bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly Sensitive Colorimetric Detection of Early Stage Aluminum Corrosion in Water Using Plasmonic Gold Nanoparticle Films
Authors: Tesler Alexander B. , Sannomiya Takumi , Vaskevich Alexander , Sabatani Eyal , Rubinstein Israel 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCorrosion remains the major reason for the failure of metallic parts. Therefore, spotting and evaluating the severity of corrosion at its early stages is of great importance. Herein, a novel optical corrosion probe based on plasmonic gold nanoparticles immobilized on aluminum surface is demonstrated. The measurements confirm that the corrosion rate and mechanism of bare aluminum is identical to that of the developed probe. During Al corrosion, the gold nanoparticles are located entirely at the interface between the inner dense and outer porous layers of the formed aluminum oxide. The growth of the inner oxide layer during corrosion prompts a change in the reflection spectra and the appearance of strong coloration that is easily observed by the naked eye. Numerical modeling reveals that these optical changes occur mainly due to light interference within the inner oxide layer, which is located between the plasmonic gold nanoparticles and the underlying reflective aluminum. The ability of the plasmonic probe is further demonstrated to monitor the aqueous corrosion of thin films, bulk and alloyed Al, as well as Al protected by a self‐assembled monolayer of hydrophobic surfactant, and, hence, the wide applicability of the method.
Iron(II) Chloride‐Catalyzed Nitrene Transfer Reaction for Dearomative Amination of β‐Naphthols with Aryl Azides
Authors: Wu Dun‐Qi , Guan Zhen‐Yu , Peng Yi , Sun Jian , Zhong Cheng , Deng Qing‐Hai 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA first example of Fe‐catalyzed dearomative amination of β‐naphthols with aryl azides is described. The method constructs a nitrogen‐containing quaternary carbon center catalyzed by cheap and readily available iron salt FeCl2, and affords a series of α‐amino‐β‐naphthalenones in good to excellent yields under simple and mild reaction conditions. Preliminary experimental and computational studies suggest that the reaction is probably initiated by iron‐iminyl diradical and followed by intramolecular hydrogen transfer to generate iron‐aminyl radical and finally an intramolecular radical combination reaction.magnified image
Rationalizing Small‐Molecule Donor Design toward High‐Performance Organic Solar Cells: Perspective from Molecular Architectures
Authors: Han Guangchao , Yi Yuanping 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTuning donor/acceptor interfacial arrangements and electron‐transfer processes in the active layers is crucial to improve the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). Here, the impact of different molecular architectures (i.e., A–π–D–π–A, D–π–A–π–D and π–A–D–A–π) of the donors on the interfacial arrangements and electronic processes in small‐molecule (SM) OSCs is elucidated by means of multiscale theoretical simulations. An A–π–D–π–A structured donor with sizable terminal units, extended π bridges, and bulky side groups on the backbone core is proved to be able to simultaneously obtain both efficient charge generation and migration as well as suppressed charge recombination, thus paving the way for the rational design of electron donors toward high‐performance SM OSCs.
Proteoliposome Engineering with Cell‐Free Membrane Protein Synthesis: Control of Membrane Protein Sorting into Liposomes by Chaperoning Systems
Authors: Ando Mitsuru , Schikula Shun , Sasaki Yoshihiro , Akiyoshi Kazunari 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntegral membrane proteins (IMPs) modulate key cellular processes; their dysfunctions are closely related to disease. However, production of IMPs in active conformations for further study is hindered by aggregation and toxicity in living expression systems. IMPs are therefore produced in cell‐free systems employing liposome chaperoning, but membrane integration of the nascent IMPs is suboptimal and orientation of the integrated proteins remains uncontrollable. Thus, an artificial membrane protein sorting system is developed, based on polyhistidine/nickel‐chelate affinity, combined with cell‐free membrane protein synthesis. Its proof of concept is demonstrated with a N‐terminal hexahistadine‐fused conexin‐43 (NHis–Cx43) model IMP. Nickel‐chelating liposomes efficiently incorporate twofold newly synthesized NHis–Cx43 compared with Cx43. NHis–Cx43, when synthesized in this system, forms dye‐permeable hemichannels, similar to plasma membrane pores formed by Cx43 in cells. The topology of incorporated NHis–Cx43 indicates two orientations in the liposomal membranes. However, NHis–Cx43 orientation is controlled, resulting in single topology, by combination of the natural molecular chaperone DnaKJE. Successful synthesis and at least 4.5‐fold increase lipid incorporation are also achieved with three other NHis‐fused IMPs, including α‐helix and β‐barrel IMPs. Overall, this simple membrane protein sorting system is usable combined with molecular chaperones to prepare proteoliposomes for many applications.
Single‐stage synthesis of electrospun polyurethane scaffold impregnated with zinc nitrate nanofibers for wound healing applications
Authors: Jaganathan Saravana Kumar , Mani Mohan Prasath 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTIn this study, a wound dressing scaffold was developed based on polyurethane (PU, 9 wt %) incorporated with zinc nitrate nanofibers (9 wt %) using an electrospinning technique. The morphological studies revealed that the electrospun nanocomposites showed smaller fiber (568 ± 136.69 nm) and pore diameters (703 ± 60.76 nm) than the pure PU (fiber diameter 1159 ± 147.48 nm and pore diameter 1087 ± 62.51 nm). Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence of zinc nitrate in the PU matrix. The formation of hydrogen bonds and the enhanced weight residue found by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis revealed the interaction of PU with zinc nitrate. Moreover, the contact angle measurements revealed the hydrophilic nature of the electrospun nanocomposite (84° ± 4.041°) compared to the control (100° ± 0.5774°). Mechanical testing and atomic force microscopy showed an improvement in the tensile strength (15.98 MPa) and surface roughness (277 nm) of the fabricated nanocomposites compared to the PU membrane (tensile strength 7.12 MPa and surface roughness 216 nm). Further, incorporation of zinc nitrate into PU improved the blood compatibility, as demonstrated by the prolonged blood clotting time (APTT 188 ± 4 s and PT 102.7 ± 3.786 s) compared to the pure PU (APTT 147.7 ± 3.512 s and PT 84.67 ± 2.517 s), as revealed in coagulation assays. Moreover, the electrospun nanocomposites showed a low hemolytic index and enhanced fibroblast proliferation rates, as indicated in the hemolysis and cytocompatibility studies. The newly developed wound dressing displayed better physicochemical characteristics, prolonged blood clotting time, and enhanced fibroblast proliferation rates, indicating that it might be utilized as an alternate candidate for wound dressings. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 46942.
Impact of nanoparticles on the process‐induced distortions of carbon fiber reinforced plastics: An experimental and simulative approach
Authors: Exner Wibke , Hein Robert , Mahrholz Thorsten , Wierach Peter , Monner Hans Peter , Sinapius Michael 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTThis article investigates the potential of aluminum oxide nanoparticles for the reduction of process‐induced distortions of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). Therefore the matrix properties, which affect the distortions, are experimentally and mechanistically analyzed in detail at various particle contents. The results clearly show an increasing impact of raised particle content on gelation, chemical and thermal shrinkage, on Young's modulus, as well as on Poisson's ratio. These alterations can be successfully transferred to reduce spring‐in of L‐shaped CFRP brackets, which are manufactured by infusion technology. However, it is found that particle contents higher than 5 wt % are needed to influence these parameters. For further understanding of the parameters controlling spring‐in, a numerical sensitivity analysis is performed by the correlation of various matrix parameters and the induced distortions. The results from a structural simulation reveal that changes in thermal and chemical shrinkage as well as in gelation have a major impact on the distortions, but the modes of action of the particles also have to be taken into consideration. These mechanistical insights about nanoparticle impacts might be a valuable approach to lower or overcome distortions in composite materials in the future. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47031.
Botulinum toxin A modifies nociceptive withdrawal reflex in subacute stroke patients
Authors: Alvisi Elena , Serrao Mariano , Conte Carmela , Alfonsi Enrico , Tassorelli Cristina , Prunetti Paolo , Cristina Silvano , Perrotta Armando , Pierelli Francesco , Sandrini Giorgio 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe aims of this study were to evaluate the pattern of the nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) of the upper limb at rest and after injection of Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A) in poststroke subacute hemiparetic patients.MethodsFourteen patients with poststroke subacute hemiparesis underwent clinical and instrumental evaluation and BoNT‐A injection. Painful electrical stimulation was applied to induce the NWR. Baseline EMG activity and NWR recordings (EMG and kinematic response) were performed at T0, one month (T1), and three months (T2) after the BoNT‐A injection, as were Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores.ResultsComparison of results at T0, T1, and T2 revealed significant changes in the MAS score for the elbow (p < 0.001) and wrist joints (p < 0.001) and in the FIM score at T0 and T2. BoNT‐A injection had a significant effect on both NWR amplitude and baseline EMG activity in the posterior deltoid (PD) and flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscles as well as in all averaged muscles. Analysis of elbow kinematics before and after treatment revealed that the reflex probability rates were significantly higher at T1 and T2 than at T0.ConclusionInjection of BoNT‐A in the subacute phase of stroke can modify both the baseline EMG activity and the NWR‐related EMG responses in the upper limb muscles irrespective of the site of injection; furthermore, the reflex‐mediated defensive mechanical responses, that is, shoulder extension and abduction and elbow flexion, increased after treatment. BoNT‐A injection may be a useful treatment in poststroke spasticity with a potential indirect effect on spinal neurons.
Transient topographical disorientation due to right‐sided hippocampal hemorrhage
Authors: Irving Stephanie , Pradhan Cauchy , Dieterich Marianne , Brandt Thomas , Zwergal Andreas , Schöberl Florian 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntroductionTopographical disorientation is defined as the inability to recognize familiar or unfamiliar environments. While its slowly progressive development is a common feature of neurodegenerative processes like Alzheimer's dementia, acute presentations are less frequent and mostly caused by strategic lesions within the cerebral navigation network. Depending on the lesion site, topographical disorientation can originate from deficits in landmark recognition and utilization for route planning (egocentric navigation deficit), or disturbance of an overarching cognitive map of the spatial environment (allocentric navigation deficit). However, objective measurements of spatial navigation performance over time are largely missing in patients with topographical disorientation.MethodsWe here report a 55‐year‐old patient with acute topographical disorientation as the single symptom of right‐sided hippocampal hemorrhage and present quantitative gaze‐monitoring head camera‐based analyses of his path‐finding strategy and visual exploration behavior in a real space navigation paradigm.ResultsThe patient exhibited severe allocentric and also egocentric navigation deficits during the acute phase, shown by higher error rates at finding target items. In addition, he showed a more extensive use of search saccades toward, and fixations on, landmarks that could potentially serve as spatial cues. These deficits had been completely compensated for after four months, when the patient performed unremarkably in the real space navigation task, and used even more strongly allocentric path optimization strategies than age‐matched controls.ConclusionsThis case report highlights the integral function and right‐sided dominance of the hippocampal formation in the cerebral navigation network in humans. It shows that the cognitive map can be restored completely despite a residual hippocampal lesion, which illustrates the enormous plasticity of the cerebral navigation network in humans.
Patient‐reported and performance‐based measures of walking in mild–moderate Parkinson's disease
Authors: Leavy Breiffni , Löfgren Niklas , Nilsson Maria , Franzén Erika 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundKnowledge of the relationships between patient‐reported and performance‐based walking measures in Parkinson's disease (PD) should inform clinical decision‐making. The Walk‐12G reliably captures perceived walking difficulties but has not been compared to performance‐based walking in laboratory or free‐living settings or across different groups.ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between patient‐reported walking difficulties (Walk‐12G) and performance‐based walking in laboratory and free‐living conditions and to determine whether the Walk‐12G can distinguish between the subgroups, (i) people with/without PD and (ii) mild/moderate disease stages.MethodsForty‐seven people without and 49 people with PD (Hoehn and Yahr stage II and III) were assessed in relation to patient‐reported walking difficulties (Walk‐12G scale); spatiotemporal gait characteristics (Pace; Rhythm; Asymmetry; Variability; and Postural control) using a laboratory‐based electronic walkway; and walking behavior (mean steps/day and minutes of brisk walking/day) using accelerometers in free‐living conditions.ResultsThe Walk‐12G correlated moderately with the spatiotemporal domain step velocity (r = −0.46) and walking behavior, measured as mean steps/day (r = −0.46). Weaker correlations were observed for step length and minutes spent in brisk walking (r = −0.36 and r = −0.35, respectively). Poor correlations were observed for all other spatiotemporal domains. The Walk‐12G could distinguish between people with and without PD (Effect size, r = 0.82) and between those at mild/moderate disease stages (r = 0.34).ConclusionsPerceived walking difficulties showed weak to moderate associations with performance‐based measures of walking in mild–moderate PD. As the strongest associations were observed for step velocity and walking behavior, targeting these specific gait aspects could improve perceived walking difficulties in daily life.
Polymeric curcumin nanoparticles by a facile in situ method for macrophage targeted delivery
Authors: Jahagirdar Priyanka S. , Gupta Pramod K. , Kulkarni Savita P. , Devarajan Padma V. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTargeting macrophages is a promising strategy for improved therapy of intracellular infections as macrophages exhibit rapid phagocytosis of particles >200 nm. Entrapment of Curcumin (CUR) in nanocarriers could provide bioenhancement and macrophage targeting. We present a simple and facile in situ nanoprecipitation approach for instantaneous and on‐site generation of curcumin nanoparticles (ISCurNP). ISCurNP optimised by Box‐Behnken design exhibited average size of 208.25 ± 7.55 nm and entrapment efficiency of 90.16 ± 1.17%. Differential scanning calorimetry and X‐Ray diffraction confirmed amorphization of CUR in ISCurNP. Sustained release was observed over 72 hr in vitro at lysosomal pH 4.5. Rapid and high uptake in RAW 264.7 macrophages was confirmed by flow cytometry and high performance liquid chromatography. Confocal microscopy established localisation of ISCurNP in lysosomal compartment. The facile in situ nanoprecipitation method provides simple, scalable technology to enable macrophage targeted delivery of CUR, with great promise for improved therapy of intracellular infections.
Reducing variability in the measurement of gluten contamination in oats, oilseeds, and pulses by improving sample preparation
Authors: Tittlemier Sheryl A. , Zirdum Tanya , Chan Jason , Bestvater Michael , Pleskach Kerri , Massong Frank , Stoughton Melonie 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackground and objectivesThe variability in gluten in non‐gluten‐containing grains (NGCG) processed using two preparation schemes was evaluated with the aim of minimizing effects of sample heterogeneity on gluten determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The relationship between gluten concentration as determined by ELISA and visually assessed contamination of NGCG with wheat, durum, barley, and rye was investigated.FindingsLow variability between duplicate aliquots taken from test portions (0–30.6% relative standard deviation [RSD]) demonstrated the ELISA itself was precise. In the first scheme, variability among test portions ranged from 1% to 143% RSD, with only half in the range of 1–50%. Using scheme 2, variability in gluten among test portions ranged from 1% to 85% RSD, with more than three quarters in the range of 1–50%. High lipid content hemp seed was a particular challenge to grind, and this was reflected in higher variability in gluten results between test portions (mean RSD = 61%).ConclusionsSubsampling ground samples using rotary sample division and the use of a 1‐g test portion in scheme 2 decreased the variability of gluten results for most samples. At concentrations relevant to existing thresholds of gluten contamination (e.g. 20 mg/kg), there was no relationship between gluten concentration in NGCG and cereal contamination as determined by visual inspection.Significance and noveltyThis study provides guidance on how to improve the analysis of gluten contamination in NGCG by ELISA and describes the absence of a relationship between ELISA‐determined gluten and the visual assessment of contamination in NGCG.
Assessment and management of a 1.77‐cm2 mitral leaflet perforation as a subclinical cause of mitral regurgitation
Authors: Patel Paras , Lee Kevin , Aderinto Adedoyin , Benz Michael , Tsompanidis Antonios 
Published: August 2018

Key Clinical MessageAnterior mitral valve perforations are commonly due to underlying infective endocarditis, which can lead to significant mitral valve insufficiency. In these cases, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for infective endocarditis. After appropriate imaging, immediate surgical intervention is unequivocally the choice of management here for optimal patient outcomes.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Disulfiram on Inducing Latent HIV‐1 Transcription in a Phase IIb Trial
Authors: Lee Sulggi A. , Elliott Julian H. , McMahon James , Hartogenesis Wendy , Bumpus Namandje N. , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Gorelick Robert J. , Bacchetti Peter , Deeks Steven G. , Lewin Sharon R. , Savic Radojka M. 
Published: August 2018

Disulfiram (DSF) was well tolerated and activated viral transcription (cell‐associated unspliced (CA‐US) and plasma human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA) in a phase II dose‐escalation trial in HIV+ antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐suppressed participants. Here, we investigated whether exposure to DSF and its metabolites predicted these changes in HIV transcription. Participants were administered 500 (N = 10), 1,000 (N = 10), or 2,000 (N = 10) mg of DSF for 3 consecutive days. DSF and four metabolites were measured by ultraperformance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Changes in CA‐US and plasma HIV RNA were quantified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analyzed in NONMEM. A seven‐compartment pharmacokinetic (PK) model demonstrated nonlinear elimination kinetics. The fitted median area under the curve values for 72 hours (AUC0–72) were 3,816, 8,386, and 22,331 mg*hour/L, respectively. Higher exposure predicted greater increases in CA‐US (maximum effect (Emax) = 78%, AUC50 = 1,600 μg*hour/L, P = 0.013) but not plasma HIV RNA. These results provide support for further development of DSF as an important drug for future HIV cure strategies.
Pharmaco‐resistant Neonatal Seizures: Critical Mechanistic Insights from a Chemoconvulsant Model
Authors: Kharod Shivani C. , Carter Brandon M. , Kadam Shilpa D. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractNeonatal seizures are harmful to the developing brain and are associated with mortality and long‐term neurological comorbidities. Hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) seizures represent a significant proportion of such seizures. Phenobarbital (PB) remains the first line anti‐seizure drug (ASD) treatment but fails ~50% of the time. Translational models of neonatal seizures are crucial to investigating mechanisms underlying PB‐resistance. A model of PB‐resistant ischemic seizures in postnatal day 7 (P7) CD‐1 mice reported K‐Cl cotransporter 2 (KCC2) degradation that has been shown to be due to activation of the TrkB pathway. We investigated PB‐efficacy in a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) model of neonatal seizures in the same strain and age using identical treatment protocols to gain insights into mechanisms underlying PB‐resistance. A single dose of PTZ (80 mg/kg; IP) consistently induced repetitive seizures that did not progress to status epilepticus (SE). PB (25 mg/kg; IP, single dose) significantly suppressed the PTZ‐induced seizures. This was associated with significant KCC2 upregulation and stable Na‐K‐Cl cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) expression at 24h. The TrkB pathway was not activated. PTZ seizure burdens were significantly higher than those reported for ischemic seizures, indicating seizure severity did not dictate the differences in PB‐efficacy. Bumetanide (BTN) (0.1–0.2 mg/kg; IP) did not work as an anti‐seizure agent, similar to the ischemic model. When investigating mechanisms underlying the emergence of PB‐resistance in translational models, the method by which seizures are induced may dictate mechanisms underlying emergence of PB‐resistance.