By analysing interior spaces, architectural elements, urban infrastructure, and maintenance practices, I suggest that 1) the fluid visual boundaries of Farhadi’s spatial settings are instrumental in blurring the borders of truth and morality—themes that are central to his film; 2) the ontological study of architecture, from the moment of excavation to its ultimate fracture/failure serves as a pathological medium to study the troubled masculinity of contemporary Iranian society; 3) spatial infrastructure, as the materialised memory of the film’s determinism, prophetically hints at the inevitable tragedy that awaits. The architectural analysis of The Salesman empowers the audience with additional tools to reflect upon questions of masculinity and determinism. Architecture-as-a-reflection personifies the social filth that cannot be decontaminated through vain beautification strategies. Architecture-as-a-stage reflects the temporality of space and its incidental existence vis-à-vis the dominating presence of infrastructural facilities. Architecture-as-a-confinement embodies the oppressive nature of a society in which restriction, surveillance, and control are imposed upon its residents.
Marine amphipods as a new live prey for ornamental aquaculture: exploring the potential of Parhyale hawaiensis and Elasmopus pectenicrus
Authors: Vargas-Abúndez Jorge Arturo , López-Vázquez Humberto Ivan , Mascaró Maite , Martínez-Moreno Gemma Leticia , Simões Nuno
Published: February 2021

Marine amphipods are gaining attention in aquaculture as a natural live food alternative to traditional preys such as brine shrimps (Artemia spp.). The use of Artemia is convenient for the culture of many marine species, but often problematic for some others, such as seahorses and other marine ornamental species. Unlike Artemia, marine amphipods are consumed by fish in their natural environment and show biochemical profiles that better match the nutritional requirements of marine fish, particularly of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. Despite their potentially easy culture, there are no established culture techniques and a deeper knowledge on the reproductive biology, nutritional profiles and culture methodologies is still needed to potentiate the optimization of mass production. The present study assessed, for the first time, the aquaculture potential of Parhyale hawaiensis and Elasmopus pectenicrus, two cosmopolitan marine gammarids (as per traditional schemes of classification) that naturally proliferate in the wild and in aquaculture facilities. For that purpose, aspects of the population and reproductive biology of the species were characterized and then a series of laboratory-scale experiments were conducted to determine amphipod productivity, the time needed to reach sexual maturity by hatchlings (generation time), cannibalism degree, the effects of sex ratio on fecundity and the effects of diet (shrimp diet, plant-based diet and commercial fish diet) on fecundity and juvenile growth. P. hawaiensis, unlike E. pectenicrus, was easily maintained and propagated in laboratory conditions. P. hawaiensis showed a higher total length (9.3 ± 1.3 mm), wet weight (14.4 ± 6.2 mg), dry weight (10.5 ± 4.4 mg), females/males sex ratio (2.24), fecundity (12.8 ± 5.7 embryos per female), and gross energy content (16.71 ± 0.67 kJ g-1) compared to E. pectenicrus (7.9 ± 1.2 mm total length; 8.4 ± 4.3 mg wet weight; 5.7 ± 3.2 mg dry weight; 1.34 females/males sex ratio; 6.5 ± 3.9 embryos per female; 12.86 ± 0.82 kJ g−1 gross energy content). P. hawaiensis juvenile growth showed a small, but significant, reduction by the use of a plant-based diet compared to a commercial shrimp and fish diet; however, fecundity was not affected, supporting the possible use of inexpensive diets to mass produce amphipods as live or frozen food. Possible limitations of P. hawaiensis could be their quite long generation times (50.9 ± 5.8 days) and relatively low fecundity levels (12.8 ± 5.7 embryos per female). With an observed productivity rate of 0.36 ± 0.08 juveniles per amphipod couple per day, P. hawaiensis could become a specialty feed for species that cannot easily transition to a formulated diet such as seahorses and other highly priced marine ornamental species.
Mixture ratio modeling of dynamic systems
Authors: Kárný Miroslav , Ruman Marko
Published: February 2021

Any knowledge extraction relies (possibly implicitly) on a hypothesis about the modelled‐data dependence. The extracted knowledge ultimately serves to a decision‐making (DM). DM always faces uncertainty and this makes probabilistic modelling adequate. The inspected black‐box modeling deals with “universal” approximators of the relevant probabilistic model. Finite mixtures with components in the exponential family are often exploited. Their attractiveness stems from their flexibility, the cluster interpretability of components and the existence of algorithms for processing high‐dimensional data streams. They are even used in dynamic cases with mutually dependent data records while regression and auto‐regression mixture components serve to the dependence modeling. These dynamic models, however, mostly assume data‐independent component weights, that is, memoryless transitions between dynamic mixture components. Suchmixtures are not universal approximatorsof dynamic probabilistic models. Formally, this follows from the fact that the set of finite probabilistic mixtures is not closed with respect to the conditioning, which is the key estimation and predictive operation. The paper overcomes this drawback by usingratios of finite mixturesas universally approximating dynamic parametric models. The paper motivates them, elaborates their approximate Bayesian recursive estimation and reveals their application potential.
Diagnostic Utility of Gold Coast Criteria in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Hannaford Andrew , Pavey Nathan , van den Bos Mehdi , Geevasinga Nimeshan , Menon Parvathi , Shefner Jeremy M. , Kiernan Matthew C. , Vucic Steve
Published: February 2021

Objective

The diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains problematic, with current diagnostic criteria (revised El Escorial [rEEC] and Awaji) being complex and prone to error. Consequently, the diagnostic utility of the recently proposed Gold Coast criteria was determined in ALS.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 506 patients (302 males, 204 females) to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the Gold Coast criteria to that of the Awaji and rEEC criteria (defined by the proportion of patients categorized as definite, probable, or possible ALS) in accordance with standards of reporting of diagnostic accuracy criteria.

Results

The sensitivity of Gold Coast criteria (92%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 88.7–94.6%) was comparable to that of Awaji (90.3%, 95% CI = 86.69–93.2%) and rEEC (88.6, 95% CI = 84.8–91.7%) criteria. Additionally, the Gold Coast criteria sensitivity was maintained across different subgroups, defined by site of onset, disease duration, and functional disability. In atypical ALS phenotypes, the Gold Coast criteria exhibited greater sensitivity and specificity.

Interpretation

The present study established the diagnostic utility of the Gold Coast criteria in ALS, with benefits evident in bulbar and limb onset disease patients, as well as atypical phenotypes. The Gold Coast criteria should be considered in clinical practice and therapeutic trials. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:979–986
Visible‐Light Promoted C–O Bond Formation with an Integrated Carbon Nitride–Nickel Heterogeneous Photocatalyst
Authors: Vijeta Arjun , Casadevall Carla , Roy Souvik , Reisner Erwin
Published: February 2021

Ni‐deposited mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (Ni‐mpg‐CNx) is introduced as an inexpensive, robust, easily synthesizable and recyclable material that functions as an integrated dual photocatalytic system. This material overcomes the need of expensive photosensitizers, organic ligands and additives as well as limitations of catalyst deactivation in the existing photo/Ni dual catalytic cross‐coupling reactions. The dual catalytic Ni‐mpg‐CNx is demonstrated for C–O coupling between aryl halides and aliphatic alcohols under mild condition. The reaction affords the ether product in good‐to‐excellent yields (60–92 %) with broad substrate scope, including heteroaryl and aryl halides bearing electron‐withdrawing, ‐donating and neutral groups. The heterogeneous Ni‐mpg‐CNx can be easily recovered from the reaction mixture and reused over multiple cycles without loss of activity. The findings highlight exciting opportunities for dual catalysis promoted by a fully heterogeneous system.
η3‐Coordination and Functionalization of the 2‐Phosphaethynthiolate Anion at Lanthanum(III)**
Authors: Watt Fabian A. , Burkhardt Lukas , Schoch Roland , Mitzinger Stefan , Bauer Matthias , Weigend Florian , Goicoechea Jose M. , Tambornino Frank , Hohloch Stephan
Published: February 2021

We present the η3‐coordination of the 2‐phosphaethynthiolate anion in the complex (PN)2La(SCP) (2) [PN=N‐(2‐(diisopropylphosphanyl)‐4‐methylphenyl)‐2,4,6‐trimethylanilide)]. Structural comparison with dinuclear thiocyanate‐bridged (PN)2La(μ‐1,3‐SCN)2La(PN)2 (3) and azide‐bridged (PN)2La(μ‐1,3‐N3)2La(PN)2 (4) complexes indicates that the [SCP]− coordination mode is mainly governed by electronic, rather than steric factors. Quantum mechanical investigations reveal large contributions of the antibonding π*‐orbital of the [SCP]− ligand to the LUMO of complex 2, rendering it the ideal precursor for the first functionalization of the [SCP]− anion. Complex 2 was therefore reacted with CAACs which induced a selective rearrangement of the [SCP]− ligand to form the first CAAC stabilized group 15–group 16 fulminate‐type complexes (PN)2La{SPC(RCAAC)} (5 a,b, R=Ad, Me). A detailed reaction mechanism for the SCP‐to‐SPC isomerization is proposed based on DFT calculations.
β‐Isoindigo‐azaDIPYs: Fully Conjugated Hybrid Systems with Broad Absorption in the Visible Region
Authors: Zatsikha Yuriy V. , Shamova Liliya I. , Herbert David E. , Nemykin Victor N.
Published: February 2021

A one‐step synthetic pathway for the preparation of fully conjugated β‐isoindigo‐azaDIPY hybrid chromophores comprised of β‐isoindigo and azadipyrromethene moieties is reported. The target compounds were characterized by spectroscopic, crystallographic, and theoretical methods and show unprecedented broad absorption across the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The X‐ray crystal structure of the octa(n‐butyl)‐β‐isoindigo‐azaDIPY derivative revealed that a trans‐configuration of the β‐isoindigo fragment accompanies a planar conjugated core.
Coordinating behavior of hydrazone ligand bearing chromone moiety towards Cu(II) ions: Synthesis, spectral, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, antitumor, and docking studies
Authors: Abdelrhman Ebtesam M. , El‐Shetary B.A. , Shebl Magdy , Adly Omima M.I.
Published: February 2021

A new hydrazone ligand (FCSH; HL) was successfully synthesized by the reaction of salicylaldehyde hydrazone with 3‐formylchromone. Seven copper(II) hydrazone complexes have been synthesized by using several copper(II) salts (acetate, nitrate, sulfate, perchlorate, chloride, and bromide). Elemental analysis, electronic, infrared, mass, nuclear magnetic resonance, electron spin resonance spectra, thermal analysis, molar conductivity, and magnetic susceptibility measurements were used to characterize structures of the hydrazone ligand and its complexes. The ligand behaves as monobasic tridentate for all complexes except complex 2 (monobasic tetradentate) and complex 4 (neutral tridentate). All metal complexes exhibited octahedral geometries. With the aid of Coats–Redfern equations, the kinetic parameters (Ea, A, ∆H, ∆S, and ∆G) of the thermal decomposition stages were calculated and discussed. At the B3LYP/6‐311G(d,p) level engaged in the Gaussian 09 program, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to inspect the optimized structures of the chelating agent and its complexes. The hydrazone ligand and its copper(II) complexes showed antitumor activity towards HepG2 cell line. The docking study of the hydrazone ligand and its copper(II) complexes was investigated with the active site of the CDK2 kinase.
Synergetic effects of organic and inorganic additives on improvement in hydrophilicity and performance of PVDF antifouling ultrafiltration membrane for removal of natural organic material from water
Authors: Saini Bharti , Sinha Manish Kumar
Published: February 2021

Surrounding vegetation, animal, human and microbiological decomposition are the strong source of humic acid (HA) falling into the surface water bodies through rain runoff in the monsoon. HA contains various functional groups, such as carboxylic, phenolic, hydroxyl, and quinine, which are the major foulant. Contact of HA may have an adversarial health issue to human beings namely goiter, black foot, and cancer disease. The maximum permissible limit of HA in drinking water should be less than 2 ppm as per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The membrane technology has prevailed a prominent place worldwide in chemical, water and wastewater treatment technologies. The proposed work is focused on the blending of organic‐water soluble polymer polyethylene glycol 6000 as a pore‐forming agent and inorganic salt lithium bromide (LiBr) as membrane morphology modifier with polyvinylidene fluoride host polymer in the N,N‐Dimethylacetamide solvent. All fabricated membranes were characterized for functional groups and morphology. The total number of pores per unit surface area of membrane for membranes M‐LiBr‐0, M‐LiBr‐1, M‐LiBr‐2, and M‐LiBr‐3 are 2 × 1013, 2.3 × 1014, 2.7 × 1014 and 2.82 × 1014, respectively. The static water contact angle was decreased from 68.2° to 50.6° with an increase in the content of LiBr from 0 to 3 wt%. The order of pure water flux and hydraulic permeability of the membrane was M‐LiBr‐0 < M‐LiBr‐1 < M‐LiBr‐2 < M‐LiBr‐3. The HA rejection of the membrane was also increased from 90.13% to 96.24% with LiBr content due to a decrease in pore size of the membrane with the addition of LiBr content.
Camptothecin and Topotecan, Inhibitors of Transcription Factor Fli‐1 and Topoisomerase, Markedly Ameliorate Lupus Nephritis in (NZB × NZW)F1 Mice and Reduce the Production of Inflammatory Mediators in Human Renal Cells
Authors: Wang Xuan , Oates Jim C. , Helke Kristi L. , Gilkeson Gary S. , Zhang Xian K.
Published: February 2021

Objective

To examine the therapeutic effects of camptothecin (CPT) and topotecan (TPT), inhibitors of transcription factor Fli‐1 and topoisomerase, on lupus nephritis in (NZB × NZW)F1 (NZBWF1) mice, and to examine the effects of CPT and TPT on inflammatory mediators in human renal cells.

Methods

Female NZBWF1 mice were treated with vehicle, cyclophosphamide (CYC), CPT (1 mg/kg or 2 mg/kg), or TPT (0.03 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, or 0. 3 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection twice a week, beginning at the age of 25 weeks (n = 8–10 mice per group). Blood and urine were collected for monitoring autoantibodies and proteinuria. Mice were euthanized at 40 weeks, and renal pathology scores were assessed. Human renal endothelial and mesangial cells were treated with CPT or TPT, and cytokine expression was measured.

Results

None of the NZBWF1 mice treated with 1 mg/kg or 2 mg/kg of CPT or 0.3 mg/kg of TPT had proteinuria >100 mg/dl at the age of 40 weeks. One of 8 mice treated with 0.1 mg/kg of TPT and 1 of 10 mice treated with CYC had proteinuria >300 mg/dl, whereas 90% of the mice treated with vehicle had proteinuria >300 mg/dl. Compared to vehicle control, mice treated with 1 mg/kg or 2 mg/kg of CPT, 0.1 mg/kg or 0.3 mg/kg of TPT, or CYC had significantly prolonged survival, attenuated renal injury, diminished splenomegaly, reduced anti–double‐stranded DNA autoantibody levels, and reduced IgG and C3 deposits in the glomeruli (all P < 0.05). Human renal cells treated with CPT or TPT had reduced expression of Fli‐1 and decreased monocyte chemotactic protein 1 production following stimulation with interferon‐α (IFNα) or IFNγ.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that low‐dose CPT and TPT could be repurposed to treat lupus nephritis.
Outcomes of a Mobile App to Monitor Patient‐Reported Outcomes in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lee Yvonne C. , Lu Fengxin , Colls Joshua , Luo Dee , Wang Penny , Dunlop Dorothy D. , Muhammad Lutfiyya N. , Song Jing , Michaud Kaleb , Solomon Daniel H.
Published: February 2021

Objective

To examine the effects of a smartphone application (app) to monitor longitudinal electronic patient‐reported outcomes (ePROs) on patient satisfaction and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We conducted a 6‐month randomized controlled trial of care coordination along with an app (intervention) versus care coordination alone (control) in 191 RA patients. Participants in the intervention group were prompted to provide information daily using ePROs. In both the intervention and control groups, a care coordinator contacted participants at 6 and 18 weeks to assess for flares. The main outcome measures were the global satisfaction score from the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM), the score from the Perceived Efficacy in Patient‐Physician Interactions (PEPPI) Questionnaire, and the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) score.

Results

Groups were similar at baseline. The median TSQM score at 6 months was 83.3 in both groups, and the median PEPPI score at 6 months was 50 in both groups. The median CDAI score at 6 months was 8 in the intervention group versus 10 in the control group. No statistically significant group differences in the medians of TSQM, PEPPI, or CDAI scores at 6 months were detected. Of the 67 intervention participants who completed the exit survey, 90% rated their likelihood of recommending the app as ≥7 of 10. Of the 11 physicians who completed the exit survey, 73% agreed/strongly agreed that they wanted to continue offering the app to patients.

Conclusion

A mobile app designed to collect ePRO data on RA symptoms did not significantly improve patient satisfaction or disease activity compared to care coordination alone. However, both patients and physicians reported positive experiences with the app.
Application of In Situ Raman and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroelectrochemical Methods on the Electrode‐Electrolyte Interface for Lithium−Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Chen Chunguang , Song Mengyuan , Lu Lingzhu , Yue Lijuan , Huang Tao , Yu Aishui
Published: February 2021

The development of rechargeable lithium−oxygen (Li−O2) batteries with high specific energy is essential to satisfy increasing energy consumption. It is critical to understand the dynamic process and detailed pathways during cell operation, which will allow us to control the reaction, suppress the formation of byproducts, and optimize battery performance. In situ vibrational spectroelectrochemical techniques, including in situ Raman spectroscopy and in situ Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, are powerful analytical methods for the purposes of battery studies and are reviewed in this article. The two in situ techniques can acquire real‐time information of adsorbed species on the interface of the electrode, and reveal the reaction mechanism on the interface of the electrode/electrolyte in depth. In situ Raman technique mainly monitors intermediate species and products in Li−O2 batteries. The applications of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for Li−O2 batteries are described in detail in the review. For the in situ FTIR technique, two commonly used in situ methods are introduced in Li−O2 batteries, namely, subtractive normalized Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (SNIFTIRS) and attenuated total reflection surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR‐SEIRAS). The reaction mechanism and failure mechanism of the cell are discussed by using the in situ FTIR technique.
Recent Progress and Challenges in Multivalent Metal‐Ion Hybrid Capacitors
Authors: Yu Xueang , Wu Xuhao , Liang Yuxuan , Liang Kaijie , Huang Shuoji , Li Kunjian , Chen Mingjian , Liu Shaofeng , Li Na , Shi Zhicong
Published: February 2021

Multivalent metal‐ion hybrid capacitors (MMHCs) have drawn much attention in recent years because of their advantages of high energy density (similar to metal‐ion batteries) as well as high power density, high rate capability, and ultra‐long cycle life. However, there are still challenges in developing high‐performance MMHCs, e. g., high‐capacity capacitive materials are particularly needed to be developed to match high‐energy battery‐type electrodes. Therefore, designing novel electrode materials and exploring suitable electrolytes are of particular importance. Herein, we focus on the recent progress of MMHCs in relation to their cathode/anode materials, electrolytes, electrochemical properties, and energy storage mechanisms. Additionally, the current challenges or bottlenecks and future research trends regarding MMHCs are summarized. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the research framework of MMHCs and will be beneficial in the development of high‐performance MMHC devices.
Process optimization of microwave irradiation‐aided transesterification of kariya seed oil by Taguchi orthogonal array: pawpaw trunk as a novel biocatalyst
Authors: Fadara Olubukola A. , Falowo Olayomi A. , Ojumu Tunde V. , Betiku Eriola
Published: February 2021

This study investigated the potential application of an active biocatalyst from pawpaw (Carica papaya) trunk for the direct microwave irradiation‐aided transesterification of kariya (Hildegardia barteri) seed oil (KSO) with methanol to obtain biodiesel. The transesterification process involved was modeled, and the effects of the essential process input variables on the kariya seed oil methyl ester (KSOME) yield were examined, followed by the optimization of the input variables to maximize the KSOME yield, using the Taguchi orthogonal array design method. The biocatalyst was produced with a calcination process in a muffle furnace at 200–1000 °C, and each sample obtained was characterized by a scanning electron microscope equipped with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) to determine the best temperature. The calcined pawpaw trunk ash (CPTA) produced at the best temperature of 400 °C was further characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and physisorption analyses. The CPTA at 400 °C produced a strong catalytic activity due to its morphology, metallic composition (K (23.85%), and Ca (15.40%)), crystalline structure, the average pore size of 32.2 nm, and a surface area of 0.64 m2 g−1. The best operating conditions established for the transesterification process were a methanol / KSO molar ratio of 10.5:1, CPTA loading of 0.5 wt%, microwave heating power of 300 W, and reaction time of 2 min, with a maximum KSOME yield of 98.50 ± 0.60 wt%. The quality of the KSOME produced satisfied the American standard specifications for biodiesel. Both KSO and pawpaw trunk could serve as inexpensive feedstock for sustainable and renewable production of biodiesel. The intensification of the transesterification process using microwave irradiation drastically shortened the reaction time needed for maximum biodiesel yield. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Miniature auto‐perfusion bioreactor system with spiral microfluidic cell retention device
Authors: Yin Lu , Au Wen Y. , Yu Chia C. , Kwon Taehong , Lai Zhangxing , Shang Menglin , Warkiani Majid E. , Rosche Roger , Lim Chwee T. , Han Jongyoon
Published: February 2021

Medium perfusion is critical in maintaining high cell concentration in cultures. The conventional membrane filtration method for medium exchange has been challenged by the fouling and clogging of the membrane filters in long‐term cultures. In this study, we present a miniature auto‐perfusion system that can be operated inside a common‐size laboratory incubator. The system is equipped with a spiral microfluidic chip for cell retention to replace conventional membrane filters, which fundamentally overcomes the clogging and fouling problem. We showed that the system supported continuous perfusion culture of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in suspension up to 14 days without cell retention chip replacement. Compared to daily manual medium change, 25% higher CHO cell concentration can be maintained at an average auto‐perfusion rate of 196 ml/day in spinner flask at 70 ml working volume (2.8 VVD). The auto‐perfusion system also resulted in better cell quality at high concentrations, in terms of higher viability, more uniform and regular morphology, and fewer aggregates. We also demonstrated the potential application of the system for culturing mesenchymal stem cells on microcarriers. This miniature auto‐perfusion system provides an excellent solution to maintain cell‐favorable conditions and high cell concentration in small‐scale cultures for research and clinical uses.
Improving the activity and thermostability of GH2 β‐glucuronidases via domain reassembly
Authors: Liu Mingzhu , Yu Jing , Lv Bo , Hou Yuhui , Liu Xinhe , Feng Xudong , Li Chun
Published: February 2021

Glycoside hydrolase family 2 (GH2) enzymes are generally composed of three domains: TIM‐barrel domain (TIM), immunoglobulin‐like β‐sandwich domain (ISD), and sugar‐binding domain (SBD). The combination of these three domains yields multiple structural combinations with different properties. Theoretically, the drawbacks of a given GH2 fold may be circumvented by efficiently reassembling the three domains. However, very few successful cases have been reported. In this study, we used six GH2 β‐glucuronidases (GUSs) from bacteria, fungi, or humans as model enzymes and constructed a series of mutants by reassembling the domains from different GUSs. The mutants PGUS‐At, GUS‐PAA, and GUS‐PAP, with reassembled domains from fungal GUSs, showed improved expression levels, activity, and thermostability, respectively. Specifically, compared to the parental enzyme, the mutant PGUS‐At displayed 3.8 times higher expression, the mutant GUS‐PAA displayed 1.0 time higher catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km), and the mutant GUS‐PAP displayed 7.5 times higher thermostability at 65°C. Furthermore, two‐hybrid mutants, GUS‐AEA and GUS‐PEP, were constructed with the ISD from a bacterial GUS and SBD and TIM domain from fungal GUSs. GUS‐AEA and GUS‐PEP showed 30.4% and 23.0% higher thermostability than GUS‐PAP, respectively. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to uncover the molecular reasons for the increased thermostability of the mutant.
Diastereoselective Reductive Cyclization of Allene‐Tethered Ketoamines via Copper‐Catalyzed Cascade Carboboronation and Protodeborylation
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad Awais , Tambe Shrikant D. , Cho Eun Jin
Published: February 2021

A copper‐catalyzed cascade process has been developed for the synthesis of 3‐hydroxypyrrolidine derivatives in a highly diastereoselective manner. The reaction proceeded via borylative allyl copper intermediate formation from allenes; the intermediate underwent intramolecular diastereoselective cyclization followed by cascade copper‐catalyzed protodeborylation, to give 3‐hydroxypyrrolidines. This method could be extended to the synthesis of six‐membered piperidine analogs. A series of control experiments were carried out to confirm the Cu‐catalyzed facile protodeborylation of borylated homoallylic alcohols at room temperature.