bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Misleading bilateral blink reflex loss in a severe tetanus case
Authors: Neumann Bernhard , Schulte‐Mattler Wilhelm , Fuchs Kornelius , Zellner Ruth , Boy Sandra , Angstwurm Klemens
Published: December 2016

Key Clinical Message

Tetanus is rare and often forgotten in the diagnostic workup. The diagnosis is mainly based on typical clinical symptoms, because of missing sensitive paraclinical test. As described in our case, a missing bilateral blink reflex may occur in severe tetanus, which should not lead to the rejection of the diagnosis.
Major Role of Surface Area in Perovskite Electrocatalysts for Alkaline Systems
Authors: Hwang Chahwan , Gwon Ohhun , Jo Hongil , Ok Kang Min , Kim Guntae
Published: December 2016

We investigate the role of lanthanides and the surface area of perovskite oxides to determine the electrocatalytic properties in processes such as the oxygen reduction and evolution reactions. To evaluate the effects of A‐site lanthanide and the surface area, a series of lanthanide‐based perovskite nanoparticles (LnSCs) were successfully synthesized with simple co‐precipitation methods, and electrochemical tests were carried out with the LnSCs. According to the results, the catalytic activities are not affected by the A‐site lanthanides, but the surface area was found to be related to the current densities of the perovskite catalysts.
Automated support vector regression
Authors: Harrington Peter de B.
Published: December 2016

Multivariate calibration is an important procedure for analytical chemistry. Automated or self‐configuring methods can be used by scientists who lack expertise, may be embedded into data processing pipelines, and are less prone to user bias; however, the development of such algorithms is often neglected by the chemometrics community. Support vector regression (SVR) is a powerful method for accommodating megavariate data. SVR offers the advantage of fast calibration and flexibility in a variety of loss functions (ie, minimization of the residual error). By embedding bootstrapped Latin partitions (BLPs) into the calibration, the key parameter, the cost C, can be optimized to furnish an automated method. The methods are termed super SVR (sSVR). The BLP predictions of the calibration set accurately model the external prediction error of the entire calibration set. Prediction rates for super partial least squares (sPLS) are compared with sSVRs using three loss functions, Gauss, Laplace, and Huber. For linear data with uniformly distributed noise, sPLS is faster and gave better predictions. However, for data with outliers or a real data set of single‐beam near infrared spectra of bovine plasma, gasoline, and wheat, the sSVRs performed better than sPLS, and generally, the Huber loss function gave the best results.
Application of multiple self‐organizing maps for classification of soil samples in Thailand according to their geographic origins
Authors: Krongchai Chanida , Funsueb Sujitra , Jakmunee Jaroon , Kittiwachana Sila
Published: December 2016

Multiple self‐organizing maps (SOMs) were applied to classify soil samples according to their geographic origins. The soil physical and chemical parameters, including textures, pH, and chemical nutrients, were analyzed and used for establishing the chemometric models. To determine the optimum size and arrangement of the maps, we adapted a growing self‐organizing map algorithm. To evaluate the reliability of the models, we calculated statistic indices based on the majority vote including percentage predictive ability, percentage model stability, and percentage correctly classified using a bootstrap methodology. For means of comparison, we also used linear discriminant analysis, quadratic discriminant analysis, partial least squares‐discriminant analysis, soft independent modeling of class analogy, counter propagation network, supervised Kohonen network, and k‐nearest neighbors. In comparison to a single SOM, multiple SOMs clearly provided better classification results. The extension of multiple SOMs also led to the best discrimination of the soil origins.
Mannose‐Functionalized Hyperbranched Polyglycerol Loaded with Zinc Porphyrin: Investigation of the Multivalency Effect in Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Staegemann Michael H. , Gitter Burkhard , Dernedde Jens , Kuehne Christian , Haag Rainer , Wiehe Arno
Published: December 2016

The antibacterial photodynamic activity of hyperbranched polyglycerol (hPG) loaded with zinc porphyrin photosensitizers and mannose units was investigated. hPG, with a MW of 19.5 kDa, was functionalized with about 15 molecules of the photosensitizer {5,10,15‐tris(3‐hydroxyphenyl)‐20‐[4‐(prop‐2‐yn‐1‐ylamino)tetrafluorophenyl]porphyrinato}‐zinc(II) by using copper(I)‐catalyzed 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition (CuAAC). These nanoparticle conjugates were functionalized systematically with increasing loadings of mannose in the range of approximately 20 to 110 groups. With higher mannose loadings (ca. 58–110 groups) the water‐insoluble zinc porphyrin photosensitizer could thus be transferred into a water‐soluble form. Targeting of the conjugates was proven in binding studies to the mannose‐specific lectin concanavalin A (Con A) by using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The antibacterial phototoxicity of the conjugates on Staphylococcus aureus (as a typical Gram‐positive germ) was investigated in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). It was shown that conjugates with approximately 70–110 mannose units exhibit significant antibacterial activity, whereas conjugates with approximately 20–60 units did not induce bacterial killing at all. These results give an insight into the multivalency effect in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT). On addition of serum to the bacterial cultures, a quenching of this antibacterial phototoxicity was observed. In fluorescence studies with the conjugates in the presence of increasing bovine serum albumin (BSA) concentrations, protein‐conjugate associations could be identified as a plausible cause for this quenching.
Enantioselective Catalysis by Using Short, Structurally Defined DNA Hairpins as Scaffold for Hybrid Catalysts
Authors: Marek Jasmin J. , Singh Raghvendra P. , Heuer Andreas , Hennecke Ulrich
Published: December 2016

A new type of DNA metal complex hybrid catalyst, which is based on single‐stranded DNA oligonucleotides, is described. It was shown that oligonucleotides as short as 14 nucleotides that fold into hairpin structures are suitable as nucleic acid components for DNA hybrid catalysts. With these catalysts, excellent enantioinduction in asymmetric Diels–Alder reactions with selectivity values as high as 96 % enantiomeric excess (ee) can be achieved. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that a rather flexible loop combined with a rigid stem region provides DNA scaffolds with these high selectivity values.
Design of experiment assisted concurrent enantioseparation of bupropion and hydroxybupropion by high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography
Authors: Bhatt Nejal M. , Chavada Vijay D. , Sanyal Mallika , Shrivastav Pranav S.
Published: December 2016

A simple and efficient high‐performance thin‐layer chromatographic method was developed for chiral separation ofrac‐bupropion (BUP) and its active metaboliterac‐hydroxybupropion (HBUP). Design of experiment (DoE)‐based optimization was adopted instead of a conventional trial‐and‐error approach. The Box–Behnken design surface response model was used and the operating variables were optimized based on 17 trials design. The optimized method involved impregnation of chiral reagent, L(+)‐tartaric acid, in the stationary phase with simultaneous addition in the mobile phase, which consisted of acetonitrile : methanol : dichloromethane : 0.50% L‐tartaric acid (6.75:1.0:1.0:0.25,v/v/v/v). Under the optimized conditions, the resolution factor between the enantiomers of BUP and HBUP was 6.30 and 9.26, respectively. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation for (R)‐BUP, (S)‐BUP, (R,R)‐HBUP, and (S,S)‐HBUP were 9.23 and 30.78 ng spot−1, 10.32 and 34.40 ng spot−1, 12.19 and 40.65 ng spot−1, and 14.26 and 47.53 ng spot−1, respectively. The interaction of L‐tartaric acid with analytes and their retention behavior was thermodynamically investigated using van't Hoff's plots. The developed method was validated as per the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. Finally, the method was successfully applied to resolve and quantify the enantiomeric content from marketed tablets as well as spiked plasma samples.
Finely Tuned Asymmetric Platinum(IV) Anticancer Complexes: Structure–Activity Relationship and Application as Orally Available Prodrugs
Authors: Yap Siew Qi , Chin Chee Fei , Hong Thng Agnes Hwee , Pang Yi Yun , Ho Han Kiat , Ang Wee Han
Published: December 2016

Platinum(IV) bis‐carboxylates are highly versatile prodrug scaffolds with different axial ligands that can be functionalized while keeping the platinum(II) pharmacophore intact. Using a sequential acylation strategy, we developed a class of PtIV prodrugs of cisplatin with contrasting lipophilic and hydrophilic ligands. We investigated their stability, reduction rates, lipophilicity, aqueous solubility, and antiproliferative efficacies, and assessed for correlations among the parameters that could be useful in drug design. We showed that compounds with high lipophilicity result in better antiproliferative effects in vitro and in vivo, with one of the three compounds tested showing better efficacy than satraplatin against an animal model of colorectal cancer, owing to its higher solubility and lower reduction rates. Our asymmetric PtIV prodrugs may pave the way for a highly predictable, fine‐tuned class of orally available PtIV prodrugs for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Investigating the Interaction of Water Vapour with Aminopropyl Groups on the Surface of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Paul Geo , Musso Giorgia Elena , Bottinelli Emanuela , Cossi Maurizio , Marchese Leonardo , Berlier Gloria
Published: December 2016

The interaction of water molecules with the surface of hybrid silica‐based mesoporous materials is studied by 29Si, 1H and 13C solid‐state NMR and IR spectroscopy, with the support of ab initio calculations. The surface of aminopropyl‐grafted mesoporous silica nanoparticles is studied in the dehydrated state and upon interaction with controlled doses of water vapour. Former investigations described the interactions between aminopropyl and residual SiOH groups; the present study shows the presence of hydrogen‐bonded species (SiOH to NH2) and weakly interacting “free” aminopropyl chains with restricted mobility, together with a small amount of protonated NH3+ groups. The concentration of the last‐named species increased upon interaction with water, and this indicates reversible and fast proton exchange from water molecules to a fraction of the amino groups. Herein, this is discussed and explained for the first time, by a combination of experimental and theoretical approaches.
Tyramine Hydrochloride Based Label‐Free System for Operating Various DNA Logic Gates and a DNA Caliper for Base Number Measurements
Authors: Fan Daoqing , Zhu Xiaoqing , Dong Shaojun , Wang Erkang
Published: December 2016

DNA is believed to be a promising candidate for molecular logic computation, and the fluorogenic/colorimetric substrates of G‐quadruplex DNAzyme (G4zyme) are broadly used as label‐free output reporters of DNA logic circuits. Herein, for the first time, tyramine‐HCl (a fluorogenic substrate of G4zyme) is applied to DNA logic computation and a series of label‐free DNA‐input logic gates, including elementary AND, OR, and INHIBIT logic gates, as well as a two to one encoder, are constructed. Furthermore, a DNA caliper that can measure the base number of target DNA as low as three bases is also fabricated. This DNA caliper can also perform concatenated AND–AND logic computation to fulfil the requirements of sophisticated logic computing.
A Review of Water‐Resistant Hemicellulose‐Based Materials: Processing and Applications
Authors: Farhat Wissam , Venditti Richard A. , Hubbe Martin , Taha Mohamed , Becquart Frederic , Ayoub Ali
Published: December 2016

Hemicelluloses, due to their hydrophilic nature, may tend to be overlooked as a component in water‐resistant product applications. However, their domains of use can be greatly expanded by chemical derivatization. Research in which hydrophobic derivatives of hemicelluloses or combinations of hemicelluloses with hydrophobic materials are used with to prepare films and composites is considered herein. Isolation methods that have been used to separate hemicellulose from biomass are also reviewed. Finally, the most useful pathways to change the hydrophilic character of hemicelluloses to hydrophobic are reviewed. In this way, the water resistance can be increased and applications of targeted water‐resistant hemicellulose developed. Several applications of these materials are discussed.
A new model to estimate insulin resistance via clinical parameters in adults with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Zheng Xueying , Huang Bin , Luo Sihui , Yang Daizhi , Bao Wei , Li Jin , Yao Bin , Weng Jianping , Yan Jinhua
Published: December 2016

Aims/hypothesis

Insulin resistance (IR) is a risk factor to assess the development of micro‐ and macro‐vascular complications in type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, diabetes management in adults with T1D is limited by the difficulty of lacking simple and reliable methods to estimate insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to develop a new model to estimate IR via clinical parameters in adults with T1D.

Methods

A total of 36 adults with adulthood onset T1D (n = 20) or childhood onset T1D (n = 16) were recruited by quota sampling. After an overnight insulin infusion to stabilize the blood glucose at 5.6 to 7.8 mmol/L, they underwent a 180‐minute euglycemic‐hyperinsulinemic clamp. Glucose disposal rate (GDR, mg kg‐1 min‐1) was calculated by data collected from the last 30 minutes during the test. Demographic factors (age, sex, and diabetes duration) and metabolic parameters (blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c], waist to hip ratio [WHR], and lipids) were collected to evaluate insulin resistance. Then, age at diabetes onset and clinical parameters were used to develop a model to estimate lnGDR by stepwise linear regression.

Results

From the stepwise process, a best model to estimate insulin resistance was generated, including HbA1c, diastolic blood pressure, and WHR. Age at diabetes onset did not enter any of the models. We proposed the following new model to estimate IR as in GDR for adults with T1D: lnGDR = 4.964 − 0.121 × HbA1c (%) − 0.012 × diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) − 1.409 × WHR, (adjusted R2 = 0.616, P < .01).

Conclusions/interpretation

Insulin resistance in adults living with T1D can be estimated using routinely collected clinical parameters. This simple model provides a potential tool for estimating IR in large‐scale epidemiological studies of adults with T1D regardless of age at onset.
Accessible light detection and ranging: estimating large tree density for habitat identification
Authors: Kramer Heather A. , Collins Brandon M. , Gallagher Claire V. , J. Keane John , Stephens Scott L. , Kelly Maggi
Published: December 2016

Large trees are important to a wide variety of wildlife, including many species of conservation concern, such as the California spotted owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis). Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) has been successfully utilized to identify the density of large‐diameter trees, either by segmenting the LiDARpoint cloud into individual trees, or by building regression models between variables extracted from the LiDARpoint cloud and field data. Neither of these methods is easily accessible for most land managers due to the reliance on specialized software, and much available LiDARdata are being underutilized due to the steep learning curve required for advanced processing using these programs. This study derived a simple, yet effective method for estimating the density of large‐stemmed trees from the LiDARcanopy height model, a standard raster product derived from the LiDARpoint cloud that is often delivered with the LiDARand is easy to process by personnel trained in geographic information systems (GIS). Ground plots needed to be large (1 ha) to build a robust model, but the spatial accuracy of plot center was less crucial to model accuracy. We also showed that predicted large tree density is positively linked to California spotted owl nest sites.
Patterns of red tree vole distribution and habitat suitability: implications for surveys and conservation planning
Authors: Rosenberg Daniel K. , Davis Raymond J. , Van Norman Kelli J. , Dunk Jeffrey R. , Forsman Eric D. , Huff Robert D.
Published: December 2016

Environmental regulations often require wildlife surveys prior to habitat disturbance to avoid impacts or as the basis for planning mitigation, yet project‐level surveys may not provide the insights needed to guide long‐term management. Management of the red tree vole (Arborimus longicaudus) has largely been based on such surveys. As an alternative approach, we evaluated distribution patterns using frequency of red tree vole occurrence and habitat suitability models to guide conservation planning. We developed a suite of models based on subsets of covariates from two previously developed models and evaluated the extent to which spatial covariates improved the models. We used presence–absence data that were collected from 364 randomly selected 1‐ha Current Vegetation Survey and Forest Inventory and Analysis plots to develop models and describe occurrence patterns. The best models included a spatial covariate, maximum tree diameter, distance from suitable habitat, forest age class, and the interaction between maximum tree diameter and forest age class. We compared performance of the previously published models, our best model, and an ensemble model that used predictions from all three models. Under the ensemble model, correct classification rates were relatively high and considerably improved, suggesting that the application of all three models provided greater accuracy than any individual model. We argue that habitat models, coupled with spatial patterns of the frequency of occurrence, can provide useful tools for addressing species management and may provide more insight than project‐level surveys. The use of habitat suitability models can therefore be closely tied to red tree vole management decisions and conservation strategies, as well as reducing survey costs that otherwise often make projects infeasible.
Integrating multiple data sources in species distribution modeling: a framework for data fusion
Authors: Pacifici Krishna , Reich Brian J. , Miller David A. W. , Gardner Beth , Stauffer Glenn , Singh Susheela , McKerrow Alexa , Collazo Jaime A.
Published: December 2016

The last decade has seen a dramatic increase in the use of species distribution models (SDMs) to characterize patterns of species’ occurrence and abundance. Efforts to parameterize SDMs often create a tension between the quality and quantity of data available to fit models. Estimation methods that integrate both standardized and non‐standardized data types offer a potential solution to the tradeoff between data quality and quantity. Recently several authors have developed approaches for jointly modeling two sources of data (one of high quality and one of lesser quality). We extend their work by allowing for explicit spatial autocorrelation in occurrence and detection error using a Multivariate Conditional Autoregressive (MVCAR) model and develop three models that share information in a less direct manner resulting in more robust performance when the auxiliary data is of lesser quality. We describe these three new approaches (“Shared,” “Correlation,” “Covariates”) for combining data sources and show their use in a case study of the Brown‐headed Nuthatch in the Southeastern U.S. and through simulations. All three of the approaches which used the second data source improved out‐of‐sample predictions relative to a single data source (“Single”). When information in the second data source is of high quality, the Shared model performs the best, but the Correlation and Covariates model also perform well. When the information quality in the second data source is of lesser quality, the Correlation and Covariates model performed better suggesting they are robust alternatives when little is known about auxiliary data collected opportunistically or through citizen scientists. Methods that allow for both data types to be used will maximize the useful information available for estimating species distributions.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Cytotoxicity, and Mechanism of Action of ZnII, MnII, and FeIII Complexes with 6‐Hydroxyloxoisoaporphine
Authors: Qin Qi‐Pin , Meng Ting , Wei Zu‐Zhuang , Zhang Chuan‐Hui , Liu Yan‐Cheng , Liang Hong , Chen Zhen‐Feng
Published: December 2016

Complexes [Zn(L)2(H2O)] (1), [Mn(L)2(CH3OH)2] (2), and [Fe(L)2(CH3OH)Cl] (3) (H–L = 6‐hydroxyloxoisoaporphine) were synthesized and characterized. Complex 1 is a five‐coordinate distorted tetragonal pyramid, whereas complexes 2 and 3 are six‐coordinate distorted octahedral structures. Complexes 1–3 exhibited selective cytotoxicity against MGC80‐3, Hep‐G2, BEL‐7404, and T‐24 cells, with IC50 values in the range of 8.19–15.98 µm, and low cytotoxicity to HL‐7702 cells. T‐24 was the tumor cell most sensitive to complexes 1–3. Complexes 1–3 induced T‐24 cell arrest in the G1 and G2/M phases, which led to the upregulation of p27, CDK2, p53, and p21, and downregulation of Cyclin E, Chk1, CDC25A, and Chk2. Complexes 1–3 triggered apoptosis in T‐24 cells by a mitochondrial‐dysfunction pathway. The interaction of complexes 1–3 with DNA occurs most likely by means of an intercalation and cleavage mode.
Ring‐Opening Polymerization of ε‐Caprolactone Initiated by Aluminium Complexes Based on Pyridine‐Substituted Asymmetric β‐Diketiminate Ligands
Authors: Lu Ning , Jiang Zhilei , Pei Hao , Liu Wei , Li Yahong , Dong Yaping
Published: December 2016

The use of a new asymmetric β‐diketiminate ligand, N‐{4‐[(2,6‐diisopropyl‐phenyl)imino]pent‐2‐en‐2‐yl}pyridin‐2‐amine (HL), in the organometallic chemistry of aluminium is reported. Reactions of HL with AlMe3, Et2AlCl, and AlEtCl2, respectively, afforded [Al(L)Me2] (1), [Al(L)EtCl] (2), and [Al(L)Cl2] (3) in high yields. The structures of 1–3 were established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. They were tested as precursors in the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of ε‐caprolactone in the absence and presence of benzyl alcohol. Complexes 1 and 2 were found to catalyze the ROP of ε‐caprolactone with moderate activities in the absence of benzyl alcohol, and complex 3 showed low activity in the absence of benzyl alcohol. Upon addition of one equivalent of benzyl alcohol, all complexes were efficient initiators for the ROP of ε‐caprolactone. The catalytic behaviors of 1 and 2 are similar, whereas their catalytic performances exhibit a marked difference to that of 3. MALDI‐TOF‐MS studies for the end group analysis were conducted. The results revealed that chain‐like oligomers with benzyl alcohol as the terminal group were formed by using 1 as the initiator, whereas cyclic oligomers were the main products for the polymerization reactions initiated by 3. These results give mechanistic insights into the polymerization reactions initiated by 1 and 3.
Synthesis of a Cytidine Phosphoramidite with Protected Nitroxide Spin Label for EPR Experiments with RNA
Authors: Weinrich Timo , Gränz Markus , Grünewald Christian , Prisner Thomas F. , Göbel Michael W.
Published: December 2016

Spin labeling of oligonucleotides with nitroxides is hampered by their intrinsic instability under conditions of solid‐phase synthesis and enzymatic ligation. Although nitroxide decomposition can be avoided in some cases by postsynthetic introduction or by special reaction conditions, a more general solution would be reversible protection of the radical. We have recently developed such a method based on photolabile protection groups for DNA oligonucleotides and demonstrated their application in EPR spectroscopy. Here, we extend this method to RNA oligonucleotides. By improving the synthetic procedures, the yield of the coumarin‐protected phosphoramidite could be increased by a factor of 12. Effective recovery of the nitroxides on a duplex RNA enables pulsed EPR experiments to be performed directly after irradiation and air oxidation. Data at Q‐band frequency is shown and distances measured with PELDOR (pulsed electron‐electron double resonance) spectroscopy agree well with the calculated values.
A Comparative Study of Functionalized High‐Purity Carbon Nanotubes towards the V(IV)/V(V) Redox Reaction Using Cyclic Voltammetry and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy
Authors: Steimecke Matthias , Rümmler Stefan , Schuhmacher Nils‐Frederik , Lindenberg Titus , Hartmann Mark , Bron Michael
Published: December 2016

Functionalized high purity carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with various amounts of oxygen containing surface groups were investigated towards the relevant redox reactions of the all‐vanadium redox flow battery. The quinone/hydroquinone redox peaks between 0.0 and 0.7 V vs. Ag|AgCl|KClsat. were used to quantifying the degree of functionalization and correlated to XPS results. Cyclic voltammetry in vanadyl sulfate‐containing 3 M H2SO4 as a common supporting electrolyte showed no influence of the amount of surface groups on the V(IV)/V(V) redox system. In contrast, the reactions occurring at the negative electrode (V(II)/V(III) and V(III)/V(IV)) are strongly affected by oxygen surface groups. However, under modified experimental conditions, SECM experiments detecting the consumption of VO2+ molecules by CNT thin films in pH=2 solution show improved onset potentials with increased surface oxygen content up to ∼ 3 at%. Further increase in surface oxygen up to 8 at% led to minor improvement. These dissimilar results under different experimental conditions are rationalized by suggesting that oxygen functional groups do not form the active site for the V(IV)/V(V) reaction but wetting of the catalyst layer is of high importance.
Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Modified Electrodes for the Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetric Determination and Quantification of Curcumin in Turmeric
Authors: Chaisiwamongkhol Korbua , Ngamchuea Kamonwad , Batchelor‐McAuley Christopher , Compton Richard G.
Published: December 2016

A sensitive electrochemical method for the determination and quantification of curcumin using adsorptive stripping voltammetry (AdsSV) at a multiwalled carbon nanotube modified basal plane pyrolytic graphite electrode (MWCNT‐BPPG electrode) is presented exploiting the high surface area of the latter. Next the voltammetric behaviour of curcumin on the modified electrode is examined and AdsSV shown to be a sensitive method for quantifying curcumin. The adsorption of curcumin on the electrode surface is evidenced to follow a Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Linear calibration for curcumin in the range of 2–100 μM was obtained with a detection limit of 0.45 μM and a limit of quantification of 1.49 μM. For application to real samples of turmeric, a one‐step sample preparation in ethanol has developed providing a simple and rapid extraction procedure. The MWCNT‐BPPG electrode with AdsSV allowed the determination of curcumin equivalent in turmeric powder sample with recoveries in the range of 92–108 %. This facile and fast method will be useful for monitoring the quality of curcumin containing in commercial turmeric products.
Gold Nanoparticles Stabilized in β‐Cyclodextrin and Decorated with Laccase Applied in the Construction of a Biosensor for Rutin
Authors: Brugnerotto Patricia , Silva Tânia Regina , Brondani Daniela , Zapp Eduardo , Vieira Iolanda Cruz
Published: December 2016

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles stabilized in β‐cyclodextrin (AuNP‐CD), which were applied as a platform in the immobilization of laccase (LAC). The AuNP‐CD‐LAC were used in the construction of a new biosensor for rutin determination by square‐wave voltammetry (SWV). Under optimized conditions, the calibration curve showed a linear range for rutin of 0.30 to 2.97 μmol L−1, with a limit of detection of 0.17 μmol L−1. The biosensor demonstrated satisfactory repeatability and electrode‐to‐electrode repeatability (with relative standard deviations of 5.6 and 6.0 %, respectively) and good stability. The biosensor was successfully applied in the determination of rutin in different pharmaceutical samples.
Temporal monitoring of perfluorooctane sulfonate accumulation in aquatic biota downstream of historical aqueous film forming foam use areas
Authors: Lanza Heather A. , Cochran Rebecca S. , Mudge Joseph F. , Olson Adric D. , Blackwell Brett R. , Maul Jonathan D. , Salice Christopher J. , Anderson Todd A.
Published: December 2016

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have recently received increased research attention, particularly concerning aquatic organisms and in regions of exposure to aqueous film forming foams (AFFFs). Air Force bases historically applied AFFFs in the interest of fire training exercises and have since expressed concern for PFAS contamination in biota from water bodies surrounding former fire training areas. Six PFAS were monitored, including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), in aquatic species from 8 bayou locations at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana (USA) over the course of 1 yr. The focus was to evaluate temporal and spatial variability in PFAS concentrations from historic use of AFFF. The PFOS concentrations in fish peaked in early summer, and also increased significantly downstream of former fire training areas. Benthic organisms had lower PFOS concentrations than pelagic species, contrary to previous literature observations. Bioconcentration factors varied with time but were reduced compared with previously reported literature values. The highest concentration of PFOS in whole fish was 9349 ng/g dry weight, with 15% of samples exceeding what is believed to be the maximum whole fish concentration reported to date of 1500 ng/g wet weight. Further studies are ongoing, to measure PFAS in larger fish and tissue-specific partitioning data to compare with the current whole fish values. The high concentrations presently observed could have effects on higher trophic level organisms in this system or pose a potential risk to humans consuming contaminated fish. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2022–2029. © 2016 SETAC
Inhibition of the sterol regulatory element‐binding protein pathway suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma by repressing inflammation in mice
Authors: Li Na , Zhou Zhang‐Sen , Shen Yang , Xu Jie , Miao Hong‐Hua , Xiong Ying , Xu Feng , Li Bo‐Liang , Luo Jie , Song Bao‐Liang
Published: December 2016

Obesity is a critical risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it remains unknown whether inhibition of de novo lipid biosynthesis can suppress HCC. In this study, we blocked the sterol regulatory element‐binding protein (SREBP) pathway, one of the key determinants of lipid homeostasis, by ablating 78‐kDa cell‐surface glycoprotein or SREBP cleavage‐activating protein in hepatocytes, as well as by administering a chemical compound called betulin. We found that either genetically or pharmacologically inhibiting the SREBP pathway dramatically reduced diethylnitrosamine‐induced HCC progression by down‐regulating tumor‐promoting cytokines, including interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and IL‐1β. Conclusion: Inhibition of de novo lipid biosynthesis by suppressing the SREBP pathway prevents HCC. This study identifies a previously underappreciated role of the SREBP pathway in HCC and suggests a novel metabolic strategy to control liver cancer. (Hepatology 2017;65:1936‐1947).
Targeting the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier attenuates fibrosis in a mouse model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: McCommis Kyle S. , Hodges Wesley T. , Brunt Elizabeth M. , Nalbantoglu Ilke , McDonald William G. , Holley Christopher , Fujiwara Hideji , Schaffer Jean E. , Colca Jerry R. , Finck Brian N.
Published: December 2016

Diseases of the liver related to metabolic syndrome have emerged as the most common and undertreated hepatic ailments. The cause of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the aberrant accumulation of lipid in hepatocytes, though the mechanisms whereby this leads to hepatocyte dysfunction, death, and hepatic fibrosis are still unclear. Insulin‐sensitizing thiazolidinediones have shown efficacy in treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), but their widespread use is constrained by dose‐limiting side effects thought to be due to activation of the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ. We sought to determine whether a next‐generation thiazolidinedione with markedly diminished ability to activate peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (MSDC‐0602) would retain its efficacy for treating NASH in a rodent model. We also determined whether some or all of these beneficial effects would be mediated through an inhibitory interaction with the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier 2 (MPC2), which was recently identified as a mitochondrial binding site for thiazolidinediones, including MSDC‐0602. We found that MSDC‐0602 prevented and reversed liver fibrosis and suppressed expression of markers of stellate cell activation in livers of mice fed a diet rich in trans‐fatty acids, fructose, and cholesterol. Moreover, mice with liver‐specific deletion of MPC2 were protected from development of NASH on this diet. Finally, MSDC‐0602 directly reduced hepatic stellate cell activation in vitro, and MSDC‐0602 treatment or hepatocyte MPC2 deletion also limited stellate cell activation indirectly by affecting secretion of exosomes from hepatocytes. Conclusion: Collectively, these data demonstrate the effectiveness of MSDC‐0602 for attenuating NASH in a rodent model and suggest that targeting hepatic MPC2 may be an effective strategy for pharmacologic development. (Hepatology 2017;65:1543‐1556).
The Amyloid‐β Peptide in Amyloid Formation Processes: Interactions with Blood Proteins and Naturally Occurring Metal Ions
Authors: Wallin Cecilia , Luo Jinghui , Jarvet Jüri , Wärmländer Sebastian K. T. S. , Gräslund Astrid
Published: December 2016

This review describes interactions between the amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and endogenous metal ions and proteins, with an emphasis on future potential drug therapies and targets. AD is characterised by loss of neurons, memory, and cognitive functions, and by formation of cerebral senile plaque deposits. These plaques consist mainly of aggregated Aβ peptides. AD pathology includes a) on the molecular level imbalanced concentrations of Aβ peptides and metal ions, and formation of amyloid structures, and b) on the physiological level a combination of inflammatory responses and oxidative stress effects causing neuronal death. Interestingly, certain blood proteins and metal ions can affect the Aβ amyloid aggregation process. These interactions are the topics of the present review. A deeper understanding of these interactions could facilitate new therapeutic strategies against AD. Previous therapeutic approaches and trials are also briefly described.
Structure and Stability of GaS Fullerenes and Nanotubes
Authors: Enyashin Andrey N. , Brontvein Olga , Seifert Gotthard , Tenne Reshef
Published: December 2016

Recently, polyhedral; octahedral fullerene‐like structures and cylindrical nanotubes of gallium sulfide have been produced in far from equilibrium conditions using a high power solar synthesis and Pb as growth promoter. Their exact atomistic structure and their formation path remain unknown. Here, the models of fullerenes and nanotubes are designed for both stable β‐ and metastable γ‐polymorphs of GaS. Their stability and electronic properties were investigated as a function of both the morphology and size using density‐functional tight‐binding method. The results manifest that, construction principles for GaS fullerenes are different from those for “classical” dichalcogenide fullerenes. In contrast to the bulk, the kinetic stability of fullerene‐like structures of the γ‐GaS phase is found to be larger, than that for β‐GaS which is ascribed to a sterical specificity of intersected γ‐GaS layers. We predict that, the γ‐GaS phase should arise at least as an intermediate state during the synthesis of polyhedral GaS nanoparticles. Notwithstanding the polymorphic type, the size and the morphology of GaS nanostructures, they are all semiconductors. Finally, the possible composition and electronic properties of Pb||GaS interface within the Pb@GaS nanoparticles are discussed.
Characterization of Sox9‐overexpressing human umbilical cord blood‐derived mesenchymal stem cells‐based engineered cartilage both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Li Xiao‐Li , Zhang Jun , Luo Hua‐Nan , Zhao Xiao‐Yan , Zhang A‐Ling , Wang Zheng‐Hui
Published: December 2016

The source of seed cells is a critical factor for tissue engineering. The goal of this study was to evaluate the chondrogenesis of Sox9‐overexpressing human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) seeded onto bone matrix gelatin (BMG)/fibrin hybrid scaffolds both in vitro and in vivo. hUCMSCs were stably transfected with Sox9‐expressing plasmid and grown on the three‐dimensional BMG/fibrin hybrid scaffold for 8 weeks. Scanning electron microscopy and histochemistry were performed. The hUCMSC‐loaded scaffolds were implanted into the subcutaneous layer of immunocompetent rats and chondrogenesis and host immune responses were monitored for 8 weeks. We found that hUCMSCs spread well and proliferated from 2 weeks after culturing. They produced abundant glycosaminoglycans and collagen II. At 8 weeks after implanting into rats, the hUCMSCs on the scaffolds formed cartilage‐like tissue and displayed positive staining for toluidine blue, safranin O, Masson's trichrome, and collagen II. No significant changes in serum levels of lgG, lgA, lgM, C3, and C4 were observed after implantation of the hUCMSC‐loaded scaffolds. Xenogeneic implantation of Sox9‐overexpressing hUCMSCs embedded in the BMG/fibrin scaffolds promotes the formation of cartilage‐like tissue without inducing evident host immune response. Therefore, Sox9‐overexpressing hUCMSCs represent a promising cell candidate for cartilage tissue engineering. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1150–1155, 2017.
Preparation of a calcium carbonate‐based bone substitute with cinnamaldehyde crosslinking agent with potential anti‐inflammatory properties
Authors: Dewi Anne Handrini , Ana Ika Dewi , Jansen John
Published: December 2016

Calcium sulfate (CS), also known as POP (Plaster of Paris) is a self‐setting, biocompatible, and osteoconductive biomaterial with a long history for the treatment of skeletal defects. However, CS cements show a too fast resorption rate and are unable to provide a long‐term 3D framework during the osteogenesis process. In our previous studies, it was found that the incorporation of CaCO3and CaCO3hydrogel provided enhanced mechanical and degradation properties of POP composites. Furthermore, it was also found that the use of cinnamaldehyde to crosslink CaCO3hydrogel may have some advantages, for example to crosslink the hydrogel and to act as anti‐inflammatory control agent. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of adding cinnamaldehyde crosslinked CaCO3hydrogel into POP on the diametral tensile strength, weight loss, age swelling, degradation, cinnamaldehyde release, and porosity. The following composites were prepared: POP/HCin‐025 (25% addition of hydrogel microsphere) and POP/HCin‐050 (50% addition of hydrogel microsphere). The composites were assessed on their diametral tensile strength, weight loss of the POP composite, age swelling, degradation of the hydrogel CaCO3, cinnamaldehyde release, and porosity, as well as XRD‐patterns and FT‐IR spectra. It was confirmed from the study that incorporation of cinnamaldehyde into CaCO3hydrogel system significantly increased the mechanical strength of the POP composite. Weight loss, swelling ratio in both acid to neutral pH, and biodegradability of the POP composites were controllable by the addition of cinnamaldehyde‐CaCO3hydrogel. Moreover, the cinnamaldehyde incorporated into the hydrogel was proven to be released in a controlled manner. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1055–1062, 2017.
Adipokine Chemerin Bridges Metabolic Dyslipidemia and Alveolar Bone Loss in Mice
Authors: Ramos-Junior Erivan S , Leite Gisele A , Carmo-Silva Cecilia C , Taira Thaise M , Neves Karla B , Colón David F , da Silva Lea AB , Salvador Sergio L , Tostes Rita C , Cunha Fernando Q , Fukada Sandra Y
Published: December 2016

Chemerin is an adipokine that regulates adipogenesis and metabolic functions of mature adipocytes mainly through the activation of chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1). Elevated levels of chemerin have been found in individuals with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis. This adipokine was identified as an inflammatory and metabolic syndrome marker. Considering that the association between metabolic syndrome and bone health remains unclear, the present study aimed to clarify the role of chemerin in the pathophysiology of bone loss induced by dyslipidemia, particularly modulating osteoclastogenesis. In vitro analyses showed a downregulation of CMKLR1 at the early stage of differentiation and a gradual increase at late stages. Strikingly, chemerin did not modify osteoclast differentiation markers or osteoclast formation; however, it increased the actin-ring formation and bone resorption activity in mature osteoclasts. The increased bone resorption activity induced by chemerin was effectively inhibited by CMKLR1 antagonist (CCX832). Chemerin boosting mature osteoclast activity involves ERK5 phosphorylation. Moreover, two models of dyslipidemia (high-fat diet [HFD]-treated C57/BL6 and db/db mice) exhibited significantly increased level of chemerin in the serum and gingival tissue. Morphometric analysis showed that HFD-treated and db/db mice exhibited increased alveolar bone loss compared to respective control mice, which was associated with an up-regulation of chemerin, CMKLR1 and cathepsin K mRNA expression in the gingival tissue. The treatment of db/db mice with CCX832 effectively inhibited bone loss. Antagonism of chemerin receptor also inhibited the expression of cathepsin K in the gingival tissue. Our results show that chemerin not only increases osteoclasts activity in vitro, but also that increased level of chemerin in dyslipidemic mice plays a critical role in bone homeostasis. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The ripple effect: A spillover model of the detrimental impact of work–family conflict on job success
Authors: Wayne Sandy J. , Lemmon Grace , Hoobler Jenny M. , Cheung Gordon W. , Wilson Morgan S.
Published: December 2016

Exploring the role of both the employee and supervisor, we tested a model of how cognition‐based work‐to‐family conflict manifests itself in the workplace, impacting employee job success. Based on conservation of resources theory and the concept of loss spirals, we hypothesized that when an employee's work interferes with family demands, the resulting work‐to‐family conflict spills over to the work domain via employee emotional exhaustion. We further argued that the behavioral manifestation of employee emotional exhaustion in the workplace is low employee engagement, as assessed by the supervisor. Drawing on signaling theory, we proposed that supervisor assessments of employee engagement are related to promotability, performance ratings, and salary. Work scheduling autonomy, as a boundary condition, is examined as a resource that attenuates these relationships. Data collected from 192 employee–supervisor dyads of a Fortune 1000 company, as well as performance ratings and salary obtained from company records 9 months later, indicated support for our conceptual model. Future research examining employee work–family conflict and job outcomes is discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the added value of a high‐resolution regional climate model simulation of the South Asian summer monsoon climatology
Authors: Karmacharya J. , Jones R. , Moufouma‐Okia W. , New M.
Published: December 2016

The South Asian summer monsoon (SASM) is a continental scale weather phenomenon, which fluctuates at a range of temporal and spatial scales. Although majority of global climate models are broadly able to simulate the large scale characteristics of the SASM, they generally have major deficiencies such as constraints in reproducing observed mean precipitation. It is generally anticipated that higher resolution regional climate models (RCMs) would be able to simulate an improved mean state owing to their capacity to better simulate fine temporal and spatial scale features and variability. Here, we analyse SASM simulations using a contemporary Hadley Centre RCM, forced by ERA‐Interim reanalysis and observed sea surface temperature, at medium (0.44°) and high (0.11°) horizontal resolutions. Evaluation of the results show that, compared to the medium resolution RCM, the high resolution RCM is able to better resolve the interaction of the low level monsoon flow with the Himalayan orography leading to added value in simulating many aspects of SASM precipitation such as the seasonal mean, relative frequency distribution of daily precipitation, and various metrics of precipitation extremes. In contrast to many previous studies, maximum added value is note along the Indo‐Gangetic plain rather than over the complex Himalayas, and the added values of up to 5 mm day−1 and 50 days are noted for mean precipitation and number of wet days, respectively over the region. Similarly, added values of up to 15 and 3 mm day−1 are noted for 95th percentile of daily precipitation and simple daily intensity index, respectively over central India and the Himalayan range. These results suggest that higher resolution RCMs have the potential to add more value when downscaling global climate model climate change projections.
Automatic luminance control summarized
Authors: Weindorf Paul
Published: December 2016

Automotive automatic luminance control concepts are summarized for displays where the ambient illumination is measured and the display luminance is modified to maintain legibility. The most important aspects are reviewed to provide a high‐level overview and insight.
An adaptive generation method for electrophoretic display driving waveform design
Authors: Duan Fei‐Bo , Bai Peng‐Fei , Henzen Alex , Shui Ling‐Ling , Tang Biao , Zhou Guo‐Fu
Published: December 2016

Electrophoretic display (EPD) technology is attractive when used for reading devices such as e‐paper because of its paper‐like appearance. EPD driving is more complex than other display technologies such as liquid crystal display or organic light emission diode because the driving result of a pixel strongly depends on the initial display state. The particle size and distribution in the EPD film may vary, even if the initial state is the same. Therefore, the display devices vary between different manufacturing batches. Furthermore, different display modes such as videos, pictures or documents need different driving waveforms to achieve an optimal result. EPD manufacturers need to build a customized driving waveform for every manufacturing batch. This is very inconvenient if new applications on EPD are to be developed. And the workload is huge. In this work, an adaptive method is described for automatically creating EPD driving waveforms to fit different conditions. The central idea of this method is generally adjusting the driving time and the voltage state after getting the feedback from a measurement model. In this method, a new driving waveform is used to reduce refresh time and visual flicker. The experimental results show that the proposed approach can automatically and adaptively generate an EPD driving waveform with reasonable quality.