bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Media and Supplements on Initiation and Expansion of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Riis Simone , Nielsen Frederik Mølgaard , Pennisi Cristian Pablo , Zachar Vladimir , Fink Trine
Published: February 2016

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are being tested in clinical trials related to cell-based regenerative therapies. Although most of the current expansion protocols for ASCs use fetal calf serum (FCS), xenogeneic-free medium supplements are greatly desired. This study aims to compare the effect of FCS, human platelet lysate (hPL), and a fully defined medium on the initiation and maintenance of ASC cultures. ASCs obtained from five donors were cultured in five different media: StemPro, Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% hPL, or α-minimum essential medium (A-MEM) supplemented with 5% hPL, 10% hPL, or 10% FCS. The effect of media on proliferation, colony-forming units (CFUs), attachment, and morphology was assessed along with cell size, granularity, and immunophenotype. StemPro greatly compromised the initiation of ASC cultures, which could not survive more than a few passages. Cells cultured in A-MEM proliferated at a faster rate than in DMEM, and hPL significantly enhanced cell size, granularity, and proliferation compared with FCS. All media except StemPro supported CFUs equally well. Analysis of surface markers revealed higher levels of CD73 and CD105 in FCS-cultured ASCs, whereas increased levels of CD146 were found in hPL-cultured cells. Multiparametric flow cytometric analysis performed after seven passages revealed the existence of four distinct ASC subpopulations, all positive for CD73, CD90, and CD105, which mainly differed by their expression of CD146 and CD271. Analysis of the different subpopulations might represent an important biological measure when assessing different medium formulations for a particular clinical application.

Significance

In most clinical trials using adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), the cells have been expanded in culture media supplemented with fetal calf serum. However, there is much interest in replacing fetal calf serum with human platelet lysate or using completely serum- and xenogeneic-free media. This study found that culture in fetal calf serum versus human platelet lysate had a significant effect on the degree of expression of stem cell–associated surface markers. These results underscore the need to carefully investigate the effect of culture media on ASC behavior before committing to one medium type for clinical use.
A Removability Result for Holomorphic Functions of Several Complex Variables
Authors: Juhani Riihentaus
Published: February 2016

Suppose that Ω is a domain of Cn, n > 1, E ⊂ Ω closed in W, the Hausdorff measure H2n-1(E)=0, and f is holomorphic in Ω/E. It is a classical result of Besicovitch that if n = 1 and f is bounded, then f has a unique holomorphic extension to Ω. Using an important result of Federer, Shiffman extended Besicovitch’s result to the general case of arbitrary number of several complex variables, that is, for n > 1. Now we give a related result, replacing the boundedness condition of f by certain integrability conditions of f and of ∂2f/∂z2j, j=1,2,…,n.
Combining Ability Estimates for Yield and Fiber Quality Parameters in Gossypium Hirsutum L. Hybrids
Authors: Mah-e-Jabeen Memon  , Moula Bux Kumbhar  , Muhammad Jurial Rind  , Mohammad Ibrahim Keerio  , Shabana Memon
Published: February 2016

General and specific combining ability effects were discriminated in different parents and offspring to isolate the potential of genotypes used in diallel system to attain the genetic inheritance pattern ascertain with the nature of gene action. A six-by-six, hirsutum diallel excluding reciprocals, was analyzed for general and specific combining ability estimates and components of genetic variation to investigate the genetic retrospect and inheritance pattern of eleven quantitative and fiber quality characters. Hirsutum cultivars included CIM-506, BH-160, NIAB-111, CIM-497, NIAB-999 and RH-510. Some of the traits like boll number, boll weight and sympodia plant-1 did not reveal the highest GCA scoring parent for seed cotton yield. The ranking order for GCAs of the parents was not maintained from F1 to F2diallel set and the ranking order of the hybrids with respect to their SCA values was also not maintainable from F1 to F2 diallel set. Thus the hybrids could not maintain their superiority (or inferiority) of their SCA values.
Exploring Mindfulness Techniques in Physical Therapy to Address Motor Skill Acquisition: A Perspective Piece
Authors: Genevieve Pinto Zipp  , Stephanie Bryan
Published: February 2016

This perspectives piece provides a theoretical frame supporting the exploration of mindfulness techniques as a complimentary interventions strategies for physical therapy interventions to promote motor skill learning especially under dual tasking conditions.
Los efectos profesionales de la crisis de la televisión pública española: el creador audiovisual low cost y las nuevas tecnologías
Authors: Heredero Díaz Olga , Reyes Sánchez Francisco Jaime
Published: February 2016

El sector televisivo español, en el que los efectos de la crisis económica y la falta de alternativas de financiación hacen estragos, se configura a nivel nacional como un pseudo-oligopolio en torno a una entidad pública, TVE, y dos grandes grupos empresariales audiovisuales, Mediaset, con Telecinco y Cuatro como principales cadenas, y Atresmedia, con Antena 3 y La Sexta.  Las consecuencias del cambio de modelo que ha transformado TVE en una entidad financiada con recursos públicos, sin publicidad comercial y con una política de programas a coste cero, junto con la renovación tecnológica, la democratización de la difusión de contenidos de elaboración propia y el abaratamiento de costes, marca el día a día de los nuevos creadores low cost, que deben adaptarse a los efectos profesionales de la crisis de la radiotelevisión pública para no quedarse fuera de un mercado cada vez más competitivo e incierto. La descripción de dichos efectos, tanto en el sistema de trabajo del creador audiovisual del siglo XXI, como en su perfil profesional, junto a la identificación de los factores causantes de su reconversión, son los objetivos de esta investigación. Así, mediante una revisión bibliográfica y un análisis cualitativo con entrevistas en profundidad, no estructuradas, a los profesionales implicados, el artículo verifica sus dos hipótesis de partida: por un lado, que la transformación del sistema de trabajo del creador audiovisual en TVE ha incrementado su precariedad y, por otro, que su perfil profesional se ha ampliado a áreas funcionales no artísticas (financiación, producción, edición, etc.).
Fiabilité d’un dispositif d’évaluation de l’habileté à déterminer le résultat d’une chaîne d’opérations chez des élèves québécois du secondaire
Authors: Hébert Marie-Hélène , Valois Pierre , Scallon Gérard , Frenette Éric
Published: February 2016

La présente étude examine la possibilité d’évaluer avec un bon niveau de fiabilité l’habileté des élèves à déterminer le résultat d’une chaîne d’opérations en respectant la priorité des opérations. Selon le devis de recherche, deux facteurs liés à l’énoncé du problème ont été manipulés : son degré de réalisme et la complétude de ses données. À la suite d’une préexpérimentation, un ensemble de 12 problèmes ont été présentés à 82 élèves québécois de première secondaire. Afin d’évaluer les qualités édumétriques du dispositif d’évaluation constitué, les données ont été analysées au moyen de la théorie de la généralisabilité. Des coefficients de généralisabilité inférieurs à la limite jugée satisfaisante révèlent que le dispositif d’évaluation n’est pas assez fiable pour assurer la différenciation des élèves en regard de leur habileté à déterminer le résultat d’une chaîne d’opérations. Les résultats démontrent la difficulté d’évaluer avec un bon niveau de fiabilité l’habileté des élèves lorsque sont manipulés deux facteurs liés à l’énoncé du problème : son degré de réalisme et la complétude de ses données.
Beyond optical enhancement due to embedded metal nanoparticles in thin-film solar cells
Authors: Mopurisetty Sundara Murthy , Bajaj Mohit , Ganguly Swaroop
Published: February 2016

Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) inside the active layer of thin-film solar cells are considered promising for light trapping, but they have also engendered concerns over their adverse impact on transport properties. Contrary to expectations, coupled optical and electrical simulations indicate that a purely electrical effect due to MNPs might result in an enhancement of the cell performance in addition to the gain from optical (plasmonic) effects. This electrical enhancement strongly depends on the MNP/semiconductor barrier height. On the other hand, the anticipated degradation due to trap states and surface recombination at the MNP/semiconductor interface may in fact be negligible.
Observation of localized states in bulk GaAs using ultrafast photocurrent beat spectroscopy
Authors: Tahara Hirokazu , Kanemitsu Yoshihiko
Published: February 2016

We report photocurrent (PC)-generation processes in bulk GaAs at low temperatures revealed by PC beat spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. Because the time-domain PC spectroscopy is highly sensitive to PC-generation processes, several PC generation sites, including localized states, were identified. The difference between the PC beat and PL spectra shows that a non-luminescent bound-exciton state predominantly generates PC at intermediate temperatures, which is difficult to observe using steady-state PC and PL measurements. Thus, PC beat spectroscopy provides detailed understanding of the PC-generation processes in semiconductors.
Nanopublication beyond the sciences: the PeriodO period gazetteer
Authors: Golden Patrick , Shaw Ryan
Published: February 2016

The information expressed in humanities datasets is inextricably tied to a wider discursive environment that is irreducible to complete formal representation. Humanities scholars must wrestle with this fact when they attempt to publish or consume structured data. The practice of “nanopublication,” which originated in the e-science domain, offers a way to maintain the connection between formal representations of humanities data and its discursive basis. In this paper we describe nanopublication, its potential applicability to the humanities, and our experience curating humanities nanopublications in the PeriodO period gazetteer.
Dissolved organic carbon in the deep Southern Ocean: Local versus distant controls
Authors: Bercovici Sarah K. , Hansell Dennis A.
Published: February 2016

The global ocean contains a massive reservoir (662 ± 32 Pg C) of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and its dynamics, particularly in the deepest zones, are only slowly being understood. DOC in the deep ocean is ubiquitously low in concentration (~35 to 48 µmol kg−1) and aged (4000 to 6000 years), persisting for multiple meridional overturning circulations. Deep waters relatively enriched in DOC form in the North Atlantic, migrate to the Southern Ocean to mix with waters from Antarctic shelves and the deep Pacific and Indian Oceans, in turn forming the voluminous waters of the Circumpolar Deep Water. Here we seek evidence for local (autochthonous) versus distant (allochthonous) processes in determining the distribution of DOC in the deep Southern Ocean. Prior analyses on DOC in the deep Southern Ocean have conflicted, describing both conservative and nonconservative traits: the deep DOC field has been reported as uniform in distribution, yet local inputs have been suggested as quantitatively important. We use multiple approaches (multiple linear regression, mass transport, and mass balance calculations) with data from Climate Variability and Predictability Repeat Hydrography sections to evaluate the system. We find that DOC concentrations in the deep Southern Ocean largely reflect the conservative mixing of the several deep waters entering the system from the north. Mass balance suggests that the relatively depleted DOC radiocarbon content in the deep Southern Ocean is a conserved property as well. These analyses advance our understanding of the controls on the DOC reservoir of the Southern Ocean.
A mass budget for mercury and methylmercury in the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Soerensen Anne L. , Jacob Daniel J. , Schartup Amina T. , Fisher Jenny A. , Lehnherr Igor , St. Louis Vincent L. , Heimbürger Lars‐Eric , Sonke Jeroen E. , Krabbenhoft David P. , Sunderland Elsie M.
Published: February 2016

Elevated biological concentrations of methylmercury (MeHg), a bioaccumulative neurotoxin, are observed throughout the Arctic Ocean, but major sources and degradation pathways in seawater are not well understood. We develop a mass budget for mercury species in the Arctic Ocean based on available data since 2004 and discuss implications and uncertainties. Our calculations show that high total mercury (Hg) in Arctic seawater relative to other basins reflect large freshwater inputs and sea ice cover that inhibits losses through evasion. We find that most net MeHg production (20 Mg a−1) occurs in the subsurface ocean (20–200 m). There it is converted to dimethylmercury (Me2Hg: 17 Mg a−1), which diffuses to the polar mixed layer and evades to the atmosphere (14 Mg a−1). Me2Hg has a short atmospheric lifetime and rapidly degrades back to MeHg. We postulate that most evaded Me2Hg is redeposited as MeHg and that atmospheric deposition is the largest net MeHg source (8 Mg a−1) to the biologically productive surface ocean. MeHg concentrations in Arctic Ocean seawater are elevated compared to lower latitudes. Riverine MeHg inputs account for approximately 15% of inputs to the surface ocean (2.5 Mg a−1) but greater importance in the future is likely given increasing freshwater discharges and permafrost melt. This may offset potential declines driven by increasing evasion from ice‐free surface waters. Geochemical model simulations illustrate that for the most biologically relevant regions of the ocean, regulatory actions that decrease Hg inputs have the capacity to rapidly affect aquatic Hg concentrations.
Effects of crystallization and bubble nucleation on the seismic properties of magmas
Authors: Tripoli Barbara Andrea , Cordonnier Benoit , Zappone Alba , Ulmer Peter
Published: February 2016

Seismic tomography of potentially hazardous volcanoes is a prime tool to assess the location and dimensions of magmatic reservoirs. Seismic velocities are strongly affected by processes occurring within the conduit or in the magma chamber, such as crystallization and bubble exsolution. However, the limited number of constrained measurements does not allow yet to link seismic tomography and the textural state of a particular volcanic system. In this study, we investigated a chemically simplified melt in the system CaO‐Na2O‐Al2O3‐SiO2‐H2O‐CO2, which undergoes plagioclase crystallization and bubble exsolution. A Paterson‐type internally heated gas pressure apparatus was employed to measure ultrasonic velocities at a constant pressure of 250 MPa and at temperature from 850 to 700°C. Magmatic processes such as crystallization, bubble nucleation, and coalescence have been recognized throughout the measurements of seismic velocities in the laboratory. Compression and shear wave velocities increase nonlinearly during crystallization. At a crystal fraction exceeding 0.45, the formation of a crystal network favors the propagation of seismic waves through magmatic liquids. However, bubble nucleation induced by crystallization leads to an increase of magma compressibility resulting in a lowering of the wave propagation velocities. These two processes occur simultaneously and have a competing influence on the seismic properties of magmas. In addition, as already observed by previous authors, when the bubble fraction is less than 0.10, the decrease in seismic velocities is more pronounced than for higher bubble fractions. The effect of bubble coalescence on elastic properties is thus lower than the effect of bubble nucleation.
Comprehensive Pb‐Sr‐Nd‐Hf isotopic, trace element, and mineralogical characterization of mafic to ultramafic rock reference materials
Authors: Fourny Anaïs , Weis Dominique , Scoates James S.
Published: February 2016

Controlling the accuracy and precision of geochemical analyses requires the use of characterized reference materials with matrices similar to those of the unknown samples being analyzed. We report a comprehensive Pb‐Sr‐Nd‐Hf isotopic and trace element concentration data set, combined with quantitative phase analysis by XRD Rietveld refinement, for a wide range of mafic to ultramafic rock reference materials analyzed at the Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research, University of British Columbia. The samples include a pyroxenite (NIM‐P), five basalts (BHVO‐2, BIR‐1a, JB‐3, BE‐N, GSR‐3), a diabase (W‐2), a dolerite (DNC‐1), a norite (NIM‐N), and an anorthosite (AN‐G); results from a leucogabbro (Stillwater) are also reported. Individual isotopic ratios determined by MC‐ICP‐MS and TIMS, and multielement analyses by HR‐ICP‐MS are reported with 4–12 complete analytical duplicates for each sample. The basaltic reference materials have coherent Sr and Nd isotopic ratios with external precision below 50 ppm (2SD) and below 100 ppm for Hf isotopes (except BIR‐1a). For Pb isotopic reproducibility, several of the basalts (JB‐3, BHVO‐2) require acid leaching prior to dissolution. The plutonic reference materials also have coherent Sr and Nd isotopic ratios (<50 ppm), however, obtaining good reproducibility for Pb and Hf isotopic ratios is more challenging for NIM‐P, NIM‐N, and AN‐G due to a variety of factors, including postcrystallization Pb mobility and the presence of accessory zircon. Collectively, these results form a comprehensive new database that can be used by the geochemical community for evaluating the radiogenic isotope and trace element compositions of volcanic and plutonic mafic‐ultramafic rocks.
Linear and nonlinear effects of dominant drivers on the trends in global and regional land carbon uptake: 1959 to 2013
Authors: Zhang Xuanze , Rayner Peter J. , Wang Ying‐Ping , Silver Jeremy D. , Lu Xingjie , Pak Bernard , Zheng Xiaogu
Published: February 2016

Changes in atmospheric CO2 levels, surface temperature, or precipitation have been identified to have significantly contributed to the estimated increase in the terrestrial carbon uptake rate over the last few decades; however, those analyses did not consider the interactions. Using the Australian community land surface model (Community Atmosphere Biosphere Land Exchange), we performed factorial experiments to quantify the importance of external drivers (climate drivers and atmospheric CO2) and their interactions on annual terrestrial carbon uptake (FL), excluding land use change and fires, from 1959 to 2013. Our model simulations show a trend of 0.025 ± 0.015 Pg C yr−2 (or ~1.5% yr−1) in global FL for 1959–2013, which is largely attributed to the positive influences of the increased atmospheric CO2 (0.050 ± 0.001 Pg C yr−2) and negative influences of changes in climate (−0.026 ± 0.014 Pg C yr−2). Globally, the contribution of the nonlinear effects of dominant drivers to the simulated trend in FL is small (<10%) but can be significant regionally (>35%), particularly in the boreal forests and semiarid regions. The interactions between temperature and CO2 or temperature and precipitation can dominate the simulated trend in parts of Europe, southeastern North America, southern China, and some semiarid regions. This modeling result suggests that the effects of nonlinear interactions of drivers on the trend of land carbon uptake should be considered in future studies.
Structured subauroral polarization streams and related auroral undulations occurring on the storm day of 21 January 2005
Authors: Horvath Ildiko , Lovell Brian C.
Published: February 2016

We investigate structured subauroral polarization streams (SAPS) and their impacts on the midlatitude trough and auroral regions during the 21–22 January 2005 geomagnetic storm. This was a storm with two sudden commencements occurring under varying interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions and three main phases, two of them unfolding during northward IMF. Its onset at ~1700 UT allowed us to investigate SAPS wave structures (WS) and their impacts during the local evening hours under both southward and northward IMF conditions in the American sector. Results suggest that during southward IMF, SAPS‐WS might be related with standing (toroidal) Alfven waves and structured most intensively the stagnation trough. During northward IMF, the trough was created by SAPS electric (E) field effects only and became less structured by SAPS‐WS that were of Alfvenic origin. Auroral wave structures and undulations occurred in the structured and unstructured oval regions, respectively, and triggered the subauroral region's response to produce SAPS‐WS. Spectrogram images (only one shown) confirmed ring current injections implying magnetotail reconnections during the four SAPS‐WS events investigated. Periodic tail connections are also evidenced by the periodic increases seen in both the solar wind‐magnetosphere coupling function (ε) and the energy input efficiency. Finally, we conclude for the time period investigated that (1) the nature of SAPS‐WS was informative of IMF orientation, (2) plasma stagnation enhanced SAPS E field and SAPS‐WS development, and (3) more efficient energy input into the magnetosphere contributed to the better development of auroral undulations and SAPS‐WS.
Key elements of a low voltage, ultracompact plasma spectrometer
Authors: Scime E. E. , Barrie A. , Dugas M. , Elliott D. , Ellison S. , Keesee A. M. , Pollock C. J. , Rager A. , Tersteeg J.
Published: February 2016

Taking advantage of technological developments in wafer‐scale processing over the past two decades, such as deep etching, 3‐D chip stacking, and double‐sided lithography, we have designed and fabricated the key elements of an ultracompact (1.5 cm)3 plasma spectrometer that requires only low‐voltage power supplies, has no microchannel plates, and has a high aperture area to instrument volume ratio. The initial design of the instrument targets the measurement of charged particles in the 3–20 keV range with a highly directional field of view and a 100% duty cycle; i.e., the entire energy range is continuously measured. In addition to reducing mass, size, and voltage requirements, the new design will affect the manufacturing process of plasma spectrometers, enabling large quantities of identical instruments to be manufactured at low individual unit cost. Such a plasma spectrometer is ideal for heliophysics plasma investigations, particularly for small satellite and multispacecraft missions. Two key elements of the instrument have been fabricated: the collimator and the energy analyzer. An initial collimator transparency of 20% with 3° × 3° angular resolution was achieved. The targeted 40% collimator transparency appears readily achievable. The targeted energy analyzer scaling factor of 1875 was achieved; i.e., 20 keV electrons were selected for only a 10.7 V bias voltage in the energy analyzer.
A study of radar backscattering from water surface in response to rainfall
Authors: Liu Xinan , Zheng Quanan , Liu Ren , Wang Dan , Duncan James H. , Huang Shih‐Jen
Published: February 2016

In this paper, radar backscattering from a water surface in response to rainfall was studied. The paper consists of two parts. First, the spatial characteristics of raindrops in rain fields were analyzed based on published data and the response of a water surface to rainfall was experimentally studied in the laboratory. Rain‐generated surface features including stalks, crowns, ring waves, and secondary drops were measured. It was found that stalks and crowns are dominant in terms of their height and energy. Second, the radar signatures of a rainfall event simultaneously observed by C band ENVISAT (European satellite), ASAR (Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar), and ground‐based weather radar in the Northwest Pacific were investigated. The relationship between the radar return intensity extracted from the C band ASAR image and the reflectivity factor (rain rate) obtained from ground‐based weather radar was analyzed. For light/moderate rain (with low reflectivity factors), the radar backscattering intensity increases as the reflectivity factor increases. For heavy rain (with high reflectivity factors), the radar backscattering intensity decreases as the reflectivity factor increases. The maximum radar backscattering intensity occurs at a reflectivity factor of 45 dBZ (with rain rate of 24 mm/h). It was found that the spaceborne radar backscattering intensity strongly correlates with the average distance between the stalks on the water surface in the rain field in a nonlinear manner. The physics of the radar signatures of the rain event are explored.
Quantifying the fate of agricultural nitrogen in an unconfined aquifer: Stream‐based observations at three measurement scales
Authors: Gilmore Troy E. , Genereux David P. , Solomon D. Kip , Solder John E. , Kimball Briant A. , Mitasova Helena , Birgand François
Published: February 2016

We compared three stream‐based sampling methods to study the fate of nitrate in groundwater in a coastal plain watershed: point measurements beneath the streambed, seepage blankets (novel seepage‐meter design), and reach mass‐balance. The methods gave similar mean groundwater seepage rates into the stream (0.3–0.6 m/d) during two 3–4 day field campaigns despite an order of magnitude difference in stream discharge between the campaigns. At low flow, estimates of flow‐weighted mean nitrate concentrations in groundwater discharge ([
]FWM) and nitrate flux from groundwater to the stream decreased with increasing degree of channel influence and measurement scale, i.e., [
]FWM was 654, 561, and 451 µM for point, blanket, and reach mass‐balance sampling, respectively. At high flow the trend was reversed, likely because reach mass‐balance captured inputs from shallow transient high‐nitrate flow paths while point and blanket measurements did not. Point sampling may be better suited to estimating aquifer discharge of nitrate, while reach mass‐balance reflects full nitrate inputs into the channel (which at high flow may be more than aquifer discharge due to transient flow paths, and at low flow may be less than aquifer discharge due to channel‐based nitrate removal). Modeling dissolved N2 from streambed samples suggested (1) about half of groundwater nitrate was denitrified prior to discharge from the aquifer, and (2) both extent of denitrification and initial nitrate concentration in groundwater (700–1300 µM) were related to land use, suggesting these forms of streambed sampling for groundwater can reveal watershed spatial relations relevant to nitrate contamination and fate in the aquifer.
Effect of bedrock permeability on stream base flow mean transit time scaling relationships: 2. Process study of storage and release
Authors: Hale V. Cody , McDonnell Jeffrey J. , Stewart Michael K. , Solomon D. Kip , Doolitte Jim , Ice George G. , Pack Robert T.
Published: February 2016

In Part 1 of this two‐part series, Hale and McDonnell (2016) showed that bedrock permeability controlled base flow mean transit times (MTTs) and MTT scaling relations across two different catchment geologies in western Oregon. This paper presents a process‐based investigation of storage and release in the more permeable catchments to explain the longer MTTs and (catchment) area‐dependent scaling. Our field‐based study includes hydrometric, MTT, and groundwater dating to better understand the role of subsurface catchment storage in setting base flow MTTs. We show that base flow MTTs were controlled by a mixture of water from discrete storage zones: (1) soil, (2) shallow hillslope bedrock, (3) deep hillslope bedrock, (4) surficial alluvial plain, and (5) suballuvial bedrock. We hypothesize that the relative contributions from each component change with catchment area. Our results indicate that the positive MTT‐area scaling relationship observed in Part 1 is a result of older, longer flow path water from the suballuvial zone becoming a larger proportion of streamflow in a downstream direction (i.e., with increasing catchment area). Our work suggests that the subsurface permeability structure represents the most basic control on how subsurface water is stored and therefore is perhaps the best direct predictor of base flow MTT (i.e., better than previously derived morphometric‐based predictors). Our discrete storage zone concept is a process explanation for the observed scaling behavior of Hale and McDonnell (2016), thereby linking patterns and processes at scales from 0.1 to 100 km2.
Evaporation tagging and atmospheric water budget analysis with WRF: A regional precipitation recycling study for West Africa
Authors: Arnault Joel , Knoche Richard , Wei Jianhui , Kunstmann Harald
Published: February 2016

Regional precipitation recycling is the measure of the contribution of local evaporation E to local precipitation. This study provides a set of two methods developed in the Weather Research and Forecasting WRF model system for investigating regional precipitation recycling mechanisms: (1) tracking of tagged atmospheric water species originating from evaporation in a source region, ie E‐tagging, and (2) three‐dimensional budgets of total and tagged atmospheric water species. These methods are used to quantify the effect of return flow and nonwell vertical mixing neglected in the computation of the bulk precipitation recycling ratio. The developed algorithms are applied to a WRF simulation of the West African Monsoon 2003. The simulated region is characterized by vertical wind shear condition, i.e., southwesterlies in the low levels and easterlies in the mid‐levels, which favors return flow and nonwell vertical mixing. Regional precipitation recycling is investigated in 100 × 100 and 1000 × 1000 km2 areas. A prerequisite condition for evaporated water to contribute to the precipitation process in both areas is that it is lifted to the mid‐levels where hydrometeors are produced. In the 100 × 100 (1000 × 1000) km2 area the bulk precipitation recycling ratio is 0.9 (7.3) %. Our budget analysis reveals that return flow and nonwell vertically mixed outflow increase this value by about +0.2 (2.9) and +0.2 (1.6) %, respectively, thus strengthening the well‐known scale‐dependency of regional precipitation recycling.
An evolving view of transition zone and midmantle viscosity
Authors: King Scott D.
Published: February 2016

In a new study, Liu and Zhong (this issue) investigate the impact of thermochemical anomalies in the lower mantle on the viscosity structure inferred from the geoid, finding that both thermochemical and thermal only mantle models can be reconciled with the geoid with nearly the same viscosity structure. They also find a preference for radial viscosity models where the lowest viscosity layer occurs in the transition zone as opposed to the upper mantle. While their weak transition zone viscosity model is not unprecedented, it differs from the most widely used viscosity models, which assume the smallest viscosity occurs in the upper mantle. Liu and Zhong's investigation does not support the midmantle viscosity increase recently suggested by Rudolph et al. [2015] who use a nearly identical methodology but different tomographic model.
Vertical Phase Separation in Small Molecule:Polymer Blend Organic Thin Film Transistors Can Be Dynamically Controlled
Authors: Zhao Kui , Wodo Olga , Ren Dingding , Khan Hadayat Ullah , Niazi Muhammad Rizwan , Hu Hanlin , Abdelsamie Maged , Li Ruipeng , Li Er. Qiang , Yu Liyang , Yan Buyi , Payne Marcia M. , Smith Jeremy , Anthony John E. , Anthopoulos Thomas D. , Thoroddsen Sigurdur T. , Ganapathysubramanian Baskar , Amassian Aram
Published: February 2016

Blending of small‐molecule organic semiconductors (OSCs) with amorphous polymers is known to yield high performance organic thin film transistors (OTFTs). Vertical stratification of the OSC and polymer binder into well‐defined layers is crucial in such systems and their vertical order determines whether the coating is compatible with a top and/or a bottom gate OTFT configuration. Here, we investigate the formation of blends prepared via spin‐coating in conditions which yield bilayer and trilayer stratifications. We use a combination of in situ experimental and computational tools to study the competing effects of formulation thermodynamics and process kinetics in mediating the final vertical stratification. It is shown that trilayer stratification (OSC/polymer/OSC) is the thermodynamically favored configuration and that formation of the buried OSC layer can be kinetically inhibited in certain conditions of spin‐coating, resulting in a bilayer stack instead. The analysis reveals here that preferential loss of the OSC, combined with early aggregation of the polymer phase due to rapid drying, inhibit the formation of the buried OSC layer. The fluid dynamics and drying kinetics are then moderated during spin‐coating to promote trilayer stratification with a high quality buried OSC layer which yields unusually high mobility >2 cm2 V−1 s−1 in the bottom‐gate top‐contact configuration.
DNA Origami: Folded DNA‐Nanodevices That Can Direct and Interpret Cell Behavior
Authors: Kearney Cathal J. , Lucas Christopher R. , O'Brien Fergal J. , Castro Carlos E.
Published: February 2016

DNA origami is a DNA‐based nanotechnology that utilizes programmed combinations of short complementary oligonucleotides to fold a large single strand of DNA into precise 2D and 3D shapes. The exquisite nanoscale shape control of this inherently biocompatible material is combined with the potential to spatially address the origami structures with diverse cargoes including drugs, antibodies, nucleic acid sequences, small molecules, and inorganic particles. This programmable flexibility enables the fabrication of precise nanoscale devices that have already shown great potential for biomedical applications such as: drug delivery, biosensing, and synthetic nanopore formation. Here, the advances in the DNA‐origami field since its inception several years ago are reviewed with a focus on how these DNA‐nanodevices can be designed to interact with cells to direct or probe their behavior.
Impact of Cenosphere on the Erosion Wear Response of Woven Hybrid Jute–Glass Epoxy Composites
Authors: Dalbehera Soma , Acharya S. K.
Published: February 2016

In the present case, the solid particle erosion characteristics of the cenosphere‐filled glass–jute (GJJG) hybrid epoxy composites have been studied experimentally. Jute with (45°−45°) and glass with (0−90°) fabric orientation have been used to fabricate the composites. Different doses of cenosphere particles (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) were also added to the matrix material. A steady‐state erosion rate of these composites has been studied with various impingement angles (30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°) with different impact velocities (48, 70, and 82 m/s). The results indicate that 20 wt% filled cenosphere particles to (GJJG) hybrid epoxy composite exhibit better wear resistance. The maximum erosion at 45° and 60° impingement angles also indicates the semiductile behavior of the composite. The morphologies of the worn surfaces were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope, and it was revealed that inclusion of higher weight percentage of cenosphere particles restricted the impact velocity to erode the surface. The increase in erosion resistance of the developed composites is the outcome of this result.
Ambient Aqueous Growth of Cu2Te Nanostructures with Excellent Electrocatalytic Activity toward Sulfide Redox Shuttles
Authors: Han Chao , Bai Yang , Sun Qiao , Zhang Shaohua , Li Zhen , Wang Lianzhou , Dou Shixue
Published: February 2016

A new aqueous and scalable strategy to synthesize surfactant‐free Cu2Te nanotubes and nanosheets at room temperature has been developed. In aqueous solution, Cu2E (E = O, S, Se) nanoparticles can be easily transformed into Cu2Te nanosheets and nanotubes via a simple anion exchange reaction under ambient conditions. The formation of Cu2Te nanosheets is ascribed to a novel exchange‐peeling growth mechanism instead of simple Kirkendall effect; and the resultant nanosheets can be further rolled into nanotubes with assistance of stirring. The morphologies of Cu2Te nanosheets and nanotubes can be easily controlled by changing the synthesis parameters, such as the concentration of precursors, the size of nanoparticle precursor, and the amount of NaBH4, as well as the stirring speed. Thus‐formed Cu2Te nanostructures exhibit excellent catalytic activity toward sulfide redox shuttles and are exploited as counter electrodes catalysts for quantum dot sensitized solar cells. The performance of Cu2Te nanostructures strongly depends on their morphology, and the solar cells made with counter electrodes from Cu2Te nanosheets show the maximum power conversion efficiency of 5.35%.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Zn+‐containing Heterogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Chen Guangbo , Zhao Yufei , Shang Lu , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Kang Xiaofeng , Wu Li‐Zhu , Tung Chen‐Ho , Zhang Tierui
Published: February 2016

Monovalent Zn+ (3d104s1) systems possess a special electronic structure that can be exploited in heterogeneous catalysis and photocatalysis, though it remains challenge to synthesize Zn+‐containing materials. By careful design, Zn+‐related species can be synthesized in zeolite and layered double hydroxide systems, which in turn exhibit excellent catalytic potential in methane, CO and CO2 activation. Furthermore, by utilizing advanced characterization tools, including electron spin resonance, X‐ray absorption fine structure and density functional theory calculations, the formation mechanism of the Zn+ species and their structure‐performance relationships can be understood. Such advanced characterization tools guide the rational design of high‐performance Zn+‐containing catalysts for efficient energy conversion.
Minimum fluidization velocity in gas‐liquid‐solid minifluidized beds
Authors: Li Yanjun , Liu Mingyan , Li Xiangnan
Published: February 2016

The initial fluidization characteristics of gas‐liquid‐solid minifluidized beds (MFBs) were experimentally investigated based on the analyses of bed pressure drop and visual observations. The results show that ULmf in 3–5 mm MFBs can not be determined due to the extensive pressure drop fluctuations resulting from complex bubble behavior. For 8–10 mm MFBs, ULmf can be confirmed from both datum analyses of pressure drop and Hurst exponent at low superficial gas velocity. But at high superficial gas velocity, ULmf was not obtained because the turning point at which the flow regime changes from the packed bed to the fluidized bed disappeared, and the bed was in a half fluidization state. Complex bubble growth behavior resulting from the effect of properties of gas‐liquid mixture and bed walls plays an important role in the fluidization of solid particles and leads to the reduction of ULmf. An empirical correlation was suggested to predict ULmf in MFBs. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 1940–1957, 2016
Synthesis of Functionalized 2‐Trifluoromethylquinolines and their Heteroaromatic Analogues
Authors: Khutoryanskiy Viktor V. , Biitseva Angelina V. , Mykhailiuk Pavel K.
Published: February 2016

Electron‐rich anilines and amino heterocycles were converted in one step into N‐protected functionalized aminoethyl 2‐trifluoromethylquinolines and their heteroaromatic analogues. The N‐carbamate protecting group can be easily cleaved under acidic conditions to give the corresponding amines.
Combination of lignin polyol–tannin adhesives and polyethylenimine for the preparation of green water‐resistant adhesives
Authors: Faris Abbas Hasan , Rahim Afidah Abdul , Ibrahim Mohamad Nasir Mohamad , Alkurdi Adel Mustafa , Shah Irfan
Published: February 2016

In this study, a green adhesive from renewable lignin and tannin was developed with polyethylenimine (PEI) with a method to improve the water resistance of the lignin/tannin adhesive. Lignin polyols were prepared through the liquefaction of oil‐palm empty fruit bunches. The characteristics of the adhesive samples were compared with those of a commercial phenol–formaldehyde resin. Three plywood specimens bonded with the new adhesive showed a very high tensile strength (63.04 MPa) and were very water resistant. The effect of the solid content of the adhesives on the tensile strength and gel time and various weight ratios of PEI on the tensile strength and water resistance of the plywood specimens were evaluated. Thermal stability tests revealed that the lignin polyol–tannin/PEI adhesives had a high heat resistance (360 °C). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43437.
Biological Evaluation of Ferrocenyl Olefins: Cancer Cell Growth Inhibition, ROS Production, and Apoptosis Activity
Authors: Sun Aijing , Lin Junsheng , Pi Chao , Xu Ruian , Cui Xiuling
Published: February 2016

The antiproliferative effects of various ferrocenyl olefins were evaluated against the cell lines MCF‐7 (human breast cancer cells), DLD‐1 (human colon adenocarcinoma cells), HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cells), and A549 (human lung carcinoma cells), using the MTT test. IC50 values were determined. Compounds 8, 9, 11, and 12 with high antiproliferative activity were tested for their reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and cell cycle analysis was performed on A549 cells. The results show that these compounds might perform their antiproliferative activity through inducing ROS generation, apoptosis induction, and cell cycle arrest.
Dual‐Functional Nanographene Oxide as Cancer‐Targeted Drug‐Delivery System to Selectively Induce Cancer‐Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Zhou Binwei , Huang Yanyu , Yang Fang , Zheng Wenjie , Chen Tianfeng
Published: February 2016

Construction of bioresponsive drug‐delivery nanosystems could enhance the anticancer efficacy of anticancer agents and reduce their toxic side effects. Herein, by using transferrin (Tf) as a surface decorator, we constructed a cancer‐targeted nanographene oxide (NGO) nanosystem for use in drug delivery. This nanosystem (Tf‐NGO@HPIP) drastically enhanced the cellular uptake, retention, and anticancer efficacy of loaded drugs but showed much lower toxicity to normal cells. The nanosystem was internalized through receptor‐mediated endocytosis and triggered pH‐dependent drug release in acidic environments and in the presence of cellular enzymes. Moreover, Tf‐NGO@HPIP effectively induced cancer‐cell apoptosis through activation of superoxide‐mediated p53 and MAPK pathways along with inactivation of ERK and AKT. Taken together, this study demonstrates a good strategy for the construction of bioresponsive NGO drug‐delivery nanosystems and their use as efficient anticancer drug carriers.
Randomized clinical trial comparing long-term quality of life for Billroth IversusRoux-en-Y reconstruction after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Nakamura M , Nakamori M , Ojima T , Iwahashi M , Horiuchi T , Kobayashi Y , Yamade N , Shimada K , Oka M , Yamaue H
Published: February 2016

Background

Patients' quality of life (QoL) deteriorates remarkably after gastrectomy. Billroth I reconstruction following distal gastrectomy has the physiological advantage of allowing food to pass through the duodenum. It was hypothesized that Billroth I reconstruction would be superior to Roux-en-Y reconstruction in terms of long-term QoL after distal gastrectomy. This study compared two reconstructions in a multicentre prospective randomized clinical trial to identify the optimal reconstruction procedure.

Methods

Between January 2009 and September 2010, patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer were randomized during surgery to Billroth I or Roux-en-Y reconstruction. The primary endpoint was assessment of QoL using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Gastric (FACT-Ga) questionnaire 36 months after surgery.

Results

A total of 122 patients were enrolled in the study, 60 to Billroth I and 62 to Roux-en-Y reconstruction. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of postoperative complications or mortality, and no significant differences in FACT-Ga total score (P = 0·496). Symptom scales such as epigastric fullness (heaviness), diarrhoea and fatigue were significantly better in the Billroth I group at 36 months after gastrectomy (heaviness, P = 0·040; diarrhoea, P = 0·046; fatigue, P = 0·029). The rate of weight loss in the third year was lower for patients in the Billroth I group (P = 0·046).

Conclusion

The choice of anastomotic reconstruction after distal gastrectomy resulted in no difference in long-term QoL in patients with gastric cancer. Registration number: NCT01065688 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Characterization of in vitro metabolites of irisflorentin by rat liver microsomes using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Jia Yan‐Wei , Zeng Zhong‐Qiu , Shi Hai‐Li , Liang Jian , Liu Yi‐Ming , Tang Ya‐Xiong , Liao Xun
Published: February 2016

Belamcanda chinensis has been extensively used as antibechic, expectorant and anti‐inflammatory agent in traditional medicine. Irisflorentin is one of the major active ingredients. However, little is known about the metabolism of irisflorentin so far. In this work, rat liver microsomes (RLMs) were used to investigate the metabolism of this compound for the first time. Seven metabolites were detected. Five of them were identified as 6,7‐dihydroxy‐5,3′,4′,5′‐tetramethoxy isoflavone (M1), irigenin (M2), 5,7,4′‐trihydroxy‐6,3′,5′‐trimethoxy isoflavone (M3), 6,7,4′‐trihydroxy‐5,3′,5′‐trimethoxy isoflavone (M4) and 6,7,5′‐trihydroxy‐5,3′,4′‐trimethoxy isoflavone (M5) by means of NMR and/or HPLC‐ESI‐MS. The structures of M6 and M7 were not elucidated because they produced no MS signals. The predominant metabolite M1 was noted to be a new compound. Interestingly, it was found to possess anticancer activity much higher than the parent compound. The enzymatic kinetic parameters of M1 revealed a sigmoidal profile, with Vmax = 12.02 μm/mg protein/min, Km = 37.24 μm, CLint = 0.32 μL/mg protein/min and h = 1.48, indicating the positive cooperation. For the first time in this work, a new metabolite of irisflorentin was found to demonstrate a much higher biological activity than its parent compound, suggesting a new avenue for the development of drugs from B. chinensis, which was also applicable for other herbal plants. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fine‐Tuning Covalent Inhibition of Bacterial Quorum Sensing
Authors: Amara Neri , Gregor Rachel , Rayo Josep , Dandela Rambabu , Daniel Erik , Liubin Nina , Willems H. Marjo E. , Ben‐Zvi Anat , Krom Bastiaan P. , Meijler Michael M.
Published: February 2016

Emerging antibiotic resistance among human pathogens has galvanized efforts to find alternative routes to combat bacterial virulence. One new approach entails interfering with the ability of bacteria to coordinate population‐wide gene expression, or quorum sensing (QS), thus inhibiting the production of virulence factors and biofilm formation. We have recently developed such a strategy by targeting LasR, the master regulator of QS in the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, through the rational design of covalent inhibitors closely based on the core structure of the native ligand. We now report several groups of new inhibitors, one of which, fluoro‐substituted ITC‐12, displayed complete covalent modification of LasR, as well as effective QS inhibition in vitro and promising in vivo results. In addition to their potential clinical relevance, this series of synthetic QS modulators can be used as a tool to further unravel the complicated QS regulation in P. aeruginosa.