bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel insights into controlled drug release from coated pellets by confocal Raman microscopy
Authors: Vukosavljevic B. , De Kinder L. , Siepmann J. , Muschert S. , Windbergs M.
Published: February 2016

The development of novel therapeutics with improved efficacy implies increasing complexity of drug delivery systems, which in turn require advanced methods for their analytical characterization. Among these systems, pellets represent upcoming carrier systems, which show several advantages like simplified dosing and improved compliance among children and the aged population. However, rational development of such systems is hampered by the lack of non‐destructive, chemically selective analytical insight into compound distribution and drug release mechanisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate confocal Raman microscopy (CRM) for investigation of coated drug‐loaded pellets based on visualization of compound distribution and elucidation of drug release mechanisms. Three complementary approaches were applied for pellet characterization: analysis of cross sections after bisectioning, non‐invasive visualization of the pellet surface, and virtual cross sectioning in x–z direction. As the surface of such pellets is structured, a complementary approach of optical topography and CRM was applied for three‐dimensional analysis. Based on the individual Raman peak patterns, the drug and excipients forming the matrix of the pellets and the film coating were successfully visualized with high spatial resolution, verifying homogeneous drug distribution and intact polymer coating of the pellet. Further, analysis of the pellets after certain time intervals during drug release testing revealed pore formation in the polymer coating facilitating drug release and preceding drug depletion in the pellets matrix. CRM represents an upcoming technique for analytical characterization of carrier systems and elucidation of their complex drug release mechanisms, thus supporting rational development of novel therapeutics. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micro‐Raman innovative methodology to identify Ag–Cu mixed sulphides as tarnishing corrosion products
Authors: de Caro Tilde , Caschera Daniela , Ingo Gabriel Maria , Calandra Pietro
Published: February 2016

Mixed Cu–Ag alloys with different compositions have been produced and subjected to an accelerated sulphidation process which causes the development of a mixed sulphide‐rich corroded film on their surface. It was called tarnishing, that is, the formation of a blue‐brownish patina when Cu–Ag alloys are exposed in a sulfur‐containing atmosphere. The structures of the pristine alloys have been determined by the combined analytical techniques as scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis and X‐ray diffraction. The experimental conclusions confirmed the occurrence of micro phase separation with the formation of different dendritic domains of about 10 µm in width. The sulphidized samples were firstly investigated by optical microscopy and X‐ray diffraction in order to verify the homogeneity of the patina and to identify the different AgCuS phases appearing on the alloy surfaces. It was observed that, despite the inherent micro‐heterogeneity of the alloys, the sulphide layer was throughout uniform in composition at the micro‐scale. The complex scenario of the relative stability of all the various mixed sulphides involved was then explored by micro‐Raman spectroscopy (μ‐RS), pointing out that the Cu‐for‐Ag substitution in the crystal lattice of the mixed Ag–Cu sulphides caused a monotonous blue shift of the vibrational wavenumbers in Raman spectra. This study has unveiled microscopic details of the tarnishing process, furnishing an innovative, cheap and non‐destructive methodology based on μ‐Raman spectroscopy for the evaluation of the silver‐copper artefacts via the compositions of their corroded products. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anatomical liver resection of segment 4a en bloc with the caudate lobe
Authors: Silvestrini Nicola , Coppola Alessandro , Ardito Francesco , Nuzzo Gennaro , Giuliante Felice
Published: February 2016

Anatomical segmentectomy is the complete resection of an area supplied by a segmental portal branch. Among segmentectomies, isolated segmentectomy 4 is a technically demanding procedure because there are two transection planes: on the left side along the umbilical fissure and, on the right side, along the middle hepatic vein. Although there are several reports on anatomic segmentectomies, only few regard the anatomic segmentectomy 4a. We report here the case of a 60‐year‐old man who underwent anatomical segmentectomy 4a en bloc with the caudate lobe to resect a colorectal liver metastasis located in segment 4a and involving the paracaval portion of the caudate lobe. This type of procedure was planned in order to maximize the postoperative functional hepatic reserve, thereby reducing the risk of postoperative liver failure and ultimately allowing the possibility for future repeat hepatectomy in case of recurrence. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:665–667. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Classification of the medicinal plants of the genus Atractylodes using high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array and tandem mass spectrometry detection combined with multivariate statistical analysis
Authors: Cho Hyun‐Deok , Kim Unyong , Suh Joon Hyuk , Eom Han Young , Kim Junghyun , Lee Seul Gi , Choi Yong Seok , Han Sang Beom
Published: February 2016

Analytical methods using high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array and tandem mass spectrometry detection were developed for the discrimination of the rhizomes of four Atractylodes medicinal plants: A. japonica, A. macrocephala, A. chinensis, and A. lancea. A quantitative study was performed, selecting five bioactive components, including atractylenolide I, II, III, eudesma‐4(14),7(11)‐dien‐8‐one and atractylodin, on twenty‐six Atractylodes samples of various origins. Sample extraction was optimized to sonication with 80% methanol for 40 min at room temperature. High‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection was established using a C18 column with a water/acetonitrile gradient system at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, and the detection wavelength was set at 236 nm. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was applied to certify the reliability of the quantitative results. The developed methods were validated by ensuring specificity, linearity, limit of quantification, accuracy, precision, recovery, robustness, and stability. Results showed that cangzhu contained higher amounts of atractylenolide I and atractylodin than baizhu, and especially atractylodin contents showed the greatest variation between baizhu and cangzhu. Multivariate statistical analysis, such as principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis, were also employed for further classification of the Atractylodes plants. The established method was suitable for quality control of the Atractylodes plants.
Small scholar‐led scholarly journals: Can they survive and thrive in an open access future?
Authors: Morrison Heather
Published: February 2016

This article presents early results of a research project designed to further our understanding of how to ensure that small scholar‐led journals can survive and thrive in a global open access knowledge commons. This phase of the research focuses on generation of ideas through interviews and focus groups with 15 participants involved in producing small scholar‐led journals that either are or would like to become open access. Although a couple of journals reported that they could survive in an open access future based on existing resources, most were concerned about survival and none expressed confidence that they could thrive in an open‐access future. These journals are far more diverse than one might imagine. Comparing the costs of article production from one journal with another might not make sense. A number of avenues for further research are discussed.
United States menhaden oil could save billions in U.S. health care costs and improve IQ in children
Authors: Bibus Douglas M.
Published: February 2016

The United States menhaden oil annual production is sufficient to supply all of the recommended long chain Omega‐3s for Americans over 55 with coronary heart disease (CHD) and pregnant and lactating women. According to a recent study, the utilization of preventable intake levels could potentially save up to $1.7 billion annually in hospital costs alone. In addition, the remaining oil could be used to support a culture of enough Atlantic salmon to provide every pregnant and lactating woman in the U.S. with 8‐12 ounces of fish per week, as recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), throughout the duration of pregnancy and lactation. Based on the FDA's quantitative assessment, this may result in a net increase of IQ by 5.5 points in children and improve their early age verbal development.
Mitochondrial phospholipid cardiolipin and its triggering functions in the cells
Authors: Borisenko Grigory G.
Published: February 2016

Cardiolipin is an important component of the phospholipids constituting the inner membranes in mitochondria, the powerhouses of human cells. The process of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria that produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules is also accompanied, particularly under oxidative stress, by the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS may in turn lead to the damage of mitochondrial machinery and even to the death of the host cell. Here we describe the role of cardiolipin in the normally functioning mitochondria as well as its regulatory function as a trigger of either natural elimination of damaged mitochondria without the host cell inquiry (mitophagy) or a programmed host cell death (apoptosis). Special attention is paid to the redistribution of cardiolipin between the membranes of damaged mitochondria as an “eat‐me” signal for mitophagy and the subsequent oxidation of this phospholipid catalyzed by its complex with electron transfer protein cytochrome c that leads finally to the cell suicide or apoptosis.
Electrochemical behaviour of the nanostructured surface of Ti‐35Nb‐2Zr alloy for biomedical applications
Authors: Fojt J. , Hybasek V. , Joska L.
Published: February 2016

Titanium β‐alloys are perspective material for orthopaedic implants. Their bioactivity could be increased by surface nanostructuring. The nanotubular surface on the Ti‐35Nb‐2Zr alloy was prepared by anodic oxidation. The surfaces were characterised by electron microscopy and photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrochemical behaviour was determined by impedance spectroscopy and Mott–Schottky measurement. The surface analysis indicates enrichment of the oxidic layer by niobium. Nanotubular oxide layer behaviour in phosphate‐buffered solution was compared with native passive oxides surface and with thick oxide layer. The results of impedance measurement on the nanotubes were strongly affected by oxygen in the test solution. The corrosion resistance of the nanostructure was higher than that of the native passive layer. In the terms of the corrosion behaviour, the nanostructuring seems to be a promising surface treatment for medical applications.
In vitro corrosion resistance of Si containing multi‐principal element carbide coatings
Authors: Dinu M. , Pana I. , Braic V. , Miculescu F. , Balaceanu M. , Vladescu A. , Braic M.
Published: February 2016

Three types of multi‐principal carbide coatings – (HfNbTaTiSi)C, (HfTaTiZrSi)C, and (NbTaTiZrSi)C – containing, apart from carbon and silicon, four elements selected from five transition metals known as biocompatible (Hf, Nb, Ta, Ti, Zr), were investigated as possible candidates for biomedical applications. The coatings were deposited on 316L stainless steel substrate through reactive co‐sputtering of pure element targets in an Ar + CH4 gas mixture. In vitro corrosion behavior of the coatings was studied in simulated body fluid (pH = 7) at 37 °C. Additionally, the coatings were investigated for elemental and phase composition, crystalline structure and morphology. The coatings, with almost equiatomic concentrations of metals (8.2–10.9 at%), with Si content of 6.9–7.0 at% and with carbon/(metal + Si) ratio of about 1.1, were found to consist of single FCC solid solution phases. Smooth surfaces and columnar cross‐sectional morphologies were observed. Compared to the bare 316L substrate, all coatings showed significant better corrosion behavior in terms of open circuit, corrosion and breakdown potentials, corrosion current density, polarization resistance, and weight loss. Among the coatings, (NbTaTiZrSi)C proved to be the most resistant to the corrosive attack.
Induced Microphase Separation in Hybrid Composite Polymer Electrolytes Based on Poly(acrylonitrile‐r‐butadienes) and Ionic Liquids
Authors: Wirey Michael , Hunt Marcus , Blensdorf Tyler , Stein Barry D. , Werner‐Zwanziger Ulrike , Hanson Margaret A. , Mahmoud Waleed E. , Al‐Ghamdi Ahmed A. , Carini John , Bronstein Lyudmila M.
Published: February 2016

Novel hybrid, composite polymer electrolytes (HCPEs) based on poly(acrylonitrile‐r‐butadiene) (PAN‐r‐PB), CN‐modified silica nanoparticles (CN‐MSNs), Li triflate, and ionic liquids (ILs) are synthesized. Using a combination of methods, it is demonstrated that these materials segregate into PAN‐rich and PB‐rich phases, the behavior of which changes depending on the IL type. The incorporation of ILs containing hexyl and octyl substituents at the imidazolium rings leads to a higher mobility of the PB‐rich phase and a decrease of the density of the neighboring PAN‐rich phase, allowing an improvement of the Li ion conductivity. However, with an increase of the substituent length from decyl to dodecyl, ordering of the hydrophobic tails in the PB‐rich phase leads to both stiffening of the latter and corresponding ordering of the ionic pairs of ILs, resulting in a decreased conductivity. The results of this work are broadly applicable for controlling the structure and properties of polymeric materials exhibiting microphase segregation.

image
Applications of NMR diffusion methods with emphasis on ion pairing in inorganic chemistry: a mini‐review
Authors: Pregosin Paul S.
Published: February 2016

This mini‐review provides a brief overview of the use of NMR diffusion methods in connection with estimating molecular weights in solution, recognizing hydrogen bonding and encapsulation processes and, primarily, identifying and estimating the varying degrees of ion pairing. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regional T1 relaxation time constants in Ex vivo human brain: Longitudinal effects of formalin exposure
Authors: Raman Mekala R. , Shu Yunhong , Lesnick Timothy G. , Jack Clifford R. , Kantarci Kejal
Published: February 2016

Purpose

Relaxation time constants are useful as markers of tissue properties. Imaging ex vivo tissue is done for research purposes; however, T1 relaxation time constants are altered by tissue fixation in a time‐dependent manner. This study investigates regional changes in T1 relaxation time constants in ex vivo brain tissue over 6 months of fixation.

Methods

Five ex vivo human brain hemispheres in 10% formalin were scanned over 6 months. Mean T1 relaxation time constants were measured in regions of interest (ROIs) representing gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) regions and analyzed as a function of fixation time.

Results

Cortical GM ROIs had longer T1 relaxation time constants than WM ROIs; the thalamus had T1 relaxation time constants similar to those of WM ROIs. T1 relaxation time constants showed rapid shortening within the first 6 weeks after fixation followed by a slower rate of decline.

Conclusion

Both GM and WM T1 relaxation time constants of fixed brain tissue show rapid decline within the first 6 weeks after autopsy and slow by 6 months. This information is useful for optimizing MR imaging acquisition parameters according to fixation time for ex vivo brain imaging studies. Magn Reson Med 77:774–778, 2017. © 2016 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution‐NonCommercial‐NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non‐commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.
Amplified magnetic resonance imaging (aMRI)
Authors: Holdsworth Samantha J. , Rahimi Mahdi Salmani , Ni Wendy W. , Zaharchuk Greg , Moseley Michael E.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

This work describes a new method called amplified MRI (aMRI), which uses Eulerian video magnification to amplify the subtle spatial variations in cardiac‐gated brain MRI scans and enables better visualization of brain motion.

Methods

The aMRI method takes retrospective cardiac‐gated cine MRI data as input, applies a spatial decomposition, followed by temporal filtering and frequency‐selective amplification of the MRI cardiac‐gated frames before synthesizing a motion‐amplified cine data set.

Results

This approach reveals deformations of the brain parenchyma and displacements of arteries due to cardiac pulsatility, especially in the brainstem, cerebellum, and spinal cord.

Conclusion

aMRI has the potential for widespread neuro‐ and non‐neuro clinical use because it can amplify and characterize small, often barely perceptible motion and can visualize the biomechanical response of tissues using the heartbeat as an endogenous mechanical driver. Magn Reson Med 75:2245–2254, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐resolution dynamic CE‐MRA of the thorax enabled by iterative TWIST reconstruction
Authors: Wetzl Jens , Forman Christoph , Wintersperger Bernd J. , D'Errico Luigia , Schmidt Michaela , Mailhe Boris , Maier Andreas , Stalder Aurélien F.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical benefit of using a new iterative reconstruction technique fully integrated on a standard clinical scanner and reconstruction system using a TWIST acquisition for high‐resolution dynamic three‐dimensional contrast‐enhanced MR angiography (CE‐MRA).

Methods

Low‐dose, high‐resolution TWIST datasets of 11 patients were reconstructed using both standard GRAPPA‐based reconstruction for reference and iterative reconstruction, which reduces the temporal footprint of reconstructed images. Image quality of both techniques was assessed by two experienced readers, as well as quantitatively evaluated using a time‐signal curve analysis.

Results

Image quality scores consistently and significantly improved by using iterative reconstruction compared with the standard approach. Most notably, the delineation of small to mid‐size vasculature improved from a mean Likert score between “nondiagnostic” and “poor” for standard to between “good” and “excellent” for iterative reconstruction. The full width at half maximum of the contrast agent bolus computed from the time‐signal curve was also reduced by iterative reconstruction, allowing for more precise bolus timing.

Conclusion

Iterative reconstruction can substantially improve high‐resolution dynamic CE‐MRA image quality, most notably in small to mid‐size vasculature. Dynamic CE‐MRA with iterative reconstruction could become an alternative to conventional static 3D CE‐MRA, thus simplifying the clinical workflow. Magn Reson Med 77:833–840, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Longitudinal relaxation time editing for acetylcarnitine detection with 1H‐MRS
Authors: Lindeboom Lucas , Bruls Yvonne M.H. , van Ewijk Petronella A. , Hesselink Matthijs K.C. , Wildberger Joachim E. , Schrauwen Patrick , Schrauwen‐Hinderling Vera B.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

Acetylcarnitine formation is suggested to be crucial in sustaining metabolic flexibility and glucose homeostasis. Recently, we introduced a method to detect acetylcarnitine in vivo with long TE 1H‐MRS. Differences in T1 relaxation time between lipids and acetylcarnitine can be exploited for additional lipid suppression in subjects with high myocellular lipid levels.

Methods

Acquisition of spectra with an inversion recovery sequence was alternated with standard signal acquisition to suppress short T1 metabolite signals. A proof of principle experiment was conducted in a lean subject and the new approach was subsequently tested in four overweight/obese subjects.

Results

Using the new T1 editing approach, lipid signals in spectra of skeletal muscle can be (additionally) suppressed by a factor of 10 using a TI of 900 ms. Combination of the long TE protocol with the T1 editing resulted in a well‐resolved acetylcarnitine peak in the obese subjects.

Conclusion

The T1 editing approach suppresses short T1 metabolites and offers a new contrast in 1H‐MRS. The approach should be used in combination with a long TE in subjects with high lipid contamination for accurate quantification of the acetylcarnitine concentration. Magn Reson Med 77:505–510, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
T2‐Weighted intracranial vessel wall imaging at 7 Tesla using a DANTE‐prepared variable flip angle turbo spin echo readout (DANTE‐SPACE)
Authors: Viessmann Olivia , Li Linqing , Benjamin Philip , Jezzard Peter
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To optimize intracranial vessel wall imaging (VWI) at 7T for sharp wall depiction and high boundary contrast.

Methods

A variable flip angle turbo spin echo scheme (SPACE) was optimized for VWI. SPACE provides black‐blood contrast, but has less crushing effect on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, a delay alternating with nutation for tailored excitation (DANTE) preparation suppresses the signal from slowly moving spins of a few mm per second. Therefore, we optimized a DANTE‐preparation module for 7T. Signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), and signal ratio for vessel wall, CSF, and lumen were calculated for SPACE and DANTE‐SPACE in 11 volunteers at the middle cerebral artery (MCA). An exemplar MCA stenosis patient was scanned with DANTE‐SPACE.

Results

The 7T‐optimized SPACE sequence improved the vessel wall point‐spread function by 17%. The CNR between the wall and CSF was doubled (12.2 versus 5.6) for the DANTE‐SPACE scans compared with the unprepared SPACE. This increase was significant in the right hemisphere (P = 0.016), but not in the left (P = 0.090). The CNR between wall and lumen was halved, but remained at a high value (24.9 versus 56.5).

Conclusion

The optimized SPACE sequence improves VWI at 7T. Additional DANTE preparation increases the contrast between the wall and CSF. Increased outer boundary contrast comes at the cost of reduced inner boundary contrast. Magn Reson Med 77:655–663, 2017. © 2016 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
A 16‐channel combined loop‐dipole transceiver array for 7 Tesla body MRI
Authors: Ertürk M. Arcan , Raaijmakers Alexander J.E. , Adriany Gregor , Uğurbil Kâmil , Metzger Gregory J.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To develop a 16‐channel transceive body imaging array at 7.0 T with improved transmit, receive, and specific absorption rate (SAR) performance by combining both loop and dipole elements and using their respective and complementary near and far field characteristics.

Methods

A 16‐channel radiofrequency (RF) coil array consisting of eight loop‐dipole blocks (16LD) was designed and constructed. Transmit and receive performance was quantitatively investigated in phantom and human model simulations, and experiments on five healthy volunteers inside the prostate. Comparisons were made with 16‐channel microstrip line (16ML) and 10‐channel fractionated dipole antenna (10DA) arrays. The 16LD was used to acquire anatomic and functional images of the prostate, kidneys, and heart.

Results

The 16LD provided > 14% improvements in the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), peak
,
transmit, and SAR efficiencies over the 16ML and 10DA in simulations inside the prostate. Experimentally, the 16LD had > 20% higher SNR and
transmit efficiency compared with other arrays, and achieved up to 51.8% higher peak
compared with 10DA.

Conclusion

Combining loop and dipole elements provided a body imaging array with high channel count and density while limiting inter‐element coupling. The 16LD improved both near and far‐field performance compared with existing 7.0T body arrays and provided high‐quality MRI of the prostate kidneys and heart. Magn Reson Med 77:884–894, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
The effects of noise in cardiac diffusion tensor imaging and the benefits of averaging complex data
Authors: Scott Andrew D. , Nielles‐Vallespin Sonia , Ferreira Pedro F. , McGill Laura‐Ann , Pennell Dudley J. , Firmin David N.
Published: February 2016

There is growing interest in cardiac diffusion tensor imaging (cDTI), but, unlike other diffusion MRI applications, there has been little investigation of the effects of noise on the parameters typically derived. One method of mitigating noise floor effects when there are multiple image averages, as in cDTI, is to average the complex rather than the magnitude data, but the phase contains contributions from bulk motion, which must be removed first. The effects of noise on the mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), helical angle (HA) and absolute secondary eigenvector angle (E2A) were simulated with various diffusion weightings (b values). The effect of averaging complex versus magnitude images was investigated. In vivo cDTI was performed in 10 healthy subjects with b = 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 s/mm2. A technique for removing the motion‐induced component of the image phase present in vivo was implemented by subtracting a low‐resolution copy of the phase from the original images before averaging the complex images. MD, FA, E2A and the transmural gradient in HA were compared for un‐averaged, magnitude‐ and complex‐averaged reconstructions. Simulations demonstrated an over‐estimation of FA and MD at low b values and an under‐estimation at high b values. The transition is relatively signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) independent and occurs at a higher b value for FA (b = 1000–1250 s/mm2) than MD (b ≈ 250 s/mm2). E2A is under‐estimated at low and high b values with a transition at b ≈ 1000 s/mm2, whereas the bias in HA is comparatively small. The under‐estimation of FA and MD at high b values is caused by noise floor effects, which can be mitigated by averaging the complex data. Understanding the parameters of interest and the effects of noise informs the selection of the optimal b values. When complex data are available, they should be used to maximise the benefit from the acquisition of multiple averages. The combination of complex data is also a valuable step towards segmented acquisitions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of training on attitudes of psychiatric personnel towards patients who self‐injure
Authors: Tapola Vojna , Wahlström Jarl , Lappalainen Raimo
Published: February 2016

Background

Improving attitudes of personnel towards self‐injurious patients leads to better working alliance and contributes to better patient outcomes. Previous research into the improvement of these attitudes has recorded the need for specific training in evidence‐based assessment and treatment of self‐injurious patients.

Aim

The current study describes the attitudes towards self‐injurious patients among psychiatric personnel. The study also evaluates the effect of a structured clinical training program on psychiatric personnel's attitudes towards patients who self‐injure. It further examines whether age, education, frequency of self‐injurious patients contact, and work experience of the personnel are associated with the existing attitudes.

Methods

Psychiatric personnel (N = 50) attended a four‐day training program, presenting evidence‐based knowledge regarding self‐injury assessment and treatment, using group exercises and reflective learning principles. The personnel completed the Understanding Suicidal Patients Questionnaire (USP) anonymously PreTraining, on 17 January 2014, and PostTraining, on 20 June 2014. The mean differences as well as single USP items before and after the training were tested by unpaired t‐test. Two‐way ANOVA was used to test impact of background variables on the USP scores.

Results

The training program had statistically significant impact (P < 0·01) on the following individual items of the USP scale: Patients who have tried to commit suicide are usually treated well in my work unit (d = 1·02); A person who has made several suicide attempt is at greater risk of committing suicide (d = 0·64); Because the patients who have tried to commit suicide have emotional problems, they need the best possible treatment (d = 0·57). The results also suggested that the frequency of patient contact had impact on attitudes towards self‐injurious patients.
Effect of postprandial gum chewing on diet‐induced thermogenesis
Authors: Hamada Yuka , Miyaji Akane , Hayashi Naoyuki
Published: February 2016

Objective

To examine the effect of postprandial gum chewing on diet‐induced thermogenesis (DIT).

Methods

Twelve healthy normal‐weight males completed four trials on four different days. They chewed a 621‐kcal test meal for as long as possible and as many times as possible in the slow‐eating trials, while they consumed the same meal as rapidly as possible in the rapid‐eating trials. In the gum‐chewing trials, they chewed a 3‐kcal gum for 15 min after the meal. In the non‐gum‐chewing trials, they consumed 3 kcal of sugar with the test meal instead of chewing the gum. DIT was calculated based on the oxygen uptake, body mass, and postprandial increments in energy expenditure above the baseline as measured before each trial.

Results

DIT was significantly greater in the gum‐chewing trials than in the non‐gum‐chewing trials for both rapid‐eating and slow‐eating trials. The difference in DIT between rapid‐eating and slow‐eating trials was greater than that between non‐gum‐chewing and gum‐chewing trials.

Conclusions

Postprandial gum chewing enhanced DIT, but the effect of gum chewing on DIT did not exceed that of slow eating when consuming a meal.
Forgoing New Public Management and Adopting Post‐New Public Management Principles: The On‐Going Civil Service Reform in Israel
Authors: Cohen Nissim
Published: February 2016

Since the 1980s, New Public Management (NPM) and post‐NPM reforms have dominated attempts to improve public administration. The literature suggests several reasons for the latter approach. However, these explanations seem to be less relevant to the ongoing civil service reforms in Israel. The Israeli experience is an example where NPM reforms did not occur, but post‐NPM reforms were adopted enthusiastically decades later. Our findings demonstrate how under the structural conditions of both non‐governability and bureaucratic centralization, post‐NPM reforms may provide an attractive layering strategy, offering the option of changing certain features of the system without requiring a drastic, comprehensive overhaul of it. Once Israeli decision makers decided that there was a real public demand for reform, and long‐term learning and diffusion processes convinced them that change was needed, the characteristics of the post‐NPM approach made it much easier politically for them to adopt. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of fulleroid materials on the mechanical and tribological properties and dielectric relaxation of polyamide 6 nanocomposites
Authors: Sinitsin Alex N. , Zuev Vjacheslav V.
Published: February 2016

The effect of fulleroid materials (fullerene С60 and fullerene soot, which is used for fullerenes production) on the mechanical and tribological properties of polymer nanocomposites based on polyamide 6 (PA6) was investigated. Composites were synthesized by direct mixing in an extruder. The use of the nanoparticles was an effective way to decrease the friction coefficient of the polymer composites because the fillers had the same size as the segments of the surrounding polymer chains. The steady state coefficients of friction with addition of fulleroid fillers were lower than that of unfilled PA6. The lowest coefficient of friction was observed for PA6 filled with 1 wt% fullerene soot. Dielectric spectroscopy was used to investigate the influence of nanoparticles on the relaxation processes in the polymer matrix. It is found that the segmental relaxation processes become faster with the addition of fullerene С60. In contrast, the secondary processes of PA6/fullerene C60 nanocomposites were observed to slow down with the addition of fullerene C60. This means that the local “molecular stiffness” is increased, and a phenomenological link between the secondary relaxation times and the mechanical properties explains the increase in the Young's modules of the nanocomposites upon the addition of С60. These observations suggest that nanoparticles can have a qualitatively different effect on the matrix polymer dynamics at different length scales, and caution must be taken in comparing the changes in the dynamics associated with different relaxation processes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on Energetic Salts Based on (2,4,6‐Trinitrophenyl)guanidine
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Mieskes Frank , Stierstorfer Jörg , Weyrauther Michael
Published: February 2016

(2,4,6‐Trinitrophenyl)guanidine was synthesized and its thermal and energetic properties were investigated. The reaction of (2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl)guanidine with different acids, such as nitric, picric, perchloric, and hydrochloric acid results in protonation of (2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl)guanidine and the formation of the corresponding salts (cation : anion ratio 1 : 1). The reactions are performed at ambient temperature in H2O or EtOH and produce qualitatively pure products with energetic properties, which are typical of those of secondary explosives. The compounds were characterized using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, IR and Raman spectroscopy, as well as mass spectrometry. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies were performed and the structures of the four different salts at low temperatures were determined. The thermal stabilities were measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The sensitivities were determined using the BAM drophammer and friction tests. The heats of formation were calculated by the atomization method based on CBS‐4M enthalpies. Using these values as well as the X‐ray or pycnometric densities, several detonation parameters such as the detonation pressure, velocity, energy, and temperature were computed using the EXPLO5 code.
A comparative study of rhodopsin function in the great bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus nuchalis): Spectral tuning and light‐activated kinetics
Authors: van Hazel Ilke , Dungan Sarah Z. , Hauser Frances E. , Morrow James M. , Endler John A. , Chang Belinda S. W.
Published: February 2016

Rhodopsin is the visual pigment responsible for initiating the phototransduction cascade in vertebrate rod photoreceptors. Although well‐characterized in a few model systems, comparative studies of rhodopsin function, particularly for nonmammalian vertebrates are comparatively lacking. Bowerbirds are rare among passerines in possessing a key substitution, D83N, at a site that is otherwise highly conserved among G protein‐coupled receptors. While this substitution is present in some dim‐light adapted vertebrates, often accompanying another unusual substitution, A292S, its functional relevance in birds is uncertain. To investigate functional effects associated with these two substitutions, we use the rhodopsin gene from the great bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus nuchalis) as a background for site‐directed mutagenesis, in vitro expression and functional characterization. We also mutated these sites in two additional rhodopsins that do not naturally possess N83, chicken and bovine, for comparison. Both sites were found to contribute to spectral blue‐shifts, but had opposing effects on kinetic rates. Substitutions at site 83 were found to primarily affect the kinetics of light‐activated rhodopsin, while substitutions at site 292 had a larger impact on spectral tuning. The contribution of substitutions at site 83 to spectral tuning in particular depended on genetic background, but overall, the effects of substitutions were otherwise surprisingly additive, and the magnitudes of functional shifts were roughly similar across all three genetic backgrounds. By employing a comparative approach with multiple species, our study provides new insight into the joint impact of sites 83 and 292 on rhodopsin structure‐function as well as their evolutionary significance for dim‐light vision across vertebrates.
Inhibition of ice recrystallization and cryoprotective activity of wheat proteins in liver and pancreatic cells
Authors: Chow‐Shi‐Yée Mélanie , Briard Jennie G. , Grondin Mélanie , Averill‐Bates Diana A. , Ben Robert N. , Ouellet François
Published: February 2016

Efficient cryopreservation of cells at ultralow temperatures requires the use of substances that help maintain viability and metabolic functions post‐thaw. We are developing new technology where plant proteins are used to substitute the commonly‐used, but relatively toxic chemical dimethyl sulfoxide. Recombinant forms of four structurally diverse wheat proteins, TaIRI‐2 (ice recrystallization inhibition), TaBAS1 (2‐Cys peroxiredoxin), WCS120 (dehydrin), and TaENO (enolase) can efficiently cryopreserve hepatocytes and insulin‐secreting INS832/13 cells. This study shows that TaIRI‐2 and TaENO are internalized during the freeze–thaw process, while TaBAS1 and WCS120 remain at the extracellular level. Possible antifreeze activity of the four proteins was assessed. The “splat cooling” method for quantifying ice recrystallization inhibition activity (a property that characterizes antifreeze proteins) revealed that TaIRI‐2 and TaENO are more potent than TaBAS1 and WCS120. Because of their ability to inhibit ice recrystallization, the wheat recombinant proteins TaIRI‐2 and TaENO are promising candidates and could prove useful to improve cryopreservation protocols for hepatocytes and insulin‐secreting cells, and possibly other cell types. TaENO does not have typical ice‐binding domains, and the TargetFreeze tool did not predict an antifreeze capacity, suggesting the existence of nontypical antifreeze domains. The fact that TaBAS1 is an efficient cryoprotectant but does not show antifreeze activity indicates a different mechanism of action. The cryoprotective properties conferred by WCS120 depend on biochemical properties that remain to be determined. Overall, our results show that the proteins' efficiencies vary between cell types, and confirm that a combination of different protection mechanisms is needed to successfully cryopreserve mammalian cells.
On‐chip addressable Schottky‐on‐heterojunction light‐emitting diode arrays on AlGaN/GaN‐on‐Si platform
Authors: Tang Xi , Li Baikui , Lu Yunyou , Chen Kevin J.
Published: February 2016

In this work, the Schottky‐on‐heterojunction light‐emitting diodes (SoH‐LED) are monolithically integrated with the AlGaN/GaN high‐electron‐mobility transistors (HEMT) on an AlGaN/GaN‐on‐Si platform commonly used for GaN lateral electronic devices. The on‐chip electro‐optic modulation is realized in a single device fabricated using HEMT‐compatible process. Also, SoH‐LED arrays are fabricated to demonstrate the on‐chip addressable functionality with each SoH‐LED pixel in the array individually controlled by the integrated HEMT. High‐resolution micro‐scale SoH‐LED seven‐segment displays are demonstrated to show the potential of using SoH‐LEDs as a robust alternative for micro flat‐panel displays. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Observation of in‐situ reciprocal lattice evolution of AlGaN/InGaN on Si (111) through GaN and AlN interlayers by RHEED and reflectance
Authors: Bag Ankush , Das Subhashis , Biswas Dhrubes
Published: February 2016

Due to the wave‐particle duality of high energy electron beam, RHEED describes a thin film surface through the interaction of reciprocal lattice rod (RLR) of the film. The RLR spacing of the crystal has been computed using RHEED streak spacing on a fluorescent screen. Present evolution study of RLR spacing has been performed for AlGaN/InGaN heterostructure on thick GaN buffer layer during plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Effect of composition, strain and temperature on the crystal has been identified as the function of lattice spacing during the growth. The calibrated reflectivity of LED signal has also been employed to map the thickness of different growing epilayers. RLR spacing decreases for interlayer GaN as compared to AlN. Initially, the RLR spacing of GaN buffer decreases more as compared to interlayer GaN owing to its increased growth temperature after the interlayer AlN. The RLR spacing of GaN again gradually increases with decrement of growth temperature up to the InGaN channel layer. The InGaN RLR spacing decreases again which attributes to the relaxation of InGaN on GaN. Additionally, AlGaN reveals strained state to InGaN in combination with effect of high growth temperature. The phenomena result in additional decrement of lattice distance in reciprocal space. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Characterization of carrier concentration in ZnO nanowires by scanning capacitance microscopy
Authors: Wang Lin , Guillemin Sophie , Chauveau Jean‐Michel , Sallet Vincent , Jomard Francois , Brenier Roger , Consonni Vincent , Brémond Georges
Published: February 2016

Scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) has been investigated on Ga doped ZnO staircase multi‐layers grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and ZnO NWs grown by chemical bath deposition (CBD). It is found that SCM data amplitude experiences a monotonic decrease with increasing Ga concentration from 2×1017 cm‐3 to 3×1020 cm‐3, indicating SCM being an appropriate technique for two dimensional dopant/carrier profiling in ZnO at nanoscale. For ZnO nanowires (NWs), a planariz‐ation process was developed based on dip‐coating of silica sol‐gel and chemical‐mechanical polishing. Then ZnO NWs were well detected from the silica matrix by SCM and the residual carrier concentration inside them was estimated through calibration method to be between 5×1017 cm‐3 and 2×1018 cm‐3. Finally, the result was compared with that obtained from conventional capacitance‐voltage (C‐V) measrement and their difference was discussed. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Current density dependence of transition energy in blue InGaN/GaN MQW LEDs
Authors: Zhang F. , Ikeda M. , Zhou K. , Liu Z. S. , Liu J. P. , Zhang S. M. , Yang H.
Published: February 2016

In this paper we report on the transition energy in InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well (MQW) light emitting diodes (LEDs) under various injection current density from 2 A/cm2 to 200 A/cm2. Various effects including strain, quantum confined Stark effect (QCSE), screening effect by carriers, bandgap renormalization, Stokes‐like shift, band‐filling effect, and quantum levels in triangular quantum wells, are considered quantitatively and analyzed comprehensively. By comparing these effects altogether, we found that when the In‐content in quantum wells is fixed, the transition energy is mainly determined by QCSE and quantum level energy, between which QCSE overweighs the other. The transition energy shift with current density is also mainly governed by the screening effect of QCSE, with detailed competition between band tailing and filling. Additional effect, the coupling between adjacent quantum wells, is investigated in this paper. The coupling between quantum wells with various barrier thicknesses is compared. By calculating the wavefunctions self‐consistently, it is found that for InGaN/GaN MQWs with 5 nm quantum barriers (QBs), the coupling of electron wavefunctions leads to about 2 meV difference in transition energy. While for the MQWs with 3 nm QBs, the influence of electron wave‐function overlap on transition energy is 12.9 meV, which is more significant than that of 5 nm QB case. However, for hole wavefunctions, the coupling effect is too small to be considered, which is mainly due to the much larger effective mass. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of Embelin Against Lipopolysaccharide‐induced Sickness Behaviour in Mice
Authors: Shaikh Ashique , Dhadde Shivsharan B. , Durg Sharanbasappa , Veerapur V. P. , Badami S. , Thippeswamy B. S. , Patil Jagadevappa S.
Published: February 2016

Sickness behaviour is a coordinated set of adaptive behavioural changes that develop in ill individuals during the course of an infection. It is relevant to understanding depression and some aspects of the suffering that in cancer. Embelin has been reported to possess antiinflammatory, neuroprotective and anxiolytic assets and has been shown to inhibit nuclear factor κB pathway and cytokine production. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of embelin isolated fromEmbelia ribesBurm in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced sickness behaviour in mice. Adult male Swiss albino mice were pre‐treated with embelin (10 and 20 mg/kg, p.o.) or dexamethasone (1 mg/kg, i.p.) for 3 days and then challenged with LPS (400 µg/kg, i.p.). At different time intervals of post‐LPS challenge, sickness behaviour was evaluated in the animals by battery of behavioural tests (plus maze, open field, light–dark box, forced swim, social behaviour assessment, sucrose preference and food and water intake). Levels of oxidative stress makers (reduced glutathione and lipid peroxidation) in mice brain were also analysed. LPS induced behavioural alterations, anhedonia and anorexia, in mice. Pre‐treatment with embelin attenuated behavioural changes induced by LPS. In addition, embelin prevented anhedonia, anorexia and ameliorated brain oxidative stress markers. The experimental outcomes of the present study demonstrated protective effect of embelin in LPS‐induced sickness behaviour in mice. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biological Activities of Oleanolic Acid Derivatives from Calendula officinalis Seeds
Authors: Zaki Ahmed , Ashour Ahmed , Mira Amira , Kishikawa Asuka , Nakagawa Toshinori , Zhu Qinchang , Shimizu Kuniyoshi
Published: February 2016

Phytochemical examination of butanol fraction of Calendula officinalis seeds led to the isolation of two compounds identified as 28‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐oleanolic acid 3‐O‐β‐D–glucopyranosyl (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosiduronic acid (CS1) and oleanolic acid 3‐O‐β‐D–glucopyranosyl (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosiduronic acid (CS2). Biological evaluation was carried out for these two compounds such as melanin biosynthesis inhibitory, hyaluronic acid production activities, anti obesity using lipase inhibition and adipocyte differentiation as well as evaluation of the protective effect against hydrogen peroxide induced neurotoxicity in neuro‐2A cells. The results showed that, compound CS2 has a melanin biosynthesis stimulatory activity; however, compound CS1 has a potent stimulatory effect for the production of hyaluronic acid on normal human dermal fibroblast from adult (NHDF‐Ad). Both compounds did not show any inhibitory effect on both lipase and adipocyte differentiation. Compound CS2 could protect neuro‐2A cells and increased cell viability against H2O2. These activities (melanin biosynthesis stimulatory and protective effect against H2O2 of CS2 and hyaluronic acid productive activities of these triterpene derivatives) have been reported for the first time. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.