bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein kinase C‐θ is specifically activated in murine erythroleukaemia cells during mitosis
Authors: Passalacqua Mario , Patrone Mauro , Sparatore Bianca , Pedrazzi Marco , Melloni Edon , Pontremoli Sandro
Published: July 2002

Protein kinase C‐θ is a member of the n‐protein kinase C subfamily that in mitotic cells translocates to centrosomes and kinetochores. Although this kinase is expressed in comparable amounts in murine erythroleukaemia cells during the interphase or metaphase, when localized in the mitotic structures, it selectively phosphorylates a 66 kDa protein, also associated to chromosomes. Moreover, protein kinase C‐θ immunoprecipitated from cells at the metaphase results four times more active in the absence of lipid cofactors as compared with the kinase obtained from cells in the interphase. This activation is accomplished by interaction of protein kinase C‐θ with a protein factor which also promotes an increased auto‐phosphorylation of the kinase. These findings indicate that in the mitotic phase of the cell cycle, protein kinase C‐θ recognizes a protein factor which operates as a positive modulator of the kinase activity in the absence lipids.
Crystallization of the immunodominant outer membrane protein OmpC; the first protein crystals from Salmonella typhi, a human pathogen
Authors: Arockiasamy A , Krishnaswamy S
Published: July 2002

OmpC, a surface antigen of Salmonella typhi was crystallized after several attempts, using PEG 3350. Well shaped hexagonal crystals were grown from vapor diffusion method using octyl glucoside and C12E9 as detergents. Crystals are sensitive to X‐ray and diffract weakly up to 7 Å. Porin isoforms, due to the bound lipopolysaccharides, could be the cause for poor diffraction. Crystal quality depends largely on the purification method, and in case of LPS contamination, the genetic background of the bacteria. Crystallization and initial data collection suggest optimum conditions and the method of choice for OmpC crystallization.
Gangliosides GM1 and GD1b are not polarized in mature hippocampal neurons
Authors: Shogomori Hidehiko , Burack Michelle A , Banker Gary , Futerman Anthony H
Published: July 2002

Analysis of the binding of cholera toxin to ganglioside GM1 in both living and fixed neurons, and comparison with the distribution of defined axonal and dendritic proteins, demonstrates that ganglioside GM1 is distributed in a non‐polarized manner over the axonal and dendritic plasma membranes of mature, cultured hippocampal neurons. Likewise, ganglioside GD1b is also distributed in a non‐polarized manner. These results suggest that a recent report [Ledesma, M.D. et al. EMBO J. 18 (1999) 1761–1771] proposing that ganglioside GM1 is highly enriched on the axonal versus dendritic membrane of hippocampal neurons may need to be re‐evaluated.
Calorie restriction increases Fas/Fas‐ligand expression and apoptosis in murine splenic lymphocytes
Authors: Reddy Avula C.P , Muthukumar A , Fernandes G
Published: July 2002

One‐month‐old male ICR mice were fed a nutritionally adequate, semipurified diet, either ad libitum (AL) or calorie restricted (CR) (40% less food) for 6 months and were killed to obtain spleens. Flow cytometric analysis revealed increased proportions of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in CR‐fed mice compared to AL‐fed mice. The T cell subsets of CR‐fed mice were also found to have higher levels of plasma membrane Fas receptor expression. Similarly, Fas‐ligand (Fas‐L) expression was higher in anti‐CD3‐stimulated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. CR‐fed mice also had increased numbers of annexin V‐positive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in stimulated splenic lymphocytes suggesting an increased potential for apoptosis. Fas and Fas‐L gene expression in splenic lymphocytes, which correlated closely with the observed increased rate of apoptosis, was significantly increased in CR‐fed mice compared to AL‐fed mice. In conclusion, these results indicate that CR increases the expression of Fas and Fas‐L which may contribute to the known beneficial effects of CR such as prolongation of life span by activating chronic physiologically mediated apoptosis.
Low Mr phosphotyrosine protein phosphatase activity on fibroblast growth factor receptor is not associated with enzyme translocation
Authors: Rigacci Stefania , Rovida Elisabetta , Bagnoli Silvia , Dello Sbarba Persio , Berti Andrea
Published: July 2002

Fibroblast growth factor receptor (class IV) shares a certain degree of similarity with class III members like platelet‐derived growth factor and macrophage‐colony‐stimulating factor receptors, which, once activated, are substrates of low M
r phosphotyrosine protein phosphatase. Up until now no phosphotyrosine phosphatase has been shown to act on this receptor in vivo. Here we demonstrate that low M
r phosphotyrosine protein phosphatase is able to reduce receptor tyrosine phosphorylation and cell proliferation in response to basic fibroblast growth factor. Contrary to what was previously observed for platelet‐derived growth factor, during cell stimulation with basic fibroblast growth factor, no enzyme redistribution among cellular compartments is observed.
Spliced leader‐associated RNA from Crithidia fasciculata contains a structure resembling stem/loop II of U1 snRNA
Authors: Schnare Murray N. , Gray Michael W.
Published: July 2002

In contrast to earlier proposals, recent evidence suggests that trans‐spliceosomes in trypanosomatid protozoa may contain a homolog of U1 small nuclear (sn) RNA (Schnare, M.N. and Gray, M.W. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 23 691–23 694). However, the candidate trypanosomatid U1 snRNA is unconventional because it lacks the highly conserved stem/loop II present in all other U1 snRNAs. Trypanosomatids also possess a unique spliced leader‐associated (SLA) RNA of unknown function. We present the complete sequence of the SLA RNA from Crithidia fasciculata and propose that it may contribute a U1 snRNA‐like stem/loop II to the trans‐spliceosome.
Photosensitive liposomes as ‘cages’ for laser‐triggered solute delivery: the effect of bilayer cholesterol on kinetics of solute release
Authors: Bisby Roger H , Mead Carole , Morgan Christopher G
Published: July 2002

Liposomes containing acyl chains incorporating azobenzene chromophores have been investigated as potential ‘caging’ agents for fast solute release. On photolysis, trapped marker dye can be released from gel‐phase liposomes within milliseconds. Solute release is markedly sensitive to the presence of cholesterol in the bilayer. Phospholipids bearing one saturated acyl chain and an azobenzene‐substituted chain are ineffective as sensitisers unless cholesterol is present, while doubly substituted phospholipids sensitise release in its absence. Cholesterol markedly affects the temperature profile of solute release depending on the host phospholipid chain length. Solute release is not seen for lipid hosts with unsaturated acyl chains.
Requirement for phospholipids of the translocation of the trimethylamine N‐oxide reductase through the Tat pathway in Escherichia coli
Authors: Mikhaleva Nathalia I. , Santini Claire-Lise , Giordano Gérard , Nesmeyanova Marina A. , Wu Long-Fei
Published: July 2002

Trimethylamine N‐oxide reductase (TorA) is an anaerobically synthesized molybdoenzyme. It is translocated across the cytoplasmic membrane in a folded conformation via the Tat pathway of Escherichia coli. The requirement for phospholipids for the export of this enzyme was analyzed in the pgsA and pss mutants lacking anionic phospholipids and phosphatidylethanolamine, respectively. Anaerobic growth did not influence phospholipid composition of the pgsA and pss mutants. Interestingly, both pgsA and pss mutations severely retarded the translocation of TorA into the periplasm. Therefore, translocation of proteins through the Tat pathway is dependent on the anionic phospholipids and on lipid polymorphism.
Prediction of human cDNA from its homologous mouse full‐length cDNA and human shotgun database
Authors: Fukunishi Yoshifumi , Suzuki Harukazu , Yoshino Masayasu , Konno Hideaki , Hayashizaki Yoshihide
Published: July 2002

We propose a prediction method for human full‐length cDNA by comparing sequence data between human genome shotgun sequence and mouse full‐length cDNA. The human genome which is homologous to the mouse full‐length cDNA is selected by a homology search program, and the predicted exons are connected at the exon‐intron junction which gives the best homology score to the mouse full‐length cDNA. The accuracy of the predicted human full‐length coding region is 83.3%, and the false positive rate is 16.7%. Five human full‐length proteins out of 20 proteins are correctly predicted.
Mutagenic studies on human protein disulfide isomerase by complementation of Escherichia coli dsbA and dsbC mutants
Authors: Stafford Simon J , Lund Peter A
Published: July 2002

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) exhibits both an oxido‐reductase and an isomerase activity on proteins containing cysteine residues. These activities arise from two active sites, both of which contain pairs of redox active cysteines. We have developed two simple in vivo assays for these activities of PDI, based on the demonstration that PDI can complement both a dsbA mutation and a dsbC mutation when expressed to the periplasm of Escherichia coli. We constructed a variety of mutants in and around the active sites of PDI and analysed them using these complementation assays. Our analysis showed that the active site amino acid residues have a major role in determining the activities exhibited by PDI, particularly the N‐terminal cysteine of the N‐terminal active site. The roles of the histidine residue at position 38 and the glutamic acid residue at position 30 were also studied using these assays. The results show that these two in vivo assays should be useful for rapid screening of mutants in PDI prior to purification and detailed biochemical analysis.
Expression of GIRK (Kir3.1/Kir3.4) channels in mouse fibroblast cells with and without β1 integrins
Authors: Ivanina Tatiana , Neusch Clemens , Li Yong-Xin , Tong Yanhe , Labarca Cesar , Mosher Deane F. , Lester Henry A.
Published: July 2002

G protein‐activated K+ channel (GIRK) subunits possess a conserved extracellular integrin‐binding motif (RGD) and bind directly to β1 integrins. We expressed GIRK1/GIRK4 channels labeled with green fluorescent protein in fibroblast cell lines expressing or lacking β1 integrins. Neither plasma membrane localization nor agonist‐evoked GIRK currents were affected by the absence of β1 integrins or by incubation with externally applied RGD‐containing peptide. Mutation of the aspartate (D) of RGD impaired currents, GIRK glycosylation, and membrane localization, but the interaction with β1 integrins remained intact. Thus, β1 integrins are not essential for functional GIRK expression; and the GIRK‐integrin interactions involve structural elements other than the RGD motif.
Current practice of family planning in China
Authors: Xiao B.L. , Zhao B.G.
Published: July 2002

Current practice of family planning in China is based on the population policy and strategy of the country. Comprehensive contraceptive methods are provided in family planning clinics at all levels. Among the methods used, intrauterine devices and tubal sterilization are most popular. Vasectomy is popular in some provinces. Oral pills, injectables and subdermal implants occupy a small proportion. Incidence of abortion is high due to failure of methods and unprotected intercourse. Attention is paid to the adoption of emergency contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Improvement in quality of care is the key to a successful family planning program. Basic research is essential for development of new contraceptive technology.
Antenatal ultrasonography for breech delivery
Authors: Seffah J.D. , Armah J.O.
Published: July 2002

Objective: We studied the role of sonography in the management of 370 breech presentations ≥34 weeks maturity. Method: 185 cases had sonographic confirmation of breech presentation prior to the delivery at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. A control group of 185 cases did not have prior scanning. Results: Significantly more elective cesarean sections were done in the study group, while the control group had more emergency sections (P=0.008), and had more traumatic delivery. Birth asphyxia and perinatal mortality were significantly more common in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Sonography done before delivery improved neonatal outcome in breech presentation ≥34 weeks maturity.
Gorbachev, ideology, and the fate of Soviet communism
Authors: Mitchell R. Judson , Arrington Randall S.
Published: July 2002

The collapse of the Soviet Union has spurred much scholarly debate about the reasons for the rapid disintegration of this apparently entrenched system. In this article, it is argued that the basic source of ultimate weakness was the obverse of the system’s strengths, especially its form of organization and its relation to Marxist–Leninist ideology. Democratic centralism provided cohesion for the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) but also gave inordinate control over ideology to the party leader. Mikhail Gorbachev carried out an ideological revision that undercut the legitimacy of party elites and his restructuring of the system left the party with no clear functional role in the society. The successor party, the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF), has made a surprising comeback for communism, utilizing the Leninist model of party organization, which has proved to be highly effective in the Russian political culture. Furthermore, the CPRF, under party leaders like Gennadi Zyuganov, has avoided Gorbachev’s ideological deviations while attempting to broaden the party’s base through the cultivation of Russian nationalism.
Access to education in six Eastern European countries between 1940 and 1985. Results of a cross-national survey
Authors: Ganzeboom Harry B.G. , Nieuwbeerta Paul
Published: July 2002

This paper presents an analysis of patterns of access to education in six Eastern European countries (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Russia, and Slovakia) between 1940 and 1985. As in other industrial countries, average educational attainment (measured by duration, i.e. years in school) has increased greatly since 1940. But the expansion was most rapid until 1970. In all six countries, women increased their educational attainment more than men. By 1975, the difference between men and women in regard to years of schooling had virtually disappeared in all countries studied. Parents' educational attainment (measured as average years of schooling of father and mother) proves to be a main determinant of their children's attainment. However, the effect of parents' education decreased by about half from 1940 to 1985. Cultural resources (measured by parents' cultural behavior while the respondent was growing up) turns out to be a strong predictor of educational attainment, and equally so for men and women. It accounts for about one-third of the educational reproduction effect. However, the effect of cultural background declined considerably under communism. Finally, parents' political resources (measured as parents membership of the Communist Party) is shown to have a weak but consistent effect on educational attainment in the six countries. Although this effect was relatively strong in the early communist period, it was negligible for the younger cohorts.
Nurse‐led heart failure clinics in Sweden
Authors: Strömberg Anna , Mårtensson Jan , Fridlund Bengt , Dahlström Ulf
Published: July 2002

Objective:

The aim of this study was to describe the nurse‐led heart failure care in Sweden.

Methods:

A postal questionnaire was sent to all 86 hospitals in Sweden treating heart failure patients. All hospitals completed the questionnaire, which contained 20 questions about heart failure nurses, patient education, heart failure clinics, co‐operation with primary healthcare and care programmes.

Results:

Sixty‐nine percent of all hospitals (n = 86) had nurses specialised in taking care of heart failure patients, in total 148 heart failure nurses. The nurses were involved in patient education and follow‐up. There were nurse‐led heart failure clinics in 66% of the hospitals. The clinics provided follow‐up after hospitalisation, telephone counselling and drug titration. The majority of the heart failure nurses had been delegated the responsibility for making protocol‐led changes in medications. Most clinics registered the number of annual visits to the clinic, and the largest clinic had up to 1000 visits. Approximately half of the hospitals had a special care plan for patients with heart failure and an organised co‐operation with primary healthcare.

Conclusion:

The first nurse‐led heart failure clinic started in Sweden in 1990 and since then the model has been spread to two‐thirds of the Swedish hospitals.
Dynamic Tensile Deformation of High Strength Aluminum Alloys Processed Following Novel Thermomechanical Treatment Strategies
Authors: Scharifi Emad , Sajadifar Seyed Vahid , Moeini Ghazal , Weidig Ursula , Böhm Stefan , Niendorf Thomas , Steinhoff Kurt
Published: May 2020

Herein, the effects of a very recently introduced novel thermomechanical process route on the microstructural evolution and dynamic tensile deformation behavior of two different precipitation hardenable aluminum alloys, i.e., AA6082 and AA7075, are studied. The investigated materials are hot formed and quenched in differently tempered tools to reveal the influence of cooling rate. Microstructure analysis is conducted to study the influences of different cooling strategies on the microstructure evolution and prevailing strengthening mechanisms in the investigated conditions. Dynamic tensile tests at strain rates of 40, 200, and 400 s−1 coupled with digital image correlation are further conducted to study the mechanical performance and the local deformation behavior. Experimental results show a decrease in yield and tensile strength for the material quenched at higher tool temperature. With increasing strain rate, strength and elongation to failure of the investigated alloys increase for all conditions. The obtained mechanical properties can be rationalized based on the prevailing microstructural features. Both alloys show fine and well‐distributed precipitates upon fast quenching, whereas coarse precipitates prevail upon slow cooling.
Influence of Iron Boride Coating on Flow‐Accelerated Corrosion of Carbon Steel
Authors: Medvedovski Eugene , Roghanizad Mohsen , Leal Mendoza Gerardo , Cai Wenjun , Hendricks Robert W.
Published: May 2020

Flow‐accelerated corrosion (FAC) often occurs in piping systems made of carbon steels and other steels and alloys in power generation and mineral processing, when the products are subjected by extremely high‐velocity corrosive fluid flows. Under these extreme conditions, dissolution and subsequent degradation and thinning of the metallic surfaces occur due to corrosion–erosion resulting in a quick rupture of the piping products. Herein, iron boride‐based coatings obtained through the proprietary thermal diffusion process are selectively applied onto the inner surface of carbon steel A106B piping sections to protect the steel against FAC. The coated and uncoated steel piping sections are tested using the high‐turbulence corrosion loop device with flow rates up to 120 gal min−1 (≈450 L min−1) in boric acid‐based solutions. Changes of wall thickness of the piping sections and their structures are examined and evaluated. The pipe sections with iron boride coatings demonstrate significantly lower degradation in the studied FAC conditions compared with the bare carbon steel. Promising behavior of the coating can be explained by its well‐consolidated double‐layer structure composed of iron borides with high hardness, chemical inertness, and strong diffusion‐induced bonding between the protective layers and the steel substrate.
Ex‐Solved Ag Nanocatalysts on a Sr‐Free Parent Scaffold Authorize a Highly Efficient Route of Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Kim Jun Hyuk , Kim Jun Kyu , Seo Han Gil , Lim Dae‐Kwang , Jeong Seung Jin , Seo Jongsu , Kim Jinwook , Jung WooChul
Published: May 2020

The electrocatalytic value of nanoparticles has attracted substantial attention in relation to energy conversion devices, including solid oxide fuel cells. Among various forms of analogs, ex‐solved metal nanoparticles originating from their parent oxides display strong particle‐substrate interactions and thus have the benefits of extended durability and of course enhanced catalytic activity. Inspired by recent advances, here, novel air‐electrode materials based on BaCoO3–δ perovskites decorated with socketed Ag nanoparticles are presented. Doping with niobium (Nb5+) and tantalum (Ta5+) can significantly promote the stability of the cubic perovskite phase. The developed oxides exhibit promising performance outcomes in the highly prized low‐to‐intermediate temperature regimes (450–650 °C). Moreover, the exclusion of Ag particles further activates the parent scaffold, thereby conveying record‐level area‐specific resistance (e.g., ≈0.02 Ω cm2 at 650 °C). Coupled with the unique nanoarchitecture, the newly designed cathode showcases in this study hold great promise for future air‐electrodes in fuel cells.
Contributions of Different Functional Groups to Contact Electrification of Polymers
Authors: Li Shuyao , Nie Jinhui , Shi Yuxiang , Tao Xinglin , Wang Fan , Tian Jingwen , Lin Shiquan , Chen Xiangyu , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: May 2020

Polymers are commonly used to fabricate triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Here, several polymer films with similar main chains but different functional groups on the side chain are employed to clarify the contributions of each functional group to contact electrification (CE). The results show that the electron‐withdrawing (EW) ability and density of these functional groups on the main chain can determine both the polarity and density of CE‐induced surface charges. Similar results are obtained for CE in both the polymer–polymer and polymer–liquid modes. A theoretical mechanism involving electron cloud overlap is proposed to explain all of these results. More importantly, the unsaturated groups on poly(tetrafluoroethylene) molecular chain are proved to have a much stronger EW ability than the saturated groups. The density of these unsaturated groups can be increased using a sputtering technique, suggesting that this is a facile and effective method of enhancing the performance of TENGs. These results clarify the correlation between the molecular structure and macroscopic electrification behavior of polymers.
Weighted Mobility
Authors: Snyder G. Jeffrey , Snyder Alemayouh H. , Wood Maxwell , Gurunathan Ramya , Snyder Berhanu H. , Niu Changning
Published: May 2020

Engineering semiconductor devices requires an understanding of charge carrier mobility. Typically, mobilities are estimated using Hall effect and electrical resistivity meausrements, which are are routinely performed at room temperature and below, in materials with mobilities greater than 1 cm2 V‐1 s‐1. With the availability of combined Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity measurement systems, it is now easy to measure the weighted mobility (electron mobility weighted by the density of electronic states). A simple method to calculate the weighted mobility from Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity measurements is introduced, which gives good results at room temperature and above, and for mobilities as low as 10−3 cm2 V‐1 s‐1,
Here, μw is the weighted mobility, ρ is the electrical resistivity measured in mΩ cm, T is the absolute temperature in K, S is the Seebeck coefficient, and kB/e = 86.3 µV K–1. Weighted mobility analysis can elucidate the electronic structure and scattering mechanisms in materials and is particularly helpful in understanding and optimizing thermoelectric systems.
Effect of Interlayer Interactions on the Dynamic Self‐Stiffening Behaviors of Graphene Oxide‐Based Films
Authors: Suo Xidong , Yu Yuxiu , Cao Zhuo , Liu Yaodong
Published: May 2020

The responsive behaviors of graphene oxide (GO)‐based films under external straining make it possible to develop man‐made adaptive materials. Some researches have suggested that GO nanosheet alignment plays important roles in dynamic stiffening behaviors; however, the effects of inter‐sheet interactions have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, the GO interlayer interactions are tuned by third components, including hydrophilic nanofumed silica (SiO2) nanoparticles, chemically modified SiO2 nanoparticles, and waterborne polyurethane particles, and their stiffening behaviors and structural changes during periodic external straining are systematically characterized. During external dynamic straining, the storage modules (E′) of GO‐based composite films increases up to 55.5% after 12 h. It is observed that the interlayer adhesion is important for the self‐stiffening behaviors of GO‐based films. The interaction types, including reversible H‐bonding and non‐reversible chemical bonding, play different roles on the structural‐responsive behaviors. During external dynamic straining, the interlayer contact between GO nanosheets is improved, and the higher interlayer adhesion leads to improved mechanical properties, instead of the improvement of GO sheet orientation. These findings are helpful to better understand the responsive behaviors of nanomaterials as well as to develop new types of man‐made adaptive materials.
Cu(I)/KOH‐Promoted Condensation between o‐Arylenediamines and Nitroarenes to Access 2‐Aryl‐2H‐Benzotriazoles
Authors: Li Hong‐Chen , Gao Wen‐Xia , Huang Xiao‐Bo , Zhou Yun‐Bing , Liu Miao‐Chang , Wu Hua‐Yue
Published: May 2020

Reported is the condensation between o‐arylenediamines and nitroarenes enabled by a cooperative action of acid and base, providing a direct entry to 2‐aryl‐2H‐benzotriazoles. The potential practicability of this methodology was demonstrated by 100 mmol‐scale reactions and the synthesis of serotonin/dopamine receptor ligand and human growth hormone.

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Intracellular Delivery of Budesonide and Polydopamine Co‐Loaded in Endosomolytic Poly(butyl methacrylate‐co‐methacrylic acid) Grafted Acetalated Dextran for Macrophage Phenotype Switch from M1 to M2
Authors: Wang Shiqi , Wannasarit Saowanee , Figueiredo Patrícia , Molinaro Giuseppina , Ding Yaping , Correia Alexandra , Casettari Luca , Wiwattanapatapee Ruedeekorn , Hirvonen Jouni , Liu Dongfei , Li Wei , Santos Hélder A.
Published: May 2020

In this study, a rationally designed nanocomposite (BUDPDA@MAP) composed of polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticle and anti‐inflammatory drug budesonide (BUD) encapsulated in a pH‐responsive endosomolytic polymer (poly(butyl methacrylate‐co‐methacrylic acid) grafted acetalated dextran, denoted by MAP), is proposed. The uniform nanocomposite is prepared using a microfluidic device. At low endosomal pH (5.5), MAP destabilizes the endosomal membranes for the cytoplasmic delivery of PDA, and releases BUD simultaneously, resulting in a greater reactive oxygen species scavenging capability than both the free drug and PDA alone. The combined therapeutic efficacy from PDA and BUD also leads to a successful macrophage phenotype switch from pro‐inflammatory M1 to anti‐inflammatory M2.
Cacaoidin, First Member of the New Lanthidin RiPP Family
Authors: Ortiz‐López Francisco Javier , Carretero‐Molina Daniel , Sánchez‐Hidalgo Marina , Martín Jesús , González Ignacio , Román‐Hurtado Fernando , de la Cruz Mercedes , García‐Fernández Sergio , Reyes Fernando , Deisinger Julia Patricia , Müller Anna , Schneider Tanja , Genilloud Olga
Published: May 2020

Lantibiotics are ribosomally synthesized and post‐translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) characterized by the presence of lanthionine or methyllanthionine rings and their antimicrobial activity. Cacaoidin, a novel glycosylated lantibiotic, was isolated from a Streptomyces cacaoi strain and fully characterized by NMR, mass spectrometry, chemical derivatization approaches and genome analysis. The new molecule combines outstanding structural features, such as a high number of d‐amino acids, an uncommon glycosylated tyrosine residue and an unprecedented N,N‐dimethyl lanthionine. This latter feature places cacaoidin within a new RiPP family located between lanthipeptides and linaridins, here termed lanthidins. Cacaoidin displayed potent antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive pathogens including Clostridium difficile. The biosynthetic gene cluster showed low homology with those of other known lanthipeptides or linaridins, suggesting a new RiPP biosynthetic pathway.
Structural characterization, DFT studied, luminescent properties of cationic/neutral three‐coordinated copper (I) complexes and application in warm‐white light‐emitting diode
Authors: Wu Tian‐Cheng , Zhao Fang‐Zheng , Hu Qiao‐Long , Cui Yi‐Shun , Huang Ting‐Hong , Zheng Dan , Liu Qiang , Lei Ying , Jia Lin , Luo Cheng
Published: May 2020

A series of cationic/neutral copper (I) complexes, [Cu2(Hbmb)(PPh3)4] (BF4)2 (1a), [Cu2(Hbmb)(DPEPhos)2](BF4)2 (2a), [Cu2(Hbmb)(Xantphos)2](BF4)2 (3a), [Cu2(bmb)(PPh3)4] (1b), [Cu2(bmb)(DPEPhos)2] (2b), [Cu2(bmb)(Xantphos)2] (3b) (Hbmb = 1,4‐bis (1H‐benzimidazol −2‐yl)benzene, PPh3 = triphenylphosphine, DPEPhos = bis[2‐(diphenylphosphino)‐phenyl]ether, Xantphos =4,5‐bis (diphenylphosphino)‐9,9′‐dimethyl‐xanthene), have been synthesized and characterized by IR, TGA, XRD and X‐ray crystal structure analysis. The structural analysis reveals that each Cu+ in all complexes adopts an almost ideal trigonal planar geometry, with three coordinate NP2, and the C‐H···π and π···π interactions are observed in the packing structures. DFT studied indicate the ingredients of the HOMOs and LUMOs for neutral copper (I) complexes 1b, 2b and 3b are different from cationic copper (I) complexes 1a, 2a and 3a, in accordance with the distribution of Mülliken atomic charges. Meanwhile, neutral copper (I) complexes 1b, 2b and 3b have fascinating broad blue‐green emission bands at room temperature, while cationic copper (I) complexes 1a, 2a and 3a exhibit the existence of multiple emission peaks. Furthermore, the maximum phosphorescent lifetime and quantum yield at room temperature, for all copper (I) complexes, are 1143 μs and 8.82%, respectively. In addition, in order to measure the practical application of these complexes, the selection of complex 1b is used to fabricate the LED, which emits a bright warm‐white light.
Ressourcenverbrauch im globalen Stahlbetonbau und Potenziale der Carbonbetonbauweise
Authors: Seifert Wiebke , Lieboldt Matthias
Published: May 2020

Die Bauindustrie ist maßgeblich mitverantwortlich für den zunehmenden Verbrauch an materiellen und energetischen Ressourcen und wird weltweit vom Jahrhundertbaustoff Stahlbeton dominiert. Dieser Aufsatz behandelt das Potenzial, das in der Anwendung von Carbonbeton für eine nachhaltige und ressourceneffiziente Betonindustrie liegt. Zunächst werden die aktuelle globale sowie die deutsche Rohstoffsituation im (Stahl‐)Betonbau zahlenmäßig dargestellt. Dabei wird auf Vorkommen, Verfügbarkeit und Verbrauch der einzelnen Rohstoffe eingegangen und eine Abschätzung des jährlichen globalen Betonverbrauchs vorgenommen. Daraufhin erfolgt eine energetische Aufschlüsselung einzelner Ressourcen und der daraus entstehenden globalen Herausforderungen des Bauwesens im Hinblick auf die Bedeutung einer nachhaltigen Bauweise. Abschließend werden die Potenziale der C3‐Bauweise (C3 – Carbon Concrete Composite) anhand eines materialbezogenen und systemischen Vergleichs von Stahl‐ und Carbonbeton untersucht und in Zusammenhang gesetzt.
Nachträgliche Bewehrungsanschlüsse
Authors: Fuchs Werner , Hofmann Jan
Published: May 2020

Für die Ausführung von nachträglichen Bewehrungsanschlüssen in vorhandenen Bauwerken stehen in Europa Verankerungsmörtel mit einer ETA auf Basis von EOTA‐Bewertungsdokumenten zur Verfügung. Für Instandsetzungsmaßnahmen könnten Verankerungsmörtel mit Leistungsangaben auf Basis der harmonisierten Norm DIN EN 1504‐6, die durch CEN erarbeitet wurde, verwendet werden. Nach beiden Vorschriften sollte bei der Verwendung der geeigneten Verankerungsmörtel dasselbe Sicherheitsniveau wie bei einbetonierten Bewehrungsstäben erreicht werden. Dazu werden in diesem Beitrag die wesentlichen Inhalte der beiden Vorschriften vorgestellt, miteinander verglichen und Empfehlungen hinsichtlich der sicheren Verwendung von Verankerungsmörteln für nachträgliche Bewehrungsanschlüsse gegeben.
Comparison of combination therapies in the management of locally advanced pancreatic cancer: Induction chemotherapy followed by irreversible electroporation vs radiofrequency ablation
Authors: He Chaobin , Wang Jun , Zhang Yu , Cai Zhiyuan , Lin Xiaojun , Li Shengping
Published: May 2020

Background

Locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) remains a challenge for current treatments. Local destructive therapies, such as irreversible electroporation (IRE) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), were used more and more frequently in the treatment of LAPC.

Objective

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of IRE with RFA in patients with LAPC.

Methods

From August 2015 to August 2017, 58 LAPC patients after IRE or RFA therapy, which was performed through open approach, were retrospectively reviewed. The survival outcomes after IRE (36 patients) and RFA (18 patients) were compared after propensity score matching (PSM) analysis.

Results

Before PSM analysis, IRE after the induction chemotherapy resulted in significant higher overall survival (OS) rates and progression‐free survival (PFS) rates to RFA (2‐year OS, 53.5% vs 30.8%, P = .013; 2‐year PFS, 28.4% vs 12.1%, P = .043). After PSM analysis, compared with RFA, the survival benefit of IRE was even more obvious, (2‐year OS, 53.5% vs 27.0%, P = .010; 2‐year PFS, 28.4% vs 6.4%, P = .018). For patients with tumor larger than 4 cm, IRE resulted in comparable OS and PFS between RFA and IRE while IRE also achieved better long‐term OS to RFA for those with tumor smaller than 4 cm. Multivariate analysis illustrated that IRE was a favorable prognostic factor in terms of OS and PFS in patients with LAPC.

Conclusions

IRE after induction chemotherapy is superior to RFA after induction chemotherapy for treating LAPC patients while these two therapies have comparable efficacy for tumors which were larger than 4 cm.
Alizarin‐TiO2 LMCT Complex with Oxygen Vacancies: An Efficient Visible Light Photocatalyst for Cr(VI) Reduction
Authors: Li Meichen , Li Yaru , Zhao Jingyu , Li Mingcheng , Wu Yongchuan , Na Ping
Published: May 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

The AL‐P25 composites (AL = alizarin, P25 = nano titanium dioxide) with oxygen vacancies were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method and applied for the photoreduction of Cr(VI) under visible light. The AL‐P25 composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, thermo‐gravimetric analysis, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results suggested that the AL‐P25 composites were successfully prepared, and alizarin was linked to P25 via Ti—O—C bonds. AL‐P25 composites represented excellent photoreduction efficiency on Cr(VI) under visible light, which was 99.4% after 60 min of illumination. Finally, a photocatalytic mechanism of AL‐P25 composites was proposed that ligand‐metal charge transfer (LMCT) process between alizarin and P25 effectively enhances separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes.
Routine clinical practice in the periprocedural management of edoxaban therapy is associated with low risk of bleeding and thromboembolic complications: The prospective, observational, and multinational EMIT‐AF/VTE study
Authors: Colonna Paolo , von Heymann Christian , Santamaria Amparo , Saxena Manish , Vanassche Thomas , Wolpert Diana , Laeis Petra , Wilkins Robert , Chen Cathy , Unverdorben Martin
Published: May 2020

Background

Guidance for periprocedural anticoagulant management is mainly based on limited data from Phase III or observational studies and expert opinion.

Hypothesis

EMIT‐AF/VTE was designed to document the risks of bleeding and thromboembolic events in more than 1000 patients on edoxaban undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in clinical practice.

Methods

Routine care in a multinational multicenter, prospective observational study. Participants were adult patients with atrial fibrillation and/or venous thromboembolism treated with edoxaban for stroke prevention or for secondary prevention in venous thromboembolic disease, undergoing a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Edoxaban therapy was interrupted periprocedurally at the treating physician's discretion. Patients were evaluated from 5 days pre‐ until 30 days postprocedure. Primary outcome was the incidence of International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis defined major bleeding; secondary outcomes included incidence of clinically relevant non‐major bleeding, acute coronary syndrome, and acute thromboembolic events.

Results

Outcomes and management are reported for the first procedures in 1155 unselected patients. Five cases of major bleeding (0.4%) and eight of clinically relevant non‐major bleeding (0.7%) were documented, five (38%) of which occurred outside the period of likely edoxaban effect (last edoxaban dose ≥3 days prior to bleeding). Five (0.4%) deaths from any cause, seven acute thromboembolic events (0.6%) including two cardiac deaths (0.2%) in six patients, and one acute coronary event (0.1%) occurred.

Conclusions

The periprocedural bleeding and acute thromboembolic event risks for patients treated with edoxaban were low. This can help inform both clinical routine and guidelines for the periprocedural management of edoxaban.
Multimodal cross‐registration and quantification of metric distortions in marmoset whole brain histology using diffeomorphic mappings
Authors: Lee Brian C. , Lin Meng K. , Fu Yan , Hata Junichi , Miller Michael I. , Mitra Partha P.
Published: May 2020

Whole brain neuroanatomy using tera‐voxel light‐microscopic data sets is of much current interest. A fundamental problem in this field is the mapping of individual brain data sets to a reference space. Previous work has not rigorously quantified in‐vivo to ex‐vivo distortions in brain geometry from tissue processing. Further, existing approaches focus on registering unimodal volumetric data; however, given the increasing interest in the marmoset model for neuroscience research and the importance of addressing individual brain architecture variations, new algorithms are necessary to cross‐register multimodal data sets including MRIs and multiple histological series. Here we present a computational approach for same‐subject multimodal MRI‐guided reconstruction of a series of consecutive histological sections, jointly with diffeomorphic mapping to a reference atlas. We quantify the scale change during different stages of brain histological processing using the Jacobian determinant of the diffeomorphic transformations involved. By mapping the final image stacks to the ex‐vivo post‐fixation MRI, we show that (a) tape‐transfer assisted histological sections can be reassembled accurately into 3D volumes with a local scale change of 2.0 ± 0.4% per axis dimension; in contrast, (b) tissue perfusion/fixation as assessed by mapping the in‐vivo MRIs to the ex‐vivo post fixation MRIs shows a larger median absolute scale change of 6.9 ± 2.1% per axis dimension. This is the first systematic quantification of local metric distortions associated with whole‐brain histological processing, and we expect that the results will generalize to other species. These local scale changes will be important for computing local properties to create reference brain maps.
Bagasse‐derived Carbon‐supported Ru nanoparticles as Catalyst for Efficient Dehydrogenation of Ammonia Borane
Authors: Cheng Wei , Zhao Xue , Luo Wenxiu , Zhang Yun , Wang Yi , Fan Guangyin
Published: May 2020

Recently, metal nanoparticles (NPs) have been investigated widely as heterogeneous catalysts in the hydrolysis of ammonia borane (AB). However, the method is severely challenged by the dispersion and particle size of metal NPs, and needs efficient carbon materials as supports. Herein, we describe a facile two‐step synthesis strategy that takes advantage of hydrothermal synthesis and solid‐phase carbonization to fabricate N‐doped bagasse‐derived carbon materials (BC‐hs). The Ru particles can disperse well on the BC‐hs carbon matrix to form Ru/BC‐hs catalyst. It is found that the Ru/BC‐hs catalyst, under optimized conditions (3.5 wt% Ru loading), shows a high performance for the catalytic dehydrogenation of AB, with a TOF of 354 mol H2 (molRu min)−1. The high catalytic performance of Ru/BC‐hs may be ascribed to the large surface area of BC‐hs (2250 m2/g) with abundant surface nitrogen and oxygen species, and more catalytically active Ru atoms are provided with the fine‐grained and uniformly distributed Ru NPs. This study exhibits a universal method to design and prepare high‐performance dehydrogenation catalysts, in which metal NPs are supported on biomass‐derived carbon from a highly recyclable and available plant.
The role of therapeutic alliance in therapy for adults with problematic aggression and associated disorders
Authors: Fahlgren Martha K. , Berman Mitchell E. , McCloskey Michael S.
Published: May 2020

The nature and quality of the relationship between therapist and client in psychotherapy, known as therapeutic alliance, have been proposed as one of the most important factors for successful treatment outcome, which has been has robustly supported across many types of treatment, populations, raters of alliance (i.e., client, therapist, or observer), and alliance measures. However, most research on alliance and treatment outcome has been conducted in children and adults with internalizing problems (e.g., mood and anxiety disorders) or children with externalizing problems (e.g., conduct disorder), despite the fact that alliance may be particularly important for adults with externalizing problems such as problematic aggression, who may have high levels of resistance, blaming, and interpersonal problems. Very limited research has examined the role of alliance in individuals who present to treatment due to high levels of aggressive behaviour specifically (e.g., those convicted of a violent offence). The current systematic review examined the extant research on the relationship between alliance and outcome in treatment of highly aggressive individuals, as well as those who are diagnosed with a disorder for which aggression is a primary symptom (i.e., post‐traumatic stress disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder). Overall, it was shown that alliance has a positive impact on treatment outcome among those engaging in or at risk for problematic aggression. Additionally, the alliance‐outcome relationship may be affected by therapy modality, alliance rater perspective, and potential mechanisms of alliance. Implications for future research, including utilizing more primarily aggressive samples, are discussed.
A quantitative measure of treatment response in recent‐onset type 1 diabetes
Authors: Bundy Brian N. , Krischer Jeffrey P. ,   for the Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet Study Group
Published: May 2020

Introduction

This paper develops a methodology and defines a measure that can be used to separate subjects that received an experimental therapy into those that benefitted from those that did not in recent‐onset type 1 diabetes. Benefit means a slowing (or arresting) the decline in beta‐cell function over time. The measure can be applied to comparing treatment arms from a clinical trial or to response at the individual level.

Methods

An analysis of covariance model was fitted to the 12‐month area under the curve C‐peptide following a 2‐hour mixed meal tolerance test from 492 individuals enrolled on five TrialNet studies of recent‐onset type 1 diabetes. Significant predictors in the model were age and C‐peptide at study entry. The observed minus the model‐based expected C‐peptide value (quantitative response, QR) is defined to reflect the effect of the therapy.

Results

A comparison of the primary hypothesis test for each study included and a t test of the QR value by treatment group were comparable. The results were also confirmed for a new TrialNet study, independent of the set of studies used to derive the model. With our proposed analytical method and using QR as the end‐point, we conducted simulation studies, to estimate statistical power in detecting a biomarker that expresses differential treatment effect. The QR in its continuous form provided the greatest statistical power when compared to several ways of defining responder/non‐responder using various QR thresholds.

Conclusions

This paper illustrates the use of the QR, as a measure of the magnitude of treatment effect at the aggregate and subject‐level. We show that the QR distribution by treatment group provides a better sense of the treatment effect than simply giving the mean estimates. Using the QR in its continuous form is shown to have higher statistical power in comparison with dichotomized categorization.
Reconstruction of a long‐term historical daily maximum and minimum air temperature network dataset for Ireland (1831‐1968)
Authors: Mateus Carla , Potito Aaron , Curley Mary
Published: May 2020

The extension of spatial and temporal coverage of digital daily maximum and minimum air temperature observations is indispensable for a greater understanding of past climate variability. Long‐term series are fundamental for the assessment of frequency, duration, intensity and geographical distribution of past extreme air temperature events at local and regional scales in Ireland. Raw daily observations from 12 long‐term and 21 short‐term maximum and minimum air temperature series in Ireland, extending from 1831 to 1968, were rescued from multiple archives. Detailed station metadata on instrumentation, site location, observation practices and observer's notes are included in the dataset. Over 970,000 daily maximum and minimum air temperature observations were transcribed from handwritten meteorological registers, publications, newspapers and the Daily Weather Report. The data rescue strategies, sources for data and metadata rescue, and methodologies for double keying are discussed. The Ireland Long‐term Maximum and Minimum Air Temperature dataset (ILMMT) format for daily air temperature and metadata and organization is reviewed. The ILMMT dataset comprises raw observations and detailed station metadata, so data users can apply their selected quality control and homogenization approaches.