bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cymbopogon nardus Mediated Synthesis of Ag Nanoparticles for the Photocatalytic Degradation of 2,4-Dicholorophenoxyacetic Acid
Authors: Kamarudin N. S. , Jusoh Rohayu , Setiabudi H. D. , Jusoh N. W. C. , Jaafar N. F. , Sukor N. F.
Published: January 2019

Advanced extraction method such as simultaneous ultrasonic–hydrodistillation (UAE–HD) extraction method has been proved to increased extraction yield of plant material yet the application of this method in the preparation of metal nanoparticles has not been studied. In this study, Cymbopogon nardus (C.N) extracted via UAE-HD extraction method was used to synthesis silver (Ag) nanoparticles. XRD and TEM analysis confirms the formation of spherical shape Ag nanoparticles with size ranging between 10-50 nm. FTIR spectra suggest the presence of bioactive compounds in the C.N leaves extract that may responsible to the stabilization and reduction of Ag ions (Ag+) to metallic Ag nanoparticles (Ag0). The TPC analysis successfully proved that huge number of phenolic compound greatly involved in the nanoparticles synthesis process. Next, the catalytic activity of the synthesized Ag nanoparticles was tested towards the degradation of 2,4-Dicholorophenoxyacetic acid herbicide with remarkable degradation performance up to 98%. Kinetic study confirms that surface reaction was the controlling step of the catalytic process.
Catalytic CO Methanation over Mesoporous ZSM5 with Different Metal Promoters
Authors: Teh Lee Peng , Triwahyono Sugeng , Jalil Aishah Abdul , Setiabudi Herma Dina , Abdul Aziz Muhammad Arif
Published: January 2019

The carbon monoxide methanation has possessed huge potential as an effective method to produce synthetic natural gas (SNG). The basic requirements such as high catalytic activity at low temperatures (<500 °C) and high stability throughout all temperatures is needed for an ideal methanation catalysts. The ultimate goal of the study is to examine the influential of different metal promoters towards catalytic properties and catalytic CO methanation performance. A series of metal promoters (Rh, Co, Pd and Zn) mesoporous ZSM5 were synthesized using an incipient-wetness impregnation method and evaluated for catalytic CO methanation. XRD analysis showed that only metal oxides and no metallic phase of Rh, Co, Pd, and Zn were observed. The nitrogen physisorption analysis showed that mZSM5 possessed high surface area and micro-mesoporosity with intra- and interparticle pores. FESEM analysis illustrated that mZSM5 had typical coffin-type morphology and Rh metal dispersed on the surface of the support was confirmed by EDX analysis. Moreover, Rh (CO conversion = 95%, CH4 yield = 82%) and Co (CO conversion = 91%, CH4 yield = 71%) promoters showed significant improvement in CO methanation. On the other hand, Pd (CO conversion = 18%, CH4 yield = 12%) and Zn (CO conversion = 10%, CH4 yield = 9%) promoters had only low benefit to the CO methanation. This study affirmed that the catalytic activity of CO methanation was influenced by the variation in the type of metal loading due to different nature of metallic phases and their synergistic interaction with the supporting material.
Self-Care Among Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Bearing People: Adolescents’ Experience / Autocuidado em Pessoas com Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1: Vivências de Adolescentes
Authors: Cunha Maria da Conceição Santos Oliveira
Published: January 2019

Objetivo: Conhecer as vivências de adolescentes acerca do autocuidado. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo, entrevistas semiestruturadas foram conduzidas com 14 adolescentes, entre 12 a 18 anos, cadastrados em laboratório de endocrinologia pediátrica na cidade de Fortaleza, CE. Resultados: Com base nos dados desvelados observamos os seguintes enfrentamentos: adesão ao autocuidado; dilemas de ser adolescente com diabetes e ações do profissional de saúde e da família para o autocuidado do adolescente. Conclusão: Esta pesquisa com adolescentes portadores de diabetes demonstrou a importância do autocuidado apoiado como uma ferramenta que poderá ser operacionalizada por profissionais e família, favorecendo a adesão ao tratamento.
Depressive Symptoms in Elderly People / Sintomas Depressivos em Grupos de Terceira Idade
Authors: De Melo Rosana Alves , E Silva Amanda Karla Alves Gomes , De Oliveira Monique Maiara Almeida , Almeida Thaianara Kauanne Pacheco , Gama Thereza Christina da Cunha Lima , Fernandes Flávia Emília Cavalcante Valença
Published: January 2019

Objetivo: Identificar a ocorrência de sintomas depressivos a partir da Escala de Depressão Geriátrica em idosos participantes de centros e grupos de convivência de idosos no município de Petrolina-Pernambuco. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 185 idosos. Aplicaram-se três instrumentos estruturados e semiestruturados, incluindo a Escala de Depressão Geriátrica. Utilizou-se a estatística descritiva e o modelo logit com apresentação do odds ratio. Os testes de Kruskal Wallis e Mann Whitney foram aplicadas para avaliação do escore da escala. Adotou-se nível de significância de 5% e intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados: Observou-se ocorrência de 36,2% de sintomas depressivos nos idosos ativos. O modelo multivariado apresentou o sexo (homens OR=0,31; p-valor=0,043) e a percepção de saúde (ruim OR=10,27; p-valor=0,001) como fatores associados à depressão. Conclusão: Há necessidade da implantação de estratégias de prevenção para enfrentamento de depressão na pessoa idosa nos fatores que estiveram associados à sua ocorrência.
The Aggravations in Health Services of Urgencies and Emergencies Having Alcohol as the Leading Cause: a Study of Social Representations / O Álcool Dentro dos Agravos em Urgências e Emergências: um Estudo de Representações Sociais
Authors: Da Silva Silvio Éder Dias , Pinheiro Erlen Priscila Fonseca , Tavares Jessica Habr , Tavares Roseneide dos Santos , Menezes Claudia Ribeiro , Belo Fracilene Luz
Published: January 2019

Objetivo: Compreender as representações sociais dos usuários de álcool e suas complicações para os agravos dentro das urgências e emergências. Métodos: Estudo do tipo descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa, utilizando o aporte das Representações Sociais de Moscovici para compreender as representações acerca das urgências e emergências traumáticas relacionadas ao uso abusivo do álcool. Resultados: Foram identificados três núcleos direcionadores: impressões e experiências quanto ao uso do álcool, representações quanto as consequências e/ou agravos do acidente e representações quanto a visão da família. Conclusão: As falas dos participantes revelam um grande sofrimento das famílias e usuários devido ao consumo e ao abuso de bebida alcoólica, aonde este estudo visou contribuir para o conhecimento frente ao comportamento das pessoas que fazem o uso do álcool com frequência, auxiliando no seu enfretamento e na prevenção de agravos
Prevalence of Hiv/Tb Coinfection in Patients from a Referral Hospital in Rio de Janeiro City / Prevalência da Coinfecção Hiv/Tb em Pacientes de um Hospital de Referência na Cidade do Rio De Janeiro
Authors: Ferreira Débora Paula , Souza Fabiana Assumpção de , Motta Maria Catarina Salvador da
Published: January 2019

Objetivos: estimar a prevalência de coinfecção HIV/TB em pacientes submetidos a tratamento de TBMR em um hospital de referência do Rio de Janeiro. Método: Uma investigação transversal, cuja população foi composta por 40 pacientes em tratamento para TBMR, no período de março a dezembro de 2016. Para análise estatística utilizou-se o programa estatístico SPSS. Resultados: No período em estudo foram diagnosticados 40 casos de TBMR, dos quais 9 mostraram sorologia positiva para HIV, o que representou uma taxa de coinfecção de 22,5%. Nesse grupo predominou o sexo masculino (85,29%) e a média 37,5 anos. O diagnóstico de TB nos coinfectados prevaleceu a forma clínica pulmonar (80%). No teste do esfregaço, (66,6%) apresentaram resultado positivo, (74,9%) radiologia sugestiva e 100% dos pacientes apresentaram resistência a rifampicina no teste do Gene Xpert. Conclusão: As drogas que apresentaram-se mais resistentes neste grupo foram  rifampicina, isoniazida e estreptomicina (87,5%).
Assessment of Nursing Records of Patients Admitted to the Medical Clinic of a University Hospital from the Northern Region of Minas Gerais State / Avaliação dos Registros de Enfermagem de Pacientes Internados na Clínica Médica de um Hospital Universitário do Norte do Estado de Minas Gerais
Authors: Figueiredo Tamara , Da Silva Patrick Leonardo Nogueira , Guimarães Larissa Freitas , Guimarães Camilla Freitas , Oliveira Maricy Kariny Soares , Alves Elaine Cristina Santos
Published: January 2019

Objetivo: avaliar os registros de enfermagem de pacientes internados na clínica médica de um hospital universitário do norte do Estado de Minas Gerais. Método: trata-se de um estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, documental, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado com 189 prontuários de pacientes internados na clínica médica de um hospital universitário durante o período de julho a dezembro de 2012. Utilizou-se um formulário como instrumento de coleta de dados. O tratamento dos mesmos se deu por meio de amostragem probabilística aleatória simples. Resultados: observou-se tempo de internação mínimo e máximo de um e 97 dias (19,58±13,65), respectivamente. Houve prevalência das conformidades nos registros de enfermagem, sendo estas: leito, anotação descritiva, data e horário, presença de rubrica e carimbo do profissional, admissão, alta e/ou óbito, checagem e letra legível. Conclusão: a presença de não conformidades observadas nos registros de enfermagem compromete a funcionalidade do registro como instrumento de qualidade.
Perception of Nursing Undergraduate Student About Receiving the Therapeutic Touch / Percepção de Estudantes de Graduação em Enfermagem Acerca do Recebimento do Toque Terapêutico
Authors: Medeiros Silvana Possani , De Oliveira Aline Cristina Calçada , Piexak Diéssica Roggia , Silva Larissa Lemos , De Oliveira Adriane Maria Netto , Fornari Nerizane Cerutti
Published: January 2019

Objetivo: Conhecer as percepções de estudantes de graduação em enfermagem acerca do recebimento do Toque Terapêutico. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa, com abordagem descritiva exploratória, realizada com 10 estudantes de Enfermagem de uma Universidade Federal do sul do Brasil. Para a coleta de dados, realizada em outubro de 2015, utilizou-se uma entrevista semiestruturada e os dados foram analisados de acordo com a análise textual discursiva. Como resultado emergiu a categoria: A importância de cuidar de si e do outro. Conclusão: O relato dos estudantes evidenciou redução dos sinais de estresse e dor, melhora na qualidade sono, acarretando em maior bem-estar. Logo, quando as pessoas passam a considerar instâncias mais sutis da vida é possível utilizar estratégias, como o toque terapêutico, a fim de proporcionar maior qualidade de vida para si e posteriormente para o outro.
Assessement of the Profile of Assisted Women During the Obstetric Risk Classification Process / Avaliação do Perfil de Mulheres que Receberam Assistência Durante a Classificação de Risco Obstétrica
Authors: Costa Rafaela Lira Mendes , Santos Amuzza Aylla Pereira dos , Sanches Maria Elisângela Torres de Lima
Published: January 2019

Objetivo: avaliar o perfil de mulheres assistidas no acolhimento e classificação de Risco em uma maternidade do agreste alagoano. Método: Optou-se pela abordagem quantitativa, retrospectiva e do tipo descritiva com 1.142 prontuários e fichas no período de janeiro a julho de 2015. Resultados: A análise dos resultados evidenciou que a maioria das mulheres atendidas se concentrou na faixa etária de 20 a 29 anos (52,4%); cursou até o ensino fundamental (62,4%); iniciou o acompanhamento da gravidez no primeiro trimestre (72,0%); e foi classificada como risco pouco urgente (30,9%). Conclusão: Portanto, o perfil dessa clientela mostra que os dados encontrados podem fornecer subsídios para a prática assistencial dos profissionais de saúde durante o pré-natal.
Nursing Care Approach Towards an Alcoholic Patient Bearing the Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: Case Study / Cuidados de Enfermagem a um Paciente Alcoolista Portador Da Síndrome de Wernicke-Korsakoff: Estudo de Caso
Authors: Guimarães Tânia Maria Rocha , Santos Cleytiane Stephany Silva , Corrêa Cristiane Aline , Pimentel Dayane da Rocha , Dos Santos Diana Carla Dias , Dos Santos Elaine Dayane Freitas
Published: January 2019

Introdução: A síndrome de Wernicke-Korsakoff (SWK) é uma das mais graves consequências do abuso de álcool. O impacto cognitivo da patologia é derivado da neurotoxicidade alcóolica e deficiência de tiamina, podendo progredir para estupor, coma e morte. Objetivo: Realizar um estudo de caso de paciente alcoolista portador de SWK e construir um plano de assistência de enfermagem. Métodos: Estudo de caso com abordagem qualitativa. O estudo foi realizado no Hospital Universitário Oswaldo Cruz (HUOC), em Recife, Brasil, fevereiro a março de 2016. Resultados: Identificamos 14 diagnósticos de enfermagem: confusão crônica/memória prejudicada/processos do pensamento perturbados/ comunicação verbal prejudicada; deambulação prejudicada/risco de quedas; déficit no autocuidado; nutrição desequilibrada menor que as necessidades/fadiga; volume excessivo de líquido/integridade tissular prejudicada; risco de sangramento; integridade da pele prejudicada; perfusão tissular ineficaz. Conclusão: A enfermagem tem especial importância na execução das ações de educação em saúde e tratamento de alcoolistas prevenindo as complicações da doença.
Cancer Prevention Europe
Authors: Wild Christopher P. , Espina Carolina , Bauld Linda , Bonanni Bernardo , Brenner Hermann , Brown Karen , Dillner Joakim , Forman David , Kampman Ellen , Nilbert Mef , Steindorf Karen , Storm Hans , Vineis Paolo , Baumann Michael , Schüz Joachim
Published: January 2019

The case for cancer prevention in Europe is the same as for all other parts of the world. The number of cancers is increasing, driven by demographic change and evolution in the exposure to risk factors, while the cost of treating patients is likewise spiralling. Estimations suggest that around 40% of cancers in Europe could be prevented if current understanding of risk and protective factors was translated into effective primary prevention, with further reductions in cancer incidence and mortality by screening, other approaches to early detection, and potentially medical prevention. However, the infrastructure for cancer prevention tends to be fragmented between and within different countries in Europe. This lack of a coordinated approach recently led to the foundation of Cancer Prevention Europe (Forman et al., 2018), a collaborative network with the main aims of strengthening cancer prevention in Europe by increasing awareness of the needs, the associated required resources and reducing inequalities in access to cancer prevention across Europe. This article showcases the need for strengthening cancer prevention and introduces the objectives of Cancer Prevention Europe and its foreseen future role in reducing the European cancer burden.
Alkene Transfer Hydrogenation with Alkaline‐Earth Metal Catalysts
Authors: Bauer Heiko , Thum Katharina , Alonso Mercedes , Fischer Christian , Harder Sjoerd
Published: January 2019

The alkene transfer hydrogenation (TH) of a variety of alkenes has been achieved with simple AeN′′2 catalysts [Ae=Ca, Sr, Ba; N′′=N(SiMe3)2] using 1,4‐cyclohexadiene (1,4‐CHD) as a H source. Reaction of 1,4‐CHD with AeN′′2 gave benzene, N′′H, and the metal hydride species N′′AeH (or aggregates thereof), which is a catalyst for alkene hydrogenation. BaN′′2 is by far the most active catalyst. Hydrogenation of activated C=C bonds (e.g. styrene) proceeded at room temperature without polymer formation. Unactivated (isolated) C=C bonds (e.g. 1‐hexene) needed a higher temperature (120 °C) but proceeded without double‐bond isomerization. The ligands fully control the course of the catalytic reaction, which can be: 1) alkene TH, 2) 1,4‐CHD dehydrogenation, or 3) alkene polymerization. DFT calculations support formation of a metal hydride species by deprotonation of 1,4‐CHD followed by H transfer. Convenient access to larger quantities of BaN′′2, its high activity and selectivity, and the many advantages of TH make this a simple but attractive procedure for alkene hydrogenation.
Circular Polarized Light Activated Chiral Satellite Nanoprobes for the Imaging and Analysis of Multiple Metal Ions in Living Cells
Authors: Gao Rui , Xu Liguang , Hao Changlong , Xu Chuanlai , Kuang Hua
Published: January 2019

Here, we construct a handedness‐dependent circular polarized light (CPL)‐activated chiral satellite assemblies formed from DNAzymes and spiny platinum modified with gold nanorods and upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), enabling the simultaneous quantitative analysis of multiple divalent metal ions in living cells. The chiral nanoprobes, in coordination with their corresponding divalent metal ions under 980 nm left circular polarized (LCP) light illumination, served as an in situ confocal bioimaging platform for the quantitation of the given intracellular metal ions. The limit of detection (LOD) of the chiral probes in living cells is 1.1 nmol/106 cells, 1.02 nmol/106 cells and 0.45 nmol/106 cells for Zn2+, Mg2+, and Cu2+, respectively.
The Dominant Role of Oxygen in Modulating the Chemical Evolution Pathways of Tyrosine in Peptides: Dityrosine or Melanin
Authors: Ren Xiaokang , Zou Qianli , Yuan Chengqian , Chang Rui , Xing Ruirui , Yan Xuehai
Published: January 2019

In diverse biological systems, the oxidation of tyrosine to melanin or dityrosine is crucial for the formation of crosslinked proteins and thus for the realization of their structural, biological, and photoactive functionalities; however, the predominant factor in determining the pathways of this chemical evolution has not been revealed. Herein, we demonstrate for tyrosine‐containing amino acid derivatives, peptides, and proteins that the selective oxidation of tyrosine to produce melanin or dityrosine can be readily realized by manipulating the oxygen concentration in the reaction system. This oxygen‐dependent pathway selection reflects the selective chemical evolution of tyrosine to dityrosine and melanin in anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms, respectively. The resulting melanin‐ and dityrosine‐containing nanomaterials reproduce key functions of their natural counterparts with respect to their photothermal and photoluminescent characteristics, respectively. This work reveals the plausible role of oxygen in the chemical evolution of tyrosine derivatives and provides a versatile strategy for the rational design of tyrosine‐based multifunctional biomaterials.
Soy Oil‐Based Rigid Polyurethane Biofoams Obtained by a Facile One‐Pot Process and Reinforced with Hydroxyl‐Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Luo Xiaogang , Cai Yixin , Liu Liming , Zhang Fuqing , Wu Qiangxian , Zeng Jian
Published: January 2019

Highly conductive, thermally insulating, and three‐dimensional (3D) macromolecular network‐structured nanocomposite biofoams with very low density were designed from soy oil‐based polyurethane (PU) and hydroxyl‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT‐OH) using a facile one‐pot process with water as the sole blowing agent. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses revealed homogeneous dispersion as well as interaction or reaction of MWCNT‐OH with the PU biofoam matrix or a polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) to form a 3D macromolecular network structure. Mechanical properties and electrical conductivity were remarkably enhanced with the increase of MWCNT‐OH. Dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis results showed that all the nanocomposite PU biofoam products had good thermal stability properties. Hence, the prepared nanocomposites hold promise as rigid biopolyurethane (BioPU) foams, serving the needs of the conductive composite material fields.
Structure variation and puncture resistance of stretched crosslinked polyethylene film: Effects of stretching temperature
Authors: Wang Rong , Ren Dongxue , Sun Xiaojie , Liang Wenbin , Wang Ke
Published: January 2019

Crosslinked polyethylene films were prepared and stretched at different temperatures (below and above melting temperature). The stretching temperature exhibited pronounced effects on the structure and puncture resistance of the films. Combining the results of differential scanning calorimetry, 1D X‐ray diffraction, 2D X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope, it was demonstrated that the film stretched above T
m has lower crystallinity, thinner lamellar, and larger crystal grain size than that stretched below but near T
m. All the stretched films showed highly oriented lamellae in the bulk and arranged perpendicular to the stretching direction. The crystals of the film stretched below T
m were arranged in highly aligned microfibrils with distinct interlamellar boundary and the crystals of the film stretched above T
m were arranged in a progressively less orderly manner with increased interlamellar entanglement. Due to this structure difference, the puncture resistances of the films stretched above T
m were much larger than that stretched below T
m. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47542.
Distributed data and ontologies: An integrated semantic web architecture enabling more efficient data management
Authors: Browne Oliver , O'Reilly Philip , Hutchinson Mark , Krdzavac Nenad B.
Published: January 2019

Regulatory reporting across multiple jurisdictions is a significant cost for financial services organizations, due to a lack of systems integration (often with legacy systems) and no agreed industry data standards. This article describes the design and development of a novel ontology‐based framework to illustrate how ontologies can interface with distributed data sources. The framework is then tested using a survey instrument and an integrated research model of user satisfaction and technology acceptance. A description is provided of extensions to an industry standard ontology, specifically the Financial Industry Business Ontology (FIBO), towards enabling greater data interchange. Our results reveal a significant reduction in manual processes, increase in data quality, and improved data aggregation by employing the framework. The research model reveals the range of factors that drive acceptance of the framework. Additional interview evidence reveals that the ontological framework also allows organizations to react to regulatory changes with much‐improved timeframes and provides opportunities to test for data quality.
Novel microfluidic graphene oxide–protein amperometric biosensor for detecting sulfur compounds
Authors: Ghaemi Amirhossein , Abdi Kaveh , Javadi Shohreh , Shehneh Masoud Zare , Yazdian Fatemeh , Omidi Meisam , Rashedi Hamid , Haghiralsadat Bibi Fatemeh , Asayeshnaeini Omid
Published: January 2019

Sulfur compounds are essential for many industries and organisms; however, they cause serious respiratory problems in human beings. Therefore, determination of sulfur concentration is of paramount importance. The research approach in the field of detecting contaminants has led to smaller systems that provide faster and more effective ways for diagnosis purposes. In this study, a novel portable amperometric graphene oxide–protein biosensor platform is investigated. The main characteristic of this structure is the implementation of a microfluidic configuration. With albumin metalloprotein as the biorecognition element, graphene oxide was synthesized and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Albumin protein was stabilized on the surface of graphene oxide by the application of the N‐(3‐dimethylamionpropyl)‐N‐ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride/N‐hydroxysuccinimide method. The stabilization was confirmed by FTIR and electrochemistry analyses. The calibration curve of sulfur concentration was determined. When the graphene oxide–protein complex was stabilized by nephion on the surface of the microfluidic system, the response time reduced to 50 Sec, which is a relatively faster response among the similar studies and validated the significant effect of the microfluidic system. The nanosystem had an optimized pH of 7.4 and exhibited high sensitivity in determining sulfide. The results confirm that the portable graphene oxide–protein nanosystem has a fast and accurate response in detecting sulfide.
Hemoprotein‐Catalyzed Cyclopropanation En Route to the Chiral Cyclopropanol Fragment of Grazoprevir
Authors: Kim Taejin , Kassim Amude M. , Botejue Ajit , Zhang Chen , Forte Jared , Rozzell David , Huffman Mark A. , Devine Paul N. , McIntosh John A.
Published: January 2019

Reactions that were once the exclusive province of synthetic catalysts can increasingly be addressed using biocatalysis. Through discovery of unnatural enzyme reactions, biochemists have significantly expanded the reach of enzymatic catalysis to include carbene transfer chemistries including olefin cyclopropanation. Here we describe hemoprotein cyclopropanation catalysts derived from thermophilic bacterial globins that react with diazoacetone and an unactivated olefin substrate to furnish a cyclopropyl ketone, a previously unreported reaction for enzyme catalysts. We further demonstrate that the resulting cyclopropyl ketone can be converted to a key cyclopropanol intermediate that occurs en route to the anti‐hepatitis C drug grazoprevir.
Ambipolar Discotic Liquid Crystals Built Around Platinum Diimine‐Dithiolene Cores
Authors: Camerel Franck , Albert Grégory , Barrière Frédéric , Lagrost Corinne , Fourmigué Marc , Jeannin Olivier
Published: January 2019

Platinum diimine dithiolene complexes bearing mesogenic groups on one or both ligands have been prepared through an original ligand metathesis reaction to introduce the dithiolene ligand. The neutral diimine ligands, the intermediate platinum dichloride diimine complexes, and the target compounds were characterized by a combination of electronic (electrochemistry, absorption and emission spectroscopy, DFT calculations) and structural (SAXS, DSC) tools. Several novel liquid crystalline platinum diimine‐dithiolene were identified over a large temperature range, and the systems were endowed with ambipolar properties, associated with the high reversibility of both oxidation and reduction processes.
Assignment of the Absolute‐Handedness Chirality of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes by Using Organic Molecule Supramolecular Structures
Authors: Abd El‐Mageed Ahmed I. A. , Handayani Murni , Chen Zhijin , Inose Tomoko , Ogawa Takuji
Published: January 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Prof. Takuji Ogawa (Osaka University) and Dr. Ahmed I. A. Abd El‐Mageed (Osaka University and Minia University). The image depicts the first experimental identification of the single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) absolute handedness chirality using scanning tunnelling microscopic images of supramolecular structures of porphyrin derivatives. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201804832.
Optimization of color design for military camouflage in CIELAB color space
Authors: Lin Chiuhsiang Joe , Prasetyo Yogi Tri , Siswanto Nio Dolly , Jiang Bernard C.
Published: January 2019

The assessment of military camouflage is a key consideration in the modern military field. Traditionally, the assessment relies on traditional human visual detection tests because a large scale multi‐level and multi‐factor experiments are time‐ and resource‐consuming. One aspect of camouflage assessment, to which this current study pertains, entails improving upon or “enhancing” an existing or “selected” design. The current study presents a new and practical approach for enhancing the selected military camouflage by utilizing response surface methodology (RSM) of %L*, %a*, and %b* in CIELAB color space. Ten participants were recruited to evaluate 35 variations of %L*, %a*, and %b* on camouflage similarity index (CSI) and reaction time (RT). Based on RSM, the optimum combination occurs at L*: 61.4966, a*: −5.6505, and b*: 10.5114. In addition, a predictive algorithm to calculate the optimum shift of %L*, %a*, and %b* from the original camouflage to the improved camouflage derived from RSM is also proposed. The optimum shift occurs at −25%L*, −55%a*, and + 80%b*. In the end, a new design guideline is proposed for the enhancement of selected military camouflage, which adopts the present study's research findings.
Synthesis and Investigation on Structural, Thermal, Mechanical, Linear Optical, and Nonlinear Optical Nature of Potassium Sulphato Oxalate Single Crystals
Authors: Punniyamoorthy R. , Manimekalai R. , Uma K. , Pasupathi G.
Published: January 2019

The new semiorganic potassium sulphato oxalate (KSO) single crystals are grown at room temperature by a slow evaporation method using an aqueous solution. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is used to ascertain the various functional groups present in the grown KSO sample. The single crystal X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) results confirm the grown KSO crystal is a triclinic structure with lattice parameters a = 6.37 Å; b = 7.03 Å; c = 10.61 Å; and space group P1. Powder XRD study proves the crystallinity and purity of the grown crystal. The optical behaviors of KSO are analyzed by UV–vis‐near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectrophotometer. Photoluminescence (PL) studies of KSO reveal its strong green emission at 576 nm. The laser damage threshold (LDT) of the title compound is measured to be 6.135 GW/cm2. The thermo gravimetric and differential thermal analysis indicated that KSO is stable up to 103 °C. From the Vickers microhardness tester, the mechanical behaviors of the title compound are studied. The frequency conversion property of KSO crystal is analyzed using Kurtz–Perry method, and it is found to be 1.16 times higher than that of the reference potassium dihydrogen phosphate which indicates KSO is well suited for optoelectronic device fabrication.
Protein‐Rich Biomass Waste as a Resource for Future Biorefineries: State of the Art, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: De Schouwer Free , Claes Laurens , Vandekerkhove Annelies , Verduyckt Jasper , De Vos Dirk E.
Published: January 2019

Protein‐rich biomass provides a valuable feedstock for the chemical industry. This Review describes every process step in the value chain from protein waste to chemicals. The first part deals with the physicochemical extraction of proteins from biomass, hydrolytic degradation to peptides and amino acids, and separation of amino acid mixtures. The second part provides an overview of physical and (bio)chemical technologies for the production of polymers, commodity chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other fine chemicals. This can be achieved by incorporation of oligopeptides into polymers, or by modification and defunctionalization of amino acids, for example, their reduction to amino alcohols, decarboxylation to amines, (cyclic) amides and nitriles, deamination to (di)carboxylic acids, and synthesis of fine chemicals and ionic liquids. Bio‐ and chemocatalytic approaches are compared in terms of scope, efficiency, and sustainability.
Structural Insight into Layered Silicon Hydrogen Phosphates Containing [SiO6] Octahedra Prepared by Different Reaction Routes
Authors: Kowalke Janine , Arnold Christine , Ponomarev Ilia , Jäger Christian , Kroll Peter , Brendler Erica , Kroke Edwin
Published: January 2019

The layered silicophosphate Si(HPO4)2 was prepared via a novel synthesis approach using silicon nanopowder and ortho‐phosphoric acid at 150 °C providing a polycrystalline product. Silicophosphate compounds with sixfold coordinated silicon atoms obtained from pyrophosphoric acid H4P2O7 and tetraalkoxysilanes via a sol‐gel route exhibit the same short‐range order. The solid products were analyzed with XRD, elemental analysis (ICP‐AES), and detailed NMR spectroscopic studies, including 1H, 13C, 29Si, and 31P MAS‐, 31P‐29Si‐REDOR, HETCOR, and CP‐RFDR experiments. DFT calculations support the structure of Si(HPO4)2 consisting of layers of [SiO6] octahedra linked by [O3P(OH)] tetrahedra. The OH groups point to the neighboring layers and may be substituted by ethoxy or other groups.
Enhancing extracellular protein production in Escherichia coli by deleting the d‐alanyl‐d‐alanine carboxypeptidase gene dacC
Authors: Hu Jinyuan , Lu Xiao , Wang Haokun , Wang Fuxiang , Zhao Yuan , Shen Wei , Yang Haiquan , Chen Xianzhong
Published: January 2019

d‐Alanyl‐d‐alanine carboxypeptidase DacC is important for synthesis and stabilization of the peptidoglycan layer of Escherichia coli. In this work, dacC of E. coli BL21 (DE3) was successfully deleted, and the effects of this deletion on extracellular protein production in E. coli were investigated. The extracellular activities and fluorescence value of recombinant amylase, green fluorescent protein, and α‐galactosidase of the deletion mutants were increased by 82.3, 29.1, and 37.7%, respectively, compared with that of control cells. The outer membrane permeability and intracellular soluble peptidoglycan accumulation of deletion mutant were also enhanced compared with those of control cells, respectively. Based on fluorescence‐assisted cell sorting analyses, we found that the morphology of the E. coli deletion mutant cells was altered compared with that of control cells. Local transparent bulges in the poles of the E. coli mutant with deletion of the dacC gene were found by transmission electron microscopy analysis. These bulges in the poles could explain the improvement in the production of extracellular protein by the E. coli mutant with deletion of the dacC gene. These findings provide important insights into the extracellular production of proteins using E. coli as microbial cell factories.
Neurobiological signature of intimacy in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Maier Simon , Spiegelberg Julia , van Zutphen Linda , Zeeck Almut , Tebartz van Elst Ludger , Hartmann Armin , Holovics Lukas , Reinert Elke , Sandholz Angelika , Lahmann Claas , Domschke Katharina , Glauche Volkmar , Tüscher Oliver , Joos Andreas A.B.
Published: January 2019

Background

Intimacy and psychosexual development represent core problems of anorexia nervosa (AN). Experiential and neurobiological evidence however is scarce.

Material and methods

Thirty‐one female AN patients were compared with 35 non‐patients (NP) and 22 recovered participants (REC) by using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Participants viewed pictures of couples in intimate relationships and control stimuli.

Results

AN patients experienced intimate stimuli with lower valence and dominance. AN showed decreased activation of parietal cortices. NP decreased the prefrontal cortex response, which AN patients did not. REC participants did not differ from NP on a behavioural level, though with regard to the neural signature.

Discussion

Parietal cortices are related to processing of erotic themes, which seems to be deficient in AN. Dysfunction of prefrontal cortices likely mirrors dysfunctional control in AN. The neural signature does not seem to be state‐related considering results of REC.
Model-based exploration of the variability in lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) bioaccumulation factors: The influence of physiology and trophic relationships
Authors: Baskaran Sivani , Armitage James M. , Wania Frank
Published: January 2019

Because dietary consumption of fish is often a major vector of human exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs), much effort is directed toward a quantitative understanding of fish bioaccumulation using mechanistic models. However, many such models fail to explicitly consider how uptake and loss rate constants relate to fish physiology. We calculated the bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) of hypothetical POPs, with octanol–water partition coefficients ranging from 104.5 to 108.5, in lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) with a food-web bioaccumulation model that uses bioenergetics to ensure that physiological parameters applied to a species are internally consistent. We modeled fish in 6 Canadian lakes (Great Slave Lake, Lake Ontario, Source Lake, Happy Isle Lake, Lake Opeongo, and Lake Memphremagog) to identify the factors that cause the BAFs of differently sized lake trout to vary between and within lakes. When comparing differently sized lake trout within a lake, larger fish tend to have the highest BAF because they allocate less energy toward growth than smaller fish and have higher activity levels. When comparing fish from different lakes, the model finds that diet composition and prey energy density become important in determining the BAF, in addition to activity and the amount of total energy allocated to growth. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:831–840. © 2019 SETAC

Abstract

A bioaccumulation model accounting for bioenergetic constraints on the rates of food consumption, respiration, and growth is used to explain differences in the bioaccumulation factor of persistent organic contaminants between differently sized trout in the same lake and between similarly sized trout from different lakes. BAF = bioaccumulation factor; KOW = octanol–water partitioning coefficient. Source: Knepp, Timothy, US Fish and Wildlife Service, public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lake_trout_fishes_salvelinus_namaycush.jpg
A modified sequential Monte Carlo procedure for the efficient recursive estimation of extreme quantiles
Authors: Neslihanoglu Serdar , Date Paresh
Published: January 2019

Many applications in science involve finding estimates of unobserved variables from observed data, by combining model predictions with observations. The sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) is a well‐established technique for estimating the distribution of unobserved variables that are conditional on current observations. While the SMC is very successful at estimating the first central moments, estimating the extreme quantiles of a distribution via the current SMC methods is computationally very expensive. The purpose of this paper is to develop a new framework using probability distortion. We use an SMC with distorted weights in order to make computationally efficient inferences about tail probabilities of future interest rates using the Cox–Ingersoll–Ross (CIR) model, as well as with an observed yield curve. We show that the proposed method yields acceptable estimates about tail quantiles at a fraction of the computational cost of the full Monte Carlo.
Intermittent theta burst stimulation over right somatosensory larynx cortex enhances vocal pitch‐regulation in nonsingers
Authors: Finkel Sebastian , Veit Ralf , Lotze Martin , Friberg Anders , Vuust Peter , Soekadar Surjo , Birbaumer Niels , Kleber Boris
Published: January 2019

While the significance of auditory cortical regions for the development and maintenance of speech motor coordination is well established, the contribution of somatosensory brain areas to learned vocalizations such as singing is less well understood. To address these mechanisms, we applied intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a facilitatory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) protocol, over right somatosensory larynx cortex (S1) and a nonvocal dorsal S1 control area in participants without singing experience. A pitch‐matching singing task was performed before and after iTBS to assess corresponding effects on vocal pitch regulation. When participants could monitor auditory feedback from their own voice during singing (Experiment I), no difference in pitch‐matching performance was found between iTBS sessions. However, when auditory feedback was masked with noise (Experiment II), only larynx‐S1 iTBS enhanced pitch accuracy (50–250 ms after sound onset) and pitch stability (>250 ms after sound onset until the end). Results indicate that somatosensory feedback plays a dominant role in vocal pitch regulation when acoustic feedback is masked. The acoustic changes moreover suggest that right larynx‐S1 stimulation affected the preparation and involuntary regulation of vocal pitch accuracy, and that kinesthetic‐proprioceptive processes play a role in the voluntary control of pitch stability in nonsingers. Together, these data provide evidence for a causal involvement of right larynx‐S1 in vocal pitch regulation during singing.
Dimension of the space generated by Steiner systems
Authors: Ghodrati Amir Hossein
Published: January 2019

To every Steiner system with parameters on and blocks , we can assign its characteristic vector , which is a ‐vector whose entries are indexed by the ‐subsets of such that for each ‐subset of if and only if . In this paper, we show that the dimension of the vector space generated by all of the characteristic vectors of Steiner systems with parameters is , provided that and there is at least one such system.
Human trisomy 21 fibroblasts rescue methotrexate toxic effect after treatment with 5‐methyl‐tetrahydrofolate and 5‐formyl‐tetrahydrofolate
Authors: Vitale Lorenza , Serpieri Valentina , Lauriola Mattia , Piovesan Allison , Antonaros Francesca , Cicchini Elena , Locatelli Chiara , Cocchi Guido , Strippoli Pierluigi , Caracausi Maria
Published: January 2019

Trisomy 21 causes Down syndrome (DS), the most common human genetic disorder and the leading genetic cause of intellectual disability. The alteration of one‐carbon metabolism was described as the possible metabolic cause of the intellectual disability development in subjects with DS. One of the biochemical pathways involved in the one‐carbon group transfer is the folate cycle. The cytotoxic drug methotrexate (MTX) is a folic acid (FA) analogue which inhibits the activity of dihydrofolate reductase enzyme involved in the one‐carbon metabolic cycle. Trisomy 21 cells are more sensitive to the MTX effect than euploid cells, and in 1986 Jérôme Lejeune and Coll. demonstrated that MTX was twice as toxic in trisomy 21 lymphocytes than in control cells. In the present work, the rescue effect on MTX toxicity mediated by FA and some of its derivatives, tetrahydrofolate (THF), 5‐formyl‐THF, and 5‐methyl‐THF, in both normal and trisomy 21 skin fibroblast cells, was evaluated. A statistically significant rescue effect was obtained by 5‐formyl‐THF, 5‐methyl‐THF, and their combination, administered together with MTX. In conclusion, trisomy 21 fibroblast cell lines showed a good response to the rescue effects of 5‐formyl‐THF and 5‐methyl‐THF on the MTX toxicity almost as normal cell lines.
BRG1 is a prognostic indicator and a potential therapeutic target for prostate cancer
Authors: Muthuswami Rohini , Bailey LeeAnn , Rakesh Radhakrishnan , Imbalzano Anthony N. , Nickerson Jeffrey A. , Hockensmith Joel W.
Published: January 2019

Brahma‐related gene 1 (BRG1) is one of two mutually exclusive ATPases that function as the catalytic subunit of human SWItch/Sucrose NonFermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling enzymes. BRG1 has been identified as a tumor suppressor in some cancer types but has been shown to be expressed at elevated levels, relative to normal tissue, in other cancers. Using TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) prostate cancer database, we determined that BRG1 mRNA and protein expression is elevated in prostate tumors relative to normal prostate tissue. Only 3 of 491 (0.6%) sequenced tumors showed amplification of the locus or mutation in the protein coding sequence, arguing against the idea that elevated expression due to amplification or expression of a mutant BRG1 protein is associated with prostate cancer. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves showed that BRG1 expression in prostate tumors inversely correlated with survival. However, BRG1 expression did not correlate with Gleason score/International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) Grade Group, indicating it is an independent predictor of tumor progression/patient outcome. To experimentally assess BRG1 as a possible therapeutic target, we treated prostate cancer cells with a biologic inhibitor called ADAADi (active DNA‐dependent ATPase A Domain inhibitor) that targets the activity of the SNF2 family of ATPases in biochemical assays but showed specificity for BRG1 in prior tissue culture experiments. The inhibitor decreased prostate cancer cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. When directly injected into xenografts established by injection of prostate cancer cells in mouse flanks, the inhibitor decreased tumor growth and increased survival. These results indicate the efficacy of pursuing BRG1 as both an indicator of patient outcome and as a therapeutic target.
A comprehensive review of therapeutic targets that induce microglia/macrophage‐mediated hematoma resolution after germinal matrix hemorrhage
Authors: Flores Jerry J. , Klebe Damon , Tang Jiping , Zhang John H.
Published: January 2019

Currently, there is no effective treatment for germinal matrix hemorrhage and intraventricular hemorrhage (GMH‐IVH), a common and often fatal stroke subtype in premature infants. Secondary brain injury after GMH‐IVH is known to involve blood clots that contribute to inflammation and neurological deficits. Furthermore, the subsequent blood clots disrupt normal cerebrospinal fluid circulation and absorption after GMH‐IVH, contributing to posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH). Clinically, GMH‐IVH severity is graded on a I to IV scale: Grade I is confined to the germinal matrix, grade II includes intraventricular hemorrhage, grade III includes intraventricular hemorrhage with extension into dilated ventricles, and grade IV includes intraventricular hemorrhage with extension into dilated ventricles as well as parenchymal hemorrhaging. GMH‐IVH hematoma volume is the best prognostic indicator, where patients with higher grades have worsened outcomes. Various preclinical studies have shown that rapid hematoma resolution quickly ameliorates inflammation and improves neurological outcomes. Current experimental evidence identifies alternatively activated microglia as playing a pivotal role in hematoma clearance. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology of GMH‐IVH in the development of PHH, microglia/macrophage's role in the neonatal CNS, and established/potential therapeutic targets that enhance M2 microglia/macrophage phagocytosis of blood clots after GMH‐IVH.
A LC‐MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of seven alkaloids in rat plasma after oral administration of Phellodendri chinensis cortex extract and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Wang Zhibin , Song Mengmeng , Cui Binbin , Ren Yixuan , Zhu Wenbo , Yang Bingyou , Kuang Haixue
Published: January 2019

A sensitive and rapid liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method has been developed for simultaneous determination of berberine (I), jateorhizine (II), palmatine (III), tetrahydropalmatine (IV), phellodendrine (V), protopine (VI) and columbamine (VII) in rat plasma after oral administration of Phellodendri chinensis cortex extraction. The plasmas were extracted by liquid‐liquid extraction. The tandem mass spectrometric detection was performed in the multiple reaction monitoring mode in the positive ionization. The intra‐ and interday precisions and accuracies were in range from −12.18 to 13.21%. Mean absolute recoveries of all analytes and internal standard were between 78.6 and 98.9%. The seven alkaloids were proven to be stable during sample storage and analysis procedures. The established method was validated and successfully applied to pharmacokinetics study in rat plasma after oral administration of Phellodendri chinensis cortex extract. The t1/2 of palmatine, columbamine, pellodendrine, berberine, tetrahydropalmaine, jatrorrhizine, and protopine were 5.16, 5.96, 7.18, 19.84, 6.28, 7.08, 6.90 h, respectively. The seven compounds could be rapidly absorbed into blood (time for maximal concentration, 1.80–1.93 h). This study could establish a foundation for further research of Phellodendri chinensis cortex and might provide more useful information to guide the clinical usage.