bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sobre la distribución del palacio del Embajador Vich y algunas reflexiones en torno a su patio
Authors: Iborra Bernad Federico , López Azorín María José
Published: March 2019

El palacio del Embajador Vich es todavía una de las grandes asignaturas pendientes de la historiografía valenciana. Su patio, reconstruido en el Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia, ha sido estudiado por diversos autores en las últimas décadas y se ha relacionado con el panorama romano de la época, asumiendo no obstante su autoría local. En cuanto al resto del edifcio, apenas se ha tratado sobre él, más allá de algunas interpretaciones basadas en los planos de Tosca y Fortea. En el presente artículo pretendemos contribuir a conocer algo mejor la residencia histórica de los barones de Llaurí a partir de dos inventarios del siglo XVII. Igualmente reflexionaremos sobre algunas incógnitas todavía abiertas en torno al patio, en muchos aspectos más florentino que romano, tras cuyas trazas podría estar la figura del pintor Fernando Yáñez de la Almedina.
МЕЂУПОПИСНА ПРОМЈЕНА БРОЈА СТАНОВНИКА НА ПРОСТОРУ РЕПУБЛИКЕ СРПСКЕ У ПЕРИОДУ 1991–2013. ГОДИНЕ
Authors: Мајић Александар , Маринковић Драшко
Published: March 2019

Послије 22 године од посљедњег пописа становништва, 2013.године, на простору Републике Српске обављен је попис становништва,домаћинстава и станова. Овај простор има изразито хетерогена демографскаобиљежја. Двије трећине становништва концентрисано је западно од ДистриктаБрчко до Новог Града и Рибника, док остало становништво припада источномдијелу, јужно од Раче на Сави до Требиња и југа источне Херцеговине. Иако је уцјелини Република Српска релативно ријетко насељен простор (око 54 становникапо km²), унутар тог простора постоје велике, чак и екстремне разлике у густининасељености. Анализа регионалног размјештаја становништва указује на изразитуконцентрацију становништва у бањалучкој регији, која је просторно и највећа.Најмањи број становника и најмањи удио имају брдско-планинске регије. То јепосљедица дугогодишњег пражњења ових простора, које је било интензивно још ираније, а посљедњи ратни сукоби (1992–1995) су то још више убрзали, па су некаподручја доведена до крајње критичне густине насељености.
ПРАВЦИ РАЗВОЈА ВИСОКОГ ОБРАЗОВАЊА У РЕПУБЛИЦИ СРПСКОЈ – ОБРАЗОВАЊE НАСТАВНИКА ЗА ШКОЛУ БУДУЋНОСТИ
Authors: Пашалић Стево , Лалић Ненад
Published: March 2019

У савременим околностима у Српскoj, систем образовања језатворен у себе, одвојен од свог окружења, веома обликован комерцијалниминтересима, изложен партијским утицајима, краткорочно дотjериван углавном сациљем да се сви интереси задовоље без обзира на дугорочне посљедице таквогначина рјешавања проблема. Настанак приватних образовних институција, јавнообјашњаван као допринос побољшању образовања путем јачања механизамаконкуренције, генерисан je и вођен у највећем броју случајева профитним интересимаи одсуством јавних и других захтjева у вези са квалитетом образовања. Мисијаобразовања наставника је изградња националног система професионалног развојанаставника на свим нивоима образовања и оспособљавање наставника тако да сегарантују високи стандарди образовних постигнућа оних које уче, мјерени наобјективан начин. Функције система образовања наставника јесу стицањенаставничких компетенција које се односе на наставну област (предмет из когаизводе наставу), на методе наставе/учења, системе оцјењивања постигнућаученика, сарадњу с другим наставницима и локалном средином, као и разумијевањеприроде образовног система у коме дјелују.
Integrating the RFID identification system for Charolaise breeding bulls with 3D imaging for virtual archive creation
Authors: Cappai Maria Grazia , Gambella Filippo , Piccirilli Davide , Rubiu Nicola Graziano , Dimauro Corrado , Pazzona Antonio Luigi , Pinna Walter
Published: March 2019

The individual electronic identification (EID) of cattle based on RFID technology (134.2 kHz ISO standard 11784) will definitely enter into force in European countries as an official means of animal identification from July 2019. Integrating EID with 3D digital images of the animal would lead to the creation of a virtual archive of breeding animals for the evaluation and promotion of morphology associated with economic traits, strategic in beef cattle production. The genetically-encoded morphology of bulls and cows together with the expression in the phenotype were the main drivers of omic technologies of beef cattle production. The evaluation of bulls raised for reproduction is mainly based on the conformation and heritability of traits, which culminates in muscle mass and optimized carcass traits in the offspring destined to be slaughtered. A bottom-up approach by way of SWOT analysis of the current morphological and functional evaluation process for bulls revealed a technological gap. The innovation of the process through the use of smart technologies was tested in the field. The conventional 2D scoring system based on visual inspection by breed experts was carried out on a 3D model of the live animal, which was found to be a faithful reproduction of live animal morphology, thanks to the non significant variance (p > 0.05) of means of the somatic measures determined on the virtual 3D model and on the real bull. The four main groups composing the scoring system of bull morphology can easily be carried out on the 3D model. These are as follows: (1) Muscular condition; (2) Skeletal development; (3) Functional traits; (4) Breed traits. The 3D-Bull model derived from the Structure from Motion (SfM) algorithm displays a high tech profile for the evaluation of animal morphology in an upgraded system.
A rotation and translation invariant method for 3D organ image classification using deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Islam Kh Tohidul , Wijewickrema Sudanthi , O’Leary Stephen
Published: March 2019

Three-dimensional (3D) medical image classification is useful in applications such as disease diagnosis and content-based medical image retrieval. It is a challenging task due to several reasons. First, image intensity values are vastly different depending on the image modality. Second, intensity values within the same image modality may vary depending on the imaging machine and artifacts may also be introduced in the imaging process. Third, processing 3D data requires high computational power. In recent years, significant research has been conducted in the field of 3D medical image classification. However, most of these make assumptions about patient orientation and imaging direction to simplify the problem and/or work with the full 3D images. As such, they perform poorly when these assumptions are not met. In this paper, we propose a method of classification for 3D organ images that is rotation and translation invariant. To this end, we extract a representative two-dimensional (2D) slice along the plane of best symmetry from the 3D image. We then use this slice to represent the 3D image and use a 20-layer deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) to perform the classification task. We show experimentally, using multi-modal data, that our method is comparable to existing methods when the assumptions of patient orientation and viewing direction are met. Notably, it shows similarly high accuracy even when these assumptions are violated, where other methods fail. We also explore how this method can be used with other DCNN models as well as conventional classification approaches.
Food Handling Practices among Food Handlers of Eating Establishments in the Government Hospitals, Mandalay City, Myanmar
Authors: Aung Si Thu , Nwe Aung Aung , Shan War War , Naing Soe Moe , Htay San San , Kyaw Kyaw
Published: March 2019

Background: Hospital environment is a favourable condition for growing of pathogens. Unhygienic practices of food handlers and contaminated food may be the cause of foodborne diseases, resulting in much comorbidity and longer hospital stay of the affected persons.

Aims: To study socio-demographic characteristics, working characteristics and food handling practices among food handlers of eating establishments in the government hospitals, Mandalay city, Myanmar.

Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: One hundred and eleven eligible food handlers from government hospitals in Mandalay city, Myanmar between May 2018 and August 2018.

Methodology: Face to face interviews with all eligible food handlers were carried out with pretested questionnaire. Observational checklist was used for current situation of food handlers.

Results: The majority of employees were female and full-time food handlers. No pre-employment and periodic medical examinations of food handlers were done. More than half (54.05%) of total food handlers had unsatisfactory on food handling practices. Food handling practices status was influenced by duration of working in the current jobs (P=.001).

Conclusion: There was high status of unhygienic food handling practices of the food handlers working in the eating establishments of the government hospitals, Mandalay city, Myanmar.
Empirical Evaluation of Current Assets Investment and Corporate Financial Returns in Nigeria
Authors: Monday Osirim, , Temple Moses,
Published: March 2019

The unceasing apprehension of probable distress of commercial banks in Nigeria has raised concerns on the quality of current assets investment and management in the Nigerian banking industry. Hence, the study analyzed the impact of current assets investment & management on corporate financial returns of listed commercial banks in Nigeria. The longitudinal research design was adopted and secondary data of eight (8) banks whose annual reports were available as at the end of 2016 was randomly selected from the population of fifteen (15) listed deposit money banks in the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Ordinary least square (OLS) regression analysis was employed to determine the association between current assets investment and corporate financial returns. The results of the study indicate that there exist a significant positive relationship between loans and advances granted to customers and return on assets (r =.443, p-value =.004). This leads to the rejection of the null hypothesis, which states that loans and advances granted to customers have no positive influence on return on assets. The relationship between loans and advances granted to other banks and return on assets is negative and significant at 5% confidence level (r = .369, p-value =.019).This leads to the non-rejection of the null hypothesis, which states that loans and advances granted to other banks have no positive impact on returns on assets. The other predictor variables (financial assets held for trading & cash, and cash balances) have an insignificant positive relationships with return on assets. It was therefore recommended that bank managers should not only increase their investment in current assets but they should also consider the most effective and efficient way of managing these assets in order to improve their financial efficiency and corporate value. To this end, the conservative or aggressive current assets investments policy might be pursued depending on the strategic focus of the firm.
Transformational Leadership Style and Employee Engagement on Role-Based Performance among Selected Civil Servants in Jos
Authors: Olusola Akinbobola, I. , Daniel Dalyop, D.
Published: March 2019

Role-based performance covers not only the scope of job but also aspects of employee work behaviour involved in performance.

Aims: The present study therefore examined influence of transformational leadership style and employee engagement on role-based performance.

Study Design: The study adopted a correlational research design.

Place and Duration of Study: Government Ministries and Parastatals in Jos, capital of Plateau State, Nigeria. October 2016 to June 2017.

Methodology: Using survey method in which 137 civil servants were purposively drawn as participants. Their age range was from 28 to 65 years with 74 (54%) male participants and 63 (46%) female participants. This study utilised role theory and personal engagement theory, while standardised psychological scales which are role-based performance scale, multifactor leadership questionnaire and intellectual social affective engagement scale were used. Data collected were analysed using regression analysis.

Results: The findings indicated that transformational leadership style significantly explained 35% variance in role-based performance. Employee engagement significantly explained 22.9% variance in role-based performance.

Conclusion: There is significant influence of transformational leadership style on role-based performance of civil servants. There is significant influence of employee engagement on role-based performance of civil servants.
Evalution of Anti-Diabetic Potential of Aqueous Extract of “Luffa cylindrica” (Native Sponge/Sponge Gourd) Leaf and Seed on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats
Authors: Abigail Luka, C. D. , Metuaghan E. A.
Published: March 2019

The study was carried out to evaluate the anti-diabetic effect of Luffa cylindrical (native sponge /sponge gourd) seed and leaf extracts in alloxan- induced diabetic rats. Sixteen experimental rats were divided into four groups of four rats each: a, diabetic control; b, normal control; c, diabetic rats treated with seed extract (400 mg/kg) and d, diabetic rats treated with leaf extract (400 mg/kg). The groups A, C and D rats were induced with diabetes intraperitoneally with alloxan (150 mg/kg bw). Phytochemical screening was carried out on the plant seed and leaf extracts and the following biochemical tests were carried out: blood glucose, serum lipid profile, serum alanine aminotransferase, serum aspartate aminotransferase, serum alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, creatinine, urea, uric acid and some electrolytes like Na+, K+, HCO3-, and Cl- the administration of alloxan to experimental rats resulted in an increased level of most biochemical parameters; blood glucose, serum alanine aminotransferase, serum aspartate aminotransferase and serum alkaline phosphatase, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, creatinine, urea and uric acid. Luffa cylindrica seed and leaf extracts was administered to groups c and d diabetic rats respectively for two weeks, results were compared with normal control and diabetic control rats these parameters were found to be significantly (p<0.05) high in the diabetic groups than in the normal control groups. Treatment with the plant extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced elevated blood levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, urea, uric acid associated with alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The plant tested positive for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins, negative for cardiac glycosides, phenols, resins, terpenes and steroids. Extracts of Luffa cylindrica seed and leaf has shown to have anti-diabetic and anti-lipidemic effects generally on alloxan induced diabetic rats. The study’s findings has shown that the plant possess hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic property and has supported the traditional use of Luffa cylindrica plant in the management of diabetes and its complications.
Petrology and Structural Features of Tsiga and its Environs Northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Unimke A. A. , Suleiman M. S. , Egesi N.
Published: March 2019

The major rock types mapped in the Tsiga area NW Nigeria, include gneisses and granites associated with minor rocks such as xenoliths and some structural features including foliation, joints, faults and veins (quartz and pegmatite).The mineralogy includes feldspar (orthoclase and plagioclase), quartz, biotite and some accessory minerals. These rock types and the associated structural features have their trends in N-S direction. The structural analysis of joints on the granites of the study area shows that the joints have a trend of NNE-SSW. The joints on the gneisses have a trend of NE-SW. In terms of age relationships of the rocks, gneisses are older than the granites based on deformed features. The gneisses probably originated from sediments, para-gneisses. The granites must have resulted from magma intrusion. The structures in the study area suggests the imprint of the Pan-African Orogeny, as indicated by the structural analysis of fractures. The major rivers in the study area include Yali and Moryaji with their tributaries which formed a dendritic drainage pattern, and are structurally controlled. Surface water occurs during the raining season and underground water are available in the area, occurring in shallow pit dug along the stream and river channels, and the fractured crystalline aquifer. The economic potentials in the area includes; rock aggregates, dimension stone, lateritic soil and alluvium deposits which are used for different purposes and include building houses and construction of roads and bridges and probably rare earth elements at the contact zones between the igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Meteorological Variables That Affect Visibility Degradation and Their Seasonal Trends in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
Authors: Nwokocha C. O. , Okujagu C. U. , Enyinna P. I.
Published: March 2019

The study of visibility in the Niger Delta region is necessary because it reflects the atmospheric changes caused by economic expansion in Nigeria. Cities in the Niger Delta (especially Port Harcourt) are the most polluted cities in the country and therefore visibility degradation has become one of the major environmental challenge in Nigeria. Analysis of a 31 years (1981-2012) monthly mean horizontal visibility data and monthly mean datasets of meteorological parameters such as relative humidity and wind direction obtained from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the National Centre for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) for Calabar, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Warri and Akure was done using statistical techniques. A correlation analysis was done and the annual visibility variability indexes from (NIMET) shows significant correlation with the (NCEP) datasets for R/humidity at r=0.1334 and Wind direction at r=0.1210 respectively at 90% confidence level from t-test. This study concluded that the relationship of the atmospheric visibility and meteorological factors are closely related. The results showed that visibility is more correlated with Relative humidity in places with high hydrocarbon activities leading to excess aerosol loading like Port Harcourt while it is better correlated with wind direction in places with less hydrocarbon activities like Calabar and Akure. The results of this study can assist policy makers and operators in establishing positive strategies to improve the air quality.
Evolution of Local Structural Ordering and Chemical Distribution upon Delithiation of a Rock Salt–Structured Li1.3Ta0.3Mn0.4O2 Cathode
Authors: Kan Wang Hay , Wei Chenxi , Chen Dongchang , Bo Tao , Wang Bao‐Tian , Zhang Yan , Tian Yangchao , Lee Jun‐Sik , Liu Yijin , Chen Guoying
Published: March 2019

Lithium‐rich disordered rock‐salt oxides have attracted great interest owing to their promising performance as Li‐ion battery cathodes. While experimental and theoretical efforts are critical in advancing this class of materials, a fundamental understanding of key property changes upon Li extraction is largely missing. In the present study, single‐crystal synthesis of a new disordered rock‐salt cathode material, Li1.3Ta0.3Mn0.4O2 (LTMO), and its use as a model compound to investigate Li concentration–driven evolution of local cationic ordering, charge compensation, and chemical distribution are reported. Through the combined use of 2D and 3D X‐ray nanotomography, it is shown that Li removal accompanied by oxygen oxidation is correlated with the development of morphological defects such as particle cracking. Chemical heterogeneity, quantified by subparticle level distribution of Mn valence state, is minimal during Mn redox, which drastically increases upon the formation of cracks during oxygen redox. Density functional theory and bond valence sum mismatch calculations reveal the presence of local short‐range ordering in the pristine oxide, which gradually disappears along with the extraction of Li. The study suggests that with cycling the transformation into true cation–disordered state can be expected, which likely impacts the voltage profile and obtainable energy density of the oxide cathodes.
Biodegradable Polymers as a Noncoding miRNA Nanocarrier for Multiple Targeting Therapy of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Chengbin , Yin Mingjie , Xu Gaixia , Lin Wei‐Jen , Chen Jiajie , Zhang Yinling , Feng Tao , Huang Peng , Chen Chih‐Kuang , Yong Ken‐Tye
Published: March 2019

Therapeutic strategy based on the restoration of tumor suppressor‐microRNAs (miRNAs) is a promising approach for cancer therapy, but the low delivery efficiency of miRNA remains a huge hurdle due to the lack of safe and efficient nonviral carriers. In this work, with the use of newly developed PEGylated biodegradable charged polyester‐based vectors (PEG‐BCPVs) as the carrier, the miR26a and miR122 codelivering therapeutic strategy (PEG‐BCPVs/miR26a/miR122 as the delivery formulation) is successfully developed for efficient treatment of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In vitro study results show that PEG‐BCPVs are capable of effectively facilitating miRNA cellular uptake via a cell endocytosis pathway. Consequently, the restoration of miR26a and miR122 remarkably inhibit the cell growth, migration, invasion, colony formation, and induced apoptosis of HepG2 cells. More importantly, the chemosensitivity of HepG2 to anticancer drug is also considerably enhanced. After treatment with the PEG‐BCPV‐based miRNA delivery system, the expression of the multiple targeted genes corresponding to miR26a and miR122 in HepG2 cells is greatly downregulated. Accordingly, the newly developed miRNA restoration therapeutic strategy via biodegradable PEG‐BCPVs as the carrier should be a promising modality for combating HCC.
Self‐Assembling Endogenous Biliverdin as a Versatile Near‐Infrared Photothermal Nanoagent for Cancer Theranostics
Authors: Xing Ruirui , Zou Qianli , Yuan Chengqian , Zhao Luyang , Chang Rui , Yan Xuehai
Published: March 2019

Photothermal nanomaterials that integrate multimodal imaging and therapeutic functions provide promising opportunities for noninvasive and targeted diagnosis and treatment in precision medicine. However, the clinical translation of existing photothermal nanoagents is severely hindered by their unclear physiological metabolism, which makes them a strong concern for biosafety. Here, the utilization of biliverdin (BV), an endogenic near‐infrared (NIR)‐absorbing pigment with well‐studied metabolic pathways, to develop photothermal nanoagents with the aim of providing efficient and metabolizable candidates for tumor diagnosis and therapy, is demonstrated. It is shown that BV nanoagents with intense NIR absorption, long‐term photostability and colloidal stability, and high photothermal conversion efficiency can be readily constructed by the supramolecular multicomponent self‐assembly of BV, metal‐binding short peptides, and metal ions through the reciprocity and synergy of coordination and multiple noncovalent interactions. In vivo data reveal that the BV nanoagents selectively accumulate in tumors, locally elevate tumor temperature under mild NIR irradiation, and consequently induce efficient photothermal tumor ablation with promising biocompatibility. Furthermore, the BV nanoagents can serve as a multimodal contrast for tumor visualization through both photoacoustic and magnetic resonance imaging. BV has no biosafety concerns, and thereby offers a great potential in precision medicine by integrating multiple theranostic functions.
A model of devolatilization behavior in lignite pyrolysis with solid heat carriers
Authors: Li Fang‐zhou , Feng Jie , Li Xiao‐hong , Li Wen‐ying , Wang Jin
Published: March 2019

To elucidate the influence of the process conditions on pyrolytic products, the interactions between transport phenomena and pyrolysis kinetics are quantitatively analyzed at the level of a single coal particle. A comprehensive mathematical model is formulated to predict intraparticle multiphysics and devolatilization behaviors; the model contains two correlative one‐dimensional unsteady heat conservation equations and ternary mass conservation equations in conjunction with the simplified dusty‐gas model. Moreover, a multistep kinetic model of coal devolatilization is adopted to predict the generating rates of the lumped pyrolytic products. Validation of the model against experimental and literature data showed that can predict the transient temperature profiles of a coal particle and the yields of volatiles. Finally, the effects of the main process conditions on the intra‐ and extra‐temperature history of lignite during pyrolysis with solid heat carriers are analyzed. The interactions between physical transport and the pyrolysis reaction are also examined.
Parents' perspective on having a child with Down Syndrome in France
Authors: Bertrand Remi
Published: March 2019

In 2011, Skotko, Levine, and Goldstein asked parents who had children with Down Syndrome (DS) in the United States how they felt about having a child with DS. The purpose of the present study was to ask the same questions to parents living in France so that this information could be shared with new and expectant parents. The results were also compared to the findings of Skotko, Levine, and Goldstein (2011a) to see whether some parental feelings might be universally shared and to discuss the differences observed. This web‐based survey was shared with a number of DS organizations and online DS communities. Of the 369 respondents living in France, 99% indicated that they loved their son or daughter with DS; 98% were proud of their child with DS; 78% felt that their outlook on life was more positive because of their son or daughter with DS; 12% felt embarrassed by their child with DS; and 7% expressed regret for having a child with DS. A significant number of respondents admitted that raising a child with DS was not without challenges. Nevertheless, most respondents indicated that their son or daughter with DS had had a positive impact on their life and that of their family and that they were happy to have their child.
Leptospiraspp., rotavirus, norovirus, and hepatitis E virus surveillance in a wild invasive golden‐headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas; Kuhl, 1820) population from an urban park in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Molina Camila V. , Heinemann Marcos B. , Kierulff Cecilia , Pissinatti Alcides , da Silva Tiago F. , de Freitas Danilo G. , de Souza Gisele O. , Miotto Bruno A. , Cortez Adriana , Semensato Beatriz de P. , Moreno Luisa Z. , Catão‐Dias José L. , Bueno Marina G.
Published: March 2019

The world currently faces severe biodiversity losses caused by anthropogenic activities such as deforestation, pollution, the introduction of exotic species, habitat fragmentation, and climate changes. Disease ecology in altered environments is still poorly understood. The golden‐headed lion tamarin (GHLT,Leontopithecus chrysomelas) is an endangered species that became invasive in an urban park in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The initially few invasive GHLT individuals became hundreds, adapted to living in proximity to humans and domestic animals. These GHLTs were captured as part of a conservation project; some animals were translocated to Bahia and some were kept in captivity. This study tested 593 GHLT forLeptospiraserology; 100 and 95 GHLT for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) toLeptospiraand hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV‐3), respectively, and 101 familiar groups for PCR to viruses (rotavirus A, norovirus GI and GII, and HEV‐3). One animal had antibodies forLeptospiraserovar Shermani and another for serovar Hebdomadis. One saprophyticLeptospirawas found by the 16S PCR and sequencing. Viruses were not detected in samples tested. Findings suggest that the epidemiological importance of such pathogens in this GHLT population is either low or nonexistent. These data are important to understand the local disease ecology, as well as monitoring a translocation project, and to contribute data for species conservation.
Blockade der ClpXP‐vermittelten Proteolyse mit maßgeschneiderten Peptid‐Phenylestern durch den ungewöhnlichen Zerfall in eine Heptamer‐Hexamer‐Anordnung
Authors: Lakemeyer Markus , Bertosin Eva , Möller Friederike , Balogh Dóra , Strasser Ralf , Dietz Hendrik , Sieber Stephan A.
Published: March 2019

Der proteolytische ClpXP‐Komplex ist essenziell für die bakterielle Homöostase und Pathogenese. Aufgrund seiner konformativen Flexibilität ist die Entwicklung wirksamer ClpXP‐Inhibitoren eine große Herausforderung, und neue Ansätze werden dringend benötigt, um die komplexe Enzymregulation zu verstehen. Aminosäurebasierte Phenylester werden hier als molekulare Sonden für die Untersuchung der Aktivität und Oligomerisierung des ClpXP‐Komplexes von S. aureus vorgestellt. Die systematische Untersuchung von (R)‐ und (S)‐Aminosäuren offenbarte Verbindungen, die die ClpXP‐vermittelte Proteolyse entweder inhibieren oder aber stimulieren. Die substöchiometrische Bindung der Sonden arretiert ClpXP in einer zuvor unbekannten Heptamer‐Hexamer‐Anordnung, in der die beiden heptameren ClpP‐Ringe voneinander dissoziiert vorliegen. Zugleich steigt die Affinität von ClpX und ClpP, was eine Inhibition beider Enzyme zur Folge hat. Diese konformative Arretierung ist vorteilhaft für eine konsolidierte Hemmung von ClpXP und ermöglicht die Untersuchung der Oligomerisierung des Komplexes während des Katalysezyklus.
Tailored Peptide Phenyl Esters Block ClpXP Proteolysis by an Unusual Breakdown into a Heptamer–Hexamer Assembly
Authors: Lakemeyer Markus , Bertosin Eva , Möller Friederike , Balogh Dóra , Strasser Ralf , Dietz Hendrik , Sieber Stephan A.
Published: March 2019

The proteolytic complex ClpXP is fundamental to bacterial homeostasis and pathogenesis. Because of its conformational flexibility, the development of potent ClpXP inhibitors is challenging, and novel tools to decipher its intricate regulation are urgently needed. Herein, we present amino acid based phenyl esters as molecular probes to study the activity and oligomerization of the ClpXP complex of S. aureus. Systematic screening of (R)‐ and (S)‐amino acids led to compounds showing potent inhibition, as well as stimulation of ClpXP‐mediated proteolysis. Substoichiometric binding of probes arrested ClpXP in an unprecedented heptamer–hexamer assembly, in which the two heptameric ClpP rings are dissociated from each other. At the same time, the affinity between ClpX and ClpP increased, leading to inhibition of both enzymes. This conformational arrest is beneficial for the consolidated shutdown of ClpXP, as well as for the study of the oligomeric state during its catalytic cycle.
New palladium (II) complexes containing phosphine‐nitrogen ligands and their use as catalysts in aminocarbonylation reaction
Authors: Aranda Braulio , Moya Sergio A. , Vega Andres , Valdebenito Gonzalo , Ramirez‐Lopez Sofia , Aguirre Pedro
Published: March 2019

Aminocarbonylation of aryl halides, homogeneously catalysed by palladium, is an efficient method that can be employed for obtaining amides for pharmaceutical and synthetic applications.

In this work, palladium (II) complexes containing P^N ligands were studied as catalysts in the aminocarbonylation of iodobenzene in the presence of diethylamine. Two types of systems were used: a palladium (II) complex formed in situ; and one prepared prior to the catalytic reaction. In general, the palladium complexes studied achieved high conversions in an average reaction time of less than 2 hr, which is less than that for the standard system (Pd (II)/PPh3) used. The pre‐synthesized complexes were faster than their in situ counterparts, as the latter require an induction time to form the Pd/P^N species. The structure and electronic properties of the ligand P^N can influence both the activity and the selectivity of the reaction, stabilizing the acyl‐palladium intermediates formed in a better manner.
Synthesis, reactivity and preliminary biological activity of iron(0) complexes with cyclopentadienone and amino‐appended N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands
Authors: Cingolani Andrea , Zanotti Valerio , Zacchini Stefano , Massi Massimiliano , Simpson Peter V. , Maheshkumar Desai Nima , Casari Ilaria , Falasca Marco , Rigamonti Luca , Mazzoni Rita
Published: March 2019

Neutral and cationic cyclopentadienone (CpO) N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) bis‐carbonyl iron(0) complexes bearing, appended to the NHC ligand, either a terminal amino group on the lateral chain, [Fe(η4‐CpO)(CO)2(κC‐NHC(CH2)nNH2)] with n = 2 (2a) and 3 (2b), or a cationic NMe3+ fragment, [Fe(η4‐CpO)(CO)2(κC‐NHC(CH2)2NMe3)](I) (3), were prepared and characterized in terms of their structure, stability and reactivity. The photochemical properties of 2a and 2b were examined both in organic solvents and in water, revealing the photoactivated release of one CO ligand followed by the formation of the chelated complex [Fe(η4‐CpO)(CO)(κ2C,N‐NHC(CH2)2NH2)] (4), whose molecular structure was confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. This metallacyclization occurs only in the case of 2a, with the ethylene spacer between NHC ring and NH2 group in the lateral chain, allowing the formation of a stable 6‐membered ring. On the other hand, 2b undergoes decomposition upon irradiation. The reactivity in aqueous solutions revealed the chemical speciation of the complexes at different pH and especially under physiological conditions (phosphate buffer solution at pH 7.4 and 37 °C). The lack of data on the biological properties of iron(0) complexes prompted us to preliminarily investigate their cytotoxicity against model cancer cells (AsPC‐1 and HPAF‐II), along with a determination of their lipophilicity.
Fabrication of ultra‐small ruthenium nanoparticles on porous modified reduced graphene oxide and its application in solvent‐free oxidation of cyclohexene with molecular oxygen
Authors: Shahabi Nejad Mohaddeseh , Behzadi Soheila , Sheibani Hassan
Published: March 2019

In the present work, ruthenium nanoparticles were synthesized on functionalized reduced graphene oxide (rGO). First, the surface of rGO was modified with two para‐arsanilic acid and dithiooxamide promoters to create the rGO with scattered hydrophilic positions. The ruthenium nanoparticles were synthesized and immobilized simultaneously in small hydrophilic micro‐reactors under mild conditions. Characterization of the synthesized nanocatalyst was confirmed with different techniques, such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform‐infrared and scanning electron microscopy. TEM images of the synthesized catalyst show the Ru nanoparticles have diameters less than 6 nm. The designed nanocatalyst was investigated for the selective liquid phase oxidation of cyclohexene with molecular oxygen in an autoclave under solvent‐free conditions, which obtained a maximum of 91% conversion and 90% selectivity under optimized conditions. The catalytic activity over rGO‐AO‐TO/Ru recycled catalyst remained at a satisfactory state after at least five runs.
Synthesis and characterization of MgO nanoparticles supported on ionic liquid‐based periodic mesoporous organosilica (MgO@PMO‐IL) as a highly efficient and reusable nanocatalyst for the synthesis of novel spirooxindole‐furan derivatives
Authors: Baharfar Robabeh , Zareyee Daryoush , Allahgholipour Seyedeh Leila
Published: March 2019

The synthesis and catalytic application of a novel MgO containing periodic mesoporous organosilica with ionic liquid framework (MgO@PMO‐IL) is described. The prepared MgO@PMO‐IL was characterized by Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, N2 adsorption/desorption, transmission electron microscopy, field emission‐scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric and inductively coupled plasma analyses. This nanocatalyst was successfully applied as a highly efficient and recoverable catalyst for the synthesis of novel spirooxindole‐furan derivatives via the three‐component reaction of 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds, N‐phenacyl pyridinium salts and isatin derivatives. The products were achieved in high to excellent yields with a simple work‐up procedure and short reaction times, and the catalyst could be recovered through a simple filtration process and successfully reused seven times without any significant decrease in its efficiency.
Synthesis of Imatinib‐loaded chitosan‐modified magnetic nanoparticles as an anti‐cancer agent for pH responsive targeted drug delivery
Authors: Karimi Ghezeli Zahra , Hekmati Malak , Veisi Hojat
Published: March 2019

Targeted drug delivery is a promising approach to overcome the limitations of classical chemotherapy. In this respect, Imatinib‐loaded chitosan‐modified magnetic nanoparticles were prepared as a pH sensitive system for targeted delivery of drug to tumor sites by applying a magnetic field. The proposed magnetic nanoparticles were prepared through modification of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles with chitosan and Imatinib. The structural, morphological and physicochemical properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were determined by different analytical techniques including energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). UV/visible spectrophotometry was used to measure the Imatinib contents. Thermal stability of the prepared particles was investigated and their efficiency of drug loading and release profile were evaluated. The results demonstrated that Fe3O4@CS acts as a pH responsive nanocarrier in releasing the loaded Imatinib molecules. Furthermore, the Fe3O4@CS/Imatinib nanoparticles displayed cytotoxic effect against MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. Results of this study can provide new insights in the development of pH responsive targeted drug delivery systems to overcome the side effects of conventional chemotherapy.
Monodisperse CuPt alloy nanoparticles assembled on reduced graphene oxide as catalysts in the transfer hydrogenation of various functional organic groups
Authors: Ganjehyan Khadijeh , Nişancı Bilal , Sevim Melike , Daştan Arif , Metin Önder
Published: March 2019

We present herein a new nanocatalyst, namely binary CuPt alloy nanoparticles (NPs) supported on reduced graphene oxide (CuPt‐rGO), as a highly active heterogeneous catalyst for the transfer hydrogenation (TH) protocol that is demonstrated to be applicable over the reduction of various unsaturated organic compounds (olefins, aldehydes/ketones and nitroarenes) in aqueous solutions at room temperature. CuPt alloy NPs were synthesized by the co‐reduction of metal (II) acetylacetonates by borane‐tert‐butylamine (BTB) complex in hot oleylamine (OAm) solution and then assembled on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) via ultrasonic‐assisted liquid phase self‐assembly method. The structure of yielded CuPt NPs and CuPt‐rGO nanocatalyst were characterized by TEM, XRD and ICP‐MS. The activity of Cu7Pt3‐rGO nanocatalysts were then tested for the THs that were conducted in a commercially available high‐pressure tube using water as sole solvent and ammonia borane as a hydrogen donor at room temperature. The presented catalytic TH protocol was successfully applied over nitroarenes, olefines and aldehydes/ketones, and all the tested compounds were converted to corresponding reduction products with the yields reaching up to 99% under ambient conditions. Moreover, the Cu7Pt3‐rGO nanocatalyst was also reusable in the TH by providing 99% yield after five consecutive runs in TH of nitrobenzene as an example.
Nano NiO/AlMCM‐41, a green synergistic, highly efficient and recyclable catalyst for the reduction of nitrophenols
Authors: Derikvand Zohreh , Rahmati Fatemeh , Azadbakht Azadeh
Published: March 2019

Highly ordered mesoporous molecular sieves AlMCM‐41 and a new NiO/AlMCM‐41 nanocomposite were synthesized using a sol–gel method. Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), and N2 adsorption desorption analyses were used to examine the structure, morphology, size and phase composition of the synthesized NiO/AlMCM‐41 nanocomposites. AlMCM‐41 embedded with NiO nanoparticles was subsequently prepared using different nickel loadings in a direct synthetic route. The results show the successful deposition of NiO nanoparticles onto the framework of AlMCM‐41. AlMCM‐41 provides enormous benefits such as environmentally safe, economic viability and porosity when used as support for NiO nanoparticles. The excellent catalytic activities of AlMCM‐41 and NiO/AlMCM‐41 were investigated for the reduction of nitrophenols (4‐NP, 2‐NP) to aminophenols (4‐AP, 2‐AP) in water at ambient temperature. The best observed performance of reduction of NP with 100% conversion into analogous amino derivatives occurred within 6 min with an estimated rate constant of 0.46 min−1. The efficiency of reduction was observed to increase as a function of NiO enrichment. The NiO/AlMCM‐41 nanocomposite could be recycled and reused up to five times without noticeable change in its structure and activity. These properties make NiO/AlMCM‐41 nanocomposite an ideal platform to study various heterogeneous catalytic processes which can have application in purification, catalysis, sensing devices, and green chemistry.
Effect of nano silicon dioxide on the structure and properties of FeCl3‐doped polyvinyl alcohol photopolymer film
Authors: Xue Runping , Mao Jianzhao , Zhao Hong , Yang Chen , Gao Huihui , Xu Jianjun , Jiang Mengjin
Published: March 2019

The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) photopolymer films (PFs) were prepared based on iron(III) trichloride as the photosensitizer and PVA as the polymer matrix (Fe(III)‐PVA). The nano silicon dioxide (nano‐SiO2) was mixed with the resin in proportions of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 5.0 wt %, respectively. The iodine gallium lamp (350–450 nm) was used as a UV curing light source. The effects of nano‐SiO2 on the structures and properties of Fe(III)‐PVA PFs were studied by scanning electron microscopy(SEM) analysis, ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy(UV/Vis), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic thermomechanical analysis(DMA), gel content test, tensile strength test, and Shore hardness test. The Fe(III)‐PVA PFs with the content of 1.0 wt %‐nano‐SiO2 exhibits the highest gel content and tensile strength. The Fe(III)‐PVA PFs with the content of 2.0 wt % nano‐SiO2 exhibits the highest Shore hardness. Photolithographic patterning of the Fe(III)‐PVA PFs using a UV source has been carried out, which leads to a good contrast behavior after development in an aqueous media when the content of nano‐SiO2 was lower than 2.0 wt %. After evaluating the structure, performance, and development results, the Fe(III)‐PVA PFs with the content of 1.0 wt % nano‐SiO2 exhibits the best overall properties. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47702.
New relaxed stabilization conditions for discrete‐time Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy control systems
Authors: Kong Lei , Yuan Jingqi
Published: March 2019

This paper develops relaxed stabilization conditions for discrete‐time Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy control systems based on the extended nonquadratic Lyapunov function, the nonparallel distributed compensation law, and the convexity of the fuzzy blending coefficients. Three new main results are proposed to further reduce the conservatism by fully exploring the slack matrix technique and introducing new slack matrices and extra collection matrices. The new stabilization conditions are gradually less and less conservative, and more advantageous than the existing results by overall consideration of the conservatism and the computational efforts. A well‐known numerical case and a practical case are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed stabilization conditions.
On the Regulatory Horizon in the United States
Authors: Via Steve H.
Published: March 2019

Several federal actions that are on the us regulatory horizon could affect water systems in 2019 and beyond.
Optimal currents for electrical stimulation of bone fracture repair: A computational analysis including variations in frequency, tissue properties, and fracture morphology
Authors: Zeighami Amin , Alizadeh Farhad , Saviz Mehrdad
Published: March 2019

Fracture healing happens naturally in most bone break cases. Occasionally prolongation of restoration period or non‐union of the fracture may occur, where electrical stimulation has been shown to facilitate bone restoration by stimulating osteoblasts. Despite clinical use, a comprehensive computational model linking the applied currents to the stimulating field in the fracture has been missing. In this paper, we investigate the input current needed to stimulate osteoblasts in a fracture in the human forearm. Optimal current is computed for various fracture configurations, and sensitivity to frequency and inter/intrapersonal variance in dielectric properties are analyzed. Stimulation thresholds at the fracture site are based on detailed review of experimental studies. Our results show that for a 1 mm thick 30° fracture with a 15 Hz sinusoidal field, the input current amounts to a maximum of 3.77 µA. Minimum and maximum required current levels are plotted versus fracture parameters, all of which comply with the ICNIRP standard. Simulation results are supported by several experimental reports. Our model is useful for understanding the effects of various geometrical and electrical factors on clinical outcome, and serves as a theoretical aid in the design of more efficient systems. Bioelectromagnetics. 40:128–135, 2019. © 2019 Bioelectromagnetics Society
A Detailed Analysis of the Blood Supply to the Subscapularis Muscle
Authors: Youn Kwan‐Hyun , Cho Tae‐Hyeon , Kwon Hyun‐Jin , Yang Hun‐Mu , Won Sung‐Yoon
Published: March 2019

This study aimed to provide a comprehensive description of the arterial supply to the subscapularis (SSC) muscle. This will provide critical information for various surgical procedures. Ten specimens of embalmed Korean cadavers were dissected and subjected to modified Sihler's method to reveal the branching pattern of the arteries surrounding the subscapularis, and its intramuscular blood supply. The SSC muscle was generally supplied by branches from the subclavian artery (suprascapular artery, supraSA; circumflex scapular artery, CxSA; and dorsal scapular artery, dSA) and the axillary artery (subscapular artery, subSA; lateral thoracic artery, LTA; posterior circumflex humeral artery, PCxHA; and a branch of the axillary artery, AAbr). The anterior aspect of the muscle was supplied by the subSA, LTA, CxSA, supraSA, and AAbr. The posterior aspect of the muscle was supplied by the supraSA, PCxHA, and subSA. The dSA was more scarcely distributed than the other arteries. In two cases, the dSA supplied the portion of the muscle near the medial border of the scapular. The anterior side of the muscle tendon was supplied by the CxSA, and its posterior side was supplied by the PCxHA. The subSA can be considered to be the main branch supplying the SSA based on its distribution area of arteries. It was mostly situated within the lower region of the SSC. After distributing to the anterior surface of the SSC, some branches of the subSA reached the posterior surface as perforating branches. Clin. Anat. 32:642–647, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.