bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain regions that show repetition suppression and enhancement: A meta‐analysis of 137 neuroimaging experiments
Authors: Kim Hongkeun
Published: December 2016

Repetition suppression and enhancement refer to the reduction and increase in the neural responses for repeated rather than novel stimuli, respectively. This study provides a meta‐analysis of the effects of repetition suppression and enhancement, restricting the data used to that involving fMRI/PET, visual stimulus presentation, and healthy participants. The major findings were as follows. First, the global topography of the repetition suppression effects was strikingly similar to that of the “subsequent memory” effects, indicating that the mechanism for repetition suppression is the reduced engagement of an encoding system. The lateral frontal cortex effects involved the frontoparietal control network regions anteriorly and the dorsal attention network regions posteriorly. The left fusiform cortex effects predominantly involved the dorsal attention network regions, whereas the right fusiform cortex effects mainly involved the visual network regions. Second, the category‐specific meta‐analyses and their comparisons indicated that most parts of the alleged category‐specific regions showed repetition suppression for more than one stimulus category. In this regard, these regions may not be “dedicated cortical modules,” but are more likely parts of multiple overlapping large‐scale maps of simple features. Finally, the global topography of the repetition enhancement effects was similar to that of the “retrieval success” effects, suggesting that the mechanism for repetition enhancement is voluntary or involuntary explicit retrieval during an implicit memory task. Taken together, these results clarify the network affiliations of the regions showing reliable repetition suppression and enhancement effects and contribute to the theoretical interpretations of the local and global topography of these two effects. Hum Brain Mapp 38:1894–1913, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Heritability of white matter microstructure in late middle age: A twin study of tract‐based fractional anisotropy and absolute diffusivity indices
Authors: Vuoksimaa Eero , Panizzon Matthew S. , Hagler Jr Donald J. , Hatton Sean N. , Fennema‐Notestine Christine , Rinker Daniel , Eyler Lisa T. , Franz Carol E. , Lyons Michael J. , Neale Michael C. , Tsuang Ming T. , Dale Anders M. , Kremen William S.
Published: December 2016

There is evidence that differences among individuals in white matter microstructure, as measured with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), are under genetic control. However, little is known about the relative contribution of genetic and environmental effects on different diffusivity indices among late middle‐aged adults. Here, we examined the magnitude of genetic influences for fractional anisotropy (FA), and mean (MD), axial (AD), and radial (RD) diffusivities in male twins aged 56–66 years old. Using an atlas‐based registration approach to delineate individual white matter tracts, we investigated mean DTI‐based indices within the corpus callosum, 12 bilateral tracts and all these regions of interest combined. All four diffusivity indices had high heritability at the global level (72%–80%). The magnitude of genetic effects in individual tracts varied from 0% to 82% for FA, 0% to 81% for MD, 8% to 77% for AD, and 0% to 80% for RD with most of the tracts showing significant heritability estimates. Despite the narrow age range of this community‐based sample, age was correlated with all four diffusivity indices at the global level. In sum, all diffusion indices proved to have substantial heritability for most of the tracts and the heritability estimates were similar in magnitude for different diffusivity measures. Future studies could aim to discover the particular set of genes that underlie the significant heritability of white matter microstructure. Hum Brain Mapp 38:2026–2036, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hippocampal gamma‐band Synchrony and pupillary responses index memory during visual search
Authors: Montefusco‐Siegmund Rodrigo , Leonard Timothy K. , Hoffman Kari L.
Published: December 2016

Memory for scenes is supported by the hippocampus, among other interconnected structures, but the neural mechanisms related to this process are not well understood. To assess the role of the hippocampus in memory‐guided scene search, we recorded local field potentials and multiunit activity from the hippocampus of macaques as they performed goal‐directed search tasks using natural scenes. We additionally measured pupil size during scene presentation, which in humans is modulated by recognition memory. We found that both pupil dilation and search efficiency accompanied scene repetition, thereby indicating memory for scenes. Neural correlates included a brief increase in hippocampal multiunit activity and a sustained synchronization of unit activity to gamma band oscillations (50–70 Hz). The repetition effects on hippocampal gamma synchronization occurred when pupils were most dilated, suggesting an interaction between aroused, attentive processing and hippocampal correlates of recognition memory. These results suggest that the hippocampus may support memory‐guided visual search through enhanced local gamma synchrony. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Challenge of vegetation greening on water resources sustainability: Insights from a modeling‐based analysis in Northwest China
Authors: Tian Fei , Lü Yi He , Fu Bo Jie , Zhang Lu , Zang Chuan fu , Yang Yong Hui , Qiu Guo Yu
Published: December 2016

Forest restoration policies are often implemented without the assessment of their full environmental impact. In this study, we investigated the challenges of vegetation greening resulted from forest restoration on water resource sustainability, using a model‐based simulation in northwestern China. Four different vegetation scenarios and 25 future climate scenarios were employed using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool model. Results suggest that (a) the mean annual evapotranspiration changes from only 7.2% in the barren case to 100% in the forest case; however, it produced a 35.2% reduction in average annual streamflow and a 157% increase in soil water storage. The upstream vegetation greening caused the enhancement of water retention, while also creating great challenges for future downstream water resource sustainability; (b) seasonal effect was significant in that 100% forest case increased evapotranspiration (+40%) but it also reduced the streamflow (−73%) compared to the barren case in growing season, which may exacerbate spring and summer drought; (c) changes of evapotranspiration and streamflow were only 0.3% and −0.9% at T + 3.9 °C when compared to the historic scenario in barren cases, while for all forest cases, variations were 3% and −21.8%, respectively; (d) vegetation greening induced more remarkable changes in hydrological components than those resulting from climate change. Our “what if” research provides new insights for promoting sustainable management of water resources and ecosystems in mountainous water source areas.
KRAS mutation coupled with p53 loss is sufficient to induce ovarian carcinosarcomas in mice
Authors: Tang Feng‐Hsiang , Hsieh Tsung‐Hua , Hsu Chia‐Yi , Lin Hsiao‐Yun , Long Cheng‐Yu , Cheng Kuang‐Hung , Tsai Eing‐Mei
Published: December 2016

Ovarian carcinosarcoma cancer is the most lethal form of gynecological malignancy, but the pathogenesis and biological function for this ovarian cancer remain unknown. We establishment the transgenic mouse model of K‐rasG12Dp53loxP/loxP and found that K‐ras mutation and p53 deletion within the ovarian surface epithelium gave rise to ovarian lesions with a hyperproliferation and endometrioid glandular morphology. Furthermore, double mutant ovaries formed ovarian carcinosarcomas that were high grade and poorly differentiated. Induction was widely metastatic and spread to abdominal organs including liver, spleen, and kidney at 4 wk. We also confirmed the role of K‐rasG12D in ovarian cancer cell lines MCAS and PA‐1 and showed that K‐rasG12D overexpression strongly induced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The ovarian cancer model we developed recapitulates the specific tumor histomorphology and the probable mechanism of malignant transformation in endometriosis.
Tool‐agnostic Framework for Systems Engineering Implementation
Authors: Gondhalekar Aditya , Kale Shripad , Vidap Akshay
Published: December 2016

This paper presents a comprehensive framework to implement complex Systems Engineering (SE) methods and processes in a tool agnostic IT architecture. The framework is based on a central systems engineering engine, connecting to several commonly used SE tools and the PLM system. The central engine holds algorithms required for some key SE analyses including change propagation, requirements traceability, impact analysis, and dependency matrices. The framework can be configured for any industry domain. In this paper, the framework is explained by along with its features like requirements elicitation, traceability, function modeling, CAD modeling and V&V.
Make or Buy Decision for Systems – An ESO perspective
Authors: Channappa Sudhakar Dasari , Pichukuppan Arunachalam , Viswanathan Sundararajan
Published: December 2016

With advancement of technology and to realize the product on‐time many systems are out‐sourced in the areas of Design, Development and manufacturing from the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) to other suppliers and Engineering Services Organizations (ESO). Often a conflict arises whether to make the System ‘in‐house’ or to ‘procure/buy’ from approved sources. The main drivers for buying would be meeting time schedule, leverage on missing technical expertise of the sub‐system from other suppliers and concentrate on the over‐all system development. The factors that outweigh the subcontracting option include strategic reasons, non‐availability of approved vendors, show stopper in case of a failure of the sub‐system, large Non Recoverable Engineering (NRE) cost, share of sub‐system developer on the production versions and exploiting their monopoly on the cost. ‘Make’ or ‘Buy’ decision is always a valid concept in business. There are various factors influencing ‘make or buy’ decision. Quite a few of the factors are described in brief. In this paper, in order to aid decision making, three models are considered. One model is based on organisation competitiveness and product criticality, the second based on technical competencies and manufacturing capabilities and the third based on break‐even analysis. The break‐even analysis model has been explained with an example. Scenarios considering the changeover of decision to ‘make or buy’ at the middle of the production tenure is also explained.
Value based Architecture of a Suite of Management Tools
Authors: Kumar Anand , Nori Kesav V
Published: December 2016

In order to improve the effectiveness of managers, it is imperative that managers need to be supported by information systems. Accordingly, it becomes necessary to design and implement management systems reflecting increasing maturity in interoperability, integration and usage processes so that they can help managers work together. The objective is to create the foundations for responsibility management within an organization by providing information technology based platforms to integrate and coordinate management processes and sharing information across all functional levels and management hierarchies. In this paper, the architecture of a suite of management tools that can aid managers in responsibility management is discussed.
Understanding the System Context and its Impact: Case Study of Mechanized Sugarcane Harvesting in India
Authors: Joshi Nikhil , Gupta Stueti , Jayawant Yatin
Published: December 2016

Designers often focus on the primary functions and performance requirements to develop the best architecture for a product or system. However, for most complex product systems the suitability of the architecture is often impacted by the system context. The interactions between the system architecture and supplementary systems and stakeholders in the context give rise to additional requirements and constrain the efficiency of the architecture. This paper presents a study of the system context for mechanized sugarcane harvesting in India to demonstrate these impacts. The study presents findings from primary research conducted by the authors to understand the context. The primary research consisted of multiple interviews with sugar mill officials and growers, as well as a few immersive field studies, involving direct observation of the system operation for a few days. SysML Block Definition Diagrams are used to record the elements and stakeholders in the system context. The exchange of values between stakeholders under different common configurations of the system is captured using value flow diagrams, and the effect of introducing a change in the system is studied. Thus, the study provides an example of how the interactions between the primary value producing system and the stakeholders in the system context can be identified and analyzed.
Use of SysML in a ‘Control Area Network’ Architecture design
Authors: Mittal Mudit
Published: December 2016

Control Area Network (CAN), a communication protocol is used across automotive industry to send messages across electronic controllers and sensors. The choice of message set including parameters like ‘Repetition Rate', ‘Priority’ etc. of the messages constitute a key architectural decision that drives the design of controller software. This paper considers a use case where multiple lights are to be controlled using controllers distributed across the machine. An MBSE approach using SysML is used to capture the system structure, properties of individual elements and desired behaviours along with their relationship with the CAN Messages and their parameters.
Situational Awareness based Performance Evaluation of APR 1400 Engineered Safety Features – Component Control Actuation Systems using Augmented Reality
Authors: Murungi Mwongeera , Jung J. C.
Published: December 2016

The system performance of Engineered Safety Features is of utmost importance in a nuclear power plant. The human performance is identified as most critical to assurance of the optimal operability of such systems during an emergency. The aim of this study is to determine how the performance of one such system could be evaluated using Augmented Reality technology. The paper presents a description of how a systems engineered approach could be used to develop the necessary operating conditions needed to conduct this measurement.
Automation in Modern Airplanes ‐ A Safety and Human Factors Based Study
Authors: Sengupta Souparno , Donekal Anantha Krishna , Mathur Ankit Raj
Published: December 2016

In last few decades, automation has become the crux of aircraft system design. With progressive strides in the field of computing, data exchange, control and other associated technologies, manufacturers are coming up with ever sophisticated and intelligent automation which are reducing pilot workload and the degree of human intervention necessary in the cockpit. This has made air travel the safest mode of transportation and has enabled crews to cope with increased airspace demands. However statistics show that more and more accidents in the recent years have occurred because of human errors resulting from over reliance or insufficient understanding of the automation. This is testified by accident investigation reports of air disasters like Turkish Airlines B‐737 during approach to Schiphol airport (2009)[1], Air France A‐330 near Rio de Janeiro(2009)[2] and Asiana Airlines B‐777 at San Francisco (2013)[3]. It raises a question of whether automation has really solved the purpose of eliminating human errors and enhancing safety or the industry has created a new challenge in a bid to overcome an old one.

In this paper we discuss the philosophies around which aviation related automation is currently built and how it has changed the paradigm of human machine interaction in the cockpit. We also establish the effects of having complex automation in the airplane with respect to training, operating procedures, behavioural instincts of the flight crew and overall safety of the aircraft.

We conclude the paper by recommending a new automation philosophy and modelling an existing system around it to illustrate a possible modality of designing automation for aircraft.
High‐speed photoacoustic microscopy of mouse cortical microhemodynamics
Authors: Lin Li , Yao Junjie , Zhang Ruiying , Chen Chun‐Cheng , Huang Chih‐Hsien , Li Yang , Wang Lidai , Chapman William , Zou Jun , Wang Lihong V.
Published: December 2016

We applied high‐speed photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) for both cortical microenvironment studies and dynamic brain studies, with micrometer‐level optical resolution and a millisecond‐level cross‐sectional imaging speed over a millimeter‐level field of view. We monitored blood flow redistribution in mini‐stroke mouse models and cerebral autoregulation induced by a vasoactive agent. Our results collectively suggest that high‐speed PAM is a promising tool for understanding dynamic neurophysiological phenomena, complementing conventional imaging modalities.

magnified image
Metal‐organic‐frameworks for biomedical applications in drug delivery, and as MRI contrast agents
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad A.
Published: December 2016

The metal‐organic‐frameworks (MOFs) materials are increasingly gaining attraction to utilise into biomedical applications. MOFs are playing a major role to harnessing dual or multiple modalities in therapeutics and diagnostics. MOFs are mostly devised for particular biomedical application by post‐synthetic functionalization or modification using variety of polymers, bio‐ligands, and silica coating processes. This article presents a brief overview of two particular areas of biomedical applications where a broad range of MOFs have been used: (1) variety of drug delivery including intracellular drug delivery systems using the MOFs‐based carriers; and, (2) development of MOFs‐based contrast agents for magnetic resonance image enhancement. Biocompatibility, bio‐toxicity, tissue responses, cell viability, cellular uptakes, and, how the effects of size, shape, structural, and morphological properties of the MOFs impact on the utilities in drug delivery and as MRI contrast agents, are discussed. Perspectives, insights and critical reflections into a range of aspects, and future outlook are illustrated. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1184–1194, 2017.
Association of Increased Urinary Albumin With Risk of Incident Clinical Fracture and Rate of Hip Bone Loss: the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study
Authors: Fink Howard A , Vo Tien N , Langsetmo Lisa , Barzilay Joshua I , Cauley Jane A , Schousboe John T , Orwoll Eric S , Canales Muna T , Ishani Areef , Lane Nancy E , Ensrud Kristine E
Published: December 2016

Prior studies suggest that increased urine albumin is associated with a heightened fracture risk in women, but results in men are unclear. We used data from Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS), a prospective cohort study of community-dwelling men aged ≥65 years, to evaluate the association of increased urine albumin with subsequent fractures and annualized rate of hip bone loss. We calculated albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) from urine collected at the 2003–2005 visit. Subsequent clinical fractures were ascertained from triannual questionnaires and centrally adjudicated by review of radiographic reports. Total hip BMD was measured by DXA at the 2003–2005 visit and again an average of 3.5 years later. We estimated risk of incident clinical fracture using Cox proportional hazards models, and annualized BMD change using ANCOVA. Of 2982 men with calculable ACR, 9.4% had ACR ≥30 mg/g (albuminuria) and 1.0% had ACR ≥300 mg/g (macroalbuminuria). During a mean of 8.7 years of follow-up, 20.0% of men had an incident clinical fracture. In multivariate-adjusted models, neither higher ACR quintile (p for trend 0.75) nor albuminuria (HR versus no albuminuria, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.65 to 1.20) was associated with increased risk of incident clinical fracture. Increased urine albumin had a borderline significant, multivariate-adjusted, positive association with rate of total hip bone loss when modeled in ACR quintiles (p = 0.06), but not when modeled as albuminuria versus no albuminuria. Macroalbuminuria was associated with a higher rate of annualized hip bone loss compared to no albuminuria (–1.8% more annualized loss than in men with ACR <30 mg/g; p < 0.001), but the limited prevalence of macroalbuminuria precluded reliable estimates of its fracture associations. In these community-dwelling older men, we found no association between urine albumin levels and risk of incident clinical fracture, but found a borderline significant, positive association with rate of hip bone loss. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Addressing the Crisis in the Treatment of Osteoporosis: A Path Forward
Authors: Khosla Sundeep , Cauley Jane A , Compston Juliet , Kiel Douglas P , Rosen Clifford , Saag Kenneth G , Shane Elizabeth
Published: December 2016

Considerable data and media attention have highlighted a potential “crisis” in the treatment of osteoporosis. Specifically, despite the availability of several effective drugs to prevent fractures, many patients who need pharmacological therapy are either not being prescribed these medications or if prescribed a medication, are simply not taking it. Although there are many reasons for this “gap” in the treatment of osteoporosis, a major factor is physician and patient concerns over the risk of side effects, especially atypical femur fractures (AFFs) related to bisphosphonate (and perhaps other antiresorptive) drug therapy. In this perspective, we review the current state of undertreatment of patients at increased fracture risk and suggest possible short-, intermediate-, and long-term approaches to address patient concerns, specifically those related to AFF risk. We suggest improved patient and physician education on prodromal symptoms, extended femur scans using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to monitor patients on antiresorptive treatment, better identification of high-risk patients perhaps using geometrical parameters from DXA and other risk factors, and more research on pharmacogenomics to identify risk markers. Although not the only impediment to appropriate treatment of osteoporosis, concern over AFFs remains a major issue and one that needs to be resolved for effective dissemination of existing treatments to reduce fracture risk. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Predicting hydrophobic solvation by molecular simulation: 2. New united‐atom model for alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes
Authors: Jorge Miguel
Published: December 2016

Existing united‐atom models for non‐polar hydrocarbons lead to systematic deviations in predicted solvation free energies in hydrophobic solvents. In this article, an improved set of parameters is proposed for alkane molecules that corrects this systematic deviation and accurately predicts solvation free energies in hydrophobic media, while simultaneously providing a very good description of pure liquid densities. The model is then extended to alkenes and alkynes, again yielding very accurate predictions of solvation free energies and densities for these classes of compounds. For alkynes in particular, this work represents the first attempt at a systematic parameterization using the united‐atom approach. Averaging over all 95 solute/solvent pairs tested, the mean signed deviation from experimental data is very close to zero, indicating no systematic error in the predictions. The fact that predictions are robust even for relatively large molecules suggests that the new model may be applicable to solvation of non‐polar macromolecules without accumulation of errors. The root mean squared deviation of the simulations is only 0.6 kJ/mol, which is lower than the estimated uncertainty in the experimental measurements. This excellent performance constitutes a solid basis on which a more general model can be parameterized to describe solvation in both polar and non‐polar environments. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thematic Mapping Maps Much Territory But Needs Stronger Evidence‐based Coordinates: A Commentary
Authors: Eells Tracy D.
Published: December 2016

Thematic mapping (TM) is a transtheoretical, transdiagnostic, pattern‐focused method of case formulation. It involves systematically gathering a broad range relevant client information, collecting representative behavioral episodes, using inductive and deductive reasoning to identify themes and subthemes that characterize a client's dysfunctional patterns, and then developing a treatment plan to address them. The TM method includes debiasing steps to minimize clinician judgment errors and addresses a client's cultural context. TM was developed in response to several "case misconceptualizations" that the authors contend have created a crisis in the field of case conceptualization. This commentary critiques the case misconceptualizations and the TM method is evaluated. Acknowledging multiple innovations of TM, the commentary recommends a stronger evidence‐based focus, and discusses the benefits of theory‐guided case formulation, reasons to consider diagnosis in case formulation, and research as a means to resolve case misconceptualizations.
The effect of education intervention on parenteral medication preparation and administration among nurses in a general intensive care unit
Authors: Tan Suet Yin , Said Mazlina Mohd , Rahman Raha Abdul , Taha Nur Akmar
Published: December 2016

The preparation and administration of parenteral medications in intensive care units is associated with high error rates. Lack of knowledge has been identified as the main reason for these errors. This study aims to measure the effects of education intervention on the incidence and types of parenteral medication preparation and administration errors, adherence to good practices, and the accuracy of drug infusions' concentrations. This prospective, pre‐ and post‐interventional study was conducted in a General Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary teaching hospital in Malaysia using an observation method. The preparation and administration of parenteral medications by the nurses was observed directly during pre‐ and post‐intervention. The concentrations of drug infusions (noradrenaline) prepared by the nurses were analysed. The education intervention significantly reduced the error rate from 79% to 50% (p < 0.001), and improved good practices' adherence. However, there was no significant difference in the concentration error rate of the drug infusions prepared in pre‐ (48%) and post‐intervention (53%) (p = 0.70). Future studies may look into the effectiveness of providing practical sessions targeting skills and technique to improve the quality of the drug infusions prepared.
A case report of severe hyponatraemia secondary to enalapril and olanzapine
Authors: Ng Yen Ping , Ooi Guat See , Balasubramanian Ganesh Pandian , Tan Winnie Sze Hui
Published: December 2016

Background

Olanzapine is a commonly used atypical antipsychotic in the management of schizophrenia. Its well‐known adverse effects include sedation, weight gain and metabolic adverse effects. Enalapril is widely used as an antihypertensive with the known adverse drug effect of hyperkalaemia.

Aims

To report a very rare adverse effect of enalapril and olanzapine induced severe hyponatraemia.

Clinical details

A 56‐year‐old lady was admitted to the hospital suffering from severe lethargy, decreased oral intake, and a decreased level of consciousness. She had been taking olanzapine 10 mg once at night for the past one and a half years and enalapril 5 mg twice daily for the past three years. Laboratory investigations revealed a plasma sodium level of 110 mmol/L, blood osmolality of 244 mosm/kg and urine osmolality of 512 mosm/kg. A diagnosis of SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate diuretic hormone) was made. Enalapril and olanzapine were suspected as causative agents as there was no other apparent cause of SIADH identified.

Outcome

Patient was treated with normal saline in the ward and her plasma sodium level rose to 130 mmol/L.

Conclusion

Enalapril or olanzapine induced hyponatraemia is extremely rare. However, healthcare professionals should be aware that patients being treated with enalapril or olanzapine alone or in combination can develop hyponatraemia in addition to their known metabolic adverse effects. Sodium level monitoring is necessary if patient develop symptoms suggestive of hyponatraemia.
On the identification of folium by SERS: from crude extracts to illuminated codices
Authors: Aceto Maurizio , Calà Elisa , Arrais Aldo , Clericuzio Marco , Marsano Francesco , Idone Ambra , Davit Patrizia , Menghini Luigi , Gulmini Monica
Published: December 2016

The ancient purple dye known as folium is still a mystery for both scientists and art historians. Today, it is commonly assumed that folium was produced from the fruits of Chrozophora tinctoria (L.) A. Juss., a plant belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family, and efforts have been mainly devoted to highlight the analytical features of the dyes extracted from this plant, whereas detection in ancient manuscripts has been mainly based on poorly selective, non‐invasive analytical techniques. As a consequence, the possibility that the actual source for the dye could have been so far misunderstood cannot be excluded. Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), a highly selective and sensitive analytical technique, has been used here to characterize both extracts from C. tinctoria and a microsample taken from a medieval manuscript. The behaviour of the dyes as SERS probes has been investigated in order to set up an accurate and selective procedure for the identification of the dye in ancient artworks.

By unambiguously detecting the dye by SERS in the microsample of the medieval manuscript, we also demonstrated that the purple dye mentioned in ancient treatises is definitely linked with the aqueous extract from purple fruits of C. tinctoria. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface plasmon‐mediated photocatalytic polymerization of p‐dinitrobenzene and p‐phenylenediamine studied by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Xiang , Zhang Meng , Zhao Liu‐Bin , Wu De‐Yin , He Rongxing , Li Ming
Published: December 2016

The synthesis of aromatic azo compounds from anilines and nitrobenzene usually requires environmentally unfriendly transition metal catalysts. Here, we propose that azobenzene oligomers are formed in surface‐enhanced Raman experiments assisted by surface plasmon resonance. The photocatalytic polymerization of p‐dinitrobenzene (DNB) and p‐phenylenediamine (PDA) to the corresponding azo‐like oligomers on silver surfaces is studied by the surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory. First, the normal Raman and surface Raman spectra of DNB and PDA are simulated and measured. The simulated normal Raman spectra are in good agreement with their solid‐state Raman spectra. However, the simulated surface Raman spectra of DNB‐Ag10 and PDA‐Ag10 complexes are significantly different from the experimental surface‐enhanced Raman spectra. We propose that DNBs has a reductive coupling and PDAs undergo an oxidative coupling reaction during SERS experiments. Secondly, the Raman spectra of the possible NN coupling oligomers of DNB and PDA are simulated. They are compared with the SERS spectra of DNB and PDA adsorbed on silver surfaces. Especially, the Raman spectra of p,p′‐dinitroazobenzene and p,p′‐diaminoazobenzene are in good agreement with the SERS spectra of DNB and PDA adsorbed on silver surface. Finally, two reaction mechanisms are proposed to explain the surface photocatalysis of DNB and PDA. In the solution, the nitro group of DNB can be reduced by the excited hot electrons. DNBs are then converted to p,p′‐dinitroazobenzene through multiple proton and electron transfers. In the air and in the presence of O2, O2 is firstly activated through surface plasmon resonance. PDAs are then converted to p,p′‐diaminoazobenzene by the generated active oxygen species. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ordered macroporous quercetin molecularly imprinted polymers: Preparation, characterization, and separation performance
Authors: Feng Yonggang , Liu Qin , Ye Lifang , Wu Quanzhou , He Jianfeng
Published: December 2016

Ordered macroporous molecularly imprinted polymers were prepared by a combination of the colloidal crystal templating method and the molecular imprinting technique by using SiO2 colloidal crystal as the macroporogen, quercetin as the imprinting template, acrylamide as the functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the cross‐linker and tetrahydrofuran as the solvent. Scanning electron microscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller measurements show that the ordered macroporous molecularly imprinted polymers have a more regular macroporous structure, a narrower pore distribution and a greater porosity compared with the traditional bulk molecularly imprinted polymers. The kinetic and isothermal adsorption behaviors of the polymers were investigated. The results indicate that the ordered macroporous molecularly imprinted polymers have a faster intraparticle mass transfer process and a higher adsorption capacity than the traditional bulk molecularly imprinted polymers. The ordered macroporous molecularly imprinted polymers were further employed as a sorbent for a solid‐phase extraction. The results show that the ordered macroporous molecularly imprinted polymers can effectively separate quercetin from the Gingko hydrolysate.
Simulation study of a novel target oriented SPECT design using a variable pinhole collimator
Authors: Bae Seungbin , Chun Jaehee , Cha Hyemi , Yeom Jung Yeol , Lee Kisung , Lee Hakjae
Published: December 2016

Purpose

In the past decade, demands for organ specific (target oriented) single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is increasing, and several groups have conducted studies on developing clinical dedicated SPECT with pinhole collimator to improve the spatial resolution. However, acceptance angle of the collimator cannot be adjusted to fit the different ROIs of target objects because the shape of pinhole could not be changed, and the magnifying factor cannot be maximized as the collimator‐to‐detector distance is fixed. Furthermore, those dedicated pinhole SPECTs are typically made for a single purpose and therefore possess a drawback in that it cannot be utilized for any other purpose. In this study, we propose a novel SPECT system using variable pinhole collimator (VP SPECT) whose parameters are flexible.

Methods

The proposed variable pinhole collimator is modeled on conventional pinhole by piling several tungsten layers of different apertures. Depending on the combination of the holes in each layer, a variety of hole diameters and acceptance angles of the pinhole can be made. In addition, VP SPECT system allows attaching the collimator to the object as close as possible to maximize the sensitivity and adjust the distance of the pinhole from the scintillation detector to optimize the system resolution for each rotation angle, automatically. For quantitative measurement, we compared the sensitivity and spatial resolution of VP SPECT with those of conventional pinhole SPECT. To determine the possibility of the clinical and preclinical use of proposed system, a digital mouse whole‐body (MOBY) phantom is used for simulating the live mouse model.

Results

The result of simulation using ultra‐micro hot spot phantom shows that the sensitivity of the proposed VP SPECT system is about 297% of that of the conventional system. While hot rods of diameter 0.6 mm can be distinguished in the image with the proposed VP SPECT system, 1.2‐mm hot rods are barely discernible in the conventional pinhole SPECT image. According to the result of MOBY phantom simulation, heart walls separated by 3 mm were not distinguished in conventional pinhole SPECT images, but were clearly discerned in VP SPECT images.

Conclusions

In this study, we designed a novel pinhole collimator for SPECT and presented preliminary results of target oriented imaging with a simulation study. Currently, we are pursuing strategies to realize the proposed system, with the goal to apply the technology into a high‐sensitivity and high‐resolution preclinical SPECT. Should VP SPECT be applied to the clinical setting, we anticipate a high‐sensitivity, high‐resolution system for applications such as heart dedicated SPECT or related fields.
Updating approximate principal components with applications to template tracking
Authors: Lee Geunseop , Barlow Jesse
Published: December 2016

Adaptive principal component analysis is prohibitively expensive when a large‐scale data matrix must be updated frequently. Therefore, we consider the truncated URV decomposition that allows faster updates to its approximation to the singular value decomposition while still producing a good enough approximation to recover principal components. Specifically, we suggest an efficient algorithm for the truncated URV decomposition when a rank 1 matrix updates the data matrix. After the algorithm development, the truncated URV decomposition is successfully applied to the template tracking problem in a video sequence proposed by Matthews et al. [IEEE Trans. Pattern Anal. Mach. Intell., 26:810‐815 2004], which requires computation of the principal components of the augmented image matrix at every iteration. From the template tracking experiments, we show that, in adaptive applications, the truncated URV decomposition maintains a good approximation to the principal component subspace more efficiently than other procedures.
Randomized dynamic mode decomposition for nonintrusive reduced order modelling
Authors: Bistrian Diana Alina , Navon Ionel Michael
Published: December 2016

This paper focuses on a new framework for obtaining a nonintrusive (i.e., not requiring projecting of the governing equations onto the reduced basis modes) reduced order model for two‐dimensional fluid problems. To overcome the shortcomings of intrusive model order reduction usually derived by combining the Proper Orthogonal Decomposition and the Galerkin projection methods, we developed a novel technique on the basis of randomized dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) as a fast and accurate option in model order reduction. Our approach utilizes an adaptive randomized DMD to obtain a reduced basis in the offline stage, and then the temporal values of the reduced order model are obtained in the online stage through an interpolation using radial basis functions. The rank of the reduced DMD model is given as the unique solution of a constrained optimization problem. The Saint‐Venant (shallow water) equations in a channel on the rotating earth are employed to provide the numerical data. We emphasize the excellent behavior of the nonintrusive reduced order model by performing a qualitative analysis. In addition, we gain a significantly reduction of CPU time in computation of the reduced order models compared with the classical DMD method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of pH‐responsive crosslinked materials from natural rubber and poly(4‐vinylpyridine)
Authors: Sansuk Chanon , Phetrong Sopitcha , Paoprasert Peerasak
Published: December 2016

Stimuli‐responsive elastomers are smart materials for sensing applications. Natural rubber (NR) is a renewable elastomer with excellent elasticity and fatigue resistance. In this work, a straightforward method for the preparation of pH‐responsive crosslinked materials from NR and poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (P4VP) via free radical crosslinking reaction using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as an initiator is described. The effects of P4VP and BPO concentrations, reaction time and reaction temperature on immobilization percentage were investigated. It was found that the immobilization percentage reached 90% when using a P4VP concentration of 150 phr and a BPO concentration of 10 phr for 24 h at 90 °C. The pH responsiveness of the crosslinked materials was studied via water swelling, water contact angle and dye release measurements. Unlike unmodified rubber, the P4VP‐crosslinked NR was found to be pH‐responsive in acidic solution. Indigo carmine adsorption studies showed the Langmuir isotherm suggesting monolayer coverage of dye on the rubber surface. The dye could also be released upon increasing the pH of solution above 4. Based on these results, the introduction of pH responsiveness to NR will lead to novel responsive rubber‐based materials that can be used in biomedical and sensing applications. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
A rapid differential display analysis of nasal swab fingerprints to distinguish allergic from non‐allergic rhinitis subjects by mesoporous silica particles and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry
Authors: Lombardo Nicola , Preianò Mariaimmacolata , Maggisano Giuseppina , Murfuni Maria Stella , Messina Luigi , Pelaia Girolamo , Savino Rocco , Terracciano Rosa
Published: December 2016

Discriminating different rhinitis cases can sometimes be difficult as the diagnostic criteria used to identify the various subgroups are not always unambiguous. The nasal fluid (NF) highly reflects the pathophysiology of these inflammatory diseases. However, its collection, as nasal lavage fluid, may cause discomfort. Due to the non‐invasiveness and rapidity of collection, nasal swab might represent an alternative to overcome these problems and also an ideal source of biomarkers. In this study, we demonstrate that the combined use of mesoporous silica (MPS) with MALDI‐TOF MS allows the rapid detection of differential nasal peptide profiles from nasal swabs of healthy (H), allergic rhinitis (AR) and non‐allergic rhinitis (NAR) subjects. NF peptides from nasal swabs were captured by the mean of MPS then profiled by MALDI‐TOF MS. As a proof‐of‐principle, we also explored the ability of our platform to discriminate between nasal swabs of patients with AR and NAR, and between these groups and H controls. Four peaks resulted differentially expressed between NAR and AR, two peaks discriminated AR from H while one peak segregated NAR from H group. Therefore, peptides selected and enriched by our platform could form a part of a diagnostic ‘‘rhinomic’’ profile of the allergic and non‐allergic patients.
Enhancing the Photoactivity of Faceted BiVO4 via Annealing in Oxygen‐Deficient Condition
Authors: Tan Hui Ling , Suyanto Adrian , Denko Alexandra T. De , Saputera Wibawa H. , Amal Rose , Osterloh Frank E. , Ng Yun Hau
Published: December 2016

Thermal annealing of metal oxides in oxygen‐deficient atmosphere, particularly reducing hydrogen gas, has been demonstrated to induce oxygen vacancy formation for enhanced photoactivity of the materials. Here, it is demonstrated that argon annealing (another prevalently used oxygen‐deficient gas) in the temperature range of 300–700 °C greatly affects the activity of dual‐faceted BiVO4 microcrystals for photocatalytic O2 generation and photocurrent generation. While treatment at 300 °C has little to no effect, higher temperatures of 500 and 700 °C significantly improve the crystallinity, alter the local structure distortion, and reduce the bandgap energy of the treated BiVO4. The higher temperature treatment also favors formation of new subgap states attributed to oxygen vacancies, as supported by surface photovoltage and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies. Despite the most profound improvements in structural, optical, and electronic properties displayed by the 700 °C‐treated BiVO4, the sample annealed at 500 °C exhibits the highest photoactivity. The lower activity of the 700 °C‐treated BiVO4 is ascribed to the creation of bismuth vacancies and the loss of well‐defined crystal facets, contributing to impeded electron transport and poor charge separation.
Secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and loss of regulatory signals by fibroblast‐like synoviocytes in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Brescia AnneMarie C. , Simonds Megan M. , Sullivan Kathleen E. , Rose Carlos D.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The goal is to investigate the specific contribution of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) to the inflammatory milieu of the synovium in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) through detection of secreted proteins.

Experimental design

Expression of 89 cytokines and chemokines is determined on unprocessed synovial fluid from controls and JIA patients using antibody arrays. Supernatants from pure cell cultures of FLS grown from synovial fluids or tissues from JIA and controls are also examined for protein expression. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) is revealed top pathways and upstream regulators of significant proteins.

Results

Protein studies is revealed that JIA FLS release pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐17, CXCL1, and CXCL6, and lose expression of important regulator signals, such as IL‐10 and TIMP2. Of the 84 proteins differentially expressed between controls and JIA in the synovial fluid, 1/3 (29 proteins) are differentially expressed in the cell culture supernatants of JIA and control FLS. ELISA of cell culture supernatants and synovial fluid confirmed seven key proteins.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

JIA FLS are central to perpetuation of inflammation in JIA, including trafficking of inflammatory cells and effects on the extracellular matrix. These cells express key disease‐specific chemokines that, with further refinement, may allow us to tailor therapy appropriately.
Levitons for electron quantum optics
Authors: Glattli D. Christian , Roulleau Preden S.
Published: December 2016

Single‐electron sources enable electron quantum optics experiments where single electrons emitted in a ballistic electronic interferometer play the role of a single photon emitted in an optical medium in quantum optics. A qualitative step has been made with the recent generation of single‐charge levitons obtained by applying Lorentzian voltage pulses on the contact of the quantum conductor. Simple to realize and operate, the source emits electrons in the form of striking minimal excitation states called levitons. We review the striking properties of levitons and their possible applications in quantum physics to electron interferometry and entanglement.

Schematic generation of time‐resolved single charges called levitons using Lorentzian voltage pulses applied on a contact. A quantum point contact is used to partition the levitons for further analysis. Injecting levitons on opposite contacts with a delay enables us to probe electronic like Hong–Ou–Mandel correlations.
Pyren‐2‐yl‐Substituted Biphenoquinone and p‐Benzoquinone: Pyren‐2‐yl as a Weak Electron‐Withdrawing Substituent
Authors: Hossain Md. Awlad , Akiyama Kazuhiko , Sugiura Ken‐ichi
Published: December 2016

Pyren‐2‐yl‐substituted biphenoquinone and p‐benzoquinone were designed and synthesized by oxidizing 2,6‐bis(pyren‐2‐yl)phenol with PbO2 in acetic acid. The molecules showed properties characteristic of biphenoquinone and p‐benzoquinone, i. e., reduction processes and light absorption in the visible region. In electrochemistry, the positively shifted reduction potentials suggest that pyren‐2‐yl could act as an electron‐withdrawing substituent although the substitution position of the pyrene is the node of its frontier orbital. The biphenoquinone derivative underwent the thermal reductive disproportionation reaction to afford corresponding hydroquinones and furan annulated π‐expanded compounds.