bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant Phytochemicals Extract from L. speciosa Leaves for the Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors:   Primeasia University, Chandra Sarkar Bidhan
Published: October 2022

Lagerstroemia speciosa. (L. speciosa) belongs to the botanical Family: Lythraceae. It is attractive and colorful pink or purple flowers
Do Sexually Abstinent Women have more Pelvic Floor Disorders? A Cross Sectional, Population Based Study
Authors:   Universidad Del Desarrollo, Guzman-Rojas Rodrigo
Published: October 2022

Introduction and hypothesis: The aims were to establish the prevalence of sexually abstinent women because of Pelvic Floor Disorders (PFDs) in parous women, and to examine if abstinence was associated with symptoms of PFDs or functional anatomy of the pelvic floor.
Correlación entre índice folicular, densidad folicular y media de diámetro de fibra en alpacas huacaya en Tacna
Authors: Gandarillas-Espezua Daniel , Torres-Hualla Edith A. , Quispe-Quispe Abel E. , Rios-Bobadilla Rosarios M. , Puma-Iquise Angelina
Published: October 2022

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la correlación entre el índice folicular (DF), densidad folicular (IF) y la media de diámetro de fibra (MDF) según edad (jóvenes y adultos) y sexo en alpacas Huacaya, de las instalaciones del Fundo-Pichones Sur, perteneciente a la Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias de la Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann de Tacna. se obtuvieron las muestras de fibra y piel del costillar medio de 20 alpacas (10 machos y 10 hembras). Las muestras de piel se obtuvieron por punción con un sacabocado de 6 mm de diámetro y fueron procesados por la técnica de inclusión en parafina, tinción hematoxilina – eosina y, posteriormente se realizó el conteo de folículos con ayuda del microscopio invertido OLYMPUS IX73 cell Sens Standard. finalmente, se lograron ontener el índice folicular y densidad folicular; las muestras de fibra se analizaron con el OFDA – 2000. Los datos se analizaron mediante las correlaciones múltiples de Spearman entre el índice folicular, densidad folicular y la media de diámetro de fibra. Las correlaciones obtenidas entre IF-DF, IF-MDF y DF-MDF, fueron 0.182, 0.244 y -0.097 respectivamente. Concluyendo que no hubo correlación entre estas variables estudiadas.
Generación de un equipo de labranza para la agricultura familiar: La Cultivadora INIA
Authors: Tejada-Campos Toribio N.
Published: October 2022

El objetivo de esta investigación fue generar un equipo de labranza que reduzca la mano de obra y el costo de las labores agrícolas relacionadas con la remoción del suelo y que contribuya al manejo de los sistemas de la agricultura familiar. Se realizó una investigación participativa con agricultores, bajo la modalidad ensayo-error, entre abril 2016 y abril 2017. Se realizaron ensayos de campo en las provincias de Cajamarca, Cajabamba y San Marcos para convertir un prototipo experimental de labranza en prototipo industrial y evaluar su eficiencia de uso en algunas labores culturales de cultivo Se diseñó y construyó un equipo de labranza en tres formas o tipos: Cultivadora INIA con Rueda, Cultivadora INIA sin Rueda y Punta INIA. El primer tipo se puede usar con tracción animal y humana, mientras que el segundo, solo con tracción animal y la Punta INIA se acopla al tradicional arado de madera para hacerlo más eficiente. Al usar la Cultivadora INIA, se estimó una reducción de la mano de obra y el costo de algunas labores culturales como remoción del suelo, deshierbas y aporques. El equipo fue pertinente para la zona con eficiencia técnica y económica, además tuvo compatibilidad con la tenencia de recursos productivos de los agricultores y buena relación con sus patrones culturales.
Evaluation of Neural Network Verification Methods for Air-to-Air Collision Avoidance
Authors: Manzanas Lopez Diego , Johnson Taylor T. , Bak Stanley , Tran Hoang-Dung , Hobbs Kerianne L.
Published: October 2022

Neural network approximations have become attractive to compress data for automation and autonomy algorithms for use on storage-limited and processing-limited aerospace hardware. However, unless these neural network approximations can be exhaustively verified to be safe, they cannot be certified for use on aircraft. An example of such systems is the unmanned Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) Xu, which is a very popular benchmark for open-loop neural network control system verification tools. This paper proposes a new closed-loop extension of this benchmark, which consists of a set of 10 closed-loop properties selected to evaluate the safety of an ownship aircraft in the presence of a co-altitude intruder aircraft. These closed-loop safety properties are used to evaluate five of the 45 neural networks that comprise the ACAS Xu benchmark (corresponding to co-altitude cases) as well as the switching logic between the five neural networks. The combination of nonlinear dynamics and switching between five neural networks is a challenging verification task accomplished with star-set reachability methods in two verification tools. The safety of the ownship aircraft under initial position uncertainty is guaranteed in every scenario proposed.
Decentralized Weapon–Target Assignment Under Asynchronous Communications
Authors: Hendrickson Katherine , Ganesh Prashant , Volle Kyle , Buzaud Paul , Brink Kevin , Hale Matthew
Published: October 2022

The weapon–target assignment problem is a classic task assignment problem in combinatorial optimization, and its goal is to assign some number of workers (the weapons) to some number of tasks (the targets). Classical approaches for this problem typically use a centralized planner leading to a single point of failure and often preventing real-time replanning as conditions change. This paper introduces a new approach for distributed, autonomous assignment planning executed by the weapons where each weapon is responsible for optimizing over distinct subsets of the decision variables. A continuous, convex relaxation of the associated cost function and constraints is introduced, and a distributed primal-dual optimization algorithm is developed that will be shown to have guaranteed bounds on its convergence rate, even with asynchronous computations and communications. This approach has several advantages in practice due to its robustness to asynchrony and resilience to time-varying scenarios, and these advantages are exhibited in experiments with simulated and physical commercial off-the-shelf ground robots as weapon surrogates that are shown to successfully compute their assignments under intermittent communications and unexpected attrition (loss) of weapons.
Large-Eddy Simulation of a Water Jet Exhausting into Quiescent Air
Authors: Morin Valentin , Troyes Julien , Vuillot François , Bogey Christophe
Published: October 2022

This study focuses on a water injection system, typical of those used to inject water in the motor jet plume of rocket engines to reduce noise, and particularly on the destabilization of the liquid jet that leads to a spray system. For that purpose, a large-eddy simulation is conducted for an experimental water jet of the literature. It is a sprinkler whose Reynolds number is [Formula: see text] and nozzle exit diameter is [Formula: see text], similar to injectors used for jet noise reduction studies at a reduced scale. A diffuse interface method is used to calculate the dense liquid phase, and the dispersed phase containing droplets is calculated with an Eulerian solver. Transfers between the dense and the dispersed phases are modeled in the coupling procedure, including the atomization and impingement processes. The jet mean radius and initial instability frequency are consistent with the experimental data, while the position of the jet transition varies with the fluctuation levels at the nozzle exit. The droplets are created in the shear layer and accumulate on the jet center when only the atomization process is considered. When also implemented, the impingement phenomenon, however, is shown to absorb the droplets before they reach the center.
Hypersonic Boundary-Layer Transition on Cold-Wall Canonical Geometries with Quantified Distributed Roughness Elements
Authors: Surujhlal Divek , Wagner Alexander , Camillo Giannino P. , Martinez Schramm Jan
Published: October 2022

Given the challenges of obtaining a natural turbulent boundary layer on common test model geometries in a shock tunnel, this work aims to investigate the influence of roughness elements on the boundary layer with respect to transition to turbulence. The experiments were conducted in the High Enthalpy Shock Tunnel Göttingen at the German Aerospace Center on a 1100-mm-long, 7°-half-angle cone and a 602-mm-long flat plate at Mach 7.4. Roughness elements were applied on the nosetip of the cone and near the leading edge of the flat plate. The roughness elements were scanned with a laser profilometer, allowing their specification in terms of a roughness Reynolds number based on the 70th-percentile element height and an exceedance probability distribution. Transition was examined for the cone geometry using streamwise-aligned coaxial thermocouples on the 0° meridian. This assisted sizing the roughness elements required for transition to occur as far upstream as detectable. Breakdown of roughness-induced vortical structures generated by the roughness elements with a similar roughness Reynolds number was then examined using the flat plate geometry with temperature-sensitive paint applied downstream of the roughness elements. It was found that roughness-induced vortices required a finite distance (persistence length) to break down into turbulent structures. The persistence length was successfully reduced by interspersing roughness elements with smaller ones.
Assessing the Contribution of Media Elements in Online Multimedia Instructions for Distance Learning
Authors: Prempeh Benjamin , Appiah Edward
Published: October 2022

The synergy of technology and education has paved the way for multimedia to be an acceptable method of maximising online distance learning, resulting in its increased use and a need to design and develop more multimedia instructions. Disparities between theory and practice show that online courses are not always designed to fully support multimedia learning. This study investigated the design of instructional multimedia learning resources to understand the contribution of media elements to the online distance learning courses of a university in a developing country. A single case study technique was employed to explore how the integration of multimedia elements in an online course design contributed to learning. A qualitative research inquiry was followed, with data being provided by 23 students and facilitators. Data was also obtained from document analysis. The principles of the cognitive theory of multimedia learning were used as a lens through which to assess the impact of media elements. The researchers found that engaging, motivating and interactive environments maximised learning. The results indicated that video media were essential and preferred media elements but were inadequate as a support tool. The use of other media, such as animation, audio and interactive simulation (especially via multimedia) to support learning was not fully explored.
The State of Violence Prevention: Reflections from the First South African National Conference on Violence Prevention
Authors: Seedat Mohamed , Van Niekerk Ashley , Suffla Shahnaaz
Published: October 2022

Our analysis of the state of violence prevention in the country is based on a thematic content analysis of abstracts submitted for the First South African National Conference on Violence Prevention. A description of the constituent features of interventions, as well as the theoretical and evaluative assumptions that underlie them, is useful for identifying gaps, strengths and areas for development in the violence prevention sector. Our analysis suggests that the work presented at the conference, albeit a limited representation of violence prevention initiatives in the country, may be indicative of the plural forms of violence and is partially responsive to the complex psychosocial drivers of violence. While multidimensional interventions seem to focus on central contributing factors, including gendered cultural norms and practices, hegemonic masculinities, specific vulnerable groups and locations, the structural drivers of violence are not directly addressed. There is thus space and scope for prevention interventions that target socioeconomic and material determinants of violence directly. Likewise, for national implementation science and related efforts to grow, future interventions will have to incorporate theoretical and evaluative frames that help to explain the factors that may optimise intervention success, uptake and sustainability.
(Mis)Understanding Same-Sex Sexual Violence Amongst Boys: A Perspective on Recent Rape Incidents in South Africa
Authors: Nkosi Sebenzile , Nunze Ncediswa , Sikweyiya Yandisa
Published: October 2022

Incidents of male–male sexual violence amongst young boys in South Africa have been brought into sharp focus by the media and, to a lesser extent, research, yet there continues to be very little research into this phenomenon in South Africa. In this perspective, evidence is presented of how the dearth of research has led to a limited appreciation of the associated risk factors and the socioeconomic circumstances under which male–male sexual violence amongst young boys occurs. It is possible to theorise that this neglect results from a gendered discourse which frames males and females as perpetrators and victims respectively, and disregards males as victims. Moreover, drawing on critical men and masculinities scholarship, the contention is made that this neglect also results from limited recognition that boys are gendered, that there are a multiplicity and hierarchy of masculinities amongst boys, with dominant masculinities sometimes employing physical and sexual violence to suppress and control subordinate and alternative masculinities. More research is urgently needed on boy–boy sexual violence in resource-poor communities in South Africa. Such work should be grounded in the critical men and masculinities framework. The findings from such research could inform the development of context-specific gender-transformative interventions for young adolescent boys, to prevent their construction of violent masculinities and the use of violence.
Factors Influencing the Maintenance of an Intervention for Safety, Peace and Health in Early Childhood Development
Authors: Sinclair Deborah Louise , Nkadimeng Shilela , Mochudi Mapula , Milovanovic Minja , Seedat Mohamed , Eksteen Rodney
Published: October 2022

In this report, we focus on the factors that influenced the maintenance of an intervention for safety, peace and health in Early Childhood Development one year post-implementation in an informal settlement in Johannesburg, South Africa. We followed a qualitative methodological framework and collected the data via two semi-structured focus group discussions with recipient practitioners. We analysed the data thematically. The participants reported that the provision of curriculum materials, the relevance of curriculum topics and the availability of regular monitoring and mentoring facilitated the maintenance of the intervention. Insufficient funds to reproduce teaching materials and the English-centric nature of the training materials posed challenges to the maintenance of the intervention. In the study, we call for larger empirical work on factors shaping the maintenance of the intervention in under-resourced contexts. We recommend that maintenance plans be developed alongside prevention interventions, the language of communication be context-appropriate, the capacity development for key social actors be accelerated, fidelity and required resources be regularly monitored, and a consistent agency presence be ensured in intervention communities.
Safety Factors Associated with Mathematics Achievement in South African Primary Schools
Authors: Graham Marien Alet
Published: October 2022

According to the South African Constitution, all children have a right to equitable education which is free from harm. According to the South African Children’s Amendment Act No. 41 of 2007, it is a legal requirement that cases of violence against schoolchildren be reported to law enforcement officials. Still, news of horrendous incidents in schools continues to grab South African news headlines. The creation of a safe environment conducive to learning is vitally important in the academic achievement of learners. All learners have the right to basic education as a fundamental human right, and this can be fulfilled only when all learners have access to education in a safe school environment. Safety factors associated with the South African Grade 5 mathematics achievement were investigated. A quantitative design, a deductive approach, a positivist philosophical stance and a secondary data analysis study design were followed. In this study, I analysed the 2019 data of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study for respondents from South Africa and proposed a model containing 10 constructs, consisting of nine independent variables (gender, socio-economic status and seven variables related to safety aspects in schools) and one dependent variable (mathematics achievement). The multilevel analysis using HLM software indicated that not feeling safe at school, property being stolen or purposefully damaged, being hit, hurt or threatened, living in an impoverished area, having a shortage of or inadequate school buildings and grounds, and intimidation or verbal abuse of teachers or staff were the best predictors of mathematics achievement of Grade 5 learners. I conclude with recommendations and a summary.
Assistência de enfermagem ao adulto grande queimado: revisão integrativa
Authors: Vidal Ana Beatriz de Sousa , Nascimento Daniel Ferreira do , Cruz Elida Samara de Sousa , Nunes Priscilla dos Santos Junqueira , Monteiro Jacqueline da Silva , Passos Xisto Sena , Machado Leonardo Martins da Silva
Published: October 2022

Objetivo: Esclarecer os impasses que a enfermagem enfrenta ao prestar assistência ao adulto com grande queimado. Métodos: Refere-se a uma revisão integrativa, dados coletados de 2015 a 2021, na língua inglesa e portuguesa, nas bases de dados PUBMED e BVS, utilizando os descritores: queimadura, assistência de enfermagem e adulto e a análise foi de forma descritiva e qualitativa, sendo incluídos 13 artigos. Resultados: A enfermagem precisa realizar atendimento primário adequado, com avalições, tomadas de decisões cabíveis e procedimentos como curativos e estabilização hemodinâmica com o intuito de reduzir ao menor dano possível. Além de enfrentar as dificuldades existentes nesse meio e prestar assistência à família e ao paciente. Considerações Finais: A enfermagem e suas ações são essenciais na assistência ao paciente queimado, agindo com conhecimento teórico e prático para alcançar a melhor evolução dos pacientes e reduzir o número de mortes provocados por acidentes com queimaduras.
Atuação do enfermeiro na prevenção de infecção na central de material e esterilização: uma revisão narrativa
Authors: Moreira Valeria Aparecida Fogaça , Lima Rodrigo Leão de , Vetorazo Jabneela Vieira Pereira
Published: October 2022

Objetivo: Analisar a importância da atuação do enfermeiro na prevenção de infecção na Central de Material Esterilização (CME). Revisão bibliográfica: Observou-se que as funções desempenhadas pelo enfermeiro na central de material são de suma importância no funcionamento dos processos de saúde, uma vez que a CME é responsável pelo preparo, esterilização e distribuição de material para os atendimentos e procedimentos. Juntamente com isso, é responsável pelo monitoramento da eficácia dos serviços realizados, bem como, a supervisão dos materiais já processados para assegurar a integridade e a validade dos procedimentos que serão executados fazendo o uso dos recursos esterilizados e armazenados. Atribuindo uma grande responsabilidade e a necessidade de capacitação e preparo dos profissionais que atuam nesse setor. Considerações finais: Deste modo, considerou-se que são necessários profissionais qualificados para a área assumida e que um enfermeiro competente na central realiza uma importante função no serviço de saúde, e que suas ações refletem no resultado dos procedimentos realizados com os materiais e na evolução do quadro do paciente.
Food Corridor: Türkiye’s Successful Role as Mediator
Authors: ATEŞOĞLU GÜNEY NURŞİN
Published: October 2022

Türkiye’s latest success, in bringing the warring sides of Ukraine and Russia to an agreement on the export of grain out of Ukraine’s ports, is due to Ankara’s long time rational strategy of having access to both capitals by keeping the dialog open even during times of conflict. At last, the newly signed grain deal is going to be effective in helping to avert the anticipated worldwide food shortages. This commentary aims to understand the details of this grain deal by focusing first on the Turkish diplomacy that has been on track before and during the Ukraine war, with the Russian and Ukrainian governments.
CAPACITAÇÃO DE EDUCADORES SOCIAIS ATRAVÉS DE PROJETO DE EXTENSÃO UNIVERSITÁRIA: RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA
Authors: RODRİGUES DOS SANTOS COSTA Dhessika Riviery , SOUZA CARVALHO E LİRA Margaret Olinda
Published: October 2022

Introdução: As instituições de acolhimento infantojuvenil devem funcionar de forma semelhante a uma residência, fornecendo conforto aos acolhidos. Os profissionais atuantes nesses espaços socioassistenciais são chamados de educadores sociais. No Brasil, desde o princípio, sua formação não se deu por processos formais e, até hoje, constata-se a falta de qualificação apropriada. Com o projeto de extensão intitulado “Grupo de cuidados com crianças e adolescentes em acolhimento institucional: proposta de intervenção” notou-se a necessidade de capacitação e sensibilização dos educadores atuantes. Objetivo: Descrever as atividades interdisciplinares realizadas no processo de capacitação de educadores sociais, executadas por discentes de graduações da área da saúde através de uma subdivisão do projeto de extensão principal, sendo então denominada “Grupo de cuidados: quem cuida do cuidador?”. Método: Estudo descritivo do tipo relato de experiência sobre a prática extensionista de acadêmicos de saúde realizada em 2021 na Instituição de Acolhimento Laura Vicuña, localizada na cidade de Petrolina-PE, através do projeto de extensão “Grupo de Cuidados com Crianças e Adolescentes em Acolhimento Institucional: proposta de intervenção”. Utilizando a plataforma Google Meet, foram realizadas oficinas online perpassando o conhecimento prévio, a abordagem do tema principal, problematização e compartilhamento de vivências inseridas nas temáticas. Foram abordados temas importantes para a construção de pensamento crítico, político e social, além de temas que versam sobre a importância da saúde mental do cuidador para o bom acolhimento de jovens. Resultados: Baseando nas experiências vivenciadas e na troca de informações durantes as oficinas, observa-se a carência de qualificação associada a contratação, gerando estresse no trabalho, por não saberem como agir frente às adversidades. No entanto, nota-se o interesse em instruir-se para melhor oferta de cuidado, resultando na participação ativa de toda a equipe nos encontros. A proposta interdisciplinar permitiu que assuntos importantes das diversas áreas de conhecimento fossem introduzidos e discutidos durante a capacitação, ofertando melhor conhecimento não só para a equipe de educadores, como para a equipe organizadora da capacitação. Conclusão: É possível constatar a importância da transmissão de conhecimentos para que a prática do educador social seja sensível e baseada em evidências, promovendo a melhoria na sua rotina laboral e, consequente diminuição do esgotamento mental. Com base nisso, espera-se que a qualidade de vida se desenvolva positivamente, a partir de entendimento que saúde é um estado de bem-estar físico, mental e social e que o trabalho tange grande parte das preocupações do indivíduo. Por fim, pode-se concluir que a interdisciplinaridade e a troca de experiências entre comunidade e instituição favorece o desenvolvimento acadêmico, profissional e pessoal dos discentes.
A Estratégia da Posição do Antecedente em línguas românicas de sujeito nulo
Authors: Fiéis Alexandra , Madeira Ana , Teixeira Joana
Published: October 2022

This study investigates the interpretation of pronominal subjects in European Portuguese, Spanish and Italian. 30 native speakers of each language completed two multiple-choice tasks (speeded and untimed), which elicited their interpretation of null and overt subject pronouns in intrasentential contexts with the order matrix‑subordinate. The tasks had a 2x2 design, crossing the following variables: animacy of the matrix object (+ animate vs. - animate) and type of pronominal embedded subject (overt vs. null). Results indicate that the PAS is consistently followed in EP but not in Italian or Spanish. In these languages, this strategy is adopted in overt subject resolution only in contexts where the antecedents are [+ animate]. In the resolution of null subjects, Italian and Spanish exhibit optionality between subject and object antecedents. Hence, there is microvariation in the resolution of pronominal subjects in these languages. Possible reasons for this are discussed in detail.
Three principles of quantum computing
Authors: Ozhigov Yuri
Published: October 2022

The point of building a quantum computer is that it allows to model living things with predictive power and gives the opportunity to control life. Its scaling means not just the improvement of the instrument part, but also, mainly, mathematical and software tools, and our understanding of the QC problem. The first principle of quantum modeling is the reduction of reality to finite-dimensional models similar to QED in optical cavities. The second principle is a strict limitation of the so-called Feynman principle, the number of qubits in the standard formulation of the QC. This means treating decoherence exclusively as a limitation of the memory of a classical modeling computer, and introducing corresponding progressive restrictions on the working area of the Hilbert space of quantum states as the model expands. The third principle is similarity in processes of different nature. The quantum nature of reality is manifested in this principle; its nature is quantum nonlocality, which is the main property that ensures the prospects of quantum physical devices and their radical advantage over classical ones.
Engineering Excitonically-Coupled Dimers in an Artificial Protein for Light Harvesting via Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Curti Mariano , Maffeis Valentin , Duarte Luís G.T.A. , Shareef Saeed , Hallado Luisa X. , Curutchet Carles , Romero Elisabet
Published: October 2022

In photosynthesis, pigment – protein complexes achieve outstanding photoinduced charge separation efficiencies through a set of strategies in which excited states delocalisation over multiple pigments (‘excitons’) and charge-transfer states play key roles. These concepts, and their implementation in bioinspired artificial systems, are attracting increasing attention due to the vast potential that could be tapped by realising efficient photochemical reactions. In particular, de novo designed proteins provide a diverse structural toolbox that can be used to manipulate the geometric and electronic properties of bound chromophore molecules. However, achieving excitonic and charge-transfer states requires closely spaced chromophores, a non-trivial aspect since a strong binding with the protein matrix needs to be maintained. Here, we show how a general-purpose artificial protein can be optimised via molecular dynamics simulations to improve its binding capacity of a chlorophyll derivative, achieving complexes in which chromophores form two closely spaced and strongly interacting dimers. Based on spectroscopy results and computational modelling, we propose each dimer is excitonically coupled, and displays signatures of charge-transfer state mixing. This work could open new avenues for the rational design of chromophore – protein complexes with advanced functionalities.
Forced amyloidogenic cooperativity of structurally incompatible peptide segments: Fibrillization behavior of highly aggregation-prone A-chain fragment of insulin coupled to all-L, and alternating L/D octaglutamates
Authors: Dec Robert , Okoń Róża , Puławski Wojciech , Wacławska Matylda , Dzwolak Wojciech
Published: October 2022

Self-aggregation of individual polypeptide chains into amyloid fibrils is driven by interactions between amyloidogenic segments of whole proteins. The interplay between aggregation-prone and aggregation-resistant fragments within a single polypeptide chain is not well understood. Here, we examine fibrillization behavior of two designed chimeric peptides, ACC1-13E8 and ACC1-13E8(L/D), in which the highly amyloidogenic fragment of insulin’s A-chain (ACC1-13) is extended by an octaglutamate segment composed of all-L (E8), or alternating L/D residues (E8(L/D)). As separate entities, ACC1-13 readily forms fibrils with the infrared features of parallel β-sheet structure while acidified E8 forms so-called β2-aggregates consisting of antiparallel β-sheets and manifesting distinctly in the amide I band infrared region. This contrasts with profoundly aggregation-resistant behavior of E8(L/D) peptide although the alternating L/D motif has been hypothesized as compatible with aggregated α-sheets. ACC1-13E8 and ACC1-13E8(L/D) peptides are equally prone to fibrillization when the electrostatic repulsion between dissolved monomers is prevented either by lowering pH, or in the presence of Ca2+ ions. In the aggregated states, both ACC1-13E8 and ACC1-13E8(L/D) reveal the infrared characteristics of ordered parallel β-sheet structure with no spectral features attributable to β2-aggregates (ACC1-13E8) or α-sheets (ACC1-13E8(L/D)). Hence, the preferred structural pattern of ACC1-13 segment not only overrides the tendency of E8 to form the antiparallel β2-structure but also enforces formation of β-sheet structure within the E8(L/D) segment which on its own is entirely refractory to aggregation. We demonstrate how an alternating L/D sequence can be effectively forced to become a part of highly ordered amyloid structure scaffolded by an all-L amyloidogenic segment. Our study shows how the overall amyloidogenic characteristics of a larger hybrid sequence may be impacted and controlled by the properties of its most aggregation-prone part.
Modified Akuamma Alkaloids with Increased Potency at the Mu-opioid Receptor
Authors: Hennessy Madeline , Gutridge Anna , French Alexander , Rhoda Elizabeth , Meqbil Yazan , Gill Meghna , Kashyap Yavnika , Appourchaux Kevin , Pauli Barnali , Wang Z. Jim , van Rijn Richard , Riley Andrew
Published: October 2022

Akuammine (1) and pseudo-akuammigine (2) are indole alkaloids found in the seeds of the akuamma tree (Picralima nitida) that are used as a traditional treatment for pain in West Africa. Both alkaloids are agonists of the mu-opioid receptor (µOR); however, they produce minimal effects in animal models of antinociception, likely due to their modest potency. To further probe the interactions of 1 and 2 at the opioid receptors, we have prepared a collection of semi-synthetic derivatives with modifications to the C10, C11, C16, and N1 positions of the indole core. Evaluation of this collection at the µOR and kappa opioid receptor (κOR) revealed structural-activity relationship trends and derivatives with improved potency at the µOR. Most notably, the introduction of a phenethyl moiety to the N1 of 2 produces a 70-fold increase in potency and a 7-fold increase in selectivity for the µOR. The in vitro potency of this compound was reflected in vivo in rodents, producing an ED50 = 77.6 mg/kg and 77.1 mg/kg in a tail-flick antinociception assay and a hot-plate assay, respectively. The improved potency of these analogs highlights the promise of exploring natural product scaffolds that can be used to probe the opioid receptors.
Large Decrease in Melting Point of Benzoquinones via High-n Eutectic Mixing Predicted by a Regular Solution Model
Authors: Baclig Antonio , Ganapathi Devi , Ng Victoria , Penn Emily , Saathoff Jonathan , Chueh William
Published: October 2022

Decreasing the melting point (Tm) of a mixture is of interest in cryopreservatives, molten salts, and battery electrolytes. One general strategy to decrease Tm, exemplified by deep eutectic solvents, is to mix components with favorable (negative) enthalpic interactions. We demonstrate a complementary strategy to decrease Tm by mixing many components with neutral or slightly positive enthalpic interactions, using the number of components (n) to increase the entropy of mixing and decrease Tm. In theory, under certain conditions this approach could achieve an arbitrarily low Tm. Furthermore, if the components are small redox-active molecules, such as the benzoquinones studied here, this approach could lead to high energy density flow batteries. Finding the eutectic composition of a high-n mixture, however, is challenging due to the large compositional space. We demonstrate with differential scanning calorimetry measurements that 1,4-benzoquinone derivatives exhibit eutectic mixing that decreases their Tm, despite slightly positive enthalpies of mixing (0-5 kJ/mol). We show how the enthalpies of mixing can be used in a regular solution model (assuming immiscible solids and only binary interactions) to predict the eutectic composition and temperature. By investigating all 21 binary mixtures of a set of seven 1,4-benzoquinone derivatives with alkyl substituents (Tm’s between 44-120 °C), we demonstrate that the eutectic melting point of a mixture of all seven achieves a large decrease in Tm to -6 °C, and that the regular solution model shows improvement over an ideal solution model in predicting the eutectic properties.
Identification of drug metabolites with infrared ion spectroscopy – application to midazolam in vitro metabolism
Authors: van Outersterp Rianne , Martens Jonathan , berden Giel , Lubin Arnaud , Cuyckens Filip , Oomens Jos
Published: October 2022

The identification of biotransformation products of drug compounds is a crucial step in drug development. Over the last decades, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has become the method of choice for metabolite profiling because of its high sensitivity and selectivity. However, determining the full molecular structure of the detected metabolites, including the exact biotransformation site, remains challenging on the basis of MS alone. Here we explore infrared ion spectroscopy (IRIS) as a novel MS-based method for the elucidation of metabolic pathways in drug metabolism research. Using the drug midazolam as an example, we identify several biotransformation products directly from an in vitro drug incubation sample. We show that IR spectra of the aglycone MS/MS fragment ions of glucuronide metabolites establish a direct link between detected phase I and phase II metabolites. Moreover, using quantum-chemically computed IR spectra of candidate structures, we are able to assign the exact sites of biotransformation in absence of reference standards. Additionally, we demonstrate the utility of IRIS for structural elucidation by identifying several ring-opened midazolam derivatives formed in an acidic environment.
Miro GTPase domains regulate the assembly of the mitochondrial motor–adaptor complex
Authors: Davis Kayla , Basu Himanish , Izquierdo-Villalba Ismael , Shurberg Ethan , Schwarz Thomas L
Published: October 2022

Mitochondrial transport relies on a motor–adaptor complex containing Miro1, a mitochondrial outer membrane protein with two GTPase domains, and TRAK1/2, kinesin-1, and dynein. Using a peroxisome-directed Miro1, we quantified the ability of GTPase mutations to influence the peroxisomal recruitment of complex components. Miro1 whose N-GTPase is locked in the GDP state does not recruit TRAK1/2, kinesin, or P135 to peroxisomes, whereas the GTP state does. Similarly, the expression of the MiroGAP VopE dislodges TRAK1 from mitochondria. Miro1 C-GTPase mutations have little influence on complex recruitment. Although Miro2 is thought to support mitochondrial motility, peroxisome-directed Miro2 did not recruit the other complex components regardless of the state of its GTPase domains. Neurons expressing peroxisomal Miro1 with the GTP-state form of the N-GTPase had markedly increased peroxisomal transport to growth cones, whereas the GDP-state caused their retention in the soma. Thus, the N-GTPase domain of Miro1 is critical for regulating Miro1’s interaction with the other components of the motor–adaptor complex and thereby for regulating mitochondrial motility.
Palmitate impairs circadian transcriptomics in muscle cells through histone modification of enhancers
Authors: Pillon Nicolas J , Sardón Puig Laura , Altıntaş Ali , Kamble Prasad G , Casaní-Galdón Salvador , Gabriel Brendan M , Barrès Romain , Conesa Ana , Chibalin Alexander V , Näslund Erik , Krook Anna , Zierath Juleen R
Published: October 2022

Obesity and elevated circulating lipids may impair metabolism by disrupting the molecular circadian clock. We tested the hypothesis that lipid overload may interact with the circadian clock and alter the rhythmicity of gene expression through epigenomic mechanisms in skeletal muscle. Palmitate reprogrammed the circadian transcriptome in myotubes without altering the rhythmic mRNA expression of core clock genes. Genes with enhanced cycling in response to palmitate were associated with post-translational modification of histones. The cycling of histone 3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac), a marker of active gene enhancers, was modified by palmitate treatment. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequencing confirmed that palmitate exposure altered the cycling of DNA regions associated with H3K27ac. The overlap between mRNA and DNA regions associated with H3K27ac and the pharmacological inhibition of histone acetyltransferases revealed novel cycling genes associated with lipid exposure of primary human myotubes. Palmitate exposure disrupts transcriptomic rhythmicity and modifies enhancers through changes in histone H3K27 acetylation in a circadian manner. Thus, histone acetylation is responsive to lipid overload and may redirect the circadian chromatin landscape, leading to the reprogramming of circadian genes and pathways involved in lipid biosynthesis in skeletal muscle.
INDIAN ASSOCIATION FOR CRYSTAL GROWTH 2013
Authors: Pandian Dr Muthu Senthil
Published: October 2022

In October I had the pleasure of visiting India to attend the first National Seminar on Crystal Growth at Anna University, Madras. Traditionally talks on crystal growth in India have been presented at meetings on Crystallography and there was inevitably some opposition to breaking this link with crystallography, but the Seminar was well supported. 125 delegates attended and 80 papers were presented in a single-session conference or in poster sessions. The conference revealed much of the strengths and weaknesses of crystal growth in India, although I did see some excellent work which was not presented there. Crystal growers are Indian Universities are often poorly funded, apart from established groups such as those at Sadar Patel and Benaras Hindu Universities.
INDIAN ASSOCIATION FOR CRYSTAL GROWTH 2018
Authors: Senthil Dr Muthu
Published: October 2022

It is a great pleasure for me to present you the 30th issue of IACG NEWS LETTER-2018. An enthusiastic note is that the number of the Crystal Growth members is increasing tremendously. To date we have about 600 Crystal Growth research active life members. The immense support and encouragement we have been receiving from the Indian Crystal Growth Community has given us enthusiasm to bring out the 30th Issue of our IACG News Letter-2018. This newsletter presents the achievements by the Indian Crystal Growth community.
Genesis and evolution of security issues in the history of political and legal thought of Ancient China and Ancient India
Authors: Zahumenna Yuliia
Published: October 2022

The article examines the origins of the political and legal tradition of understanding the phenomenon of public safety in the intellectual tradition of the Ancient East. It is shown that the basis for the emergence of a discourse on the security of the individual, society and state were the conditions of practical existence of early state formations, especially the civilizations of ancient India and China. Political and legal thought of the Ancient East stimulated the development of security issues in the context of general ideas about the relationship of terrestrial and extraterrestrial forces in the arrangement of the social organism, in polytogenesis and orthogenesis, as well as in the context of ideas about the relationship between individual, society and state.

In ancient Eastern political and legal thought, the question of the role and place of law, legal regulators in ensuring the security of society and the state was far from a final solution. The ancient Eastern tradition did not yet know the final separation of law from the system of socio-normative regulation of social relations. Thus, the right to work closely with customs, rituals, taboos, religious and political norms in ensuring the security of social life. Gradually, in particular on the example of ancient India and China, we can see the increasing attention of ancient Eastern thinkers to the development of state and law issues in security. Legal norms aimed at establishing legal responsibility for the commission of certain offenses by people are beginning to play an important role in this area of security discourse. The security significance of these norms and their role in guaranteeing social peace is understood.
SIFAT FISIK DAN KIMIA PADA KRUPUK LOBAK (Raphanus Sativus L) DENGAN BERBAGAI TEPUNG KOMPOSIT TERIGU DAN MOCAF
Authors: Bekti K. Endang , Fitriana Ika
Published: October 2022

Crackers known as complementary food that is very popular among people unfortunately crackers considered less fiber content because the majority are carbohydrates Empowerment radish with processing into refined products that crackers are higher in fiber and vitamins can increase the diversity of crackers therefore how to modificate crackers formulation with radish
mixed with wheat-mocaf flour composite can be obtained crispy crackers and have higher levels of fiber and nutrients better than crackers in general .The study aims to determine the differences in the composite between wheat – mocaf flour with radish can affect the crackers produce ,
which has differently in crispness , moisture content , fiber content and vitamin C. Research was carried out in March 2014 in the Food Engeneering laboratory Agricultural Technology Department of University Semarang. The experimental design is Completely Randomized
Design( CRD) with five treatments and repeated 4 times , while the treatment is :

 
TERMOSTABILITAS ANTOSIANIN DARI BUAH BASELLA RUBRA YANG DIMIKROENKAPSULASI
Authors: Puspita Dhanang , Samalukang Yunius , Puspita Dhanang
Published: October 2022

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui termostabilitas pigmen antosianin dari Basella rubra yang dimikroenkaspulasi dengan maltodekstrin. Metode yang digunakan adalah ekstraksi pigmen, mikroenkapsulasi dengan menggunakan maltodekstrin 25% dan kristalisasi dengan menggunakan vacuum drying, uji termostabilitas dengan pemanasan 100°C, dan analisis menggunakan spektrofotometer UV-Vis dan KLT. Hasil penelitian diperoleh kandungan antosianin pada ekstrak buah sebesar 0,632 mg/g  dan yang sudah dimikroenkapsulasi sebesar 0,051 mg/g. Pada pemanasan selama 60 menit dengan suhu 100°C terjadi penurun konstentrasi antosianin 0,003 mg/g pada menit ke-50 dan 60. Dapat disimpulkan jika pigmen antosianin pada buah dapat dimikroenkapsulasi dan memiliki kestabilan hingga pada menit ke-40.
SIFAT ANTIOKSIDATIF EKSTRAK TEH (Camellia sinensis Linn.) JENIS TEH HIJAU, TEH HITAM, TEH OOLONG DAN TEH PUTIH DENGAN PENGERINGAN BEKU (Freeze Drying)
Authors: Lelita Dea Ira , Rohadi Rohadi , Putri Aldila Sagitaning
Published: October 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui sifat antioksidatif ekstrak teh (Camellia sinensis Linn.) jenis teh hijau, teh hitam, teh oolong dan teh putih dengan pengeringan beku (Freeze drying). Diharapkan penelitian ini dapat memberikan informasi tentang sifat antioksidatif ekstrak teh (Camellia sinensis Linn.) jenis teh hijau, teh hitam, teh oolong dan teh putih dengan pengeringan beku (Freeze drying).

Rancangan percobaan ini menggunakan satu faktor yaitu jenis teh dengan 4 perlakuan yaitu P1 : Ekstrak Teh Hijau, P2 : Ekstrak Teh Hitam, P3 : Ekstrak Teh Oolong, P4 : Ekstrak Teh Putih. dan 4 kali ulangan. Data yang diperoleh dianalisa dengan sidik ragam Rancangan Acak Kelompok (RAK)

Hasil penelitian menunjukan kapasitas antioksidatif ekstrak teh setara total fenolik (mgGAE/g-ekstrak) berturut- turut yaitu P2 (Ekstrak teh hitam) 25,67±0,008 < P4 (Ekstrak teh putih) 29,93±0,037 < P1 (Ekstrak teh hijau) 30,89±0,014 < P3 (Ekstrak teh oolong)

31,93±0,494. Kapasitas antioksidatif ekstrak teh setara total flavonoid (mg-QE/ g–ekstrak)

berturut-  turut  yaitu  P2  (Ekstrak  teh  hitam)  14,73±0,363  <  P4  (Ekstrak  teh  putih)

15.60±0,582 < P3 (Ekstrak teh oolong) 16,44±0,526 < P1 (Ekstrak teh hijau) 17,52±0,423. Kapasitas antioksidan penangkapan radikal bebas DPPH berturut- turut Konsentrasi 1000 ppm P2 (Ekstrak teh hitam) 55,48±0,684 < P1 (Ekstrak teh hijau) 86,32±0,107 < P3 (Ekstrak teh oolong) 87,20±0,217 < P4 (Ekstrak teh putih) 92,91±0,077 . Konsentrasi 1250 ppm P2 (Ekstrak teh hitam) 71,90±0,296 < P1 (Ekstrak teh hijau) 89,22±0,092 < P3 (Ekstrak teh oolong) 92,19±0,289 < P4 (Ekstrak teh putih) 93,27±0,190. Konsentrasi 1500 ppm P2 (Ekstrak teh hitam) 72,07±0,308 < P1 (Ekstrak teh hijau) 93,40±0,198 < P3 (Ekstrak teh oolong) 92,86±0,020 < P4 (Ekstrak teh putih) 93,61±0,094. Sifat antioksidatif didapatkan kadar terbaik pada perlakuan P4, sehingga perlakuan P4 memiliki potensi yang baik bila diaplikasikan sebagai antioksidan alami pada sistem pangan.

 
KARAKTERISTIK FISIKOKIMIA ORGANOLEPTIK KERUPUK TAPIOKA DENGAN FORTIFIKASI TEPUNG CANGKANG TELUR AYAM
Authors: Aprillita Denthy , Kristiani Endang Bekti , Pratiwi Ery
Published: October 2022

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui  karakteristik  fisikokimia organoleptik kerupuk tapioca dengan fortifikasi tepung cangkang telur ayam. Diduga karakteristik fisikokimia organoleptik kerupuk tapioka dipengaruhi oleh fortifikasi tepung cangkang telur ayam. Penelitian disusun dengan menggunakan metode Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) dengan 1 faktor. Faktornya adalah berbagai penambahan fortifikasi tepung cangkang telur ayam sebanyak (5gr, 10gr, 15gr, 20gr) dengan 4 perlakuan dan 4 kali ulangan sehingga didapatkan 16 satuan percobaan. Data yang dianalisis dengan menggunakan sidik ragam (ANOVA) dan apabila terdapat beda nyata akan diuji lebih lanjut dengan pengujian uji Beda Nyata Jujur (BNJ) atau bias disebut uji Honestly Significant Different (HSD) pada taraf 5%. Perlakuan terbaik pada perlakuan G4 untuk hasil uji fisik antara lain : tekstur, dan daya kembang, sedangkan uji kimia antara lain : kadar air, kadar protein, kadar lemak, kadar karbohidrat, serta untuk uji organoleptik rasa dan kerenyahan kerupuk. Perlakuan terbaik untuk uji kimia kadar kalsium, dan kadar abu di peroleh oleh perlakuan G1 karena tidak melebihi standar batas konsumsi kalsium yang berlebihan dan standar mutu kerupuk goreng. Kesimpulan penelitian ini adalah berpengaruh nyata pada setiap variabel pengamatan dengan analisa uji fisik antara lain : uji tekstur kerupuk dan uji daya kembang kerupuk sedangkan analisa uji kimia antara lain : kadar air, kadar abu, kadar protein, kadar lemak, kadar karbohidrat, dan kadar kalsium, serta dilakukan uji organoleptik skoring pada kerupuk meliputi : organoleptik rasa kerupuk dan organoleptik kerenyahan kerupuk.