bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the interaction between the light chain of factor VIIa and tissue factor
Authors: Persson Egon
Published: July 2002

Factor VIIa (fVIIa) consists of a heavy chain (serine protease domain) and a light chain (γ‐carboxyglutamic acid (Gla)‐rich and epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐like domains). The light chain, primarily the first EGF‐like domain, appears to provide most of the binding energy in the interaction with tissue factor (TF). The Ca2+‐binding sites in the protease domain and in the first EGF‐like domain influence activity and interaction with TF, but the contribution from the Ca2+‐binding sites in the Gla domain has not been established. We have compared the soluble TF (sTF)‐binding properties of intact fVIIa to those of a fragment comprising almost the entire light chain and a small disulphide‐linked peptide from the protease domain. Half‐maximal binding of fVIIa and the light chain to sTF occurred around 0.3 and 1 mM Ca2+, respectively. The Ca2+ dependence of light‐chain binding indicates an influence of Ca2+ binding to the Gla domain on the interaction between fVIIa and sTF. Comparison of the sTF‐binding properties of fVIIa and a truncated variant lacking the Gla domain suggests that this domain interferes with sTF association at suboptimal Ca2+ concentrations. The light chain of fVIIa associated 5‐fold slower with sTF than did fVIIa at saturating Ca2+ concentrations, whereas the dissociation of its complex with sTF was at least 100‐fold faster than that of fVIIa:sTF. This gave a dissociation constant of 1–2 μM for the interaction between the light chain and sTF compared to about 3 nM for the fVIIa:sTF interaction.
Signalling through either the p38 or ERK mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway is obligatory for phorbol ester and T cell receptor complex (TCR‐CD3)‐stimulated phosphorylation of initiation factor (eIF) 4E in Jurkat T cells
Authors: Morley Simon J
Published: July 2002

Initiation factor (eIF) 4E plays a key role in the regulation of translation. Its activity is modulated both by phosphorylation and by its association with an inhibitory protein, 4E‐BP1, which precludes its interaction with eIF4G. Although increased eIF4E phosphorylation has been correlated with the activation of protein synthesis in T cells, the kinase(s) and/or phosphatase(s) involved have not been characterised. There is evidence for phosphorylation of eIF4E mediated by both protein kinase C‐dependent and ‐independent signalling pathways. In these studies, I show that activation of protein kinase C with phorbol ester, stimulation via the T cell receptor complex with the monoclonal antibody OKT3 and cellular stresses increase the phosphorylation of eIF4E in Jurkat T cells. In contrast to published data, inhibition of either the ERK MAP kinase or p38 MAP kinase signalling pathways does not affect the PMA‐ or OKT3‐stimulated increase in eIF4E phosphorylation. However, simultaneous inhibition of both of these pathways with selective inhibitors is required to completely abrogate the enhanced phosphorylation of eIF4E. These data show that in Jurkat cells, protein kinase C modulates the phosphorylation status of eIF4E indirectly via the ERK and/or p38 MAP kinase signalling pathways.
Sulphite enhances peroxynitrite‐dependent α1‐antiproteinase inactivation. A mechanism of lung injury by sulphur dioxide?
Authors: Reist Marianne , Jenner Peter , Halliwell Barry
Published: July 2002

Sulphite is toxic to the lung and can cause allergic reactions, the most common of which is bronchoconstriction in asthmatics. We show that sulphite can considerably potentiate the inactivation of α1‐antiproteinase caused by peroxynitrite. Addition of peroxynitrite to sulphite generated inactivating species that persisted at pH 7.4 and 37°C for at least 30 min. We propose that formation of protein‐modifying sulphite radicals from SO2−
3 exposed to ONOO− is a mechanism by which SO2 could cause lung injury, both by enhancing proteolysis and by creating new antigens that could provoke an immune response.
The endothelial receptor tyrosine kinase tie‐1 is upregulated by hypoxia and vascular endothelial growth factor
Authors: McCarthy Mark J , Crowther Matthew , R.F. Bell Peter , Brindle Nicholas P.J
Published: July 2002

The receptor tyrosine kinase tie‐1 is essential for angiogenesis where it appears to have a role in vessel maturation. Here we have examined the effects of hypoxia and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the level of tie‐1 protein expressed in bovine aortic endothelial cells. Both hypoxia (2% O2) and VEGF were found to increase tie‐1 in a time‐dependent manner. Hypoxic induction was direct and effects of hypoxia and VEGF were not additive. Experiments with actinomycin D indicate that these activators regulate tie‐1 at the transcriptional level.
Neurotrophin‐7: a novel member of the neurotrophin family from the zebrafish
Authors: Nilsson Ann-Sofie , Fainzilber Michael , Falck Pierre , Ibáñez Carlos F
Published: July 2002

A novel member of the neurotrophin family, zebrafish neurotrophin‐7 (zNT‐7), was isolated from the zebrafish Danio rerio. The amino acid sequence of zNT‐7 is more closely related to that of fish nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin‐6 (NT‐6) than to that of any other neurotrophin. zNT‐7 is, however, equally related to fish NGF and NT‐6 (65% and 63% amino acid sequence identity, respectively) indicating that it represents a distinct neurotrophin sequence. zNT‐7 contains a 15 amino acid residue insertion in a β‐turn region in the middle of the mature protein. Recombinant zNT‐7 was able to bind to the human p75 neurotrophin receptor and to induce tyrosine phosphorylation of the rat TrkA receptor tyrosine kinase, albeit less efficiently than rat NGF. zNT‐7 did not interact with rat TrkB or TrkC, indicating a similar receptor specificity as NGF. We propose that a diversification of the NGF subfamily in the neurotrophin evolutionary tree occurred during the evolution of teleost fishes which resulted in the appearance of several additional members, such as zNT‐7 and NT‐6, structurally and functionally related to NGF.
Genomic organization and promoter characterization of human CXCR4 gene1
Authors: Caruz A. , Samsom M. , Alonso J.M. , Alcami J. , Baleux F. , Virelizier J.L. , Parmentier M. , Arenzana-Seisdedos F.
Published: July 2002

CXCR4 is the receptor for the CXC chemokine SDF1 that has essential functions on embryo organogenesis, immunological functions and T lymphocyte trafficking. Recently, CXCR4 has drawn unexpected attention as it was recently identified as a co‐factor required for entry of lymphotropic HIV isolates in CD4+ T lymphocytes. CXCR4 is the only SDF1 receptor identified so far. This suggests that CXCR4 expression is critical for the biological effects of SDF1. To investigate the mechanisms controlling both the constitutive and induced expression of CXCR4 receptors we have isolated and characterized the promoter region and determined the genomic structure of the human gene. The CXCR4 gene contains two exons separated by an intronic sequence. A 2.6 kb 5′‐flanking region located upstream the CXCR4 open reading frame contains a TATA box and the transcription start site characteristic of a functional promoter. This region also contains putative consensus binding sequences for different transcription factors, some of them associated with the hemopoiesis and lymphocyte development.
Molecular cloning of a novel GTP‐binding protein induced in fish cells by rhabdovirus infection
Authors: Lee Eun-Hee , Kim Hyun-Ju , Park Jeong-Jae , Choi Jeong-Yun , Cho Wha-Ja , Cha Seung-Ju , Moon Chang-Hoon , Park Jeong-Min , Yoon Won-Joon , Lee Byung-Ju , Lee Dong-Hun , Kang Ho-Sung , Yoo Mi-Ae , Kim Han-Do , Park Jeong-Woo
Published: July 2002

We have cloned and sequenced a cDNA encoding GTP‐binding protein from a fish cell, CHSE‐214. The clone was 1493 bp long and contained an open reading frame encoding 364 amino acids. It has the five sequence motifs G1–G5 that are conserved in all GTP‐binding proteins. Its amino acid sequences are strikingly different from those of the well‐characterized G‐proteins. However, sequences closely related to this protein are found in various kinds of species including human, Arabidopsis, Drosophila and archaebacteria, suggesting a novel subfamily within the superfamily of the GTP‐binding proteins. Northern analysis indicates that this gene is constitutively expressed at a low level in normal cells but is induced by fish rhabdovirus infection at about 24 h post infection and disappears thereafter. Based on these observations, we propose that this protein represents an evolutionarily conserved novel subfamily of GTP‐binding proteins which may play an important role in fish rhabdovirus infection.
The antioxidant action of 2‐methyl‐6‐(p‐methoxyphenyl)‐3,7‐dihydroimidazo[1,2‐α]pyrazin‐3‐one (MCLA), a chemiluminescence probe to detect superoxide anions
Authors: Tampo Yoshiko , Tsukamoto Maki , Yonaha Masanori
Published: July 2002

The antioxidant effect of 2‐methyl‐6‐(p‐methoxyphenyl)‐3,7‐dihydroimidazo[1,2‐α]pyrazin‐3‐one (MCLA), a Cypridina luciferin analog that acts as a chemiluminescence probe to detect O⋅−
2, was investigated. MCLA produced a lag in oxygen consumption induced by cumene hydroperoxide in microsomes or by 2,2′‐azobis (2‐amidinopropane) dihydrochloride in liposomes and disappeared during the duration of the lag. MCLA profoundly inhibited the propagation reaction in Fe2+‐dependent lipid peroxidation in liposomes, and MCLA disappearance accompanied by suppression of oxygen consumption markedly occurred in liposomes susceptible to peroxidation. Thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances in all systems used were also suppressed by MCLA dose dependently. These results indicate that MCLA has an antioxidant property through scavenging free radicals.
Engineering of N‐terminal threonines in the D1 protein impairs photosystem II energy transfer in Synechocystis 6803
Authors: Funk Christiane , Schröder Wolfgang P , Salih Gaza , Wiklund Ronney , Jansson Christer
Published: July 2002

Mutants of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 with N‐terminal changes in the photosystem (PSII) II D1 protein were analysed by flash‐induced oxygen evolution, chlorophyll a fluorescence decay kinetics and 77 K fluorescence emission spectra. The data presented here show that mutations of the Thr‐2, Thr‐3 and Thr‐4 in D1 do not influence the oxygen evolution. A perturbation on the acceptor side was observed and the importance of the N‐terminal threonines for an efficient energy transfer between the phycobilisome and PSII and for stability of the PSII complex was demonstrated.
Unregulated exposure of the ribosomal M‐site caused by NAC depletion results in delivery of non‐secretory polypeptides to the Sec61 complex
Authors: Möller Ines , Beatrix Birgitta , Kreibich Gert , Sakai Hideaki , Lauring Brett , Wiedmann Martin
Published: July 2002

Nascent polypeptide associated complex (NAC) interacts with nascent polypeptides emerging from ribosomes. Both signal recognition particle (SRP) and NAC work together to ensure specificity in co‐translational targeting by competing for binding to the ribosomal membrane attachment site. While SRP selects signal‐containing ribosomes for targeting, NAC prevents targeting of signal peptide‐less nascent chains to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Here we show that the ribosome binding that occurs in NAC's absence delivers signal‐less nascent chains to the Sec61 complex, underscoring the danger of unregulated exposure of the ribosomal M‐site. Recently, the idea that NAC prevents ribosome binding has been challenged. By carefully examining the physiologic NAC concentration in a variety of tissues from different species we here demonstrate that the discrepancy resulted from subphysiologic NAC concentrations.
Change to alanine of one out of four selectivity filter glycines in KtrB causes a two orders of magnitude decrease in the affinities for both K+ and Na+ of the Na+ dependent K+ uptake system KtrAB from Vibrio alginolyticus
Authors: Tholema Nancy , Bakker Evert P. , Suzuki Ayako , Nakamura Tatsunosuke
Published: July 2002

KtrAB from Vibrio alginolyticus is a recently described new type of high affinity bacterial K+ uptake system. Its activity assayed in an Escherichia coli K+ uptake negative mutant depended on Na+ ions (K
m of 40 μM). Subunit KtrB contains four putative P‐loops. The selectivity filter from each P‐loop contains a conserved glycine residue. Residue Gly‐290 from the third P‐loop selectivity filter in KtrB was exchanged for Ala, Ser or Asp. KtrB variants Ser‐290 and Asp‐290 were without activity. In contrast, KtrB variant Ala‐290 was still active. This variant transported K+ with a two orders of magnitude decrease in apparent affinity for both K+ and Na+ with little effect on V
max.
Prediction of protein subcellular locations using Markov chain models
Authors: Yuan Zheng
Published: July 2002

A novel method was introduced to predict protein subcellular locations from sequences. Using sequence data, this method achieved a prediction accuracy higher than previous methods based on the amino acid composition. For three subcellular locations in a prokaryotic organism, the overall prediction accuracy reached 89.1%. For eukaryotic proteins, prediction accuracies of 73.0% and 78.7% were attained within four and three location categories, respectively. These results demonstrate the applicability of this relative simple method and possible improvement of prediction for the protein subcellular location.
Coupling of a targeting peptide to plasmid DNA by covalent triple helix formation
Authors: Neves Carole , Byk Gerardo , Scherman Daniel , Wils Pierre
Published: July 2002

The nuclear localization signal (NLS) of the SV40 large T antigen efficiently induces nuclear entry of proteins. We have developed a strategy for covalent coupling of one or a controlled number of NLS peptides to plasmid DNA at a specific site by triple helix formation. A psoralen‐oligonucleotide‐NLS peptide conjugate was synthesized and characterized by proteolysis with trypsin. This conjugate was used to covalently associate one NLS peptide to plasmid DNA by triple helix formation and photoactivation. The oligonucleotide‐NLS peptide conjugate interacted with the NLS‐receptor importin α. The reporter gene was expressed after transfection of the modified plasmid in NIH 3T3 cells, indicating no loss of the gene expression functionality of the plasmid. On the other hand, no increase in expression was observed as a result of the NLS peptide. This site‐specific coupling technology can be used to couple to a plasmid other ligands targeting to a specific receptor.
Two tetrodotoxin‐resistant sodium channels in human dorsal root ganglion neurons
Authors: Dib-Hajj S.D. , Tyrrell L. , Cummins T.R. , Black J.A. , Wood P.M. , Waxman S.G.
Published: July 2002

Two tetrodotoxin‐resistant (TTX‐R) voltage‐gated sodium channels, SNS and NaN, are preferentially expressed in small dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and trigeminal ganglia neurons, most of which are nociceptive, of rat and mouse. We report here the sequence of NaN from human DRG, and demonstrate the presence of two TTX‐R currents in human DRG neurons. One current has physiological properties similar to those reported for SNS, while the other displays hyperpolarized voltage‐dependence and persistent kinetics; a similar TTX‐R current was recently identified in DRG neurons of sns‐null mouse. Thus SNS and NaN channels appear to produce different currents in human DRG neurons.
Cloning, functional characterisation and population analysis of a variant form of the human glycine type 2 transporter
Authors: Evans Joanne , Herdon Hugh , Cairns William , O'Brien Eamonn , Chapman Conrad , Terrett Jonathan , Gloger Israel
Published: July 2002

Two forms of glycine transporter have been described to date, GlyT‐1 and GlyT‐2. The GlyT‐2 form is expressed mainly in the spinal cord, brainstem and cerebellum. Here we describe the identification of a variant form of the human GlyT‐2 (SC6), showing three amino acid changes to the previously reported protein. Population analysis identified the allele causing one of the polymorphisms, D463N, at 10% within the population with 3% being homozygous for the change. We also transfected our new variant into mammalian cells and compared it to the published cDNA, showing that the three amino acid changes present have no major effect on the biochemical properties of the transporter.
Stable cation coordination at a single outer pore residue defines permeation properties in Kir channels
Authors: Wischmeyer Erhard , Döring Frank , Karschin Andreas
Published: July 2002

In epithelial Kir7.1 channels a non‐conserved methionine in the outer pore region adjacent to the G‐Y‐G selectivity filter (position +2) was found to determine unique properties for permeant and blocking ions characteristic of a K+ channel in a single‐occupancy state. The monovalent cation permeability sequence of Kir7.1 channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes was Tl+>K+>Rb+>NH4
+>Cs+>Na+>Li+, but the macroscopic conductance for Rb+ was ∼8‐fold larger than for the smaller K+ ions, and decreased ∼40‐fold with the conserved arginine at the +2 position (Kir7.1M125R). Moreover, in Kir7.1 Rb+ restored the typical permeation properties of other multi‐ion channels indicating that a stable coordination of permeant ions at the +2 position defines the initial step in the conduction pathway of Kir channels.
Diagnosis of heart failure in elderly patients in primary care
Authors: Owen Andrew , Cox Stephen
Published: July 2002

Background:

Heart failure is difficult to diagnose in a primary care setting with a reported false positive diagnosis in up to 70% of cases.

Aims:

To use echocardiography in a large rural practice to evaluate the accuracy of diagnosis of heart failure in patients over 65 years of age.

Methods:

Sixty patients with a previous diagnosis of heart failure were selected at random from the practice records and were invited to attend for an echocardiogram at the practice premises.

Results:

Fifty‐eight patients attended, the age was 81±7 years, 29% had impaired left ventricular (LV) systolic function of whom 65% were in atrial fibrillation. A further 7% had isolated diastolic LV dysfunction. The prevalence of heart failure by clinical assessment was 29 per 1000 in this patient group and 9 per 1000 when echocardiography was used to confirm the diagnosis.

Conclusion:

True heart failure in this population is less prevalent than has been estimated from practice records.
Aristotle
Authors: Lear Gabriel Richardson
Published: July 2020

A summary of some of the main elements of Aristotle's ethics, with emphasis on his theories of happiness, virtue, and moral psychology. Particular attention is paid to illuminating confusions that arise and important argumentative moves that are missed when reading Aristotle through the lens of modern philosophical frameworks. For example, why does Aristotle think that investigation of the natural human “function” (if, indeed, it exists) will reveal what makes us happy? What argumentative purpose is served by Aristotle's definition of virtue as a “mean’” or intermediate condition, if, as Aristotle himself admits, it is useless as a criterion of right action? Why does Aristotle think that moral virtue requires practical wisdom, and vice versa? (His special concept of “decision” is important.) If Aristotle thinks that desire determines the goal of deliberation, why does he believe that, in the virtuous person, reason is authoritative, instead of concluding (as Hume does) that reason is desire's slave? Finally, what is the goal of virtuous desire? And, if it is happiness, does that mean that Aristotle has an egoistic conception of virtue? A bibliography and list of suggested readings direct readers to some of the most influential classics of English‐language scholarship on Aristotle's ethics as well as to exciting recent work.
Robotics
Authors: Sparrow Robert
Published: July 2020

Robots are programmable machines, with sensors and actuators, that can move and/or move things in the world. This entry identifies a number of ethical issues raised by the project of building machines to do work that otherwise might be performed by human beings and discusses the ethics of military robots, autonomous vehicles, aged care robots, and sex robots in particular.
Nanoconfined (Bio)Catalysts as Efficient Glucose‐Responsive Nanoreactors
Authors: Rodriguez‐Abetxuko Andoni , Muñumer Pablo , Okuda Mitsuhiro , Calvo Javier , Knez Mato , Beloqui Ana
Published: July 2020

Herein, the design, synthesis, and characterization of bifunctional hybrid nanoreactors used for concurrent one‐pot chemoenzymatic reactions are shown. In the design, the enzyme, glucose oxidase, is wrapped with a peroxidase‐mimetic catalytic polymer. Hemin, the organic catalyst, is linked to the flexible polymeric scaffold through coordination to the imidazole groups that hang out the network. This spatial arrangement, which works as a metabolic channel, is optimized for cooperative chemoenzymatic reactions in which the enzyme catalyzes first. A deep characterization of the integrated nanoreactors demonstrates that the confinement of two distinct catalytic sites in the nanospace is very effective in one‐pot reactions. Moreover, besides its role as scaffold material, the polymeric mantel protects both the biocatalyst and the chemical catalyst from degradation and inactivation in the presence of organic solvents. Furthermore, the polymeric environment of the nanoreactors can be tailored in order to trigger the assembly of those into highly active heterogeneous hybrid catalysts. Finally, the new nanoreactors are applied to the efficient degradation of organic aromatic compounds using glucose as the only fuel.
Shining Light on Poly(ethylene glycol): From Polymer Modification to 3D Laser Printing of Water Erasable Microstructures
Authors: Houck Hannes A. , Müller Patrick , Wegener Martin , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher , Du Prez Filip E. , Blasco Eva
Published: July 2020

The implementation of stimuli‐responsive bonds into 3D network assemblies is a key concept to design adaptive materials that can reshape and degrade. Here, a straightforward but unique photoresist is introduced for the tailored fabrication of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) materials that can be readily erased by water, even without the need for acidic or basic additives. Specifically, a new class of photoresist is developed that operates through the backbone crosslinking of PEG when irradiated in the presence of a bivalent triazolinedione. Hence, macroscopic gels are obtained upon visible light‐emitting diode irradiation (λ > 515 nm) that are stable in organic media but rapidly degrade upon the addition of water. Photoinduced curing is also applicable to multiphoton laser lithography (λ > 700 nm), hence providing access to 3D printed microstructures that vanish when immersed in water at 37 °C. Materials with varying crosslinking densities are accessed by adapting the applied laser writing power, thereby allowing for tunable hydrolytic erasing timescales. A new platform technology is thus presented that enables the crosslinking and 3D laser printing of PEG‐based materials, which can be cleaved and erased in water, and additionally holds potential for the facile modification and backbone degradation of polyether‐containing materials in general.
A General Approach to O‐Sulfation by a Sulfur(VI) Fluoride Exchange Reaction
Authors: Liu Chao , Yang Cangjie , Hwang Seung , Ferraro Samantha L. , Flynn James P. , Niu Jia
Published: July 2020

O‐sulfation is an important chemical code widely existing in bioactive molecules, but the scalable and facile synthesis of complex bioactive molecules carrying O‐sulfates remains challenging. Reported here is a general approach to O‐sulfation by the sulfur(VI) fluoride exchange (SuFEx) reaction between aryl fluorosulfates and silylated hydroxy groups. Efficient sulfate diester formation was achieved through systematic optimization of the electronic properties of aryl fluorosulfates. The versatility of this O‐sulfation strategy was demonstrated in the scalable syntheses of a variety of complex molecules carrying sulfate diesters at various positions, including monosaccharides, disaccharides, an amino acid, and a steroid. Selective hydrolytic and hydrogenolytic removal of the aryl masking groups from sulfate diesters yielded the corresponding O‐sulfate products in excellent yields. This strategy provides a powerful tool for the synthesis of O‐sulfate bioactive compounds.
Cell Cycle Synchronization of the Murine EO771 Cell Line Using Double Thymidine Block Treatment
Authors: Goepp Marie , Le Guennec Delphine , Rossary Adrien , Vasson Marie‐Paule
Published: July 2020

This study shows that double thymidine block treatment efficiently arrests the EO771 cells in the S‐phase without altering cell growth or survival. A long‐term analysis of cell behavior, using 5(6)‐carboxyfluorescein diacetate N‐succinimidyl ester (CFSE) staining, show synchronization to be stable and consistent over time. The EO771 cell line is a medullary breast‐adenocarcinoma cell line isolated from a spontaneous murine mammary tumor, and can be used to generate murine tumor implantation models. Different biological (serum or amino acid deprivation), physical (elutriation, mitotic shake‐off), or chemical (colchicine, nocodazole, thymidine) treatments are widely used for cell synchronization. Of the different methods tested, the double thymidine block is the most efficient for synchronization of murine EO771 cells if a large quantity of highly synchronized cells is recommended to study functional and biochemical events occurring in specific points of cell cycle progression.
A novel stability‐indicating analytical method development for simultaneous determination of carboplatin and decitabine from nanoparticles
Authors: Esim Ozge , Gumustas Mehmet , Hascicek Canan , Ozkan Sibel A.
Published: July 2020

Drug resistance is one of the main problems of cancer treatment. For this reason, combination therapy is commonly used for years. The combination of a chemotherapeutic, carboplatin, and the epigenetic drug decitabine is a new approach to modulate drug resistance. Nanoparticulate systems can overcome the drawbacks associated with the drug combinations. An analytical method that can detect and quantify carboplatin and decitabine which is encapsulated into the nanoparticles is necessary for nanoparticle development. In the literature, there is no analytical method in which carboplatin and decitabine are determined simultaneously. The primary purpose of this study is to develop and validate a novel, and stability‐indicating high‐performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous determination of carboplatin and decitabine in pharmaceutical preparations in addition to developing the first nanoformulation for this drug combination. Therefore, various experimental parameters were optimized. The chromatographic separation was achieved using an XSelect® CSH C18 (250 × 4.6 mm I.D., 5 µm) column and a mobile phase consisting of methanol:water (containing 0.1% phosphoric acid) (3:97, v/v). The mobile phase pH was adjusted to 7.0 with 5 M NaOH. The developed method was successfully applied for the simultaneous determination and quantification of carboplatin and decitabine co‐encapsulated in nanoparticles and released into in vitro dissolution medium.
pH‐responsive chitosan/sulfobutyl ether‐β‐cyclodextrin supramolecular nanoparticles for controlled release of sodium ferulate
Authors: Yue Lulu , Jin Wen , Chi Shaoming , Yang Tong , Lei Ze , Zhu Hongyou , Zhao Yan
Published: July 2020

A pH‐responsive supramolecular nanoparticles was constructed through the electrostatic interaction from anionic sulfobutyl ether‐β‐cyclodextrin (SBE7‐β‐CD) and two positively charged chitosan (CS‐75% and CS‐95%). The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by UV‐vis absorption spectra, x‐ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and zeta potential. It was found that the CS/SBE7‐β‐CD nanoparticles can be disassembly by increasing pH value and reassembled by reducing to the original pH value. To explore the potential of the obtained nanoparticles as a drug delivery vehicle, a negatively charged anticardio cerebrovascular drug sodium ferulate (SF) was loaded. The result indicated that the SF could be efficiently encapsulated in its nanoparticle nucleus under simulated gastric conditions with lower pH (pH 2.0), while effective release is triggered in a simulated intestinal environment with higher pH (pH 8.5). The assembly/disassembly behavior and drug loading/release property make CS/SBE7‐β‐CD nanoparticles promising candidates for pH stimulation responsive drug delivery system, which has a broad application prospect in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes and other chronic diseases.
Vertical deformation analysis of a high‐rise building with high‐position connections
Authors: Ma Lu , Bai Yabo , Zhang Ji
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a high‐rise frame‐core tube structure with strengthened stories and high‐position connections, a new landmark building in Wuhan, whose height is 238.6 m, is selected as an example. Construction simulation analysis is carried out by the finite element analysis software ETABS to study the vertical deformation and deformation difference of vertical members under the gravity load, taking the influence of construction processes and shrinkage and creep of concrete into consideration. The results show that there is a significant difference between the vertical deformation of the twin‐tower model with connections and that of the single‐tower model. Some engineering countermeasures are put forward to reduce the vertical deformation difference of the twin‐tower connected structure.
Determination of the relative macroporosity and the effective aggregate width for different macropore geometries with disk infiltrometers
Authors: Urbina C. A. Faúndez , van Dam J. C. , van den Berg F. , Ritsema C. J. , Tang D. W. S.
Published: July 2020

The relative macroporosity (wf) and the effective aggregate width (dag) are input parameters for several dual‐permeability models. As wf is geometrically related to dag, any improvement in its determination is directly extended to dag. The wf, as estimated by disk infiltrometers, applies only under the assumption that macropores are cylindrically shaped. We generalize the determination of wf for ring, hexagon, brick, and rectangular slab macropore‐matrix shapes using a transformation factor, ξ, obtained from pore‐scale modeling. The ξ was computed by dividing the relative macroporosity for noncylindrical shapes, wf_nc, over the relative macroporosity for cylindrical shapes, wf_c. The computation of ξ accounts for differences in the macropore area and macropore water flow between noncylindrical and cylindrical shapes. A total of 15 combinations of macropore width and effective aggregate width were used to construct the geometrical figures and compute both wf_nc and wf_c. For the cylindrical, ring, and rectangular slab shapes, the macropore water flow was solved using analytical solutions. For the hexagonal and brick shapes, the macropore water flow was solved numerically using COMSOL Multiphysics. Remarkably, the computed ξ was constant and equal to 1.5 for all four noncylindrical shapes under analysis. We show that the solution is exact for laminar flow under saturated conditions in the macropores with a rigid and wettable matrix. This methodology enables the derivation of a better estimate of wf and dag from disk infiltrometer data that include different macropore geometries. This information is crucial for the setup of dual‐permeability models in risk assessments and detailed studies.
Room Temperature Synthesis of New Thiostannates by Slow Interdiffusion of Different Solvents
Authors: Benkada Assma , Näther Christian , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: July 2020

The new compounds [Ni(L1)][Ni(L1)Sn2S6]n·2H2O (I) and [Ni(L2)]2[Sn2S6]·4H2O (II) containing the macrocyclic ligands L1 (L1 = 1,8‐dimethyl‐1,3,6,8,10,13‐hexaazacyclotetradecane) and L2 (L2 = 1,8‐diethyl‐1,3,6,8,10,13‐hexaazacyclotetradecane) were prepared at room temperature by overlaying an aqueous solution of Na4SnS4·14H2O with the [Ni(L1)](ClO4)2 complex dissolved in CH3CN (I) or by overlaying a solution of the [Ni(L2)](ClO4)2 complex dissolved in DMSO with an aqueous solution of Na4SnS4·14H2O (II). The slow interdiffusion of the two solvents guarantees supersaturation in the interface region of the solvents so that crystallization of the compounds occurs. In the structure of I one Ni2+ cation has bonds to S2– anions of the thiostannate anion thus generating chains along [100]. This cation is in an octahedral environment of four N atoms of L1 and two S atoms of the [Sn2S6]4– anion. The second [Ni(L1)]2+ complex exhibits a square‐planar coordination geometry. These [Ni(L1)]2+ complexes and water molecules are located between the chains. In the structure of II isolated [Sn2S6]4– anions and [Ni(L2)]2+ cations are observed. The Ni2+ cations are fourfold coordinated by N atoms of the L2 ligand and feature also a square planar environment.
Theta lifts for Lorentzian lattices and coefficients of mock theta functions
Authors: Bruinier Jan Hendrik , Schwagenscheidt Markus
Published: July 2020

We evaluate regularized theta lifts for Lorentzian lattices in three different ways. In particular, we obtain formulas for their values at special points involving coefficients of mock theta functions. By comparing the different evaluations, we derive recurrences for the coefficients of mock theta functions, such as Hurwitz class numbers, Andrews’ spt-function, and Ramanujan’s mock theta functions.
Short-term, but not acute, intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract improves insulin sensitivity and free-living postprandial glucose excursions in individuals with overweight or obesity
Authors: Nolan A. , Brett R. , Strauss J. A. , Stewart C. E. , Shepherd S. O.
Published: July 2020

Impaired postprandial glucose handling and low-grade systemic inflammation are risk factors for developing insulin resistance in individuals with overweight or obesity. Acute ingestion of anthocyanins improves postprandial glucose responses to a single carbohydrate-rich meal under strictly controlled conditions.

Purpose

Examine whether acute and short-term supplementation with anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract can improve postprandial glucose responses to mixed-macronutrient meals.

Methods

Twenty-five overweight (BMI > 25 kg m2) sedentary individuals participated in one of the following double-blinded, randomised controlled trials: (1) ingestion of 600 mg NZBC extract or placebo prior to consumption of a high-carbohydrate, high-fat liquid meal (n = 12); (2) 8-days supplementation with NZBC extract (600 mg day−1) or placebo, with insulin sensitivity and markers of inflammation assessed on day-7, and free-living postprandial glucose (continuous glucose monitoring) assessed on day-8 (n = 13).

Results

A single dose of NZBC extract had no effect on 3 h postprandial glucose, insulin or triglyceride responses. However, in response to short-term NZBC extract supplementation insulin sensitivity was improved (+ 22%; P = 0.011), circulating C-reactive protein concentrations decreased (P = 0.008), and free-living postprandial glucose responses to both breakfast and lunch meals were reduced (− 9% and − 8%, respectively; P < 0.05), compared to placebo.

Conclusion

These novel results indicate that repeated intake, rather than a single dose of NZBC extract, is required to induce beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and postprandial glucose handling in individuals with overweight or obesity. Continuous glucose monitoring enabled an effect of NZBC extract to be observed under free-living conditions and highlights the potential of anthocyanin-rich supplements as a viable strategy to reduce insulin resistance.
Would endoscopic surgery be the gold standard for stapes surgery in the future? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fang Lucheng , Xu Jiayuan , Wang Wen , Huang Yideng
Published: July 2020

Objective

This meta-analysis is aimed to review and analyze all available data of intraoperative and postoperative results of endoscopic and microscopic stapes surgery.

Methods

According to the PRISMA statements checklist, this systematic review and meta-analysis were designed. Data were extracted from public databases, such as PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and more. The quality of studies was evaluated using the MINORS scale. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were estimated for binary outcome data, while the mean differences and 95% CIs were estimated for continuous data. I2 and χ2 tests were used to quantify statistical heterogeneity. If more than ten studies were included in each analysis, funnel plot would be performed to analysis publication bias.

Results

Twelve studies with 620 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Primary outcomes collected in this meta-analysis included average postoperative auditory gain (APAG), postoperative air–bone gap (ABG), the rate of chorda tympani handling and bone curettage, which all showed a statistically significant difference in favor of endoscopy. While only secondary outcomes about postoperative pain and dysgeusia demonstrated a significantly reduced incidence. Furthermore, there was not any statistically significant difference on postoperative dizziness and average operative time between endoscopy and microscopy.

Conclusion

Although there is a need for high-quality pooled data in the future, a consistently superior effect of the endoscopic group was still shown in terms of total effectiveness, when compared to the microscopic group. We have reasons to support the application of endoscopy in stapes surgery. The future of ESS, we believe, is blazing bright.
Deep brain stimulation reduces (nocturnal) dyskinetic exacerbations in patients with ADCY5 mutation: a case series
Authors: de Almeida Marcelino Ana Luísa , Mainka Tina , Krause Patricia , Poewe Werner , Ganos Christos , Kühn Andrea A.
Published: July 2020

Mutations in the ADCY5 gene can cause a complex hyperkinetic movement disorder. Episodic exacerbations of dyskinesia are a particularly disturbing symptom as they occur predominantly during night and interrupt sleep. We present the clinical short- and long-term effects of pallidal deep brain stimulation (DBS) in three patients with a confirmed pathogenic ADCY5 mutation. Patients were implanted with bilateral pallidal DBS at the age of 34, 20 and 13 years. Medical records were reviewed for clinical history. Pre- and postoperative video files were assessed using the “Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale” (AIMS) as well as the motor part of the “Burke Fahn Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale” (BFMDRS). All patients reported subjective general improvement ranging from 40 to 60%, especially the reduction of nocturnal episodic dyskinesias (80–90%). Objective scales revealed only a mild decrease of involuntary movements in all and reduced dystonia in one patient. DBS-induced effects were sustained up to 13 years after implantation. We demonstrate that treatment with pallidal DBS was effective in reducing nocturnal dyskinetic exacerbations in patients with ADCY5-related movement disorder, which was sustained over the long term.
CSF disturbances and other neurosurgical complications after interdisciplinary reconstructions of large combined scalp and skull deficiencies
Authors: Butenschoen Vicki M. , Weitz Jochen , Ritschl Lucas M. , Meyer Bernhard , Krieg Sandro M.
Published: July 2020

Combined scalp and skull deficiency due to malignant scalp tumors or sequelae of intracranial surgery present challenging entities for both neurosurgeons and reconstructive treatment. In complex cases, an interdisciplinary approach is needed between neurosurgeons and cranio-maxillofacial surgeons. We present a considerably large series for which we identify typical complications and pitfalls and provide evidence for the importance of an interdisciplinary algorithm for chronic wound healing complications and malignomas of the scalp and skull. We retrospectively reviewed all patients treated by the department of neurosurgery and cranio-maxillofacial surgery at our hospital for complex scalp deficiencies and malignant scalp tumors affecting the skull between 2006 and 2019, and extracted data on demographics, surgical technique, and perioperative complications. Thirty-seven patients were treated. Most cases were operated simultaneously (n: 32) and 6 cases in a staged procedure. Nineteen patients obtained a free flap for scalp reconstruction, 15 were treated with local axial flaps, and 3 patients underwent full thickness skin graft treatment. Complications occurred in 62% of cases, mostly related to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation disorders. New cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) disturbances occurred in 8 patients undergoing free flaps and shunt dysfunction occurred in 5 patients undergoing local axial flaps. Four patients died shortly after the surgical procedure (perioperative mortality 10.8%). Combined scalp and skull deficiency present a challenging task. An interdisciplinary treatment helps to prevent severe and specialty-specific complications, such as hydrocephalus. We therefore recommend a close neurological observation after reconstructive treatment with focus on symptoms of CSF disturbances.
Identification of potential groundwater locations using geophysical data and fuzzy gamma operator model in Imo, Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Abdulrazzaq Zaidoon T. , Agbasi Okechukwu E. , Aziz Nadia A. , Etuk Sunday E.
Published: July 2020

Groundwater is among the most important resources of water supply of the worldwide population. The objective of this research is to select the most suitable drilling location of new groundwater wells, with a decision-making tool using geographic information system (GIS). The optimum location was evaluated based on the hydro-geoelectrical parameter derived from vertical electrical sounding (VES) including longitudinal conductance, aquifer thickness, aquifer resistivity, transmissivity, formation factor, and porosity. The analysis of the VES data revealed that the porosity values range from 1.8 to 21%, the formation factor values vary between 0.0355 and 0.14, the transmissivity values range from 3.4 to 6 m2/day, the longitudinal conductance values vary from 3 to 4.6 Ω−1, the aquifer thickness values range from 4.1 to 8.5 m, the aquifer resistivity varies between 0.7 and 40 Ω m. Hydro-geoelectrical data were integrated into GIS to precisely determine the best location for groundwater wells. Fuzzy liner membership was used to standardize the criteria layers; then, these layers were combined using fuzzy gamma overlay to produce the suitability map. The study area was classified into four classes: excluded, low suitability, moderate suitability, and high suitability. It is recommended that this method should be adopted by different governmental agencies involved in water resources management in Nigeria.
THE ABRI CASSEROLE (DORDOGNE, FRANCE): REASSESSING THE14C CHRONOLOGY OF A KEY UPPER PALEOLITHIC SEQUENCE IN SOUTHWESTERN FRANCE
Authors: Ducasse Sylvain , Pétillon Jean-Marc , Aubry Thierry , Chauvière François-Xavier , Castel Jean-Christophe , Detrain Luc , Langlais Mathieu , Morala André , Banks William E , Lenoble Arnaud
Published: July 2020

Discovered at the beginning of the twentieth century, the Abri Casserole (Dordogne, France) was the subject of salvage excavations in the early nineties. The fieldwork revealed a sequence of 13 archaeological levels that document human occupations from the Gravettian to the Magdalenian, including very rare and poorly known assemblages (e.g. Early Badegoulian, Protosolutrean) that afford a particular importance to this sequence. Results of a previous dating program that focused on the Badegoulian levels were obtained in 1994 but were neither extensively published nor discussed. Five AMS14C ages obtained for the Gravettian and Solutrean assemblages in the early 2010s served to complement the site’s chronology. However, since the beta counting ages for the Badegoulian levels were in conflict with the accepted AMS chronology for the region’s late Pleniglacial archaeological record, a new AMS dating program was implemented to renew the radiometric framework of this specific portion of the sequence. Compared to the previous beta counting measurements, the seven newly obtained AMS ages are about 1000 years older (23.3–20.5 cal ka BP) and congruent with other AMS-dated Badegoulian sequences. These results thereby restore the inter-site chronological coherence of the Solutrean–Badegoulian and Badegoulian–Magdalenian transitions.
Printing the Weather: Knowledge, Nature, and Popular Culture in Two Sixteenth-Century German Weather Books
Authors: Johnston Sky Michael
Published: July 2020

This article analyzes two vernacular German books that offered learned guidance for how to use natural observation as a means of gaining knowledge of the weather. Published a combined seventy-seven times throughout the sixteenth century, the “Wetterbüchlein” (Weather booklet) and “Bauern Practica” (Peasants’ practica) were commercially successful and widely circulated. Printers marketed the books as being accessible to anyone and reinforced that claim in the paratextual features of the books. In text and image, these books promoted the idea that even common people could participate in the production of knowledge based on the proper observation of nature.
The Confusion of Diverse Voices: Musical and Social Polyphony in Seventeenth-Century French Opera
Authors: Welch Ellen R.
Published: July 2020

This essay explores how two early modern French writers considered choral music in opera as a figure for society. Pierre Corneille, in his musical tragedy “Andromède,” and scientist and critic Claude Perrault, in several texts about music and acoustics, made subtle apologies for the polyphonic choral song condemned by many contemporaries as unintelligible. Beyond defending the aesthetic value of choral music, Corneille and Perrault associated multi-part song with collective vocalizations offstage, in the real world. Their instructions on how to appreciate choral interludes in opera also served, therefore, to train listeners to attend to the polyphony of society.
The processing of object–subject ambiguities in early second-language acquirers
Authors: Berghoff Robyn
Published: July 2020

Studies of the second language (L2) processing of object–subject ambiguities (OSA), where the parser must revise an initially incorrect analysis of the input, have yielded two findings that the present paper addresses. First, L2 speakers are guided more strongly by plausibility information than L1 speakers in OSA processing. Second, L2 speakers generally do not perform reanalysis in real time, and their comparably poor performance on subsequent comprehension questions suggests ultimate failure to derive a grammatical parse. Because previous studies have targeted later L2 acquirers living outside of an L2 context, the present study tested whether the above two findings hold for childhood L2 acquirers with extensive naturalistic L2 exposure, hypothesizing that these factors would engender more nativelike processing. A self-paced reading task involving two kinds of OSA construction was conducted. Sensitivity to plausibility information differed across the first language and L2 groups per construction type. Within the L2 group, there is evidence that the early childhood acquirers initiated online reanalysis. Comprehension question accuracy did not differ across participant groups, suggesting that all participants succeeded in reanalysis to the same extent. The role of age of onset in L2 processing is discussed, as is the findings’ relevance to current models of L2 processing.