External-stimulus-triggered conformational inversion of mechanically self-locked pseudo[1]catenane and gemini-catenanes based on A1/A2-alkyne–azide-difunctionalized pillar[5]arenes

Mechanically self-locked molecules (MSMs) through the efficient intramolecular copper(i)-catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) of self-threaded A1/A2-azido-propargyl-difunctionalized pillar[5]arenes.

Relaxing music and the self: Insights from the perception of spontaneous sensations

Spontaneous sensations (SPS) are bodily sensations that can be perceived even in the absence of any external trigger and are related to self-referential and self-awareness processes. In this study, we investigated whether music, and in particular its emotional arousal dimension, could act as an external stimulus with the ability to modulate SPS. Thirty-two volunteers engaged in an SPS task (focusing on their hands) after having been exposed to high-arousing and low-arousing music. Results showed that after listening to low-arousing, relaxing music (compared to high-arousing, exciting music), participants perceived SPS more intensely, reported more numerous deep interoceptive sensations, and were more confident in specifying the location of these SPS, while their spatial characteristics decreased. These results suggest that relaxing music promoted increased perception by focusing attention on small areas of the hand. By showing for the first time that music can be used as an effective stimulus for modulating SPS, these findings suggest that, by promoting self-awareness processes, the relaxing nature of music can significantly increase the representation of the self.

Immobilization of Enzymes by Polymeric Materials

Enzymes are the highly efficient biocatalyst in modern biotechnological industries. Due to the fragile property exposed to the external stimulus, the application of enzymes is highly limited. The immobilized enzyme by polymer has become a research hotspot to empower enzymes with more extraordinary properties and broader usage. Compared with free enzyme, polymer immobilized enzymes improve thermal and operational stability in harsh environments, such as extreme pH, temperature and concentration. Furthermore, good reusability is also highly expected. The first part of this study reviews the three primary immobilization methods: physical adsorption, covalent binding and entrapment, with their advantages and drawbacks. The second part of this paper includes some polymer applications and their derivatives in the immobilization of enzymes.

Temperature control during nanoparticle-sensitized hyperthermia

Hyperthermia is one of the mild cancer treatment approaches, which can be realized via a non-invasive way. It has been established that nanoparticles are effective for local hyperthermia enhancement when stimulated by an external stimulus. We show that silicon-based nanoparticles can be used as sensitizers for radiofrequency-induced hyperthermia and propose a thermographic method to control the temperature during the treatment.

Does Music Affect Visitors’ Choices for the Management and Conservation of Ecosystem Services?

Psychological research has long demonstrated that preferences can be influenced by stimuli coming from the environment. Music, as an external stimulus influencing people behaviours, purchasing processes and spending, has been widely analysed in consumer behaviour and marketing literature. Here, we focus on the effect of music genres on preferences and willingness to pay for selected ecosystem services of a Nature Park when they are elicited with a Discrete Choice Experiment. This aspect is important in non-market valuation because music can represent an element of context-dependence for the assessment of individual choices, so that the assumption of preference stability does not hold, and welfare estimates may be biased. The results of a generalized mixed logit model evidenced a significant effect of music on preferences. If elicited preferences depend on the context on which the survey is implemented, wrong information to decision makers is provided when the choice context is altered by an uncontrolled external stimulus. This result is particularly important for applied researchers and policy makers. First, the use of protocols and guidelines that instruct respondents about the ambient background when answering a questionnaire is highly recommended, particularly for online surveys. Second, specific genres of music should be used in educational and ecosystem services conservation campaigns and also piped in visitor centres and virtual tours to encourage nature conservation and improve visitors’ sensitiveness for the environment.

Application of components analysis in dynamic thermal breast imaging to identify pathophysiologic mechanisms of heat transfer

Significance: Of the most compelling unsolved issues in the paradigm to create success in the field of breast cancer infrared imaging is localization of direct internal heat of the tumor. The contribution of differential heat production related to metabolism versus perfusion is not understood. Previous work until now has not shown progress beyond identifying veins which are fed by the hot cancer. Employing signal analysis techniques, we probe important questions which may lead to further understanding pathophysiology of heat transfer occurring in the setting of malignancy. Aim: When using thermal imaging to detect breast cancer, the dominant heat signature is that of indirect heat transported in gradient away from the tumor location. Unprocessed images strikingly display vasculature which acts to direct excess heat superficially towards the skin surface before dissipating. In current clinical use, interpretation of thermogram images considers abnormal vascular patterns and overall temperature as indicators of disease. The goal of this work is to present a processing method for dynamic external stimulus thermogram images to isolate and separate the indirect vascular heat while revealing the desired direct heat from the tumor. Approach: In dynamic thermal imaging of the breast, a timed series of images are taken following application of external temperature stimulus (most often cooled air). While the tumor heat response is thought to be independent of the external stimulus, the secondary heat of the veins is known to be affected by vasomodulation. The recorded data is analyzed using independent component analysis (ICA) and principal component analysis (PCA) methods. ICA separates the image sequence into new independent images having a common characteristic time behavior. Resulting individual components are analyzed for correspondence to the presence or lack of vasomodulation. Results: Using the Brazilian visual lab mastology data set containing dynamic thermograms, applying components analysis resulted in three corresponding images: 1. Minimum change as a function of applied temperature or time (suggests correlation with the cancer generated heat), 2. Moderate temperature dependence (suggests correlation with veins affected by vasomodulation) and 3. Complex time behavior (suggests correlation with heat absorption due to high tumor perfusion). All components appear clear and distinct. Conclusions: Applying signal processing methods to the dynamic infrared data, we found three distinct components with correspondence to understood physiologic processes. The two cases shown are self-evident of the capability of the method but are lacking supporting ground truth that is unavailable with such a limited data set. Validation of this proposed paradigm and studying furthering clinical applications has potential to create significant achievement for IR modality in diagnostic imaging.