Redetermination of hepta­potassium nona­hydrogen bis­[α-hexa­molybdoplatinate(IV)] undeca­hydrate

Previously reported at a temperature of 298 (2) K [Lee & Joo (2007 ▶). Acta Cryst. E63, i11–i13], the title compound, K7[H9α-Pt2Mo12O48]·11H2O or K7[H4.5α-PtMo6O24]2·11H2O, was redetermined at 146 (2) K in order to determine whether the H atom in the hydrogen bond that crosses the center of symmetry was located at the center of symmetry or disordered around it as assumed in the previous study. During the present low-temperature study it was found on the center of symmetry. One water molecule shows half-occupancy

Eco-Innovation Indices as Tools for Measuring Eco-Innovation

Measuring eco-innovation helps us understand the overall trends and raises awareness in society. Measuring eco-innovation at the national level and making comparisons across countries may allow us to benchmark performance and foster policy learning. This paper assesses two indices developed in two different regions: The ASEM Eco-Innovation Index (ASEI) by the ASEM SMEs Eco-Innovation Center, based in Republic of Korea; and the Eco-Innovation Scoreboard (Eco-IS) developed by the Eco-Innovation Observatory, based in the European Union. This paper aims to examine and compare the features of both and attempts to obtain insights on their strengths and weaknesses. Towards this aim, our paper assesses those scoreboards against four criteria stemming from innovation analysis: (1) relevance of areas and stakeholders covered; (2) ability to indicate changes; (3) directions towards common goals; and (4) ability to facilitate further changes. We conclude both are promising, despite data shortages, and have great potential to contribute towards the sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly with regard to the SDGs on sustainable industrialization and sustainable consumption and production. In comparison, the ASEI covers more countries than the Eco-IS. However, the ASEI has limitations on measuring indicators due to limited data availability in Asian countries. The Eco-IS is closely linked with the regional and national policies for eco-innovation in Europe, while the ASEI’s impact appears more limited, as of now. In conclusion, the research results give insights into key areas, goals and applications of eco-innovation indices, and can help upgrading eco-innovation indices. This research helps interpret the scores of two indices better and facilitate application of the scores in the multiple ways. It is expected that this research contributes to developing and modifying a global eco-innovation index and enhancing the ability of these indices to facilitate eco-innovation strategies at national levels and across relevant actors

KIN-4/MAST kinase promotes PTEN-mediated longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans via binding through a PDZ domain

PDZ domain-containing proteins (PDZ proteins) act as scaffolds for protein-protein interactions and are crucial for a variety of signal transduction processes. However, the role of PDZ proteins in organismal lifespan and aging remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that KIN-4, a PDZ domain-containing microtubule-associated serine-threonine (MAST) protein kinase, is a key longevity factor acting through binding PTEN phosphatase in Caenorhabditis elegans. Through a targeted genetic screen for PDZ proteins, we find that kin-4 is required for the long lifespan of daf-2/insulin/IGF-1 receptor mutants. We then show that neurons are crucial tissues for the longevity-promoting role of kin-4. We find that the PDZ domain of KIN-4 binds PTEN, a key factor for the longevity of daf-2 mutants. Moreover, the interaction between KIN-4 and PTEN is essential for the extended lifespan of daf-2 mutants. As many aspects of lifespan regulation in C. elegans are evolutionarily conserved, MAST family kinases may regulate aging and/or age-related diseases in mammals through their interaction with PTEN.11Ysciescopu

Anhydrous penta­guanidinium dihydrogen nona­vanado(IV)platinate(IV)

The title compound, (CH6N3)5[H2PtV9O28], containing the nona­vanadoplatinate(IV) polyanion, was obtained by hydro­thermal reaction. The polyanion has approximate C 2v symmetry. The two Pt-bound μ2-O atoms are protonated in the polyanion. The heteropolyanions form inversion-generated dimers, {[H2PtV9O28]2}10−, held together by each of the two μ2-O—H⋯μ2-O and μ2-O—H⋯μ3-O hydrogen bonds. The guanidinium cations are hydrogen bonded with the μ2- and terminal O atoms of the polyanion, connecting the polyanions into a three-dimensional network

Assessment of Optical Quality at Different Contrast Levels in Pseudophakic Eyes

Purpose. To assess visual function using Optical Quality Analysis System (OQAS) at varying levels of contrast in pseudophakic eyes. Methods. The study included patients admitted to Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital between January and February 2012: 143 pseudophakic eyes with one of five intraocular lens types, examined 2–6 months after cataract surgery, and 93 normal eyes (enhanced visual acuity (VA) < 0.1 logMAR) in age-matched controls. Subjects were examined at three contrast levels using the OQAS. Results. At 100%, 20%, and 9% contrast, simulated mean VA was 0.16±0.18 logMAR, 0.30±0.18 logMAR, and 0.52±0.17 logMAR, in normal eyes, and 0.16±0.12 logMAR, 0.33±0.20 logMAR, and 0.56±0.21 logMAR, respectively, in pseudophakic eyes. Simulated VA decreased significantly when contrast was reduced, regardless of ocular status, age group, and lens type (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between normal and pseudophakic eyes among subjects aged 50–69 (p>0.05). Among subjects aged 70–79, pseudophakic eyes showed improved simulated VA (p=0.000) and objective scattering index values (p=0.008). Conclusions. Patients with intraocular lenses have similar or superior visual function when compared to those with normal eyes at 2–6 months after cataract surgery, even under low-contrast conditions

Mechanical Properties and Durability of Latex-Modified Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: A Tunnel Liner Application

This study assessed the mechanical properties and durability of latex-modified fiber-reinforced segment concrete (polyolefin-based macrosynthetic fibers and hybrid fiber-macrosynthetic fiber and polypropylene fiber) for a tunnel liner application. The tested macrosynthetic fiber-reinforced concrete has a better strength than steel fiber-reinforced concrete. The tested concrete with blast furnace slag has a higher chloride ion penetration resistance (less permeable), but its compressive and flexural strengths can be reduced with blast furnace slag content increase. Also, the hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete has higher compressive strength, flexural strength, chloride ion water permeability resistance, impact resistance, and abrasion resistance than the macrosynthetic fiber-reinforced concrete. The modified fiber improved the performance of concrete, and the hybrid fiber was found to control the formation of micro- and macrocracks more effectively. Therefore, overall performance of the hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete was found superior to the other fiber-reinforced concrete mixes tested for this study. The test results also indicated that macrosynthetic fiber could replace the steel fiber as a concrete reinforcement

Accelerated Ulcer Healing and Resistance to Ulcer Recurrence with Gastroprotectants in Rat Model of Acetic Acid-induced Gastric Ulcer

Quality of ulcer healing (QOUH) is defined as ideal ulcer healing featuring with the fine granular ulcer scar, high functional restoration and the resistance to recurrence. This study was designed to compare the rates of QOUH achievement in rat gastric ulcer model between acid suppressant treated group and gastroprotectant treated group accompanied with elucidations of molecular mechanisms. Serosal injection of acetic acids for generating gastric ulcer and intraperitoneal (ip) injection of recombinant interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β) for recurring healed ulcer was done in SD rats. The 72 rats were divided into three groups according to treatment as follows; Group I, no further treatment, Group II, 8 weeks treatment of omeprazole, and Group III, 8 weeks of gastroprotectant treatment. IL-1β was administered for ulcer recurrence after 28 weeks of acetic acid injection. At four weeks after gastric ulcerogenesis, 58.3% (7/12) of active gastric ulcer were converted to healing stage in Group III, but 16.7% (2/12) in Group II and none in Group I, for which significant levels of epidermal growth factor, mucin, and pS2/trefoil peptide1 were contributive to these accelerated healings of Group III. ip injections of rIL-1β (200 µg/kg) at 28 weeks after acetic acid injection led to 100% of ulcer recurrence in Group I and 75.0% in Group II, but only 16.7% of Group III rats showed ulcer recurrence. Significantly attenuated levels of inflammatory cytokines including IL-2, transforming growth factor-alpha (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nitrotyrosine were responsible for the resistance to ulcer recurrence in Group III. Conclusively, gastroprotectant might be prerequisite in order to achieve ideal QOUH through significant inductions of remodeling