bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digitally reconstructing Van Gogh's Field with Irises near Arles. Part 1: Varnish
Authors: Kirchner Eric , van der Lans Ivo , Ligterink Frank , Hendriks Ella , Delaney John
Published: August 2017

Varnish layers applied to paintings often discolor as they age, upsetting the original colour relationships intended by the artist. The removal of aged varnish layers using physical and chemical means is a highly skilled and often time‐consuming operation, which is not lightly undertaken. There are many aspects under consideration before embarking upon such treatment, including the visual result inferred by spot cleaning tests. In this article, we develop a technique for digital removal of discolored varnish that can help to envisage how a painting will look following cleaning treatment. The digital technique was applied to Vincent van Gogh's painting Field with Irises near Arles (May 1888), in parallel to the painting actually being cleaned, which allowed direct validation of the method developed. In the new method, we utilized not only hyperspectral data from parts of the painting with and without the varnish, but also experts' identification of spots on the painting where unmixed white pigment has been applied. The physical model that we use is based on Kubelka‐Munk two‐constant theory, commonly used to model the optical properties of paint. We show that with this model it is possible to determine the transmittance and reflectance of the varnish layer as function of wavelength. Results from previous studies confirm the calculated values. With the new method, we created a high‐resolution digital image of the painting, as it would look after varnish removal, at a moment when the actual varnish was still present on the painting. The new method may help conservators and others involved in decisions made regarding issues of varnish removal from paintings, or may help to visualize the colors of a painting without discolored varnish in cases where its physical removal cannot be safely accomplished and so is not an option.
Molecular Catalysts for N2 Reduction: State of the Art, Mechanism, and Challenges
Authors: Roux Yoann , Duboc Carole , Gennari Marcello
Published: August 2017

Fixation of atmospheric nitrogen is central for the production of ammonia, which is the source of nitrogen fertilizers and is also emerging as a promising renewable fuel. While the development of efficient molecular‐based artificial nitrogen fixation systems working under mild conditions is probably a Holy Grail, the catalytic reduction of N2 by transition‐metal complexes is—above all—the main instrument to progress in the mechanistic understanding of N2 splitting. In this Minireview we first give an overview of molecular‐based catalytic systems, including recent breakthroughs, and then we illustrate the alternative pathways for N2 reduction. We mainly focus on multistep hydrogenation of N2 by separated proton and electron sources, with a particular attention for the possibility of proton‐coupled electron transfer events. Finally, we try to identify the key factors to achieve catalytic reduction of dinitrogen by metal complexes and to enhance their efficiency.
Photocatalytic Synthesis of CdS(core)–CdSe(shell) Quantum Dots with a Heteroepitaxial Junction on TiO2: Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Generation from Water
Authors: Kitazono Kaoru , Akashi Ryo , Fujiwara Keigo , Akita Atsunobu , Naya Shin‐ichi , Fujishima Musashi , Tada Hiroaki
Published: August 2017

A major challenge in chemistry for the synthesis of hetero‐nanostructures is to build up atomically commensurate interfaces for smooth interfacial charge transfer. Photodeposition of CdSe on a CdS‐preloaded mesoporous TiO2 nanocrystalline film yields CdS(core)–CdSe(shell) quantum dots (CdS@CdSe/mp‐TiO2) with a heteroepitaxial nanojunction at 298 K. Two‐electrode quantum‐dot‐sensitized photoelectrochemical (QD‐SPEC) cells with the structure photoanode |0.25 M Na2S, 0.35 M Na2SO3 (solvent=water)| cathode were fabricated. The CdS@CdSe QD‐SPEC cell affords a solar‐to‐current efficiency (STCE) of 0.03 % without external bias under illumination of simulated sunlight (λ>430 nm, AM 1.5, one sun). By applying 0.1 V between the electrodes, the STCE increases up to 0.048 %, far surpassing the CdS/mp‐TiO2 and CdSe/mp‐TiO2 photoanode cells. The CdS–CdSe interfacial analysis by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and the band energy analysis taking the size quantization and the electrolyte effect indicate that the excellent performance of the CdS@CdSe/mp‐TiO2 photoanode originates from the effective charge separation due to the cascade‐like band edge alignment and the heteroepitaxial junction between CdS and CdSe QDs. In addition, high surface coverage of TiO2 with QDs can contribute to the reduction in the loss of the electron transport from TiO2 to the electron collecting electrode.
Examination of Organic Vapor Adsorption onto Alkali Metal and Halide Atomic Ions by using Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Maiβer Anne , Hogan Christopher J.
Published: August 2017

We utilize ion mobility mass spectrometry with an atmospheric pressure differential mobility analyzer coupled to a time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (DMA‐MS) to examine the formation of ion‐vapor molecule complexes with seed ions of K+, Rb+, Cs+, Br−, and I− exposed to n‐butanol and n‐nonane vapor under subsaturated conditions. Ion‐vapor molecule complex formation is indicated by a shift in the apparent mobility of each ion. Measurement results are compared to predicted mobility shifts based upon the Kelvin–Thomson equation, which is commonly used in predicting rates of ion‐induced nucleation. We find that n‐butanol at saturation ratios as low as 0.03 readily binds to all seed ions, leading to mobility shifts in excess of 35 %. Conversely, the binding of n‐nonane is not detectable for any ion for saturation ratios in the 0–0.27 range. An inverse correlation between the ionic radius of the initial seed and the extent of n‐butanol uptake is observed, such that at elevated n‐butanol concentrations, the smallest ion (K+) has the smallest apparent mobility and the largest (I−) has the largest apparent mobility. Though the differences in behavior of the two vapor molecules types examined and the observed effect of ionic seed radius are not accounted for by the Kelvin–Thomson equation, its predictions are in good agreement with measured mobility shifts for Rb+, Cs+, and Br− in the presence of n‐butanol (typically within 10 % of measurements).
Atmospheric Pressure Non‐Thermal Plasma Activation of CO2 in a Packed‐Bed Dielectric Barrier Discharge Reactor
Authors: Mei Danhua , Tu Xin
Published: August 2017

Direct conversion of CO2 into CO and O2 is performed in a packed‐bed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) non‐thermal plasma reactor at low temperatures and atmospheric pressure. The maximum CO2 conversion of 22.6 % is achieved when BaTiO3 pellets are fully packed into the discharge gap. The introduction of γ‐Al2O3 or 10 wt % Ni/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst into the BaTiO3 packed DBD reactor increases both CO2 conversion and energy efficiency of the plasma process. Packing γ‐Al2O3 or 10 wt % Ni/γ‐Al2O3 upstream of the BaTiO3 bed shows higher CO2 conversion and energy efficiency compared with that of mid‐ or downstream packing modes because the reverse reaction of CO2 conversion—the recombination of CO and O to form CO2—is more likely to occur in mid‐ and downstream modes. Compared with the γ‐Al2O3 support, the coupling of the DBD with the Ni catalyst shows a higher CO2 conversion, which can be attributed to the presence of Ni active species on the catalyst surface. The argon plasma treatment of the reacted Ni catalyst provides extra evidence to confirm the role of Ni active species in the conversion of CO2.
Reply to Comment on “Commercially Available WO3 Nanopowders for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting: Photocurrent versus Oxygen Evolution”
Authors: Niederberger Markus
Published: August 2017

In this Reply, Niederberger responds to the Comment written by Augustynski and Solarska regarding the article entitled “Commercially Available WO3 Nanopowders for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting: Photocurrent versus Oxygen Evolution” (ChemPlusChem 2016, 81, 935–940).
Rigidified Push–Pull Dyes: Using Chromophore Size, Donor, and Acceptor Units to Tune the Ground State between Neutral and the Cyanine Limit
Authors: Haenle Johannes Christian , Bruchlos Kirsten , Ludwigs Sabine , Köhn Andreas , Laschat Sabine
Published: August 2017

A series of rigidified dyes with either dodecyloxy or piperidyl donors in combination with either malononitrile or barbiturate acceptors were synthesized. To analyze the influence of varying the donor (piperidyl vs. dodecyloxy), chromophore (mono‐, bis‐, or tricyclic system), and acceptor moiety (methyl barbiturate vs. malononitrile) on the ground‐state polarity, a combination of several methods was employed: UV/Vis absorption and emission, quantum chemical computations, 1H as well as 13C NMR spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry measurements. Depending on the acceptor and donor moieties, the ground state was shifted from a neutral form to the cyanine limit and further to a zwitterionic structure. When the dye had strong piperidyl donor and barbiturate acceptor substituents, the ground state was close to the cyanine limit, which resulted in strong cyanine‐like absorption properties with a dominant 0–0 transition. When the dye combined a weak dodecyloxy donor with a malononitrile or barbiturate acceptor, the neutral resonance form significantly contributed to the ground state, leading to weaker but broader absorption spectra featuring transitions to higher vibronic states.
Early maladaptive schemas associated with dimensional and categorical psychopathology in patients with borderline personality disorder
Authors: Frías Álvaro , Navarro Sara , Palma Carol , Farriols Núria , Aliaga Ferrán , Salvador Ana , Aluco Elena , Martínez Bárbara , Solves Laia
Published: August 2017

Objective

To ascertain the foundations for a schema‐focused therapy model for the treatment of borderline personality disorder.

Methods

The sample consisted of 102 borderline personality disorder outpatients. Dimensional psychopathology was assessed using the Scale for Suicidal Ideation, the Aggression Questionnaire, and the Symptom CheckList Revised. Categorical psychopathology was measured using the structured clinical interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Axis I Disorders, Patient Edition. Stepwise linear/logistic multiple regression analyses were used to determine the predictive role of the schema domains tested by the Young Schema Questionnaire on both types of psychopathology. Receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated for those binary outcomes.

Results

Regarding dimensional psychopathology, disconnection/rejection predicted greater suicidal ideation (β = .39,p = .002), physical/overt aggressiveness (β = .27,p = .05), and psychotic‐like symptoms, such as paranoid ideation (β = .35,p = .003). Other‐directedness predicted greater anger/inner aggressiveness (β = .22,p = .05) and internalizing symptoms, such as phobic anxiety (β = .39,p = .001). Regarding categorical psychopathology, disconnection/rejection significantly predicted the presence of lifetime comorbidities with eating disorders (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.99–1.24) and posttraumatic stress disorder (AOR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.04–1.3), resulting in a good balance of sensitivity/specificity, respectively (.97/.96 and .88/.89). Other‐directedness significantly predicted the absence of lifetime comorbidity with substance‐use disorders (AOR = .74, 95% CI = 0.57–0.95). These relationships remained significant after controlling for confounders (e.g., comorbidity with other personality disorders, clinical global severity).

Conclusions

Two schema domains, disconnection/rejection and other‐directedness, were directly associated with dimensional and categorical psychopathology among borderline personality disorder patients. These findings provide further information about the foundations and target interventions when implementing schema‐focused therapy on this population.
Nonaveraged control‐oriented modeling and relative stability analysis of DC‐DC switching converters
Authors: Al‐Turki Y. , El Aroudi A. , Mandal K. , Giaouris D. , Abusorrah A. , Al Hindawi M. , Banerjee S.
Published: August 2017

This paper presents a unified and exact nonaveraged approach to derive a frequency‐domain control‐oriented model for accurate prediction of the fast timescale dynamics and performances of switching converters with fixed frequency naturally sampled pulse width modulation and integrating feedback loop. Because the approach avoids averaging and approximations related to this process, a very good accuracy of the derived model is obtained. The main difference between the presented approach and the existing methodology for accurately predicting the behavior of switching converters is that, here, we break the feedback loop and we focus on analyzing the open‐loop gain and the effect of the system parameters on relative stability. This results in an approach much similar to control systems techniques rather than nonlinear dynamical system approaches. Consequently, the relative stability is tackled easily in the frequency domain. In particular, by treating the modulator as a gain depending on the operating point, the new model is formulated in such a way that standard control‐oriented tools such as Bode diagrams and root‐loci can be easily used. Therefore, the proposed approach gives some important issues like gain and phase margins that are highly useful in controller design. It is noticed that the crossover frequency, gain, and phase margins predicted by using the averaged model may deviate significantly from the actual values given by the proposed approach. The paper points out the sources of discrepancies and the theoretical results are validated by simulations using a circuit‐level switched model.
Pulse shaping for high data rate ultra‐wideband wireless transmission under the Russian spectral emission mask
Authors: Rommel Simon , Grakhova Elizaveta P. , Jurado‐Navas Antonio , Sultanov Albert Kh. , Vegas Olmos Juan José , Tafur Monroy Idelfonso
Published: August 2017

This paper addresses impulse‐radio ultra‐wideband (IR‐UWB) transmission under the Russian spectral emission mask for unlicensed UWB radio communications. Four pulse shapes are proposed and their bit error rate (BER) performance is both estimated analytically and evaluated experimentally. Well‐known shapes such as the Gaussian, root‐raised cosine, hyperbolic secant, and the frequency B‐spline wavelet are used to form linear combinations of component pulses, shaped to make efficient use of the spectral emission mask. Analytical BER values are derived using a Nakagami‐m model, and good agreement is found with the experimentally obtained BER. The proposed pulse shapes allow IR‐UWB transmission with BERs below the limit for a 7% overhead forward error correction, achieving distances of up to 6.5 m at 1 Gbit/s, 4.5 m at 1.25 Gbit/s, and 1 m at
 Gbit/s. These results confirm the viability of IR‐UWB transmission under the strict regulations of the Russian spectral emission mask.
Unusual presentation of poorly differentiated primary pulmonary synovial sarcoma (PD‐PPSS) diagnosed by EBUS‐TBNA with cytogenetic confirmation—A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Dalal Sharvari , Nicholson Charles E. , Jhala Darshana
Published: August 2017

Poorly differentiated primary pulmonary synovial sarcoma (PD‐PPSS) is a rare, aggressive neoplasm, which occurs in 0.5% cases of all lung malignancies. The diagnosis of PD‐PPSS can be very challenging on cytology samples. We present here an unusual case of PD‐PPSS diagnosed by endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA), in the setting of known history of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. Diff‐Quik and Papanicolaou stains showed cellular specimen with clusters of highly atypical small round blue cells admixed with lymphoid elements; and some with denuded cytoplasm. Cell block further showed molding, crush artifact and atypical mitotic figures. A differential diagnosis based on extended immunohistochemical work‐up was Ewing?s sarcoma/PNET versus poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma. Fluorescent in‐situ hybridization (FISH) showed SYT gene rearrangement at 18q11.2. In this report, we describe the cytomorphological features, diagnostic pitfalls, challenges, potential mimics, and importance of acquisition of adequate material for the ancillary work‐up on the cell block.
Rapid improvements in emotion regulation predict intensive treatment outcome for patients with bulimia nervosa and purging disorder
Authors: MacDonald Danielle E. , Trottier Kathryn , Olmsted Marion P.
Published: August 2017

Objective

Rapid and substantial behavior change (RSBC) early in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for eating disorders is the strongest known predictor of treatment outcome. Rapid change in other clinically relevant variables may also be important. This study examined whether rapid change in emotion regulation predicted treatment outcomes, beyond the effects of RSBC.

Method

Participants were diagnosed with bulimia nervosa or purging disorder (N = 104) and completed ≥6 weeks of CBT‐based intensive treatment. Hierarchical regression models were used to test whether rapid change in emotion regulation variables predicted posttreatment outcomes, defined in three ways: (a) binge/purge abstinence; (b) cognitive eating disorder psychopathology; and (c) depression symptoms. Baseline psychopathology and emotion regulation difficulties and RSBC were controlled for.

Results

After controlling for baseline variables and RSBC, rapid improvement in access to emotion regulation strategies made significant unique contributions to the prediction of posttreatment binge/purge abstinence, cognitive psychopathology of eating disorders, and depression symptoms.

Discussion

Individuals with eating disorders who rapidly improve their belief that they can effectively modulate negative emotions are more likely to achieve a variety of good treatment outcomes. This supports the formal inclusion of emotion regulation skills early in CBT, and encouraging patient beliefs that these strategies are helpful.
Hypothalamic CRF1 receptor mechanisms are not sufficient to account for binge‐like palatable food consumption in female rats
Authors: Micioni Di Bonaventura Maria Vittoria , Ubaldi Massimo , Giusepponi Maria Elena , Rice Kenner C. , Massi Maurizio , Ciccocioppo Roberto , Cifani Carlo
Published: August 2017

Objective

The present study evaluated the effect of systemic injection of the CRF1 receptor antagonist R121919, the corticosterone synthesis inhibitor metyrapone and central amygdala (CeA) injections of the nonselective CRF antagonist D‐Phe‐CRF(12–41) in rats in which binge eating was evoked by stress and cycles of food restriction.

Method

Female rats were subjected or not to repeated cycles of regular chow food restriction/ad libitum feeding during which they were also given limited access (2 h) to palatable food. On the test day, rats were either exposed or not to the sight of the palatable food for 15 min without allowing access, before assessing food consumption.

Results

Systemic injections of R121919, but not of the metyrapone, blocked binge‐like eating behavior. Restricted and stressed rats showed up‐regulation of crh1 receptor mRNA signal in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and CeA but not in basolateral amygdala (BLA) or in the paraventricular nucleus. Injection D‐Phe‐CRF(12–41) in CeA but not in the BLA‐blocked binge‐like eating behavior.

Discussion

These findings demonstrate that extra‐hypothalamic CRF1 receptors, rather than those involved in endocrine functions, are involved in binge eating and the crucial role of CRF receptors in CeA. CRF1 receptor antagonism may represent a novel pharmacological treatment for binge‐related eating disorders.
Mesenteric lymph node stromal cell‐derived extracellular vesicles contribute to peripheral de novo induction of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Pasztoi Maria , Pezoldt Joern , Beckstette Michael , Lipps Christoph , Wirth Dagmar , Rohde Manfred , Paloczi Krisztina , Buzas Edit Iren , Huehn Jochen
Published: August 2017

Intestinal regulatory T cells (Tregs) are fundamental in peripheral tolerance toward commensals and food‐borne antigens. Accordingly, gut‐draining mesenteric lymph nodes (mLNs) represent a site of efficient peripheral de novo Treg induction when compared to skin‐draining peripheral LNs (pLNs), and we had recently shown that LN stromal cells substantially contribute to this process. Here, we aimed to unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms and generated immortalized fibroblastic reticular cell lines (iFRCs) from mLNs and pLNs, allowing unlimited investigation of this rare stromal cell subset. In line with our previous findings, mLN‐iFRCs showed a higher Treg‐inducing capacity when compared to pLN‐iFRCs. RNA‐seq analysis focusing on secreted molecules revealed a more tolerogenic phenotype of mLN‐ as compared to pLN‐iFRCs. Remarkably, mLN‐iFRCs produced substantial numbers of microvesicles (MVs) that carried elevated levels of TGF‐β when compared to pLN‐iFRC‐derived MVs, and these novel players of intercellular communication were shown to be responsible for the tolerogenic properties of mLN‐iFRCs. Thus, stromal cells originating from mLNs contribute to peripheral tolerance by fostering de novo Treg induction using TGF‐β‐carrying MVs. This finding provides novel insights into the subcellular/molecular mechanisms of de novo Treg induction and might serve as promising tool for future therapeutic applications to treat inflammatory disorders.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Thiolate‐Bridged NiIIMI Heterodinuclear Complexes (M = Rh, Ir) with an S‐Bidentate NiP2S2 Metalloligand
Authors: Kure Bunsho , Sano Mikie , Watanabe Natsuki , Nakajima Takayuki , Tanase Tomoaki
Published: August 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Tomoaki Tanase at Nara Women's University, Japan. The cover image shows the transformation of a low‐valent dithiolate‐bridged heterodinuclear complex into two different types of hydride silyl complexes by treatment with hydrosilanes, where the hydride ligands are stabilized by semibridging between two metal centers of a “dimetal butterfly”.
Separation, Purification, and Characterization of Sterol Fatty Acid Esters From Lotus Plumule
Authors: Chen Shuai , Bi Yanlan , Chen Jiali , Wei Maolin , Sun Shangde , Chen Jingnan
Published: August 2017

In this work, a new plant resource (lotus plumule) is used to produce sterol fatty acid ester (SFAE). Acetone extraction and column chromatography are developed for the separation and purification of SFAE. Silica gel (200–300 mesh) was the best adsorbent according to the static and dynamic adsorption experiments. The adsorption of SFAE on silica gel (200–300 mesh) is well fitted to Langmuir isotherm model. The column chromatography conditions (elution solvents, loading amount, column height to diameter ratio, and elution flow rate) are optimized and the purity and recovery yield of SFAE are up to 95.56 ± 1.32% and 95.70 ± 3.05%, respectively. Purification processes have no significant effect on sterol composition and fatty acid composition of SFAE. Moreover, SFAE products are identified by UV and IR spectra using standard sample, as well as GC‐MS. GC results show that, β‐sitosterol (49.6%), △5‐avenasterol (33.4%), and campesterol (9.1%) are the main sterols; and linoleic acid (63.1%), behenic acid (8.3%), and oleic acid (8.1%) are the main fatty acids. Practical Applications: This work provides an economic and efficient method for high purity SFAE production, which gave some available information for the value‐added utilization of idle plant materials with high levels of SFAE.

A new plant resource, lotus plumule, is used to produce sterol fatty acid ester (SFAE). Acetone extraction and column chromatography are developed for separation and purification of SFAE. The SFAE product is a pale yellow oily liquid with high purity (95.6%) and recovery (95.7%), which is analyzed and confirmed by GC, MS, and ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy.
Sensitivity analysis of pounding between adjacent structures
Authors: Crozet Vincent , Politopoulos Ioannis , Yang Mingguan , Martinez Jean‐Marc , Erlicher Silvano
Published: August 2017

This article deals with sensitivity of the response of pounding buildings with respect to structural and earthquake excitation parameters. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis is carried out by means of Monte Carlo simulations of adjacent single degree of freedom impacting oscillators. This sensitivity analysis, based on Sobol's method, computes sensitivity indexes which provide a consistent measure of the relative importance of parameters such as the dimensionless main excitation frequency, the mass and frequency ratios of the structures, and the coefficient of restitution. Moreover, the influence of nonlinear behavior of the impacting structures is also considered. The consequences of pounding on the structures themselves are analyzed in terms of maximum force and nonlinear demand amplification compared with the case without pounding. As for the influence of pounding on the floor response spectra, the quantity of interest is the maximum impact impulse. The overall conclusions of this analysis are that the frequency ratio is the most important parameter as far as the maximum force and nonlinear demand are concerned. Regarding the maximum impact impulse, the mass and frequency ratios are, in general, the most influential parameters, the mass ratio being predominant for low frequencies of the oscillator of interest.
Development of a Highly Efficient SOFC Module Using Two‐stage Stacks and a Fuel Regeneration Process
Authors: Nakamura K. , Ide T. , Taku S. , Nakajima T. , Shirai M. , Dohkoh T. , Kume T. , Ikeda Y. , Somekawa T. , Kushi T. , Ogasawara K. , Fujita K.
Published: August 2017

A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) module using two‐stage stacks and a fuel regeneration process between them was developed in this study for the first time, to the best of the authors' knowledge. Upon configuring the first‐stage and second‐stage stacks and a steam reformer between them in the SOFC module, a gross output power of DC 2.27 kW was generated with gross power generation efficiency of DC 69.2% (lower heating value (LHV)), at a total fuel utilization rate of 86.3%. This technology enables operation at a very high total fuel utilization rate even while operating the stacks at a moderate fuel utilization rate (below 70%). Considering an auxiliary device loss (6%) and inverter loss (5%), the net power generation efficiency is estimated to be AC 61.8% (LHV); hence, the module is considered to exhibit a high power generation efficiency. Further increases in the power generation efficiency could be realized in the future by removing the CO2 from the anode off‐gas during the fuel regeneration process and/or operating the stacks at higher temperatures by decreasing heat leakage from the module.
Taking tests in the magnet: Brain mapping standardized tests
Authors: Rubin David C. , Li Dawei , Hall Shana A. , Kragel Philip A. , Berntsen Dorthe
Published: August 2017

Standardized psychometric tests are sophisticated, well‐developed, and consequential instruments; test outcomes are taken as facts about people that impact their lives in important ways. As part of an initial demonstration that human brain mapping techniques can add converging neural‐level evidence to understanding standardized tests, our participants completed items from standardized tests during an fMRI scan. We compared tests for diagnosing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the correlated measures of Neuroticism, Attachment, and Centrality of Event to a general‐knowledge baseline test. Twenty‐three trauma‐exposed participants answered 20 items for each of our five tests in each of the three runs for a total of 60 items per test. The tests engaged different neural processes; which test a participant was taking was accurately predicted from other participants’ brain activity. The novelty of the application precluded specific anatomical predictions; however, the interpretation of activated regions using meta‐analyses produced encouraging results. For instance, items on the Attachment test engaged regions shown to be more active for tasks involving judgments of others than judgments of the self. The results are an initial demonstration of a theoretically and practically important test‐taking neuroimaging paradigm and suggest specific neural processes in answering PTSD‐related tests. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5706–5725, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multidimensional performance assessment of public sector organisations using dominance criteria
Authors: Gutacker Nils , Street Andrew
Published: August 2017

Public sector organisations pursue multiple objectives and serve a number of stakeholders. But stakeholders are rarely explicit about the valuations they attach to different objectives, nor are these valuations likely to be identical. This complicates the assessment of their performance because no single set of weights can be chosen legitimately to aggregate outputs into unidimensional composite scores. We propose the use of dominance criteria in a multidimensional performance assessment framework to identify best practice and poor performance under relatively weak assumptions about stakeholders' preferences. We use as an example providers of hip replacement surgery in the English National Health Service and estimate multivariate multilevel models to study their performance in terms of length of stay, readmission rates, post‐operative patient‐reported health status and waiting time. We find substantial correlation between objectives and demonstrate that ignoring the correlation can lead to incorrect assessments of performance.
Epigenetic regulation of hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA: Implications for epigenetic therapy against chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Hong Xupeng , Kim Elena S. , Guo Haitao
Published: August 2017

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection represents a significant public health burden worldwide. Although current therapeutics manage to control the disease progression, lifelong treatment and surveillance are required because drug resistance develops during treatment and reactivations frequently occur following medication cessation. Thus, the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma is decreased, but not eliminated. One major reason for failure of HBV treatment is the inability to eradicate or inactivate the viral covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which is a stable episomal form of the viral genome decorated with host histones and nonhistone proteins. Accumulating evidence suggests that epigenetic modifications of cccDNA contribute to viral replication and the outcome of chronic HBV infection. Here, we summarize current progress on HBV epigenetics research and the therapeutic implications for chronic HBV infection by learning from the epigenetic therapies for cancer and other viral diseases, which may open a new venue to cure chronic hepatitis B. (Hepatology 2017;66:2066–2077)
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 cleavage product GLP‐1 (9‐36) amide enhances hippocampal long‐term synaptic plasticity in correlation with suppression of Kv4.2 expression and eEF2 phosphorylation
Authors: Day Stephen M. , Yang Wenzhong , Ewin Sarah , Zhou Xueyan , Ma Tao
Published: August 2017

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) is an endogenous gut hormone and a key regulator in maintaining glucose homeostasis by stimulating insulin secretion. Its natural cleavage product GLP‐1 (9‐36), used to be considered a “bio‐inactive” metabolite mainly because of its lack of insulinotropic effects and low affinity for GLP‐1 receptors, possesses unique properties such as anti‐oxidant and cardiovascular protection. Little is known about the role of GLP‐1 (9‐36) in central nervous system. Here we report that chronic, systemic application of GLP‐1 (9‐36) in adult mice facilitated both the induction and maintenance phases of hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP), a major form of synaptic plasticity. In contrast, spatial learning and memory, as assessed by the Morris water maze test, was not altered by GLP‐1 (9‐36) administration. At the molecular level, GLP‐1 (9‐36) reduced protein levels of the potassium channel Kv4.2 in hippocampus, which is linked to elevated dendritic membrane excitability. Moreover, GLP‐1(9‐36) treatment inhibited phosphorylation of mRNA translational factor eEF2, which is associated with increased capacity for de novo protein synthesis. Finally, we showed that the LTP‐enhancing effects by GLP‐1 (9‐36) treatment in vivo were blunted by application of exendin(9‐39)amide [EX(9‐39)], the GLP‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) antagonist, suggesting its role as a GLP‐1R agonist. These findings demonstrate that GLP‐1 (9‐36), which was considered a “bio‐inactive” peptide, clearly exerts physiological effects on neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus, a brain region critical for learning and memory.
Are you really doing good things in your boss's eyes? Interactive effects of employee innovative work behavior and leader–member exchange on supervisory performance ratings
Authors: Schuh Sebastian C. , Zhang Xin‐an , Morgeson Frederick P. , Tian Peng , van Dick Rolf
Published: August 2017

Organizations increasingly depend on employee efforts to innovate. However, the quality of relationships between leaders and employees may affect the recognition that employees receive for their innovative work behaviors. Drawing from a social cognition perspective, we tested a model in which leader–member exchange (LMX) moderates the impact of employee innovative work behavior on supervisory ratings of employee performance. Results from two multisource studies combining self, colleague, and supervisor ratings consistently showed that employees receive more favorable performance ratings by engaging in innovative work behavior when they have high‐quality LMX relationships. Moreover, we found that this interactive relationship was mediated by leader perceptions of innovative employee efforts, providing support for a moderated mediation model. Implications for the literatures on performance appraisal, LMX, and innovation are discussed.
CFD analysis of heat transfer in hexagonal subchannels of super fast reactor in upward flow
Authors: Sahoo LK , Sahoo SK , Roul MK , Swain RK
Published: August 2017

A super fast reactor is a fast spectrum, supercritical, water‐cooled reactor. This paper represents CFD analysis of heat transfer in hexagonal subchannels of super fast reactor using FLUENT in ANSYS. The numerical simulation of grid stability was done by considering different mesh sizes and the turbulence model for heat transfer of supercritical water was also carried out and compared with the experimental data. RNG k‐ϵ turbulence model with enhanced wall treatment was considered for simulations. Heat transfer and heat generation rate analysis of the outer surface rod wall is carried out with different subchannels by changing various parameters like boundary conditions and pitch‐to‐diameter ratio. The analyses reveal that the outer surface of the rod wall temperature decreases with increase in pitch‐to‐diameter ratio. Maximum coolant temperature rises in edge subchannels more than corner subchannels. Further analysis is carried out with different mass fluxes. Increases in mass flux has minimal effect on the maximum rod wall surface temperature. Maximum cladding surface temperature for the corner subchannel is less compared to the edge subchannel. Heat generation rate also decreases with increase in pitch‐to‐diameter ratio. This paper also investigates the buoyancy effect on subchannels with varying heat flux as boundary conditions considering constant mass flux.
Suppression of c‐Myc enhances p21WAF1/CIP1‐mediated G1 cell cycle arrest through the modulation of ERK phosphorylation by ascochlorin
Authors: Jeong Yun‐Jeong , Hoe Hyang‐Sook , Cho Hyun‐Ji , Park Kwan‐Kyu , Kim Dae‐Dong , Kim Cheorl‐Ho , Magae Junji , Kang Dong Wook , Lee Sang‐Rae , Chang Young‐Chae
Published: August 2017

Numerous anti‐cancer agents inhibit cell cycle progression via a p53‐dependent mechanism; however, other genes such as the proto‐oncogene c‐Myc are promising targets for anticancer therapy. In the present study, we provide evidence that ascochlorin, an isoprenoid antibiotic, is a non‐toxic anti‐cancer agent that induces G1 cell cycle arrest and p21WAF1/CIP1 expression by downregulating of c‐Myc protein expression. Ascochlorin promoted the G1 arrest, upregulated p53 and p21WAF1/CIP1, and downregulated c‐Myc in HCT116 cells. In p53‐deficient cells, ascochlorin enhanced the expression of G1 arrest‐related genes except p53. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) mediated c‐Myc silencing indicated that the transcriptional repression of c‐Myc was related to ascochlorin‐mediated modulation of p21WAF1/CIP1 expression. Ascochlorin suppressed the stabilization of the c‐Myc protein by inhibiting ERK and P70S6K/4EBP1 phosphorylation, whereas it had no effect on c‐Myc degradation mediated by PI3K/Akt/GSK3β. The ERK inhibitor PD98059 and siRNA‐mediated ERK silencing induced G1 arrest and p21WAF1/CIP1 expression by downregulating c‐Myc in p53‐deficient cells. These results indicated that ascochlorin‐induced G1 arrest is associated with the repression of ERK phosphorylation and c‐Myc expression. Thus, we reveal a role for ascochlorin in inhibiting tumor growth via G1 arrest, and identify a novel regulatory mechanism for ERK/c‐Myc.
Retracted: Expression of nestin in embryonic tissues and its effects on clinicopathological characteristics of patients with placenta previa
Authors: Qiao Yan‐Yan , Chu Ping
Published: August 2017

In this study, we examined expression of nestin in the spinal cord, lung, kidney, stomach, colon, and intestine tissues at different stages of embryos in patients with placenta previa. Fetuses of 75 patients with placenta previa were assigned to case group and 80 fetuses from healthy pregnant women with normal placenta who voluntarily terminated pregnancy to control group. Clinical data of pregnant women were collected at the time of admission. Blood from elbow vein was collected to determine expression of serum nestin. Tissues from spinal cord, lung, kidney, stomach, colon, and intestine in 3‐7 months fetuses of the two groups were extracted. Expression of nestin in tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and RT‐qPCR. The mRNA expression of nestin in the case group was increased. Nestin expression was correlated with the gestational age, age of foetus, and type of placenta previa in patients with placenta previa. Positive nestin expression was detected in the spinal cord, lung, kidney, stomach, intestine, and colon tissues in normal and placenta previa embryo at Stage I. The positive cell density and nestin expression decreased at Stage II, and further decreased at Stage III. The case group had higher nestin mRNA and protein levels throughout human fetal development. Findings of this study suggested that, nestin, as a specific marker of neural precursor cells, was expressed in various tissues of the embryo in patients with placenta previa and nestin expression was lower with increased maturation of the embryo.
Multifaceted role of IL‐21 in rheumatoid arthritis: Current understanding and future perspectives
Authors: Dinesh Palani , Rasool Mahaboobkhan
Published: August 2017

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune inflammatory disorder designated with hyperplastic synovium, bone destruction and cartilage degradation. Current therapies involve targeting major cytokines and inflammatory mediators involved in RA to alleviate the pain and provide a temporary relief. Interleukin 21 (IL‐21), a recently identified cytokine is known to possess a versatile role in modulating the cells of the RA synovium. Over the past decade, the pleiotropic role of IL‐21 in RA pathogenesis has been implicated in several aspects. T helper 17 (Th17) and follicular T helper cells (Tfh), being the key immunomodulators of the RA synovium secrete high amounts of IL‐21 during disease progression. Several studies have provided experimental evidences elucidating the multifaceted role of IL‐21 in RA disease progression. IL‐21 has the potential to activate T cells, B cells, monocytes/macrophages and synovial fibroblasts in RA pathogenesis through activation of JAK‐STAT, MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Till date, therapies targeting Th17 cells and its inflammatory cytokines have been under investigation and are subjected to various clinical trials. This review showcases the role of IL‐21 in RA pathogenesis and recent reports implicating its function in various immune cells, major signaling pathways, and in promoting osteoclastogenesis.
Income Inequality and Economic Growth Revisited. A Note
Authors: Caraballo Mª. Ángeles , Dabús Carlos , Delbianco Fernando
Published: August 2017

The relationship between income inequality and economic growth is estimated using dynamic panel estimation on a sample covering 112 emerging countries for the period 1980–2014. The results show that income inequality has a positive influence on economic growth for richer countries, in line with the classic theory, and a negative effect for poorer countries, as argued by the political economy approach. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis and estimation of quadrature errors in weakly singular source integrals of the method of moments
Authors: Botha Matthys M. , Rylander Thomas
Published: August 2017

The method of moments (MoM) is used for the numerical solution of electromagnetic field integral equations. Weakly singular integrals over surfaces in 3 dimensions (3D) are routinely evaluated for the impedance matrix setup and for post‐processing. Available numerical integration schemes range from direct application of Gauss‐Legendre product‐rule quadrature, to singularity and near‐singularity cancellation, coordinate transformation schemes. This paper presents a general, explicit, pole‐based, a priori procedure to estimate quadrature errors in the numerical evaluation of weakly singular and near‐singular, 3D surface integrals in the MoM. It is based on an error theorem for linear Gaussian quadrature, which involves the analytic extension of the integrand into the complex plane. Errors are linked to poles in the complex plane. New closed‐form estimates are presented for direct Gaussian product‐rule integration, polar‐coordinate integration, and the Radial‐Angular‐R1‐Sqrt singularity cancellation scheme, for triangle integration domains. This work can serve as a foundation/template for further, 3D MoM‐related work to identify appropriate quadrature schemes according to their error characteristics; for automatic selection of optimal schemes and quadrature orders in a computer implementation of the MoM; and for local and global estimation of MoM quadrature errors. This work can be specialized to the MoM for surfaces in 2D.
The VALUE perfect predictor experiment: Evaluation of temporal variability
Authors: Maraun Douglas , Huth Radan , Gutiérrez José M. , Martín Daniel San , Dubrovsky Martin , Fischer Andreas , Hertig Elke , Soares Pedro M. M. , Bartholy Judit , Pongrácz Rita , Widmann Martin , Casado Maria J. , Ramos Petra , Bedia Joaquín
Published: August 2017

Temporal variability is an important feature of climate, comprising systematic variations such as the annual cycle, as well as residual temporal variations such as short‐term variations, spells and variability from interannual to long‐term trends. The EU‐COST Action VALUE developed a comprehensive framework to evaluate downscaling methods. Here we present the evaluation of the perfect predictor experiment for temporal variability. Overall, the behaviour of the different approaches turned out to be as expected from their structure and implementation. The chosen regional climate model adds value to reanalysis data for most considered aspects, for all seasons and for both temperature and precipitation. Bias correction methods do not directly modify temporal variability apart from the annual cycle. However, wet day corrections substantially improve transition probabilities and spell length distributions, whereas interannual variability is in some cases deteriorated by quantile mapping. The performance of perfect prognosis (PP) statistical downscaling methods varies strongly from aspect to aspect and method to method, and depends strongly on the predictor choice. Unconditional weather generators tend to perform well for the aspects they have been calibrated for, but underrepresent long spells and interannual variability. Long‐term temperature trends of the driving model are essentially unchanged by bias correction methods. If precipitation trends are not well simulated by the driving model, bias correction further deteriorates these trends. The performance of PP methods to simulate trends depends strongly on the chosen predictors.
Changing relationship between La Niña and tropical cyclone landfalling activity in South China (La Niña and TC landfalling activity in South China)
Authors: Liu Kin Sik , Chan Johnny C. L.
Published: August 2017

This study investigates the effect of El Niño–Southern Oscillation and Indo‐Pacific warm pool sea‐surface temperature (SST) on tropical cyclone (TC) landfalling activity along the South China coast and develops a scheme for predicting this activity. In general, landfalling activity tends to be suppressed in El Niño years but a large uncertainty is found for La Niña years. Landfalling activity is generally enhanced in La Niña years before 1997 but suppressed in those after 1997, which may be related to the changes in TC frequency and track pattern over the western North Pacific (WNP) as well as the northward shift in genesis locations. The Indo‐Pacific warm pool SST is found to be related to the TC activity over the WNP and an SST index, defined as the average SST anomalies over the North Indian Ocean and the sea near the Philippines, is used to represent this anomaly. A significant warming of the Indo‐Pacific warm pool is found in the recent decade. The temperature change of this warm pool appears to modulate the TC activity over the WNP and TC landfalling activity in South China in a La Niña year, with an enhancement (a suppression) of TC activity if a cooling (warming) is found. This difference is related to the changes in the strength of monsoon trough, vertical wind shear and steering flow pattern. Based on these results, a schematic prediction scheme of landfalling activity in South China is proposed. Landfalling activity is likely to be normal or below normal if an El Niño event is expected to develop during the TC season. If a La Niña event is expected, and the predicted state of the Indo‐Pacific warm pool (obtained using the persistence forecast) shows a warming (cooling), landfalling activity is likely to be normal or below normal (above normal).