bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeled and observed equatorial thermospheric winds and temperatures
Authors: Chartier Alex T. , Makela Jonathan J. , Liu Hanli , Bust Gary S. , Noto John
Published: June 2015

Thermospheric winds and temperatures must be correctly specified to understand the impacts of lower atmosphere processes on the upper atmosphere and to measure the global effects of high‐latitude magnetospheric processes. Fabry‐Perot interferometers can estimate these parameters by measuring the characteristic 630.0 nm emission that is produced at around 250 km altitude. These sophisticated instruments exist at only a few locations globally, so models are often employed to provide wind and temperature estimates elsewhere. This study is composed of two parts. First, observing system simulation experiments estimate the accuracy of Fabry‐Perot interferometer observations using the Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIEGCM) and the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model eXtended (WACCM‐X). Atmospheric observational error sources are found to be very small across two test periods (September 2000 and September 2010) and using two different “truth” models. The largest magnitude wind observation error is found to be 16.9 m/s, root‐mean‐square errors are 2.3 m/s, and the bias is 0.9 m/s. The largest‐magnitude temperature observation error is found to be 63.7 K, root‐mean‐square errors over the test period are 6.7 K, and the bias is 2.8 K. Modeled redline emission altitudes vary by over 100 km, far more than was expected. Second, several models (TIEGCM, WACCM‐X, the Horizontal Wind Model, and the Mass Spectrometer Incoherent Scatter model) are assessed using interferometer winds and temperatures from Cariri and Cajazeiras, Brazil, as ground truth. In the best cases, the models reproduce wind variability without systematic biases but show no ability to predict instantaneous values, although temperatures are modeled more accurately.
Variability of tsunami inundation footprints considering stochastic scenarios based on a single rupture model: Application to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake
Authors: Goda Katsuichiro , Yasuda Tomohiro , Mori Nobuhito , Mai P. Martin
Published: June 2015

The sensitivity and variability of spatial tsunami inundation footprints in coastal cities and towns due to a megathrust subduction earthquake in the Tohoku region of Japan are investigated by considering different fault geometry and slip distributions. Stochastic tsunami scenarios are generated based on the spectral analysis and synthesis method with regards to an inverted source model. To assess spatial inundation processes accurately, tsunami modeling is conducted using bathymetry and elevation data with 50 m grid resolutions. Using the developed methodology for assessing variability of tsunami hazard estimates, stochastic inundation depth maps can be generated for local coastal communities. These maps are important for improving disaster preparedness by understanding the consequences of different situations/conditions, and by communicating uncertainty associated with hazard predictions. The analysis indicates that the sensitivity of inundation areas to the geometrical parameters (i.e., top‐edge depth, strike, and dip) depends on the tsunami source characteristics and the site location, and is therefore complex and highly nonlinear. The variability assessment of inundation footprints indicates significant influence of slip distributions. In particular, topographical features of the region, such as ria coast and near‐shore plain, have major influence on the tsunami inundation footprints.
Timing and structure of Mega‐SACZ events during Heinrich Stadial 1
Authors: Stríkis Nicolás M. , Chiessi Cristiano M. , Cruz Francisco W. , Vuille Mathias , Cheng Hai , de Souza Barreto Eline A. , Mollenhauer Gesine , Kasten Sabine , Karmann Ivo , Edwards R. Lawrence , Bernal Juan Pablo , Sales Hamilton dos Reis
Published: June 2015

A substantial strengthening of the South American monsoon system (SAMS) during Heinrich Stadials (HS) points toward decreased cross‐equatorial heat transport as the main driver of monsoonal hydroclimate variability at millennial time scales. In order to better constrain the exact timing and internal structure of HS1 over tropical South America, we assessed two precisely dated speleothem records from central‐eastern and northeastern Brazil in combination with two marine records of terrestrial organic and inorganic matter input into the western equatorial Atlantic. During HS1, we recognize at least two events of widespread intensification of the SAMS across the entire region influenced by the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ) at 16.11–14.69 kyr B.P. and 18.1–16.66 kyr B.P. (labeled as HS1a and HS1c, respectively), separated by a dry excursion from 16.66 to 16.11 kyr B.P. (HS1b). In view of the spatial structure of precipitation anomalies, the widespread increase of monsoon precipitation over the SACZ domain was termed “Mega‐SACZ.”
The isotopic composition of the Laurentide Ice Sheet and fossil groundwater
Authors: Ferguson Grant , Jasechko Scott
Published: June 2015

Stable isotopes have been used to study large‐scale changes in hydrology during the Pleistocene epoch. Many of these efforts have required an estimate of the δ18O value of runoff generated by melting ice sheets. There is no consensus on representative values. Here we examine δ18O values from fossil groundwater samples and isotope‐enabled general circulation models (GCMs) to better understand the isotopic composition of the Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS). Groundwater δ18O values ranged from −12.5 to −25.3‰ and tended to increase southward. The δ18O precipitation values predicted by GCMs follow a similar trend but increase more steeply southward. The difference in groundwater and GCM output can be explained by invoking movement of glacial ice and meltwater, along with mixing within groundwater systems. Most groundwater δ18O values are higher than an average LIS δ18O value of −25.4 ± 2.5‰ calculated based on estimated ice sheet volumes and sea level data.
Food security and sustainable resource management
Authors: McLaughlin Dennis , Kinzelbach Wolfgang
Published: June 2015

The projected growth in global food demand until mid‐century will challenge our ability to continue recent increases in crop yield and will have a significant impact on natural resources. The water and land requirements of current agriculture are significantly less than global reserves but local shortages are common and have serious impacts on food security. Recent increases in global trade have mitigated some of the effects of spatial and temporal variability. However, trade has a limited impact on low‐income populations who remain dependent on subsistence agriculture and local resources. Potential adverse environmental impacts of increased agricultural production include unsustainable depletion of water and soil resources, major changes in the global nitrogen and phosphorous cycles, human health problems related to excessive nutrient and pesticide use, and loss of habitats that contribute to agricultural productivity. Some typical case studies from China illustrate the connections between the need for increased food production and environmental stress. Sustainable options for decreasing food demand and for increasing production include reduction of food losses on both the producer and consumer ends, elimination of unsustainable practices such as prolonged groundwater overdraft, closing of yield gaps with controlled expansions of fertilizer application, increases in crop yield and pest resistance through advances in biotechnology, and moderate expansion of rain fed and irrigated cropland. Calculations based on reasonable assumptions suggest that such measures could meet the food needs of an increasing global population while protecting the environment.
Storage selection functions: A coherent framework for quantifying how catchments store and release water and solutes
Authors: Rinaldo Andrea , Benettin Paolo , Harman Ciaran J. , Hrachowitz Markus , McGuire Kevin J. , van der Velde Ype , Bertuzzo Enrico , Botter Gianluca
Published: June 2015

We discuss a recent theoretical approach combining catchment‐scale flow and transport processes into a unified framework. The approach is designed to characterize the hydrochemistry of hydrologic systems and to meet the challenges posed by empirical evidence. StorAge Selection functions (SAS) are defined to represent the way catchment storage supplies the outflows with water of different ages, thus regulating the chemical composition of out‐fluxes. Biogeochemical processes are also reflected in the evolving residence time distribution and thus in age‐selection. Here we make the case for the routine use of SAS functions and look forward to areas where further research is needed.
Self‐nucleation–induced nonisothermal crystallization of nylon 6 from the melt
Authors: Li Huizhen , Guo Ran , Liu Yuhai , Liu Shaoxuan , Proniewicz Edyta , Proniewicz Leonard M. , Zhao Ying , Xu Yizhuang , Wu Jinguang
Published: June 2015

The effect of thermal treatment over a wide range of temperature (130–280°C) on the crystallization behavior of nylon 6 was studied by using DSC, FTIR, and polarized light microscope equipped with a hot stage. The crystallization and the subsequent melting behavior of the nylon 6 samples treated at different temperatures (Ts) were classified into four types. When Ts was higher than 236°C or lower than 213°C, the crystallization behavior of nylon 6 was insensitive to the variation of Ts. When Ts was in the range of 213–235°C, the crystallization behavior was sensitive to the change of Ts. The polarized light microscopic experiments have demonstrated that a large amount of tiny ordered nylon 6 segments/cluster persisted when nylon 6 film are heated to 231°C. Consequently, the fastest crystallization speed was observed. As Ts was between 214 and 223°C, both the Tm and the ΔHm were higher than those of the nylon 6 samples treated at other temperature. The polarized light microscopic investigations have also demonstrated that molten nylon 6 crystallizes by using the un‐molten nylon 6 crystals as nucleation center at 220°C. Crystallization at higher temperature produces nylon 6 with thicker crystalline lamella. The above results are helpful for rational design of thermal treatment procedure to obtain nylon 6 with different crystalline features. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42413.
Preparation and properties of acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber–graphene nanocomposites
Authors: Mensah Bismark , Kumar Dinesh , Lim Dong‐Kwon , Kim Seung Gyeom , Jeong Byeong‐Heon , Nah Changwoon
Published: June 2015

The graphene oxide (GO) was prepared by sonication‐induced exfoliation from graphite oxide, which was produced by oxidation from graphite flakes with a modified Hummer's method. The GO was then treated by hydrazine to obtain reduced graphene oxide (rGO). On the basis of the characterization results, the GO was successfully reduced to rGO. Acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (NBR)–GO and NBR–rGO composites were prepared via a solution‐mixing method, and their various physical properties were investigated. The NBR–rGO nanocomposite demonstrated a higher curing efficiency and a change in torque compared to the gum and NBR–GO compounds. This agreed well with the crosslinking density measured by swelling. The results manifested in the high hardness (Shore A) and high tensile modulus of the NBR–rGO compounds. For instance, the tensile modulus at a 0.1‐phr rGO loading greatly increased above 83, 114, and 116% at strain levels of 50, 100, and 200%, respectively, compared to the 0.1‐phr GO loaded sample. The observed enhancement was highly attributed to a homogeneous dispersion of rGO within the NBR matrix; this was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis. However, in view of the high ultimate tensile strength, the NBR–GO compounds exhibited an advantage; this was presumably due to strong hydrogen bonding or polar–polar interactions between the NBR and GO sheets. This interfacial interaction between GO and NBR was supported by the marginal increase in the glass‐transition temperatures of the NBR compounds containing fillers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42457.
Fabrication of co‐continuous poly(ε‐caprolactone)/polyglycolide blend scaffolds for tissue engineering
Authors: Allaf Rula M. , Rivero Iris V. , Ivanov Ilia N.
Published: June 2015

The apparent inability of a single biomaterial to meet all the requirements for tissue engineering scaffolds has led to continual research in novel engineered biomaterials. One method to provide new materials and fine‐tune their properties is via mixing materials. In this study, a biodegradable powder blend of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL), polyglycolide (PGA), and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) was prepared and three‐dimensional interconnected porous PCL/PGA scaffolds were fabricated by combining cryomilling and compression molding/polymer leaching techniques. The resultant porous scaffolds exhibited co‐continuous morphologies with ∼50% porosity. Mean pore sizes of 24 and 56 μm were achieved by varying milling time. The scaffolds displayed high mechanical properties and water uptake, in addition to a remarkably fast degradation rate. The results demonstrate the potential of this fabrication approach to obtain PCL/PGA blend scaffolds with interconnected porosity. In general, these results provide significant insight into an approach that will lead to the development of new composites and blends in scaffold manufacturing. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42471.
Modification and extrusion coating of polylactic acid films
Authors: Cheng Hsiu‐Yu , Yang Yin‐Ju , Li Shu‐Chen , Hong Jian‐Yi , Jang Guang‐Way
Published: June 2015

Polyethylene (PE) extrusion coating on paper substrates are the traditional packing material for coffee cups and take‐out food containers. It is difficult to recycle the PE/paper laminates and the thin polymer films remain in landfills after the decomposition of their paper substrates. Disposal of plastic materials is causing serious effects on our environment and wildlife. Demand for compostable or biodegradable plastic packaging products is increasing because of consumer pressure and legislation. Biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) is regarded as one of the most promising biopolymers with a large market potential, but its applications are limited by poor thermal stability, mechanical properties and processibility. We utilize modified gelatin as additives to improve PLA's performance without compromizing the biomass origin and compostable properties of the material. Extrusion coating, or extrusion casting, of polylactic acid (PLA) films onto paper substrates to form PLA/paper laminates was achieved by modification of the polymer with a plant or animal gelatin. Various paper substrates with thin PLA coatings were prepared using a conventional extrusion coating equipment for the fabrication of take‐out food containers and coffee cups. Melt rheology of PLA and adhesion of the resulting thin film were greatly improved in the presence of a small amount of gelatin in the polymer matrices. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42472.
Silver‐nanoparticle‐Incorporated composite nanofibers for potential wound‐dressing applications
Authors: Dubey Poornima , Bhushan Bharat , Sachdev Abhay , Matai Ishita , Uday Kumar S. , Gopinath P.
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to develop stable and porous poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)–polycaprolactone blended and silver nanoparticle (Ag NP) incorporated composite nanofiber scaffolds as antibacterial wound dressings. A facile approach for the in situ synthesis of Ag NPs was explored. In this synthesis method, N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) was used as a solvent; it also acted as reducing agent for Ag NP formation. The stabilization of Ag NPs in the fibers was accomplished by PEO, which in turn acted as a reducing agent along with DMF. The successful synthesis of crystalline Ag NPs was confirmed by various characterization techniques. Thermogravimetric analysis, wettability, and surface roughness analysis of the nanofibers were done to examine the suitability of the scaffold for wound dressing. The as‐synthesized composite nanofibers possessed good roughness, wettability, and antibacterial potential against recombinant green fluorescent proteins expressing antibiotic‐resistant Escherichia coli. Thus, the nanofiber scaffold fabricated by this approach could serve as an ideal wound dressing. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42473.
Preparation and characterization of transparent and foldable polysiloxane‐poly(methyl methacrylate) membrane with a high refractive index
Authors: Xu Jinku , Zhu Weiyue , Zhang Leilei , Zhang Yongchun
Published: June 2015

In this article, carbazole‐grafted methacrylic polysiloxane (MA‐CZ‐PDMS) macromonomer was synthesized and its structure was confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). The polysiloxane macromonomer can homogeneously copolymerize with methyl methacrylate (MMA) to prepare transparent and foldable carbazole‐grafted polysiloxane‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PDMS‐PMMA) membranes with a high refractive index (RI). The membranes were characterized by light transmittance, RI value, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The results indicated that the carbazole‐grafted PDMS‐PMMA membranes had excellent light transmittance that decreased slightly with increasing carbazole‐grafted polysiloxane content. Incorporation of carbazole‐grafted polysiloxane in the materials improved its RI value; however decreased the glass transmission temperature (Tg) that can be adjusted to less than 30°C, enable the membrane foldable at room temperature. The data demonstrate that the carbazole‐grafted PDMS‐PMMA membranes have a potential application as high RI intraocular lens (IOL) suitable for implantation by minimally invasive surgery. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42491.
Lignin–phenol–formaldehyde resin adhesives prepared with biorefinery technical lignins
Authors: Yang Sheng , Zhang Yue , Yuan Tong‐Qi , Sun Run‐Cang
Published: June 2015

In this study, four biorefinery technical lignins were used to synthesize lignin–phenol–formaldehyde (LPF) resin adhesives with a proposed formulation that was designed based on accurate analysis of the active sites in lignin with 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The properties of the LPF resin adhesives and the plywoods prepared with them were tested. The structural features and curing behavior of the LPF resin adhesives were thoroughly investigated by solution‐ and solid‐state 13C NMR. Results indicated that the proposed formulation exhibited favorable adaptability for all four of these technical lignins for synthesis of LPF resin adhesives. High‐performance plywood with low emissions of formaldehyde could be successfully prepared with the synthesized LPF resin adhesives. All the LPF resin adhesives exhibited similar structure and curing behavior with the commercial phenol–formaldehyde (CPF) resin adhesive. However, the LPF resin adhesives showed relatively higher curing temperatures as compared with the CPF resin adhesive. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42493.
Synthesis, conductivity, and electromagnetic wave absorption properties of chiral poly Schiff bases and their silver complexes
Authors: Li Hengnong , Liu Chongbo , Dai Bing , Tang Xinghua , Zhang Z. John , Xiong Zhiqiang , Liu Xiaoming
Published: June 2015

Four chiral poly Schiff bases were synthesized via polycondensation between l‐lysine and p‐benzoquinone, 1,4‐naphthoquinone, dibenzoyl, and 2,3‐butanedione, respectively. Subsequently, the silver coordination polymers of the chiral poly Schiff base were prepared upon silver ions coordinating with the chiral poly Schiff bases. The structures of the polymers were characterized with IR, UV‐vis, GPC, elemental analysis, and optical activity analysis. The properties of polymers were studied through conductivity testing and electromagnetic parameter testing. The results show that they own good electrical conductvities, and the electrical conductivity of chiral poly‐(l‐lysine(2,3‐butanedione)) Schiff base silver complex can reach 3.7 × 102 S/cm. The electromagnetic wave absorption properties of four silver complexes were calculated using transmission line theory, the maximum reflection loss of chiral poly‐(l‐lysine(p‐benzoquinone)) Schiff base silver complex can reach −45.9 dB at a thickness of 5 mm, while that of achiral poly‐(dl‐lysine(p‐benzoquinone)) Schiff base silver complex is −20.1 dB at a thickness of 5 mm. The enhanced microwave absorbing properties were attributed to the chiral feature. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42498.
Microfiltration membranes functionalized with multiple styrenic homopolymer and block copolymer grafts
Authors: Shethji Jayraj K. , Ritchie Stephen M. C.
Published: June 2015

The pores of microfiltration polyethersulfone membranes have been functionalized with homopolymer and block copolymer grafts through sequential cationic polymerization of styrene and substituted styrene monomers, namely 4‐chloromethylstyrene and 4‐ethoxystyrene. 1H NMR characterization confirmed successful incorporation of polymeric grafts at different stages of functionalization. The functionalized membrane showed a 90% decrease in membrane permeability compared to the raw membrane indicating the presence of polymeric chains in the membrane flow path. Functionalized membranes have as many as 125 repeat units per chain equating to an ion‐exchange capacity (IEC) of 4.9 meq/g, representing 92% of the theoretical IEC of an ion‐exchange resin. A pseudo‐first‐order kinetic equation correlated well (R2 ∼ 0.99) with the experimental kinetic data of formation of polymeric grafts. Polymer growth studies showed that at lower initiator surface density (initiator contact time <135 min), graft length and IEC were impacted by monomer feed concentration and initiator contact time. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42501.
Effect of the compatibility on dielectric performance and breakdown strength of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/low‐density polyethylene blends
Authors: Lin Xiang , Fan Li‐Li , Zhao Jun , Dang Zhi‐Min , Ren Dong‐Yun
Published: June 2015

Immiscible polymer blends with high dielectric constant (ε) and improved breakdown strength (Eb) performance were obtained by composing poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) with low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) or the LDPE grafted with maleic anhydride (LDPE‐g‐MAH) through melt‐blending way. The dielectric properties of these blends were emphasized for considering the compatibility effect on the energy storage application. Interface morphology, co‐continuity behavior, and grafted ratio were simultaneously investigated to detect the compatibility enhancement after introducing MAH. Results showed that the MAH positively improved the dielectric properties. Both the measured Eb of PVDF/LDPE and PVDF/LDPE‐g‐MAH blends showed a minimum value at vPVDF = 50 vol % because of the worst compatibility; meanwhile, higher Eb of PVDF/LDPE‐g‐MAH than that of PVDF/LDPE blend was observed owing to the better compatibility. For considering the effect interface morphology on the dielectric performance, layer‐structure films composing with pure PVDF and LDPE layers were further constructed and studied. It was revealed that the layered structure could be treated as a helpful way to improve ε and Eb for immiscible polymer blends. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42507.
Environmental effects on the adhesion properties of nanostructured epoxy‐silica hybrids
Authors: Lionetto Francesca , Frigione Mariaenrica
Published: June 2015

A nanostructured epoxy‐silica hybrid based on epoxy systems with interpenetrating silica domains was designed for a possible use as a structural adhesive for civil engineering applications. Silica domains were obtained in situ during the curing of the thermosetting matrix by means of the sol‐gel process, which was able to chemically bind the organic phase with the inorganic one. To assess the ability of the developed epoxy‐silica hybrid system of overcoming some of the well known deficiencies of conventional epoxy adhesives used in civil engineering field, the environmental effects on the adhesion properties of these novel systems were investigated. First, flexural tests were undertaken on cast epoxy‐silica specimens to determine the mechanical properties of the nanostructured adhesive when exposed to different environmental conditions, that is, moderate temperature or immersion in water. For comparison purposes, a control sample of epoxy resin, representative of a commercially available adhesive, was tested after the same exposure regimes. In order to assess their durability in service, concrete/concrete joints, bonded or with the hybrid epoxy‐silica or with the control epoxy adhesive, were exposed to the same environmental conditions and subjected to adhesion tests according to the “slant shear test.” The results obtained on both cast specimens and concrete/concrete adhesive joints proved the significantly better retention of properties of the nanostructured organic–inorganic adhesive compared to the control resin after exposure to moderate temperature or immersion in water. This constitutes a distinct advantage of the hybrid system over the corresponding conventional epoxy resins cured at ambient temperature for civil engineering applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42514.
Mechanical, rheological, and electrical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube reinforced ASA/Na‐ionomer blend
Authors: Datta Pulak , Guha Chandan , Sarkhel Gautam
Published: June 2015

Varying amounts of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was melt‐extruded with the acrylonitrile‐styrene‐acrylate (ASA)/Na‐ionomer blend, and mechanical, rheological, and electrical properties were studied Optical micrographs show good dispersion level at low MWCNT content and network formation at higher nanotubes percentage. DC conductivity model data shows percolation threshold reached at 1% MWCNT content and after percolation, two‐dimensional network structure was formed. The “peak and valley” type surface topology of matrix may be responsible for low percolation threshold limit. The polymer/nanotubes interactions at low MWCNT content increased the mechanical strengths, which were reduced by the network structure and agglomerates of nanotubes at higher nanotubes content. The MWCNTs interacted differently with the architecturally complex polymer chains and controlled chain dynamics accordingly. The Carreau‐Yasuda model was found fit to viscosity data and the model parameters data suggest the zero shear viscosity is function of MWCNTs content but the infinite shear viscosity is independent of nanoparticles content. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42516.
Can Neurotypical Individuals Read Autistic Facial Expressions? Atypical Production of Emotional Facial Expressions in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Brewer Rebecca , Biotti Federica , Catmur Caroline , Press Clare , Happé Francesca , Cook Richard , Bird Geoffrey
Published: June 2015

The difficulties encountered by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when interacting with neurotypical (NT, i.e. nonautistic) individuals are usually attributed to failure to recognize the emotions and mental states of their NT interaction partner. It is also possible, however, that at least some of the difficulty is due to a failure of NT individuals to read the mental and emotional states of ASD interaction partners. Previous research has frequently observed deficits of typical facial emotion recognition in individuals with ASD, suggesting atypical representations of emotional expressions. Relatively little research, however, has investigated the ability of individuals with ASD to produce recognizable emotional expressions, and thus, whether NT individuals can recognize autistic emotional expressions. The few studies which have investigated this have used only NT observers, making it impossible to determine whether atypical representations are shared among individuals with ASD, or idiosyncratic. This study investigated NT and ASD participants’ ability to recognize emotional expressions produced by NT and ASD posers. Three posing conditions were included, to determine whether potential group differences are due to atypical cognitive representations of emotion, impaired understanding of the communicative value of expressions, or poor proprioceptive feedback. Results indicated that ASD expressions were recognized less well than NT expressions, and that this is likely due to a genuine deficit in the representation of typical emotional expressions in this population. Further, ASD expressions were equally poorly recognized by NT individuals and those with ASD, implicating idiosyncratic, rather than common, atypical representations of emotional expressions in ASD. Autism Res 2016, 9: 262–271. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
LC/MS/MS determination and pharmacokinetic study of iridoid glycosides monotropein and deacetylasperulosidic acid isomers in rat plasma after oral administration of Morinda officinalis extract
Authors: Li Chunmin , Dong Jian , Tian Jingchang , Deng Zhipeng , Song Xiujing
Published: June 2015

Morinda officinalis is a famous traditional Chinese medicine containing iridoid glycoside compounds, such as monotropein and deacetylasperulosidic acid. The aim of the study was to develop a novel and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for the simultaneous determination of the two isomeric iridoid glycosides and then evaluate their pharmacokinetic properties in rats. Selected‐reaction monitoring mode was employed for quantification of two analytes in rat plasma. The calibration curves were linear over their respective concentration range with correlation coefficient >0.995 for both analytes. Precision for monotropein and deacetylasperulosidic acid ranged from 2.5 to 11.9% relative standard deviation, and the accuracy of two analytes was −2.0–3.7 and −6.4–10.7% relative error, respectively. This method was successfully applied in pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of M. officinalis extract in rats. The results provided a basis for further research on the bioactivity of M. officinalis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Critical Intermediates Reveal New Biosynthetic Events in the Enigmatic Colibactin Pathway
Authors: Li Zhong‐Rui , Li Yongxin , Lai Jennifer Y. H. , Tang Jianqiang , Wang Bin , Lu Liang , Zhu Guoqiang , Wu Xiyang , Xu Ying , Qian Pei‐Yuan
Published: June 2015

Colibactin is a potent genotoxin that induces DNA double‐strand breaks; it is produced by Escherichia coli strains harboring a pks+ island. However, the structure of this compound remains elusive. Here, using transformation‐associated recombination (TAR) cloning to perform heterologous expression, we took advantage of the significantly increased yield of colibactin pathway‐related compounds to determine and isolate a series of vital (pre)colibactin intermediates. The chemical structures of compounds 8, 10 and 11 were identified by NMR and MSn analyses. The new 1H‐pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyridine‐3,6(2H,5H)‐dione‐ and thiazole‐containing compound 10 provides new insights regarding the biosynthetic pathway to (pre)colibactin and establishes foundations for future investigation of the intriguing (pre)colibactin structures and its modes of action.
Residence Time Distribution of Particles in a Screw Feeder: Experimental and Modelling Study
Authors: Huo Chaofei , Fan Chuigang , Feng Ping , Lin Weigang , Song Wenli
Published: June 2015

Experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of screw speed and screw feeder inclination on the residence time distribution (RTD) of particles in a screw feeder via a pulse stimulus response technique. Two models based on Markov chains were developed to simulate particle flows within and between pitches. In upward and horizontal screw feeder inclination cases, a three‐parameter two‐dimensional Markov chain model consisting of parallel active and stagnant zones fitted well with the experimental RTD data, with correlation coefficients (R2) higher than 0.98, and gave a clear physical meaning for the parameters introduced. In these cases, a high screw speed or a horizontal inclination induced a high probability of forward movement from a pitch to the next pitch (f) during each rotation period of the screw, and a low ratio of stagnant zone to active zone (r) in a pitch. The upward screw feeder inclination yielded a higher diffusion probability from stagnant zone to active zone (d). In the downward screw feeder inclination case, a one‐dimensional Markov chain model without a stagnant zone was in agreement with the corresponding experimental data. The analysis showed that during each rotation period of the screw, the particles in a pitch could be transferred not only to the next pitch but also to the following two pitches.
Viscosity Modulation by Magnetic Field for Colloidal Polyelectrolyte Brushes
Authors: Wen Yicun , Zhang Rui , Li Qingsong , Chen Kaimin , Li Li , Guo Xuhong
Published: June 2015

Aqueous dispersions of magnetic spherical polyelectrolyte brushes (MSPB) are prepared by mini‐emulsion followed by photo‐emulsion polymerization. Their viscosity increases dramatically upon increasing the intensity of an external magnetic field, showing the “magnetoviscous effect.” Unlike general magnetic nano‐particles, the increase in viscosity of MSPB cannot be described by Shliomis's theory, probably due to the covering of a spherical polyelectrolyte brush layer. MSPB rheology is also tunable by pH, and the brushes can stay in atmospheric conditions for months without changes in particle size and size distribution, which should make them ideal candidates for a broad range of industrial applications. The future applications of our multifunctional magnetic responsive system are promising.
Fabrication of TiO2/MoS2 Composite Photocatalyst and Its Photocatalytic Mechanism for Degradation of Methyl Orange under Visible Light
Authors: Zhang Weiping , Xiao Xinyan , Zheng Lili , Wan Caixia
Published: June 2015

A novel TiO2/MoS2 composite photocatalyst with high visible‐light activity was prepared via a one‐step hydrothermal process using titaniumtetrachloride (TiCl4) as a titanium resource and bulk MoS2 as a direct photosensitizer. The photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) in aqueous suspension was employed to evaluate the visible light activity of the as‐prepared composite photocatalyst with a xenon lamp as simulated solar irradiation. The chemical composition, optical properties, morphology, structure, and thermal stability of the composite photocatalysts were characterized using XPS, UV‐vis, FS, SEM, XRD, and TGA. The as‐prepared photocatalysts exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity from the experiment on the degradation of methyl orange, compared to the performance of commercial titania (Degussa P25). The degradation rate of MO can reach over 90 % in 10 min when the molar ratio of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) to titanium dioxide (TiO2) is 0.8:50 and the mass concentration of the TiO2/MoS2 composite photocatalyst is 400 mg/L. In this research, a new fabrication mode of TiO2/MoS2/TiO2 was applied for fabricating new hybridized structures of nano‐TiO2/MoS2 by using bulk MoS2 as a direct photosensitizer, which changed the energy levels of the conduction band of MoS2 and strongly promoted interparticle electron transfer. In addition, this hybridization structure was believed to have a synergistic effect in the process of photocatalytic oxidation owing to increasing the degree of charge carrier separation, which effectively reduced recombination and improved the photocatalytic activity of the TiO2/MoS2 composite photocatalyst.
Unsupervised lineage‐based characterization of primate precursors reveals high proliferative and morphological diversity in the OSVZ
Authors: Pfeiffer Michael , Betizeau Marion , Waltispurger Julie , Pfister Sabina Sara , Douglas Rodney J. , Kennedy Henry , Dehay Colette
Published: June 2015

Generation of the primate cortex is characterized by the diversity of cortical precursors and the complexity of their lineage relationships. Recent studies have reported miscellaneous precursor types based on observer classification of cell biology features including morphology, stemness, and proliferative behavior. Here we use an unsupervised machine learning method for Hidden Markov Trees (HMTs), which can be applied to large datasets to classify precursors on the basis of morphology, cell‐cycle length, and behavior during mitosis. The unbiased lineage analysis automatically identifies cell types by applying a lineage‐based clustering and model‐learning algorithm to a macaque corticogenesis dataset. The algorithmic results validate previously reported observer classification of precursor types and show numerous advantages: It predicts a higher diversity of progenitors and numerous potential transitions between precursor types. The HMT model can be initialized to learn a user‐defined number of distinct classes of precursors. This makes it possible to 1) reveal as yet undetected precursor types in view of exploring the significant features of precursors with respect to specific cellular processes; and 2) explore specific lineage features. For example, most precursors in the experimental dataset exhibit bidirectional transitions. Constraining the directionality in the HMT model leads to a reduction in precursor diversity following multiple divisions, thereby suggesting that one impact of bidirectionality in corticogenesis is to maintain precursor diversity. In this way we show that unsupervised lineage analysis provides a valuable methodology for investigating fundamental features of corticogenesis. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:535–563, 2016. © 2015 The Authors The Journal of Comparative Neurology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bilateral lesions in a specific subregion of posterior insular cortex impair conditioned taste aversion expression in rats
Authors: Schier Lindsey A. , Blonde Ginger D. , Spector Alan C.
Published: June 2015

The gustatory cortex (GC) is widely regarded for its integral role in the acquisition and retention of conditioned taste aversions (CTAs) in rodents, but large lesions in this area do not always result in CTA impairment. Recently, using a new lesion mapping system, we found that severe CTA expression deficits were associated with damage to a critical zone that included the posterior half of GC in addition to the insular cortex (IC) that is just dorsal and caudal to this region (visceral cortex). Lesions in anterior GC were without effect. Here, neurotoxic bilateral lesions were placed in the anterior half of this critical damage zone, at the confluence of the posterior GC and the anterior visceral cortex (termedIC2), the posterior half of this critical damage zone that contains just VC (termedIC3), or both of these subregions (IC2+ IC3). Then, pre‐ and postsurgically acquired CTAs (to 0.1 M NaCl and 0.1 M sucrose, respectively) were assessed postsurgically in 15‐minute one‐bottle and 96‐hour two‐bottle tests. Li‐injected rats with histologically confirmed bilateral lesions in IC2exhibited the most severe CTA deficits, whereas those with bilateral lesions in IC3were relatively normal, exhibiting transient disruptions in the one‐bottle sessions. Groupwise lesion maps showed that CTA‐impaired rats had more extensive damage to IC2than did unimpaired rats. Some individual differences in CTA expression among rats with similar lesion profiles were observed, suggesting idiosyncrasies in the topographic representation of information in the IC. Nevertheless, this study implicates IC2as the critical zone of the IC for normal CTA expression. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:54–73, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative analysis of glucagonergic cells, glia, and the circumferential marginal zone in the reptilian retina
Authors: Todd Levi , Suarez Lilianna , Squires Natalie , Zelinka Christopher Paul , Gribbins Kevin , Fischer Andy J.
Published: June 2015

Retinal progenitors in the circumferential marginal zone (CMZ) and Müller glia‐derived progenitors have been well described for the eyes of fish, amphibians, and birds. However, there is no information regarding a CMZ and the nature of retinal glia in species phylogenetically bridging amphibians and birds. The purpose of this study was to examine the retinal glia and investigate whether a CMZ is present in the eyes of reptilian species. We used immunohistochemical analyses to study retinal glia, neurons that could influence CMZ progenitors, the retinal margin, and the nonpigmented epithelium of ciliary body of garter snakes, queen snakes, anole lizards, snapping turtles, and painted turtles. We compare our observations on reptile eyes to the CMZ and glia of fish, amphibians, and birds. In all species, Sox9, Pax6, and the glucocorticoid receptor are expressed by Müller glia and cells at the retinal margin. However, proliferating cells were found only in the CMZ of turtles and not in the eyes of anoles and snakes. Similar to eyes of chickens, the retinal margin in turtles contains accumulations of GLP1/glucagonergic neurites. We find that filamentous proteins, vimentin and GFAP, are expressed by Müller glia, but have different patterns of subcellular localization in the different species of reptiles. We provide evidence that the reptile retina may contain nonastrocytic inner retinal glial cells, similar to those described in the avian retina. We conclude that the retinal glia, glucagonergic neurons, and CMZ of turtles appear to be most similar to those of fish, amphibians, and birds. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:74–89, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Robust wireless signal indoor localization
Authors: Kong Liang , Bauer Gavin , Hale John
Published: June 2015

Localization is a key enabler of context awareness in computing environments. This paper presents a technique for indoor localization using wireless signal strength from mobile devices. The method described treats locations as fuzzy sets and fuzzifies signal strength‐related features to define membership. Membership values are then fused from multiple sources using a rule engine to deduce objective location values. The principal benefits of this technique are that it requires little or no calibration and that it can be used with widely available commercial devices. Simulation shows that this technique is robust to errors and provides reasonable accuracy. Applications to collaborative workflow and human computer interaction are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distance‐bounding trust protocol in anonymous radio‐frequency identification systems
Authors: Yang Fan , Zhang Fengli , Wang Jiahao , Qin Zhiguang , Yuan Xiaolu
Published: June 2015

Both distance fraud attacks and relay attacks threaten radio‐frequency identification (RFID) applications but are hard to prevent. Existing approaches can neither avoid tags to response the rouge reader's challenges nor have the simultaneous feature to defend the two kinds of attacks. In a first step, this paper presents an improved distance‐bounding protocol that a tag deduces the distance to a reader and reports if the reader is honest or malicious through the output of trust values that can defend distance fraud. When multiple readers are synchronized and scheduled, we just logically threat them as one. So our solutions fix a flaw in prior work that may be leveraged by attackers to increase the successful rate of discovering relay attack. Secondly, we deploy trusted third party architecture to provide anonymity for tags in anonymous RFID systems without requiring tag identifiers. Existing distance‐based attack detection methods are not applicable in anonymous RFID systems because of the requirement of awareness of tag identifiers. This insight inspires Distance‐Bounding Trust Protocol (DBTP), which is for both distance fraud and relay attacks detection in anonymous RFID systems. DBTP can make correct decisions through trust values in accepting or rejecting a reader's challenge by establishing collaborations and trust relationship between one reader (verifier) and active tags (provers). We evaluate the performance of DBTP through theoretical analysis and extensive simulations. The results show that DBTP can detect both distance fraud and relay attacks, and it is effective to guarantee security for anonymous RFID systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reflections on science gateways sustainability through the business model canvas: case study of a neuroscience gateway
Authors: Shahand S. , van Duffelen J. , Olabarriaga S. D.
Published: June 2015

The sustainability of science gateways has been a topic of active discussion because they have been created and supported in the context of temporary research and infrastructure projects. As successful projects come to an end, it is necessary to find (new) models to secure continuous exploitation of products generated by these projects. Taking this step requires business considerations that are not trivial to do from the role of a researcher. This paper presents our experiences in adopting a methodology from lean business development, the Business Model Canvas (BMC). This methodology enables structured reflection upon the business model and facilitates exploring alternative ones (pivoting). We have applied the BMC to one of the science gateways designed, developed, and operated by the Academic Medical Center (AMC) e‐Science group: the AMC Computational Neuroscience Gateway. The current gateway BMC is explained in the paper and used as basis for a reflection to improve its sustainability. Alternative business models are given as examples of BMC iteration or pivots. This exercise helped us to structure the various aspects to be considered when designing or reflecting upon the business model of our gateway. It also facilitated the visualization of the complete business picture and helps the reflection about improvements in the business model toward sustainability. We believe that this methodology could be valuable also for the reflection about sustainability of other science gateways that are growing from academic groups that do not have business training. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.