Power Of Complex Research Articles

Harnessing the Power of a Novel Triple Chelate Complex in Fermented Probiotic Dairy Products: A Promising Solution for Combating Iron Deficiency Anemia.

This study discovered and examined novel triple chelate complexes involving iron, ascorbic acid, and essential amino acids (AsA-Fe-AmA triple chelate complexes) for the first time. The mechanism of complex formation was studied using FTIR spectroscopy and quantum chemical modeling. The produced complexes were shown to be suitable for fortifying food items with a pH of 3-7 that have not been exposed to heat treatment at temperatures over 75 °C for more than 15 min. Thus, it can be said that the concentration for milk fortification should be 0.005 mol/L or less. In vivo experiments in rats models revealed that the synthesized complexes increased serum iron levels after a single application to reference values within 24 h of oral administration. The iron level increased by 14.0 mmol/L at 2 mL dose of the complex. This fact makes it possible to consider the use of developed complexes and developed fermented dairy products for the prevention of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. Research on the effect of discovered compounds on the physicochemical and organoleptic qualities of milk was conducted. Furthermore, iron ascorbate threoninate, iron ascorbate methioninate, iron ascorbate lysinate, and iron ascorbate tryptophanate all had a beneficial effect on Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus at concentrations as low as 0.0005 mol/L, which is significant for milk fermentation. A study of fermented milk products revealed that the most effective AsA-Fe-AmA triple chelate complex is iron ascorbate lysinate, which might be further investigated as a viable molecule for dietary fortification in iron deficiency anemia. It was found that fortified fermented milk products had a titratable acidity of 67 ± 1°T, pH of 4.38 ± 0.05, and a viscosity of 2018 ± 142 Pa·s.

Energy saving during the partial heat load period by integrating a steam-heated absorption heat pump into the thermal scheme of a PT-60/70-130/13 steam turbine


 
 
 The task of determining the efficiency of operation of an absorption heat pump (AHP) with steam heating (COP conversion factor = 1.71) integrated into the thermal circuit of a PT-60/70-130/13 steam turbine that releases production steam and hot water during the partial heat load period (spring and autumn; also referred to as the inteheating period) is being solved in this paper. Variants of operation of the PT-60/70-130/13 with an integrated AHP with a capacity of ~17.25 MW in the partial heat load period were studied when steam with parameters of 1.296 MPa, 280°C was realised in the production selection of the adjustable turbine at flow rates of 20, 30, and 50 t/h with a variable heat load on hot water supply, which was determined by the return network water consumption task 1000–1400 t/h, while the ‘useful’ electrical power of the power complex was provided at ~30 MW. At electricity prices of 0.13 USD/(kWh) and standard fuel of 309 USD/t for Ukraine, the simple payback period of 17.25 MW AHP as part of the PT-60/70-130/13 steam turbine for the partial heat load period at a production load of 20–50 t/h of steam at the consumption of return network water of heat supply 1000–1200 t/h can decrease to two years. At the same time, during the partial heat load period, which lasts ~4404 hours in Ukraine, up to ~1.2% of fuel, up to 44% of technical water for feeding the circulation cooling system, and 0.4% of softened water for feeding are saved. A tangible environmental effect is achieved due to the reduction of harmful emissions – actual heat and hazardous gases – to the atmosphere: CO2 by 1118.7 tons, NOx by 5.87 t, thus saving ~41,000 of technical water.
 
 

Autocrine regulation of tumor cell repopulation by Hsp70-HMGB1 alarmin complex

BackgroundCancer recurrence is regulated by a variety of factors, among which is the material of dying tumor cells; it is suggested that remaining after anti-cancer therapy tumor cells receive a signal from proteins called damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), one of which is heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70).MethodsTwo models of tumor repopulation were employed, based on minimal population of cancer cells and application of conditioned medium (CM). To deplete the CMs of Hsp70 affinity chromatography on ATP-agarose and immunoprecipitation were used. Cell proliferation and the dynamics of cell growth were measured using MTT assay and xCELLigence technology; cell growth markers were estimated using qPCR and with the aid of ELISA for prostaglandin E detection. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass-spectrometry was employed to identify Hsp70-binding proteins and protein-protein interaction assays were developed to reveal the above protein complexes.ResultsIt was found that CM of dying tumor cells contains tumor regrowth-initiating factors and the removal of one of them, Hsp70, caused a reduction in the relapse-activating capacity. The pull out of Hsp70 alone using ATP-agarose had no effect on repopulation, while the immunodepletion of Hsp70 dramatically reduced its repopulation activity. Using proteomic and immunochemical approaches, we showed that Hsp70 in conditioned medium binds and binds another abundant alarmin, the High Mobility Group B1 (HMGB1) protein; the complex is formed in tumor cells treated with anti-cancer drugs, persists in the cytosol and is further released from dying tumor cells. Recurrence-activating power of Hsp70-HMGB1 complex was proved by the enhanced expression of proliferation markers, Ki67, Aurka and MCM-10 as well as by increase of prostaglandin E production and autophagy activation. Accordingly, dissociating the complex with Hsp70 chaperone inhibitors significantly inhibited the pro-growth effects of the above complex, in both in vitro and in vivo tumor relapse models.ConclusionsThese data led us to suggest that the abundance of the Hsp70-HMGB1 complex in the extracellular matrix may serve as a novel marker of relapse state in cancer patients, while specific targeting of the complex may be promising in the treatment of cancers with a high risk of recurrence.

Method for the formation of algorithm elements for designing a vessel for the subsea technical operations support using a database of similar vessels

The elements of the algorithm for designing vessels for underwater technical work such as formation of the power station of the designed vessel are considered in the paper. These are formation of the power station of the designed vessel, selection and installation of crane and diving equipment, hardware intended for use on a vessel of manned submersibles and determining the dimensions of mobile operation equipment intended for future installation on a vessel being designed to perform appropriate technological operations on the sea shelf, based on the data of a group of the same type vessels. The algorithm is intended for definition of the main dimensions of the designed vessel, namely, a number of the installed diesel generators and ratios of total power of the power station with a width, loading capacity of the crane and power of a propulsive complex of the designed vessel. Systematization of the used crane equipment as for performance of cargo and underwater and technical works, and for hardware service is performed. Systematization of a diving complex, hardware and the manned submersibles assumed to use on the vessel is also performed. The relation between the dimensions of the main deck and ship structures necessary for the installation of mobile technological equipment and complexes using databases of the same type of vessels is systematized. Using the existing design experience and a database of ships of similar purpose, a formula that allows, as a first approximation, to estimate the sizes of the power plant, load-lifting devices and diving equipment planned for installation on the designed vessel that provides service to submersibles of any type has been compiled.

Nuclear denial in Japan: the network power of an energy industrial complex

Nuclear denial in Japan: the network power of an energy industrial complex

BINARY ELECTRICAL GENERATING INSTALLATION FOR UTILIZATION HEAT OF BOILER FLUE GASES

The work is devoted to the development of modern thermal schemes for the production of electrical energy while utilizing the heat of flue gases from boilers of power units. On the example of a typical district boiler house, the parameters and potential of heat discharged into the atmosphere with the flue gases of boilers are investigated, and it is determined that they are sufficient to generate electrical energy by implementing the so-called organic Rankine cycles. To utilize the heat of exhaust gases with a temperature of 280 °С at a flow rate of 10 kg/s, a three-loop power generating plant similar to those used in geothermal energy was studied. In the process of conducting research related to solving the problem, the thermal scheme was improved. A number of turbine working bodies that meet the necessary requirements are analyzed and the most suitable ones are recommended. Taking into account the characteristics of the heat source, in order to determine the rational configuration of the circuit, 50 calculations of thermal circuits of power plants on different working fluids were performed. The research results showed that the efficiency (electrical efficiency) and power of the turbine cycle are determined by the waste heat potential, the thermodynamic properties of the working fluid, the structural and parametric characteristics of the circuit. Among the studied indicators, the best indicators are: electrical efficiency of 20,6 %, a "useful" electrical power of 357 kW at a flue gas temperature of 131 °C was a three-circuit utilization plant with working bodies Water / R-245fa / R-245fa. The variant of the circuit with working fluids Water / R-600a / R-600a lost ~ 8 kW of electric power to the best variant, but was recognized as more promising, since R-600a (isopropane) Freon has consumer advantages over R-245fa. Computational studies of the binary thermal scheme of the power plant were also carried out, which showed that it is rational to use Water for the 1st circuit, R-600a for the 2nd circuit. This solution made it possible to obtain the calculated "useful" electric power of the energy complex ~ 290,8 kW (1st circuit ~ 129 kW, 2nd circuit ~ 161,8 kW). The loss of the binary scheme in terms of "useful" electric power to the promising version of the three-loop scheme is compensated by a significant simplification of the thermal scheme and, as a result, significantly lower capital costs. The specific mass of the proposed heat exchange equipment of the installation with a binary thermal scheme is ~ 150 kg/kW. Taking into account the properties of the working fluids, a preliminary study of the structures of the turbines of the 1st (Water) and 2nd (R-600a) circuits was carried out. For the 1st circuit, it is proposed to use a 6-stage axial turbine, for the 2nd – a single-stage radial. The geometric characteristics of the flow parts of turbines are determined by calculation. A preliminary simplified assessment of a simple payback period indicates good prospects for the implementation of the proposed energy-saving installation.

Impact of a Powered Prosthetic Ankle-Foot Component on Musculoskeletal Pain in Individuals with Transtibial Amputation: A Real-World Cross-Sectional Study with Concurrent and Recalled Pain and Functional Ratings

ABSTRACT Introduction Traditionally, lower-limb prostheses are composed of passive components, which provide a fraction of the push-off power of the natural ankle-foot complex. In individuals with transtibial amputation (TTA), this leads to deviations and compensatory mechanisms. Studies have reported significant unloading of the sound limb and knee joint with a powered prosthetic ankle-foot. However, despite the promising biomechanical evidence on unloading, no study has yet investigated the impact of powered prosthetic ankle-foot on musculoskeletal pain. Methods A total of 250 individuals fit with a powered prosthetic ankle-foot component were invited to participate in an institutional review board–approved cross-sectional study. Participants completed a survey, which collected typical prosthetic history information as well as Numerical Pain Rating Scales across different body regions, the Socket Comfort Score (SCS), the Activity of Daily Living domain of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS-ADL), and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for both their current and past prosthetic ankle-foot. The differences between results across the two ankle-feet were evaluated in subgroups dependent on the user's current foot. Results A total of 57 individuals met the inclusion criteria after completion of the online survey. Forty-one subjects (71.9%) identified as current powered ankle-foot users. Sixteen subjects (28.1%) reported to have used a powered ankle-foot in the past but have since abandoned it. The current powered ankle-foot users' group saw no significant difference in SCSs. The current passive foot users reported significantly (P = 0.002) better socket comfort for the prosthesis with the passive foot. The original and recall-adjusted median ratings of pain in the group of 41 current powered ankle-foot users showed significantly less pain in all three body segments. In the group of 41 current powered ankle-foot users, both the original and recall-adjusted KOOS-ADL and ODI scores were significantly better for the powered ankle-foot. Conclusions Individuals in active daily life with TTA may experience relief of sound knee, amputated side knee, and low-back pain, as well as pain-related restrictions in activities of daily living function with use of a powered ankle-foot mechanism. Clinical Relevance Providing the right patient with a powered ankle-foot has the potential to decrease the individual's pain. The individual may also have fewer pain-related functional restrictions when attempting to achieve activities of daily living.

Robustness of electrocardiogram signal quality indices.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) signal quality indices (SQIs) are essential for improving diagnostic accuracy and reliability of ECG analysis systems. In various practical applications, the ECG signals are corrupted by different types of noise. These corrupted ECG signals often provide insufficient and incorrect information regarding a patient’s health. To solve this problem, signal quality measurements should be made before an ECG signal is used for decision-making. This paper investigates the robustness of existing popular statistical signal quality indices (SSQIs): relative power of QRS complex (SQIp), skewness (SQIskew), signal-to-noise ratio (SQIsnr), higher order statistics SQI (SQIhos) and peakedness of kurtosis (SQIkur). We analysed the robustness of these SSQIs against different window sizes across diverse datasets. Results showed that the performance of SSQIs considerably fluctuates against varying datasets, whereas the impact of varying window sizes was minimal. This fluctuation occurred due to the use of a static threshold value for classifying noise-free ECG signals from the raw ECG signals. Another drawback of these SSQIs is the bias towards noise-free ECG signals, that limits their usefulness in clinical settings. In summary, the fixed threshold-based SSQIs cannot be used as a robust noise detection system. In order to solve this fixed threshold problem, other techniques can be developed using adaptive thresholds and machine-learning mechanisms.

Dynamic Combinatorial Optimization of In Vitro and In Vivo Heparin Antidotes.

Heparin-like macromolecules are widely used in clinics as anticoagulant, antiviral, and anticancer drugs. However, the search of heparin antidotes based on small synthetic molecules to control blood coagulation still remains a challenging task due to the physicochemical properties of this anionic polysaccharide. Here, we use a dynamic combinatorial chemistry approach to optimize heparin binders with submicromolar affinity. The recognition of heparin by the most amplified members of the dynamic library has been studied with different experimental (SPR, fluorescence, NMR) and theoretical approaches, rendering a detailed interaction model. The enzymatic assays with selected library members confirm the correlation between the dynamic covalent screening and the in vitro heparin inhibition. Moreover, both ex vivo and in vivo blood coagulation assays with mice show that the optimized molecules are potent antidotes with potential use as heparin reversal drugs. Overall, these results underscore the power of dynamic combinatorial chemistry targeting complex and elusive biopolymers.

Numerical and experimental demonstration of inverse designed low-index polarization-insensitive wavelength demultiplexer

The computational inverse design has paved the way for the design of highly efficient, compact, and novel nanophotonic structures beyond human intuition and trial-and-error approaches. Apparently, with nanophotonic design power, the exploration and implementation of multi-objective, complex, and functional nanophotonic devices become feasible. Herein, we used a recently emerged inverse design framework to demonstrate the design of a 1 × 2 polarization-insensitive wavelength division multiplexer (PIWDM) made of a low-refractive-index material with an index of 1.55. The inversely designed PIWDM structure successfully steers toward the targeted channels for 1.30 µm and 1.55 µm with TE and TM polarizations. Taking advantage of the design with a low refractive index material, we scaled the structural dimensions corresponding to the microwave region, fabricated the compact device using a 3D printer, and conducted an experiment as a proof of concept. The transmission values of the fabricated PIWDM device were −4.87 and −2.18 dB for TE and −2.19 and −2.23 dB for TM polarization at WG-I and WG-II, respectively.

Contesting Coal, Contesting Climate: Materializing the Social Drama of Climate Change in Australia and Germany

ABSTRACT A key challenge for climate communication is to materialize the climate crisis experientially and create an embedded climate politics which targets the causes of climate change at source. Since 2009, the climate movement has sought to keep coal, the principle contributor to global heating, in the ground, confronting the entrenched power of the coal-industrial complex at the places where it is extracted. This article analyzes data from extended ethnographic research at two such sites, on the Liverpool Plains in Australia and the Lausitz (Lusatia) in Eastern Germany. In both locations, farmers, villagers, citizens’ initiatives, Indigenous groups, and climate activists engaged in a process of “strategic communing” in a shared struggle to protect their homes, fields, and forests from coal mining. I focus on the shared narratives which emerged from this process and analyze them applying Smith and Howe’s concept of climate change as “social drama.” This analysis reveals how small-scale struggles against coal mining, and the scripts or storylines employed by different actors, can make the sites of struggle morally meaningful in the drama of climate change. Such struggles, I argue, are themselves an important theater in which the global risk of climate change is staged. They foster solidarity between different actors and allow the emergence of exemplary narratives, “shared storylines” of resistance to the fossil-fuel economy and agitation for climate action.

Effects of Thrower's Ten exercises on upper extremity performance

Objectives:The Thrower's Ten Exercise program is an exercise program especially designed to improve the strength, power and endurance of the shoulder complex. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the Thrower's Ten exercises on the upper extremity performance in healthy sedentary individuals.Methods:36 healthy sedentary individuals completed this study conducted with a randomized controlled design. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: exercise and control. The exercise group received a training of the Thrower's Ten exercises of 50-minute sessions 3 times a week for a duration of 8 weeks. Before and after the study, the subjects were tested for dynamic balance on the upper extremity with the Upper Limp Y balance test and for explosive power with the medicine ball throw test. Moreover, the strength of the shoulder internal and external rotator muscles was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer at a speed of 60°/second. The study was registered on the Clinical Trials website by the number NCT04162886.Results:A comparison between the groups showed significant differences in terms of dynamic balance and explosive power (P < .05), but not in terms of isokinetic muscle strength and body composition (P > .05). On the other hand, comparisons of the dynamic equilibrium, explosive power and isokinetic muscle strength parameters within the exercise group returned statistically different results (P < .05).Conclusions:The Thrower's Ten exercises represent an effective method to improve the balance on the upper extremity, explosive power and isokinetic strength in healthy sedentary individuals.

Œdipe et Ulysse, Freud et Kohut

En s’appuyant sur le stratagème d’Ulysse simulant la folie afin de sauver Télémaque, son enfant encore bébé, Kohut propose de « saper le pouvoir du mythe qui a soutenu le concept de Freud » et de substituer un paradigme ulyssien au paradigme œdipien ; il veut ainsi minimiser l’importance théorique du conflit des générations et souligner au contraire celle de la continuité dans la filiation. Or, d’après la mythologie grecque, la postérité d’Ulysse est remarquablement… œdipienne. Pour nous, malgré lui, Kohut démontre le conflit des générations – son conflit avec Freud – et l’ubiquité et la puissance du complexe d’Œdipe.

DVFS and Its Architectural Simulation Models for Improving Energy Efficiency of Complex Embedded Systems in Early Design Phase

Dealing with resource constraints is an inevitable feature of embedded systems. Power and performance are the main concerns beside others. Pre-silicon analysis of power and performance in today’s complex embedded designs is a big challenge. Although RTL (Register-Transfer Level) models are more precise and reliable, system-level modeling enables the power and performance analysis of complex and dense designs in the early design phase. Virtual prototypes of systems prepared through architectural simulation provide a means of evaluating non-existing systems with more flexibility and minimum cost. Efficient interplay between power and performance is a key feature within virtual platforms. This article focuses on dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), which is a well-known system-level low-power design technique together with its more efficient implementations modeled through architectural simulation. With advent of new computing paradigms and modern application domains with strict resource demands, DVFS and its efficient hardware-managed solutions get even more highlighted. This is mainly because they can react faster to resource demands and thus reduce induced overhead. To that end, they entail an effective collaboration between software and hardware. A case review in the end wraps up the discussed topics.

Analysis of the Spatial Distribution of Settlements of Red Wood Ants in the Baikal Region

Outbreaks of defoliating insects constantly emerge and spread in the heavily forested Baikal region. Biological control is the approach of choice in pest management, and red wood ants are used to control defoliating insects at their outbreak sites. The purpose of the present paper is to choose the forest plots with complexes of red wood ant nests in the Baikal region and to estimate the level of protection of these plots from defoliating insects using hybrid geoinformation system (GIS). The Institute for System Dynamics and Control Theory SB RAS geoportal (http://geos.icc.ru) is the hybrid GIS. During fieldwork, 101 nests of F. aquilonia Yarr. and 20 nests of F. lugubris Zett. were found. One hundred and two nests (88 F. aquilonia nests and 14 F. lugubris nests) formed nest complexes and were located on 18 forest plots. Two parameters were used to estimate protection level of forest plots from defoliating insects: the average number of nests per 1 hectare (settlement density) and the total area of dome bases of all anthills located on 1 hectare (power of the nest complex). The research revealed that only four forest plots (“Uzury”, “Khalgay”, “Onguren_2”, and “Onguren_3”), situated in the mountain taiga pine landscape, were protected from defoliating insects (settlement density ≥5 nests/ha and power of nest complex &gt;6 m2/ha). Besides, the complex of nests in the “Onguren_2” forest plot can be a source for capture of filial nests. The “Arshan_2” forest plot, situated in the mountain taiga dark coniferous landscape of reduced development, had the lowest density of settlements of ants (less than two nests per hectare). The state-of-the-art hybrid GIS is a tool that can be used to quickly and efficiently discover and analyze the spatial distribution of settlements of red wood ants

Tuning the Electron Storage Potential of a Charge-Photoaccumulating RuII Complex by a DFT-Guided Approach.

Molecular photosensitizers that are able to store multiple reducing equivalents are of great interest in the field of solar fuel production, where most reactions involve multielectronic reduction processes. In order to increase the reducing power of a ruthenium tris-diimine charge-photoaccumulating complex, two structural modifications on its fused dipyridophenazine-pyridoquinolinone ligand were computationally investigated. Addition of an electron-donating oxime group was calculated to substantially decrease the reduction potentials of the complex, thus guiding the synthesis of a pyridoquinolinone-oxime derivative. Its spectroscopic and (spectro)electrochemical characterization experimentally confirmed the DFT predictions, with the first and second reduction processes cathodically shifted by -0.24 and -0.14 V, respectively, compared to the parent complex. Moreover, the ability of this novel artificial photosynthetic system to store two photogenerated electrons at a more reducing potential, via a proton-coupled electron-transfer mechanism, was demonstrated.

The power of the Mediator complex-Expanding the genetic architecture and phenotypic spectrum of MED12-related disorders.

MED12 is a member of the large Mediator complex that controls cell growth, development, and differentiation. Mutations in MED12 disrupt neuronal gene expression and lead to at least three distinct X-linked intellectual disability syndromes (FG, Lujan-Fryns, and Ohdo). Here, we describe six families with missense variants in MED12 (p.(Arg815Gln), p.(Val954Gly), p.(Glu1091Lys), p.(Arg1295Cys), p.(Pro1371Ser), and p.(Arg1148His), the latter being first reported in affected females) associated with a continuum of symptoms rather than distinct syndromes. The variants expanded the genetic architecture and phenotypic spectrum of MED12-related disorders. New clinical symptoms included brachycephaly, anteverted nares, bulbous nasal tip, prognathism, deep set eyes, and single palmar crease. We showed that MED12 variants, initially implicated in X-linked recessive disorders in males, may predict a potential risk for phenotypic expression in females, with no correlation of the X chromosome inactivation pattern in blood cells. Molecular modeling (Yasara Structure) performed to model the functional effects of the variants strongly supported the pathogenic character of the variants examined. We showed that molecular modeling is a useful method for in silico testing of the potential functional effects of MED12 variants and thus can be a valuable addition to the interpretation of the clinical and genetic findings.

Abstract 3589: Preclinical evaluation of mesothelin-specific T cell receptor (TCR) fusion constructs (TRuC™s) utilizing the signaling power of the complete TCR complex: A new opportunity for solid tumor therapy

Abstract Despite success in treating hematological malignancies, T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have shown poor efficacy in solid tumor indications. The poor utility of CARs is thought to be due to a number of factors including T cell exhaustion and a lack of persistence. Utilizing only the CD3ζ chain of six distinct T cell receptor subunits in combination with a costimulatory domain, the CARs bypass the natural TCR signaling complex. The failure to initiate and harness a complete TCR response is arguably a primary underlying factor preventing CAR-T cell success in solid tumor indications. Here, we present a novel T cell engineering platform: T Cell Receptor Fusion Constructs (TRuC™s), which target tumors in a MHC non-restricted fashion. Unlike CARs, the constructs integrate into the TCR complex, harnessing the full potential of natural T cell activation, effector function and regulation. Here we demonstrate preclinical evidence underscoring the efficacy of TRuC™-T cells re-programmed to target the solid tumor antigen mesothelin (TC-210). TC-210 showed robust anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo in mesothelioma, lung and ovarian tumor models. Surprisingly, this activity was associated with less proinflammatory cytokine production compared to CAR-T cells with the same binder and was supported by strong TRuC™-T cell persistence. Taken together, mesothelin targeting TRuC™-T cells have potent anti-tumor activity and present a promising approach for treating mesothelin-expressing solid tumors. Citation Format: Jian Ding, Ekta Patel, Patrick Tavares, Justin Quinn, Rashmi Choudhary, Bonnie Le, Olga Kiner, Solly Weiler, Daniel R. Getts, Patrick Baeuerle, Robert Hofmeister. Preclinical evaluation of mesothelin-specific T cell receptor (TCR) fusion constructs (TRuC™s) utilizing the signaling power of the complete TCR complex: A new opportunity for solid tumor therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3589.

Enhancement of muscle and locomotor performance by a series compliance: A mechanistic simulation study.

The objective was to better understand how a series compliance alters contraction kinetics and power output of muscle to enhance the work done on a load. A mathematical model was created in which a gravitational point load was connected via a linear spring to a muscle (based on the contractile properties of the sartorius of leopard frogs, Rana pipiens). The model explored the effects of load mass, tendon compliance, and delay between onset of contraction and release of the load (catch) on lift height and power output as measures of performance. Series compliance resulted in increased lift height over a relatively narrow range of compliances, and the effect was quite modest without an imposed catch mechanism unless the load was unrealistically small. Peak power of the muscle-tendon complex could be augmented up to four times that produced with a muscle alone, however, lift height was not predicted by peak power. Rather, lift height was improved as a result of the compliance synchronizing the time courses of muscle force and shortening velocity, in particular by stabilizing shortening velocity such that muscle power was sustained rather than rising and immediately falling. With a catch mechanism, enhanced performance resulted largely from energy storage in the compliance during the period of catch, rather than increased time for muscle activation before movement commenced. However, series compliance introduced a trade-off between work done before versus after release of the catch. Thus, the ability of tendons to enhance locomotor performance (i.e. increase the work done by muscle) appears dependent not only on their established role in storing energy and increasing power, but also on their ability to modulate the kinetics of muscle contraction such that power is sustained over more of the contraction, and maximizing the balance of work done before versus after release of a catch.

Enhancement of the helical twisting power of a ruthenium complex by the introduction of an achiral bulky unit

ABSTRACTHelical twisting powers of a series of ruthenium complexes with screw-like Δ, Λ chirality were investigated in N-(4-Methoxybenzylidene)-4-butylaniline (MBBA). Λ-[Ru(acac)2(trop)] (acac = acetylacetonate, trop = tropolonate) shows a fairly low HTP of 18 µm−1, while we found that the HTP increased almost double by connecting with an achiral bulky unit [Ru(Cp)(dppe)] (Cp = cyclopentadienyl, dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenyl)phosphinoethane) that was found to behave as a molecular “picket fence” to force the orientation of surrounding MBBA molecules.