bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porcine pulmonary surfactant preparations contain the antibacterial peptide prophenin and a C‐terminal 18‐residue fragment thereof
Authors: Wang Yuqin , Griffiths William J , Curstedt Tore , Johansson Jan
Published: July 2002

Surfactant preparations obtained from porcine lungs by extraction with chloroform/methanol followed by chromatography over Lipidex‐5000 are used for treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants. These preparations contain about 98% phospholipids and 1–2% of the hydrophobic pulmonary surfactant‐associated proteins B and C (SP‐B and SP‐C). Separation of the proteins in the surfactant preparation by reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography revealed, in addition to SP‐B and SP‐C, the presence of three peptides derived from the cathelicidin family of antibacterial peptides. The 79‐residue proline‐rich peptide prophenin (identical to that isolated from leukocytes), an 80‐residue prophenin with an N‐terminal pyroglutamic acid residue, and a C‐terminal 18‐residue fragment of prophenin were found in approximate molar ratios of 1:20:5. A synthetic version of the C‐terminal 18‐residue peptide exhibits salt‐dependent antibacterial activity (higher activity in the absence of salt) against the Gram‐positive bacterium Bacillus megaterium Bm11 and, to a lesser extent, against Gram‐negative Escherichia coli D21 cells. It appears possible that the presence of prophenin peptides may contribute to the antibacterial properties of surfactant preparations.
Human napsin A: expression, immunochemical detection, and tissue localization
Authors: Schauer-Vukasinovic Vesna , Bur Daniel , Kling Dorothee , Grüninger Fiona , Giller Thomas
Published: July 2002

A novel aspartic proteinase, called napsin, has recently been found in human and mouse. Due to high similarity with cathepsin D a structural model of human napsin A could be built. Based on this model a potential epitope SFYLNRDPEEPDGGE has been identified, which was used to immunize rabbits. The resulting antibody was employed in monitoring the expression of recombinant human napsin A in HEK293 cell line. Western blot analysis confirmed the specificity of the antibody and showed that human napsin A is expressed as a single chain protein with the molecular weight of approximately 38 kDa. Immunohistochemical studies revealed high expression levels of napsin A in human kidney and lung but low expression in spleen.
Transcriptional regulation of fatty acid synthase gene and ATP citrate‐lyase gene by Sp1 and Sp3 in rat hepatocytes1
Authors: Fukuda Hitomi , Noguchi Tamio , Iritani Nobuko
Published: July 2002

When two copies of the sequences spanning −57 to −35 of the fatty acid synthase (FAS) or −64 to −41 of the ATP citrate‐lyase (ACL) gene linked to a reporter gene were transfected into primary cultured hepatocytes, the reporter activities significantly increased in response to insulin/glucose treatment. In cotransfection experiments of the FAS(−57/−35) with the Sp1 or Sp3 expression vector, the reporter activities of transcription were suppressed by Sp1 and stimulated by Sp3. In the cotransfection experiments of ACL(−64/−41), the activities were suppressed by Sp1 but were unchanged by Sp3. A similar effect of Sp1 and Sp3 on transcription was seen in mRNA concentrations and enzyme activities of endogenous FAS and ACL. Moreover, the mRNA concentrations and enzyme activities of endogenous acetyl‐CoA carboxylase were suppressed by Sp1 and greatly increased by Sp3. Gel mobility super shift assays using antibodies against Sp1 or Sp3 revealed the binding of the transcription factors Sp1 and Sp3 with the GC rich regions located within FAS(−57/−35) and ACL(−64/−41) genes. The formation of DNA‐protein complexes was decreased in rats fed a high‐carbohydrate diet in comparison with that in fasted rats, but feeding the corn oil diet inhibited this decrease. In Western immunoblotting assay, however, the amount of Sp1 and Sp3 remained unchanged in the dietary conditions. Therefore, the binding of DNA‐protein complexes was not due to changes in the amount of Sp1 and Sp3 but to changes in the binding activity, suggesting that these transcription factors may be an important determinant of lipogenic enzyme expression.
Elevated C‐reactive protein and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in Andean women with pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Teran E. , Escudero C. , Moya W. , Flores M. , Vallance P. , Lopez‐Jaramillo P.
Published: July 2002

Objective: To investigate the concentration of markers of inflammation in non‐pregnant women, women with normal pregnancy and women with pre‐eclampsia. Methods: Pregnant women (n=26), women with pre‐eclampsia (n=25) and non‐pregnant normotensive women (n=21) were included in the study. C‐reactive protein was measured by latex‐enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay, serum tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) by high sensitivity ELISA. Kruskal–Wallis non‐parametric analysis of variance followed by the Mann–Whitney U‐test were used for statistical analyses. Results: Higher values (mean±S.E.M.) of C‐reactive protein were found in pre‐eclampsia (4.11±0.37 mg/dl) compared with normal pregnant women (2.49±0.26 mg/dl) and non‐pregnant controls (1.33±0.15 mg/dl). TNF‐α was significantly higher in women with pre‐eclampsia (15.74±5.09 pg/ml), in relation to the control group (2.76±0.41 pg/ml) and women with normal pregnancy (8.31±1.55 pg/ml). IL‐6 levels were significantly higher in pre‐eclamptic women (12.91±1.29 pg/ml) compared with normal pregnant (5.07±0.423 pg/ml) and control women (1.25±0.13 pg/ml). Conclusions: The results of this cross‐sectional study in a high‐risk Andean population show that both C‐reactive protein and pro‐inflammatory cytokines are present in higher concentrations in women with pre‐eclampsia. The study was undertaken in women with established pre‐eclampsia and it is not possible to determine whether the increased concentrations of C‐reactive protein and pro‐inflammatory cytokines were a cause or consequence of the disease.
Helicobacter pylori seropositivity in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum
Authors: Koçak İ , Akcan Y , Üstün C , Demirel C , Cengiz L , Yanık F.F
Published: July 2002

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the hypothesis that there was an association between hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection. Methods: The study group consisted of 95 pregnant women with HG and 116 asymptomatic pregnant women who were admitted to our hospital between January 1997 and October 1998. Specific serum immunoglobulin G for HP was assayed in the sera of the study group after informed consent was obtained. Chi‐square and Student's t‐test were used accordingly for statistical analysis of the data. Results: Serologically positive HP infection was detected in 87 of the 95 patients with HG (91.5%) whereas 52 of the 116 asymptomatic gravidas (44.8%) serving as the control group had positive antibody concentrations against HP. The ratio of HP positivity in pregnant women with HG was significantly higher than asymptomatic pregnant women (P<0.001). The mean index percentages of IgG titers were 73.8±9.7% in the hyperemesis gravidarum and 25.8±5.6% control group (P<0.01). Conclusion: HP infection seemed to be significantly associated with hyperemesis gravidarum in our pregnant patient population with hyperemesis gravidarum.
A typology of de‐coupling strategies in mixed services
Authors: Metters Richard , Vargas Vicente
Published: July 2002

A typology of a class of service systems is proposed. The typology links strategic operational objectives to the decision to de‐couple work between the front and back offices of a service system. Four specific ideal types of a strategy/de‐coupling mix are described; each of which has distinct operational, marketing and human resource ramifications. A type that has had significant representation in traditional literature is the “Cost Leader” type, where back‐office activities are de‐coupled from the front office for the purpose of lowering costs. Another traditional type representative of the craftsman legacy is the “Personal Service” type, which retains back‐office tasks in the front office to pursue non‐cost‐oriented strategic goals. Theoretical and empirical evidence is also given for two non‐traditional types: the “Kiosk” type, where all tasks remain in the front office to achieve lower costs, and the “Focused Professional” type, which de‐couples front‐ and back‐office activities to enable front‐office workers to provide higher service, rather than to reduce costs. Empirically, retail bank lending systems are analyzed to support the typology.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor gene expression in the developing zebrafish
Authors: Hashimoto Miyuki , Heinrich Gerhard
Published: July 2002

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophin family of polypeptides that includes NGF, NT‐3, NT‐4\5 and NT‐6. Although neurotrophins are known to be expressed in teleost fishes little is known about their functions in the development of these vertebrates. We are therefore studying BDNF in the zebrafish, Danio rerio. The structure of zebrafish BDNF mRNA was established using PCR and cDNA cloning. The encoded BDNF was 91% identical to mammalian BDNF. Southern blot analysis revealed a unique BDNF gene. Northern blot analysis detected two heterogeneous populations of BDNF transcripts centered at 1.6 and 2 kb. BDNF transcripts were first measurable 24 h post‐fertilization (pf). Their abundance relative to total transcripts increased 6‐fold between 1 day and 3 days pf and again 2‐fold by 7 days pf. In situ hybridization analyses of 4‐day‐old larvae revealed BDNF transcripts in the retina, brain, otic vesicle, pectoral fin and the hair cells of the neuromast. The early onset and cellular sites of expression suggest that BDNF functions in nervous system and fin development in the zebrafish.
Measurement of anhedonia
Authors: D'haenen H
Published: July 2002

Instruments developed to measure anhedonia are reviewed and their psychometric properties and conceptual framework discussed. Most instruments were designed considering anhedonia to be a symptom either of schizophrenia or of depression. Only the Physical and Social Anhedonia Scales of Chapman et al, designed to measure a lifelong pleasure deficiency, considered to be related to schizophrenia, and, to a lesser extent, the Pleasure Scale of Fawcett et al, designed to evaluate a state dependent deficit, considered to identify a subtype of depression, have been psychometrically extensively investigated. Since we were interested in studying anhedonia in depression, we made a Dutch translation of the Fawcett-Clark Pleasure Scale and report here on the psychometric properties of this translated version. Using the Rasch model for testing the homogeneity and transferability of the scale, we demonstrated that the original scale did not fit the model. A subscale of 14 items was constructed which did.
What kind of capitalism for Russia? A comparative analysis
Authors: Lane David
Published: July 2002

Post-communist governing elites had a vision of a transition to a type of society characterised by wealth, markets, private ownership, democracy and civil society. The transformation in Russia is analyzed in terms of company structure, economic outcomes and patterns of social integration, elite and class fragmentation. On the basis of a comparative political economy, different models of capitalism are defined (competitive or market-led and cooperative or negotiated). The Russian economy is defined as a perverse chaotic social formation. It is contended that policy should move towards a state-led “negotiated” type of capitalist system.
Dopant‐Free Crossconjugated Hole‐Transporting Polymers for Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Sun Xianglang , Deng Xiang , Li Zhen , Xiong Bijin , Zhong Cheng , Zhu Zonglong , Li Zhong'an , Jen Alex K.‐Y.
Published: May 2020

Currently, there are only very few dopant‐free polymer hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) that can enable perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) to demonstrate a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of greater than 20%. To address this need, a simple and efficient way is developed to synthesize novel crossconjugated polymers as high performance dopant‐free HTMs to endow PVSCs with a high PCE of 21.3%, which is among the highest values reported for single‐junction inverted PVSCs. More importantly, rational understanding of the reasons why two isomeric polymer HTMs (PPE1 and PPE2) with almost identical photophysical properties, hole‐transporting ability, and surface wettability deliver so distinctly different device performance under similar device fabrication conditions is manifested. PPE2 is found to improve the quality of perovskite films cast on top with larger grain sizes and more oriented crystallization. These results help unveil the new HTM design rules to influence the perovskite growth/crystallization for improving the performance of inverted PVSCs.
Tunable Layered (Na,Mn)V8O20·nH2O Cathode Material for High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
Authors: Du Min , Liu Chaofeng , Zhang Feng , Dong Wentao , Zhang Xiaofei , Sang Yuanhua , Wang Jian‐Jun , Guo Yu‐Guo , Liu Hong , Wang Shuhua
Published: May 2020

Rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) show promise for use in energy storage. However, the development of ZIBs has been plagued by the limited cathode candidates, which usually show low capacity or poor cycling performance. Here, a reversible Zn//(Na,Mn)V8O20·nH2O system is reported, the introduction of manganese (Mn) ions in NaV8O20 to form (Na,Mn)V8O20 exhibits an outstanding electrochemical performance with a capacity of 377 mA h g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1. Through experimental and theoretical results, it is discovered that the outstanding performance of (Na,Mn)V8O20·nH2O is ascribed to the Mn2+/Mn3+‐induced high electrical conductivity and Na+‐induced fast migration of Zn2+. Other cathode materials derived from (Na,Mn)V8O20·nH2O by substituting Mn with Fe, Co, Ni, Ca, and K are explored to confirm the unique advantages of transition metal ions. With an increase in Mn content in NaV8O20, (Na0.33,Mn0.65)V8O20 ·nH2O can deliver a reversible capacity of 150 mA h g−1 and a capacity retention of 99% after 1000 cycles, which may open new opportunities for the development of high‐performance aqueous ZIBs.
Genetic variation for response to mixed triazole and strobilurin application in diverse maize
Authors: Woore Matthew Smith , Holland James Brendan
Published: May 2020

Strobilurin and triazole classes of fungicides have been reported to have growth‐regulating effects on crops in the absence of their target pathogens and to increase maize yield. Because the response of maize (Zea mays L.) plants to a commercially marketed mixture of strobilurin and triazole may not be uniform across genotypes, it may be possible to breed selectively for higher yield responses to application of this chemical treatment. To test this hypothesis, diverse samples of maize inbred lines and hybrids were evaluated for response to a combined mixture of a treatment of strobilurin and triazole. Main effects of treatment and genotype and treatment  × genotype interactions were measured on agronomic traits including grain yield and several yield components, lodging, and delayed leaf senescence. Hybrid and inbred genotype main effect variation was significant for all measured traits. Favorable main effects of strobilurin and triazole treatment were observed only for leaf senescence and foliar disease, and genotype × treatment interactions were not significant for yield or yield components. Yield was significantly increased only in two inbred varieties and did not correlate with any known pedigree or genetic relationships. These results suggest that breeding to enhance the response to strobilurin and triazole treatment is not likely to be effective in maize.
MOFs Conferred with Transient Metal Centers for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Chen Xiaolang , Xiao Shuning , Wang Hao , Wang Wenchao , Cai Yong , Li Guisheng , Qiao Minghua , Zhu Jian , Li Hexing , Zhang Dieqing , Lu Yunfeng
Published: May 2020

Highly effective photocatalysts for the hydrogen‐evolution reaction were developed by conferring the linkers of NH2‐MIL‐125(Ti), a metal–organic framework (MOF) constructed from TiOx clusters and 2‐aminoterephthalic acid (linkers), with active copper centers. This design enables effective transfer of electrons from the linkers to the transient Cu2+/Cu+ centers, leading to 7000‐fold and 27‐fold increase of carrier density and lifetime of photogenerated charges, respectively, as well as high‐rate production of H2 under visible‐light irradiation. This work provides a novel design of a photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution using non‐noble Cu2+/Cu+ as co‐catalysts.
Sulfone Group as a Versatile and Removable Directing Group for Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones
Authors: Vyas Vijyesh K. , Clarkson Guy J. , Wills Martin
Published: May 2020

The sulfone functional group has a strong capacity to direct the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of ketones in the presence of [(arene)Ru(TsDPEN)H] complexes by adopting a position distal to the η6‐arene ring. This preference provides a means for the prediction of the sense of asymmetric reduction. The sulfone group also facilitates the formation of a range of reduction substrates, and its ready removal provides a route to enantiomerically enriched alcohols that would otherwise be extremely difficult to prepare by direct ATH of the corresponding ketones.
Die Iodierung von cyclo‐E5‐Komplexen (E=P, As)
Authors: Brake Helena , Peresypkina Eugenia , Virovets Alexander V. , Piesch Martin , Kremer Werner , Zimmermann Lisa , Klimas Christian , Scheer Manfred
Published: May 2020

In Eintopfsynthesen mit hohen Ausbeuten führten die Reaktionen von [Cp*M(η5‐P5)] (M=Fe (1), Ru (2)) mit I2 zur selektiven Bildung von [Cp*MP6I6]+‐Salzen (3, 4). Die Produkte enthalten beispiellose all‐cis tripodale Triphosphinocyclotriphosphan‐Liganden. Die Iodierung von [Cp*Fe(η5‐As5)] (6) ergab, zusätzlich zu [Fe(CH3CN)6]2+‐Salzen der seltenen [As6I8]2−‐(in 7) und [As4I14]2−‐(in 8) Anionen, den ersten dikationischen Fe‐As Tripeldecker‐Komplex [(Cp*Fe)2(μ,η5:5‐As5)][As6I8] (9). Demgegenüber führte die Iodierung von [Cp*Ru(η5‐As5)] (10) nicht zur vollständigen Spaltung der M‐As‐Bindungen. Stattdessen wurde eine Anzahl zweikerniger Komplexe erhalten; [(Cp*Ru)2(μ,η5:5‐As5)][As6I8]0.5 (11): repräsentiert den ersten Ru‐As5‐Tripeldecker‐Komplex, womit die Reihe monokationischer Komplexe [(CpRM)2(μ,η5:5‐E5)]+ (M=Fe, Ru; E=P, As) vervollständigt wurde; [(Cp*Ru)2As8I6] (12): kristallisiert als ein razemisches Gemisch beider Enantiomere; während [(Cp*Ru)2As4I4] (13): als ein symmetrisches und ein asymmetrisches Isomer kristallisiert und ein einzigartiges Tetramer aus {AsI}‐Arseniden‐Einheiten als Mitteldeck aufweist.
Trifluoromethyl Sulfoxides: Reagents for Metal‐Free C−H Trifluoromethylthiolation
Authors: Wang Dong , Carlton C. Grace , Tayu Masanori , McDouall Joseph J. W. , Perry Gregory J. P. , Procter David J.
Published: May 2020

Trifluoromethyl sulfoxides are a new class of trifluoromethylthiolating reagent. The sulfoxides engage in metal‐free C−H trifluoromethylthiolation with a range of (hetero)arenes. The method is also applicable to the functionalization of important compound classes, such as ligand derivatives and polyaromatics, and in the late‐stage trifluoromethylthiolation of medicines and agrochemicals. The isolation and characterization of a sulfonium salt intermediate supports an interrupted Pummerer reaction mechanism.
d–d Dative Bonding Between Iron and the Alkaline‐Earth Metals Calcium, Strontium, and Barium
Authors: Stegner Philipp , Färber Christian , Oetzel Jan , Siemeling Ulrich , Wiesinger Michael , Langer Jens , Pan Sudip , Holzmann Nicole , Frenking Gernot , Albold Uta , Sarkar Biprajit , Harder Sjoerd
Published: May 2020

Double deprotonation of the diamine 1,1′‐(tBuCH2NH)‐ferrocene (1‐H2) by alkaline‐earth (Ae) or EuIImetal reagents gave the complexes1‐Ae (Ae=Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) and1‐Eu.1‐Mg crystallized as a monomer while the heavier complexes crystallized as dimers. The Fe⋅⋅⋅Mg distance in1‐Mg is too long for a bonding interaction, but short Fe⋅⋅⋅Ae distances in1‐Ca,1‐Sr, and1‐Ba clearly support intramolecular Fe⋅⋅⋅Ae bonding. Further evidence for interactions is provided by a tilting of the Cp rings and the related1H NMR chemical‐shift difference between the Cp α and β protons. While electrochemical studies are complicated by complex decomposition, UV/Vis spectral features of the complexes support Fe→Ae dative bonding. A comprehensive bonding analysis of all1‐Ae complexes shows that the heavier species1‐Ca,1‐Sr, and1‐Ba possess genuine Fe→Ae bonds which involve vacant d‐orbitals of the alkaline‐earth atoms and partially filled d‐orbitals on Fe. In1‐Mg, a weak Fe→Mg donation into vacant p‐orbitals of the Mg atom is observed.
Size‐Mediated Recurring Spinel Sub‐nanodomains in Li‐ and Mn‐Rich Layered Cathode Materials
Authors: Xiao Biwei , Liu Hanshuo , Chen Ning , Banis Mohammad Norouzi , Yu Haijun , Liang Jianwen , Sun Qian , Sham Tsun‐Kong , Li Ruying , Cai Mei , Botton Gianluigi A. , Sun Xueliang
Published: May 2020

Li‐ and Mn‐rich layered oxides are among the most promising cathode materials for Li‐ion batteries with high theoretical energy density. Its practical application is, however, hampered by the capacity and voltage fade after long cycling. Herein, a finite difference method for near‐edge structure (FDMNES) code was combined with in situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and transmission electron microscopy/electron energy loss spectroscopy (TEM/EELS) to investigate the evolution of transition metals (TMs) in fresh and heavily cycled electrodes. Theoretical modeling reveals a recurring partially reversible LiMn2O4‐like sub‐nanodomain formation/dissolution process during each charge/discharge, which accumulates gradually and accounts for the Mn phase transition. From the modeling of spectra and maps of the valence state over large regions of the cathodes, it was found that the phase change is size‐dependent. After prolonged cycling, the TMs displayed different levels of inactivity.
Autonomous Growth of a Spatially Localized Supramolecular Hydrogel with Autocatalytic Ability
Authors: Rodon Fores Jennifer , Criado‐Gonzalez Miryam , Chaumont Alain , Carvalho Alain , Blanck Christian , Schmutz Marc , Boulmedais Fouzia , Schaaf Pierre , Jierry Loïc
Published: May 2020

Autocatalysis and self‐assembly are key processes in developmental biology and are involved in the emergence of life. In the last decade both of these features were extensively investigated by chemists with the final goal to design synthetic living systems. Herein, we describe the autonomous growth of a self‐assembled soft material, that is, a supramolecular hydrogel, able to sustain its own formation through an autocatalytic mechanism that is not based on any template effect and emerges from a peptide (hydrogelator) self‐assembly. A domino sequence of events starts from an enzymatically triggered peptide generation followed by self‐assembly into catalytic nanofibers that induce and amplify their production over time, resulting in a 3D hydrogel network. A cascade is initiated by traces (10−18 m) of a trigger enzyme, which can be localized allowing for a spatial resolution of this autocatalytic buildup of hydrogel growth, an essential condition on the route towards further cell‐mimic designs.
Transformations of Aryl Ketones via Ligand‐Promoted C−C Bond Activation
Authors: Li Hanyuan , Ma Biao , Liu Qi‐Sheng , Wang Mei‐Ling , Wang Zhen‐Yu , Xu Hui , Li Ling‐Jun , Wang Xing , Dai Hui‐Xiong
Published: May 2020

The coupling of aromatic electrophiles (aryl halides, aryl ethers, aryl acids, aryl nitriles etc.) with nucleophiles is a core methodology for the synthesis of aryl compounds. Transformations of aryl ketones in an analogous manner via carbon–carbon bond activation could greatly expand the toolbox for the synthesis of aryl compounds due to the abundance of aryl ketones. An exploratory study of this approach is typically based on carbon–carbon cleavage triggered by ring‐strain release and chelation assistance, and the products are also limited to a specific structural motif. Here we report a ligand‐promoted β‐carbon elimination strategy to activate the carbon–carbon bonds, which results in a range of transformations of aryl ketones, leading to useful aryl borates, and also to biaryls, aryl nitriles, and aryl alkenes. The use of a pyridine‐oxazoline ligand is crucial for this catalytic transformation. A gram‐scale borylation reaction of an aryl ketone via a simple one‐pot operation is reported. The potential utility of this strategy is also demonstrated by the late‐stage diversification of drug molecules probenecid, adapalene, and desoxyestrone, the fragrance tonalid as well as the natural product apocynin.
Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, crystal structure, density functional theory studies and biological properties of coordination complex Ni(II) 2‐fluorobenzoate with 3‐hydroxypyridine
Authors: Sertçelik Mustafa , Özbek Füreya Elif , Taslimi Parham , Durman Murat , Özdemir Mücahit , Yalçın Bahattin , Necefoğlu Hacali , Hökelek Tuncer
Published: May 2020

A novel Ni(II) complex containing 2‐fluorobenzoate and 3‐hydroxypyridine ligands was synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. FT‐IR peaks show that the carboxylate group from 2‐fluorobenzoate has a monodentate coordination mode. The coordination environment around the Ni2+ ion is of distorted octahedral geometry. The octahedral geometry consists of a total of four oxygen atoms from two carboxylate groups of two fluorobenzoate anions, two water molecules and two nitrogen atoms from two 3‐hydroxypyridine ligands. The complex shows excellent inhibitory effects against some metabolic enzymes. Ki values for the complex were found as 108.17 ± 25.63, 124.88 ± 36.20, 28.11 ± 2.87, 20.95 ± 5.65 and 32.63 ± 9.67 μM against human carbonic anhydrase I, human carbonic anhydrase II, α‐glycosidase, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, respectively. In addition, geometry optimization and vibration frequencies were calculated, and single point energy was studied based on optimization. Experimental and theoretical data were compared. The B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) basis set was used for all calculations.
Reduction of Vegetable Oil‐Derived Fatty Acid Methyl Esters toward Fatty Alcohols without the Supply of Gaseous H2
Authors: Vallejo Orrego Alejandro , Ferretti Cristián A. , Díez Verónica K.
Published: May 2020

An alternative route to the conventional one for fatty alcohol synthesis was investigated. It was possible to synthesize lauryl alcohol from methyl laurate via reduction by transfer of hydrogen and hydride in liquid phase, in noncatalytic reactions and without the supply of H2 gaseous. Pure NaBH4 or alumina‐supported NaBH4 and methanol were used as co‐reactants and 100% fatty alcohol selectivities were achieved. The aim of supporting the metal hydride was to increase its stability and achieve the full recovery of the solid at the end of reaction. When alumina‐supported NaBH4 was used, a final fatty alcohol yield of 93% was achieved. The use of methanol and NaBH4 in amounts higher than stoichiometric is important to generate alkoxyborohydride anions which act as better reducing species than NaBH4. The reaction conditions effect was investigated and the role of short carbon chain alcohol structure was elucidated. The effect of fatty acid methyl ester structure was also studied. Fatty acid methyl esters with shorter carbon chain length and without unsaturation (methyl laurate, methyl myristate) were easily reduced using NaBH4/Al2O3 and methanol reaching high conversions and fatty alcohol selectivities. Unsaturated fatty acid methyl ester with longer carbon chain (methyl oleate) introduced steric hindrance which disfavoured interaction between ester and reducing solid surface and fatty acid methyl ester conversion was noticeably lower. A reaction mechanism based on alkoxyborohydride anions as the actual reducing species was proposed. This mechanism fully interprets results obtained during fatty acid methyl ester reduction using short carbon chain alcohols and metal hydride.
Clinical Issues—June 2020
Authors: Seeman Kristyn , Cahn Julie
Published: May 2020

THIS MONTH

Perioperative personnel with cold sores

Key words: herpes labialis, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1), cold sore, infection transmission, surgical mask.

Documenting the use of bone wax

Key words: bone wax, documentation, implant, medical device, electronic health record (EHR).

Using sterile surgical skin markers on veins

Key words: skin marker, isopropyl alcohol, gentian violet, methylene blue, vein.

Documenting solutions used to prepare tissue for implantation

Key words: documentation, preparing tissue, processing tissue, solutions, implantation.

Defining fire

Key words: fire, oxidation, chemical reaction, sentinel event.
Reducing and stabilizing the viscosity of natural rubber by using sugars: Interference of the Maillard reaction between proteins and sugars
Authors: Nimpaiboon Adun , Sriring Manus , Kumarn Sirirat , Sakdapipanich Jitladda
Published: May 2020

This work is an extension of previous work elucidating the reduction and stabilization of solid natural rubber (NR) viscosity by using sugars. Various amounts of glucose, fructose, sucrose, and maltose were incorporated into fresh NR (FNR), deproteinized NR (DPNR), and synthetic polyisoprene (IR) latexes. The results revealed that all sugars cannot decrease the Mooney viscosity of FNR, while only monosaccharides, that is, glucose and fructose, can significantly decrease the Mooney viscosity of both DPNR and IR by way of a lubrication mechanism. The proteins in FNR can diminish the capability of glucose and fructose to decrease the Mooney viscosity. Furthermore, glucose was found to reduce the occurrence of storage hardening in DPNR by interacting with polar groups of phospholipids at the rubber chain ends. Measurements of browning intensity as well as analysis of Maillard reaction products together with the NR protein–glucose model compound were utilized to confirm that the reduction and stabilization of the viscosity of NR using monosaccharides were interfered by the Maillard reaction between the proteins in NR and the monosaccharides.
Catalytic Enantioselective Radical Transformations Enabled by Visible Light
Authors: Saha Debajyoti
Published: May 2020

Visible light has been recognized as an economical and environmentally benign source of energy that enables chemoselective molecular activation of chemical reactions and hence reveal a new horizon for the design and discovery of novel chemical transformations. On the other hand, asymmetric catalysis represents an economic method to satisfy the increasing need for enantioenriched compounds in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, combining visible light photocatalysis with asymmetric catalysis creates a wider range of opportunities for the development of mechanistically unique reaction schemes. However, there arise two main problems like undesirable photochemical background reactions and difficulties in controlling the stereochemistry with highly reactive photochemical intermediates which can pose a serious challenge to the development of asymmetric visible light photocatalysis. In recent years, several methods have been developed to overcome these challenges. This review summarizes the recent advances in visible light‐induced enantioselective reactions. We divide our discussion into four categories: Asymmetric photoredox organocatalysis, asymmetric transition metal photoredox catalysis, asymmetric photoredox Lewis acid catalysis and asymmetric photoinduced energy transfer catalysis. Special emphasis has been given to different catalytic activation modes that enable the construction of challenging carbon‐carbon and carbon‐heteroatom bond in an enantioselective fashion. A brief analysis of substrate scope and limitation as well as reaction mechanism of these reactions has been included.
On coparanormality in distributed supervisory control of discrete‐event systems
Authors: Saeidi Vahid , Afzalian Ali A. , Gharavian Davood
Published: May 2020

Decomposition and localization of a supervisor are both reduction methods in distributed supervisory control of discrete‐event systems. Decomposition is employed to reduce the number of events and localization is used to reduce the number of states of local controllers. In decomposition of a supervisor both observation and control scopes are restricted, whereas in localization only control authority is restricted to the corresponding local controller. In this paper, we propose a decomposition method by defining a coparanormality property, and by using the relative observability property of a monolithic supervisor. Coparanormality is a coobservation property defined based on a paranormality property for a set of natural projections. It is shown that each supervisor can be coparanormal, provided a set of appropriate natural projections exist. Moreover, it is proved that relative observability is a sufficient condition to decompose a supervisor. Furthermore, the supervisor localization procedure is generalized to find a set of local controllers for any partition of the controllable events set. The implementation of such local controllers may become easier in industrial systems.
Epitopes of Naturally Acquired and Vaccine‐Induced Anti‐Ebola Virus Glycoprotein Antibodies in Single Amino Acid Resolution
Authors: Heidepriem Jasmin , Krähling Verena , Dahlke Christine , Wolf Timo , Klein Florian , Addo Marylyn M. , Becker Stephan , Loeffler Felix F.
Published: May 2020

The Ebola virus (EBOV) can cause severe infections in humans, leading to a fatal outcome in a high percentage of cases. Neutralizing antibodies against the EBOV surface glycoprotein (GP) can prevent infections, demonstrating a straightforward way for an efficient vaccination strategy. Meanwhile, many different anti‐EBOV antibodies have been identified, whereas the exact binding epitopes are often unknown. Here, the analysis of serum samples from an EBOV vaccine trial with the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus‐Zaire ebolavirus (rVSV‐ZEBOV) and an Ebola virus disease survivor, using high‐density peptide arrays, is presented. In this proof‐of‐principle study, distinct IgG and IgM antibodies binding to different epitopes of EBOV GP is detected: By mapping the whole GP as overlapping peptide fragments, new epitopes and confirmed epitopes from the literature are found. Furthermore, the highly selective binding epitope of a neutralizing monoclonal anti‐EBOV GP antibody could be validated. This shows that peptide arrays can be a valuable tool to study the humoral immune response to vaccines in patients and to support Ebola vaccine development.
Improved two‐stage protein expression and purification via autoinduction of both autolysis and auto DNA/RNA hydrolysis conferred by phage lysozyme and DNA/RNA endonuclease
Authors: Menacho‐Melgar Romel , Moreb Eirik A. , Efromson John P. , Yang Tian , Hennigan Jennifer N. , Wang Ruixin , Lynch Michael D.
Published: May 2020

We report improved release of recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli, which relies on combined cellular autolysis and DNA/RNA autohydrolysis, conferred by the tightly controlled autoinduction of both phage lysozyme and the nonspecific DNA/RNA endonuclease from Serratia marcescens. Autoinduction occurs in a two‐stage process wherein heterologous protein expression and autolysis enzymes are induced upon entry into stationary phase by phosphate depletion. Cytoplasmic lysozyme and periplasmic endonuclease are kept from inducing lysis until membrane integrity is disrupted. After cell harvest, the addition of detergent (0.1% Triton X‐100) and a single 30 min freeze‐thaw cycle results in >90% release of protein, green fluorescent protein. This cellular lysis is accompanied by complete oligonucleotide hydrolysis. The approach has been validated for shake flask cultures, high‐throughput cultivation in microtiter plates, and larger scale stirred‐tank bioreactors. This tightly controlled system enables robust growth and resistance to lysis in routine media when cells are propagated and autolysis/hydrolysis genes are only induced upon phosphate depletion.
A spreadsheet‐based tool for education of chemical process simulation and control fundamentals
Authors: Nachtigalova Iva , Finkeova Jana , Krbcova Zuzana , Souskova Hana
Published: May 2020

This paper describes Process Simulation and Control (PSIC), a user‐friendly Excel add‐in application, for studying process dynamics and designing simple control systems, through modeling and simulation in the time domain. It is an interactive tool for education, which utilizes a well‐known spreadsheet environment. It has been designed to help bachelor students of Chemistry understand the behavior of basic chemical engineering systems and basic principles of feedback control, without the need to program in Visual Basic for Applications or to understand Laplace transformation. PSIC allows students to build dynamic simulation models of liquid storage systems, heat or mass transfer processes, chemical and biochemical reactors, and many more systems. PSIC can simulate systems consisting of up to 10 ordinary differential equations of the first order, with up to 25 quantities. Optionally, simulation models can be connected to a feedback proportional–integral–derivative controller into a configurable regulatory loop. The use of PSIC is illustrated in the simulation and control of an electrically heated water heater.
Conservative management of fifth metacarpal head fracture in a professional cricketer: A case study and literature review
Authors: Pandya Tej , Dale Susan , Donnison Ella , Kluzek Stefan
Published: May 2020

This is a unique presentation of common injury in a young professional athlete. The sensitivity of typical acute clinical signs in athletes is not known. Adequate splinting and early graded mobilization are key for successful rehabilitation, which was shorter than reported in the literature.
FeIII and FeII Phosphasalen Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Application for 2‐Naphthol Oxidative Coupling
Authors: Oheix Emmanuel , Herrero Christian , Moutet Jules , Rebilly Jean‐Noël , Cordier Marie , Guillot Régis , Bourcier Sophie , Banse Frédéric , Sénéchal‐David Katell , Auffrant Audrey
Published: May 2020

We report on the synthesis and characterization of three iron(III) phosphasalen complexes, [FeIII(Psalen)(X)] differing in the nature of the counter‐anion/exogenous ligand (X−=Cl−, NO3−, OTf−), as well as the neutral iron(II) analogue, [FeII(Psalen)]. Phosphasalen (Psalen) differs from salen by the presence of iminophosphorane (P=N) functions in place of the imines. All the complexes were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, UV/Vis, EPR, and cyclic voltammetry. The [FeII(Psalen)] complex was shown to remain tetracoordinated even in coordinating solvent but surprisingly exhibits a magnetic moment in line with a FeII high‐spin ground state. For the FeIII complexes, the higher lability of triflate anion compared to nitrate was demonstrated. As they exhibit lower reduction potentials compared to their salen analogues, these complexes were tested for the coupling of 2‐naphthol using O2 from air as oxidant. In order to shed light on this reaction, the interaction between 2‐naphthol and the FeIII(Psalen) complexes was studied by cyclic voltammetry as well as UV/Vis spectroscopy.
Investigation of color‐emotion associations of the university students
Authors: Demir Ümit
Published: May 2020

This study aims to research the effect of the interface background color choice on the emotion of university students. The study group consisted of 929 Turkish students studying at the vocational colleges of technical and social sciences in Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Turkey. In this study, the descriptive method was used. A color effect form developed by the researcher was used. The validity of the tool was controlled by the faculty members in the Guidance and Psychological Counseling Department of Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University. The analysis of the findings showed that primary, secondary, and tertiary colors had positive impacts on the participants' perceptions except for gray color. In this negative perception, the boredom perception of the gray was affective. The colors having the most positive perceptions of the participants were white, blue, and red. In the positive perception of these colors, their perception of relaxing and encouraging was effective. In the colors' effect, there were significant differences according to the gender and academic education department. Red, black, white, gray, and purple colors' effect changed according to gender, while red, blue, and purple colors' effect changed according to the education department. As a result, this study, which is conducted with the participation of a large number and the usage of software, is expected to be a good reference on color perception and color design for software interface designers.
Insight into Out‐of‐Layer Fluctuations in the Smectic A Stability of 3,5‐Diarylisoxazole Liquid Crystals
Authors: Sales Eric S. , dos Santos Gabriel M. , Mandle Richard J. , Costa Wallison C. , Bechtold Ivan H. , Gonçalves Itamar L. , Eifler‐Lima Vera L. , Merlo Aloir A.
Published: May 2020

Polar‐terminated 3,5‐diarylisoxazole liquid crystals (ILCs) were synthetized and characterized. ILCs are composed by rigid core 3,5‐diarylisoxazol, alkyl chain and polar‐terminated flexible spacer. Hydroxyl‐, ketal‐ and 1,2‐diol‐terminated ILCs rendered smectic C and A mesophase, while bromine‐terminated ILCs showed smectic A and B mesophase, for monosubstituted and linear ILCs. For branched alkyl chain monotropic SmA was detected and for disubstituted ILCs no mesophase was detected. Out‐of‐layer fluctuations (OLFs) are discussed based on X‐ray diffraction date and textures. The OLFs are dependent on the bromine atom hardness, hydrogen bonding through collective actions and conformational effects at the interface between layers. Smectic translational order parameter (TOP) Σ was also obtained for orientated bromine‐ and hydroxyl‐terminated ILCs and related it with OLFs. For 1,2‐diol‐terminated ILCs two SmC sublayers were founded, probably related to the intramolecular hydrogen bond favoring the 5‐membered and 6‐membered formation.
Spatiotemporal trends in crop yields, yield variability, and yield gaps across the USA
Authors: Kucharik Christopher J. , Ramiadantsoa Tanjona , Zhang Jien , Ives Anthony R.
Published: May 2020

Future crop yield increases are unlikely to keep pace with the dietary needs of a global human population expected to reach nine billion by 2050. This study used United States Department of Agriculture county‐level yield data and autoregressive moving‐average models to examine how changes in maize (Zea mays L.), soybean (Glycine max L.), and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields, temporal variability in yields, and yield gaps have varied across space and time from 1970–2017. The majority of county‐level yields have increased linearly, although the increases in wheat lag behind corn and soybean. Where trends were nonlinear, accelerating yields were found in more mesic regions east of the Great Plains, and decelerating yields were found in the drier central and western United States. Mean crop yields were positively correlated with rate of yield increase and negatively correlated with interannual variability. Hotspots were identified in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and some West Coast states where crop yields are currently the largest, have the lowest yield gaps, and since 1970, have had the highest rates of change and/or are experiencing an acceleration of annual yield gains. Across all crop types, the counties with the lowest average yields, highest yield gaps, lowest rates of yield increase over time, and/or deceleration in yield increases were predominantly found in the central United States, including the Dakotas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Regions of greatest performance generally have fertile soils, plentiful growing season rainfall, and optimal growing season length and temperatures, or are benefitting from irrigation.
Comparison of Two Acid Hydrotropes for Sustainable Fractionation of Birch Wood
Authors: Cai Cheng , Li Jian , Hirth Kolby , Huber George W. , Lou Hongming , Zhu J. Y.
Published: May 2020

This study reports on a comparative study of acid hydrotropic fractionation (AHF) of birch wood using maleic acid (MA) and p‐toluenesulfonic acid (p‐TsOH). Under the same level of delignification, lignin dissolved by MA is much less condensed with a higher content of ether aryl β‐O‐4 linkages. Lignin depolymerization dominated in MA hydrotropic fractionation (MAHF) and resulted in a single lower molecular weight peak, in contrast to the competitive depolymerization and repolymerization in p‐TsOH AHF with a bimodal distribution. The less condensed MA‐dissolved lignin facilitated catalytic conversion to monophenols. Carboxylation of residual lignin in fractionated cellulosic water‐insoluble solids (WISs) enhanced enzymatic saccharification by decreasing nonproductive cellulase binding to lignin. At a low cellulase loading of 10 FPU g−1 glucan, saccharification of WIS‐MT120 from MAHF at 120 °C was 95 % compared with 48 % for WIS‐PT85 from p‐TsOH AHF at 85 °C under the same level of delignification of 63 %. Residual lignin carboxylation also facilitated nanofibrillation of WIS for producing lignin‐containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNFs) through an enhanced lignin lubrication effect, which substantially decreases fibrillation energy. LCNFs from only one pass of microfluidization of WIS‐MT120 have the same morphology as those from WIS‐PT85 after three passes. MA also has a lower solubility and higher minimal hydrotropic concentration, which facilitated acid recovery. MA is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved as an indirect food additive, affording significant advantages compared with p‐TsOH for biorefinery applications.
Isolation enhancement for dual‐band MIMO antenna system using multiple slots loading technique
Authors: R Ramesh , Kommuri Usha Kiran
Published: May 2020

In this paper, a novel multiple slot loading technique is studied in detail for the isolation enhancement of the dual‐band MIMO antenna system. The proposed MIMO antenna design consists of the microstrip patch loaded with T‐shaped slots parallel to the non‐radiating edge of the patch. The frequency tuning could be achieved by varying the length of the T‐shape slot arm. The proposed MIMO antenna system is optimised for operation in WLAN and WiMAX applications. The isolation enhancement is achieved by providing simple multiple slots loaded in the ground plane between radiating elements. The length of the slots is λ/4. The system is fabricated and tested using a vector network analyser and anechoic chamber. The reduction in mutual coupling up to −29.16 dB and −24.09 dB for the 2.4 GHz and 3.4 GHz, respectively, is achieved. The bandwidths are 62.3 MHz (3.33–3.39 GHz) and 55.5 MHz (2.37–2.42 GHz), respectively. The total gain obtained in this case is 1.8 dBi at 2.4 GHz and 1.2 dBi at 3.4 GHz, respectively. The dimensions of the proposed designed antenna are 70 mm × 60 mm × 1.6 mm. The results were also verified through mutual coupling parameters like envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) and channel capacity loss (CCL) at the desired frequencies.
Chemoselectivity in Self‐Promoted Glycosylation: N‐ vs. O‐Glycosylation
Authors: Pinna Alessandro , Pedersen Christian Marcus
Published: May 2020

Self‐promoted glycosylation using trichloroacetimidates and sulfonamides have recently been developed. In this communication, we study the parameters controlling the chemoselectivity between a nucleophilic sulfonamide nitrogen and an alcohol, both contained in the same molecule. The influence of solvent polarity and concentrations have been studied, and it has been revealed how the chemoselectivity, and to some extend the stereoselectivity, can be controlled. The experimental results furthermore provide insight into the reaction mechanism of this self‐promoted glycosylation and the mechanism of glycosylation reactions in general.