bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uniform poly(phosphazene–triazine) porous microspheres for highly efficient iodine removal
Authors: Xiong Shaohui , Tao Jian , Wang Yuanyuan , Tang Juntao , Liu Cheng , Liu Qingquan , Wang Yan , Yu Guipeng , Pan Chunyue
Published: June 2018

The iodine adsorption capacity of porous organic polymers is greatly enhanced due to the extended π-conjugated units on the backbone.
Hydrogen bonding versus π-interactions: their key competition in sildenafil solvates
Authors: Barbas Rafael , Prohens Rafel , Font-Bardia Mercè , Bauzá Antonio , Frontera Antonio
Published: June 2018

Herein we report the X-ray characterization of four sildenafil solvates where the conformation of the pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine and phenyl rings depends on the solvent.
Pasteur's tartaramide/malamide quasiracemates: new entries and departures from near inversion symmetry
Authors: Pinter Emily N. , Cantrell Lee S. , Day Graeme M. , Wheeler Kraig A.
Published: June 2018

Reinvestigating Pasteur's 1853 quasiracemates has led to unexpected departures from centrosymmetric crystal packing and new insight into the role of molecular shape to molecular assembly.
Self-assembly and friction of glycerol monooleate and its hydrolysis products in bulk and confined non-aqueous solvents
Authors: Bradley-Shaw Joshua L. , Camp Philip J. , Dowding Peter J. , Lewtas Ken
Published: June 2018

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the interplay between self-assembly, adsorption, and friction in solutions of amphiphilic additives dissolved in non-aqueous solvents.
Thermodynamics of ionic liquid evaporation under vacuum
Authors: Horike Shohei , Ayano Masato , Tsuno Masahiro , Fukushima Tatsuya , Koshiba Yasuko , Misaki Masahiro , Ishida Kenji
Published: June 2018

The low volatility of ionic liquids (ILs) is one of their most interesting physico-chemical properties; however, the general understanding of their evaporation dynamics under vacuum is still lagging.
Electrocatalytic studies on imidazolium based ionic liquids: defining experimental conditions
Authors: Montiel Miguel A. , Solla-Gullón José , Montiel Vicente , Sánchez-Sánchez Carlos M.
Published: June 2018

The number of publications devoted to studying electrochemical reactions in room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) is constantly growing, but very few of them have been devoted to defining proper experimental conditions to obtain reproducible electrochemical results.
Pseudorotaxanes in the gas phase: structure and energetics of protonated dibenzylamine–crown ether complexes
Authors: Kida Motoki , Shimoyama Daisuke , Ikeda Toshiaki , Sekiya Ryo , Haino Takeharu , Ebata Takayuki , Jouvet Christophe , Inokuchi Yoshiya
Published: June 2018

Barrier in the “slippage” process with 24C8 and dBAMH+ is lower than the dissociation threshold in the gas phase.
Direct access toN-alkylated amines and iminesviaacceptorless dehydrogenative coupling catalyzed by a cobalt(ii)-NNN pincer complex
Authors: Midya Siba P. , Pitchaimani Jayaraman , Landge Vinod G. , Madhu Vedichi , Balaraman Ekambaram
Published: June 2018

A Co(ii)-NNN pincer complex catalyzed directN-alkylation of anilines with alcoholsviahydrogen auto-transfer and selective acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling of benzylamines with alcohols affording imines with the liberation of molecular hydrogen and water is reported.
Three new high-nuclear transition-metal-substituted heteropolytungstates: syntheses, crystal structures, magnetic studies and NLO properties
Authors: Luo Xi-Ming , Chen Lu , Dong Ya-Yu , Li Jing , Cui Chen-Hui , Cao Jia-Peng , Xu Yan
Published: June 2018

Three TM-substituted POMs were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Compounds1–3are allNi6-cluster-based dimeric structures.3features the highest number of organic ligands (six pyridines perNi6).
Reactions of (Ph)tBuP-P(SiMe3)Li·3THF with [(PNP)TiCl2] and [MeNacNacTiCl2·THF]: synthesis of first PNP titanium(iv) complex with the phosphanylphosphinidene ligand [(PNP)Ti(Cl){η2-P-P(Ph)tBu}]
Authors: Ziółkowska Aleksandra , Szynkiewicz Natalia , Wiśniewska Aleksandra , Pikies Jerzy , Ponikiewski Łukasz
Published: June 2018

We present the reactivity of [(PNP)TiCl2] and [MeNacNacTiCl2·THF] towards the lithium derivative of diphosphane (Ph)tBuP-P(SiMe3)Li·nTHF.
Coordination, reactivity, and structural properties of electron-rich ethoxy- and dimethylamino-substituted 1,3-diketiminate ligands and their complexes
Authors: Land Michael A. , Huo Bright , Robertson Katherine N. , Ylijoki Kai E. O. , Lee Peter T. K. , Areephong Jetsuda , Vidović Dragoslav , Clyburne Jason A. C.
Published: June 2018

Two new anionic ligands L and their metal complexes ZnL2, (CH3)2AlL, and LRh(CO)2 (shown) have been prepared and fully characterized.
Redox transmetallation approaches to the synthesis of extremely bulky amido-lanthanoid(ii) and -calcium(ii) complexes
Authors: de Bruin-Dickason Caspar N. , Boutland Aaron J. , Dange Deepak , Deacon Glen B. , Jones Cameron
Published: June 2018

Redox transmetallation protolysis and direct redox transmetallation reactions have been employed to access a variety of extremely bulky amido-lanthanoid(ii), and related calcium(ii) complexes which cannot be prepared using classical salt metathesis pathways.
Electrochemical oxidative radical oxysulfuration of styrene derivatives with thiols and nucleophilic oxygen sources
Authors: Wang Yang , Deng Lingling , Mei Haibo , Du Bingnan , Han Jianlin , Pan Yi
Published: June 2018

The first example of the electrochemical oxysulfuration reaction of alkenes with thiols and nucleophilic oxygen sources has been reported.
Engineering the acidity and accessibility of the zeolite ZSM-5 for efficient bio-oil upgrading in catalytic pyrolysis of lignocellulose
Authors: Hernando Héctor , Hernández-Giménez Ana M. , Ochoa-Hernández Cristina , Bruijnincx Pieter C. A. , Houben Klaartje , Baldus Marc , Pizarro Patricia , Coronado Juan M. , Fermoso Javier , Čejka Jiří , Weckhuysen Bert M. , Serrano David P.
Published: June 2018

Zeolite ZSM-5 properties have been optimised for catalytic bio-oil upgrading.
An acoustofluidic trap and transfer approach for organizing a high density single cell array
Authors: Ohiri Korine A. , Kelly Sean T. , Motschman Jeffrey D. , Lin Kevin H. , Wood Kris C. , Yellen Benjamin B.
Published: June 2018

We demonstrate a hybrid microfluidic system that combines fluidic trapping and acoustic switching to organize an array of single cells at high density.
“Ship in a bottle” Porph@MOMs as highly efficient catalysts for selective controllable oxidation and insights into different mechanisms in heterogeneous and homogeneous environments
Authors: Saghian M. , Dehghanpour S. , Sharbatdaran M.
Published: June 2018

3D “ship in a bottle” Porph@MOMs with selectivity control capability and interesting catalytic properties were used as biomimetic oxidation catalysts for different reactions.
The influence of oxidative debris on the fragmentation and laser desorption/ionization process of graphene oxide derivatives
Authors: Hong Yu Lim , Lee Jieon , Ku Bon-Cheol , Kang Kyungtae , Lee Seunghyun , Ryu Seongwoo , Kim Young-Kwan
Published: June 2018

The influence of oxidative debris on laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (LDI-TOF-MS) analysis by using graphene oxide as a matrix was investigated to reveal its role in LDI process.
Evidence of extended cation solubility in atomic layer deposited nanocrystalline BaTiO3 thin films and its strong impact on the electrical properties
Authors: Falmbigl Matthias , Karateev Igor A. , Golovina Iryna S. , Plokhikh Aleksandr V. , Parker Thomas C. , Vasiliev Alexander L. , Spanier Jonathan E.
Published: June 2018

Enhanced cation solubility for atomic layer deposited metastable, nanocrystalline BaTiO3 thin films strongly influences the electrical properties.
Long circulatory liposomal maduramicin inhibits the growth ofPlasmodium falciparumblood stages in culture and cures murine models of experimental malaria
Authors: Raza Mohsin , Bharti Hina , Singal Aakriti , Nag Alo , Ghosh Prahlad C.
Published: June 2018

PEGylated liposomal maduramicin cures malaria in murine models and suppresses key inflammatory markers associated with the disease.
PEG-copolymer-coated iron oxide nanoparticles that avoid the reticuloendothelial system and act as kidney MRI contrast agents
Authors: Gómez-Vallejo Vanessa , Puigivila María , Plaza-García Sandra , Szczupak Boguslaw , Piñol Rafael , Murillo José L. , Sorribas Victor , Lou Gustavo , Veintemillas Sabino , Ramos-Cabrer Pedro , Llop Jordi , Millán Angel
Published: June 2018

PEG coated magnetic nanocarriers avoid the reticuloendothelial system, and show an MRI contrast in the kidneys. The results are supported by SPECT, gamma-counting, MRI and TEM histology.
Thermochemiluminescent semiconducting polymer dots as sensitive nanoprobes for reagentless immunoassay
Authors: Andronico Luca A. , Chen Lei , Mirasoli Mara , Guardigli Massimo , Quintavalla Arianna , Lombardo Marco , Trombini Claudio , Chiu Daniel T. , Roda Aldo
Published: June 2018

Thermochemiluminescent nanoprobes for reagentless immunoassays were obtained by doping semiconductive polymer dots with an acridine 1,2-dioxetane derivative.
Ultrastrong Al0.1CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloys at small scales: effects of stacking faults vs. nanotwins
Authors: Feng Xiaobin , Zhang Jinyu , Wu Kai , Liang Xiaoqing , Liu Gang , Sun Jun
Published: June 2018

The present stacking faulted and nanotwinned Al0.1CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy pillars achieved the maximum strength among face-centered cubic structured metals.
Copper molybdenum sulfide anchored nickel foam: a high performance, binder-free, negative electrode for supercapacitors
Authors: Sahoo Surjit , Krishnamoorthy Karthikeyan , Pazhamalai Parthiban , Kim Sang -Jae
Published: June 2018

A novel negative electrode based on copper molybdenum sulfide (CMS) nanostructures prepared through a facile method for supercapacitor applications.
Radiation damage during in situ electron microscopy of DNA-mediated nanoparticle assemblies in solution
Authors: Sutter Peter , Zhang Bo , Sutter Eli
Published: June 2018

In situ electron microscopy in liquids is used to establish radiation damage pathways and damage-free imaging conditions for superlattices of oligonucleotide–nanoparticle conjugates, paving the way for imaging the self-assembly of such programmable atom equivalents in aqueous solution.
Spontaneous valley splitting and valley pseudospin field effect transistors of monolayer VAgP2Se6
Authors: Song Zhigang , Sun Xiaotian , Zheng Jiaxin , Pan Feng , Hou Yanglong , Yung Man-Hong , Yang Jinbo , Lu Jing
Published: June 2018

Valley Zeeman-type splitting and its application in valley pseudospin field effect transistors.
Assembling Ni–Co phosphides/carbon hollow nanocages and nanosheets with carbon nanotubes into a hierarchical necklace-like nanohybrid for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhao Yingji , Fan Guoli , Yang Lan , Lin Yanjun , Li Feng
Published: June 2018

Highly efficient electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reactions over a hierarchical necklace-like nanohybrid fabricated via assembling Ni–Co phosphide hollow nanocages and nanosheets with carbon nanotubes.
Fluorescent boron complexes based on newN,O-chelates as promising candidates for flow cytometry
Authors: Lugovik Kseniya I. , Eltyshev Alexander K. , Suntsova Polina O. , Smoluk Leonid T. , Belousova Anna V. , Ulitko Maria V. , Minin Artem S. , Slepukhin Pavel A. , Benassi Enrico , Belskaya Nataliya P.
Published: June 2018

New highly emitting green–yellow fluorescent photostable organoboron complexes for cell imaging are reported.
Correction: A study on a telo21 G-quadruplex DNA specific binding ligand: enhancing the molecular recognition ability via the amino group interactions
Authors: Li Dongli , Hou Jin-Qiang , Long Wei , Lu Yu-Jing , Wong Wing-Leung , Zhang Kun
Published: June 2018

Correction for ‘A study on a telo21 G-quadruplex DNA specific binding ligand: enhancing the molecular recognition ability via the amino group interactions’ by Dongli Li et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 20222–20227.
Students’ perceptions of common practices, including some academically dishonest practices, in the undergraduate general chemistry classroom laboratory
Authors: Smith K. Christopher , Sepulveda Adrian
Published: June 2018

In this study 635 general chemistry I and general chemistry II students completed a 40-item Likert-scale survey on their opinions of various practices, including some academically dishonest practices, that might occur in the general chemistry laboratory. The practices surveyed were focused on areas including preparation before coming to the laboratory, getting help with the pre-lab assignments, various decisions made by the teaching assistant or laboratory instructor, getting help with the calculations and questions required by the laboratory report, and various methods of obtaining data in the laboratory. An exploratory factor analysis of the results was conducted to identify the underlying factors in the survey, and the scores of the general chemistry I and general chemistry II students along these factors were compared. The findings were generally consistent with results in the literature, but also provided implications for students’ enculturation into chemistry and science as they progressed through their general chemistry coursework.
On the impact of linking groups in hydrogen-bonded liquid crystals – a case study
Authors: Pfletscher Michael , Mezger Markus , Giese Michael
Published: June 2018

The impact of the linking group in hydrogen-bonded liquid crystals is studied and the mesomorphic behavior is correlated with the structural features thereof.
The role of heparan sulfate in host macrophage infection byLeishmaniaspecies
Authors: Maciej-Hulme Marissa L. , Skidmore Mark A. , Price Helen P.
Published: June 2018

The leishmaniases are a group of neglected tropical diseases caused by parasites from the Leishmania genus. More than 20 Leishmania species are responsible for human disease, causing a broad spectrum of symptoms ranging from cutaneous lesions to a fatal visceral infection. There is no single safe and effective approach to treat these diseases and resistance to current anti-leishmanial drugs is emerging. New drug targets need to be identified and validated to generate novel treatments. Host heparan sulfates (HSs) are abundant, heterogeneous polysaccharides displayed on proteoglycans that bind various ligands, including cell surface proteins expressed on Leishmania promastigote and amastigote parasites. The fine chemical structure of HS is formed by a plethora of specific enzymes during biosynthesis, with various positions (N-, 2-O-, 6-O- and 3-O-) on the carbon sugar backbone modified with sulfate groups. Post-biosynthesis mechanisms can further modify the sulfation pattern or size of the polysaccharide, altering ligand affinity to moderate biological functions. Chemically modified heparins used to mimic the heterogeneous nature of HS influence the affinity of different Leishmania species, demonstrating the importance of specific HS chemical sequences in parasite interaction. However, the endogenous structures of host HSs that might interact with Leishmania parasites during host invasion have not been elucidated, nor has the role of HSs in host–parasite biology. Decoding the structure of HSs on target host cells will increase understanding of HS/parasite interactions in leishmaniasis, potentiating identification of new opportunities for the development of novel treatments.
Non‐linear LS‐SVM with RBF‐kernel‐based approach for AGC of multi‐area energy systems
Authors: Sharma Gulshan , Panwar Akhilesh , Nasiruddin Ibraheem , Bansal Ramesh C.
Published: June 2018

Support vector machine (SVM) is very efficacious in pattern recognition and function estimation problems. However, its application to design efficient automatic generation control (AGC) scheme has not been investigated till date by the researchers and power engineers worldwide. Hence, in this study an early attempt has been made to present a combined design of optimal control and optimisation problem of least‐squares SVM (LS‐SVM)‐based AGC of multi‐area energy systems. The radial basis function (RBF) kernel is used to train the LS‐SVM. To validate the efficacy of the approach, the proposed control method is implemented on various 2‐area system models such as non‐reheat thermal, reheat thermal and hydro‐thermal energy systems. The trained LS‐SVM RBF‐kernel‐based AGC is realised with 1% load perturbation in one of the control area and the obtained results are compared with multi‐layer perceptron artificial neural network and the conventional integral based controller in order to show the supremacy of the proposed control design. Furthermore, the performance of the AGC design is examined considering the system non‐linearities such as governor dead‐band and generation rate constraint.
Securing Sahelian pastoralism by using a remunerated workforce for livestock keeping activities: the ambivalence of commodification
Authors: Wane Abdrahmane , Touré Ibra , Njiru Nelly , Mballo Aliou Diouf
Published: June 2018

Sahelian pastoralists use mobility, diversification, and even pluriactivity as main adaptation strategies to the asymmetrical distribution of multifaceted resources. Complex relations vis-à-vis this risky environment hide slowing transitions from a traditional inward-looking to an outward-looking economy, which is characterised by increasing use of a remunerated workforce. The growing commodification of the economy of Sahelian pastoralists could generate new forms of uncertainty. The authors of this paper use a principal-agent model to analyse the remunerated workforce and demonstrate the mixed results of this strategy in the context of structural risk in the Sahel. The authors then highlight the conditions under which trust and reputation are developed to stabilise employment relations and better cope with and/or mitigate various shocks.
Effect of controlled micro-oxygenation on white wine
Authors: Prusova Bozena , Baron Mojmir
Published: June 2018

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of controlled micro-oxygenation on the fermentation process of two types of white wine (ʻPinot Blancʼ and ʻPinot Grisʼ). The wine was micro-oxygenated during fermentation and maturation. During fermentation, the antioxidant activity was monitored by the DPPH method and the ammonia nitrogen and nitrogen content of the amino acids and the number of cells in 1 mL of fermenting must were also monitored. In micro-oxygenated wine, the growth of cell mass in the first third of the fermentation was recorded and showed an increase in ammonia nitrogen consumption compared to the control experiment. During fermentation, a slight increase in antioxidant activity was observed in the micro-oxygenated wine. For the aromatic profile measured by GC analysis, a higher content of aromatics, mainly esters, was observed in the micro-oxygenated wine. This was also present in the sensory evaluation.
Nano-assembling and optical properties of sub-100 nm raspberry-like nanoparticles
Authors: Daoudi Chouaib , Metidji Mahmoud Ould , Remram Mohamed , Jurdyc Anne-Marie , Martini Matteo , Gehan Hélène , Vouagner Dominique
Published: June 2018

The optical properties of sub-100 nm raspberry-like nano-systems composed of highly monodisperse silica particles and large gold nanoparticles (GNPs) is studied experimentally. The nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by a self-assembly method, and the pH of each solution was determined by measuring the ζ-potential to ensure the stability of the nano-systems. Dynamic light scattering measurements show a narrow size distribution of NPs, and fairly dispersed particles in solution. The obtained nanoraspberries was also studied by transmission electron microscopy, which shows that the GNPs closely packed on the surface of silica particles. This effect induced a broadening and a shift of the absorption band to higher wavelengths, with an increase in GNPs density. It was also observed that the reduced size of silica particles resulted in a shortening of the inter-particles distance, which has favoured the generation of many hot spots in the gaps between GNPs. The tenability of obtained plasmon bands may have benefits in SERS probe, photocatalysis and fluorescence-based bioimaging.
Normal form for transverse instability of the line soliton with a nearly critical speed of propagation
Authors: Pelinovsky Dmitry
Published: June 2018

In the context of the line solitons in the Zakharov–Kuznetsov (ZK) equation, there exists a critical speed of propagation such that small transversely periodic perturbations are unstable if the soliton speed is larger than the critical speed and orbitally stable if the soliton speed is smaller than the critical speed. The normal form for transverse instability of the line soliton with a nearly critical speed of propagation is derived by means of symplectic projections and near-identity transformations. Justification of this normal form is provided with the energy method. The normal form predicts a transformation of the unstable line solitons with larger-than-critical speeds to the orbitally stable transversely modulated solitary waves.
Management of Diverticular Bleeding: Evaluation, Stabilization, Intervention, and Recurrence of Bleeding and Indications for Resection after Control of Bleeding
Authors: Mohammed Ilyas Mohammed Iyoob , Szilagy Eric
Published: June 2018

Diverticular bleeding is the most common cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding with nearly 200,000 admissions in the United States annually. Less than 5% of patients with diverticulosis present with diverticular bleeding and present usually as painless, intermittent, and large volume of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Management algorithm for patients presenting with diverticular bleeding includes resuscitation followed by diagnostic evaluation. Colonoscopy is the recommended first-line investigation and helps in identifying the stigmata of recent hemorrhage and endoscopic management of the bleeding. Radionuclide scanning is the most sensitive but least accurate test due to low spatial resolution. Angiography is helpful when patients are actively bleeding and therapeutic interventions are performed with angioembolization. Surgery for diverticular bleeding is necessary when associated with hemodynamic instability and after failed endoscopic or angiographic interventions. When the bleeding site is localized preoperatively, partial colectomy is sufficient, but subtotal colectomy is necessary when localization is not possible preoperatively.
Enzymatic Resolution of 3-oxodicyclopentadiene on a Decagram Scale
Authors: Pihko Petri , Kärki Katja , Siitonen Juha , Kortet Sami , Cederström Mona
Published: June 2018

The chiral building block 3-oxodicyclopentadiene (1) can be readily resolved on a decagram scale by a short sequence consisting of (1) reduction to the corresponding endo-alcohol, (2) enzymatic oxidative resolution with a ketoreductase enzyme to give (+)-1 and the (+)-form of the endo-alcohol, and (3) reoxidation of the (+)-endo-alcohol with another ketoreductase to give (–)-1. With a selectivity factor of 310, the enantiomeric ratios of the resolved (+)-endo-alcohol and (+)-ketone are both >99:1. Both enzymatic oxidations could be performed with a at least 300:1 substrate/catalyst ratio (w/w).
The Effect of Aminopterin Sodium on Plasma Fibrinogen, Antifibrinolysin and Euglobulin Lysis Time
Authors: Johnson J Frederic , Zeineh Rashid A
Published: June 2018

The daily oral administration of Aminopterin Sodium to normal dogs was accompanied by an increase in plasma antifibrinolysin concentration, an increase in plasma fibrinogen concentration and a decrease in euglobulin fibrinolytic activity.
Erreurs anciennes et perspectives nouvelles dans l’étude de l’adhésion, de l’agrégation et de la métamorphose visqueuse des plaquettes, facteurs d’hémostase
Authors: Roskam Jacques
Published: June 2018

Conclusion et Résumé

Ainsi, les récents travaux consacrés à l’adhésion, à l’agrégation et à la métamorphose visqueuse des plaquettes, facteurs d’hémostase spontanée, ont révélé le danger de certaines extrapolations trop audacieuses et corrigé des observations — classiques — que des techniques insuffisantes rendaient fallacieuses. Ce faisant, ils sollicitent la curiosité des chercheurs et proposent de nouveaux problèmes à leur sagacité.
Changes in Blood Coagulation and Fibrinolysis in Rats Fed Atherogenic Diets
Authors: Merskey Clarence , Wohl Herbert
Published: June 2018

1. Groups of rats were fed thrombogenic diets and the effects on blood coagulation and fibrinolysis assessed.

2. Animals fed a diet containing cholesterol, thiouracil and cholic acid developed high levels of coagulation factors I, II, V, VII—X, VIII, IX and X.

3. Animals fed a similar diet with additional 40% beef fat developed even greater elevation of V, VII—X, VIII and X, similar elevation of factor II, and lesser (but still significant) elevation of factors I and IX. In addition marked elevation of blood platelets occurred.

4. Euglobulin lysis time of the group not fed the additional fat was longer than in controls. Significant prolongation of euglobulin lysis time was not found in the group fed additional fat.

5. If the increased levels of plasma fibrinogen were taken into account, it was found that a larger amount of fibrin was lysed per unit time in the euglobulin lysis test with plasma from rats fed either atherogenic diet compared with controls.

6. Defective thromboplastin generation was present in both groups of rats fed an atherogenic diet. The defect was present in the serum and was not due to lack of a factor required for thromboplastin generation. An inhibitor was present in the serum which was capable of preventing the action of normal serum.

7. No good correlation was found between the occurrence of changes in blood coagulation or fibrinolysis and the presence or absence of thrombosis and infarction.

8. The exact cause of these anomalies remains unexplained, as does the cause of the thrombosis in these animals. Starvation per se does not account for these abnormal findings. They could not adequately be explained on the basis of “hypercoagulability” of the blood.
Method for Determining ε-Aminocaproic Acid (EACA) in Blood Plasma, Based on the Antifibrinolytic Properties of this Compound
Authors: Wolosowicz Nina , Niewiarowski Stefan , Czerepko Kazimierz
Published: June 2018

A method was elaborated for determining e-aminocaproic acid (EACA) in blood plasma, based upon this compound’s antifibrinolytic activity.

Oxalated plasma was deproteinized in a boiling water-bath using trichloracetic acid. The latter was removed from plasma filtrate by means of ether extraction and the effect of the deproteinized extract on clot fibrinolysis time under standard conditions was tested. There was found a linear correlation of the logarithm of clot lysis time with EACA concentration.

The method appears to be fast and reliable, making possible serial determinations of the EACA level in blood plasma, the error being within the limits of 3 percent. It is suitable for the EACA level in plasma exceeding 2 mgVo.

The method is most specific. Various amino acids appearing naturally (except cysteine) do not interfere with determinations.

The EACA metabolism in vivo may be successfully studied using the above method.
Prothrombin Levels in Serum
Authors: Penner John A
Published: June 2018

Prothrombin has been studied in clotting blood and plasma using the modified 2-stage prothrombin assay of Ware and Seegers. The quantity as well as the rate of prothrombin activation has been determined in whole blood and recalcified plasma obtained from 20 normal individuals. A thorough evaluation was made of the techniques used and the effect of variables such as temperature, surface contact, calcium, platelet concentration, and pH.

A relatively constant rate of prothrombin activation was observed in clotting blood and recalcified frozen-thawed plasma.

The results of this study confirm previous investigations of Langdell, Graham, and Brinkhous using the prothrombin utilization assay. In normal blood, the plasma procoagulants are found to be present in relative excess in comparison to platelet Factor 3. The lack of available platelet factor contained in the intact platelets effectively limits prothrombin activation. Disruption or alteration of the platelets permits the release of large quantities of platelet Factor 3 and produces a marked increase in the rate of prothrombin activation.

Glass contact was observed to increase prothrombin activation in blood and plasma.

The use of plasma prothrombin as a substrate for evaluation of procoagulant activity is discussed and advantages of this system of assay are emphasized.
Investigation on Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP) Induced Platelet Adhesiveness in Vitro Part III. The Inactivation of ADP in Plasma
Authors: Ödegaard A. E , Skälhegg B. A , Hellem A. J
Published: June 2018

The results of investigations on the ADP inactivating system in platelet poor plasma are given. The activity of the system is maximal at about 37° C. and is irreversibly destroyed by heating for 15 minutes at 58° C. The system is non dialysable and is inactivated by KCN, cysteine, 2.3-dimercaptopropanole (BAL) and penicillamine at concentrations between 2 · 10∼3 and 5 · 10−3M.

The ADP inactivating ability of platelet poor plasma from normals, patients with thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia and some patients with bleeding disorders has been estimated. The inactivation by plasma from patients with thyrotoxicosis is markedly increased as compared with the other groups. A possible relationship between the low frequency of thromboembolism and the increased ADP degradation in these patients is discussed.
Heparin
Authors: Jaques L. B.
Published: June 2018

Die besondere chemische Natur des Heparins wurde schon durch die ursprünglich auf dem Gebiet tätigen Forscher erkannt, die es als einen sulfurierten Polysaccharid-Polyelek- trolyten, der Metachromasie mit To- luidinblau bewirkt, identifizierten.

Es stellte sich nunmehr heraus, daß in einer Probe Handelsheparin 120 verschiedene chemische Entitäten vorhanden sind, die sich in der Kettenlänge, dem Schwefelgehalt, den Zuckerbestandteilen, der Fähigkeit, Komplexe mit besonderen Basen und Proteinen zu bilden, sowie bezüglich ihrer biologischen Aktivitäten unterscheiden. Die Verteilung saurer Gruppen in hoher Frequenz entlang der Kette bedeutet, daß diese Heparinsubstanzen eine hohe Spezifität gegenüber anderen Polymeren mit geringerer negativer Ladung aufweisen. Heparin und Heparinoide verbinden sich mit einer großen Zahl von anorganischen Ionen, Proteinen und Basen und beeinflussen die Aktivitäten vieler Fermente.

Während eine bestimmte Aktivität von allen Heparinfraktionen und He- parinoiden aufgewiesen wird, wird gewöhnlicheine herausragende Aktivität in dieser Hinsicht nur von einigen wenigen Fraktionen ausgeübt. Die Gesamtaktivität des Heparins in der Koagulationskaskade stellt somit die Summe der individuellen Aktivitäten der verschiedenen Heparinketten dar, die auf verschiedene Enzyme einwirken.
Dog Bite Injuries in the Head and Neck Region: A 20-Year Review
Authors: Piccart Frederik , Dormaar JakobTitiaan , Coropciuc Ruxandra , Schoenaers Joseph , Bila Michel , Politis Constantinus
Published: June 2018

Dog bite-related wounds seem to have become a common problem, especially when they relate to the head and neck region. According to Overall and Love, up to 18 per 1,000 people sustain a dog bite every year, of whom 3 need medical attention. Approximately 1 to 2% of bite injuries require hospitalization of the victims. Most of the lacerations are found in the upper lip and the nose regions and they are classified according to severity and concomitant damage to other organs. Bite wounds are considered “dirty” wounds and are prone to infection. When dealing with bite wounds, there is always an indication for antibiotic treatment. Broad-spectrum antibiotics like amoxicillin-clavulanate and/or moxifloxacin cover most of the pathogenic flora and should be administered in every bite wound case at risk of infection. This article would like to present a medical record review: a retrospective analysis of all bite wounds sustained in the head and neck region, treated at the University Hospital of Leuven over the past 20 years. Furthermore, it provides an overview of the current literature and its standings on the treatment of dog bite injuries in the maxillofacial region. We assessed both surgical and medical treatment options, as well as primary management, which includes infection prevention strategies, closure management, and additional vaccination requirements. Secondary management or scar revision methods will be mentioned. After conducting a UZ Leuven database search using keywords such as “dog,” “dog bite,” “face,” “head,” “lip,” and others, 223 patients were included. Age at the time of injury, location of the injury, treatment method used, and whether secondary infection was present or not were documented. All patients have been divided in age groups. We concluded that 21.52% was 5 years old or younger. Almost half of our patients (49.33%) were 18 years old or younger. Of all patients, 79 were hospitalized (35.43%). Primary closure was the treatment of choice. In 141 patients, the wounds were closed primarily (63.23%), resulting in only 2.24% reported secondary infections. Only one fatality was reported in our center over the course of 20 years (0.45%), a 6-year-old girl who had been attacked by her father's Rottweilers. Most patients who sustained dog bite injuries in the head and neck region seem to be children, specifically toddlers. Due to their height, it is possible they are more prone to dog bite injuries in the head and neck region. It is essential to optimize management of these injuries due to the impact they have on patients. This article provides the epidemiological data and clinical outcome of the approach at our center.
Group Communication Treatment for Individuals with PPA and Their Partners
Authors: Beale Naomi , Fried-Oken Melanie , Mooney Aimee
Published: June 2018

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by insidious language deterioration. This young-onset disorder leaves adults with reduced communication skills for participation in social activities. There is limited evidence regarding group treatment for individuals with PPA, though the principles of chronic aphasia groups can be applied to this clinical population. We developed a PPA group treatment model incorporating compensatory strategies from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), communication partner training from aphasia rehabilitation, and systematic instruction from dementia management. Six modules were designed and delivered to people with PPA and their communication partners in a university clinic setting over a 6-week period. Treatment was provided by graduate clinicians with supervision from a certified speech–language pathologist and faculty member. Primary treatment goals were to provide education about PPA symptoms and progression; to increase practice and use of multimodal communication by people with PPA; and to establish an environment where people with PPA and their partners could connect for training and support. We present pre/post comparisons and satisfaction data provided by five individuals with PPA and their partners in the group. Results suggest that group training is an effective service delivery model. Participants reported gains in both knowledge about PPA and in using many different modalities to communicate. The new compensatory strategies learned provide tools for maintenance and improvement of language use. Participants saw increased confidence and participation in daily activities, and highlighted the value of the PPA group for individuals with this relatively rare condition and their family members.
Kongressnachlese DGP
Authors: Fessler Beate
Published: June 2018

Asthma – Antibiotika – Allergie: Viele Themen, mit denen die Pneumologen zu tun haben, fallen auch in das Fachgebiet der Kinder- und Jugendmedizin. Auf dem 59. Kongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Pneumologie im März in Dresden, der unter dem Motto „Pneumologie – Prisma der inneren Medizin” stand, gab es daher auch Neues und Interessantes für die pädiatrische Praxis. Zudem schadet ein Blick über den Tellerrand kaum.
Protective Effects of an Obesity-Associated Polymorphism (CDKAL1 rs9356744) on Prediabetes: The Cardiometabolic Risk in Chinese (CRC) Study
Authors: Liang J. , Zhu Y , Liu X.-k. , Qiu Q.-q , Sun Y.-t. , Wang Y. , Pei Y. , Yang M.-q. , Qi L.
Published: June 2018

Background Obesity is strongly associated with insulin resistance and elevated plasma glucose levels. The rs9356744 polymorphism in the CDKAL1 gene is associated with body mass index (BMI) only in East Asians. Here, we examined the effect of the rs9356744 polymorphism on glucose-related traits and prediabetes in Chinese adults.

Methods A total of 2 357 participants were enrolled from the Cardiometabolic Risk in Chinese (CRC) Study, including 499 persons with prediabetes, 204 persons with type 2 diabetes, and 1 654 normoglycemic controls. The rs9356744 polymorphism in CDKAL1 was genotyped and analyzed in all participants.

Results Despite the positive relationship between obesity and glucose traits, the T allele of rs9356744, which is associated with a predisposition to obesity, was correlated with lower levels of 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) plasma glucose (2hPG) (β=− 0.2104 and P=0.0233), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (β=− 0.0551 and P=0.0298) and higher levels of homeostasis model of assessment β-cell function (HOMA-B) (β=5.282 and P=0.0424). After further adjustment for BMI, the levels of HOMA-B maintained a similar increased trend across rs9356744 genotype (β=3.277 and P=0.1958). In stratified analyses, the associations of rs9356744 with 2hPG and HbA1c were significant for individuals with a low BMI. Moreover, an antagonism action of BMI and rs9356744 on 2hPG (P for interaction=0.0055) was observed. In addition, we found a protective effect of rs9356744 on prediabetes.

Conclusions The CDKAL1 rs9356744 T allele associated with a predisposition to obesity showed a protective effect on HbA1c, 2hPG, and prediabetes. BMI was mediator of the association between the genetic variant and HbA1c, 2hPG, and prediabetes.
Influence of weak reversible cross-linkers on entangled polymer melt dynamics
Authors: Mateyisi Mohau J. , Sommer Jens-Uwe , Müller-Nedebock Kristian K. , Heinrich Gert
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we study a system of entangled chains that bear reversible cross-links in a melt state. The cross-links are tethered uniformly on the backbone of each chain. A slip-link type model for the system is presented and solved for the relaxation modulus. The effects of entanglements and reversible cross-linkers are modelled as a discrete form of constraints that influence the motion of the primitive path. In contrast to a non-associating entangled system, the model calculations demonstrate that the elastic modulus has a much higher first plateau and a delayed terminal relaxation. These effects are attributed to the evolution of the entangled chains, as influenced by tethered reversible linkers. The model is solved for the case when the linker survival time τs is greater than the entanglement time τe, but less than the Rouse time τR.
Note: Multi-sheet light enables optical interference lithography
Authors: Mohan Kavya , Tyagi Ayush , Mondal Partha Pratim
Published: June 2018

We propose and demonstrate a modified spatial filter-based single-shot lithography technique for fabricating an array of microfluidic channels. This is achieved by illuminating the photopolymer specimen with a multiple light sheet (MLS) pattern. Modified spatial filtering is employed in a cylindrical lens system to generate the MLS pattern. The transmission window [the difference (α − β) angle] of the spatial filter determines the characteristics of the pattern and the fabricated microfluidic channel array. After exposing to a negative photoresist (DPHPA monomer with rose bengal as the photoinitiator), this gives rise to an array of micro-fluidic channels (post development process). We studied the effect of micro-channel geometry (channel width, inter-channel separation, and aspect ratio) for varying exposure times that show near-linear dependence. The results show that the fabricated array has 7 prominent channels with an individual channel width and inter-channel separation of approximately 5 μm and 12 μm, respectively. The proposed technique enables selective plane patterning and reduces the overall cost for large-scale production.
Conformation and dynamics of flexible polyelectrolytes in semidilute salt-free solutions
Authors: Lopez Carlos G. , Richtering Walter
Published: June 2018

We present steady shear rheology data for sodium polystyrene sulfonate (NaPSS) in semidilute unentangled salt-free aqueous solution as a function of polymer concentration (c) and degree of polymerisation (N). The measured terminal modulus (G) agrees with the scaling prediction of G ≃ kBTc/N. The specific viscosity varies with the degree of polymerisation as ηsp ∝ N1.24±0.08. The observed dependence differs with the linear relation expected from the Rouse model for ideal chains as predicted by de Gennes’ scaling model and subsequent theories. Together with the diffusion data of Oostwal et al., our results suggest that chains may follow non-Gaussian statistics beyond the correlation length (ξ). Small angle neutron scattering data on salt-free semidilute solutions at low polymer concentrations partially support this hypothesis but do not confirm it. The electrostatic Kuhn length of NaPSS salt-free solutions is found to be proportional and slightly larger than the correlation length (LK,e ≃ 1.3ξ). This result agrees well with the scaling model of Dobrynin et al. Radii of gyration (Rg) data as a function of polymer concentration reveal that a concentrated regime (Rg ∝ c0) does not occur for NaPSS in the concentration range considered (c ≲ 4M). We conclude by comparing the predictions of the scaling model of Dobrynin et al. and Muthukumar’s double screening theory with viscosity data for different polyelectrolyte-solvent systems. Dobrynin’s model provides a better description of experimental observations. Our findings confirm several aspects of current models for polyelectrolyte solutions but some deviations from theory remain.
Can exact conditions improve machine-learned density functionals?
Authors: Hollingsworth Jacob , Li Li , Baker Thomas E. , Burke Kieron
Published: June 2018

Historical methods of functional development in density functional theory have often been guided by analytic conditions that constrain the exact functional one is trying to approximate. Recently, machine-learned functionals have been created by interpolating the results from a small number of exactly solved systems to unsolved systems that are similar in nature. For a simple one-dimensional system, using an exact condition, we find improvements in the learning curves of a machine learning approximation to the non-interacting kinetic energy functional. We also find that the significance of the improvement depends on the nature of the interpolation manifold of the machine-learned functional.
Conformational analysis of replica exchange MD: Temperature-dependent Markov networks for FF amyloid peptides
Authors: Narayan Brajesh , Herbert Colm , Yuan Ye , Rodriguez Brian J. , Brooks Bernard R. , Buchete Nicolae-Viorel
Published: June 2018

Recent molecular modeling methods using Markovian descriptions of conformational states of biomolecular systems have led to powerful analysis frameworks that can accurately describe their complex dynamical behavior. In conjunction with enhanced sampling methods, such as replica exchange molecular dynamics (REMD), these frameworks allow the systematic and accurate extraction of transition probabilities between the corresponding states, in the case of Markov state models, and of statistically-optimized transition rates, in the case of the corresponding coarse master equations. However, applying automatically such methods to large molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, with explicit water molecules, remains limited both by the initial ability to identify good candidates for the underlying Markovian states and by the necessity to do so using good collective variables as reaction coordinates that allow the correct counting of inter-state transitions at various lag times. Here, we show that, in cases when representative molecular conformations can be identified for the corresponding Markovian states, and thus their corresponding collective evolution of atomic positions can be calculated along MD trajectories, one can use them to build a new type of simple collective variable, which can be particularly useful in both the correct state assignment and in the subsequent accurate counting of inter-state transition probabilities. In the case of the ubiquitously used root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of atomic positions, we introduce the relative RMSD (RelRMSD) measure as a good reaction coordinate candidate. We apply this method to the analysis of REMD trajectories of amyloid-forming diphenylalanine (FF) peptides—a system with important nanotechnology and biomedical applications due to its self-assembling and piezoelectric properties—illustrating the use of RelRMSD in extracting its temperature-dependent intrinsic kinetics, without a priori assumptions on the functional form (e.g., Arrhenius or not) of the underlying conformational transition rates. The RelRMSD analysis enables as well a more objective assessment of the convergence of the REMD simulations. This type of collective variable may be generalized to other observables that could accurately capture conformational differences between the underlying Markov states (e.g., distance RMSD, the fraction of native contacts, etc.).
A description of hydroquinone clathrates using molecular dynamics: Molecular model and crystalline structures for CH4 and CO2 guests
Authors: Comesaña A. , Pérez-Rodríguez M. , Fernández-Fernández A. M. , Piñeiro M. M.
Published: June 2018

The crystalline structure of hydroquinone clathrates has been studied using molecular dynamics. A flexible non-polarizable all-atom molecular model, based on the original Optimized Potentials for Liquid Simulations force field with recalculated point electric charges, has been used to describe the hydroquinone molecule, and the crystalline solid structure of the α native phase has been analyzed. Then, the β clathrates have been studied, considering CO2 and CH4 as guest molecules, and also the empty clathrate structure. In all cases, the lattice parameters obtained through molecular simulation show excellent agreement with reported experimental values, showing that the molecular model selected is able to reproduce both the native crystalline phase and also the clathrate structures. In addition, the process of clathrate guest molecule release upon heating has been characterized, and the simulations show a good correspondence with the very recent experimental trends observed for both guest molecules analyzed.
Electrostatic alignment of electrospun PEO fibers by the gap method increases individual fiber modulus in comparison to non-aligned fibers of similar diameter
Authors: Fryer Christopher , Scharnagl Meghan , Helms Christine
Published: June 2018

Studies on the alignment, physical and mechanical properties of individual electrospun fibers provide insight to their formation, production and optimization. Here we measure the alignment, diameter and modulus of individual fibers formed using the electrostatic gap method. We find electrostatic alignment produces fibers with a smaller diameter than their nonaligned counterparts have. Therefore, due to the dependence of fiber modulus on diameter aligned fibers have a higher modulus. Furthermore, we show that aligned and nonaligned fibers of the similar diameter have different moduli. Aligned fibers have a modulus 1.5 to 2 times larger than nonaligned fibers of the similar diameter.