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Semidefinite programs are convex optimization problems involving a linear objective function and a domain of positive-semidefinite matrices. Over the past two decades, they have become an indispensable tool in quantum information science. Many otherwise intractable fundamental and applied problems can be successfully approached by means of relaxation to a semidefinite program. This methodology is
This document summarises key recommendations from project FIRE21. The recommendations are based on results from 1) professionals through the workshop with Räddningstjänsten Syd (Rsyd) and the Norwegian survey and 2) acquired experiences and knowledge from project members.
Rationale: According to the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), the FEV1/FVC ratio is used to confirm the presence of airflow obstruction in the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), whereas FEV1 percent predicted normal value (FEV1%pred) is used for grading its severity. The STaging of Airflow obstruction by the FEV1/FVC Ratio (STAR), and its prediction of
This report summarises a study carried out to identify key individual qualities for collective problem-solving in a fire and rescue service (FRS) context. The report contributes to the research project FIRE21 (Fire and Rescue Services in the 21st Century) and is part of a work package looking into such individual qualities through using different methods and materials.
This article describes the synthesis and characterization of novel cationic five-coordinate Pt(II) complexes containing nitrogen sugar-based ligands. The cytotoxicity of the complexes was evaluated on different cell lines with the expectation that both the coordinative saturation and the sugar moiety cooperate to enhance their biological activity. In fact, the complexes resulted to be more active
Opuntia ficus-indica L. is known for its beneficial effects on human health, but still little is known on cladodes as a potent source of antioxidants. Here, a direct, economic and safe method was set up to obtain water extracts from Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes rich in antioxidant compounds. When human keratinocytes were pre-treated with the extract before being exposed to UVA radiations, a clear
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a lipid-transport protein that functions as a key mediator of lipid transport and cholesterol metabolism. Recent studies have shown that peptides derived from human APOE display anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Here, we applied in vitro assays and fluorescent microscopy to investigate the anti-bacterial effects of full-length APOE. The interaction of APOE wit
The effects of encapsulating the cytotoxic dinuclear trithiolato-bridged arene ruthenium complex [(η6-p-MeC6H4iPr)2Ru2(μ2-S-p-C6H4tBu)3]Cl (DiRu-1) within the apoferritin (AFt) nanocage were investigated. The DiRu-1-AFt nanocarrier was characterized by UV/Vis spectroscopy, ICP-MS, CD and X-ray crystallography. In contrast to previously reported Au- and Pt-based drug-loaded AFt carriers, we found n
Amyloidoses are devastating diseases characterized by accumulation of misfolded proteins which aggregate in fibrils. Specific gene mutations in Apolipoprotein A I (ApoAI) are associated with systemic amyloidoses. Little is known on the effect of mutations on ApoAI structure and amyloid properties. Here we performed a physicochemical characterization of L75P- and L174S-amyloidogenic ApoAI (AApoAI)
New five-coordinate Pt(ii) complexes containing a glycosylated carbene fragment were synthesized. A member of this class shows very high in vitro cytotoxicity and an exceptional selectivity toward malignant cells. The complex lacking the sugary portion fails in the recognition of cancer cells. The results support the use of glycosylation in the design of carbene Pt-based anticancer agents.
The wax apple (Syzygium samarangense) is traditionally employed as an antibacterial and immunostimulant drug in traditional medicine. This plant is rich in different flavonoids and tannins. In this study, we isolated two compounds from S. samarangense leaves: Myricitrin and 3,5-di-O-methyl gossypetin. Then, we investigated the mechanisms of action of the two compounds against oxidative stress (ind
Inorganic trivalent arsenic is a major environmental pollutant and exposure to human results in many pathologies, including keratosis and carcinoma. Here, we analyzed the effects of B. subtilis spores on human normal keratinocytes in the presence of sodium arsenite oxidative stress. Pre-Treatment of cells with spores before inducing oxidative stress was able to keep normal levels of intracellular
The beneficial role of the Mediterranean diet in the prevention of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity, is well-recognized. In this context, Brassicaceae are considered important vegetables due to several evidences of their health promoting effects that are associated to bioactive compounds present in the edible parts of the plants. In this review, the mechan
In recent years, microalgae have gained considerable importance as potential source of biofuels and bioplastics. However, these markets are still developing, as the high costs of cultivation ask for exploiting microalgae into new areas and with a biorefinery approach towards a multicomponent cascade extraction process. Here, a sequential processing strategy was used to extract starch with high yie
Two anticancer gold(iii) compounds, Au2phen and Auoxo4, were encapsulated within a ferritin nanocage. The gold-compound loaded proteins were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and circular dichroism. X-ray crystallography shows that the compounds degrade upon encapsulation and gold(i) ions bind Ft within the cage, close to the side chains of Cys126.
BACKGROUND: Lipophilic antioxidants in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruits exert important functions in reducing the risk of human diseases. Here the effect of thermal processing on the antioxidant activity of lipophilic extracts from the commercial tomato hybrid ‘Zebrino’ was analysed. Carotenoid content and lipophilic antioxidant activity were determined and the ability of tomato extracts in re
Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of several liver diseases. Many natural polyphenols can attenuate oxidative stress and liver injury. In this study, a phytochemical profiling of a methanol extract from leaves of Syzygium samarangense revealed 92 compounds belonging to flavonoids, phenolic acids, condensed tannins, and ellagitannins. The S. samarangense extract exhibited a n
Auoxo3, a cytotoxic gold(iii) compound, was encapsulated within a ferritin nanocage. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, circular dichroism, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography confirm the potential-drug encapsulation. The structure shows that naked Au(i) ions bind to the side chains of Cys48, His49, His114, His114 and Cys126, Cys126, His132, His147. The gold-encapsu
Novel coordinatively saturated platinum(ii) compounds bearing C-linked carbohydrates were synthesized and characterized. The complexes exhibit bipyramidal trigonal geometry with a bidentate nitrogen ligand and ethylene in the equatorial plane. The axial positions are occupied by a halide ligand X and a d-galactose or d-glucose derivative, linked either via C1 or C6. The compounds were designed for
The Japanese avant-garde dance form butoh, founded by Hijikata Tatsumi in the late 1950s, is known for its marked physicality. The choreographic methodology of butoh, however, is not focused primarily on instructing the dancers how to move their bodies. Instead, the dancers work with verbal and mental imagery to transform into butoh-tai, the “butoh body,” a special form of embodiment from which thThe Japanese avant-garde dance form butoh, founded by Hijikata Tatsumi in the late 1950s, is known for its marked physicality. The choreographic methodology of butoh, however, is not focused primarily on instructing the dancers how to move their bodies. Instead, the dancers work with verbal and mental imagery to transform into butoh-tai, the “butoh body,” a special form of embodiment from which th
