bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amperometric Glucose Biosensor Based on Electrochemically Deposited Gold Nanoparticles Covered by Polypyrrole
Authors: German Natalija , Ramanavicius Arunas , Ramanaviciene Almira
Published: February 2017

Graphite rod (GR) modified with electrochemicaly deposited gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and adsorbed glucose oxidase (GOx) was used in amperometric glucose biosensor design. Enzymatic formation of polypyrrole (Ppy) on the surface of GOx/AuNPs/GR electrode was applied in order to improve analytical characteristics and stability of developed biosensor. The linear glucose detection range for Ppy/GOx/AuNPs/GR electrode was dependent on the duration of Ppy‐layer formation and the linear interval was extended up to 19.9 mmol L−1 after 21 h lasting synthesis of Ppy. The sensitivity of the developed biosensor was determined as 21.7 μA mM−1 cm−2, the limit of detection – 0.20 mmol L−1. Ppy/GOx/AuNPs/GR electrodes demonstrated advanced good stability (the t1/2 was 9.8 days), quick detection of glucose (within 5 s) in the wide linear interval. Additionally, formed Ppy layer decreased the influence of electroactive species on the analytical signal. Developed biosensor is suitable for the determination of glucose in human serum samples.
Comparison of the effect of ionic liquids containing hexafluorophosphate and trifluoroacetate anions on the inhibition of growth and oxidative stress in spring barley and common radish
Authors: Biczak Robert , Pawłowska Barbara , Feder-Kubis Joanna , Telesiński Arkadiusz
Published: February 2017

Ionic liquids are a group of chemical compounds with chemical properties that are of great interest to various fields of science and industry. However, commercial use of these substances raises concern because they may threaten the natural ecosystems. The present study used 2 types of (−)-menthol-containing imidazolium chiral ionic liquids: 1-[(1R,2S,5R)-(−)-menthoxymethyl]-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [Im-Men][PF6] and 1-[(1R,2S,5R)-(−)-menthoxymethyl]-3-methylimidazolium trifluoroacetate [Im-Men][CF3CO2]. The effects of these compounds on growth and development of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare) and common radish (Raphanus sativus L. subvar. radicula Pers.) were investigated. The present study demonstrated that chiral ionic liquids produced a relatively high phytotoxicity, by shortening the plants’ lengths and roots, thus causing a decline in the experimental plants’ fresh weights. The investigated ionic liquids also led to a reduction in photosynthetic pigment levels, changes in hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde content, and changes in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase in both plants. Changes in these enzymes were used to indicate oxidative stress levels in spring barley and common radish. It was demonstrated that imidazolium ionic liquid–induced phytotoxicity depended largely on the type of anion. The liquid [Im-Men][PF6] exhibited higher toxicity toward spring barley and common radish seedlings. Common radish was more resistant to chiral ionic liquids. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2167–2177. © 2017 SETAC
The TAM receptor Tyro3 regulates myelination in the central nervous system
Authors: Akkermann Rainer , Aprico Andrea , Perera Ashwyn A. , Bujalka Helena , Cole Alistair E. , Xiao Junhua , Field Judith , Kilpatrick Trevor J. , Binder Michele D.
Published: February 2017

Myelin is an essential component of the mammalian nervous system, facilitating rapid conduction of electrical impulses by axons, as well as providing trophic support to neurons. Within the central nervous system, the oligodendrocyte is the specialized neural cell responsible for producing myelin by a process that is thought to be regulated by both activity dependent and independent mechanisms but in incompletely understood ways. We have previously identified that the protein Gas6, a ligand for a family of tyrosine kinase receptors known as the TAM (Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk) receptors, directly increases oligodendrocyte induced myelination in vitro. Gas6 can bind to and activate all three TAM receptors, but the high level of expression of Tyro3 on oligodendrocytes makes this receptor the principal candidate for transducing the pro‐myelinating effect of Gas6. In this study, we establish that in the absence of Tyro3, the pro‐myelinating effect of Gas6 is lost, that developmental myelination is delayed and that the myelin produced is thinner than normal. We show that this effect is specific to the myelination process and not due to changes in the proliferation or differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells. We have further demonstrated that the reduction in myelination is due to the loss of Tyro3 on oligodendrocytes, and this effect may be mediated by activation of Erk1. Collectively, our findings indicate the critical importance of Tyro3 in potentiating central nervous system myelination. GLIA 2017 GLIA 2017;65:581–591
Reconstruction of Central European daily weather types back to 1763
Authors: Schwander Mikhaël , Brönnimann Stefan , Delaygue Gilles , Rohrer Marco , Auchmann Renate , Brugnara Yuri
Published: February 2017

Weather type classifications (WTCs) are a simple tool to analyse variations in weather patterns. Long series of WTCs could be used to address decadal changes in weather as a basis for studying changes in variability or extremes or for addressing contributions of sea‐surface temperature or external forcings using climate models. However, there is no long series of daily objective weather types (WTs). A new method (Shortest Mahalanobis Distance, SMD) using daily European weather data is developed to reconstruct WTCs back in time. Here the SMD method is applied on the Cluster Analysis of Principal Components (CAP9) classification used by MeteoSwiss. The CAP9 daily WT time series (computed with ERA‐40) is used as reference over the 1958–1998 period. Daily data (temperature, mean sea level pressure and pressure tendency) from 13 European stations covering the period 1763–2009 are used for the reconstruction. The reference CAP9 is reduced from nine to seven types so the new daily WTC is called CAP7. As an assessment, CAP7 is compared to the original classification CAP9 and to the same WTs computed with the Twentieth Century Reanalysis (20CR and 20CRv2c). Over the reference period up to 90% of all the daily WTs can be correctly reproduced in the new WTC compared to the original series, with higher reliability in winter than in summer. In addition, the reliability of the classification is increasing from 1763 onward. The annual occurrence of each type reveals some trends, mostly a decrease in the number of cyclonic days and an increase of cyclonic days.
Analysis of geographic and orographic influence in Spanish monthly precipitation
Authors: Álvarez‐Rodríguez J. , Llasat M. C. , Estrela T.
Published: February 2017

Precipitation is a major concern in water resources studies. Being a main variable, the inefficiency of historical ground network, particularly at higher altitudes where precipitation and runoff augmentations are expected, constitutes a major drawback. This work analyses the competence of Spanish historical precipitation network and explores the physiographic influence of elevation and orientation at a national scale. The usefulness of slopes is also explored. Nearly 12 000 monthly precipitation series recorded from the 19th century until the hydrological year 2004/2005 over a high‐resolution topographic map (200 m) of Spanish territory are used. Comparable statistics and precipitation lapse rates are managed once a completion of gaps is accomplished. Then, Spanish yearly rates range from 0.3 to 1.2 mm m−1, reaching 1.5 mm m−1 in Northern Iberian Peninsula, diminishing at highest altitudes.

Conclusions address the inefficiency and uncertainties revealed by historical ground networks as well as the variable relationship existing between precipitation and physiographic parameters, such as altitude and orientation.
Extracapsular dissection as sole therapy for small low‐grade malignant tumors of the parotid gland
Authors: Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Koch Michael , Iro Heinrich
Published: February 2017

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate whether extracapsular dissection of a primarily unsuspected lesion in the parotid gland could be oncologically sufficient for carefully selected cases of parotid gland malignomas.

Study Design

Retrospective clinical study.

Methods

The records of all patients treated for primary malignant tumors of the parotid gland solely by means of extracapsular dissection between 2006 and 2013 were studied retrospectively. Patients with manifestation of malignant tumors in the parotid gland that were not of primary salivary gland origin (squamous cell carcinomas, lymphomas, melanomas) or who had had revision surgery or other malignant tumors in their history, as well as patients with insufficient data, were excluded from our study sample.

Results

Nine patients, all with low‐grade parotid malignancies, were detected. Our study showed acceptable oncologic and functional outcomes throughout.

Conclusion

Our study was able to show very encouraging preliminary results following primary extracapsular dissection as sole surgical therapy for carefully selected low‐stage, low‐grade, inferiorly located lesions in patients with high compliance.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1804–1807, 2017
Growth, population dynamics, and reproductive output model of the non‐zooxanthellate temperate solitary coral Caryophyllia inornata (Scleractinia, Caryophylliidae)
Authors: Caroselli Erik , Ricci Francesco , Brambilla Viviana , Marchini Chiara , Tortorelli Giada , Airi Valentina , Mattioli Guido , Levy Oren , Falini Giuseppe , Dubinsky Zvy , Goffredo Stefano
Published: February 2017

Coral age can be strictly related to size, but processes like fragmentation, fusion, and partial colony mortality can decouple this relationship. When these phenomena are negligible, such as in solitary corals, age‐based growth and population dynamics models can be used. In this study, the population size, structure, and growth rates of the temperate solitary coral Caryophyllia inornata were assessed at Elba Island (north‐western Mediterranean Sea). Growth rate of this species decreased exponentially with age. The two growth curves estimated by field measurements and by growth band analysis provided homogeneous relationships between size and age. The decreasing number of individuals with age indicated a steady state population, with a turnover time of 4 yr and a maximum life span of 22 yr. Maximum biomass yield and most reproductive output was by individuals of 8–15 yr age classes. The life strategy was characterized by high fecundity, continuous embryo production, high larval output, and high larval mortality.
Microlubrication machining of 1018 steel: the effect of a biodegradable lubricant on the microstructural integrity
Authors: Shaikh Vasim A. , Scharf Thomas W. , Boubekri Nourredine
Published: February 2017

Microlubrication is a green machining technique that reduces the amount of cutting fluid during the machining process. Its effect on subsurface microstructural integrity is a very important aspect for the functionality of a machined component, but it is often neglected and requires advanced characterisation techniques. The focus of this study is to investigate the influence of microlubrication using a biodegradable vegetable oil‐based cutting fluid to characterise the subsurface microstructural integrity during end milling of AISI 1018 steel. Vickers microhardness was measured along the cross section of the machined component from the surface edge to inside the bulk, while transmission electron microscopy was conducted inside the subsurface deformation zone to quantify the dislocation densities. It was determined that increased dislocation densities near the workpiece edge resulted in increased microhardness with reduced tool wear. Thus, microlubrication machining is a sustainable green machining process that does not significantly compromise the subsurface integrity of the workpiece material. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Das Smartphone – ein Antwortgerät
Authors: Schlücker Sebastian
Published: February 2017

Um möglichst viele Studenten im Hörsaal dazu zu bewegen, mitzudenken und sich zu beteiligen, braucht eine Vorlesung auch unterhaltsame und aktivierende Elemente. Das können Quizfragen sein, die Hörer anonym mit ihrem Smartphone beantworten. Ein Quiz hat zudem den Vorteil, dass der Dozent etwas über die Studierenden und ihren Lernfortschritt erfährt. Ein Erfahrungsbericht.
Reaktivität verstehen, ohne die Katalysatorstruktur zu kennen
Authors: Paradies Jan
Published: February 2017

Manche boranbasierten frustrierten Lewis‐Paare spalten Wasserstoff – wie, war bislang unklar. Um Struktur und Reaktivität in Beziehung zu setzen, werden quantenchemische Untersuchungen und NMR‐Experimente kombiniert. Sind pKa‐Werte der Lewis‐Base bekannt, lässt sich damit Reaktivität vorhersagen.
Hennafarbstoff statt Vanadium
Authors: Jansen Walter , Busker Maike , Pansegrau Svenja , Rosenberg Dominique
Published: February 2017

Redoxflussbatterien sollen Energie aus Windkraft‐und Solaranlagen speichern, und die Wissenschaft sucht zurzeit intensiv nach organischen Redoxpaaren dafür. Solche Systeme lassen sich auch im Unterricht an Schulen und Hochschulen nachstellen.
Chemie‐ und Pharmabranche: Wachstum unverändert
Authors: Marquardt Sabrina
Published: February 2017

Der Verband der Chemischen Industrie hat seine Jahresprognose für die Chemie‐ und Pharmabranche herausgegeben.
Generalversammlung 2016
Authors: Ebner Gabriela
Published: February 2017

Die Generalversammlung der Gesellschaft Österreichischer Chemiker fand am 3. November 2016 im Auer‐von‐Welsbach‐Hörsaal der Universität Wien, Boltzmanngasse 1, 1090 Wien, statt.
The effect of pair‐based monetary contingency contracts for weight loss: Results from a randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Sykes‐Muskett Bianca J. , Prestwich Andrew , Lawton Rebecca J. , Armitage Christopher J.
Published: February 2017

Objective

Monetary contingency contracts (MCCs), in which deposited money is returned contingent on weight loss, could promote weight/adiposity reduction. This study piloted individual‐ and pair‐based MCCs (when refunds are contingent on two individuals losing weight) and assessed effects on weight/body composition.

Methods

Seventy‐seven participants with BMI greater than 25 kg/m2 were recruited. In a non‐blinded, randomized controlled trial conducted in a university laboratory setting, participants were randomized in pairs via a computer‐generated sequence to one of four conditions: partner with pair‐based refund (P‐PBR), partner with individual refund (P‐IR), individual weight loss with individual refund (I‐IR), or no MCC (comparison). Refunds were contingent on weight loss after 4 and 8 weeks; weight/body composition was measured at 0, 4, and 8 weeks. Primary outcome measures were change in weight and fat mass.

Results

Seventy‐seven participants (P‐PBR n = 16; P‐IR n = 20; I‐IR n = 22; comparison n = 19) were recruited. Deposit amount was significantly positively associated with reductions in weight/BMI. At 8 weeks, the P‐PBR condition reduced fat mass more than all other conditions (P < 0.05) and reduced weight/BMI more than the I‐IR condition (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The large effect of P‐PBR on fat mass suggests it would be valuable to conduct a fully powered, randomized controlled trial of pair‐based MCCs.
A predictive control framework for 3‐phase induction motors modeled in natural variables
Authors: Bonci Cavalca Eduardo , Nied Ademir , Santos Matos Cavalca Mariana , de Oliveira José
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a nonlinear control approach for 3‐phase induction motors. The proposed structure combines a 3‐phase predictive controller with an integrative reference filter. The predictive controller is designed based on an induction motor model established in natural variables (without using transformations), which is a nonlinear and time‐variant one. This model enables the controller to work independently with the supply voltages, considering unbalanced situations. A dynamic evaluation of the state equation coefficients is used to perform the process variables prediction, thereby executing a point‐to‐point linearization. The conversion of the rotation speed and stator flux modulus reference values is realized by a integrative 3‐phase referrer, which acts as a reference filter, expressing the references as 3‐phase signals and acting as an integrator to eliminate steady‐state errors. Also, a constraint feature is implemented, to reduce the currents. Simulation results satisfactorily show the proposed control architecture characteristics for various reference values and for motor operation as a brake and with load variation.
Plasma treated water – A promising electrolyte to produce nanoporous titanium dioxide nanotubes
Authors: Ambujakshan Arun T. , Sadek Abu , Magniez Kevin , Mateti Srikanth , Mayes Edwin , Devi Gayathri , Pringle Jennifer M. , Plessis Johan du , Chen Zhiqiang , Corr Cormac S. , Hodgson Peter D. , Dai Xiujuan J.
Published: February 2017

Plasma‐treated water is used as an environmentally friendly electrolyte for the synthesis of nanoporous titanium dioxide nanotubes by anodization of titanium. The possible mechanism of nanotube formation in the process is studied. The reactive species hydrogen peroxide and nitrate can be selectively produced in a gas bubble discharge in liquid using argon plasma or air plasma, respectively. It is observed that hydrogen peroxide enhances only the formation of an oxide layer, while nitrate forms pores on this oxide layer. It is proposed that the nitrate determines the formation of nanoporous nanotubes, while hydrogen peroxide enhances the oxidation.
In Situ Coupling of CoP Polyhedrons and Carbon Nanotubes as Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalyst
Authors: Wu Can , Yang Yijun , Dong Duo , Zhang Yuhang , Li Jinghong
Published: February 2017

Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) from water electrolysis is an attractive technique developed in recent years for cost‐effective clean energy. Although considerable efforts have been paid to create efficient catalysts for HER, the development of an affordable HER catalyst with superior performance under mild conditions is still highly desired. In this work, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)‐templated strategy is proposed for in situ coupling of cobalt phosphide (CoP) polyhedrons nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Due to the synergistic catalytic effect between CoP polyhedrons and CNTs, the as‐prepared CoP–CNTs hybrids show excellent HER performance. The resultant CoP–CNTs demonstrate excellent HER activity in 0.5 m H2SO4 with Tafel slope of 52 mV dec−1, small onset overpotential of ≈64 mV, and a low overpotential of ≈139 mV at 10 mA cm−2. Additionally, the catalyst also manifests superior durability in acid media. Considering the structure diversity of MOFs, the strategy presented here can be extended for synthesizing other well‐defined metal phosphides–CNTs hybrids, which may be used in the fields of catalysis, energy conversion and storage.
Controlled Gold Nanorod Reorientation and Hexagonal Order in Micromolded Gold Nanorod@pNIPAM Microgel Chain Arrays
Authors: Wagner Tom , Nedilko Alexander , Linn Malte , Chigrin Dmitry N. , von Plessen Gero , Böker Alexander
Published: February 2017

A one‐step soft lithography based pathway to manufacture aligned gold nanorod@poly‐(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (GNR@pNIPAM) hybrid chains with hexagonal arrangement of the nanorods and with an anisotropic optical response is presented. After demonstration of an efficient synthesis protocol, yielding uniform composite microgels in high concentration, a micromolding procedure using wrinkled polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) templates to fabricate aligned hybrid chains is introduced. It is found that the self‐assembled GNR@pNIPAM microgels inside the PDMS wrinkle grooves can be transferred onto solid substrates, on which they exhibit a hexagonal order, as confirmed by small‐angle X‐ray scattering. Further, it is shown that the application of minimized PDMS wrinkle dimensions aligns GNRs inside the pNIPAM microgels, and that the optical response of such molded assemblies is anisotropic.
Bone Mineral Density Response from Teriparatide in Patients with Osteoporosis
Authors: Kim So-Young , Zhang Meng , Bockman Richard
Published: February 2017

Background

A review of data from large clinical trials reported more than 90% of subjects significantly improved their bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine (LS) with teriparatide (TPTD) (bone 39:1268–1275, 1 ). However, our clinical experience suggests that many patients may be non-responders, raising questions as to the true efficacy of TPTD in improving BMD in osteoporotic patients.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of the study is to determine the rate of improvement in BMD following 18–24 months of teriparatide (TPTD) in patients with osteoporosis within an orthopedic hospital setting.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of patients with osteoporosis who completed 18–24 months of TPTD therapy. The primary endpoint was the change in BMD at lumbar spine (LS) and hip-femoral neck (FN) and total hip (TH) following treatment. Secondary endpoints included the effect of prior bisphosphonate therapy, age, body mass index (BMI) and family history of fracture on BMD response, and the changes in bone-specific markers during active treatment.

Results

Seventy-eight women and men with mean T-scores at the LS = −2.63 met the inclusion criteria. The overall group showed a 10.7% increase in LS-BMD after 24 months of TPTD. Eighty-three percent were considered responders defined as ≥3.0% increase in LS-BMD. Non-responders (16.7%) had mean LS-BMD change = −1.41%. No difference in baseline vitamin D, calcium, creatinine, BMI, age, gender, prior fracture history, or bisphosphonate use was observed between responders and non-responders. No consistent pattern of change in measures of bone markers was noted between responders and non-responders.

Conclusion

Eighty-three percent of patients with osteoporosis showed a >3% increase in BMD after TPTD treatment. Baseline parameters, prior bisphosphonate therapy, and the changes in bone markers showed no correlation with final BMD outcome.
A Critique of Proportionality and Balancing
Authors: Urbina Francisco
Published: February 2017

The principle of proportionality, which has become the standard test for adjudicating human and constitutional rights disputes in jurisdictions worldwide has had few critics. Proportionality is generally taken for granted or enthusiastically promoted or accepted with minor qualifications. A Critique of Proportionality and Balancing presents a frontal challenge to this orthodoxy. It provides a comprehensive critique of the proportionality principle, and particularly of its most characteristic component, balancing. Divided into three parts, the book presents arguments against the proportionality test, critiques the view of rights entailed by it, and proposes an alternative understanding of fundamental rights and their limits.
Exploring minority language input sources as means of supporting the early development of second language vocabulary and grammar
Authors: WILLIAMS NIA , THOMAS ENLLI MÔN
Published: February 2017

Exposure to a minority language is largely limited in terms of frequency, and often delivered by nonnative speakers in certain domains. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two types of native-language input sources (story telling and minority language children's television) in providing 4- and 5-year-old native English-speaking children with beginning awareness of Welsh. Results revealed that exposure to Welsh via television programs was equally as beneficial, if not more so in some cases, as listening to Welsh stories in developing children's vocabulary, particularly within the context of social interaction. These results suggest a useful and potentially effective role for the use of native-language television within a carefully designed language curriculum to aid early second language development in minority language contexts.
Photo-induced oxidant-free oxidative C–H/N–H cross-coupling between arenes and azoles
Authors: Niu Linbin , Yi Hong , Wang Shengchun , Liu Tianyi , Liu Jiamei , Lei Aiwen
Published: February 2017

Direct cross-coupling between simple arenes and heterocyclic amines under mild conditions is undoubtedly important for C–N bonds construction. Selective C(sp2)-H amination is more valuable. Herein we show a selective C(sp2)-H amination of arenes (alkyl-substituted benzenes, biphenyl and anisole derivatives) accompanied by hydrogen evolution by using heterocyclic azoles as nitrogen sources. The reaction is selective for C(sp2)-H bonds, providing a mild route to N-arylazoles. The KIE (kinetic isotope effect) experiment reveals the cleavage of C–H bond is not involved in the rate-determining step. Kinetic studies indicate the first-order behaviour with respect to the arene component. It is interesting that this system works without the need for any sacrificial oxidant and is highly selective for C(sp2)-H activation, whereas C(sp3)-H bonds are unaffected. This study may have significant implications for the functionalization of methylarenes which are sensitive to oxidative conditions.
Regulation of FT splicing by an endogenous cue in temperate grasses
Authors: Qin Zhengrui , Wu Jiajie , Geng Shuaifeng , Feng Nan , Chen Fengjuan , Kong Xingchen , Song Gaoyuan , Chen Kai , Li Aili , Mao Long , Wu Liang
Published: February 2017

Appropriate flowering timing is crucial for plant reproductive success. The florigen, FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), interacts with 14-3-3 proteins and the bZIP transcription factor FD, functioning at core nodes in multiple flowering pathways. There are two FT homologues, FT1 and FT2, in Brachypodium distachyon. Here we show that FT2 undergoes age-dependent alternative splicing (AS), resulting in two splice variants (FT2α and FT2β). The FT2β-encoded protein cannot interact with FD or 14-3-3s but is able to form heterodimers with FT2α and FT1, thereby interfering with the florigen-mediated assembly of the flowering initiation complex. Notably, transgenic plants overproducing FT2β exhibit delayed flowering, while transgenic plants in which FT2β is silenced by an artificial microRNA display accelerated flowering, demonstrating a dominant-negative role of FT2β in flowering induction. Furthermore, we show that the AS splicing of FT2 is conserved in important cereal crops, such as barley and wheat. Collectively, these findings reveal a novel posttranscriptional mode of FT regulation in temperate grasses.
Intracellular Accumulation of Gold Nanoparticles Leads to Inhibition of Macropinocytosis to Reduce the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Gunduz Nuray , Ceylan Hakan , Guler Mustafa O. , Tekinay Ayse B.
Published: February 2017

Understanding the toxicity of nanomaterials remains largely limited to acute cellular response, i.e., short-term in vitro cell-death based assays, and analyses of tissue- and organ-level accumulation and clearance patterns in animal models, which have produced very little information about how these materials (from the toxicity point of view) interact with the complex intracellular machinery. In particular, understanding the mechanism of toxicity caused by the gradual accumulation of nanomaterials due to prolonged exposure times is essential yet still continue to be a largely unexplored territory. Herein, we show intracellular accumulation and the associated toxicity of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for over two-months in the cultured vascular endothelial cells. We observed that steady exposure of AuNPs at low (non-lethal) dose leads to rapid intracellular accumulation without causing any detectable cell death while resulting in elevated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Above a certain intracellular AuNP threshold, inhibition of macropinocytosis mechanism ceases further nanoparticle uptake. Interestingly, the intracellular depletion of nanoparticles is irreversible. Once reaching the maximum achievable intracellular dose, a steady depletion is observed, while no cell death is observed at any stage of this overall process. This depletion is important for reducing the ER stress. To our knowledge, this is the first report suggesting active regulation of nanoparticle uptake by cells and the impact of long-term exposure to nanoparticles in vitro.
Neurotypical Peers are Less Willing to Interact with Those with Autism based on Thin Slice Judgments
Authors: Sasson Noah J. , Faso Daniel J. , Nugent Jack , Lovell Sarah , Kennedy Daniel P. , Grossman Ruth B.
Published: February 2017

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including those who otherwise require less support, face severe difficulties in everyday social interactions. Research in this area has primarily focused on identifying the cognitive and neurological differences that contribute to these social impairments, but social interaction by definition involves more than one person and social difficulties may arise not just from people with ASD themselves, but also from the perceptions, judgments, and social decisions made by those around them. Here, across three studies, we find that first impressions of individuals with ASD made from thin slices of real-world social behavior by typically-developing observers are not only far less favorable across a range of trait judgments compared to controls, but also are associated with reduced intentions to pursue social interaction. These patterns are remarkably robust, occur within seconds, do not change with increased exposure, and persist across both child and adult age groups. However, these biases disappear when impressions are based on conversational content lacking audio-visual cues, suggesting that style, not substance, drives negative impressions of ASD. Collectively, these findings advocate for a broader perspective of social difficulties in ASD that considers both the individual’s impairments and the biases of potential social partners.
Eugenol prevents amyloid formation of proteins and inhibits amyloid-induced hemolysis
Authors: Dubey Kriti , Anand Bibin G. , Shekhawat Dolat Singh , Kar Karunakar
Published: February 2017

Eugenol has attracted considerable attention because of its potential for many pharmaceutical applications including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic and anti-oxidant properties. Here, we have investigated the effect of eugenol on amyloid formation of selected globular proteins. We find that both spontaneous and seed-induced aggregation processes of insulin and serum albumin (BSA) are significantly suppressed in the presence of eugenol. Isothermal titration calorimetric data predict a single binding site for eugenol-insulin complex confirming the affinity of eugenol for native soluble insulin species. We also find that eugenol suppresses amyloid-induced hemolysis. Our findings reveal the inherent ability of eugenol to stabilize native proteins and to delay the conversion of protein species of native conformation into β-sheet assembled mature fibrils, which seems to be crucial for its inhibitory effect.
Correction: Corrigendum: Microtubule stabilising peptides rescue tau phenotypes in-vivo
Authors: Quraishe Shmma , Sealey Megan , Cranfield Louise , Mudher Amritpal
Published: February 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 38224; published online: 02 December 2016; updated: 1 February 2017. The Acknowledgements section in this Article is incomplete. “This work was supported by the Wessex Medical Trust, the Alzheimer’s Society and the Henry Smith’s foundation. Thanks to Prof. St. Johnstone (University of Cambridge, UK) for providing the dtau antibody and Dr.
Effects of Prolonged GRP78 Haploinsufficiency on Organ Homeostasis, Behavior, Cancer and Chemotoxic Resistance in Aged Mice
Authors: Lee Amy S. , Brandhorst Sebastian , Rangel Daisy F. , Navarrete Gerardo , Cohen Pinchas , Longo Valter D. , Chen Jeannie , Groshen Susan , Morgan Todd E. , Dubeau Louis
Published: February 2017

GRP78, a multifunctional protein with potent cytoprotective properties, is an emerging therapeutic target to combat cancer development, progression and drug resistance. The biological consequences of prolonged reduction in expression of this essential chaperone which so far has been studied primarily in young mice, was investigated in older mice, as older individuals are likely to be important recipients of anti-GRP78 therapy. We followed cohorts of Grp78+/+and Grp78+/−male and female mice up to 2 years of age in three different genetic backgrounds and characterized them with respect to body weight, organ integrity, behavioral and memory performance, cancer, inflammation and chemotoxic response. Our results reveal that body weight, organ development and integrity were not impaired in aged Grp78+/−mice. No significant effect on cancer incidence and inflammation was observed in aging mice. Interestingly, our studies detected some subtle differential trends between the WT and Grp78+/−mice in some test parameters dependent on gender and genetic background. Our studies provide the first evidence that GRP78 haploinsufficiency for up to 2 years of age has no major deleterious effect in rodents of different genetic background, supporting the merit of anti-GRP78 drugs in treatment of cancer and other diseases affecting the elderly.
Effects of Normothermic Conditioned Microwave Irradiation on Cultured Cells Using an Irradiation System with Semiconductor Oscillator and Thermo-regulatory Applicator
Authors: Asano Mamiko , Sakaguchi Minoru , Tanaka Satoshi , Kashimura Keiichiro , Mitani Tomohiko , Kawase Masaya , Matsumura Hitoshi , Yamaguchi Takako , Fujita Yoshikazu , Tabuse Katsuyoshi
Published: February 2017

We investigated the effects of microwave irradiation under normothermic conditions on cultured cells. For this study, we developed an irradiation system constituted with semiconductor microwave oscillator (2.45 GHz) and thermos-regulatory applicator, which could irradiate microwaves at varied output powers to maintain the temperature of cultured cells at 37 °C. Seven out of eight types of cultured cells were killed by microwave irradiation, where four were not affected by thermal treatment at 42.5 °C. Since the dielectric properties such as ε’, ε” and tanδ showed similar values at 2.45 GHz among cell types and media, the degree of microwave energy absorbed by cells might be almost the same among cell types. Thus, the vulnerability of cells to microwave irradiation might be different among cell types. In HL-60 cells, which were the most sensitive to microwave irradiation, the viability decreased as irradiation time and irradiation output increased; accordingly, the decrease in viability was correlated to an increase in total joule. However, when a high or low amount of joules per minute was supplied, the correlation between cellular viability and total joules became relatively weak. It is hypothesized that kinds of cancer cells are efficiently killed by respective specific output of microwave under normothermic cellular conditions.
Autophagic flux, a possible mechanism for delayed gentamicin-induced ototoxicity
Authors: Kim Yeon Ju , Tian Chunjie , Kim Jangho , Shin Beomyong , Choo Oak-Sung , Kim You-Sun , Choung Yun-Hoon
Published: February 2017

Aminoglycoside antibiotics including gentamicin (GM) induce delayed ototoxic effects such as hearing loss after long-term use, unlike the early-onset ototoxicity caused by cisplatin. The purpose of the study was to identify the mechanism of the delayed GM-induced ototoxicity by exploring the role of autophagy in vitro and in vivo. Treating HEI-OC1 auditory cells with GM led to a time-dependent increase of the autophagosome marker LC3-II, which was accompanied by cell death. In contrast, cisplatin and penicillin caused a rapid increase and had no effect on LC3-II levels, respectively. LC3-II-expressing autophagosomes co-localized with the labeled GM. GM-treated autophagosomes expressed reduced levels of Rab7, which is necessary for the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes. When the autophagic flux enhancer rapamycin was applied to GM-treated cells, Rab7 and the lysosomal enzyme cathepsin D were upregulated, and increased cell survival was observed. In animal studies, the intraperitoneal injection of GM worsened hearing thresholds and induced the accumulation of LC3 in the organ of Corti. This hearing impairment was attenuated by rapamycin. These findings suggest that the delayed onset-ototoxicity of GM may be closely related to the accumulation of autophagosomes via impaired autophagy. This GM-induced auditory cell death could be inhibited by enhancing autophagic flux.
Hypocretin/Orexin Peptides Excite Rat Neuroendocrine Dopamine Neurons through Orexin 2 Receptor-Mediated Activation of a Mixed Cation Current
Authors: Lyons David J. , Hellysaz Arash , Ammari Rachida , Broberger Christian
Published: February 2017

Hypocretin/Orexin (H/O) neurons of the lateral hypothalamus are compelling modulator candidates for the chronobiology of neuroendocrine output and, as a consequence, hormone release from the anterior pituitary. Here we investigate the effects of H/O peptides upon tuberoinfundibular dopamine (TIDA) neurons – cells which control, via inhibition, the pituitary secretion of prolactin. In whole cell recordings performed in male rat hypothalamic slices, application of H/O-A, as well as H/O-B, excited oscillating TIDA neurons, inducing a reversible depolarising switch from phasic to tonic discharge. The H/O-induced inward current underpinning this effect was post-synaptic (as it endured in the presence of tetrodotoxin), appeared to be carried by a Na+-dependent transient receptor potential-like channel (as it was blocked by 2-APB and was diminished by removal of extracellular Na+), and was a consequence of OX2R receptor activation (as it was blocked by the OX2R receptor antagonist TCS OX2 29, but not the OX1R receptor antagonist SB 334867). Application of the hormone, melatonin, failed to alter TIDA membrane potential or oscillatory activity. This first description of the electrophysiological effects of H/Os upon the TIDA network identifies cellular mechanisms that may contribute to the circadian rhythmicity of prolactin secretion.
Modulated scattering technique in the terahertz domain enabled by current actuated vanadium dioxide switches
Authors: Vitale W. A. , Tamagnone M. , Émond N. , Le Drogoff B. , Capdevila S. , Skrivervik A. , Chaker M. , Mosig J. R. , Ionescu A. M.
Published: February 2017

The modulated scattering technique is based on the use of reconfigurable electromagnetic scatterers, structures able to scatter and modulate an impinging electromagnetic field in function of a control signal. The modulated scattering technique is used in a wide range of frequencies up to millimeter waves for various applications, such as field mapping of circuits or antennas, radio-frequency identification devices and imaging applications. However, its implementation in the terahertz domain remains challenging. Here, we describe the design and experimental demonstration of the modulated scattering technique at terahertz frequencies. We characterize a modulated scatterer consisting in a bowtie antenna loaded with a vanadium dioxide switch, actuated using a continuous current. The modulated scatterer behavior is demonstrated using a time domain terahertz spectroscopy setup and shows significant signal strength well above 0.5 THz, which makes this device a promising candidate for the development of fast and energy-efficient THz communication devices and imaging systems. Moreover, our experiments allowed us to verify the operation of a single micro-meter sized VO2 switch at terahertz frequencies, thanks to the coupling provided by the antenna.
Analysis of wild and farmed salmon using13C solid-state NMR and MRI directly on fillet tissue
Authors: Totland C. , Seland J. G. , Steinkopf S. , Nerdal W.
Published: February 2017

MRI and solid-state NMR can determine both macroscopic and molecular-level features of salmon by measuring directly on tissues.
Dual colorimetric and fluorogenic probes for visualizing tyrosine phosphatase activity
Authors: Biswas Suvendu , McCullough Brandon S. , Ma Elena S. , LaJoie Dollie , Russell Colin W. , Garrett Brown D. , Round June L. , Ullman Katharine S. , Mulvey Matthew A. , Barrios Amy M.
Published: February 2017

Two resorufin-based substrates were developed, providing sensitive fluorogenic readouts for PTP activityin vitroand in living cells.
The vertical location of α-tocopherol in phosphatidylcholine membranes is not altered as a function of the degree of unsaturation of the fatty acyl chains
Authors: Ausili Alessio , de Godos Ana M. , Torrecillas Alejandro , Aranda Francisco J. , Corbalán-García Senena , Gómez-Fernández Juan C.
Published: February 2017

The location of α-tocopherol in a membrane is the same irrespective of the unsaturation degree of the fatty acyl chains.
High-performance ternary organic solar cells with thick active layer exceeding 11% efficiency
Authors: Gasparini Nicola , Lucera Luca , Salvador Michael , Prosa Mario , Spyropoulos George D. , Kubis Peter , Egelhaaf Hans-Joachim , Brabec Christoph J. , Ameri Tayebeh
Published: February 2017

We present a novel ternary organic solar cell with an uncommonly thick active layer (∼300 nm), featuring thickness invariant charge carrier recombination and delivering 11% power conversion efficiency (PCE).
TiO2–Fe2O3 nanocomposites as high-capacity negative electrode materials for rechargeable sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Ding C. S. , Nohira T. , Hagiwara R.
Published: February 2017

TiO2–Fe2O3 negative electrodes deliver a high reversible capacity exceeding 360 mA h g−1 in an ionic liquid electrolyte at 363 K.
Effects of LncRNA-HOST2 on cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721
Authors: Liu Run-Tian , Cao Jing-Lin , Yan Chang-Qing , Wang Yang , An Cong-Jing , Lv Hai-Tao
Published: February 2017

The present study explored the effect of long non-coding RNA-human ovarian cancer-specific transcript 2 (LncRNA-HOST2) on cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line SMMC-7721. HCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues from 162 HCC patients were collected. The HCC cell lines were assigned into the control group (regular culture), negative control (NC) group (transfected with siRNA) and experimental group (transfected with Lnc-HOST2 siRNA). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of LncRNA-HOST2. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 and colony-forming assays, cell apoptosis by flow cytometry and cell migration by Scratch test. Transwell assay was used to evaluate cell migration and invasion abilities. LncRNA-HOST2 expression in the HCC tissues increased 2–10 times than that in the adjacent normal tissues. Compared with the HL-7702 cell line, LncRNA-HOST2 expression in HepG2, SMMC-7721 and Huh7 cell lines was all up-regulated, but the SMMC-7721 cell had the highest Lnc-HOST2 expression. The LncRNA-HOST2 expression in the experimental group was down-regulated as compared with the control and NC groups. In comparison with the control and NC groups, cloned cells reduced, cell apoptosis increased, clone-forming ability weakened and inhibitory rate of colony formation increased in the experimental group. The cells migrating and penetrating into the transwell chamber were fewer in the experimental group than those in the control and NC groups. The experimental group exhibited slow wound healing and decreased cell migration area after 48 h. These findings indicate that LncRNA-HOST2 can promote cell proliferation, migration and invasion and inhibit cell apoptosis in human HCC cell line SMMC-7721.
On the vortex dynamics of flow past a sphere at Re = 3700 in a uniformly stratified fluid
Authors: Chongsiripinyo Karu , Pal Anikesh , Sarkar Sutanu
Published: February 2017

Vortex dynamics in the flow past a sphere in a linearly stratified environment is investigated numerically. Simulations are carried out for a flow with Reynolds number of Re = 3700 and for several Froude numbers ranging from the unstratified case with Fr=∞ to a highly stratified wake with Fr = 0.025. Isosurface of Q criterion is used to elucidate stratification effects on vortical structures near the sphere and in the wake. Vortical structures in the unstratified case are tube-like and show no preference in their orientation. Moderate stratification alters the orientation of vortical structures to streamwise preference but does not change their tube-like form. In strongly stratified cases with Fr≤0.5, there is strong suppression in vertical motion so that isotropically oriented vortex tubes of approximately circular cross section are replaced by flattened vortex tubes that are horizontally oriented. At Fr = 0.025, pancake eddies and surfboard-like inclined structures emerge in the near wake and have a regular streamwise spacing that is associated with the frequency of vortex shedding from the sphere. Enstrophy variance budget is used to analyze the vortical structure dynamics. Increasing stratification generally decreases enstrophy variance for Fr≥O(1) cases. The flow enters a new regime in strongly stratified cases with Fr≤ 0.25: increasing the stratification increases enstrophy variance, especially near the body. Stratification distorts the cross-sectional distribution of enstrophy variance from a circular isotropic shape in the unstratified wake into different shapes, depending on Fr and distance from the sphere, that include (1) elliptical distribution, (2) twin peaks suggestive of two-dimensional vortex shedding, and (3) triple-layer distribution where a relatively low enstrophy layer is sandwiched between the upper and the lower layers with high enstrophy. In the near wake, vortex stretching by fluctuating and mean strain are both responsible for enhancing vorticity. Increasing stratification (decreasing Fr) to O(1) values tends to suppress vortex stretching. Upon further reduction of Fr below 0.25, the vortex stretching takes large values near the sphere and, consequently, enstrophy variance in the near wake increases. The increase in vortex stretching is associated with unsteady, intermittent shedding of the boundary layer from the sides of the sphere in highly stratified wakes with Fr<0.25.
Nonparametric analysis of nonexponential and multidimensional kinetics. I. Quantifying rate dispersion, rate heterogeneity, and exchange dynamics
Authors: Berg Mark A. , Kaur Harveen
Published: February 2017

The quantification of nonexponential (dispersed) kinetics has relied on empirical functions, which yield parameters that are neither unique nor easily related to the underlying mechanism. Multidimensional kinetics provide more information on dispersed processes, but a good approach to their analysis is even less clear than for standard, one-dimensional kinetics. This paper is the first in a series that analyzes kinetic data in one or many dimensions with a scheme that is nonparametric: it quantifies nonexponential decays without relying on a specific functional form. The quantities obtained are directly related to properties of the mechanism causing the rate dispersion. Log-moments of decays, which parallel the standard moments of distributions (mean, standard deviation, etc.), are introduced for both one- and multi-dimensional decays. Kinetic spectra are defined to visualize the data. The utility of this approach is demonstrated on a simple, but general, model of dispersed kinetics—a nonexponential homogeneous decay combined with slowly exchanging rate heterogeneity. The first log-moments give a geometric-mean relaxation time. Second log-moments quantify the magnitude of rate dispersion, the fraction of the dispersion due to heterogeneity, and the dynamics of exchange between different rate subensembles. A suitable combination of these moments isolates exchange dynamics from three-dimensional kinetics without contamination by the rate-filtering effects that were identified in a recent paper [M. A. Berg and J. R. Darvin, J. Chem. Phys. 145, 054119 (2016)].