bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age at death estimation by cementochronology: Too precise to be true or too precise to be accurate?
Authors: Bertrand Benoit , Cunha Eugenia , Bécart Anne , Gosset Didier , Hédouin Valery 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesCementochronology based on annual deposition of acellular cementum is acknowledged for its superior performance for estimating age‐at‐death but is also disregarded because of its suspicious effectiveness. This article aims to provide a standardized framework for the validation of the technique and to define and test cementochronology's performance and limitations.Materials and methodsTo determine the boundaries of the cementum aging technique, we applied a certified protocol on a sample of 200 healthy canines from individuals of known age, sex, postmortem, and inhumation intervals from anthropological and anatomical collections. We scored readability and preservation of cementum and measured the agreement between estimates, i.e., the precision, and assessed the quality of the accordance between estimates and chronological age, i.e., the accuracy. To investigate the applicability on ancient material, 200 additional canines extracted from archeological assemblages were included. Accuracy and precision were analyzed for each age group in considering postmortem intervals and taphonomical conditions.ResultsA strong correlation was found between chronological age and estimates (r = .927; p = .000) but results reveal an association between readability of incremental lines and chronological age (p < .05) and a notable difference in both precision and accuracy between individuals under and over 50 years. Results also demonstrate that taphonomy can be a serious obstacle increasing imprecision by a factor of three.DiscussionImproperly adopted, cementochronology can lead to precise but inaccurate estimations. If methodological, physiological, and taphonomical factors are taken into account, then, and only then, cementochronology will serve as a versatile and powerful tool for age‐at‐death estimation.
The Effect of Intrathecal Baclofen in Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: The IDYS Trial
Authors: Bonouvrié Laura A. , Becher Jules G. , Vles Johan S. H. , Vermeulen R. Jeroen , Buizer Annemieke I. ,   on behalf of the IDYS Study Group
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveIntrathecal baclofen treatment is used for the treatment of dystonia in patients with severe dyskinetic cerebral palsy; however, the current level of evidence for the effect is low. The primary aim of this study was to provide evidence for the effect of intrathecal baclofen treatment on individual goals in patients with severe dyskinetic cerebral palsy.MethodsThis multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was performed at 2 university medical centers in the Netherlands. Patients with severe dyskinetic cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Functioning Classification System level IV–V) aged 4 to 24 years who were eligible for intrathecal baclofen were included. Patients were assigned by block randomization (2:2) for treatment with intrathecal baclofen or placebo for 3 months via an implanted microinfusion pump. The primary outcome was goal attainment scaling of individual treatment goals (GAS T score). A linear regression model was used for statistical analysis with study site as a covariate. Safety analyses were done for number and type of (serious) adverse events.ResultsThirty‐six patients were recruited from January 1, 2013, to March 31, 2018. Data for final analysis were available for 17 patients in the intrathecal baclofen group and 16 in the placebo group. Mean (standard deviation) GAS T score at 3 months was 38.9 (13.2) for intrathecal baclofen and 21.0 (4.6) for placebo (regression coefficient = 17.8, 95% confidence interval = 10.4‐25.0, p < 0.001). Number and types of (serious) adverse events were similar between groups.InterpretationIntrathecal baclofen treatment is superior to placebo in achieving treatment goals in patients with severe dyskinetic cerebral palsy. ANN NEUROL 2019
Impact of Oxidation State on Reactivity and Selectivity Differences between Nickel(III) and Nickel(IV) Alkyl Complexes
Authors: Roberts Courtney C. , Camasso Nicole M. , Bowes Eric G. , Sanford Melanie S. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDescribed is a systematic comparison of factors impacting the relative rates and selectivities of C(sp3)−C and C(sp3)−O bond‐forming reactions at high‐valent Ni as a function of oxidation state. Two Ni complexes are compared: a cationic octahedral NiIV complex ligated by tris(pyrazolyl)borate and a cationic octahedral NiIII complex ligated by tris(pyrazolyl)methane. Key features of reactivity/selectivity are revealed: 1) C(sp3)−C(sp2) bond‐forming reductive elimination occurs from both centers, but the NiIII complex reacts up to 300‐fold faster than the NiIV, depending on the reaction conditions. The relative reactivity is proposed to derive from ligand dissociation kinetics, which vary as a function of oxidation state and the presence/absence of visible light. 2) Upon the addition of acetate (AcO−), the NiIV complex exclusively undergoes C(sp3)−OAc bond formation, while the NiIII analogue forms the C(sp3)−C(sp2) coupled product selectively. This difference is rationalized based on the electrophilicity of the respective M−C(sp3) bonds, and thus their relative reactivity towards outer‐sphere SN2‐type bond‐forming reactions.
meta‐Selective C−H Activation of Arenes at Room Temperature Using Visible Light: Dual‐Function Ruthenium Catalysis
Authors: Sagadevan Arunachalam , Greaney Michael F. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractRuthenium‐catalyzed meta‐C−H activation of arenes at room temperature is reported to proceed under blue‐light irradiation. A variety of heteroarenes are compatible with this photochemical process, which leads to the corresponding meta C−C coupling products in good to very good yields. Initial mechanistic studies suggest a single‐electron transfer process occurs between a photoexcited RuII‐cyclometalated complex and alkyl halides, enabling meta‐C−H functionalization reaction via carbon‐centered radicals.
Optimizing the Size of Platinum Nanoparticles for Enhanced Mass Activity in the Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Garlyyev Batyr , Kratzl Kathrin , Rück Marlon , Michalička Jan , Fichtner Johannes , Macak Jan M. , Kratky Tim , Günther Sebastian , Cokoja Mirza , Bandarenka Aliaksandr S. , Gagliardi Alessio , Fischer Roland A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractHigh oxygen reduction (ORR) activity has been for many years considered as the key to many energy applications. Herein, by combining theory and experiment we prepare Pt nanoparticles with optimal size for the efficient ORR in proton‐exchange‐membrane fuel cells. Optimal nanoparticle sizes are predicted near 1, 2, and 3 nm by computational screening. To corroborate our computational results, we have addressed the challenge of approximately 1 nm sized Pt nanoparticle synthesis with a metal–organic framework (MOF) template approach. The electrocatalyst was characterized by HR‐TEM, XPS, and its ORR activity was measured using a rotating disk electrode setup. The observed mass activities (0.87±0.14 A mgPt−1) are close to the computational prediction (0.99 A mgPt−1). We report the highest to date mass activity among pure Pt catalysts for the ORR within similar size range. The specific and mass activities are twice as high as the Tanaka commercial Pt/C catalysis.
Decreasing student behavior problems and fostering academic engagement through function‐based support and fading of token reinforcement
Authors: Petursdottir Anna‐Lind , Ragnarsdottir Gudrun Björg 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study examined the effects of function‐based behavior support plans (BSPs) on the persistent behavior problems and lack of academic engagement of three, 7‐ to 8‐year‐old, male students from two public schools in Iceland. Based on the results of functional behavioral assessments, BSPs were created for each participant. Each plan included a token system. The goal for all students was to foster independent functioning. A multiple baseline across participants showed that disruptive behavior decreased by 85% on average and academic engagement increased by 78% on average. Statistical analyses suggest significant positive effects were obtained. Findings suggest that persistent behavior problems can be reduced and independent academic engagement fostered in inclusive school settings through function‐based BSPs with gradual fading of token reinforcement.
Screening potential antagonists of epidermal growth factor receptor from Marsdenia tenacissima via cell membrane chromatography model assisted by HPLC–ESI–IT–TOF–MS
Authors: Lv Yanni , Shi Xianpeng , Fu Jia , Jia Qianqian , Lin Yuanyuan , Wang Hongying , Yang Xin , Han Shengli 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMarsdenia tenacissima, or Tongguanteng in Chinese, is a traditional Chinese herb and has a broad application in clinical practice for its pharmacological effects of treating asthma, pneumonia, tonsillitis, pharyngitis tumors, etc. However, few studies have reported the screening of the active components of this medicine for tumor therapy. In this work, a two‐dimensional analytical system was developed to screen antagonists of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) from M. tenacissima. A fraction was retained on the EGFR cell membrane chromatography (CMC) column, separated and identified as tenacissoside G (TG), tenacissoside H (TH) and tenacissoside I (TI) by two‐dimensional HPLC–IT–TOF–MS. Molecular docking and 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay were carried out to assess the activity of TS (including TG, TH and TI). Molecular docking results showed that the binding mode of TS on EGFR is similar to that of gefitinib. The MTT assay demonstrated that gefitinib and TS (especially TI) could inhibit the growth of EGFR highly expressed cell lines in a dose‐dependent manner in the range of 5–50 μmol/L. In conclusion, the two‐dimensional EGFR/CMC–HPLC–IT–TOF–MS system could be a useful approach in drug discovery from traditional Chinese medicines for searching for potential antitumor candidates.
A reliable LC–MS/MS method for the quantification of five bioactive saponins of crude and processed Bupleurum scorzonerifolium in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Tao Yi , Huang Surun , Yan Jizhong , Cai Baochang 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA simple and reliable liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) method was developed for simultaneous determination of saikosaponin A, saikosaponin B1, saikosaponin C, saikosaponin D and saikosaponin F in rat plasma using glycyrrhetinic acid as an internal standard (IS). The separation was operated on a Waters BEH C18 column. The mobile phases of gradient elution consisted of acetonitrile (A) and 0.1% aqueous acetic acid (B). The mass spectrometric detection was accomplished in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The five saponins displayed good linearity (r2 > 0.9996). The lower limits of quantitation of saikosaponin A, saikosaponin B1, saikosaponin C, saikosaponin D and saikosaponin F were determined to be 2.9, 2.3, 3.5, 2.9 and 3.1 ng/mL, respectively. Moreover, the intra‐ and inter‐day precisions of the five saponins showed an RSD within 2.96%, whereas the accuracy (RE) ranged from −2.28 to 2.78%. Finally, the developed method was fully validated and applied to a comparative pharmacokinetic study of the five bioactive saponins in rats following oral administration of crude and vinegar‐processed Bupleurum scorzonerifolium.
Green technology innovation: Anatomy of exploration processes from a learning perspective
Authors: Wicki Samuel , Hansen Erik G. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis paper examines how established firms use their core competences to diversify their business by exploring and ultimately developing green technologies. In contrast to start‐ups dedicated to a green mission, diversifying into green markets by developing new products based on existing core competences has proven to be challenging. This is because the exploration processes to find a match between green technology opportunities and internal competences is complex and new to most established firms. This paper gains insights into exploration processes for green technologies and the learning modes and outcomes linked to these processes. We examined exploration processes at the microlevel in an embedded case study of an engineering firm using a combination of the “fireworks” innovation process model and organizational learning theory. First, we found that developing green technologies involves a long‐term exploratory process without guarantee of (quick) success and likely involves many exploration failures. Second, as exploration unfolds along multiple technology trajectories, learning occurs in individual exploration paths (on‐path), when new paths are pursued (path‐initiation), and when knowledge from one path is spilled over to subsequent paths (across‐paths). Third, to increase their chances for success, firms can increase the efficiency of exploration by fostering a failure‐friendly organizational culture, deliberately experimenting, and purposefully learning from failures.
Silver‐gold alloy nanoparticles biofabricated by fungal xylanases exhibited potent biomedical and catalytic activities
Authors: Elegbede Joseph A. , Lateef Agbaje , Azeez Musibau A. , Asafa Tesleem B. , Yekeen Taofeek A. , Oladipo Iyabo C. , Hakeem Abbas S. , Beukes Lorika S. , Gueguim‐Kana Evariste B. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe search for biocompatible nanoparticles with vast applicability has impacted on exploration of various biomaterials for the synthesis of mono and bimetallic nanoparticles. Xylanase is widely regarded as an industrially important enzyme but its potentials in nanotechnological applications are yet to be fully explored. The current study investigates the exploit of xylanases of Aspergillus niger L3 (NE) and Trichoderma longibrachiatum L2 (TE) produced through valorization of corn‐cob, to synthesize silver‐gold alloy nanoparticles (Ag‐AuNPs). Characterization of the Ag‐AuNPs involved UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, while their prospective use as antimicrobial, antioxidant, catalytic, anticoagulant, and thrombolytic agents were studied. The biosynthesized Ag‐AuNPs were ruby red and light purple with surface plasmon resonance at 520 and 534 nm for NEAg‐AuNPs and TEAg‐AuNPs, respectively; while FTIR showed that protein molecules capped and stabilized the nanoparticles. The Ag‐AuNPs were anisotropic with spherical, oval, and irregular shapes having sizes ranging from 6.98 to 52.51 nm. The nanoparticles appreciably inhibited the growth of tested clinical bacteria (23.40–90.70%) and fungi (70.10–89.05%), and also scavenged 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (48.51–53.79%) and hydrogen peroxide (80.5–95.50%). Furthermore, the Ag‐AuNPs degraded malachite green (91.39%) and methylene blue (47.10%). Moreover, the Ag‐AuNPs displayed outstanding anticoagulant and thrombolytic activities using human blood. This study further emphasizes the significance of xylanases in nanobiotechnology as it has established the potential of xylanases to synthesize Ag‐AuNPs, which is being reported for the first time.
Development of an alternating tangential flow (ATF) perfusion‐based transient gene expression (TGE) bioprocess for universal influenza vaccine
Authors: Hong Jinsung , Demirji Jacob , Blackstock Daniel , Lee James , Dinh Tracey , Goh Alvenne , Arnold Frank , Horwitz Joe 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAn alternating tangential flow (ATF) perfusion‐based transient gene expression (TGE) bioprocess has been developed using human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells to produce H1‐ss‐np, a promising candidate for a universal influenza vaccine. Two major adjustments were taken to improve the process: (1) eliminate the interference of microbubbles during gene transfection; and (2) utilize an ATF perfusion system for a prolonged culture period. As a result, a closed‐operation 9‐days ATF perfusion‐based TGE bioprocess was developed. The TGE bioprocess showed continuous cell growth with high cell viability and prolonged cellular productivity that achieved recombinant product level of ~270 mg/L which was more than two times that of 4‐days base‐line TGE bioprocess. In addition, the consumables cost per milligram for ATF perfusion‐based TGE bioprocess was ~70% lower than that of the base‐line TGE bioprocess suggesting high cost savings potential in vaccine manufacturing. Based on the lower contamination risk, higher productivity, and cost efficiency, the ATF perfusion‐based TGE bioprocess can likely provide potential benefits to many future applications in vaccine and drug manufacturing.
A novel scale‐down mimic of perfusion cell culture using sedimentation in an automated microbioreactor (SAM)
Authors: Kreye Steffen , Stahn Rainer , Nawrath Karina , Goralczyk Vicky , Zoro Barney , Goletz Steffen 
Published: May 2019

AbstractContinuous upstream processing in mammalian cell culture for recombinant protein production holds promise to increase product yield and quality. To facilitate the design and optimization of large‐scale perfusion cultures, suitable scale‐down mimics are needed which allow high‐throughput experiments to be performed with minimal raw material requirements. Automated microbioreactors are available that mimic batch and fed‐batch processes effectively but these have not yet been adapted for perfusion cell culture. This article describes how an automated microbioreactor system (ambr15) can be used to scale‐down perfusion cell cultures using cell sedimentation as the method for cell retention. The approach accurately predicts the viable cell concentration, in the range of about 1 × 107 cells/mL for a human cell line, and cell viability of larger scale cultures using a hollow fiber based cell retention system. While it was found to underpredict cell line productivity, the method accurately predicts product quality attributes, including glycosylation profiles, from cultures performed in bioreactors with working volumes between 1 L and 1,000 L. The spent media exchange method using the ambr15 was found to predict the influence of different media formulations on large‐scale perfusion cultures in contrast to batch and chemostat experiments performed in the microbioreactor system. The described experimental setup in the microbioreactor allowed an 80‐fold reduction in cell culture media requirements, half the daily operator time, which can translate into a cost reduction of approximately 2.5‐fold compared to a similar experimental setup at bench scale.
Gender stereotypes and contact with gay men and lesbians: The mediational role of sexism and homonegativity
Authors: Salvati Marco , Piumatti Giovanni , Giacomantonio Mauro , Baiocco Roberto 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study is grounded in Allport's intergroup contact theory and Herek's sexual prejudice theory. We aimed at (a) investigating the mediational role of sexism and homonegativity on the relation between gender, age, and contact with gay and lesbian people with gender stereotypes about gay men and lesbians; and (b) replicating and corroborating the direct associations found in previous research among these variables. The present research used secondary data from a survey conducted by the Italian National Institute of Statistics and comprehending a representative sample of 5,863 Italian adults. The results from path analysis indicated that both homonegativity and sexism partially mediated the effect of gender and age on gender stereotypes, whereas they totally mediated the effect of contact with gay and lesbian persons. Findings suggest that reducing sexist and homonegative attitudes and increasing contact with gay and lesbian people may reduce stereotypical beliefs about homosexual people.
Unusual Crystal Growth Kinetics of (RS)‐Ibuprofen from Ethanolic Solutions
Authors: Chaisongkram Natchanok , Maosoongnern Somchai , Flood Adrian E. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe solubility, secondary nucleation threshold, and growth kinetics of (RS)‐ibuprofen have been studied in an aqueous ethanol solvent. The metastable zone for secondary nucleation is very narrow at lower temperatures in this range, but greatly enlarged at higher temperatures. The crystal growth kinetics not only display significant dispersion of growth rates, but also a dead zone that is dependent on the growth rates of the crystals. Faster growing crystals display almost no dead zone, whereas the smallest crystals have a large dead zone. The size of the dead zone is largely responsible for the dispersion of crystal growth rates, perhaps due to differences in the thermodynamic stability of the different crystals. The mechanism of growth rate dispersion relates to that of the dead zone.
A Spectroscopic and Computationally Minimal Approach to the Analysis of Charge‐Transfer Processes in Conformationally Fluxional Mixed‐Valence and Heterobimetallic Complexes
Authors: Gückel Simon , Gluyas Josef B. G. , Eaves Samantha G. , Safari Parvin , Yufit Dmitry S. , Sobolev Alexandre N. , Kaupp Martin , Low Paul J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractClass II mixed‐valence bimetallic complexes {[Cp′(PP)M]C≡C−C≡N[M′(PP)′Cp′]}2+ (M, M′=Ru, Fe; PP=dppe, (PPh3)2; Cp′=Cp*, Cp) exist as conformational ensembles in fluid solution, with a population of structures ranging from cis‐ to trans‐like geometries. Each conformer gives rise to its own series of low‐energy intervalence charge‐transfer (IVCT) and local d–d transitions, which overlap in the NIR region, giving complex band envelopes in the NIR absorption spectrum, which prevent any meaningful attempt at analysis of the band shape. However, DFT and time‐dependent (TD)DFT calculations with dispersion‐corrected global‐hybrid (BLYP35‐D3) or local hybrid (lh‐SsirPW92‐D3) functionals on a small number of optimised structures chosen to sample the ground state potential energy hypersurfaces of each of these complexes has proven sufficient to explain the major features of the electronic spectra. Although modest in terms of computational expense, this approach provides a more accurate description of the underlying molecular electronic structure than would be possible through analysis of the IVCT band by using the static point‐charge model of Marcus–Hush theory and derivatives, or TDDFT calculations from a single (global) minimum energy geometry.
A Simple Central Seven‐Membered BOPYIN: Synthesis, Structural, Spectroscopic Properties, and Cellular Imaging Application
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Yan Jiaying , Hu Yuanyuan , Liu Xiang , Wen Liu , Zheng Kaibo , Zhang Nuonuo 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA two‐step, one‐flask synthesis of central seven‐membered borondifluoride‐3,3‐dimethyl‐2‐[2‐(2‐pyrrolyl)ethenyl] indole (BOPYIN) ligands has been developed by using the unexplored 3,3‐dimethyl‐2‐[2‐(2‐pyrrolyl)ethenyl] indole. The simple synthetic approach has enabled modification of the electronic structure by changing the substituents on the indole unit. X‐ray analysis indicated that conformations of the seven‐membered BF2 complex including BOPYIN and diazaborepin differ from that of the five‐ and six‐membered organoboron complexes. Interestingly, the bond angle of the N⋅⋅⋅B−N bond increases with the number of atoms in the core ring, based on Baeyer strain theory. These unsymmetric BOPYIN derivatives have excellent photophysical properties, including high fluorescence quantum yields, except for BOPYIN‐4 in the solution state, large Stokes shifts, and good molar absorptivity. The dipole moment of BOPYIN‐3 in the first excited singlet state and ground state was demonstrated by a linear Lippert–Mataga plot. The absorption and emission spectra were not mirror images for BOPYIN‐1–3 and 5, in contradiction to Kasha's rule, as determined by TDDFT. The synthesized BOPYINs have been shown to be biocompatible fluorophores in cell bioimaging.