Computation in Sofic Quantum Dynamical Systems

We analyze how measured quantum dynamical systems store and process information, introducing sofic quantum dynamical systems. Using recently introduced information-theoretic measures for quantum processes, we quantify their information storage and processing in terms of entropy rate and excess entropy, giving closed-form expressions where possible. To illustrate the impact of measurement on information storage in quantum processes, we analyze two spin-1 sofic quantum systems that differ only in how they are measured.     

Immuno-MS Based Targeted Proteomics: Highly Specific, Sensitive, and Reproducible Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Determination for Clinical Diagnostics and Doping Analysis

The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) proteins constitute a diverse group of molecules that displays biomarker value in pregnancy detection and cancer diagnostics, as well as in doping analysis. For the quantification of hCGβ and qualitative differentiation between other hCG variants in a selective, sensitive, and reproducible manner, the targeted proteomics approach based on mass spectrometric (MS) selected reaction monitoring (SRM) detection was exploited. By optimizing immunoaffinity extraction using monoclonal antibodies coated to magnetic beads, access was granted for the MS to the low-abundance target proteins, ensuring proper sensitivity with limits of detection (LODs) of 2 and 5 IU/L, respectively, for urine and serum samples. Validation according to key elements and recommendations defined by the European Medicines Agency in Guideline on Validation of Bioanalytical Methods was performed. For both matrixes this demonstrated good within-day precision results (within 20% for the lowest concentration, and within 15% for the medium and high concentration), good accuracy results (within 15% for all concentrations), and proper linearity, >0.997 for serum and of 0.999 for urine, in the concentration range up to 5000 IU/L. The method's application in clinical diagnostics was tested on samples from a pregnant woman and from patients previously diagnosed with testicular cancer. For doping analysis, samples from one man having received injection of the hCG-containing pharmaceutical Pregnyl were analyzed. The method proved to be quantitatively accurate with indisputable identification specificity, reducing risks of false positive and false negative results. The successfully validated method advocates thus for more extended use of MS in routine analysis.     

Tandem Hydroformylation/Acyloin Reaction – The Synergy of Metal Catalysis and Organocatalysis Yielding Acyloins Directly from Olefins

A novel, atom efficient, orthogonal tandem catalysis was developed yielding acyloin products (α‐hydroxy ketones) directly from olefins under hydroformylation conditions. The combination of a metal‐catalysed hydroformylation and an organocatalysed acyloin reaction provides three atom efficient C C bond formations to linear, multifunctional molecules via linkage of the intermediate n‐aldehydes. Additionally, the rhodium catalyst system gives a high n/bra ratio with an exclusive conversion of the terminal double bond in the hydroformylation and the n‐aldehydes are converted selectively to their acyloins.

     

Representing England's rural-urban fringe

Conflicts over conservation are often regarded as dichotomies of diametrical opposites. When national parks are established in Norway, two stereotypes can be sketched: (1) the ecocentric position valuing ‘pure, authentic nature’, relying on the national government as the only acceptable decision and management level; and (2) a more anthropocentric position valuing cultural landscape elements and certain traditional and future uses of the area, favouring local management. A conflict over restoring a firing range to a state of ‘authentic nature’ for future designation as a national park is examined. The case has raised comprehensive local debate. It is asked whether the relevant actors should be seen as situated in the stereotypes, or whether a more complex three-dimensional picture would provide a better interpretation.     

Pflanzenlecithine - wertvolle Hilfs- und Wirkstoffe?

Vegetable Lecithins - Valuable Auxiliary and Active Substances? Up to now, only the soya bean lecithine has reached commercial importance among the many vegetable lecithins occurring during the processing of oil seeds. It gets into commerce in many varieties and is used as additive in technical products, food and feed, pharmaceutical products and other products. To the general public it is known as a tonic or medicine, and as a geriatric medicine, even though not in an undisputed way. The scientific basis which underlie the hitherto fields of application, and the chances of succeeding of further developments are investigated in this report. A greater consideration of vegetable lecithins without linolenic acid, for example sunflower or cotton lecithine, is approved.     

Sonication Effect on Bioactive Compounds of Cashew Apple Bagasse

This study describes some effects of high-power ultrasound on cashew apple bagasse. The main objective was to develop an optimized process for sonication of cashew apple bagasse, evaluating the effect of ultrasound on antioxidant compounds. To define the best conditions for sonication, a 2³ factorial central composite design was used changing the independent variables: bagasse/water ratio, ultrasonic power intensity (W/cm²), and processing time (min). Antioxidant compounds such as vitamin C, β-carotene, and total phenolic compounds were determined. The total antioxidant capacity (ABTS(2,2 AZINO BIS (3-ethylbenzo thiazoline 6 sulfonic acid) diammoninum salt and DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryl-hidrazil)) was also evaluated. A thermal treatment was carried at the highest temperature reached after sonication (51 °C) to evaluate the heat effect due to a temperature increase during processing. Sonication changed the bagasse aspect from a fibrous residue to a pleasant yellow puree. The maximal concentration of vitamin C, phenolics, and β-carotene was obtained when the processing conditions were as follows: bagasse/water ratio of 1:4 (w/w), ultrasound power intensity of 226 W/cm², and 6 min of processing. The high total phenolic content (2186 mg of gallic acid/100 g DW), vitamin C (148 mg/100 g DW), and β-carotene (12 mg/100 g) obtained proved the sonication efficiency. The antioxidant activity determined by the DPPH and ABTS assays confirmed the suitability of ultrasound for the preparation of antioxidant-rich cashew apple bagasse puree.     

Residue 75 of Interleukin‐8 is Crucial for its Interactions with Glycosaminoglycans

The interactions between regulatory proteins such as interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and glycosaminoglycans are of great interest both for the general understanding of regulatory processes in biology and for the development of implant coatings and innovative materials that suppress undesired immune responses and improve wound healing. In previous work, a number of residues of IL‐8 that interact strongly with several glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) have been identified. In particular, the negatively charged Glu75 was reported to be involved in interactions with charged GAGs. To improve understanding of the role of this residue, we generated a selectively ¹⁵N‐labeled E75K variant of IL‐8(1–77) by expressed protein ligation. NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy in combination with molecular modeling were applied to evaluate the particular role of residue 75 in interactions with GAGs. Remarkably, more residues in the variant responded to GAG binding than in the wild‐type. For the first time, we identified amino acids 34 to 36 as additional residues in the loop region of IL‐8(1–77) that participate in the interactions with GAGs. These findings indicate that the N terminus of the E75K variant is more important as a second binding site for GAGs than that of the wild‐type IL‐8(1–77).