bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efeito de dois tipos de quebra de dormência na germinação de guapuruvu (Schizolobium parahyba)
Authors: Carlos Jefferson , Silva Erick Dias , Silveira Laura Oliveira
Published: May 2019

O guapuruvu (Schizolobium parahyba) é uma árvore nativa da Mata Atlântica amplamente utilizada em programas de reflorestamento graças ao seu rápido crescimento inicial. No entanto, como a maioria das espécies florestais, estas plantas possuem um tipo de dormência tegumentar característico da família a qual pertencem, a fabaceae. Para superar esta dormência, são encontrados na literatura vários métodos de tratamentos pré-emergência. Neste sentido, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito de dois tipos de quebra de dormência na germinação de Schizolobium parahyba. Os tratamentos consistiram na imersão das sementes em ácido sulfúrico a 10% por 45min e escarificação mecânica com lixa, além do tratamento testemunha. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições, e para cada repetição foram semeadas dez sementes. Foi calculada a porcentagem de germinação e a velocidade de germinação. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos ao teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. O tratamento que obteve maior percentagem de germinação foi o de imersão em ácido sulfúrico, totalizando 98% de germinação das sementes, apesar de significativamente diferentes, o tratamento por escarificação mecânica também apresentou índices de germinação considerável, com 60,5%. Conclui-se que as sementes de Schizolobium parahyba necessitam passar por algum processo de quebra de dormência e que ambos os tratamentos podem se mostrar eficientes, podendo chegar a quase 100% de germinação com uso de ácido sulfúrico a 10% por um período de imersão de 45min.
Active seniors and old farts
Authors: Thomasen Louise Scheel
Published: May 2019

Based on ethnographic fieldwork among elderly people in physical rehabilitation in Denmark, the article examines aging with disease and frailty as a process of moral becoming. Employing Cheryl Mattingly’s notion of Moral Laboratory (Mattingly 2014), the article shows how life in old age, when changed by disease and the onset of frailty, is marked by striving, failure and success in the endeavour to create a good life in a constant negotiation with the body that seems to have grown a will of its own. In the training centers the body is a malleable and controllable entity known through tests and training routines, underlining individual responsibility and an active senior life as a moral value. The body does not necessarily comply with the defined goals, and other possible futures come into play, where ‘old age’ can be an explanatory resource in accepting frailty as part of life and the end of life rehearsed and orchestrated.
Angst og håb i kvinders forestillinger om transitionen fra arbejdsliv til pensionistliv
Authors: Liveng Anne
Published: May 2019

Overgangen fra arbejdsliv til pensionistliv er omgivet af stærke samfundsmæssige, normative diskurser, samtidig med at den kan indeholde sociale, psykiske og sundhedsmæssige udfordringer for den enkelte. Derfor kan overgangen være vanskelig at tænke og tale om i hverdagens kommunikation. I artiklen analyseres empirisk materiale skabt gennem den psykosociale metode Visual Matrix. Visual Matrix er en psykodynamisk, gruppebaseret metode, hvori deltagerne gennem forestillinger, præsentation af indre billeder og associationer omgås et emne. I artiklen analyseres en Visual Matrix med 14 kvindelige deltagere centreret omkring temaet ”Forestillinger om overgangen fra arbejde til pensionistliv”. Artiklen introducerer metoden og den psykodynamiske og psykosociale metodologi bag Visual Matrix. Den viser gennem eksemplariske nedslag i den transkriberede matrix-tekst og analyser af centrale billeder kompleksiteten og det stærke følelsesmæssige indhold i deltagernes forestillinger om transitionen. På baggrund heraf diskuteres, om det er muligt at rumme og bearbejde de mangfoldige psykiske udfordringer, forestillingen om transitionen fra arbejdsliv til livet som pensionist kan rejse, indenfor til rådighed stående forståelser og diskurser.
Pelis tan buenas como la novela
Authors: Lalueza Ferran
Published: May 2019

“Donde la película es tan buena como el libro”. Así es el lema del Bcn Film Fest, el Festival Internacional de Cine de Barcelona - Sant Jordi, que este 2019 llega a su tercera edición con una vocación popular más marcada que nunca y un banderín de enganche muy tentador: entradas a 2,90 euros. La propuesta incluye 5 premieres europeas o mundiales, 21 premieres españolas y 9 premieres catalanas.
Adaptive Variable Weight Accumulation AVWA-DGM(1,1) Model Based on Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Yu Lang
Published: May 2019

The development of higher education is an extremely important issue. It is the source of the country's technological innovation and the realization of innovation and development, especially in China, where higher education is still at an exploratory stage. Aiming at the shortcoming that the classical DGM (1,1) model accumulates the raw data series with the weight of constant "1", this paper proposes an adaptive variable weight accumulation optimization DGM (1,1) model, abbreviated as AVWA-DGM (1,1) model. Taking the enrollment numbers of postgraduate, master degree, undergraduate and junior college student and undergraduates students in China as numerical examples, the DGM (1,1) model and AVWA-DGM (1,1) model are established to simulate and predict respectively, and the weighted coefficients of AVWA-DGM (1,1) model are optimized and solved by particle swarm algorithm. The results show that the AVWA-DGM(1,1) model has higher simulation and prediction accuracy than the classical DGM(1,1) model in the four numerical examples provided in this paper. It can be seen that the adaptive accumulation of the raw data sequence by the particle swarm optimization algorithm can make the first order accumulation sequence more in line with the requirements of the DGM (1,1) model on the data features, thereby improving the simulation and prediction accuracy.
Genetic interaction between DNA repair factors PAXX, XLF, XRCC4 and DNA‐PKcs in human cells
Authors: Xing Mengtan , Oksenych Valentyn
Published: May 2019

DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) are highly cytotoxic lesions, and unrepaired or misrepaired DSBs can lead to various human diseases, including immunodeficiency, neurological abnormalities, growth retardation, and cancer. Nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) is the major DSB repair pathway in mammals. Ku70 and Ku80 are DSB sensors that facilitate the recruitment of downstream factors, including protein kinase DNA‐dependent protein kinase, catalytic subunit (DNA‐PKcs), structural components [X‐ray repair cross‐complementing protein 4 (XRCC4), XRCC4‐like factor (XLF), and paralogue of XRCC4 and XLF (PAXX)], and DNA ligase IV (LIG4), which complete DNA repair. DSBs also trigger the activation of the DNA damage response pathway, in which protein kinase ataxia‐telangiectasia mutated (ATM) phosphorylates multiple substrates, including histone H2AX. Traditionally, research on NHEJ factors was performed using in vivo mouse models and murine cells. However, the current knowledge of the genetic interactions between NHEJ factors in human cells is incomplete. Here, we obtained genetically modified human HAP1 cell lines, which lacked one or two NHEJ factors, including LIG4, XRCC4, XLF, PAXX, DNA‐PKcs, DNA‐PKcs/XRCC4, and DNA‐PKcs/PAXX. We examined the genomic instability of HAP1 cells, as well as their sensitivity to DSB‐inducing agents. In addition, we determined the genetic interaction between XRCC4 paralogues (XRCC4, XLF, and PAXX) and DNA‐PKcs. We found that in human cells, XLF, but not PAXX or XRCC4, genetically interacts with DNA‐PKcs. Moreover, ATM possesses overlapping functions with DNA‐PKcs, XLF, and XRCC4, but not with PAXX in response to DSBs. Finally, NHEJ‐deficient HAP1 cells show increased chromosomal and chromatid breaks, when compared to the WT parental control. Overall, we found that HAP1 is a suitable model to study the genetic interactions in human cells.
Usefulness of the new layout at Center K: Comparative analysis of actual facility usage in the transition from a facility for children with motional disabilities to a medical‐type facility for children with disabilities
Authors: Bae Minjung , Takemiya Kenji , Fujiwara Yuki
Published: May 2019

This study aimed to verify the usefulness of the new layout at Center K after its transition from a facility for children with motional disabilities to a medical‐type facility for children with disabilities. We performed field research at the center before and after the transition in 2015 and 2016 respectively. We investigated the following four aspects: (i) Children's attributes in both types of facility, (ii) Children's usage rate of locations by day (weekday vs weekend), season, and unit, (iii) Nurses’ and nursing teachers’ nursing actions and usage rate of locations, and (iv) Behavioral changes in children who were transferred from the old to the new facility.
Enhancement of Heat Dissipation in Ultraviolet Light‐Emitting Diodes by a Vertically Oriented Graphene Nanowall Buffer Layer
Authors: Ci Haina , Chang Hongliang , Wang Ruoyu , Wei Tongbo , Wang Yunyu , Chen Zhaolong , Sun Yuanwei , Dou Zhipeng , Liu Zhiqiang , Li Jinmin , Gao Peng , Liu Zhongfan
Published: May 2019

For III‐nitride‐based devices, such as high‐brightness light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), the poor heat dissipation of the sapphire substrate is deleterious to the energy efficiency and restricts many of their applications. Herein, the role of vertically oriented graphene (VG) nanowalls as a buffer layer for improving the heat dissipation in AlN films on sapphire substrates is studied. It is found that VG nanowalls can effectively enhance the heat dissipation between an AlN film and a sapphire substrate in the longitudinal direction because of their unique vertical structure and good thermal conductivity. Thus, an LED fabricated on a VG‐sapphire substrate shows a 37% improved light output power under a high injection current (350 mA) with an effective 3.8% temperature reduction. Moreover, the introduction of VG nanowalls does not degrade the quality of the AlN film, but instead promotes AlN nucleation and significantly reduces the epilayer strain that is generated during the cooling process. These findings suggest that the VG nanowalls can be a good buffer layer candidate in III‐nitride semiconductor devices, especially for improving the heat dissipation in high‐brightness LEDs.
A Flexible Self‐Powered Sensing Element with Integrated Organic Thermoelectric Generator
Authors: Zheng Chengzhi , Xiang Lanyi , Jin Wenlong , Shen Hongguang , Zhao Wenrui , Zhang Fengjiao , Di Chong‐an , Zhu Daoben
Published: May 2019

Flexible self‐powered sensing electronics are required to promote the development of wearable and portable electronics. Although self‐powered sensing elements with individual devices, such as piezoelectric and thermoelectric devices, have been demonstrated, it is challenging to realize self‐powered operation for most sensing applications. In this work, a flexible self‐powered sensing element is developed by integrating organic‐transistor‐based chemical sensors with a flexible power supplier, an organic thermoelectric (OTE) generator. The constructed OTE array on a paper substrate shows a maximum open‐circuit voltage of 0.52 V and a maximum power output of 0.32 µW. Notably, the device can power organic field‐effect transistor‐based gas sensors with ultralow operating voltage. The integrated element shows sensitive ammonia detection behavior without an additional power supply. This work suggests that OTE devices are good candidates as flexible power sources, and can be implemented in new strategies for developing self‐powered electronics through device integration.
Noninvasive diagnosis of TRIT1‐related mitochondrial disorder by measuring i6A37 and ms2i6A37 modifications in tRNAs from blood and urine samples
Authors: Takenouchi Toshiki , Wei Fan‐Yan , Suzuki Hisato , Uehara Tomoko , Takahashi Takao , Okazaki Yasushi , Kosaki Kenjiro , Tomizawa Kazuhito
Published: May 2019

Subsets of mitochondrial transfer RNA (tRNA) contain the N6‐isopentenyladenosine (i6A) or 2‐methylthio‐N6‐isopentenyladenosine (ms2i6A) modification at position A37, which is adjacent to an anticodon. These modifications are essential for efficient protein translation in mitochondria and contribute to energy metabolism. The first step in i6A and ms2i6A modifications is catalyzed by tRNA isopentenyltransferase, which is encoded by the TRIT1 gene. Herein, we report a girl with a developmental delay, frequent episodes of seizures induced by febrile illness, and myoclonic epilepsy who had compound heterozygous missense mutations in TRIT1. A mass spectrometry analysis of RNA nucleoside obtained from the subject's peripheral blood and urine showed a marked decrease in both i6A and ms2i6A modifications. These results suggest that the mitochondrial disorder was caused by defective tRNA isopentenylation arising from a loss‐of‐function mutation in TRIT1. Furthermore, the present observations suggest that noninvasive biochemical analysis using peripheral blood and urine samples are sufficient for the diagnosis of TRIT1‐related disorders, making muscle biopsy for the direct measurement of oxidative phosphorylation unnecessary. Such biochemical analyses before the start of antiepileptic medications would be beneficial to avoid hepatotoxicity in patients with possible mitochondrial disorders.
Polymer complexes. LXXVII. Synthesis, characterization, spectroscopic studies and immune response in cattle of quinoline polymer complexes
Authors: El‐Sonbati A.Z. , Diab M.A. , Mohamed G.G. , Saad M.A. , Morgan Sh.M. , El‐Sawy S.E.A.
Published: May 2019

A series of novel polymeric metal complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cr(III) with 5,5′‐{(1E,1E′)‐1,4‐phenylenebis(diazene‐2,1‐diyl)}bis(quinolin‐8‐ol) (H2L) ligand were synthesized and characterized using elemental analyses, 1H NMR, mass, infrared, UV–visible and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopies, magnetic moment and conductivity measurements as well as thermal analyses. The spectral and analytical data revealed the ligand adopted a neutral bidentate fashion when binding to metal ions via the nitrogen of azomethine of pyridine ring and the deprotonated hydroxyl group. Electronic and magnetic susceptibility measurements of the polymer complexes indicated octahedral geometry for all polymer complexes. The ESR spectral data provided information about the structures on the basis of Hamiltonian parameters and the degree of covalency. Molecular docking was used to predict the binding between the H2L and the receptor of breast cancer (3hb5). The immune response of the synthesized polymer complexes with bovine respiratory syncytial (BRS) vaccine in cattle was studied using serum neutralizations test (SNT). It was found that the isolated polymer complexes with BRS vaccine caused a significant increase in the antibody titre against BRS virus in SNT compared to BRS vaccine alone.
Green synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst with high reusability for synthesis of 1,2‐dihydroquinoline derivatives
Authors: El‐Remaily Mahmoud Abd El Aleem Ali Ali , Abu‐Dief Ahmed M. , Elhady O.
Published: May 2019

Nano materials find wide applications due to their behavior at nano scale. TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) was synthesized using Neem leaf extract. This is simple, rapid, eco‐friendly, cheaper and green tools for TiO2 NPs synthesis using agricultural waste at lower applied temperature. Characterization of the extracted TiO2 NPs was confirmed by XRD, SEM, EDAX, TEM, HR‐TEM, SAED, and FT‐IR, respectively. The catalytic activity of TiO2 NPs was investigated in synthesis of 1,2‐dihydroquinoline derivatives with excellent yields and low cost. Purification of the synthesized 1,2‐dihydroquinoline derivatives carried out by easy work‐up of non‐chromatographic methods.
Improving Security for SCADA and Administrative Networks With Limited Financial Resources
Authors: Norcross James
Published: May 2019

The threat of malicious cyberactivity can motivate utilities to strengthen their network security, which is often lax.
Grape Seed Polyphenols and Fatty Acids of Autochthonous Prokupac Vine Variety from Serbia
Authors: Zdunić Gordana , Gođevac Dejan , Šavikin Katarina , Krivokuća Dragana , Mihailović Milica , Pržić Zoran , Marković Nebojša
Published: May 2019

Grape pomace (grape skin, seeds, and stems) represents a valuable source of bioactive compounds, thus the interest in making use of these wine waste products is increasing. Prokupac is an autochthonous Serbian variety of black grape with a long tradition in production of red wine. Identification of the superficial polyphenolic compounds by LC/MS revealed presence of 19 compounds including hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives, ellagic acid derivatives, flavan‐3‐ol monomers, proanthocyanidins, and flavonols. Catechin and epicatechin together with proanthocyanidins were the most abundant compounds and the highest content of phenolic compounds was determined in Prokupac clones 43/1, 40/1, and 40/2. Grape seed oil consisted of dominantly UFA (87–95 %) where methyl linoleate was the most abundant in all samples (69–81 %). Palmitic (3–8 %) and stearic acid (2–4 %) methyl esters were dominant SFA. Prokupac clone 43/3 was the most abundant in UFA (95 %) with the lowest percentage of SFA (5 %), while clones 41/1 and 43/5 had the lowest percentage of UFA (87 %) and the highest content of SFA (13 %). Favorable chemical profile of Prokupac clone seeds implicates its potential to be used as a raw material in further processing and possibility to be included as one of the quality parameters in further selection of the most interesting Prokupac clone.
Downregulation of TRPV6 channel activity by cholesterol depletion in Jurkat T cell line
Authors: Kever Lyudmila , Cherezova Alena , Zenin Valery , Negulyaev Yuri , Komissarchik Yan , Semenova Svetlana
Published: May 2019

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 6 (TRPV6) channels are key players in calcium metabolism of healthy and cancerous cells. Nevertheless, the mechanisms controlling abundance of these channels in plasma membrane of the cells to regulate Ca2+transport is still poorly understood. In this study, we provide the first evidence that TRPV6 calcium channels and Ca2+influx in Jurkat T cell line are modulated by cholesterol, a main lipid component of the plasma membrane. Using patch‐clamp technique, we found that activity of TRPV6 channels decreased by cholesterol sequestration with methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (MβCD). Continuous measurement of intracellular Ca2+revealed a reduction of Ca2+influx into Jurkat cells following cholesterol depletion. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy analyses of MβCD‐treated cells detected the lower surface expression of the TRPV6 proteins in comparison with control cells. In general, our data showed that cholesterol regulates TRPV6 channel activity and TRPV6‐mediated Ca2+influx in cells, apparently affecting the localization and density of the calcium channels in the plasma membrane of Jurkat T cells.
Metal‐ and Catalyst‐Free Electrochemical Synthesis of Quinazolinones from Alkenes and 2‐Aminobenzamides
Authors: Teng Qing‐Hu , Sun Yu , Yao Yan , Tang Hai‐Tao , Li Jia‐Rong , Pan Ying‐Ming
Published: May 2019

A metal‐ and catalyst‐free electrochemical approach to the preparation of quinazolinones with alkenes and 2‐aminobenzamides via selective anodic oxidative difunctionalization/C−C bond cleavage/cyclization/oxidation has been developed. The synthesis process features convenient operation, low cost, and environmental friendliness, which make it a promising method for the preparation of quinazolinone derivatives.
Synthesis and Characterization of Degradation‐Resistant Cu@CuPd Nanowire Catalysts for the Efficient Production of Formate and CO from CO2
Authors: Hou Yuhui , Erni Rolf , Widmer Roland , Rahaman Motiar , Guo Huizhang , Fasel Roman , Moreno‐García Pavel , Zhang Yucheng , Broekmann Peter
Published: May 2019

Not only are the product selectivity and the activity of electrocatalysts important aspects for the evaluation of their overall performance, but also their stability and resistance against structural and compositional degradation during the electrocatalytic reaction. Palladium nanoparticles (Pd‐NPs) have already been identified as superior electrocatalysts for the electrochemical conversion of CO2 into formate at extremely low overpotentials and into carbon monoxide (CO) at medium overpotentials. However, these catalysts suffer from fast degradation, owing to irreversible CO poisoning of Pd reaction sites. Herein, we report on nanoparticulate bimetallic Pd45Cu55 catalysts, demonstrating a similar selectivity and activity to the pure Pd‐NPs, but showing additional superior degradation stability and resistance against CO poisoning. Pd45Cu55 catalysts were synthesized by means of a galvanic displacement reaction using copper nanowires (Cu‐NWs) as the starting material (template) for the galvanic displacement reaction, which leaves a surface‐confined alloy film and respective nanoparticles on the Cu‐NW template (denoted as Cu@CuPd‐NWs). A faradaic efficiency (FE) up to FEformate ≈80 % can be achieved at −0.3 V vs. RHE, thus clearly proving that the ‘anomalous’ CO2 reaction mechanism via the CO2 hydrogenation pathway, discussed for pure Pd‐NPs, can also be transferred to Pd‐based bimetallic systems. At medium overpotentials, the product selectivity changes from selective formate to predominant CO formation with a maximum faradaic efficiency of FECO=86 %. Extended CO2 electrolyses demonstrate, for both formate and CO production, superior degradation stability, for example, FECO remains at 85 %±5 % for the duration of 20 h. For the first time, identical location high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy (IL‐HAADF‐STEM) in combination with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry and identical location scanning electron microscopy (IL‐SEM) were applied to demonstrate the compositional and structural stability of the bimetallic catalyst under CO2 reduction conditions.
Intrinsic Properties of Macroscopically Tuned Gallium Nitride Single‐Crystalline Facets for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Hu Haixiao , Chang Bin , Sun Xiucai , Huo Qin , Zhang Baoguo , Li Yanlu , Shao Yongliang , Zhang Lei , Wu Yongzhong , Hao Xiaopeng
Published: May 2019

The anisotropy of crystalline materials results in different physical and chemical properties on different facets, which warrants an in‐depth investigation. Macroscopically facet‐tuned, high‐purity gallium nitride (GaN) single crystals were synthesised and machined, and the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was used as the model reaction to show the differences among the facets. DFT calculations revealed that the Ga and N sites of GaN (100) had a considerably smaller ΔGH* value than those of the metal Ga site of GaN (001) or N site of GaN (00−1), thereby indicating that GaN (100) should be more catalytically active for the HER on account of its nonpolar facet. Subsequent experiments testified that the electrocatalytic performance of GaN (100) was considerably more efficient than that of other facets for both acidic and alkaline HERs. Moreover, the GaN crystal with a preferentially (100) active facet had an excellently durable alkaline electrocatalytic HER for more than 10 days. This work provides fundamental insights into the exploration of the intrinsic properties of materials and designing advanced materials for physicochemical applications.
Dissociation of the Signaling Protein K‐Ras4B from Lipid Membranes Induced by a Molecular Tweezer
Authors: Li Lei , Erwin Nelli , Möbitz Simone , Niemeyer Felix , Schrader Thomas , Winter Roland Hermann Alfons
Published: May 2019

Oncogenic Ras mutations occur in more than 30 % of human cancers. K‐Ras4B is the most frequently mutated isoform of Ras proteins. Development of effective K‐Ras4B inhibitors has been challenging, hence new approaches to inhibit this oncogenic protein are urgently required. The polybasic domain of K‐Ras4B with its stretch of lysine residues is essential for its plasma membrane targeting and localization. Employing CD and fluorescence spectroscopy, confocal fluorescence, and atomic force microscopy we show that the molecular tweezer CLR01 is able to efficiently bind to the lysine stretch in the polybasic domain of K‐Ras4B, resulting in dissociation of the K‐Ras4B protein from the lipid membrane and disintegration of K‐Ras4B nanoclusters in the lipid bilayer. These results suggest that targeting of the polybasic domain of K‐Ras4B by properly designed tweezers might represent an effective strategy for inactivation of K‐Ras4B signaling.
From 3D to 2D: Structural, Spectroscopic and Theoretical Investigations of the Dimensionality Reduction in the [PtAl2]δ− Polyanions of the Isotypic MPtAl2 Series (M=Ca–Ba, Eu)
Authors: Stegemann Frank , Block Theresa , Klenner Steffen , Zhang Yuemei , Fokwa Boniface P. T. , Timmer Alexander , Mönig Harry , Doerenkamp Carsten , Eckert Hellmut , Janka Oliver
Published: May 2019

Four new MPtAl2 (M=Ca, Sr, Ba, Eu) compounds, adopting the orthorhombic MgCuAl2‐type structure, have been synthesized from the elements using tantalum ampoules. All compounds are obtained as platelet‐shaped crystallites and exhibit an increasing moisture sensitivity with increasing size of the formal M cation. Structural investigations indicate a pronounced elongation of the crystallographic b‐axis, which results in a significant distortion of the [PtAl2]δ− polyanion. Within the polyanion, layer‐like arrangements can be found with bonding Pt−Al interactions within the slab; the increase of the b‐axis can be attributed to increasing Al−Al distances and therefore decreasing interactions between the slabs, caused by the differently‐sized formal M cations. While the alkaline earth (M=Ca, Sr) representatives exhibit Pauli paramagnetism, BaPtAl2 shows diamagnetic behavior, finally EuPtAl2 is ferromagnetic with TC=54.0(5) K. The effective magnetic moment indicates that the Eu atoms are in a divalent oxidation state, which is confirmed by 151Eu Mössbauer spectroscopic investigations. Measurements below the Curie‐temperature show a full magnetic hyperfine field splitting with Bhf=21.7(1) T. 27Al and 195Pt magic‐angle spinning NMR spectroscopy corroborates the presence of single crystallographic sites for the Pt and Al atoms. The large 27Al nuclear electric quadrupolar coupling constants confirm unusually strong electric field gradients, in agreement with the structural distortions and the respective theoretical calculations. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy has been utilized to investigate the charge transfer within the polyanion. The Pt 4f binding energy decreases with decreasing electronegativity / ionization energy of the alkaline earth elements, suggesting an increasing electron density at the Pt atoms. Theoretical investigations underline the platinide character of the investigated compounds by Bader charge calculations. The analysis of the integrated crystal orbital Hamilton population (ICOHP) values, electron localization function (ELF) and isosurface analyses lead to a consistent structural picture, indicating stable layer‐like arrangements of the [PtAl2]δ− polyanion.
Dynamic modelling and predictive control for the sequential collaborative reactors of cobalt removal process under time‐varying conditions
Authors: Wang Yalin , Xue Yongfei , Huang Kaihua , Cen Lihui
Published: May 2019

The accuracy of the process model directly affects the performance of the model‐based controller. In zinc hydrometallurgy, the overall dynamics of the cobalt removal process can hardly be described by a fixed model since there are a series of interconnected reactors working together under time‐varying inlet and reaction conditions. In this study, an interacting continuously stirred tank reactors (ICSTR) model is developed to describe the cooperative relationship of these cascaded reactors. Considering the time‐varying inlet and reaction conditions, the reaction surface conversion coefficient is defined and incorporated into the ICSTR model, and the kernel partial least squares (KPLS) is employed to update the dynamic model online. The effectiveness of the time‐varying ICSTR model is validated using industrial data. Based on the proposed time‐varying ICSTR model, a predictive controller is designed to realize the optimal operation of the cobalt removal process. Simulation results indicate that compared with conventional predictive control and manual manipulation, the time‐varying ICSTR model‐based predictive control method can not only maintain the outlet cobalt ion concentration but also reduce the zinc dust dosage.
Computer‐Assisted Selective Optimization of Side‐Activities—from Cinalukast to a PPARα Modulator
Authors: Pollinger Julius , Schierle Simone , Neumann Sebastian , Ohrndorf Julia , Kaiser Astrid , Merk Daniel
Published: May 2019

Automated computational analogue design and scoring can speed up hit‐to‐lead optimization and appears particularly promising in selective optimization of side‐activities (SOSA) where possible analogue diversity is confined. Probing this concept, we employed the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLT1R) antagonist cinalukast as lead for which we discovered peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) modulatory activity. We automatically generated a virtual library of close analogues and classified these roughly 8000 compounds for PPARα agonism and CysLT1R antagonism using automated affinity scoring and machine learning. A computationally preferred analogue for SOSA was synthesized, and in vitro characterization indeed revealed a marked activity shift toward enhanced PPARα activation and diminished CysLT1R antagonism. Thereby, this prospective application study highlights the potential of automating SOSA.
Analysis, Simulation, and Optimization of Stochastic Vesicle Dynamics in Synaptic Transmission
Authors: Zhang Calvin , Peskin Charles S.
Published: May 2019

Synaptic transmission is the mechanism of information transfer from one neuron to another (or from a neuron to a muscle or to an endocrine cell). An important step in this physiological process is the stochastic release of neurotransmitter from vesicles that fuse with the presynaptic membrane and spill their contents into the synaptic cleft. We are concerned here with the formulation, analysis, and simulation of a mathematical model that describes the stochastic docking, undocking, and release of synaptic vesicles and their effect on synaptic signal transmission. The focus of this paper is on the parameterp0, the probability of release for each docked vesicle when an action potential arrives. We study the influence of this parameter on the statistics of the release process and on the theoretical capability of the model synapse in reconstructing various desired outputs based on the timing and amount of neurotransmitter release. This theoretical capability is assessed by formulating and solving an optimal filtering problem. Methods for parameter identification are proposed and applied to simulated data. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Oxazolidinones by using Carbon Dioxide as a C1 Building Block and an Aluminium‐Based Catalyst
Authors: Sengoden Mani , North Michael , Whitwood Adrian C.
Published: May 2019

Oxazolidinone synthesis through the coupling of carbon dioxide and aziridines was catalysed by an aluminium(salphen) complex at 50–100 °C and 1–10 bar pressure under solvent‐free conditions. The process was applicable to a variety of substituted aziridines, giving products with high regioselectivity. It involved the use of a sustainable and reusable aluminium‐based catalyst, used carbon dioxide as a C1 source and provided access to pharmaceutically important oxazolidinones as illustrated by a total synthesis of toloxatone. This protocol was scalable, and the catalyst could be recovered and reused. A catalytic cycle was proposed based on stereochemical, kinetic and Hammett studies.
Folic acid functionalized nanoparticles as pharmaceutical carriers in drug delivery systems
Authors: Narmani Asghar , Rezvani Melina , Farhood Bagher , Darkhor Parvaneh , Mohammadnejad Javad , Amini Bahram , Refahi Soheila , Abdi Goushbolagh Nouraddin
Published: May 2019

Conventional chemotherapeutic approaches in cancer therapy such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy have several disadvantages due to their nontargeted distributions in the whole body. On the other hand, nanoparticles (NPs) based therapies are remarkably progressing to solve several limitations of conventional drug delivery systems (DDSs) including nonspecific biodistribution and targeting, poor water solubility, weak bioavailability and biodegradability, low pharmacokinetic properties, and so forth. The enhanced permeability and retention effect escape from P‐glycoprotein trap in cancer cells as a passive targeting mechanism, and active targeting strategies are also other most important advantages of NPs in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Folic acid (FA) is one of the biologic molecules which has been targeted overexpressed‐folic acid receptor (FR) on the surface of cancer cells. Therefore, conjugation of FA to NPs most easily enhances the FR‐mediated targeting delivery of therapeutic agents. Here, the recent works in FA which have been decorated NPs‐based DDSs are discussed and cancer therapy potency of these NPs in clinical trials are presented.
Young adult patients with type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of mortality than those of similar age with type 2 diabetes: A nationwide analysis in Hungary
Authors: Kiss Zoltán , Rokszin György , Abonyi‐Tóth Zsolt , Jermendy György , Kempler Péter , Barkai László , Wittmann István
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

There are few papers comparing complications of type 1 diabetes with those of a similarly young age with type 2 diabetes. The aim of our nationwide study was to compare the risks of mortality and morbidities between the two types of diabetes (age ≤ 40).

METHODS

We identified all young adult patients with type 1 diabetes who were recorded in the database of the Hungarian National Health Insurance Fund between 2001 and 2014 (n = 11 863) and compared them with a population of similar age with young adult type 2 diabetes (n = 47 931). The incidence of all‐cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, any type of cancer, diabetic ketoacidosis, and hypoglycemia was followed from the onset of diabetes to the date of death or end of study period.

RESULTS

The risks of all‐cause mortality were significantly higher in patients with type 1 compared with patients with type 2 diabetes (hazard ratio, 95%CI; 2.17, 1.95‐2.41; P < .0001). The risks of myocardial infarction (0.90, 0.71‐1.13; P = 0.36) and stroke (1.06, 0.87‐1.29; P = .582) were not significantly different in type 1 compared with type 2. In contrast, the risk of cancer (1.35, 1.15‐1.59; P = .0003), dialysis (2.20, 1.76‐2.75; P < .0001), hypoglycemia (7.70, 6.45‐9.18; P < .0001), and ketoacidosis (22.12, 19.60‐25.00; P < .0001) was higher among patients with type 1 compared with those with type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

A comparatively higher incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis and hypoglycemia and higher risk of cancer and dialysis in patients with type 1 diabetes than in those with type 2 may play a role in the higher risk of mortality.
A heterochronic shift in skeletal development in the barn owl (Tyto furcata): A description of the ocular skeleton and tubular eye shape formation
Authors: Franz‐Odendaal Tamara A. , Krings Markus
Published: May 2019

Background

The eyes of some birds of prey (Strigiformes and some eagles) are tubular in shape, which contrasts strongly with those in others, which are more globose (e.g., Galliformes) or flat (most diurnal birds). Regardless, all birds have an ocular skeleton composed of a ring of ossicles (annulus ossicularis sclerae) and a cartilage cup within the sclera.

Results

We show that the tubular eye of the barn owl, Tyto furcata, grows substantially in length to achieve its long axial length several weeks after hatching, well after the period when the visual input adjusts the optical system and when the scleral ossicles mineralize. This is in contrast to the chicken. The conjunctival papillae are morphologically different in each species, however, they are present for about 3 days in both birds before they degenerate.

Conclusions

Our data shows a heterochronic shift in the timing of scleral cartilage development and ossicle mineralization (but not induction) to later in development compared to in the chicken. These shifts likely relate to the altricial vs precocial nature of these birds and suggests that the scleral ossicles are likely functionally important bones for vision in owls and possibly other altricial species.
Study of the effect of culture mediums on the amino acid metabolites for Corynebacterium glutamicum using high‐speed micellar electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Wang Wei , Bai Ruiguang , Zhang Huimin , Cai Xiaoyu
Published: May 2019

Corynebacterium glutamicum (C. glutamicum) is a well‐known workhorse for the industrial production of amino acids. Different carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur source may force the bacterium to produce specific metabolites. In this work, a method of high‐speed MEKC with LIF detection was developed to rapidly analyze the amino acid metabolites released by C. glutamicum, which is fed with different culture mediums. Corynebacterium glutamicum was cultured in microbial fuel cells to monitor its metabolism process and collect its metabolites. In the CE system, a microliter‐scale sample reservoir was designed and applied to perform tiny volume sample injection. With the assistance of microwave, the derivatization time for amino acids with FITC was greatly shortened to 6 min. Under the optimized condition, the eight candidate amino acids of metabolites could be rapidly separated within 2 min. The whole analysis process for real samples, from sampling to determination, could be shortened to less than 10 min. The results showed that C. glutamicum could produce additional l‐lysine and l‐valine as the metabolites when fed with glucose and l‐methionine, respectively. The method proved that culture mediums used to feed C. glutamicum had great effect on the bacterium's metabolites.
Chiral separation of cathinone derivatives using β‐cyclodextrin‐assisted capillary electrophoresis–Comparison of four different β‐cyclodextrin derivatives used as chiral selectors
Authors: Hägele Johannes S. , Hubner Eva‐Maria , Schmid Martin G.
Published: May 2019

In the past decade, more than 100 different cathinone derivatives slopped over entire Europe due to their enormous popularity. Generally, these novel psychoactive substances are easily available via the internet. This fact leads to various social problems, since cathinones are substances with consciousness‐changing effects and are mainly misused for recreational matters by their consumers. Cathinones possess a chiral center including two enantiomeric forms with potentially different pharmacological behavior. This fact makes analytical method development regarding their chiral separation indispensable. In this study, a chiral capillary zone electrophoresis method for the enantioseparation of 61 cathinone and pyrovalerone derivatives was developed by means of four different β‐cyclodextrin derivatives. As chiral selectors, native β‐cyclodextrin as well as three of its derivatives namely acetyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, and carboxymethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin were used. The cathinone and pyrovalerone derivatives were either purchased in internet stores or seized by police. As a result, overall 58 of 61 studied substances were partially or baseline separated by at least one of the four chiral selectors using 10 mM of β‐cyclodextrin derivative in a 10 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 2.5). Furthermore, the method was found to be suitable for simultaneous enantioseparations, for enantiomeric purity checks and to differentiate between positional isomers. Moreover, an intra‐ and an interday validation was performed successfully for each chiral selector to prove the robustness of the method.
From A to Z? Retrieval‐induced forgetting of non‐verbal information indicates how writing systems can shape memory organisation
Authors: Chen Rui , Tao Yun , Liu Zhi , Tempel Tobias
Published: May 2019

We investigated retrieval‐induced forgetting of motor sequences in samples of Chinese participants. Retrieval‐induced forgetting occurs when selective retrieval of a subset of information stored in memory causes forgetting for the non‐retrieved rest. This phenomenon critically depends on the organised storage of separate categories of memory representations. In studies with participants from a Western culture (Germany), a categorization in left‐ and right‐hand movements previously had been supported by letter stimuli based on a spatial mental representation of the Roman alphabet. The same assignment of letters from the beginning or end of the alphabet to motor sequences performed either with the left‐ or the right‐hand did not entail retrieval‐induced forgetting in the present study, however (Experiment 1). In Experiment 2, visual features of displaying to‐be‐learned sequences additionally supported a distinction into left and right. In Experiment 3, learning trials provided verbal category labels. The occurrence of retrieval‐induced forgetting in the latter two experiments suggests language‐dependent organisation of non‐verbal items in memory.
Small‐molecule‐mediated chemical knock‐down of MuRF1/MuRF2 and attenuation of diaphragm dysfunction in chronic heart failure
Authors: Adams Volker , Bowen T. Scott , Werner Sarah , Barthel Peggy , Amberger Christina , Konzer Anne , Graumann Johannes , Sehr Peter , Lewis Joe , Provaznik Jan , Benes Vladimir , Büttner Petra , Gasch Alexander , Mangner Norman , Witt Christian C. , Labeit Dittmar , Linke Axel , Labeit Siegfried
Published: May 2019

Background

Chronic heart failure (CHF) leads to diaphragm myopathy that significantly impairs quality of life and worsens prognosis. In this study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of a recently discovered small‐molecule inhibitor of MuRF1 in treating CHF‐induced diaphragm myopathy and loss of contractile function.

Methods

Myocardial infarction was induced in mice by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Sham‐operated animals (sham) served as controls. One week post‐left anterior descending coronary artery ligation animals were randomized into two groups—one group was fed control rodent chow, whereas the other group was fed a diet containing 0.1% of the compound ID#704946—a recently described MuRF1‐interfering small molecule. Echocardiography confirmed development of CHF after 10 weeks. Functional and molecular analysis of the diaphragm was subsequently performed.

Results

Chronic heart failure induced diaphragm fibre atrophy and contractile dysfunction by ~20%, as well as decreased activity of enzymes involved in mitochondrial energy production (P < 0.05). Treatment with compound ID#704946 in CHF mice had beneficial effects on the diaphragm: contractile function was protected, while mitochondrial enzyme activity and up‐regulation of the MuRF1 and MuRF2 was attenuated after infarct.

Conclusions

Our murine CHF model presented with diaphragm fibre atrophy, impaired contractile function, and reduced mitochondrial enzyme activities. Compound ID#704946 rescued from this partially, possibly by targeting MuRF1/MuRF2. However, at this stage of our study, we refrain to claim specific mechanism(s) and targets of compound ID#704946, because the nature of changes after 12 weeks of feeding is likely to be complex and is not necessarily caused by direct mechanistic effects.
Validation of the stability of paracetamol in extemporaneously compounded suppositories
Authors: Yang Tianzhi , Shin Hae Jung , Nguyen Kayla , Bai Shuhua
Published: May 2019

Background

Although compounded pain suppositories have been widely used in medical practice to accommodate specific patients’ needs, few studies have systemically evaluated the stability of compounded pain relief suppositories in different bases.

Aim

The aim of this study was to conduct long‐term stability studies on two types of compounded paracetamol suppositories under different storage conditions.

Methods

Suppositories were compounded in cocoa butter substitute Fattibase® and polyethylene glycol (PEG) bases using a double‐casting fusion method with a dose of 325 mg paracetamol. Suppositories were stored at 4°C and 25°C, and sampled at 0, 7, 14, 30, 90 and 180 days. Samples were first assessed by weight, colour and the morphology of the suppositories. The pH of the extracted solution was measured and the amount of paracetamol was analysed by HPLC.

Results

The mean weight of the paracetamol suppository in PEG and Fattibase® was 2.21 ± 0.02 and 1.89 ± 0.00 g, respectively. Initial paracetamol levels in the PEG and Fattibase® suppositories were 103.7 ± 5.2% and 102.5 ± 6.5%, respectively. After 6 months, no significant changes were observed in the weight and morphology of the suppositories. However, the drug amount in the suppositories was slightly decreased in Fattibase® at 25°C (p < 0.05). The measured pH values of the extracted drug solutions were significantly increased at 6 months in both bases (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Two compounded paracetamol suppositories remained stable for 3 months at 4°C and 25°C. Three months could be assigned as the expiry date of compounded products.
Administration error of benzathine penicillin G in a Saudi male
Authors: Hassan Alzahrani Khalid , Abdelmageed Imam Ethar , Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed Izham , Palaian Subish
Published: May 2019

Background

Benzathine penicillin G is indicated for intramuscular (IM) administration. There have been reports of unintentional intravenous (IV) administration, which has been associated with cardiorespiratory arrest and death. This article reports on a case of inadvertent IV administration of benzathine penicillin G instead of IM injection.

Clinical details

A 29‐year‐old Saudi army male with no history of any chronic illness visited the Security Forces Hospital in Makkah because of injuries to his left hand and left ear as a result of a bomb blast. The patient underwent surgery, and was conscious, oriented and vitally stable after the operation. He was prescribed benzathine penicillin G to prevent wound infection, but the injection was incorrectly administered IV instead of IM.

Outcomes

The patient did not exhibit any visible clinical symptoms after receiving the drug via the wrong route. The patient's vital signs were fine and he did not have a fever. The full complete blood count was normal, except for a mild elevation in the neutrophil count (84%) and a mild decrease in lymphocytes (8.8%). Random blood glucose was 149 mg/dL and the activated partial thromboplastin time was 39.3 s. All other laboratory investigations were within the normal range. The creatinine concentration fluctuated between 0.8 and 1 mg/dL.

Conclusion

This was an obvious case of a drug‐related problem categorised as a ‘wrong route error’. The role of clinical pharmacists in preventing such errors is important to ensure patient safety.