Interaction of hIAPP with Model Raft Membranes and Pancreatic β‐Cells: Cytotoxicity of hIAPP Oligomers

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with β‐cell failure, which correlates with the formation of pancreatic islet amyloid deposits. The human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) is the major component of islet amyloid and undergoes structural changes followed by self‐association and pathological tissue deposition during aggregation in T2DM. There is clear evidence that the aggregation process is accelerated in the presence of particular lipid membranes. Whereas hIAPP aggregation has been extensively studied in homogeneous model membrane systems, especially negatively charged lipid bilayers, information on the interaction of hIAPP with heterogeneous model raft membranes has been missing until now. In the present study, we focus on the principles of aggregation and amyloid formation of hIAPP in the presence of model raft membranes. Time‐lapse tapping mode AFM and confocal fluorescence microscopy experiments followed membrane permeabilization and localization of hIAPP in the raft membrane. Together with the ThT and WST‐1 assay, the data revealed elevated cytotoxicity of hIAPP oligomers on INS‐1E cells.     

Volatile Profiles of Rapeseed Oil Flavored with Basil,Oregano, and Thyme as a Function of Flavoring Conditions

The flavoring of oils with herbs gives a specific taste and aroma to the oils and may increase their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The volatile aroma compounds in flavored rapeseed oil were studied as a function of flavoring conditions, by means of headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Rapeseed oils were flavored with dried basil, oregano, and thyme at two different concentrations (3 and 6%) and were heated at different temperatures and for various time intervals, followed by filtration. In the headspace of flavored oils, the main volatiles of the dried herbs were detected. In general, the share of monoterpenes in the headspace of flavored oil was higher than in the original dried herbs, while sesquiterpenes and phenolic compounds were detected to a considerably lower extent in the oil than in the herbs. The concentrations of the volatiles detected in the oil increased with increasing heating time and temperature.     

A Behavioral Model of MEMS Convective Accelerometers for the Evaluation of Design and Calibration Strategies at System Level

This paper presents a behavioral model that can be used to improve the manufacturability of systems based on MEMS convective sensors. This model permits to handle faults related to process scattering, taking into account not only the electrical and lateral geometrical parameters but also the influence of the cavity depth. Moreover correlations between conductive and convective phenomena are included. The model is validated with respect to FEM simulations and a very good agreement is obtained between the behavioral model and FEM results. The proposed model can then be used in system-level simulations, for instance to evaluate the impact of process scattering on the performances of the sensing part and/or to investigate different design and calibration strategies with respect to the system robustness.     

Modell eines Roboters aus Formgedächtnismetall

Zusammenfassung Im Fahmen diese Beitrags wird des Modell eines Roboters vorgestellt, der seine Bewegung ohne jegliche elektromotorische oder pneumatische Antriebe aufsührt. Entsprechende Bauelemente sind übedflüszig, da der Werkstoff, aus dem der Raboter gefertigt ist, die Greiffunktion selbst durchführt. Dies geschieht über das Signal einer Temperatur?nderung, so da? die Bauteile lediglich erw?rmt oder abgekühll werden müssen, um die Greifbewegung zu realisieren. Diese Eigenschaft von Werkstoffen nennt man ?Formged?chtnis?: Der Werkstoff erinnert sich bei Temperatur?nderungen an seine vorherige Form und nimmt diese selbst?ndig an. Es handelt sich dabei, um eine v?llig neue Werkstoffeigenschaft, nicht um eine lediglich verbesserte. Der Formged?chtniseffekt ist hinsichtlich seiner Ursachen sehr komplex und neu, so da? zum besseren Verst?ndnis die Grundlagen des Effektes vertieft in diesem Bericht beschrieben werden.     

Clear sky emissivity as a function of the zenith direction

Using the Bliss's theory [1] which assimilates the atmosphere as a column constituted of plane and parallel layers, the expression of the clear sky emissivity as a function of the zenithal direction is established. Other relations as the mean emissivity and the temperature of a part of the celestial vault are also established. The power emitted by some parts of the sky are calculated. Experiments have been conducted. This paper describes the study and presents the results.