bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxic Oligomers and Fibrils Trapped in a Gel‐like State of α‐Synuclein Assemblies
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Das Subhadeep , Mohite Ganesh M. , Rout Saroj K. , Halder Saayak , Jha Narendra Nath , Ray Soumik , Mehra Surabhi , Agarwal Vipin , Maji Samir K. 
Published: March 2018

Abstractα‐Synuclein (α‐Syn) aggregation is associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. In PD, the role of oligomers versus fibrils in neuronal cell death is debatable, but recent studies suggest oligomers are a proximate neurotoxin. Herein, we show that soluble α‐Syn monomers undergo a transformation from a solution to a gel state on incubation at high concentration. Detailed characterization of the gel showed the coexistence of monomers, oligomers, and short fibrils. In vitro, the gel was highly cytotoxic to human neuroblastoma cells. The individual constituents of the gel are short‐lived species but toxic to the cells. They comprise a structurally heterogeneous population of α‐helical and β‐sheet‐rich oligomers and short fibrils with the cross‐β motif. Given the recent evidence of the gel‐like state of the protein associated with neurodegenerative diseases, the gel state of α‐Syn in this study represents a mechanistic and structural model for the in vivo toxicity of α‐Syn in PD.
Effect of electrospinning processing variables on polyacrylonitrile nanoyarns
Authors: Levitt Ariana S. , Vallett Richard , Dion Genevieve , Schauer Caroline L. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTWith recent developments in the field of smart textiles, researchers have been working toward fabricating architectures of nanofibers, known as nanoyarns, which mimic the geometry of a conventional yarn. In doing so, one can leverage the unique properties of nanoscale fibers, including high surface‐to‐volume ratio and tunable porosity, for the development of smart garments. In the last 5 years, researchers have produced nanoyarns from a limited number of polymers, including polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) and its co‐polymers. However, to our knowledge, there has been little research on the solution properties and electrospinning parameters needed to fabricate these higher‐order architectures from nonwoven mats. In this work, a modified electrospinning setup, enclosed in a humidity‐controlled chamber, was developed to fabricate nanoyarns for integration into knitted textiles. We fabricated nanofibers and nanoyarns from PAN/DMF solutions and conducted a systematic study to analyze the effect of solution conductivity, viscosity, and electrospinning parameters (applied voltage, collector distance, and humidity) on fiber and yarn fabrication and morphology. Polymer concentration had a significant effect on fibrous cone and yarn fabrication. Low polymer concentrations resulted in poor cone formation, whereas high concentration resulted in dense cones that were difficult to draw into nanoyarns. Overall, the matrix of electrospinning parameters that resulted in the formation of homogenous nanofiber mats was larger than that of nanoyarn formation. Nanoyarn formation required higher polymer concentration and/or applied voltage than nonwoven mat formation. The influence of these parameters on nanoyarn formation and fiber diameter can be used to expand the library of spinnable nanoyarns and optimize their properties for specific applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46404.
Thermomechanically stable dielectric composites based on poly(ether ketone) and BaTiO3 with improved electromagnetic shielding properties in X‐band
Authors: Chauhan Sampat Singh , Verma Pawan , Malik Rajender Singh , Choudhary Veena 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTHigh‐performance barium titanate (BaTiO3) filled poly(ether ketone) (PEK) composites were prepared by melt compounding with an aim to investigate the effect of BaTiO3 on thermal, thermomechanical, dielectric, and electromagnetic interference shielding behavior of PEK. The content of BaTiO3 in the PEK matrix was varied from 0 to 18 vol %. Scanning electron microscopy studies shows that BaTiO3 particles were uniformly distributed in the PEK matrix up to 13 vol % loading followed by the formation of agglomerates at higher loading (18 vol %). Rockwell hardness increased up to 13 vol % loading followed by a decrease at 18 vol % loading. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that storage modulus increases with increase in BaTiO3 loading with a maximum value of 3192 MPa at 13 vol % compared to 2099 MPa for neat PEK. Dielectric constant of composites measured in the frequency range of 8.2–12.4 GHz increased approximately three times upon incorporation of 18 vol % of BaTiO3. This increment in dielectric constant is reflected in improved electromagnetic shielding properties as loading of dielectric filler (BaTiO3) increases. Total shielding effectiveness of −11 dB (∼92% attenuation) at loading of 18 vol % BaTiO3 justifies the use of these composites for suppression of EM radiations. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46413.
Two‐Level Games and Australia's Defence Procurement: The Case of Land‐Based Anti‐ship Missiles
Authors: Raymond Gregory Vincent 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAs a country largely free of the corruption that bedevils the defence procurement of many of Australia's Asian neighbours, it is generally assumed that Australia's national security interests, together with value for money, are the paramount criteria for Australia's defence procurement. This is an assumption, however, that deserves critical interrogation, particularly with respect to the influence that domestic politics can have on strategic decisions. This article investigates the Australian government's 2016 decision to acquire land‐based anti‐ship missiles. To do so, it adapts Putnam's two‐level game to a defence policy context, enabling the incorporation of both realist and domestic political factors, including the influence of interest groups. I find a plausible case that the influence of the resources sector and constituents of Australia's northwest, as well as the corporate interests of the Australian army in asserting a greater role in Australian defence strategy, may have been significant in the decision.
Onset patterns in autism: Variation across informants, methods, and timing
Authors: Ozonoff Sally , Gangi Devon , Hanzel Elise P. , Hill Alesha , Hill Monique M. , Miller Meghan , Schwichtenberg A.J. , Steinfeld Mary Beth , Parikh Chandni , Iosif Ana‐Maria 
Published: March 2018

While previous studies suggested that regressive forms of onset were not common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), more recent investigations suggest that the rates are quite high and may be under‐reported using certain methods. The current study undertook a systematic investigation of how rates of regression differed by measurement method. Infants with (n = 147) and without a family history of ASD (n = 83) were seen prospectively for up to 7 visits in the first three years of life. Reports of symptom onset were collected using four measures that systematically varied the informant (examiner vs. parent), the decision type (categorical [regression absent or present] vs. dimensional [frequency of social behaviors]), and the timing of the assessment (retrospective vs. prospective). Latent class growth models were used to classify individual trajectories to see whether regressive onset patterns were infrequent or widespread within the ASD group. A majority of the sample was classified as having a regressive onset using either examiner (88%) or parent (69%) prospective dimensional ratings. Rates of regression were much lower using retrospective or categorical measures (from 29 to 47%). Agreement among different measurement methods was low. Declining trajectories of development, consistent with a regressive onset pattern, are common in children with ASD and may be more the rule than the exception. The accuracy of widely used methods of measuring onset is questionable and the present findings argue against their widespread use. Autism Res 2018, 11: 788–797. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Lay SummaryThis study examines different ways of measuring the onset of symptoms in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The present findings suggest that declining developmental skills, consistent with a regressive onset pattern, are common in children with ASD and may be more the rule than the exception. The results question the accuracy of widely used methods of measuring symptom onset and argue against their widespread use.
Does the hormone “endogenous ouabain” exist in the human circulation?
Authors: Kaaja Risto J. , Nicholls M. Gary 
Published: March 2018

AbstractStudies in the early 1990s suggested that a hormone identical to ouabain or an isomer of ouabain is secreted by the adrenal glands into the circulation and plays a role in the regulation of arterial pressure and cardiac and renal function. This hormone, known as endogenous ouabain (EO), was claimed to contribute to the pathophysiology of a number of disorders including heart failure, renal failure, pregnancy‐induced, and essential hypertension. However, some research groups have been unable to confirm the presence of EO in the human circulation and the issue remains in dispute. In that the implications are of considerable importance to clinicians who, like the authors, lack biochemical expertise, it would be useful if the dispute could be addressed by disinterested scientists with long‐standing and acknowledged expertise in analytical chemistry who could opine as to whether the evidence is, or is not, sufficient to state categorically that EO does (or does not) exist in the circulation in man. This brief review does not present new data but, rather, recommends that adjudication is needed regarding this important issue. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(3):219–221, 2018
Geographical discrimination of Glechomae Herba based on fifteen phenolic constituents determined by LC–MS/MS method combined with chemometric methods
Authors: Tan Ting , Zhang Jing , Xu Xu , Huang Wen‐Ping , Luo Yun 
Published: March 2018

AbstractGlechomae Herba (GH) is rich in bioactive phenolic constituents and is widely used for treatment of cholelithiasis, urolithiasis and dropsy. The simultaneous determination of phenolic constituents in GH from different geographical origins is significant for authentication and quality control purposes. In this study, we developed a strategy integrating targeted analysis and chemometric methods for quality evaluation and discrimination of GH from different geographical origins. Firstly, an accurate and reliable liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for simultaneous quantification of 15 phenolic constituents in GH from different geographical origins. The established method was well validated in terms of desirable specificity, linearity, precision and accuracy. Secondly, the quantitative data were subjected to principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. Thirdly, a heatmap visualization was employed for clarifying the distribution of 15 phenolic compounds in GH from different geographical origins. These results indicated that GH samples from Shandong province obviously differ from those from other provinces in the content of bioactive phenolic constituents. Collectively, the proposed platform might be a suitable tool for quality evaluation and discrimination of GH from different geographical origins, providing promising perspectives in tracking the formulation processes of traditional Chinese medicine products.
The Role of External Acidity of Hierarchical ZSM‐5 Zeolites in n‐Heptane Catalytic Cracking
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiao , Cheng Dang‐guo , Chen Fengqiu , Zhan Xiaoli 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe hierarchical ZSM‐5 zeolite, which contains mesopores in addition to intrinsic micropores, is expected to enhance the bulky molecular diffusion and accessibility of acid sites. These sites, distributed in the internal surface (micropore) or external environment (including external surface and mesopore walls), play different roles in chemical reactions. To explore the effect of internal/external acidity on the reaction, in this study, a series of hierarchical ZSM‐5 zeolites with similar pore structures but different external acid properties were synthesized. Tartaric acid was employed to poison the acidic sites in the external environment selectively and extract Al from the framework. The catalytic cracking of n‐heptane (the main compound of naphtha) was chosen as a model reaction. The results show that elimination of external active sites tends to reduce the coke formation. The more external acid sites are selectively eliminated, the better catalytic performance can be achieved because of suppressing the bimolecular reactions of ethylene and propylene.
Corticofugal circuits: Communication lines from the cortex to the rest of the brain
Authors: Usrey W. Martin , Sherman S. Murray 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPyramidal cells in cortical Layers 5 and 6 are the only cells in the cerebral cortex with axons that leave the cortex to influence the thalamus. Layer 6 cells provide modulatory feedback input to all thalamic nuclei. Layer 5 cells provide driving input to higher‐order thalamic nuclei and do not innervate first‐order nuclei, which get their driving inputs from subcortical sources. Higher‐order nuclei innervated by Layer 5 cells thus seem to be involved with cortico‐thalamo‐cortical communication. The Layer 5 axons branch to also target additional subcortical structures that mediate interactions with the external environment. These corticofugal pathways represent the only means by which the cortex influences the rest of the neuraxis and thus are essential for proper cortical function and species survival. Here we review current understanding of the corticofugal pathways from Layers 5 and 6 and speculate on their functional contributions to neural processing and behavior.
Organization of afferents to the orbitofrontal cortex in the rat
Authors: Murphy Monika J. M. , Deutch Ariel Y. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe prefrontal cortex (PFC) is usually defined as the frontal cortical area receiving a mediodorsal thalamic (MD) innervation. Certain areas in the medial wall of the rat frontal area receive a MD innervation. A second frontal area that is the target of MD projections is located dorsal to the rhinal sulcus and often referred to as the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Both the medial PFC and OFC are comprised of a large number of cytoarchitectonic regions. We assessed the afferent innervation of the different areas of the OFC, with a focus on projections arising from the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus, the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala, and the midbrain dopamine neurons. Although there are specific inputs to various OFC areas, a simplified organizational scheme could be defined, with the medial areas of the OFC receiving thalamic inputs, the lateral areas of the OFC being the recipient of amygdala afferents, and a central zone that was the target of midbrain dopamine neurons. Anterograde tracer data were consistent with this organization of afferents, and revealed that the OFC inputs from these three subcortical sites were largely spatially segregated. This spatial segregation suggests that the central portion of the OFC (pregenual agranular insular cortex) is the only OFC region that is a prefrontal cortical area, analogous to the prelimbic cortex in the medial prefrontal cortex. These findings highlight the heterogeneity of the OFC, and suggest possible functional attributes of the three different OFC areas.
Morphology of the utricular otolith organ in the toadfish, Opsanus tau
Authors: Boyle Richard , Ehsanian Reza , Mofrad Alireza , Popova Yekaterina , Varelas Joseph 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe utricle provides the vestibular reflex pathways with the sensory codes of inertial acceleration of self‐motion and head orientation with respect to gravity to control balance and equilibrium. Here we present an anatomical description of this structure in the adult oyster toadfish and establish a morphological basis for interpretation of subsequent functional studies. Light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy techniques were applied to visualize the sensory epithelium at varying levels of detail, its neural innervation and its synaptic organization. Scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize otolith mass and morphological polarization patterns of hair cells. Afferent nerve fibers were visualized following labeling with biocytin, and light microscope images were used to make three‐dimensional (3‐D) reconstructions of individual labeled afferents to identify dendritic morphology with respect to epithelial location. Transmission electron micrographs were compiled to create a serial 3‐D reconstruction of a labeled afferent over a segment of its dendritic field and to examine the cell‐afferent synaptic contacts. Major observations are: a well‐defined striola, medial and lateral extra‐striolar regions with a zonal organization of hair bundles; prominent lacinia projecting laterally; dependence of hair cell density on macular location; narrow afferent dendritic fields that follow the hair bundle polarization; synaptic specializations issued by afferents are typically directed towards a limited number of 7–13 hair cells, but larger dendritic fields in the medial extra‐striola can be associated with > 20 hair cells also; and hair cell synaptic bodies can be confined to only an individual afferent or can synapse upon several afferents.
Ni‐based Nanostructures as High‐performance Cathodes for Rechargeable Ni−Zn Battery
Authors: Zhang Haozhe , Wang Rui , Lin Dun , Zeng Yinxiang , Lu Xihong 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAqueous rechargeable Ni−Zn battery with high capacity, low cost, and reliable safety has stimulated extensive interests for their promising applications in electric vehicles and portable electronics. The electrochemical properties of electrodes mostly determine the performances of the whole batteries. Currently, the capacities of the most developed cathodes are still far away from that of commercial Zn anode (820 mAh g−1), which is the major barrier for further boosting the energy density of Ni−Zn battery. In recent years, various Ni based materials like α‐Ni(OH)2, β‐Ni(OH)2, NiO and NiCo2O4 have attracted considerable attention and been widely explored as cathode materials for Ni−Zn batteries. However, the poor conductivity and unsatisfactory cyclic stability of Ni‐based materials severely limit their implementation as robust cathodes for Ni−Zn batteries with high energy density and durability. To address these issues, substantial efforts have been made and great processes have been achieved. Herein, we highlight recent advances on rationally structural and componential design of Ni based electrodes for Ni−Zn batteries. The relationships between structures and performances as well as the mechanisms are also discussed. Finally, we present perspectives on the research of next‐generation electrodes with high electrochemical performances.
Risk factors associated with malignancy and with triage to surgery in thyroid nodules classified as Bethesda category IV (FN/SFN)
Authors: Kuru Bekir , Kefeli Mehmet 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundThyroid nodules diagnosed as Bethesda category IV [follicular neoplasm/suspicious for follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN)] are recommended for surgery. However, only 10%‐40% of these nodules turn out to be malignant on histopathological examination. Therefore, selection for surgery of nodules diagnosed as Bethesda category IV is important. We aimed to define predictive factors for malignancy and factors associated with triage to surgery.MethodsThe records of all patients with nodules who underwent fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and classified by Bethesda reporting system as FN/SFN between January 2011 and July 2017 at our institution were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to select independent factors associated with thyroid cancer, and with triage to surgery. Using independent risk factors for malignancy predictive index categories were created.ResultsAmong 6910 nodules that underwent FNAB, 180 (2.6%) were diagnosed as FN/SFN. Of the 180 patients, 139 (77%) underwent surgery with the associated malignancy rate of 37% (51/139) (upper boundary). Risk of malignancy among all FN/SFN nodules was 28% (lower boundary). Solid structure, size ≥ 4 cm, microcalcification, hypoechogenicity, and increased vascularization were found to be significant and independent risk factors associated for malignancy. None of the clinical and ultrasound factors were associated with triage to surgery.ConclusionsOur findings showed that using predictive factors for malignancy in the Bethesda IV category as risk indices, 17% of patients who had nodules without any risk factors could be spared surgery. Predictive indices could be considered for the malignancy risk and for selection of patients for surgery.
Drug‐facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) involving 4‐methylethcathinone (4‐MEC), 3,4‐Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), and doxylamine highlighted by hair analysis
Authors: Larabi Islam Amine , Martin Marie , Etting Isabelle , Penot Pauline , Fabresse Nicolas , Alvarez Jean Claude 
Published: March 2018

AbstractRecently, the emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has led to their wide use among clubbers and men who have sex with men (MSM) for their stimulant effects. However, their use in drug‐facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) has rarely been described. Herein we report a case of a 44‐year‐old man who was assaulted after a party. Due to late reporting of the offense, only hair (black) was sampled 15 days later and a segmental analysis was achieved to look for most DFSA agents and NPS. Twenty mg of each segment (A: 0–1 cm, B: 1–3 cm, and C: 3–5 cm) were incubated in phosphate buffer pH 5.0. After alkaline liquid extraction and chromatographic separation on 1.9 μm Hypersil GOLD PFP column, compounds were detected by a TSQ Vantage mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization in positive mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) acquisition. 4‐methylethcathinone (4‐MEC), methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and doxylamine were found in proximal segment at very low concentrations (3, 5, and 9 pg/mg, respectively) which is in agreement with a single exposure in the previous month corresponding to the alleged facts. These substances were not detected in segments B and C showing a lack of repetitive exposure before the alleged event. Thus, the results do not contradict the patient's claim of being assaulted. Doxylamine has already been encountered in such cases but no publications referring to 4‐MEC or MDPV use have ever been documented. Our case reports the unusual administration of cathinones to achieve a sexual assault and stresses the interest of looking for designer drugs when dealing with DFSA cases.