bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructural Alterations of Von Economo Neurons in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Schizophrenia
Authors: Krause Martin , Theiss Carsten , Brüne Martin 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTVon Economo neurons (VENs) are large bipolar projection neurons mainly located in layer Vb of anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and anterior insula. Both regions are involved in cognitive and emotional procedures and are functionally and anatomically altered in schizophrenia. Although the detailed function of VEN remains unclear, it has been suggested that these neurons are involved in the pathomechanism of schizophrenia. Here, we were interested in the question whether or not the VEN of schizophrenia patients would show abnormalities at the ultrastructural level. Accordingly, we examined the amount of lysosomal aggregations of the VEN in post‐mortem tissue of patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and psychologically unaffected individuals, and compared the findings with aggregations in adjacent pyramidal cells in layer Vb of the ACC. VEN of patients with schizophrenia, and to a lesser degree individuals with bipolar disorder contained significantly more lysosomal aggregations compared with tissue from unaffected controls. Specifically, the larger amount of lysosomal aggregations in schizophrenia seemed to be selective for VEN, with no differences occurring in pyramidal cells. These findings may indicate that the VEN of schizophrenia patients are selectively vulnerable to neuronal damage. Anat Rec, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Anat Rec, 300:2017–2024, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changes in the Pancreas in Experimental Diabetes and the Effect of Lycopene on These Changes: Proliferating, Apoptotic, and Estrogen Receptor α Positive Cells
Authors: Sandikci Mustafa , Karagenc Levent , Yildiz Mustafa 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to investigate the changes occurring in estrogen receptor (ER) α‐positive cells, proliferating cells, apoptotic cells and malondialdehyde (MDA) expression in the pancreas of experimentally induced adult diabetic rats and to determine the effect of orally administered lycopene on these changes. Experimental diabetes was induced using a single dose of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). Following the administration of STZ, four groups of animals were established: Control + corn oil, control + lycopene, diabetic + corn oil and diabetic + lycopene. The expressions of ER α, Ki‐67, and MDA were determined through immunohistochemistry in sections taken from pancreas tissue samples at the end of the experiment. Apoptotic cells were determined through the TUNEL method. In the diabetic groups, the densities of ER α expression in islets and ER α‐positive cells in exocrine parts increased. Whereas the number of proliferating Ki‐67 positive cells was higher in the diabetic groups, no significant difference was observed in terms of apoptotic cell number between the control and diabetic groups. Lycopene in general did not have any effect on any of the parameters analyzed in the study. The presence of ER α‐positive cells around the islets was demonstrated for the first time in diabetic groups. Based on these observations, demonstrating the antioxidant effects of lycopene in the pancreas of diabetic rats may be possible by increasing the dose and/or the duration of lycopene. Anat Rec, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Anat Rec, 300:2000–2007, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prenatal maternal stress events and phenotypic outcomes in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Varcin Kandice J. , Alvares Gail A. , Uljarević Mirko , Whitehouse Andrew J. O. 
Published: July 2017

There is significant heterogeneity amongst individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in symptom presentation and severity. An understanding of the factors that contribute to and modulate symptom severity are critical to informing prognosis, stratification, and treatment decisions. Maternal prenatal stress exposure is a nonspecific risk factor for a wide array of neurodevelopmental outcomes in subsequent offspring. Emerging evidence suggests that prenatal maternal stress may increase ASD risk and contribute to variability in autism‐like traits in the general population. In the current study, we aimed to determine whether prenatal maternal exposure to stressful life events is associated with symptom severity amongst individuals with ASD. We performed multiple regression analyses to examine associations between retrospectively recalled maternal prenatal stressful life events and the severity of ASD‐associated symptoms in 174 children with ASD (Mage = 9.09 years; SD = 3.81). ASD‐related symptom severity was measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale and communication abilities were measured using the Children's Communication Checklist. Exposure to prenatal stressful life events was a significant predictor of ASD‐related symptom severity (t = 2.014; P = .048) and communication abilities (t = −2.925; P = .004) amongst children with ASD, even after controlling for a range of sociodemographic and obstetric variables. Follow‐up analyses demonstrated significant increases in symptom severity only in the context of multiple (two or more) prenatal stressful life events. Together, these findings indicate that ASD, in the context of prenatal maternal stress exposure, may be associated with a more severe phenotype, particularly when there are multiple prenatal exposures. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1866–1877. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Lay SummaryThere is emerging evidence that prenatal maternal stress may increase the risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and contribute to variability in autism‐like traits in the general population. Here, we found that more stressful life events experienced during pregnancy was associated with more severe ASD‐related symptoms and poorer communication abilities amongst children with ASD. The results from this study suggest that prenatal maternal stress exposure and its sequelae may contribute to variability in symptom severity amongst children with ASD.
Identity matching to sample and exclusion performance in elderly with and without neurocognitive disorders
Authors: Camara Marina Ribeiro , Ducatti Mariana , Schmidt Andréia 
Published: July 2017

Neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) affect complex processes of stimulus control, such as relational performance. The aims of this study were (a) to compare the performance of older adults with NCD with that of control older adults in generalized identity matching (GI) tests and in responding by exclusion probes and (b) to verify the effect of identity matching training on subsequent GI and exclusion tests, in older adults with NCD. Participants were 24 older adults (aged 60 to 92 years), eight without NCD (control group I [CG I]), and 16 with NCD: CG II, with accurate performance in the GI tests and the experimental group (EG), with low performance in these tests. After exclusion and GI tests with all participants, the EG underwent identity matching training with 3 pairs of visual stimuli, and exclusion and identity matching posttests. All participants of the CG I and CG II presented accurate performance in the tests. Seven of the 8 older adults of the EG achieved the learning criterion in the training and showed some improvement in the GI posttest; however, positive effects of the training were not observed in the exclusion posttests. Teaching procedures for identity matching in older adult patients with NCD can produce positive results; however, it is necessary to understand the relationship between cognitive decline and other relational performances.
Selective spectrofluorimetric method for determination of Lisinopril in pharmaceutical preparations and in presence of hydrochlorothiazide: Application to content uniformity testing
Authors: Derayea Sayed M. , Badr El‐Din Khalid M. , Mohammed Fatma F. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA novel sensitive and cost‐effective spectrofluorimetric method has been developed and validated for determination of lisinopril (an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor) in its pure form and pharmaceutical preparations. The method is based on the reaction of the drug with ninhydrin and phenylacetaldehyde in buffered medium (pH 7.0) to form a highly fluorescent product measured at 460 nm after excitation at 390 nm. Different experimental parameters were optimized and calibration curve was constructed. The fluorescence‐concentration relationship was linear in the range of 0.15–4.0 μg mL−1. The calculated Limit of detection (LOD) and Limit of quantitation (LOQ) were 0.04 and 0.12 μg mL−1, respectively. The method was successfully applied for the analysis of pharmaceutical preparations containing the studied drug either alone or co‐formulated with hydrochlorothiazide. The obtained results were in agreement with those of the reported method in respect to accuracy and precession. Moreover, the method was applied content uniformity testing according to United States Pharmacopeia (USP) guidelines.
Fabrication of Hollow Mesoporous Nanosized ZSM‐5 Catalyst with Superior Methanol‐to‐Hydrocarbons Performance by Controllable Desilication
Authors: Fu Tingjun , Qi Ruiyue , Wan Weili , Shao Juan , Wen John Z. , Li Zhong 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis work aims to improve the catalyst lifetime of ZSM‐5 for the methanol‐to‐hydrocarbons conversion by tuning the pore structure and external surface area on nano‐ZSM‐5 (100 nm). Several differently pore‐structured samples were synthesized based on the controllable desilication of nano‐ZSM‐5 by prolonging the alkali‐treatment time and introducing tetrapropylammonium hydroxide (TPAOH) into NaOH solution. 2 h NaOH treatment produced mesoporous ZSM‐5 with well‐maintained interior, and the catalytic lifetime was prolonged from 60 to 127 h along with increased isoparaffins selectivity owing to improved diffusion and accessibility of internal weak acid sites. If prolonging the treating time to 15 h, nano‐ZSM‐5 with initially formed hollow structure (HI‐Z5) was achieved, which shows relatively short lifetime of 85 h and high aromatics selectivity. After a secondary treatment of HI‐Z5 with fresh NaOH solution for 5 h, the formed thin shell and clean interior significantly improved diffusion, and the lifetime increased from 85 to 115 h. The aromatics selectivity was also increased by the enhanced acidity. Mesopores were introduced into the shell of HI‐Z5 after treating it with a freshly mixed solution of NaOH and TPAOH. The external surface area exhibited a 94 % increase, resulting in a high isoparaffins selectivity and a long lifetime of 149 h.
Nano‐confined Mo2C Particles Embedded in a Porous Carbon Matrix: A Promising Anode for Ultra‐stable Na Storage
Authors: Liao Hanxiao , Hou Hongshuai , Zhang Yan , Qiu Xiaoqing , Ji Xiaobo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractTransition‐metal carbides (TMCs) are emerging as promising electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage devices, owing to their good conductivity and stability. Herein, Mo2C nanoparticles have been successfully encapsulated into a porous N‐doped carbon matrix through in situ confined carbonization. When evaluated as an anode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), the resultant Mo2C/N‐doped composite (Mo2C‐NC) exhibited a high rate capability and excellent cycle stability with a high capacity retention of 95.4 % after 2500 cycles. The prominent sodium storage performances can be attributed to its special nanoarchitecture, which provides a synergistic effect to offer shortened Na+/e− transfer pathways, highly effective restraint through particle agglomeration, and a buffer for the drastic volume change during the prolonged cycles. Owing to the efficient one‐pot procedure and high electrochemical performances, the porous Mo2C/N‐doped carbon hybrids are great potential anode materials for rechargeable SIBs.
Cyclopropyl Group: An Excited‐State Aromaticity Indicator?
Authors: Ayub Rabia , Papadakis Raffaello , Jorner Kjell , Zietz Burkhard , Ottosson Henrik 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe cyclopropyl (cPr) group, which is a well‐known probe for detecting radical character at atoms to which it is connected, is tested as an indicator for aromaticity in the first ππ* triplet and singlet excited states (T1 and S1). Baird's rule says that the π‐electron counts for aromaticity and antiaromaticity in the T1 and S1 states are opposite to Hückel's rule in the ground state (S0). Our hypothesis is that the cPr group, as a result of Baird's rule, will remain closed when attached to an excited‐state aromatic ring, enabling it to be used as an indicator to distinguish excited‐state aromatic rings from excited‐state antiaromatic and nonaromatic rings. Quantum chemical calculations and photoreactivity experiments support our hypothesis; calculated aromaticity indices reveal that openings of cPr substituents on [4n]annulenes ruin the excited‐state aromaticity in energetically unfavorable processes. Yet, polycyclic compounds influenced by excited‐state aromaticity (e.g., biphenylene), as well as 4nπ‐electron heterocycles with two or more heteroatoms represent limitations.
Modified Bruggeman models for prediction of CO2 permeance in polycarbonate/silica nanocomposite membranes
Authors: Idris Alamin , Man Zakaria , Maulud Abdulhalim Shah , Uddin Fahim 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe polycarbonate membranes performances are improved by the incorporation of silica nanoparticles into the polymer matrix. Prepared PC/silica nanocomposite membranes with various silica content are considered and the experimental relative permeance of CO2 gas at 200 kPa (2 bar) feed pressure are used as reference in the predictions using the existing theoretical models such as Maxwell‐Wagner‐Sillar, Bruggeman, Lewis‐Nielsen, Pal, and modified Pal models. TEM and BET analysis were used to characterize the silica nanoparticles; FESEM was used to characterize the morphology of the nanocomposite membranes. The TEM image of the silica nanoparticles reveals that the nanoparticles are mostly spherical. BET results reveal that the surface area and pore diameter of the silica nanoparticles are 618.8 m2/g and 0.28 nm, respectively. The existing models have resulted in poor predictions with errors AARE % of 26.52 to 28.02 %. Observation by FESEM image shows that the dispersed particles are surrounded by interfacial voids and rigidified polymer layer. Modified Bruggeman models that consider the interfacial volume show appreciable prediction with AARE 4.59 % being obtained with the pseudo‐two‐phase Bruggeman model. Moreover, when the model considered pseudo‐three‐phase morphology, the AARE % value reduced to 3.92 %. Thus, the contribution due to the interfacial rigidified layer was minimal.
Welche Vorstellungen, Interessen und Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen zu naturwissenschaftlichen Tätigkeiten weisen Studierende der Naturwissenschaften auf?
Authors: Wentorf Wilfried , Höffler Tim N. , Parchmann Ilka 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDie Vorstellungen Jugendlicher über konkrete naturwissenschaftliche Tätigkeitsfelder und ihre eigenen diesbezüglichen Interessen und Einstellungen werden geprägt durch den naturwissenschaftlichen Unterricht und die Fachlehrerinnen und ‐lehrer als Multiplikatoren und Repräsentanten dieser Domäne. Vorgestellt wird eine Studie, in der an fünf Universitätsstandorten Lehramtsstudierende und Fachstudierende zu Beginn ihres Studiums nach ihren eigenen Vorstellungen, Interessen und Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen bezüglich konkreter naturwissenschaftlicher Tätigkeiten befragt wurden (N=563). Auf Basis dieser Konzepte über Naturwissenschaften wird diskutiert, welche Chancen und Schwierigkeiten sich für die das transportiert Bild heutiger Naturwissenschaften ergeben könnten.
Keeping the focus on biophysics and actin filaments in Nagoya: A report of the 2016 “now in actin” symposium
Authors: Fujiwara Ikuko , Narita Akihiro 
Published: July 2017

AbstractRegulatory systems in living cells are highly organized, enabling cells to response to various changes in their environments. Actin polymerization and depolymerization are crucial to establish cytoskeletal networks to maintain muscle contraction, cell motility, cell division, adhesion, organism development and more. To share and promote the biophysical understanding of such mechanisms in living creatures, the “Now in Actin Study: ‐Motor protein research reaching a new stage‐” symposium was organized at Nagoya University, Japan on 12 and 13, December 2016. The organizers invited emeritus professor of Nagoya and Osaka Universities Fumio Oosawa and leading scientists worldwide as keynote speakers, in addition to poster presentations on cell motility studies by many researchers. Studies employing various biophysical, biochemical, cell and molecular biological and mathematical approaches provided the latest understanding of mechanisms of cell motility functions driven by actin, microtubules, actin‐binding proteins, and other motor proteins.
Behavioral and stereological characterization of Hdc KO mice: Relation to Tourette syndrome
Authors: Abdurakhmanova Shamsiiat , Chary Karthik , Kettunen Mikko , Sierra Alejandra , Panula Pertti 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA premature termination codon in the human histidine decarboxylase (Hdc) gene has been identified in a family suffering from Guilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS). In the current study we investigated if mice lacking the histamine producing enzyme HDC share the morphological and cytological phenotype with GTS patients by using magnetic resonance (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), unbiased stereology and immunohistochemistry. Behavior of Hdc knock‐out (Hdc KO) mice was assessed in an open field test. The results of stereological, volumetric and DTI analysis measurements showed no significant differences between control and Hdc KO mice. The numbers and distribution of GABAergic parvalbumin or nitric oxide‐expressing and cholinergic interneurons were normal in Hdc KO mice. Cortical morphology and layering in adult Hdc KO mice were also preserved. In open field test Hdc KO mice showed impaired exploratory activity and habituation when introduced to novel environment. Our results indicate that Hdc deficiency in mice does not disturb the development of striatal and cortical interneurons and does not lead to the morphological and cytological phenotypes characterized by humans with GTS. Nevertheless, histamine deficiency leads to behavioral alterations probably due to neurotransmitter dysbalance on the level of the striatum.
Photochemical Water Splitting by Bismuth Chalcogenide Topological Insulators
Authors: Rajamathi Catherine R. , Gupta Uttam , Pal Koushik , Kumar Nitesh , Yang Hao , Sun Yan , Shekhar Chandra , Yan Binghai , Parkin Stuart , Waghmare Umesh V. , Felser Claudia , Rao C. N. R. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAs one of the major areas of interest in catalysis revolves around 2D materials based on molybdenum sulfide, we have examined the catalytic properties of bismuth selenides and tellurides, which are among the first chalcogenides to be proven as topological insulators (TIs). We find significant photochemical H2 evolution activity with these TIs as catalysts. H2 evolution increases drastically in nanosheets of Bi2Te3 compared to single crystals. First‐principles calculations show that due to the topology, surface states participate and promote the hydrogen evolution.
Prospective Symbiosis of Green Chemistry and Energetic Materials
Authors: Kuchurov Ilya V. , Zharkov Mikhail N. , Fershtat Leonid L. , Makhova Nina N. , Zlotin Sergey G. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA global increase in environmental pollution demands the development of new “cleaner” chemical processes. Among urgent improvements, the replacement of traditional hydrocarbon‐derived toxic organic solvents with neoteric solvents less harmful for the environment is one of the most vital issues. As a result of the favorable combination of their unique properties, ionic liquids (ILs), dense gases, and supercritical fluids (SCFs) have gained considerable attention as suitable green chemistry media for the preparation and modification of important chemical compounds and materials. In particular, they have a significant potential in a specific and very important area of research associated with the manufacture and processing of high‐energy materials (HEMs). These large‐scale manufacturing processes, in which hazardous chemicals and extreme conditions are used, produce a huge amount of hard‐to‐dispose‐of waste. Furthermore, they are risky to staff, and any improvements that would reduce the fire and explosion risks of the corresponding processes are highly desirable. In this Review, useful applications of almost nonflammable ILs, dense gases, and SCFs (first of all, CO2) for nitration and other reactions used for manufacturing HEMs are considered. Recent advances in the field of energetic (oxygen‐balanced and hypergolic) ILs are summarized. Significant attention is paid to the SCF‐based micronization techniques, which improve the energetic performance of HEMs through an efficient control of the morphology and particle size distribution of the HEM fine particles, and to useful applications of SCFs in HEM processing that makes them less hazardous.
Natural succession on abandoned cropland effectively decreases the soil erodibility and improves the fungal diversity
Authors: Zhang Chao , Liu Guobin , Song Zilin , Qu Dong , Fang Linchuan , Deng Lei 
Published: July 2017

AbstractChanges in plants and soils during natural succession have been evaluated, but little is known about the effects of succession on the activities of soil microbes and their interactions with soil erodibility. We conducted a field study on the Chinese Loess Plateau, typical of this semiarid area, to determine the effect of secondary succession on the stability of soil structure against erosion and on the composition of soil fungal communities. Characteristics of plant, soil, and fungal communities were assessed across a 30‐yr chronosequence of grassland developed from abandoned cropland. The diversity and composition of the fungal communities were determined using high‐throughput sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer. Six grasslands were selected to represent different successional age classes: 0 (cropland), 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 yr. Short‐term decreases (initial 5 yr) in the amounts of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and fungal biomass and in fungal diversity had returned to original levels (i.e., cropland) within 15 yr and were much higher after continued succession. Abandoning cropland for succession caused the soil erodibility (K) decrease and the aboveground coverage, soil nutrient levels, content of larger (>5 mm) water‐stable aggregate, mean aggregate weight diameter, and diversity of the fungal communities improvement including arbuscular mycorrhizas (AMF), ectomycorrhizas (EMF), and saprotrophs. The fungal communities were dominated by Ascomycota, Zygomycota, Basidiomycota, and Glomeromycota during the succession. The successional patterns of the plant and fungal communities were similar, although distinct fungal communities were not observed in the two initial stages, suggesting that fungal succession may develop more slowly than plant succession. Plant root biomass, EMF, and soil organic carbon content accounted for most of the variation of soil erodibility (28.6%, 19.5%, and 11.8%, respectively), indicating their importance in shaping soil structure to prevent erosion. Our results demonstrated that abandoning cropland for natural succession could decrease soil erodibility and increase fungal diversity. EMF plays an important role in soil stability against erosion in the Loess Plateau. Abandoning cropland for natural succession should be recommended for alleviating soil erosion and improving the degraded soils in this area.