bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interfacial pressure and shear sensor system for fingertip contact applications
Authors: Valero Maria , Hale Nick , Tang Jing , Jiang Liudi , McGrath Mike , Gao Jianliang , Laszczak Piotr , Moser David
Published: October 2016

This Letter presents a capacitive‐based sensor system for fingertip contact applications. It is capable of simultaneously measuring normal (pressure) and tangential (shear) stresses at the interface between a fingertip and external objects. This could be potentially exploitable for applications in the fields of upper limb prosthetics, robotics, hand rehabilitation and so on. The system was calibrated and its performance was tested using a test machine. To do so, specific test protocols reproducing typical stress profiles in fingertip contact interactions were designed. Results show the system's capability to measure the applied pressure and stresses, respectively, with high linearity between the measured and applied stresses. Subsequently, as a case study, a ‘press‐drag‐lift’ based fingertip contact test was conducted by using a finger of a healthy subject. This was to provide an initial evaluation for real‐life applications. The case study results indicate that both interface pressure and shear were indeed measured simultaneously, which aligns well with the designed finger test protocols. The potential applications for the sensor system and corresponding future works are also discussed.
MR image reconstruction using cosupport constraints and group sparsity regularisation
Authors: Han Yu , Du Huiqian , Gao Xiangzhen , Mei Wenbo
Published: October 2016

It has always been challenging to reconstruct magnetic resonance (MR) images from a limited set of k‐space data due to the ill‐posed nature. An effective way to compensate for the data incompleteness is through the use of the sparsity‐based regularisation. Recent work in image processing suggests that exploiting structured sparsity may lead to improved results. In this study, this idea is explored in combination with additional support prior of the MR images in the analysis context. Put differently, the authors propose a highly effective regulariser constraining group sparsity of the analysis coefficients within the pre‐estimated cosupport. A two‐stage iterative algorithm is developed and proceeds by alternatively calling its two key components: image reconstruction and cosupport detection. The feasibility of the proposed method is demonstrated for individual and multiple T1/T2‐weighted MR images. Simulation results show considerable improvement of their method compared with the methods using structured sparsity and support knowledge in the synthesis context and other related reconstruction methods.
Smart‐agent system for flexible, personalised transport service
Authors: Vegah Godwill , Wajid Usman , Adebisi Bamidele
Published: October 2016

Various studies are on‐going, for smart‐technology and the Internet of things, on a range of issues, to optimist services in the urban transport sector. A key challenge in urban‐transport sustainability is shifting commuting transport demands to cost‐effective modes, given the capacity of transport operators in cities are usually under pressure; hence, the need for innovative approaches. This research focus on smart‐agent system, for flexible, personalised transport service (SAPS), addressing on‐time access and multiple‐provider‐resource management, for personalise commuting services; and to minimise carbon emission footprints. It applies intelligent agent‐support algorithms in managing urban‐transport resources. SAPS architecture utilises intelligent agents for collaboration strategies in negotiating personalised‐transport‐resource requirements, with multiple‐urban‐transport providers. On the basis of commuter requirements, which are updatable in real time, the system devises adaptive‐routing plans, formalising provider–commuter service plans, between commuters and transport services providers; hence, delivering customisable urban‐transport services. Results and functional prototype of the smart‐urban‐transport agent system demonstrates effective personalised urban‐transport services for ‘green commuting’. The approach optimises urban‐transport services for commuters and providers; significantly cuts down CO2 emission footprints, thus providing eco‐friendly urban‐mobility services and improving management of commuting infrastructure.
Finite element quasi-interpolation and best approximation
Authors: Ern Alexandre , Guermond Jean-Luc
Published: October 2016

This paper introduces a quasi-interpolation operator for scalar- and vector-valued finite element spaces constructed on affine, shape-regular meshes with some continuity across mesh interfaces. This operator gives optimal estimates of the best approximation error in any Lp-norm assuming regularity in the fractional Sobolev spaces Wr,p, where p ∈ [ 1,∞ ] and the smoothness index r can be arbitrarily close to zero. The operator is stable in L1, leaves the corresponding finite element space point-wise invariant, and can be modified to handle homogeneous boundary conditions. The theory is illustrated on H1-, H(curl)- and H(div)-conforming spaces.
Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Younger Patient
Authors: Schwartz Brian , Schwartz Aaron , Goldberg Benjamin , Chmell Samuel , Shah Sapan
Published: October 2016

The rate of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) utilization in younger patients (< 65 years old) is increasing. Little is known regarding demographics and in-hospital outcomes in this population. The National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) database was searched using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) procedure codes for patients admitted to U.S. hospitals for unilateral primary TKA between 2001 and 2010. Patients were separated into young (< 65 years of age) and senior cohorts (≥ 65 years of age). ICD-9 diagnosis and procedure codes were used to identify demographics, hospital length of stay, in-hospital adverse events, mortality, and discharge disposition. Trends were evaluated by linear regression with Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and statistical comparisons were made using Student t-test and chi-square analysis. The young cohort accounted for 38.4% of TKAs performed from 2001 to 2005, increasing to 42.7% of TKAs from 2006 to 2010. They had a higher percentage of males (36.4 vs. 34.2%, p < 0.001). Rates of obesity (11.1 vs. 6.0%, p < 0.001) and morbid obesity (5.8 vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher, yet they had less comorbidities (4.7 vs. 5.2, p < 0.001), and lower rates of transfusion (12.2 vs. 19.8%, p < 0.001), pulmonary embolism (PE) (0.31 vs. 0.49%, p < 0.020), and mortality (0.03 vs. 0.18%, p < 0.001). Patients < 65 years old undergoing TKA have almost double the rate of obesity of patients ≥ 65 years old. This could explain the higher rates of periprosthetic infection and aseptic mechanical failure seen in younger patients. However, the young cohort had a more favorable discharge disposition and lower mortality and risk of PE than elderly patients.
Complications Related to Implant Fixation of Patellar Fractures: Comparison of Ring Pins versus Bent K-Wires
Authors: Kyung Min , Lee Seung , Kim Min
Published: October 2016

Patellar fractures are characterized by injuries to the extensor and typically require surgical fixation. Among the methods used for fixation, the most common is the modified AO tension-band wiring technique. However, using this technique, implant migration occurs due to the lack of connections between the K-wires and the tension-band wire, which causes irritation and reduces fracture stability. Recently, new methods for tension-band wiring have been developed in which tension bands lock the K-wires through an attached “ring” to prevent migration. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes when either the conventional or novel technique was used for tension-band wiring. This was a retrospective study involving 48 patients who underwent tension-band wiring to correct a patellar fracture. Patients in group 1 (n = 23) were treated between December 2010 and February 2012 using conventional tension-band wiring, while patients in group 2 (n = 25) were treated between March 2012 and May 2014 using the novel ring pin method. Different surgeons performed the operations in the two groups, while all other conditions were consistent. The surgical outcomes were assessed according to the level of implant migration, irritation, and implant removal procedures. All patients in group 2 achieved a union of the patella, while two patients in group 1 did not. These two patients underwent partial patellectomy within 1 year of the initial surgery. Implant migration and removal were significantly more common among patients in group 1 (p = 0.0038 and 0.011, respectively), with the implant removal period being significantly shorter as well (p = 0.005). The novel ring pin method was superior to the conventional method in terms of preventing implant migration, removal, or other secondary operations for the correction of complications.
Enhanced hydrogen adsorption on Li-coated B12C6N6
Authors: Jin Xueling , Qi Pengtang , Yang Huihui , Zhang Yan , Li Jinyun , Chen Hongshan
Published: October 2016

The hydrogen storage property of Li-coated B12C6N6 is investigated by density functional theory calculations. B12C6N6 is an electron deficient fullerene. Li atoms can be strongly bound to this cage by donating their valance electrons to the virtual 2p orbitals of carbon in the cluster. The binding energy (−2.90 eV) is much larger than the cohesive energy (1.63 eV) of bulk Li, and it prevents the Li atoms from aggregation. The coated Li atoms have large positive charges and the adsorbed hydrogen molecules can be moderately polarized by the Li+ ions. The computation shows that each Li atom coated on B12C6N6 can hold 2-3 H2 molecules with adsorption energies in the range of 0.21-0.24 eV/H2. The B12C6N6Li8 can adsorb 16 H2 and achieve a gravimetric hydrogen density of 8.63 wt. %. The present results indicate that alkali-metal atoms coated on electron deficient fullerenes can serve as hydrogen storage materials that can operate at ambient temperatures with high recycling storage capacity.
Focus Article: Theoretical aspects of vapor/gas nucleation at structured surfaces
Authors: Meloni Simone , Giacomello Alberto , Casciola Carlo Massimo
Published: October 2016

Heterogeneous nucleation is the preferential means of formation of a new phase. Gas and vapor nucleation in fluids under confinement or at textured surfaces is central for many phenomena of technological relevance, such as bubble release, cavitation, and biological growth. Understanding and developing quantitative models for nucleation is the key to control how bubbles are formed and to exploit them in technological applications. An example is the in silico design of textured surfaces or particles with tailored nucleation properties. However, despite the fact that gas/vapor nucleation has been investigated for more than one century, many aspects still remain unclear and a quantitative theory is still lacking; this is especially true for heterogeneous systems with nanoscale corrugations, for which experiments are difficult. The objective of this focus article is analyzing the main results of the last 10-20 years in the field, selecting few representative works out of this impressive body of the literature, and highlighting the open theoretical questions. We start by introducing classical theories of nucleation in homogeneous and in simple heterogeneous systems and then discuss their extension to complex heterogeneous cases. Then we describe results from recent theories and computer simulations aimed at overcoming the limitations of the simpler theories by considering explicitly the diffuse nature of the interfaces, atomistic, kinetic, and inertial effects.
Heterogeneous (Cu-Ti) colliding plasma dynamics
Authors: Pandey Pramod K. , Thareja Raj K. , Costello John T.
Published: October 2016

Laser ablated copper-titanium colliding plasma plume expansion at 10−4, 10−2, and 100 mbar of oxygen ambient pressures has been investigated with a view to understanding heterogeneous colliding plasma plume dynamics and the formation of multi-element stagnation layers using optical emission spectroscopy and fast imaging of plume. The observation of Cu2(A−X) and TiO−γ bands and their ambient pressure dependent emission intensity opens up the possibility of the stoichiometrically controlled formation of nanoclusters/nanocomposites.
Simulation of drag reduction in superhydrophobic microchannels based on parabolic gas-liquid interfaces
Authors: Li Chunxi , Zhang Shuo , Xue Quanxi , Ye Xuemin
Published: October 2016

Based on the given parabolic gas-liquid interfaces, a two-dimensional fluid flow in superhydrophobic microchannels is numerically simulated with the steady volume of fluid model in the laminar regime. The influence of several crucial parameters on drag reduction effect is discussed. The results indicate that the superhydrophobic microchannel containing rectangular cavities displays significant drag reduction effect. With increasing inlet velocity, the pressure drop reduction decreases slightly. Augments in the pressure drop reduction tend to be large with the increase of the cavity fraction or the decrease of the channel height. The results also reveal that the variation of the normalized slip length with the cavity fraction tends to be more dramatic when the channel height is smaller. As the parabolic height of the gas-liquid interface is enlarged, both the pressure drop reduction and the normalized slip length decrease linearly, while fRe increases linearly. The impact of the cavity depth on the normalized slip length, fRe, and the pressure drop reduction is minimal supposing the depth of the cavity is greater than 40% of its width. The drag reduction effect corresponding to the dovetail cavity model is the best, and the consequence of the rectangular, trapezoidal, and triangular cavity models sequentially worsens.
An empirical extrapolation scheme for efficient treatment of induced dipoles
Authors: Simmonett Andrew C. , Pickard Frank C. , Ponder Jay W. , Brooks Bernard R.
Published: October 2016

Many cutting edge force fields include polarization, to enhance their accuracy and range of applicability. In this work, we develop efficient strategies for the induced dipole polarization method. By fitting various orders of perturbation theory (PT) dipoles to a diverse training set, we arrive at a family of fully analytic methods — whose nth order is referred to OPTn — that span the full spectrum of polarization methods from the fast zeroth-order approach that neglects mutual dipole coupling, approaching the fully variational approach at high order. Our training set contains many difficult cases where the PT series diverges, and we demonstrate that our OPTn methods still deliver excellent results in these cases. Our tests show that the OPTn methods exhibit rapid convergence towards the exact answer with each increasing PT order. The fourth order OPT4 method, whose costs are commensurate with three iterations of the leading conjugate gradient method, is a particularly promising candidate to be used as a drop-in replacement for existing solvers without further parameterization.
Turbulence statistics downstream of a vorticity generator at low Reynolds numbers
Authors: Habchi Charbel , Lemenand Thierry , Della Valle Dominique , Peerhossaini Hassan
Published: October 2016

Vortex generators (VGs) are inserted in turbulent pipe flows in order to improve mixing and heat and mass transfer while a moderate pressure drop is maintained. The purpose of the present study is to contribute to the elaboration of scaling laws for the turbulence decay downstream a row of VGs. This knowledge will help in the design of such systems, especially for optimal geometry and spacing of the VG. The experimental study is carried out using laser Doppler anemometry at different locations downstream of the row of VGs so as to probe the streamwise velocity field. The Taylor microscale Reynolds number Reλ ranges between 15 and 80 so that, for the lowest flow rates, fully developed turbulence conditions are not fulfilled. Comparison of the integral length scale to data in the open literature shows that the conventional scaling laws at the dissipative scale are fairly assessed. It is shown that the turbulence macroscale increases in the streamwise direction and is scaled by the VG dimensions. The normalized turbulent energy dissipation rate has values between 0.5 and 2.8, with −1 power-law decay as a function of the Taylor microscale Reynolds number. This observation is consistent with previous findings using direct numerical simulations (DNS). The streamwise variation of the turbulence energy dissipation rate shows an exponential decay; it reaches an asymptotic value after a distance of about 6 times the VG height.
Photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory studies of N-rich energetic materials
Authors: Zeng Zhen , Bernstein Elliot R.
Published: October 2016

The geometric and electronic structures of molecular anionic energetic materials (EMs) DAAF (3,3′-diamino-4,4′-azoxyfurazan), FOX-7 (1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethene), 5,5′-BT (5,5′-bistetrazole), and 1,5′-BT (1,5′-bistetrazole) are explored employing anionic photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. The electron binding energies of the observed anionic, energetic material related species are determined and their corresponding anionic structures are assigned. Decomposition reactions for negatively charged EMs can proceed with different energy barriers, and thus mechanisms, from those for their related neutral EMs. Reactivity based on the anionic initial fragments of these EM species further reinforces their respective highly reactive and explosive nature. Fragment ions of the form EM−-H-X (X = N2, N2+NH, …) are additionally observed. Detection of such species suggests that EM−-H could serve as promising new candidates for EMs, assuming that such species are synthetically available, perhaps as energetic salts. Vertical detachment energies for transitions to the ground and first triplet electronic excited states of neutral matrix dye anion DCM− are additionally determined.
Traveling wave solutions of degenerate coupled multi-KdV equations
Authors: Gürses Metin , Pekcan Aslı
Published: October 2016

Traveling wave solutions of degenerate coupled ℓ-KdV equations are studied. Due to symmetry reduction these equations reduce to one ordinary differential equation (ODE), i.e., (f′)2 = Pn(f) where Pn(f) is a polynomial function of f of degree n = ℓ + 2, where ℓ ≥ 3 in this work. Here ℓ is the number of coupled fields. There is no known method to solve such ordinary differential equations when ℓ ≥ 3. For this purpose, we introduce two different types of methods to solve the reduced equation and apply these methods to degenerate three-coupled KdV equation. One of the methods uses the Chebyshev’s theorem. In this case, we find several solutions, some of which may correspond to solitary waves. The second method is a kind of factorizing the polynomial Pn(f) as a product of lower degree polynomials. Each part of this product is assumed to satisfy different ODEs.
Viscoelastic effect and creep elimination of dielectric elastomers in adversarial resonance
Authors: Liu Lei , Li Bo , Sun Wenjie , Chen Hualing , Li Dichen
Published: October 2016

Dielectric elastomers are known to exhibit viscoelastic properties. When they are used in an adversarial resonator structure (known as a DEAR), the performance obtained is time-dependent. A thermodynamic model, involving the rheological model, is established to investigate the effect of viscoelasticity on the dynamic response. We verified the validity of our model by comparing with the experimental results. Based on the model, we theoretically analyze how the viscoelasticity is affected by the peak voltage, frequency, pre-stretching, temperature, and the shape of the signal waveform. The equilibrium position of the deformed membrane is found to drift severely during vibration, which can be attributed to the high viscoelasticity of the membrane. This behavior can lead to issues when designing precise instruments, and the drift of the equilibrium position can also result in the expansion of the amplitude envelope. We further demonstrate that under certain alternating electric loads, the viscoelastic drift of the equilibrium position is identical to the slow viscoelastic creep observed when the corresponding effective DC voltage is applied. Based on these findings and the adversarial mechanism of the DEAR structure, two strategies based on DC and AC offset correction are proposed to eliminate the viscoelastic drift. Simulation results show that applying AC offset correction has the additional benefit of allowing the amplitude of vibration to be continuously tunable over a specific range.
Systematic study of interfacial reactions induced by metal electrodes in high-k/InGaAs gate stacks
Authors: Yoshida S. , Lin D. , Vais A. , Alian A. , Franco J. , El Kazzi S. , Mols Y. , Miyanami Y. , Nakazawa M. , Collaert N. , Watanabe H. , Thean A.
Published: October 2016

We systematically studied the effects of metal electrodes on high-k/InGaAs gate stacks and observed that the remote reactions—both oxidation and reduction—at the interface between the high-k dielectrics and InGaAs were thermodynamically initiated by the metal electrodes. Metal electrodes with negative Gibbs free energies (e.g., Pd) resulted in the oxidation of the InGaAs surface during the forming-gas annealing. In contrast, with TiN electrodes, which have a positive Gibbs free energy, the native III–V oxides underwent the reduction between the high-k dielectrics and InGaAs. We demonstrated that the reduction of native III–V oxides by metal electrodes improved the interface quality of the high-k/InGaAs gate stacks and produced an interface trap density (Dit) at the mid-gap with a value as low as 5.2 × 1011 cm−2 eV−1 with a scaled capacitance-equivalent thickness.
A high power impulse magnetron sputtering model to explain high deposition rate magnetic field configurations
Authors: Raman Priya , Weberski Justin , Cheng Matthew , Shchelkanov Ivan , Ruzic David N.
Published: October 2016

High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS) is one of the recent developments in the field of magnetron sputtering technology that is capable of producing high performance, high quality thin films. Commercial implementation of HiPIMS technology has been a huge challenge due to its lower deposition rates compared to direct current Magnetron Sputtering. The cylindrically symmetric “TriPack” magnet pack for a 10 cm sputter magnetron that was developed at the Center for Plasma Material Interactions was able to produce higher deposition rates in HiPIMS compared to conventional pack HiPIMS for the same average power. The “TriPack” magnet pack in HiPIMS produces superior substrate uniformity without the need of substrate rotation in addition to producing higher metal ion fraction to the substrate when compared to the conventional pack HiPIMS [Raman et al., Surf. Coat. Technol. 293, 10 (2016)]. The films that are deposited using the “TriPack” magnet pack have much smaller grains compared to conventional pack DC and HiPIMS films. In this paper, the reasons behind the observed increase in HiPIMS deposition rates from the TriPack magnet pack along with a modified particle flux model is discussed.
Derivation of an equation of pair correlation function from BBGKY hierarchy
Authors: Bose Anirban
Published: October 2016

An equation of pair correlation function has been derived from the Bogoliubov-Born-Green-Kirkwood-Yvon hierarchy for an inhomogeneous dusty plasma under certain approximations. This equation may play a useful role to study the inhomogeneous weakly correlated charged particle system.
Creation of additional electrical pathways for the robust stretchable electrode by using UV irradiated CNT-elastomer composite
Authors: Lee So-Young , Hyun Seungmin , Jang Bongkyun , Kim Sangmin , Kim Myoungho , Lee Hoo-Jeong , Weon Byung Mook , Shim Hyung Cheoul
Published: October 2016

In this study, we fabricate an electrode structure, in which a carbon nanotube (CNT) film is coated on the composite of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Electromechanical tests disclose that incorporation of a high density of well-dispersed CNTs (with the aid of UV/O3 treatment) in the PDMS substrate offers an alternative current path when the CNT film cracked, helping demonstrate much improved electromechanical characteristics. Further analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with the data from the electromechanical tests illuminates some interesting electromechanical features and the failure mechanism of the material.
Communication: Green-Kubo approach to the average swim speed in active Brownian systems
Authors: Sharma A. , Brader J. M.
Published: October 2016

We develop an exact Green-Kubo formula relating nonequilibrium averages in systems of interacting active Brownian particles to equilibrium time-correlation functions. The method is applied to calculate the density-dependent average swim speed, which is a key quantity entering coarse grained theories of active matter. The average swim speed is determined by integrating the equilibrium autocorrelation function of the interaction force acting on a tagged particle. Analytical results are validated using Brownian dynamics simulations.
Note: Production of silver nanoclusters using a Matrix-Assembly Cluster Source with a solid CO2 matrix
Authors: Oiko V. T. A. , Mathieu T. , Cao L. , Liu J. , Palmer R. E.
Published: October 2016

One of the main limitations to the application of clusters on applied areas is the limited production; therefore, it is of great interest to up scale cluster production while keeping good size control. The Matrix-Assembly Cluster Source is a new high flux cluster source, which exploits cluster formation inside a solid rare gas matrix that is sputtered by an ion beam. Clusters are formed and ejected in this process. Here we report the production of Ag clusters when the rare gas is replaced by CO2 for the matrix formation at 20 K. Size distributions were determined from scanning transmission electron microscopy analysis of samples with four different metal loadings, 4%, 8%, 14%, and 23% of Ag atoms to CO2 molecules, and two ion beam energies, 1 keV and 2 keV. Cluster mean size showed weak dependence on metal loading, being ≈80 atoms for the first three concentrations, whereas the change in ion beam energy has caused cluster mean size to shift from 86 to 160 atoms. The results are interpreted in terms of bonding energy between Ag and CO2 and compared to the rare gas (Ar) matrix.
Cope Rearrangement in Bicyclo[5.1.0]octa-2,5-diene and its Mono- and Di-Hetero Analogues: A DFT Study
Authors: Yadav Priya , Yadav Shilpa , Gurjar Asha , Bansal Raj K.
Published: October 2016

The Cope rearrangements of bicyclo[5.1.0]octa-2,5-diene and its 4-hetero-(aza/oxa/phospha) and 4,8-dihetero analogues were investigated using density functional theory at the B3LYP/6–31+G* level in gas phase. The rearrangements of bicyclo[5.1.0]octa-2,5-diene and its symmetrical 4,8-dihetero analogues followed a concerted mechanism involving synchronous transition states. In other cases, although a concerted mechanism was observed, asynchronous transition states were involved. In the case of bicyclo[5.1.0]octa-2,5-diene, a degenerate Cope rearrangement was expected to occur at room temperature (25°C) due to a low free activation energy (ΔG‡ = 14.46 kcal mol–1). However, under similar conditions, the rearrangement of 4,8-dioxabicyclo[5.1.0]octa-2,5-diene was much slower (ΔG‡ = 23.85 kcal mol–1) and the 4,8-diaza- and diphospha analogues did not undergo Cope rearrangement. The Cope rearrangements of 4-phospha-, 8-aza-, 8-aza-4-oxa-, 8-aza-4-phospha-, and 8-oxa-4-phospha-bicyclo[5.1.0]octa-2,5-dienes were exergonic and were expected to occur spontaneously to form the corresponding products. In contrast, rearrangement of 8-oxabicyclo[5.1.0]octa-2,5-diene, though exergonic, was accompanied by a decrease in entropy, due to which Cope rearrangement would occur much more slowly and a mixture of both valence isomers would be formed. The Cope rearrangements of 4-aza-, 4-oxa-, 4-aza-8-oxa-, 8-phospha-, 4-aza-8-phospha-, 4-oxa-8-phospha-, and 4,8-diphospha-bicyclo[5.1.0]octa-2,5-dienes were endergonic; consequently either no Cope rearrangement would take place or it would occur sluggishly.
GrowScreen-PaGe, a non-invasive, high-throughput phenotyping system based on germination paper to quantify crop phenotypic diversity and plasticity of root traits under varying nutrient supply
Authors: Gioia Tania , Galinski Anna , Lenz Henning , Müller Carmen , Lentz Jonas , Heinz Kathrin , Briese Christoph , Putz Alexander , Fiorani Fabio , Watt Michelle , Schurr Ulrich , Nagel Kerstin A.
Published: October 2016

New techniques and approaches have been developed for root phenotyping recently; however, rapid and repeatable non-invasive root phenotyping remains challenging. Here, we present GrowScreen-PaGe, a non-invasive, high-throughput phenotyping system (4 plants min–1) based on flat germination paper. GrowScreen-PaGe allows the acquisition of time series of the developing root systems of 500 plants, thereby enabling to quantify short-term variations in root system. The choice of germination paper was found to be crucial and paper ☓ root interaction should be considered when comparing data from different studies on germination paper. The system is suitable for phenotyping dicot and monocot plant species. The potential of the system for high-throughput phenotyping was shown by investigating phenotypic diversity of root traits in a collection of 180 rapeseed accessions and of 52 barley genotypes grown under control and nutrient-starved conditions. Most traits showed a large variation linked to both genotype and treatment. In general, root length traits contributed more than shape and branching related traits in separating the genotypes. Overall, results showed that GrowScreen-PaGe will be a powerful resource to investigate root systems and root plasticity of large sets of plants and to explore the molecular and genetic root traits of various species including for crop improvement programs.
Two-body abrasion wear mechanism of super bainitic steel
Authors: Guo H. , Zhao A. , Zhi C. , Ding R. , Wang J.
Published: October 2016

The abrasion wear resistance and wear mechanism of super bainitic steel austempered at different temperatures and time have been investigated by two-body abrasion testings, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transformation electron microscopy and electron backscattering diffraction. The results show that the two-body abrasion wear mechanism is predominantly micro-ploughing abrasion, and the wear resistance is decreased with increasing isothermal temperature which is attributed to the decreased hardness caused by a higher retained austenite content and the coarsening of the microstructure. The sample austempered at 230°C for 2 h with the higher amount of retained austenite and lower carbon concentration exhibits excellent wear resistance, and the transformation induced plasticity effect is observed during wear process which is beneficial for the improving of hardness and wear resistance.
Subdiffractional tracking of internalized molecules reveals heterogeneous motion states of synaptic vesicles
Authors: Joensuu Merja , Padmanabhan Pranesh , Durisic Nela , Bademosi Adekunle T.D. , Cooper-Williams Elizabeth , Morrow Isabel C. , Harper Callista B. , Jung WooRam , Parton Robert G. , Goodhill Geoffrey J. , Papadopulos Andreas , Meunier Frédéric A.
Published: October 2016

Our understanding of endocytic pathway dynamics is severely restricted by the diffraction limit of light microscopy. To address this, we implemented a novel technique based on the subdiffractional tracking of internalized molecules (sdTIM). This allowed us to image anti–green fluorescent protein Atto647N-tagged nanobodies trapped in synaptic vesicles (SVs) from live hippocampal nerve terminals expressing vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2)–pHluorin with 36-nm localization precision. Our results showed that, once internalized, VAMP2–pHluorin/Atto647N–tagged nanobodies exhibited a markedly lower mobility than on the plasma membrane, an effect that was reversed upon restimulation in presynapses but not in neighboring axons. Using Bayesian model selection applied to hidden Markov modeling, we found that SVs oscillated between diffusive states or a combination of diffusive and transport states with opposite directionality. Importantly, SVs exhibiting diffusive motion were relatively less likely to switch to the transport motion. These results highlight the potential of the sdTIM technique to provide new insights into the dynamics of endocytic pathways in a wide variety of cellular settings.
Independent modes of ganglion cell translocation ensure correct lamination of the zebrafish retina
Authors: Icha Jaroslav , Kunath Christiane , Rocha-Martins Mauricio , Norden Caren
Published: October 2016

The arrangement of neurons into distinct layers is critical for neuronal connectivity and function. During development, most neurons move from their birthplace to the appropriate layer, where they polarize. However, kinetics and modes of many neuronal translocation events still await exploration. In this study, we investigate retinal ganglion cell (RGC) translocation across the embryonic zebrafish retina. After completing their translocation, RGCs establish the most basal retinal layer where they form the optic nerve. Using in toto light sheet microscopy, we show that somal translocation of RGCs is a fast and directed event. It depends on basal process attachment and stabilized microtubules. Interestingly, interference with somal translocation induces a switch to multipolar migration. This multipolar mode is less efficient but still leads to successful RGC layer formation. When both modes are inhibited though, RGCs fail to translocate and induce lamination defects. This indicates that correct RGC translocation is crucial for subsequent retinal lamination.
Kinesin-1 controls mast cell degranulation and anaphylaxis through PI3K-dependent recruitment to the granular Slp3/Rab27b complex
Authors: Munoz Isabelle , Danelli Luca , Claver Julien , Goudin Nicolas , Kurowska Mathieu , Madera-Salcedo Iris Karina , Huang Jian-Dong , Fischer Alain , González-Espinosa Claudia , de Saint Basile Geneviéve , Blank Ulrich , Ménasché Gaël
Published: October 2016

Cross-linking of mast cell (MC) IgE receptors (FcεRI) triggers degranulation of secretory granules (SGs) and the release of many allergic and inflammatory mediators. Although degranulation depends crucially on microtubule dynamics, the molecular machinery that couples SGs to microtubule-dependent transport is poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that mice lacking Kif5b (the heavy chain of kinesin-1) in hematopoietic cells are less sensitive to IgE-mediated, passive, systemic anaphylaxis. After IgE-induced stimulation, bone marrow–derived MCs from Kif5b knockout mice exhibited a marked reduction in SG translocation toward the secretion site. In contrast, a lack of Kif5b did not affect cytokine secretion, early FcεRI-initiated signaling pathways, or microtubule reorganization upon FcεRI stimulation. We identified Slp3 as the critical effector linking kinesin-1 to Rab27b-associated SGs. Kinesin-1 recruitment to the Slp3/Rab27b effector complex was independent of microtubule reorganization but occurred only upon stimulation requiring phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) activity. Our findings demonstrate that PI3K-dependent formation of a kinesin-1/Slp3/Rab27b complex is critical for the microtubule-dependent movement of SGs required for MC degranulation.
Katja Röper: Deciphering tissue origami
Authors: O’Donnell Marie Anne
Published: October 2016

Katja Röper investigates how cytoskeletal behaviour controls tissue morphogenesis.
Mycobacterial Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes in Mycobacterium abscessus Lung Disease
Authors: Koh Won-Jung , Jeong Byeong-Ho , Kim Su-Young , Jeon Kyeongman , Park Kyoung Un , Jhun Byung Woo , Lee Hyun , Park Hye Yun , Kim Dae Hun , Huh Hee Jae , Ki Chang-Seok , Lee Nam Yong , Kim Hong Kwan , Choi Yong Soo , Kim Jhingook , Lee Seung-Heon , Kim Chang Ki , Shin Sung Jae , Daley Charles L , Kim Hojoong , Kwon O Jung
Published: October 2016

Background

Treatment outcomes of patients with Mycobacterium abscessus subspecies abscessus lung disease are poor, and the microbial characteristics associated with treatment outcomes have not been studied systematically. The purpose of this study was to identify associations between microbial characteristics and treatment outcomes in patients with M. abscessus lung disease.

Methods

Sixty-seven consecutive patients with M. abscessus lung disease undergoing antibiotic treatment for ≥12 months between January 2002 and December 2012 were included. Morphotypic and genetic analyses were performed on isolates from 44 patients.

Results

Final sputum conversion to culture negative occurred in 34 (51%) patients. Compared to isolates from 24 patients with persistently positive cultures, pretreatment isolates from 20 patients with final negative conversion were more likely to exhibit smooth colonies (9/20, 45% vs 2/24, 8%; P = .020), susceptibility to clarithromycin (7/20, 35% vs 1/24, 4%; P = .015), and be of the C28 sequevar with regard to the erm(41) gene (6/20, 30% vs 1/24, 4%; P = .035). Mycobacterium abscessus lung disease recurred in 5 (15%) patients after successful completion of antibiotic therapy. Genotypic analysis revealed that most episodes (22/24, 92%) of persistently positive cultures during antibiotic treatment and all cases of microbiologic recurrence after treatment completion were caused by different M. abscessus genotypes within a patient.

Conclusions

Precise identification to the subspecies level and analysis of mycobacterial characteristics could help predict treatment outcomes in patients with M. abscessus lung disease. Treatment failures and recurrences are frequently associated with multiple genotypes, suggesting reinfection.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT00970801.
When Is a Partner/LLP Member Not a Partner/LLP Member? The Interface with Employment and Worker Status
Authors: Berry Elspeth
Published: October 2016

The answer to the question of whether a partner can also simultaneously be an employee of his partnership has long been considered to be settled law. However, the introduction of limited liability partnerships (LLPs) in 2001 has not only raised the new question of whether LLP members can also be employees but has, in doing so, reopened the question of the employment status of partners, questions which now need to be viewed in the context of the widespread practice of having both equity and other types of partner/member. Furthermore, with much legislation now giving rights to ‘workers’ rather than employees, the question has arisen of whether LLP members or partners can also simultaneously be workers, regardless of whether they can also be employees. The answers to these questions go to the very heart of what the law regards as an employer–employee or firm–worker relationship, yet recent legislation and jurisprudence have failed to clarify the legal position. This article explores the employee and worker status of partners and LLP members, and the consequences both for them and for the development of the law.
Ionizing radiation regulates long non-coding RNAs in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Beer Lucian , Nemec Lucas , Wagner Tanja , Ristl Robin , Altenburger Lukas M. , Ankersmit Hendrik Jan , Mildner Michael
Published: October 2016

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-protein coding transcripts that modulate mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) expression, thereby controlling multiple cellular processes, including transcriptional regulation of gene expression, cell differentiation and apoptosis. Ionizing radiation (IR), a strong cellular stressor, is known to influence gene expression of irradiated cells, mainly by activation of oxidative processes. Whether and how IR also affects lncRNA expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is still poorly understood. Exposure of PBMCs to IR dose-dependently activated p53 and its downstream target p21, ultimately leading to cell-cycle arrest and/or apoptosis. Cleavage of caspase-3, a specific process during apoptotic cell death, was detectable at doses as low as 30 Gy. Transcriptome analysis of 60 Gy–irradiated PBMCs revealed a strong time-dependent regulation of a variety of lncRNAs. Among many unknown lncRNAs we also identified a significant upregulation of Trp53cor1, MEG3 and TUG1, which have been shown to be involved in the regulation of cell cycle and apoptotic processes mediated by p53. In addition, we found 177 miRNAs regulated in the same samples, including several miRNAs that are known targets of upregulated lncRNAs. Our data show that IR dose-dependently regulates the expression of a wide spectrum of lncRNAs in PBMCs, suggesting a crucial role for lncRNAs in the complex regulatory machinery activated in response to IR.
Traditional and New Food Uses of Pulses
Authors: Sozer Nesli , Holopainen‐Mantila Ulla , Poutanen Kaisa
Published: October 2016

The global production of pulses, such as various peas, beans, lupines, and lentils, is about 77 million metric tons. Pulses are diverse in their traditional food uses in Asia, Africa, and America, where they have been used, for example, in soups, spreads, meal components, snacks, and breakfast items. Having high protein content (about 20–40%), pulses have recently gained interest when alternative sustainable protein sources are considered. Pulses have been used for protein enrichment in pasta and bread, and they also are suitable ingredients in gluten‐free foods. Wet and dry fractionation methods as well as bioprocessing such as germination and fermentation provide useful tools for development of new functional pulse ingredients. The use of pulses is bound to increase in the future, and especially in combination with cereal raw materials they may find new applications meeting both sensory and nutritional needs of consumers on all continents.
Effects of Heat Stress and Cultivar on the Functional Properties of Starch in Chinese Wheat
Authors: Wang Shujun , Li Tiangui , Miao Yongjie , Zhang Yong , He Zhonghu , Wang Shuo
Published: October 2016

Heat stress during the grain‐filling stage is a major limiting factor for improving Chinese wheat production, and its effect on functional properties of flours and starches in 10 leading cultivars from the Yellow and Huai Valleys grown under normal and heat‐stress environments was investigated. Heat stress during the grain‐filling stage decreased total starch content but increased protein and lipid contents of wheat grains. Amylose content of wheat starch was little altered under a heat‐stress environment. Heat stress did not significantly change swelling power and starch solubility of wheat starches but significantly decreased swelling power of wheat flours. Pasting viscosities of wheat starches and flours were affected differentially by heat stress. Heat stress had a significant effect on gelatinization and retrogradation properties of starches. The in vitro enzymatic digestibility of wheat starches was affected slightly by heat stress. Analysis of variance indicated that heat stress had a significant effect on some functional properties of starch and flour, although the largest source of variability in these properties was cultivar.
The structure of the metallo-β-lactamase VIM-2 in complex with a triazolylthioacetamide inhibitor
Authors: Christopeit Tony , Yang Ke-Wu , Yang Shao-Kang , Leiros Hanna-Kirsti S.
Published: October 2016

The increasing number of pathogens expressing metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs), and in this way achieving resistance to β-lactam antibiotics, is a significant threat to global public health. A promising strategy to treat such resistant pathogens is the co-administration of MBL inhibitors together with β-lactam antibiotics. However, an MBL inhibitor suitable for clinical use has not yet been identified. Verona integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamase 2 (VIM-2) is a widespread MBL with a broad substrate spectrum and hence is an interesting drug target for the treatment of β-lactam-resistant infections. In this study, three triazolylthioacetamides were tested as inhibitors of VIM-2. One of the tested compounds showed clear inhibition of VIM-2, with an IC50of 20 µM. The crystal structure of the inhibitor in complex with VIM-2 was obtained by DMSO-free co-crystallization and was solved at a resolution of 1.50 Å. To our knowledge, this is the first structure of a triazolylthioacetamide inhibitor in complex with an MBL. Analysis of the structure shows that the inhibitor binds to the two zinc ions in the active site of VIM-2 and revealed detailed information on the interactions involved. Furthermore, the crystal structure showed that binding of the inhibitor induced a conformational change of the conserved residue Trp87.
Re‐electing the Culprits of the Crisis? Elections in the Aftermath of a Recession
Authors: Indriðason Indriði H. , Önnudóttir Eva H. , Þórisdóttir Hulda , Harðarson Ólafur Þ.
Published: October 2016

Theories of economic voting and electoral accountability suggest that voters punish incumbent governments for poor economic conditions. Incumbents are thus expected to suffer substantially during significant economic crisis but their successor in office will face the difficult task of reviving the economy. The economic crisis may, therefore, negatively affect government parties in subsequent elections even though the economic conditions may, to a large degree, have been inherited from the previous government. It is argued in this article that economic conditions play an important role in such circumstances as they place specific issues on the agenda, which structure the strategies available to the parties. Therefore, the article studies the 2013 Icelandic parliamentary election in which the incumbent government parties suffered a big loss despite having steered the country through an economic recovery. While perceptions of competence and past performance influenced party support, three specific issues thrust on the agenda by the economic crisis – mortgage relief, Icesave and European Union accession/negotiations – help explain why the centre‐right parties were successful in returning to the cabinet.
Developmental DNA methyltransferase expression in the fire ant Solenopsis invicta
Authors: Kay Sasha , Skowronski Daniel , Hunt Brendan G.
Published: October 2016

DNA methylation is accomplished in animals by 2 classes of enzymes known as DNA methyltransferases, DNMT3 and DNMT1, which perform de novo methylation and maintenance methylation, respectively. Several studies of hymenopteran eusocial insects suggest that DNA methylation is capable of influencing developmental plasticity. However, fundamental questions remain about the patterning of DNA methylation during the course of insect development. In this study, we performed quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) on transcripts from the single‐copy orthologs of DNMT1 and DNMT3 in the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. In particular, we assessed the expression of S. invicta Dnmt1 and Dnmt3 mRNA during 7 stages of worker development, among behaviorally distinct adults, and among male and female gonads. Dnmt3 was most highly expressed during embryonic development, whereas Dnmt1 was similarly expressed throughout the course of development. Moreover, Dnmt1 and Dnmt3 were highly expressed in testes and ovaries. Neither Dnmt was significantly differentially expressed among heads of behaviorally distinct adult castes. Our results support the hypothesis that extensive patterning of DNA methylation occurs during gametogenesis and embryogenesis in the insect order Hymenoptera.