bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C EFFICIENCY RATIO AS A MEASURE OF VAT EFFICIENCY IN EU DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND SERBIA
Authors: Đurović-Todorović Jadranka , Ristić Milica
Published: June 2021

The policy led by a large number of developing countries, with the aim of increasing indirect taxes, has opened the issue of Value Added Tax (VAT) efficiency. Reforms of tax systems of developing countries generally involve an increase in standard rates in order to increase VAT, which is the main source of public revenues. In such a way, developing countries determine the VAT efficiency and the amount of revenue that could be collected by indirect taxation.
The article sums up works of different scientists, dealing with the impact of determinants on VAT efficiency. The subject of this paper is an analysis of the factors that influence the C efficiency ratio. The main objective of the paper is to analize the impact of the change in the standard rate on the ratio. Theoretical analyses of standard rates and other factors that have reflections on the VAT collection efficiency explicitly prove that there are different ways to improve the efficiency of VAT collection, and exclude an increase in the standard rate. An increase in the standard rate provides a balance of negative effects, which can be blurred by recorded tax revenues. We focused on the countries of the European Union: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Croatia, Latvia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Lithuania during the 2000-2016 period. These countries experienced significant changes in government during economic transformation, and where VAT is the main source of public revenues. The last section analize an increse in VAT rate and C efficiency ratio in Serbia and conteins conclusions.
The paper indicates the imperfection of inadequately defined VAT rates on economic growth and development in analized countries. Based on analyses we can conclude that the increase in the standard rate have negative reflections on the VAT efficiency, and that it was one of the factors of the continuous decline in C-efficiency.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION TRENDS IN PAYMENT SYSTEMS
Authors: Soldic Aleksic Jasna , Jakovljevic Aleksandra
Published: June 2021

У фокусу истраживања представљених у овом раду су трендови дигиталне трансформације у платним системима од којих се очекује да у блиској будућности покрену динамику платног екосистема. Анализирани су тренутни трендови у индустрији плаћања и идентификовани они најважнији. За потребе анализе коришшћени су најновији подаци релевантних домаћих и међународних институција. У раду су апострофирани изазови са којима се, пред новим таласом технолошких иновација и дигитализацијом, суочавају платни системи. Тренутни трендови у платним и финансијским системима усмерени су на проширене опције плаћања, снажнији фокус на инфраструктуру података и њихову безбедност, као и на усвајање технологија машинског учења и вештачке интелигенције. У раду је истакнуто да банке и регулаторна тела подстичу миграцију плаћања у дигиталну сферу, што може довести до смањења трошкова трансакција за банке и последично до смањења оперативних трошкова. Резултати истраживања показују да промене које су условљене развојем информационо-комуникационих технологија, као и дигиталном трансформацијом пословања, намећу потребу да се и платни системи прилагоде „дигиталном времену“.
КОНЦЕПТ CLOUD МАРКЕТИНГА
Authors: Максимовић Мирјана
Published: June 2021

Индустрија 4.0 може се интерпретирати као пословна дисциплина која је довела до аутоматизације и дигитализације пословних система захваљујући Интернету ствари, сајбер физичким системима, когнитивном рачунарству, али и рачунарству у облаку које је кључно за континуирани развој Индустрије 4.0, јер технологија заснована на облаку спаја и централизује информације битне за пословање, а поред тога обезбеђује open source платформу којом се побољшава истраживање за целу индустрију. Различите индустријске гране, како би задовољиле потребе клијената, примењују рачунарство у облаку, које омогућава компанијама да се лакше прилагоде сталним технолошким иновацијама. Рачунарство у облаку са неограниченим могућностима умрежавања омогућава предузећима да оптимизују своје пословне процесе и активирају своје апликације, које им пружају податке неопходне за пословну аналитику. Поред тога, захваљујући иновативним апликацијама на платформи у облаку врши се прилагођавање индивидуалним потребама корисника. Све наведено утицало је и на настанак маркетинга у облаку који подразумева активност организација усмерених на дигиталну испоруку производа и услуга потпуно прилагођених индивидуалним потребама корисника. У овом раду врши се анализирање концепта маркетинга у облаку, као и дефинисање платформи маркетинга у облаку које доприносе оптимизацији маркетиншких стратегија, и порасту поврата на инвестиције.
THE CONCEPT OF CLOUD MARKETING
Authors: Maksimović Mirjana
Published: June 2021

Industry 4.0 can be interpreted as a business discipline that has led to the automation and digitalization of business systems thanks to Internet of Тhings, Cyber Physical Systems, Cognitive computing, but also Cloud computing that is crucial to the continuous development of Industry 4.0, because Cloud-based technology connects and centralizes information essential for business, and in addition provides an open source platform that improves research for the entire industry. In order to meet customer needs, different industrial branches apply Cloud computing which allows companies to adapt more easily to ongoing technological innovations. Cloud computing with unlimited networking capabilities enables businesses to optimize their business processes and activate their applications, which provide them with data necessary for business analytics. Additionally, thanks to innovative applications on the Cloud platform, personal adaptation to the individual needs of users is made. All of this has also affected the emergence of Cloud-based marketing, which implies the activity of organizations focused on the digital delivery of products and services tailored to users’ individual needs. This paper analyzes the concept of Cloud marketing and defines Cloud marketing platforms that contribute to the optimization of marketing strategies, and the increase in return on investment.
The Principle of Legality and Administrative Punishment under the ECHR: A Fused Protection
Authors: Andrijauskaito Agno
Published: June 2021

The principle of legality permeates the entire legal system based on the rule of law. It is especially well-pronounced in criminal law. However, what are its content, scope and implications when it comes to prescribing and punishing for offences which are supposedly less reprehensible,
namely – administrative offences? How precisely should they or the sanctions that they stipulate be defined in legal provisions? Furthermore, is there any room for interpretation while imposing sanctions by public bodies? This article seeks to delve into these vexed questions by examining
the relationship between the principle of legality and administrative punishment within the framework of the Council of Europe ('CoE') and the implications stemming therefrom. This will be done by dissecting the rationale and notion of this principle in the normative sources of the CoE with
a special emphasis on Article 7 of the European Convention on Human Rights and its (autonomous) application in the case law of the European Court of Human Rights as well as by identifying the shortcomings of the current perception of the legality principle in the context of administrative
punishment.
Article 51 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights from the Perspective of the National Judge
Authors: Mádr Petr
Published: June 2021

This article contributes to the growing scholarship on the national application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights ('the Charter') by assessing what challenges national courts face when dealing with Article 51 of the Charter, which sets out the Charter's material scope of application.
In keeping with this aim, the relevant case law of the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) – with its general formulas, abstract guidance and implementation categories – is discussed strictly from the perspective of the national judge. The article then presents the findings of a
thorough study of the case law of the Czech Supreme Administrative Court (SAC) and evaluates this Court's track record when assessing the Charter's applicability. National empirical data of that kind can provide valuable input into the CJEU-centred academic debate on the Charter's scope of
application.
Composite Procedures and Judicial Review in the Single Resolution Mechanism: Iccrea Banca
Authors: Markakis Menelaos
Published: June 2021

Iccrea Banca is a landmark ruling regarding judicial protection in composite decision-making procedures. Its importance extends not only to the Banking Union but also to EU administrative law more broadly. This paper argues that the Court's judgment in Iccrea Banca affirms the recent
Berlusconi and Fininvest ruling regarding the Single Supervisory Mechanism, and extends its ratio decidendi to the Single Resolution Mechanism. It further argues that Iccrea Banca leaves open a number of questions, notably as regards the irregularities affecting the national preparatory act
or proposal that would be reviewed by the CJEU, and the 'legal fate' of that national measure. Furthermore, we do not know which other composite procedures, whether within or beyond the Banking Union, would come to be decided under the principles established in this case. It is likely that
more litigation will follow on these matters, and that future case law will provide much-needed answers to the questions left open in Iccrea Banca and earlier rulings.
From Weapon of War to Tactic of Terrorism – Dangerous New Ground in the Fight Against ConflictRelated Sexual Violence and Human Trafficking
Authors: Aarons Lauren
Published: June 2021

In recent years, the term 'tactic of terrorism' has increasingly been used to describe conflict-related sexual violence and human trafficking by non-state armed groups. This framing has complemented (and at times replaced) the longstanding recognition of 'rape as a weapon of war' including
at the UN Security Council. This association with terrorism has tactical advantages but also poses wider risks for the realization of human rights. On the one hand, it has the potential to engage counter-terrorism powers and resources to prosecute perpetrators and prompt reparations. However,
it also risks legitimizing harmful counter-terror measures and obscuring a more comprehensive understanding of the gendered harms associated with conflict and terrorism. With particular reference to the conflicts involving Boko Haram and Islamic State, this article weighs the advantages and
costs of framing sexual violence and human trafficking as a 'tactic of terrorism' in order to inform and warn feminist human rights advocates.
Prioritizing Accountability for Sexual Terrorism on the Global Peace and Security Agenda: An Assessment of the Way Forward from National Prosecutions of Sexual Terrorism by Boko Haram to Security Council Decisiveness
Authors: Babington-Ashaye Adejoké
Published: June 2021

Twenty years after the United Nations (UN) Security Council adopted Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security and twenty-five years after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the prevalence of sexual violence by parties to armed conflicts continues unabated. Despite the
responsibility of every State to address such crimes, conflict-related sexual violence has not been met with corresponding accountability. At the same time, national prosecutions of terrorist activities have largely focused on membership and financing of terrorist groups. Even though the majority
of States have endorsed the historic 2013 Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict which provides that 'sexual violence committed in conflict must not be viewed as a lesser crime,' accountability for 'sexual terrorism' – defined in the article as conflict-related
sexual violence and human trafficking utilized as a tactic of terrorism – has not garnered the same response as other terrorism crimes especially in Security Council resolutions.
 With the focus on Boko Haram, this article addresses the practicalities of national investigations
and prosecutions in Nigeria of conflict-related sexual violence and human trafficking as acts of terrorism using Nigeria's 2011 Terrorism Prevention Act (TPA) and its 2013 amendment. Although these pieces of legislation make no express provision for accountability for sexual terrorism, the
article proposes interpretations of provisions in the TPA that could be utilized to investigate and prosecute sexual terrorism by Boko Haram. The article also addresses some practical challenges faced by federal prosecutors in bringing such charges to court such as evidentiary practices requiring
medical corroboration and it explores possible solutions to ensure accountability. Finally, the article juxtaposes Security Council resolutions on terrorist financing with resolutions on the nexus between terrorism, human trafficking, and conflictrelated sexual violence. It observes that,
adopting resolutions pursuant to Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the Security Council gave terrorist financing a platform on which accountability was mandated. A similar platform has not been afforded to sexual terrorism and the article explores possible reasons. In the author's
view, until sexual terrorism is given the same platform as terrorist financing, the push for domestic accountability for sexual terrorism remains a battle on an uphill road paved with good intentions.
Proseal Laryngeal Mask Gel vs I-gel- A Randomised Clinical Trial among Paediatric Patients
Authors: Uma BR , Sridhara .
Published: June 2021

Introduction: A Supraglottic Airway Device (SAD) is placed above the larynx to form a seal around it. SADs like paediatric Proseal Laryngeal Mask Airway (P-LMA) and I-geltm are increasingly used in recent times. Aim: To compare the efficacy of paediatric P-LMA and I-gel in clinical practise. Materials and Methods: After obtaining ethical committee clearance and parent/guardian consent, 60 paediatric patients aged 2-12 years belonging to ASA grade I and II posted for elective surgeries under general anaesthesia, were included in the study. After induction of general anaesthesia, either of the SAD was inserted and study parameters namely ease and number of attempts of insertion of the device, ease of insertion of gastric tube, leak airway pressure, efficacy during positive pressure ventilation and postoperative complications were evaluated. Statistical comparison was performed by repeated measures of variance followed by Unpaired Student t-test and Chi-square test. A probability value p-value less 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: The device was easily inserted in 90% of the patients in both study groups (p-value 0.99). In P-LMA group, the device was inserted in first attempt in 83.33% against 90% in the I-gel group (p-value 0.70). In P-LMA group, gastric tube insertion was graded easy in 80% children while in I-gel group it was 90% children (p-value 0.47). The leak airway pressure measured at two different time intervals was statistically insignificant. Intra-operative dislodgement of the device was noted in one child in each group. Postoperative complications like sore throat and dysphagia were reported in four and two children, respectively in P-LMA group, while it was reported in two and one child in the I-gel group. Complications with P-LMA and I-gel were statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Paediatric P-LMA and I-gel are safe and non-invasive methods of securing the airway with regard to clinical safety parameters and hence can be used in paediatric population.
The Changing Face of Physiotherapy Practice in COVID-19: Perspective of an Indian Physiotherapist
Authors: Veqar Zubia
Published: June 2021

COVID-19 has taken up the world like a storm. It has placed unusual demands on healthcare delivery systems, including physiotherapy services worldwide. This challenge is even larger than the one placed by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) or Ebola because of its sheer virulence. Times are changing; we need to do the same and accept the challenge head on. The role of a physiotherapist in the management of the COVID-19 patients is well established but an important issue is the management of non-COVID-19 as well as COVID-19 patients judiciously during these times. The various barriers to practice have increased manifold due to the condition as well as the associated problems which arose due to it. This commentary will comment on the likely impact of this pandemic over the existing physiotherapy delivery structure, challenges arising out of it and their probable solutions, ending with a brief note on India.
Intercostal Nerve Block and Peritubal Infiltration with Bupivacaine for Postoperative Analgesia after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Randomised Clinical Study
Authors: Binil Karunakaran , Suvarna Kaniyil , Biji Kannammadathy Poulose
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL), a common endourologic procedure for removal of renal stones is associated with significant pain. Regional blocks are being used for postoperative analgesia after PCNL. Aim: To compare the analgesic efficacy of intercostal nerve block and fluoroscopic guided peritubal infiltration in terms of duration of analgesia, postoperative pain scores and total analgesic consumption in first 24 hours. Materials and Methods: This was a randomised clinical trial conducted from May 2018 to October 2018 on total of eighty patients, randomly allocated to two groups of 40 each. Group IC received intercostal nerve block and group IF received fluoroscopy guided peritubal infiltration with 0.25% bupivacaine. Duration of analgesia was assessed from postoperative pain scores (Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) during rest and coughing). Total analgesic consumption for 24 hours was also noted. Data was analysed using Chi-square test for categorical variables and independent Student’s t-test for quantitative variables. Results: The duration of analgesia was 702.00±140.022 minutes in Group IC and 346.50±129.566 minutes in group IF which was significant statistically with a p-value of <0.001. Resting and dynamic NRS were lower upto 12 hours postoperatively in group IC (p-value less than 0.05). Both tramadol (50.00±11.32 mg vs 82.50±24.15 mg) and paracetamol (100±303.82mg vs 850±622.23mg) requirements were lower in group IC as compared to group IF with p-values less than 0.001. Total consumption of first rescue analgesic tramadol as well as second analgesic Paracetamol both were significantly lesser(p-value<0.001) in group IC than group IF. Conclusion: Intercostal Nerve Block (INB) provided superior analgesia compared to fluoroscopic guided peritubal infiltration after PCNL.
Sufficient Dimension Reduction
Authors: Li Lexin
Published: June 2021

Sufficient dimension reduction (SDR) embodies a family of ideas and methods that aim for reduction of dimensionality without loss of information in a regression setup. This article provides an overview of SDR, including its definition and core concepts, the representative estimation methods, and its connections with variable selection, semiparametric models, and other dimension reduction methods. The article also gives a brief survey of recent development and applications of SDR.
The relation between young adults' trust beliefs in others and interpersonal hostility
Authors: Rotenberg Ken J. , Manley Emma , Walker Katie M.
Published: June 2021

The research examined whether, and if so how, young adults' trust beliefs in others were associated with interpersonal hostility. The participants in Study 1 were 139 young adults from the UK (76 women; Mage = 20.8). In Study 2, 88 young adult women from the UK (Mage = 21.5) served as participants. The participants completed a standardized measure of trust beliefs in others (total with reliability, honesty, and emotional subscales). In Study 1, participants imagined they were victims of peer provocation. They were required to judge the intention for the provocation and their retaliation to it. In Study 2, the participants were engaged in a lab‐based acquaintanceship interaction that involved the exchange of disclosures. They completed an adjective checklist that assessed anger and evaluated the quality of the conversation. Trust beliefs were linearly and negatively associated with the attribution of hostile intentions, retaliation, anger toward others, and critical evaluation of a developing peer relationship. As expected though, quadratic relations were found. Young adults with very low and those with very high trust beliefs (primarily emotionally based) showed greater attribution of hostile intentions, retaliation, anger toward others, and critical evaluation of a developing peer relationship than did young adults with the middle range of trust beliefs. The linear relations supported the hypothesis that trust promotes psychosocial adjustment. The quadratic relations supported the deviation from the normative trust (centralist) approach primarily for emotional trust beliefs in others.
Low‐cost 3D‐Printed smart robotic system for distance signature and authentication
Authors: Alsalam Bilal Hazim Younus
Published: June 2021

Delivering a live signature has become laborious for many people in several countries nowadays. Some departments do not accept a scanned signature, which directs people to travel to give a live signature. In this article, a method to design rapid and fluid movements of a universal robot to perform robot writing will be presented for human handwritten signatures. This system will point out the hardware and software design in the real‐time for CNC signature system. The described system can help any person who has a disability and cannot travel or for people who are far away from the department that required a live signature. The technology behind this system is based on the CNC machine pen plotter system. The hardware is a 3D printed part which is consists of seven parts. All parts are printed by 3D printer type “Anet 6.” The CNC machine tools which will be presented in this article are primarily an educational system and can be made with readily available, low‐cost components and single compatible microcontroller and PHPoC Wi‐Fi Shield, acting as a host for CNC software.
N, S Codoped Carbon Matrix‐Encapsulated Co9S8 Nanoparticles as a Highly Efficient and Durable Bifunctional Oxygen Redox Electrocatalyst for Rechargeable Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Lyu Dandan , Yao Sixian , Ali Asad , Tian Zhi Qun , Tsiakaras Panagiotis , Shen Pei Kang
Published: June 2021

Herein, a N, S co‐doped carbon encapsulating Co9S8 nanoparticles (Co9S8@N, S–C) catalyst is successfully synthesized by a new precursor of Co‐pyridine coordinated‐polymer consisting of 2,6‐diacetylpyridine and 4,4′‐dithiodianiline. Benefiting from the abundant pore‐structure (average pore‐size ≈25nm) and unique electronic‐properties of the Co9S8 and N, S–C layer, the as‐prepared Co9S8@N, S‐C exhibits rapid oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics with high electron transfer number of ≈3.998 and demonstrates a low overpotential of 304 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). It exhibits a small potential difference of 0.647V for overall ORR/OER activity, outperforming most of the non‐precious metal‐catalysts previously reported. The rechargeable Zn–Air battery test further demonstrates its excellent activity and stability, in which the battery delivers a maximum power density output of 259 mW cm−2, a specific capacity of 862 mAh gZn−1, and after continuous 110 h operation the charge‐discharge round‐trip efficiency only reduces by 4.83%. Theoretical calculation studies show that the surface N, S–C layers and Co9S8 can adjust each other's Fermi levels, so that the adsorption energy of Co9S8@N, S–C on O intermediate is more favorable than using Co9S8 and N, S–C alone. This study reveals the structure‐function relationship of coated‐nanostructures with multifunctional electrocatalytic properties, and provides a feasible strategy for the design of non‐noble metal‐catalysts.
Improving the CROPGRO Perennial Forage Model for simulating growth and biomass partitioning of guineagrass
Authors: Brunetti Henrique B. , Boote Kenneth J. , Santos Patricia M. , Pezzopane José R. M. , Pedreira Carlos G. S. , Lara Márcio A. S. , Moreno Leonardo S. B. , Hoogenboom Gerrit
Published: June 2021

Tropical forage grasses are used for several applications including grazing, silage, and biofuels; with harvesting at varying phenological stages. Mechanistic simulation models can be powerful tools to assist with planning and decision making of pasture utilization strategies. The objective of this study was to improve and evaluate the ability of the Cropping System Model‐CROPGRO‐Perennial Forage model (CSM‐CROPGRO‐PFM) to simulate growth and biomass partitioning of two guineagrass [Panicum maximum Jacq. syn. Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) BK Simon & SWL Jacobs] cultivars, Tanzânia and Mombaça. Data from two experiments with contrasting harvest management and field conditions were used. Model parameters were modified, targeting improvement in d‐statistic and root mean square error (RMSE) for aboveground, leaf, stem biomass, leaf area index (LAI), and leaf proportion of aboveground biomass. Major improvement in model performance was achieved by modifying the vegetative partitioning parameters between leaf and stem through increasing partitioning to leaf during early regrowth while increasing it to stem during late regrowth. Modifications were made to parameters affecting leaf and stem senescence, leaf photosynthesis, and leaf area expansion sensitivity to cool weather. The RMSE values decreased from 2,261 to 1,768 kg ha−1 for aboveground biomass, from 1,620 to 874 kg ha−1 for stem biomass, from 11.41 to 7.27% for leaf percentage, from 1.91 to 1.68 for LAI, but increased slightly for leaf biomass. The d‐statistic computed over all these variables increased from .86 to .93. The improved model performance for both short and long harvest cycles will facilitate further applications for diverse forage crops utilization strategies.
Risk factors for CKD stage II onset in a prospective cohort of homozygous sickle cell adults
Authors: Roger Camille , Lionnet Francois , Mattioni Sarah , Livrozet Marine , Steichen Olivier , Letavernier Emmanuel , Hammoudi Nadjib , Avellino Virginie , Haymann Jean‐Philippe
Published: June 2021

Prevalence of renal impairment is increasing with aging in sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients, and is responsible for a high morbidity and mortality. However, sickle cell nephropathy's natural course remains mostly unknown. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study aimed to identify risk factors for CKD stage II in a cohort of SCA patients. Baseline clinical and biological parameters were collected. Renal parameters were updated at each visit. Risk factors were analyzed using the Cox model. Five‐hundred and thirty‐five SCA patients were included with a median follow‐up of 5.33 (IQR:2.10–8.13) years. Median age was 22 (IQR:19–30) years old. Glomerular hyperfiltration was detected in 299 (55.9%) patients, microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria in 180 (34%) and 67 (12.7%) patients respectively. During follow up, CKD stage II onset was detected in 39 patients (7.3%). Risk factors for CKD stage II after adjustment on baseline eGFR and age were macroalbuminuria HR: 3.89 [95% CI: 1.61;9.43], diastolic blood pressure (DBP) above 70 mm Hg HR: 2.02 [1.02–3.971], LDH (for 100 IU/L increase) HR: 1.28 [1.12;1.48] and tricuspid regurgitation velocity >2.5 m/sec HR: 2.89 [1.20–6.99]. Multivariate analysis also found age as a strong independent risk factor with HR: (per year increase) 1.13 [1.09;1.16] and a 13.3‐fold increase above 30 years (p < 0.001). Our results show a high incidence of CKD stage II with aging, with a strong significant risk increase after 30‐years‐old, and pinpoint baseline DBP, macroalbuminuria and increased LDH as independent risk factors raising the issue of optimal blood pressure targets for SCA patients.
Sulphur‐Embedded Hydrocarbon Belts: Synthesis, Structure and Redox Chemistry of Cyclothianthrenes
Authors: Wang Shenghua , Yuan Jun , Xie Jialin , Lu Zonghuan , Jiang Long , Mu Yingxiao , Huo Yanping , Tsuchido Yoshitaka , Zhu Kelong
Published: June 2021

Cyclothianthrenes, a series of sulphur‐embedded hydrocarbon belts proposed a decade ago, were successfully constructed through a stepwise bottom‐up synthesis. The belt [6]cyclothianthrene ([6]CT) is the smallest and most strained member of the family yet reported. Both [6]CT and [8]CT are the first examples of cyclothianthrene characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. An unprecedented chiral belt [7]CT and a Möbius‐shaped [9]CT were also achieved via modular synthesis. Crystallographic and computational studies show that belts [6]CT‐[8]CT have prism‐like conformations with well‐defined tubular cavities which have potential for guest molecule inclusion. Cyclic voltammograms further revealed that these belts are redox‐active. The success of constructing sulphur‐embedded hydrocarbon belts, that is, cyclothianthrenes, greatly enriches the chemistry of heteroatom‐doped molecular belts and tubes.
Asymmetric Alkoxy‐ and Hydroxy‐Carbonylations of Functionalized Alkenes Assisted by β‐Carbonyl Groups
Authors: Ren Xinyi , Wang Zhen , Shen Chaoren , Tian Xinxin , Tang Lin , Ji Xiaolei , Dong Kaiwu
Published: June 2021

As a fundamental type of carbonylation reaction, the alkoxy‐ and hydroxy‐carbonylation of unsaturated hydrocarbons constitutes one of the most important industrial applications of homogeneous catalysis. However, owing to the difficulties in controlling multi‐selectivities for asymmetric hydrocarbonylation of alkenes, this reaction is typically limited to vinylarenes and analogues. In this work, a highly efficient asymmetric alkoxy‐ and hydroxy‐carbonylation of β‐carbonyl functionalized alkenes was developed, providing practical and easy access to various densely functionalized chiral molecules with high optical purity from broadly available alkenes, CO, and nucleophiles (>90 examples, 84–99 % ee). This protocol features mild reaction conditions and a broad substrate scope, and the products can be readily transformed into a diverse array of chiral heterocycles. Control experiments revealed the key role of the β‐carbonyl group in determining the enantioselectivity and promoting the activity, which facilitates chiral induction by coordination to the transition metal as rationalized by DFT calculations. The strategy of utilizing an innate functional group as the directing group on the alkene substrate might find further applications in catalytic asymmetric hydrocarbonylation reactions.
Expression liabilities in a four‐chain bispecific molecule
Authors: Guo Cai , Chen Fuyi , Xiao Qiang , Catterall Hannah B. , Robinson John H. , Wang Zhulun , Mock Marissa , Hubert René
Published: June 2021

Multispecific antibodies, often composed of three to five polypeptide chains, have become increasingly relevant in the development of biotherapeutics. These molecules have mechanisms of action that include redirecting T cells to tumors and blocking multiple pathogenic mediators simultaneously. One of the major challenges for asymmetric multispecific antibodies is generating a high proportion of the correctly paired antibody during production. To understand the causes and effects of chain mispairing impurities in a difficult to express multispecific hetero‐IgG, we investigated consequences of individual and pairwise chain expression in mammalian transient expression hosts. We found that one of the two light chains (LC) was not secretion competent when transfected individually or cotransfected with the noncognate heavy chain (HC). Overexpression of this secretion impaired LC reduced cell growth while inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress and CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) expression. The majority of this LC was observed as monomer with incomplete intrachain disulfide bonds when expressed individually. Russell bodies (RB) were induced when this LC was co‐expressed with the cognate HC. Moreover, one HC paired promiscuously with noncognate LC. These results identify the causes for the low product quality observed from stable cell lines expressing this heteroIgG and suggest mitigation strategies to improve overall process productivity of the correctly paired multispecific antibody. The approach described here provides a general strategy for identifying the molecular and cellular liabilities associated with difficult to express multispecific antibodies.
The tobacco phosphatidylethanolamine‐binding protein NtFT4 simultaneously improves vitality, growth, and protein yield in human cells
Authors: Kronenberg Julia , Schrödter Katrin , Noll Gundula A. , Twyman Richard M. , Prüfer Dirk , Känel Philip
Published: June 2021

The production of biopharmaceutical proteins in mammalian cells by transient expression or stable transformation requires robust and viable cells. Cell line engineering must therefore balance improved cell growth and viability with high productivity. We tested the ability of nonmammalian phosphatidylethanolamine‐binding proteins to enhance cell proliferation in monolayers and suspension cultures. The tobacco protein NtFT4 improved the proliferation of multiple human cell lines. Viable cell density is usually impaired by efficient transfection, but we found that the number of HEK‐293TNtFT4 cells at the peak of protein expression was twice that of standard HEK‐293T cells, and the antibody yield increased by approximately one‐third. Improved growth and viability were observed in different cell lines, in different culture media, and also after transient transfection, suggesting the beneficial trait is consistent and transferable. Additional modifications could boost the productivity of high‐density HEK‐293TNtFT4 cells even further as we showed for a fluorescent marker protein and recombinant antibody expressed in monolayer cultures. The HEK‐293TNtFT4 cell line provides a new human model platform that increases cell proliferation, also achieving a fundamental improvement in recombinant protein expression.
A synergy of liquid chromatography with high‐resolution mass spectrometry and coagulation test for determination of direct oral anticoagulants for clinical and toxicological purposes
Authors: Maier Vítězslav , Slavík Luděk , Ondra Peter
Published: June 2021

Direct oral anticoagulants are an alternative to anticoagulants based on vitamin K antagonists. Monitoring of direct oral anticoagulant concentration levels is necessary in specific cases (e.g. in emergency conditions, for determination of the cause of bleeding, adverse effects, risk of drug–direct oral anticoagulants interaction); therefore, a sensitive and specific method is needed. A methanol protein precipitation method followed by liquid chromatography with high‐resolution mass spectrometry was developed for simultaneous separation and determination of apixaban, betrixaban, edoxaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban and ximelagatran. The proposed method was fully validated in terms of linearity, the limits of detection and quantification, intra‐ and inter‐day trueness and precision, recovery, matrix effect, process efficiency and stability. The method shows a strong correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficients > 0.92) with coagulation assays of apixaban, dabigatran and rivaroxaban (dilute thrombin time for gatrans and anti Xa factor (anti‐Xa) activity for xabans). In addition, the developed method was applied for the identification and determination of apixaban and dabigatran in post‐mortem serum samples. The developed method is a good alternative to coagulation tests which may show various interferences.
Did judge dismiss student's false imprisonment claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: June 2021

St. John's University police asked a student for a meeting in connection with a reckless driving incident on campus. When the student appeared, the interviewing officer told him there was a video showing he was the reckless driver. The student denied he was the one driving. He informed the officers the female student falsely accused him to protect her boyfriend.
Pseudoaneurysm of the mitral‐aortic intervalvular fibrosa with fistulous communication to the left atrium causing congestive heart failure
Authors: Bagh Imad , Marino Thomas M. , Silbiger Jeffrey J.
Published: June 2021

Pseudoaneurysms of the mitral‐aortic intervalvular fibrosa can rupture and form fistulous communications between the left ventricle and left atrium. Pulmonary venous systolic flow reversal in such cases reflects elevated left atrial pressure due to shunting. This finding, particularly in the setting of endocarditis, is not specific for severe mitral regurgitation.
Isolated adrenocorticotropin deficiency induced by pembrolizumab for hypopharyngeal cancer: A case report
Authors: Yamamoto Koichiro , Tokumasu Kazuki , Oka Kosuke , Hasegawa Kou , Otsuka Fumio
Published: June 2021

We report a case of isolated adrenocorticotropin deficiency caused by pembrolizumab. This condition can be fatal, but its rarity causes under‐recognition. Oncologists should pay attention to adrenal insufficiency due to pembrolizumab.
Multifocal chondrosarcoma of the hand: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Jones Hunter B. , Murphree Jacob , Suryavanshi Joash R. , Osemwengie Bradley O. , Rosqvist Sterling , Cox Cameron T. , MacKay Brendan J.
Published: June 2021

Few multifocal hand chondrosarcomas have been reported. To our knowledge, this report is the first to describe multifocal hand chondrosarcoma in a patient with no evidence of prior enchondroma, Ollier's disease, or Maffucci syndrome.
Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Glycerol Using Solid‐State Synthesised Nickel Boride: Impact of Key Electrolysis Parameters on Product Selectivity
Authors: Brix Ann Cathrin , Morales Dulce M. , Braun Michael , Jambrec Daliborka , Junqueira João R. C. , Cychy Steffen , Seisel Sabine , Masa Justus , Muhler Martin , Andronescu Corina , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: June 2021

Water electrolysis is a promising technology for sustainable hydrogen production; however, its commercialisation is limited by sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). A potential alternative to the OER is hence required and is seen in the electrocatalytic glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) as it offers concomitant value‐added product generation from a cheap and abundant feedstock. Here, we show a facile solid‐state synthesis method to obtain Ni‐boride, a non‐noble metal‐based catalyst subsequently used in an in‐depth study of the GOR product distribution as a function of key electrolysis parameters. Highly crystalline, mixed‐phase Ni borides were obtained, and their synthesis was successfully optimised regarding GOR activity. Long‐term chronoamperometry was conducted in a circular flow‐through cell and samples were analysed by HPLC. It is shown that the formation of lactic acid, one of the most valuable GOR products, can be enhanced by optimising the electrolyte composition and the applied potential.
Winter annual forage mass–nutritive value trade‐offs are affected by harvest timing
Authors: Billman Eric D. , de Souza Igor A. , Smith Richard G. , Soder Kathy J. , Warren Nicholas , Teixeira Fabio A. , Brito Andre F.
Published: June 2021

Annual cool‐season forage crops could fill the gaps in spring forage availability that are typical in perennial pastures in the northeastern United States. Despite their potential as supplemental forages, few studies have examined the productivity–quality tradeoffs of annual forages grown as monocultures or mixtures. This study compared five species of winter annual forages grown as monocultures and mixtures for forage mass production and nutritive value across three harvest timepoints. Beginning in fall 2015, plots were planted in monocultures of cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), triticale [×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus (Secale × Triticum)], wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), as well as a mix of all five species. Samples were taken on 1, 7, and 14 June 2016, and on 3, 10, and 17 May 2017 to determine forage mass, nutritive value in the second year, and tradeoffs between biomass and nutritive value. The mixture's forage mass always ranked similarly to the best performing monoculture treatments. All monocultures except hairy vetch had increased forage mass at later harvests. In vitro digestibility of neutral detergent fiber was lower in later harvests. Triticale consistently had the greatest forage mass. Barley had greater energy and lower fiber concentrations than the other species. The results of this study suggest that triticale and barley have the most potential for supplementing spring perennial forage production.
Asymmetric Synthesis of 2‐Arylindolines and 2,2‐Disubstituted Indolines by Kinetic Resolution
Authors: Choi Anthony , El‐Tunsi Ashraf , Wang Yuhang , Meijer Anthony J. H. M. , Li Jia , Li Xiabing , Proietti Silvestri Ilaria , Coldham Iain
Published: June 2021

Kinetic resolution of 2‐arylindolines (2,3‐dihydroindoles) was achieved by treatment of their N‐tert‐butoxycarbonyl (Boc) derivatives with n‐butyllithium and sparteine in toluene at −78 °C followed by electrophilic quench. The unreacted starting materials together with the 2,2‐disubstituted products could be isolated with high enantiomer ratios. Variable temperature NMR spectroscopy showed that the rate of Boc rotation was fast (ΔG≠≈57 kJ/mol at 195 K). This was corroborated by DFT studies and by in situ ReactIR spectroscopy. The enantioenriched N‐Boc‐2‐arylindolines were converted to 2,2‐disubstituted products without significant loss in enantiopurity. Hence, either enantiomer of the 2,2‐disubstituted products could be obtained with high selectivity from the same enantiomer of the chiral ligand sparteine (one from the kinetic resolution and the other from subsequent lithiation‐trapping of the recovered starting material). Secondary amine products were prepared by removing the Boc group with acid to provide a way to access highly enantioenriched 2‐aryl and 2,2‐disubstituted indolines.
Humins with Efficient Electromagnetic Wave Absorption: A By‐Product of Furfural Conversion to Isopropyl Levulinate via a Tandem Catalytic Reaction in One‐Pot
Authors: Ma Mingwei , Liang Na , Hou Pan , Zhang Peng , Cao Jingjie , Liu Hui , Xu Xingliang , Yue Huijuan , Tian Ge , Feng Shouhua
Published: June 2021

Both one‐pot catalytic conversion of furfural (FAL) to isopropyl levulinate (PL) and carbonization of by‐product (humins) for electromagnetic wave absorption are discussed, which provides inspiration that humins can be applied to electromagnetic wave absorption. In the former, phosphotungstic acid (PW) is employed as a homogeneous catalyst to convert FAL to PL via a tandem reaction in one pot, with the formation of a vast amount of humins. With FAL and various intermediates as substrates, it was found that humins was a polymerization product of FAL, furfuryl alcohol (FOL) and furfuryl ester (FE) with furan rings. In addition, the in situ attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR‐IR) spectra also provided a basis for the proposed reaction route. In the latter, with the humins as raw material, P species and WO3 doped nano‐porous carbon (Humins‐700) platform formed after high‐temperature annealing is used for electromagnetic wave absorption and manifests desirable absorption performance. The minimum reflection loss (RLmin) value is −47.3 dB at 13.0 GHz with a thickness of 2.0 mm and the effective absorption bandwidth reaches 4.5 GHz (11.2–5.7 GHz).
30 Jahre Institut für Heiße Chemie im Kernforschungszentrum Karlsruhe
Authors: Henrich Edmund , Dahmen Nicolaus , Pitter Stephan , Sauer Jörg
Published: June 2021

Das Institut für Heiße Chemie IHCh wurde 1959 gegründet, um die Entwicklung der Technologie zur Wiederaufarbeitung von Kernbrennstoffen zu unterstützen. Aufbauend auf dem sog. PUREX‐Prozess wurden mögliche Varianten zur Abtrennung von noch nutzbarem Spaltmaterial durch Kombination verschiedenster Extraktions‐ und Redoxverfahren vom Labor‐ bis zum Pilotmaßstab entwickelt, bis dieser mit nur noch einem Extraktionszyklus auskam. Mit dem Ende der nuklearen Reaktorforschung wurden als Institut für Technische Chemie neue Themen aus der Umwelt‐ und Energieforschung aufgegriffen. In dieser Zeit wurde im Rahmen der internationalen Kollaboration GALLEX ein radiochemischer Sonnenneutrino‐Detektor gebaut und erfolgreich betrieben.
Effect of pressure on the hydrodynamics of a pilot‐scale bubble column operating with low and moderate viscosity Newtonian liquids
Authors: Lakhdissi El Mahdi , Shu Shuli , Farag Sherif , Guy Christophe , Chaouki Jamal
Published: June 2021

In a pilot‐scale bubble column operating with low and moderate viscosity hydrocarbons, the effect of pressure on the total and axial gas holdup as well as the regime transition velocity was investigated. Experiments were performed for two air‐Ketrul D100 and air‐Hydroseal G250 HL gas‐liquid hydrocarbon systems. It was found that increasing pressure increased gas holdup at the heterogeneous regime, and this effect was more pronounced for the low‐viscosity liquid. Moreover, increasing pressure further stabilized the homogeneous regime, and again, this stabilizing effect was more significant for the low‐viscosity liquid. Also, as a response to the pressure increasing, the axial gas holdup became more uniform in the case of the low‐viscosity liquid and less uniform in the case of the moderate‐viscosity liquid.
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors use in the setting of primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST elevation myocardial infarction in patients pre‐treated with newer P2Y12 inhibitors
Authors: Blanchart Katrien , Heudel Thibaut , Ardouin Pierre , Lemaitre Adrien , Briet Clément , Bignon Mathieu , Sabatier Rémi , Legallois Damien , Roule Vincent , Beygui Farzin
Published: June 2021

Objectives

We sought to investigate the safety and potential benefit of administrating glycoprotein IIb‐IIIa inhibitors (GPIs) on top of more potent P2Y12 inhibitors.

Background

A number of clinical trials, performed at a time when pretreatment and potent platelet inhibition was not part of routine clinical practice, have documented clinical benefits of GPI in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients at the cost of a higher risk of bleeding.

Methods

We used the data of a prospective, ongoing registry of patients admitted for STEMI in our center. For the purpose of this study only patients presenting for primary percutaneous coronary intervention and pretreated with new P2Y12 inhibitors (prasugrel or ticagrelor) were included. We compared patients who received GPI with those who did not.

Results

Eight hundred twenty‐four STEMI patients were included in our registry; GPIs were used in 338 patients (41%). GPI patients presented more often with cardiogenic shock and Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade <3. GPI use was not associated with an increase in in‐hospital or 3‐month mortality. Bleeding endpoints were similar in both groups.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that GPI may be used safely in combination with recent P2Y12 inhibitors in STEMI patients in association with modern primary percutaneous coronary intervention strategies (radial access and anticoagulation with enoxaparin) with similar bleeding and mortality rates at hospital discharge and 3‐month follow‐up.