bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of Soil Properties under Jhum Cultivation: A Review
Authors: Khan Rajesh , Tasung Ampee , Makdoh Badapmain , Bhagawati Kaushik , Suryawanshi Ashwini , Alone Rajesh A , Angami Thejangulie , Nyodu Mikar , Drema Lachi , Tsomu Thupten , Chongboi Immanuel , Tamuk Pooja , Basar Karge
Published: October 2024

A staple of many indigenous cultures, shifting agriculture is coming under more and more scrutiny for its role in soil degradation and deforestation, especially in light of climate change. This study investigates the effects of jhum agriculture in Arunachal Pradesh, with a particular emphasis on the detrimental effects on soil qualities and its contribution to deforestation. Along with considerable nutrient loss from frequent forest clearing and burning, jhum farming causes severe soil degradation, including soil erosion and changes in the physical and chemical properties of the soil. In the diverse climates of Arunachal Pradesh, characterized by heavy rainfall, soil fertility and moisture are especially vulnerable. The shortening of fallow periods further destabilizes soil moisture and fertility, despite the potential benefits of carbon dynamics and sequestration during extended fallows. This research underscores the urgent need for sustainable practices, such as improved soil moisture conservation and extended fallow periods, to align traditional agricultural practices with the goals of climate resilience, soil health, and long-term sustainability.
Improving Peanut (Arachis hyphogaea L.) Productivity by Optimizing Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilization
Authors: Purbajanti E D , Safitri D , A.F.Irawan  , S.Arafat
Published: October 2024

Due to their high nutritious, peanuts (Arachis hyphogaea L.) are a popular kind among consumers. For growth and productivity, peanut plants need vital nutrients including N, P, K, Ca, Mg and K. P is especially necessary for the development of blooms, pods, and seeds. A 2 × 4 factorial design was employed in the study, and it was repeated three times. Factor II consists of P fertilizers (SP36: 36 % P2O5), specifically 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg P2O5/ha. Factor I sources of N are NO3- (potassium nitrate) and NH4+ (ammonium sulfate). The criteria that were observed were the amount of chlorophyll in the fifth leaf from the tip of the plant, NR activity, yield of the peanut pod, height of the peanut plant, and biomass of the peanut. The nitrogen source treatment has a major impact on ANR levels, yield, plant height, and chlorophyll. There is a greater interaction when using nitrate as a N fertilizer. Higher P2O5 NR yields, P up to 150 kg, Chlorophyll, height of peanut plants, peanut biomass, and yield of peanut pods are observed. Similarly, increased application of N fertilizer (ammonium, P up to 150 kg P2O5) results in higher NR yields. Height of the peanut plants, biomass, yield of the peanut pods, and chlorophyll.
Growth and Reproduction Performance of the Earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) Fed with Different Substrates Made of Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunches: A Case of Vermicompost Production, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: TOURE Mamadou , KPAN Kpan Kouakou Gains , EHOUMAN N’Guetta Moise , TIHO Seydou
Published: October 2024

The objective of the present study is to analyze the growth capacity and activity of the worm species Eudrilus eugeniae in different substrates based on palm oil empty fruit bunches as part of the production of vermicompost. To this end, 4 treatments were carried out by adding to palm oil empty fruit bunches other substrates readily available in the environment, notably Chromolaena odorata leaves and grass clippings. 1.5 L plastic boxes were filled with 800 g of soil and 300 g of various precomposted substrates. In each box, 4 earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) were seeded. A total of 4 treatments were carried out: T1 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + earthworms), T2 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + Chromolaena odorata + earthworms), T3 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + grass clippings + earthworms) and T4 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + Chromolaena odorata + grass clippings + earthworms). For the different vermicomposts based on palm oil empty fruit bunches, growth parameters and Eudrilus eugeniae activity were better in treatments T3 and T4. These same treatments also showed significant variation in substrate quantity after vermicomposting. The combination of palm oil empty fruit bunches and green waste (Chromolaena odorata and grass clippings) would be ideal for the production of vermicompost with good agronomic potential to be applied as an organic amendment to cultivated plants.
Adaptation of the Operating Room Nursing Staff to New Protocols During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Cardoso Geovanna Dos Passos , Silva Iasmin Maria , Oliveira Ruan Logan Da Costa De , Sousa Yasmin Martins De , Ramalho Jully Greyce Freitas de Paula , Soares Tamires de Nazaré
Published: October 2024

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic, declared by the WHO in March 2020, worsened global health, resulting in thousands of deaths and a hospital crisis due to the rapid spread of the virus. In the surgical context, operating rooms were identified as high-risk locations, requiring new biosafety protocols. The overload on the nursing team affected hospital care, highlighting the urgent need to understand the repercussions on surgical dynamics.  
Objective: to analyze the adaptation process of the surgical center's nursing team through the implementation of new safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic in a reference hospital in Belém. 
Methodology: This is a qualitative study with an exploratory approach, involving nursing staff at the Surgical Center of the Fundação Hospital de Clínicas Gaspar Vianna (FHCGV), which is a reference hospital for psychiatry, nephrology, and cardiology in the state of Pará. Data were collected via individual interviews, with the assistance of a voice recorder or manual responses to the questionnaire proposed in the study. Subsequently, the data was subjected to analysis in accordance with the methodology proposed by Laurence Bardin.
Results and Discussion: The findings demonstrated a series of adaptations that the nursing team had implemented in order to comply with the recently introduced biosafety protocols. The primary alterations observed include: The alteration in work routine, the difficulties encountered by the operating room nursing team, and the assistance provided for the implementation of the new protocols. The data obtained indicates that the nursing team's adaptation was effective in ensuring the continuity of surgical procedures in a safe and secure manner throughout the course of the pandemic. Furthermore, the nursing team demonstrated remarkable innovation in the provision of care for patients with positive covid-19 test results, as evidenced by their exemplary record-keeping practices. However, the adaptation process also revealed significant challenges, such as an increased workload, which necessitated the implementation of psychological support and well-being measures for professionals.  
Conclusion: the study highlights the adaptability of the surgical center's nursing team in the face of an unprecedented crisis. The lessons learned and the strategies implemented will serve as a reference for future health emergency situations
Profitability of Vegetable Cultivation under Groundwater Condition in Karnataka, India
Authors: P Arpitha , Hiremath G M , Reddy B S
Published: October 2024

The study assessed the profitability and water use efficiency of vegetable crops, specifically cabbage and cauliflower, in comparison to cereal crops like ragi and maize in Karnataka during 2020-2021. Data were collected from 120 farmers using a multistage purposive sampling design. The results indicated that vegetable crops had significantly higher gross and net returns than cereal crops. Additionally, the water use efficiency of cabbage and cauliflower was superior, meaning they utilized water more effectively to generate economic returns. The benefit-cost ratio also favoured the vegetable crops, demonstrating that they were more profitable compared to ragi and maize. Overall, the findings highlighted that under groundwater conditions, vegetable crops performed better in terms of profitability and water efficiency, suggesting that promoting vegetable cultivation could enhance farm incomes and optimize water use in Karnataka.
The Impact of Stratospheric Ozone Feedbacks on Climate Sensitivity Estimates
Authors: Nowack Peer J. , Abraham N. Luke , Braesicke Peter , Pyle John A.
Published: April 2018

A number of climate modeling studies have shown that differences between typical choices for representing ozone can affect climate change projections. Here we investigate potential climate impacts of a specific ozone representation used in simulations of the Hadley Centre Global Environment Model for the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5. The method considers ozone changes only in the troposphere and lower stratosphere and prescribes stratospheric ozone elsewhere. For a standard climate sensitivity simulation, we find that this method leads to significantly increased global warming and specific patterns of regional surface warming compared with a fully interactive atmospheric chemistry setup. We explain this mainly by the suppressed part of the stratospheric ozone changes and the associated alteration of the stratospheric water vapor feedback. This combined effect is modulated by simultaneous cirrus cloud changes. We underline the need to understand better how representations of ozone can affect climate modeling results and, in particular, global and regional climate sensitivity estimates.
New Insights into the Composition and Structure of Seed Mucilage
Authors: Phan Jana L. , Burton Rachel A.
Published: April 2018

Upon exposure to aqueous environments, polysaccharides present in the seed coats of myxospermous species swell and extrude forming a halo of mucilage that completely envelops the seed. The extruded mucilage is usually a composite of pectic, non‐cellulosic, and cellulosic polysaccharides, and because of its accessibility the seed mucilage system has been used extensively in the laboratory to uncover molecular mechanisms associated with plant cell wall (PCW) polysaccharide biosynthesis. The mucilage of
Arabidopsis
, which is predominantly composed of pectic polysaccharides, is the most extensively characterised. Interrogation of this system has revealed intricate molecular and chemical details about polysaccharide biosynthesis and seed coat development, clearly demonstrating the effectiveness of using seed mucilage systems as a proxy to study PCW polysaccharide biosynthesis. Significant advances have been made in our understanding and identification of the genes and enzymes involved in pectin, cellulose, and xylan biosynthesis. Recent results regarding the composition, combined with the definition of the architectural properties, of extruded seed mucilage are synergistic with our current models of how polysaccharides interact in the PCW. In addition to the desirable characteristics of myxospermy for the study of PCW polysaccharide biosynthesis, industrial applications of seed mucilages are extensive. Strong interest from the food manufacturing and processing, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and waste management industries has also encouraged researchers to investigate the physiochemical properties of seed mucilages and their possible applications. This article highlights the recent advances made in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and the architectural properties of mucilage biosynthesis across diverse species.
Navigational cue effects in Alzheimer's disease and posterior cortical atrophy
Authors: Yong Keir X. X. , McCarthy Ian D. , Poole Teresa , Suzuki Tatsuto , Yang Biao , Carton Amelia M. , Holloway Catherine , Papadosifos Nikolaos , Boampong Derrick , Langham Julia , Slattery Catherine F. , Paterson Ross W. , Foulkes Alexander J. M. , Schott Jonathan M. , Frost Chris , Tyler Nick , Crutch Sebastian J.
Published: April 2018

Objective

Deficits in spatial navigation are characteristic and disabling features of typical Alzheimer's disease (tAD) and posterior cortical atrophy (PCA). Visual cues have been proposed to mitigate such deficits; however, there is currently little empirical evidence for their use.

Methods

The effect of visual cues on visually guided navigation was assessed within a simplified real‐world setting in individuals with tAD (n = 10), PCA (n = 8), and healthy controls (n = 12). In a repeated‐measures design comprising 36 trials, participants walked to a visible target destination (an open door within a built environment), with or without the presence of an obstacle. Contrast and motion‐based cues were evaluated; both aimed to facilitate performance by applying perceptual changes to target destinations without carrying explicit information. The primary outcome was completion time; secondary outcomes were measures of fixation position and walking path directness during consecutive task phases, determined using mobile eyetracking and motion capture methods.

Results

Results illustrate marked deficits in patients’ navigational ability, with patient groups taking an estimated two to three times longer to reach target destinations than controls and exhibiting tortuous walking paths. There were no significant differences between tAD and PCA task performance. Overall, patients took less time to reach target destinations under cue conditions (contrast‐cue: 11.8%; 95% CI: [2.5, 20.3]) and were more likely initially to fixate on targets.

Interpretation

The study evaluated navigation to destinations within a real‐world environment. There is evidence that introducing perceptual changes to the environment may improve patients’ navigational ability.
Complications of Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Ward Michael M.
Published: April 2018

Objective

To compare the risks of complications of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) between patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and those without AS.

Methods

In this population‐based study, we examined data from 1999 to 2013 of US Medicare beneficiaries (ages <75 years old) with AS and a comparison group without AS who had undergone primary THA. Complications were based on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 2013 THA Complication Measure, which included myocardial infarction, pneumonia, or sepsis within 7 days; surgical site bleeding, pulmonary embolus, or venous thrombosis within 30 days; or mechanical complications or local infection within 90 days. Mortality within 90 days, revision arthroplasty within 1 year, long length of stay, discharge to a care facility, and readmission within 90 days were also examined.

Results

The study included 2,773 patients with AS and 107,341 patients without AS who had THA. Perioperative complications, 30‐day complications, and local infections were rare in both groups (<1%). Mechanical complications and revision arthroplasty were uncommon in both groups. Ninety‐day mortality was lower among patients with AS than those without AS (0.36% versus 0.7%). Patients with AS were more likely to be discharged to a care facility, and slightly more likely to have a long length of stay. Likelihood of a long stay was lower at hospitals that performed ≥100 THAs per year, but other complications were not associated with hospital volume.

Conclusion

Complications after primary THA are uncommon in patients with AS and similar in frequency to those without AS. Ninety‐day mortality was lower among patients with AS.
Detailed Analysis of Closed‐Cell Aluminum Alloy Foam Internal Structure Changes during Compressive Deformation
Authors: Ulbin Miran , Vesenjak Matej , Borovinšek Matej , Duarte Isabel , Higa Yoshikazu , Shimojima Ken , Ren Zoran
Published: April 2018

This paper proposes the new methodology for geometrical properties identification of step‐wise deformed closed‐cell aluminum alloy foam. The change of internal structure of cylindrical foam specimens during deformation is ex situ recorded by a micro computed tomography scanner. The geometry of five specimens is analyzed in un‐deformed and several deformed states until 70% of engineering strain. The obtained CT images is used to construct the 3D computer models of un‐deformed/deformed foam specimens. These are then subjected to an automated analysis of the geometrical properties of internal structure to determine the size, distribution, and orientation of the pores. The results provide the basis for further analysis of the variation in internal structure during the deformation process. The internal structure of un‐deformed specimens exhibits a pore orientation dependent on the fabrication process. Significant changes of internal pore structure is observed during the deformation process, where the specimens with small spatial variation of porosity sustains larger strains until failure under compressive load. The specimens with larger spatial variation of porosity and larger pore concentrations disintegrate earlier.
Modulating Surface Potential by Controlling the β Phase Content in Poly(vinylidene fluoridetrifluoroethylene) Membranes Enhances Bone Regeneration
Authors: Zhang Chenguang , Liu Wenwen , Cao Cen , Zhang Fengyi , Tang Qingming , Ma Siqin , Zhao JiaJia , Hu Li , Shen Yang , Chen Lili
Published: April 2018

Bioelectricity plays a vital role in living organisms. Although electrical stimulation is introduced in the field of bone regeneration, the concept of a dose–response relationship between surface potential and osteogenesis is not thoroughly studied. To optimize the osteogenic properties of different surface potentials, a flexible piezoelectric membrane, poly(vinylidene fluoridetrifluoroethylene) [P(VDF‐TrFE)], is fabricated by annealing treatment to control its β phases. The surface potential and piezoelectric coefficients (d33) of the membranes can be regulated by increasing β phase contents. Compared with d33 = 20 pC N−1 (surface potential = −78 mV) and unpolarized membranes, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) cultured on the d33 = 10 pC N−1 (surface potential = −53 mV) membranes have better osteogenic properties. In vivo, d33 = 10 pC N−1 membranes result in rapid bone regeneration and complete mature bone‐structure formation. BM‐MSCs on d33 = 10 pC N−1 membranes have the lowest reactive oxygen species level and the highest mitochondrial membrane electric potential, implying that these membranes provide the best electrical qunantity for BM‐MSCs’ proliferation and energy metabolism. This study establishes an effective method to control the surface potential of P(VDF‐Trfe) membranes and highlights the importance of optimized electrical stimulation in bone regeneration.
Electrodimerization of N‐Alkoxyamides for Zinc(II) Catalyzed Phenolic Ester Synthesis under Mild Reaction Conditions
Authors: Subramanian Kripa , Yedage Subhash L. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: April 2018

An electrochemical On‐Off method for phenolic ester synthesis from N‐alkoxyamides has been reported. This one‐pot protocol begins with rapid and selective electrodimerization of the amide using n‐Bu4NI (TBAI) as an electrocatalyst. The reaction proceeds further in the absence of current via Zn catalyzed C−N bond activation of the amide dimer followed by its coupling with phenol to form the ester. The present methodology is ligand‐free and takes place under mild reaction conditions. This transformation incorporates a wide variety of phenols and amide substrates leading to the formation of functionalized esters highlighting its versatility.

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Cu(I)‐Ming‐phos Catalyzed Enantioselective [3+2] Cycloadditions of Glycine ketimines to β‐Trifluoromethyl Enones
Authors: Liu Bing , Zhang Zhan‐Ming , Xu Bing , Xu Shan , Wu Hai‐Hong , Zhang Junliang
Published: April 2018

A catalytic asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition of glycine ketimines with β‐CF3 β,β‐disubstituted enones was realized in the presence of a chiral copper(I)/Ming‐Phos complex. This method provides an access to construct highly functionalized pyrrolidines bearing three contiguous stereocenters, which including a trifluoromethylated all‐carbon quaternary stereocenter. The features of this reaction include high chemo‐, diastereo‐, enantioselectivity (up to >20:1 cr, >20:1 dr, 98% ee), readily available starting materials, well functional‐group tolerance and mild reaction conditions. Control experiments demonstrate that the fluoro‐substituent is crucial for the reactivity.

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Polyamidoamine‐Based Hydrogel for Removal of Blue and Red Dyes from Wastewater
Authors: Rizzi Vito , Fiorini Federica , Lamanna Giuseppe , Gubitosa Jennifer , Prasetyanto Eko Adi , Fini Paola , Fanelli Fiorenza , Nacci Angelo , De Cola Luisa , Cosma Pinalysa
Published: April 2018

One of the major problems related to the use of dyes in industrial applications is their elimination from the water or soil and eventually their recovery and reutilization. In this context, a new biocompatible material, previously considered suitable for biomedical applications, is presented for the first time, as an innovative adsorbent material for wastewater treatment. A polyamidoamine‐based hydrogel, prepared by Michael‐type polyaddition in water, is used for efficiently adsorbing two anionic toxic textile dyes from aqueous solutions. Several parameters affecting the adsorption process, such as the pH of solutions containing dyes, the amount of hydrogel and dyes, and the effect of temperature, are investigated. Moreover, the hydrogel dehydration and swollen conditions by using dye water solution are studied by Thermo‐Gravimetry (TG) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analyses, finding that the dehydration temperature plays a relevant role in determining the subsequent adsorbing behavior. The material characterization shows that the adsorption process can be attributed to a combination of electrostatic attraction and intermolecular interactions between hydrogel functional groups and the dye molecules. Visible absorption spectroscopy and Fourier Transform InfraRed‐Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR‐ATR) support the findings. The kinetics of the dye adsorption process are also evaluated, together with the adsorption isotherms.
Compartmentalized Microhelices Prepared via Electrohydrodynamic Cojetting
Authors: Gil Manjae , Moon Seongjun , Yoon Jaewon , Rhamani Sahar , Shin Jae‐Won , Lee Kyung Jin , Lahann Joerg
Published: April 2018

Anisotropically compartmentalized microparticles have attracted increasing interest in areas ranging from sensing, drug delivery, and catalysis to microactuators. Herein, a facile method is reported for the preparation of helically decorated microbuilding blocks, using a modified electrohydrodynamic cojetting method. Bicompartmental microfibers are twisted in situ, during electrojetting, resulting in helical microfibers. Subsequent cryosectioning of aligned fiber bundles provides access to helically decorated microcylinders. The unique helical structure endows the microfibers/microcylinders with several novel functions such as translational motion in response to rotating magnetic fields. Finally, microspheres with helically patterned compartments are obtained after interfacially driven shape shifting of helically decorated microcylinders.
Chiral DNA Origami Nanotubes with Well‐Defined and Addressable Inside and Outside Surfaces
Authors: Benn Florence , Haley Natalie E. C. , Lucas Alexandra E. , Silvester Emma , Helmi Seham , Schreiber Robert , Bath Jonathan , Turberfield Andrew J.
Published: April 2018

We report the design and assembly of chiral DNA nanotubes with well‐defined and addressable inside and outside surfaces. We demonstrate that the outside surface can be functionalised with a chiral arrangement of gold nanoparticles to create a plasmonic device and that the inside surface can be functionalised with a track for a molecular motor allowing transport of a cargo within the central cavity.
Indolylbenzimidazole‐based ligands catalyze the coupling of arylboronic acids with aryl halides
Authors: Wang Meng‐Pei , Chiu Chien‐Cheng , Lu Ta‐Jung , Lee Dong‐Sheng
Published: April 2018

A novel class of compounds bearing indole and benzimidazole rings was designed and easily synthesized from 2‐indolecarboxylic acid and o‐phenylenediamine. The catalytic system derived from a 2‐indolylbenzimidazole‐based ligand and Pd(OAc)2 in situ could lead to complete conversion of aryl bromides at 0.5 mol% Pd loading under mild reaction conditions. In the presence of a catalyst, sterically hindered biaryls were selectively generated in excellent yields by adjusting reaction parameters through the coupling of arylboronic acids with aryl halides. The efficiency of this reaction was demonstrated by its compatibility with various functional groups.
Nano‐synthesis and spectral, thermal, modeling, quantitative structure–activity relationship and docking studies of novel bioactive homo‐binuclear metal complexes derived from thiazole drug for therapeutic applications
Authors: Saad Fawaz A.
Published: April 2018

Seven novel homo‐binuclear Cr(III), Fe(III), Cu(II), ZrO(II), Sn(II), Pb(II) and Ce(III) nanosized complexes of a thiazole drug (H2L) were synthesized for chemotherapeutic applications. H2L was prepared via a condensation reaction between 2‐(4‐aminobenzenesulfonamido)thiazole and 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde. The structures of H2L and its metal complexes were investigated by various means. These included microanalysis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, Fourier transform infrared, UV–visible, electron spin resonance and mass spectroscopies, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and molar conductivity. The measurements revealed that H2L coordinates with the metal ions through two chelating centers, indicating its behavior as a dibasic tetradentate ligand. The first center involves the nitrogen of azomethine (CH═N) and the α‐hydroxyl oxygen while the other center is the thiazole nitrogen and the sulfonamide oxygen. From spectroscopic and analytical data, the Cr(III), Fe(III) and Ce(III) complexes have octahedral geometries, whereas the Cu(II), ZrO(II), Sn(II) and Pb(II) complexes have tetrahedral geometries. TEM and XRD measurements unambiguously showed the nanometric particle sizes of the complexes. The activation thermo‐kinetic parameters, E*, ∆H*, ∆S* and ∆G*, of the various decomposition steps of the complexes were determined mathematically from the TGA curves. Gaussian09 and quantitative structure–activity relationship modeling studies were utilized to verify the biological and structural feature relationships. Docking studies were performed to throw more light on the biological priority of the proposed drugs, using microorganism protein receptors. The antitumor and antimicrobial efficiencies of the H2L drug and its complexes were determined to estimate their potential therapeutic utility. In general, the complexes showed greater antitumor and antimicrobial efficiencies than the H2L drug. The Fe(III) complex exhibited efficient antimicrobial activities against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus and its efficiency is equivalent to that of standard drugs. The Cu(II) complex showed the greatest cytotoxic activity towards HEPG2.
Preparation, characterizations and biological evaluations of new copper(II) complexes containing ONO pincer type ligands
Authors: Elamathi C. , Butcher Ray , Prabhakaran R.
Published: April 2018

A new heterocyclic Schiff bases, 6‐methyl/8methyl‐2‐oxo‐1,2‐dihydroquinoline‐3‐carboxaldehyde semicarbazones (H2‐6MOQsc‐H) (H2L1) and (H2‐8MOQsc‐H) (H2L2) and their corresponding copper(II) complexes [CuCl2(H2‐6MOQsc‐H)].3H2O (1), [CuCl2(H2‐8MOQsc‐H)].3H2O (2), [CuNO3(H2‐6MOQsc‐H)(H2O)].NO3 (3) and [CuNO3(H2‐8MOQsc‐H)(H2O)].NO3 (4) have been synthesized and characterized by various physicochemical techniques. The single crystal X‐ray diffraction and spectral data revealed that all of the complexes (1‐4), the ligands coordinated to the Cu(II) ion in a neutral manner via ONO donor atoms and all the complexes exhibited distorted squarepyramidal geometry. The consequence of electronegativity and ring size of nitrogen heterocyclic moiety of ONO donor type of copper(II) chelates on nucleic acid interaction and albumin binding was investigated by in vitro experiments. The interaction of compounds with calf‐thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) has been explored by absorption and emission titration, which exposed those ligands/complexes, could bind with CT‐DNA through electrostatic interaction. The results of gel electrophoresis proved the ability of complexes (1‐4) to cleave the pBR322 plasmid DNA. The interaction of serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by UV‐Vis, fluorescence, synchronous and three dimensional fluorescence spectra. In addition, radical scavenging activity, antifungal activity and cytotoxicity of the newly synthesized compounds were also evaluated. From the results of in vitro studies, it is seen that complex 3 has more potential as compared with other complexes and ligands.
A model for water vapor permeability reduction in poly(lactic acid) and nanoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Tang Man Chio , Agarwal Sushant , Alsewailem Fares D. , Choi Hyoung J. , Gupta Rakesh K.
Published: April 2018

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is used in packaging applications, but its moisture barrier properties are inferior to poly(ethylene terephthalate) and polystyrene. One objective of the study was to improve these by dispersing nanoclay in PLA. It was found that Cloisite 30B nanoclay showed the best dispersion based on both permeability and transmission electron microscopy results. Compression molded nanocomposite films were amorphous, and moisture permeability measurements revealed that, at the highest loading level of 5.3 vol % organoclay, permeability was reduced by 69% compared to neat PLA. Additionally, independent experiments demonstrated that moisture solubility in the polymer remains unchanged even as solubility in the nanocomposite increases with increasing clay content. A second objective was to explain the measured permeability reduction. A new model is proposed where both the mass flux and area for mass transfer are reduced due to a tortuous path around the impermeable barriers. It is shown that the permeability decreases by a factor of
where h/t is the aspect ratio of the nanoplatelets, and ϕ is their volume fraction. Model predictions agree quantitatively with the measured permeability values when data are obtained as a function of filler volume fraction, temperature of measurement, and the concentration driving force. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46506.
Study of denaturation and composition‐dependent poly(ethylene oxide)–soy protein interactions: Structures and dielectric polarization
Authors: Zheng Zhuoyuan , Ma Da , Rashidi Soheil , Li Bin
Published: April 2018

The significance of aggregated protein structures in tuning structures and dielectric polarization of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/soy protein isolate (SPI) films was studied. The aggregated protein structures, subjected to denaturation processes, are expected to alter polymer–protein interactions, leading to diverse material structures, and properties. However, this is still insufficiently understood. In this study, SPI was modified via different denaturation processes including heat, sonication, and pH‐control. According to structural analysis with scanning electron microscope, fluorescence imaging, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, both denaturation conditions and SPI content affected PEO–SPI interactions, producing distinctive microstructures of PEO and SPI phases, which subsequently caused different dielectric properties in ferroelectric analysis. Particularly, sonication treated‐SPI distinguished itself by generating a unique parabolic‐like composition dependence of dielectric polarization, in contrast to other modified SPIs. Polymer/protein blends have shown great potential in biomedical and electronic applications, which will be further benefited by the findings in this study. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46561.
Identification and characterization of two novel C‐type lectins from the larvae of housefly, Musca domestica L.
Authors: Zhou Jing , Fang Nai‐ Nai , Zheng Ya , Liu Kai‐ Yu , Mao Bin , Kong Li‐ Na , Chen Ya , Ai Hui
Published: April 2018

Lectins and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are widely distributed in various insects and play crucial roles in primary host defense against pathogenic microorganisms. Two AMPs (cecropin and attacin) have been identified and characterized in the larvae of housefly. In this study, two novel C‐type lectins (CTLs) were obtained from Musca domestica, while their agglutinating and antiviral properties were evaluated. Real‐time PCR analysis showed that the mRNA levels of four immune genes (MdCTL1, MdCTL2, Cecropin, and Attacin) from M. domestica were significantly upregulated after injection with killed Gram‐negative Escherichia coli. Moreover, purified MdCTL1‐2 proteins can agglutinate E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus in the presence of calcium ions, suggesting their immune function is Ca2+ dependent. Sequence analysis indicated that typical WND and QPD motifs were found in the Ca2+‐binding site 2 of carbohydrate recognition domain from MdCTL1‐2, which was consistent with their agglutinating activities. Subsequently, antiviral experiments indicated that MdCTL1‐2 proteins could significantly reduce the infection rate of Spodoptera frugiperda 9 cells by the baculovirus Autographa californica multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus, indicating they might play important roles in insect innate immunity against microbial pathogens. In addition, MdCTL1‐2 proteins could effectively inhibit the replication of influenza H1N1 virus, which was similar to the effect of ribavirin. These results suggested that two novel CTLs could be considered a promising drug candidate for the treatment of influenza. Moreover, it is believed that the discovery of the CTLs with antiviral effects in M. domestica will improve our understanding of the molecular mechanism of insect immune response against viruses.
Adalimumab‐Based Treatment Versus Disease‐Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs for Venous Thrombosis in Behçet's Syndrome
Authors: Emmi Giacomo , Vitale Antonio , Silvestri Elena , Boddi Maria , Becatti Matteo , Fiorillo Claudia , Fabiani Claudia , Frediani Bruno , Emmi Lorenzo , Di Scala Gerardo , Goldoni Matteo , Bettiol Alessandra , Vaglio Augusto , Cantarini Luca , Prisco Domenico
Published: April 2018

Objective

Since Behçet's syndrome (BS) is the prototype of inflammation‐induced thrombosis, immunosuppressants are recommended in place of anticoagulants. We undertook this study to assess the clinical efficacy and the corticosteroid‐sparing effect of adalimumab (ADA)–based treatment versus disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy in a large retrospective cohort of patients with BS‐related venous thrombosis.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data on 70 BS patients treated with DMARDs or ADA‐based regimens (ADA with or without DMARDs) because of venous complications. Clinical and imaging evaluations were performed to define vascular response. We explored differences in outcomes between ADA‐based regimens and DMARDs with respect to efficacy, corticosteroid‐sparing role, and time on treatment. We also evaluated the role of anticoagulants as concomitant treatment.

Results

After a mean ± SD follow‐up period of 25.7 ± 23.2 months, ADA‐based regimens induced clinical and imaging improvement of venous thrombosis more frequently (P = 0.001) and rapidly (P < 0.0001) than did DMARDs. The mean dose of corticosteroids administered at the last follow‐up visit was significantly lower with ADA‐based regimens than with DMARDs (P < 0.0001). The time on treatment was significantly longer with ADA plus DMARDs than with DMARDs alone (P = 0.002). No differences were found in terms of efficacy and time on treatment between DMARDs or ADA‐based regimens among patients who received anticoagulants and those who did not.

Conclusion

In this large retrospective study, we have shown that ADA‐based regimens are more effective and rapid than DMARDs in inducing resolution of venous thrombosis in BS patients, allowing reduction of steroid exposure. Moreover, our findings suggest that anticoagulation does not modify the efficacy of either ADA‐based regimens or DMARDs for venous complications.
Inhibitory Regulation of Skin Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis by Apelin/APJ Signaling
Authors: Yokoyama Yoko , Sekiguchi Akiko , Fujiwara Chisako , Uchiyama Akihiko , Uehara Akihito , Ogino Sachiko , Torii Ryoko , Ishikawa Osamu , Motegi Sei‐ichiro
Published: April 2018

Objective

Apelin/APJ signaling has been determined to regulate cardiac and arterial fibrosis and to be involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Our objective was to elucidate the role of apelin in skin fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

Expression of apelin/APJ in normal and SSc fibroblasts was compared. Effects of small interfering RNA depletion and the addition of apelin in fibroblasts were analyzed. The effect of apelin injections on bleomycin‐induced dermal fibrosis in mice was investigated. We analyzed the effects of the biased agonist of APJ, MM07, on skin fibrosis in vitro and in vivo.

Results

The expression of apelin in SSc fibroblasts was significantly lower than that in normal fibroblasts. Serum apelin levels were negatively correlated with the modified Rodnan skin thickness score in SSc patients. Stimulation with transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) inhibited apelin expression in fibroblasts, suggesting that activation of TGFβ1 signaling in SSc might be responsible for reduced apelin expression in SSc fibroblasts. Small interfering RNA depletion of apelin from fibroblasts significantly enhanced fibrosis‐related gene expression, and treatment with apelin protein significantly inhibited TGFβ1 signaling in fibroblasts. Administration of apelin significantly inhibited bleomycin‐induced dermal fibrosis in mice. We demonstrated that MM07 had greater potential than apelin to inhibit fibrosis in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusion

Collectively, TGFβ1 signaling and apelin signaling may counteract each other in the fibrotic process of SSc. Inhibitory regulation of TGFβ1‐induced skin fibrosis by apelin/APJ signaling may be involved in the pathogenesis of SSc and could be a therapeutic target for fibrosis in SSc patients.
Synthesis of Primitive Dendrimer Systems Bearing Bicyclo[3,2,0]Hept‐6‐en‐6‐yl Groups via Unique Au‐catalyzed [2+2] Cyclization
Authors: Lee Kyu Hwan , Jillella Raveendra , Kim Jaewoong , Oh Chang Ho
Published: April 2018

Propargylic pivaloates bearing an alkynyl group at a three‐carbon tether under the gold catalysis would undergo [3,3] rearrangements of propargylic pivaloates followed by tandem [2+2] cyclization to give the corresponding 6‐acylbicyclo[3,2,0]hept‐6‐ens. In continuing work, we prepared various substrates bearing two arms of alkyne‐propargylic pivaloates to explore primitive dendrimer concept bicyclic compounds. Finally, we could obtain a series of diasteromeric compounds bearing two arms of 6‐acylbicyclo[3,2,0]hept‐6‐ene groups in high yields.
Human iNPC therapy leads to improvement in functional neurologic outcomes in a pig ischemic stroke model
Authors: Lau Vivian W. , Platt Simon R. , Grace Harrison E. , Baker Emily W. , West Franklin D.
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States but current therapies are limited with no regenerative potential. Previous translational failures have highlighted the need for large animal models of ischemic stroke and for improved assessments of functional outcomes. The aims of this study were first, to create a post‐stroke functional outcome assessment scale in a porcine model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and second, to use this scale to determine the effect of human‐induced‐pluripotent‐cell‐derived neural progenitor cells (iNPCs) on functional outcome in this large animal stroke model.

Materials and Methods

Eight 6‐month‐old Landrace mix pigs underwent permanent MCAO. Five days following MCAO, pigs received intraparenchymal injections of either iNPCs or PBS. A post‐stroke assessment scale was developed to measure functional outcome. Evaluations were performed at least 1–3 days prior to MCAO and repeated 1 day, 3 days, and 5 days post‐stroke as well as 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 9 weeks, and 12 weeks post‐injection. Comparisons of scores between animals receiving iNPCs or PBS only were compared using a two‐way ANOVA and a Tukey's post‐hoc t test.

Results

The developed scale was able to consistently determine differences between healthy and stroked pigs at all time points. iNPC‐treated pigs showed a significantly faster recovery in their overall scores relative to PBS‐only treated pigs with the parameters of appetite and body posture exhibiting the most improvement in the iNPC‐treated group.

Conclusions

We developed a robust and repeatable functional assessment tool that can reliably detect stroke and recovery, while also showing for the first time that iNPC therapy leads to functional recovery in a translational pig ischemic stroke model. These promising results suggest that iNPCs may 1 day serve as a first in class cell therapeutic for ischemic stroke.
The effect of a single dose of escitalopram on sensorimotor networks
Authors: Weisstanner Christian , Kägi Georg , Krammer Werner , Eap Chin B. , Wiest Roland , Missimer John H. , Weder Bruno J.
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Serving as a pilot study of poststroke pharmacotherapy, the present investigation was intended to establish the effect of a single dose of escitalopram on motor task performance in normal volunteers.

Methods

Ten healthy volunteers of median age 63 years including four females performed a well‐studied tactile manipulation task in two fMRI sessions using a double‐blind cross‐over design. The sessions began approximately three hours after ingestion of 20 mg escitalopram or placebo presented in pseudorandom order. The fMRI image sequences were submitted to principal component analysis (PCA).

Results

Based on volume correlations of task‐related principal components with the mean component images derived in our previous study, we established the reproducibility of two networks of sensorimotor activity proposed there. The network reflecting motor control (cerebral pattern I) appeared invariably in placebo and verum conditions. In contrast, the other network, attributed to diminished motor control due to distracting mental processing (cerebral pattern II), emerged less regularly and exhibited more variability. Second‐level PCAs of both conditions confirmed the findings of the initial analysis. Specifically, it validated the dominant and invariable expression of cerebral pattern I after application of a single dose of escitalopram. Dynamic causal modeling confirmed enhanced motor output as a result of a significantly increased connectivity between primary motor cortex and dorsal premotor cortex.

Conclusion

This pilot study suggests the promise of stimulation by a specific serotonin reuptake inhibitor in regard to recovery and preservation of motor control after stroke.
Insanity defense typology
Authors: Brown Kimberly P.
Published: April 2018

Much has been written about how to conduct insanity defense evaluations, as well as how to operationalize the legal definitions of insanity. However, the insanity defense has never been categorized by a typology. This article describes a typology of six subtypes of the insanity defense: paranoid self‐defense, “but it's mine,” erotomanic stalking, deific decree, disorganized, and false report. Knowledge of these subtypes, while not all inclusive, can inform insanity defense evaluations, guide training, and potentially increase the reliability of forensic evaluators' opinions. In addition, such subtypes can generate future research regarding prevalence, interrater reliability, and associated features of the different subtypes.
Was ‘qualified immunity’ sufficient to shield coach?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: April 2018

Smith Center High School student Jane Doe dated a football player in 2013. She also was on the wrestling team coached by Brock Hutchinson. Hutchinson asked Doe's boyfriend in the presence of teammates what kind of sexual acts she performed.
Synthesis of Enantiomerically Enriched Drug Precursors by Lactobacillus paracasei BD87E6 as a Biocatalyst
Authors: Öksüz Selda , Şahin Engin , Dertli Enes
Published: April 2018

Global sales of single enantiomeric drug products are growing at an alarming rate every year. A total of 7 bacterial strains were screened for their ability to reduce acetophenones to its corresponding alcohol. Among these strains Lactobacillus paracasei BD87E6 was found to be the most successful biocatalyst to reduce the ketones to the corresponding alcohols. The reaction conditions were systematically optimized for the reducing agent Lactobacillus paracasei BD87E6, which showed high enantioselectivity and conversion for the bioreduction. The preparative scale asymmetric reduction of 3‐methoxyacetophenone (1h) by Lactobacillus paracasei BD87E6 gave (R)‐1‐(3‐methoxyphenyl)ethanol (2h) with 92% yield and 99% enantiomeric excess. Compound 2h could be used for the synthesis of (S)‐rivastigmine which has a great potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This study demonstrates that Lactobacillus paracasei BD87E6 can be used as a biocatalyst to obtain chiral carbinol with excellent yield and selectivity. The whole cell catalyzed the reductions of ketone substrates on the preparative scale, demonstrating that Lactobacillus paracasei BD87E6 would be a valuable biocatalyst for the preparation of chiral aromatic alcohols of pharmaceutical interest.
Hypofolins A – L, ent‐Labdane Diterpenoids from the Roots of Hypoestes phyllostachya ‘Pink Splash’
Authors: Cheng Bin , Ding Lin‐Fen , Yan Tong , Xie Zhang‐Qiao , Zhang Zhi‐jun , Song Liu‐Dong , Wu Xing‐De , Zhao Qin‐Shi
Published: April 2018

Twelve new ent‐labdane diterpenoids, hypofolins A – F (1 – 6) and hypofolins G – L (7a/7b, 8a/8b, and 9a/9b), were isolated from the roots of Hypoestes phyllostachya ‘Pink Splash’. Their structures were elucidated by extensive 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectroscopic and HR‐MS data. The absolute configurations of 1, 2, 5, and 7a/7b were determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction and ECD analysis, as well as chemical transformations. Compounds 7a/7b, 8a/8b, and 9a/9b were isolated as three pairs of interconverting mixture of two isomers between ketone and hemiketal types. Compound 1 showed weak cytotoxicity against SMMC‐7721 cell line with IC50 value of 31.40 μm.
Calcium Lactate Pentahydrate Crystallization in the Presence of Pentanoic Acid
Authors: Kiran-Yildirim Bercem , Titiz-Sargut Sibel , Sayan Perviz
Published: April 2018

Calcium lactate crystallization was investigated in the presence of pentanoic acid in a mixed‐suspension mixed‐product removal (MSMPR)‐type crystallizer. Filtration rate measurements were carried out to define the effect of pentanoic acid on the filtration characteristics of calcium lactate pentahydrate crystals. The average particle size, length‐to‐width ratio, and morphologies of calcium lactate pentahydrate crystals were also determined and examined as a function of pentanoic acid concentrations. The zeta potential of calcium lactate pentahydrate crystals was measured. Thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TGA‐DTA) as well as X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were performed and Coats and Redfern's method was used to verify the kinetic parameters in the dehydration steps observed in the TGA curves.