bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serial grouping of 2D-image regions with object-based attention in humans
Authors: Jeurissen Danique , Self Matthew W , Roelfsema Pieter R
Published: June 2016

After an initial stage of local analysis within the retina and early visual pathways, the human visual system creates a structured representation of the visual scene by co-selecting image elements that are part of behaviorally relevant objects. The mechanisms underlying this perceptual organization process are only partially understood. We here investigate the time-course of perceptual grouping of two-dimensional image-regions by measuring the reaction times of human participants and report that it is associated with the gradual spread of object-based attention. Attention spreads fastest over large and homogeneous areas and is slowed down at locations that require small-scale processing. We find that the time-course of the object-based selection process is well explained by a 'growth-cone' model, which selects surface elements in an incremental, scale-dependent manner. We discuss how the visual cortical hierarchy can implement this scale-dependent spread of object-based attention, leveraging the different receptive field sizes in distinct cortical areas.
Place cells on a maze encode routes rather than destinations
Authors: Grieves Roddy M , Wood Emma R , Dudchenko Paul A
Published: June 2016

Hippocampal place cells fire at different rates when a rodent runs through a given location on its way to different destinations. However, it is unclear whether such firing represents the animal’s intended destination or the execution of a specific trajectory. To distinguish between these possibilities, Lister Hooded rats (n = 8) were trained to navigate from a start box to three goal locations via four partially overlapping routes. Two of these led to the same goal location. Of the cells that fired on these two routes, 95.8% showed route-dependent firing (firing on only one route), whereas only two cells (4.2%) showed goal-dependent firing (firing similarly on both routes). In addition, route-dependent place cells over-represented the less discriminable routes, and place cells in general over-represented the start location. These results indicate that place cell firing on overlapping routes reflects the animal’s route, not its goals, and that this firing may aid spatial discrimination.
Dependence of acoustic property on Al substitution for Ca3Ta(Ga1−
xAlx)3Si2O14 single crystals
Authors: Ohashi Yuji , Arakawa Mototaka , Kudo Tetsuo , Yokota Yuui , Shoji Yasuhiro , Kurosawa Shunsuke , Kamada Kei , Kushibiki Jun-ichi , Yoshikawa Akira
Published: June 2016

The acoustic properties of Ca3Ta(Ga1−

x
Al
x
)3Si2O14 (CTGASx) were experimentally studied as a function of the Al substitution content x in the ranges from x = 0 to 0.50. Five specimens, X-, Y-, Z-, 35°Y-, and 140°Y-cut, were prepared from each crystal of CTGASx (x = 0, 0.25, and 0.50) grown by the Czochralski technique. Longitudinal wave and shear wave velocities for CTGASx linearly increase with Al content for all propagation directions. Dielectric constants and density were measured and then elastic and piezoelectric constants were determined from the measured velocities for each crystal. The results revealed that all of the constants change linearly with Al content. From the relationship, the constants for CTAS (x = 1) were estimated. Calculations of the velocities using the determined constants also suggested that the maximum electromechanical coupling factor k
2 for the slow shear wave mode propagating along the rotated Y-axis direction of CTAS was improved to 4.42% compared with 3.83% for CTGS, owing to the Al substitution effect.
Model parameter extraction for obliquely propagating surface acoustic waves in infinitely long grating structures
Authors: Tang Gongbin , Han Tao , Chen Jing , Zhang Benfeng , Omori Tatsuya , Hashimoto Ken-ya
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we propose the use of the “longitudinal resonance condition” for the characterization of the two-dimensional propagation of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) in periodic grating structures, and also show a procedure for extracting parameters required in the behavior model from the full-wave analysis. The condition is given by β
xp = π, where p is the grating period and β
x
is the wavenumber of the grating mode in the longitudinal direction (x). This is based on the fact that in conventional SAW resonators, acoustic resonances including transverse ones occur when β
x
is real but the longitudinal resonance condition is mostly satisfied. The longitudinal resonance condition is applied to a simple model, and the wavenumber β
y
in the lateral direction (y) is expressed as a simple function of the angular frequency ω. The full-wave analysis is applied for SAWs propagating in an infinite grating on a 128°YX-LiNbO3 substrate, and the anisotropy parameter γ is extracted by the fitting with the derived equation. The fitted result agrees well with the original numerical result. It is also indicated that γ estimated by this technique is significantly different from the value estimated without taking the effects of the grating structure into account.
Simulation of a liquid droplet ejection device using multi-actuator
Authors: Ono Yoshihiro , Yoshino Michitaka , Yasuda Akira , Tanuma Chiaki
Published: June 2016

An equivalent circuit model for a liquid droplet ejection device using a multiactuator has been developed. The equivalent circuit was simplified using a gyrator in the synthesis of the outputs of many elements. The simulation was performed for an inkjet head having three piezoelectric elements using MATLAB/Simulink. In this model, the pressure chamber is filled with a Newtonian fluid. For this reason, the model assumed only the resistance component of the pressure chamber and the nozzle as a load. Furthermore, since the resistance component of the inlet is much larger than that of the nozzle, it is not considered in this model. As a result, by providing a time difference between the driving signals of the piezoelectric elements, we found that the pressure of the ink chamber could be arbitrarily controlled. By this model, it becomes possible to control the pressure in the ink chamber of the inkjet head required for the ejection of various inks.
Effect of input power on cooling property of a thermoacoustic cooling system with diameter-expanded prime movers
Authors: Ueno So , Sakamoto Shin-ichi , Orino Yuichiro , Wada Takahiro , Inui Yoshitaka , Watanabe Yoshiaki
Published: June 2016

We studied a thermoacoustic cooling system driven at low temperatures to make practical use of the system. Aiming to reduce the driving temperature of the thermoacoustic system, we developed a loop-tube-type thermoacoustic system with diameter-expanded two-stage prime movers, i.e., a heat-to-sound transducer. The system drove at 67 °C. Additionally, we developed a prototype for a thermoacoustic cooling system with a diameter-expanded two-stage prime mover. In the experiment, the cooling point temperature was decreased by 4.4 °C from room temperature, i.e., 20 °C. To improve the cooling performance of the prototype thermoacoustic cooling system, we experimentally investigated the effect of increasing the input power on the cooling performance.
Preparation of hydrogenated diamond-like carbon films using high-density pulsed plasmas of Ar/C2H2 and Ne/C2H2 mixture
Authors: Kimura Takashi , Kamata Hikaru
Published: June 2016

Hydrogenated diamond-like carbon films are prepared using reactive high-density pulsed plasmas of Ar/C2H2 and Ne/C2H2 mixture in the total pressure range from 0.5 to 2 Pa. The plasmas are produced using a reactive high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) system. A negative pulse voltage of −500 V is applied to the substrate for a period of 15 µs in the afterglow mode. The growth rate does not strongly depend on the type of ambient gas but it markedly increases to about 2.7 µm/h at a C2H2 fraction of 10% and a total pressure of 2 Pa with increasing C2H2 fraction. The marked increase in the growth rate means that the HiPIMS system can be regarded as a plasma source for the chemical vapor deposition process. The hardness of the films prepared by Ne/C2H2 plasmas is somewhat higher than that of the films prepared by Ar/C2H2 plasmas under the same operating conditions, and the difference becomes larger as the pressure increases. The hardness of the films prepared by Ne/C2H2 plasmas ranges between 11 and 18 GPa. In the Raman spectra, two very broad overlapping bands are assigned as the G (graphite) and D (disorder) bands. The peak position of the G band is roughly independent of the total pressure, whereas the FWHM of the G peak decreases with increasing total pressure as a whole.
Comprehensive study on charge trapping property of Si-containing hafnium-oxide polymorph
Authors: Inoue Masao , Mizutani Masaharu , Kadoshima Masaru , Sonoda Kenichiro , Yamashita Tomohiro , Matsuura Masazumi
Published: June 2016

The electron-trapping property of Hf oxides with a wide range of Si contents (0–64 at. %) is studied as a charge storage layer of a nonvolatile memory. The largest flatband voltage shift in the MOS capacitor is obtained at a Si content of ∼20 at. %, which corresponds to the formation of a metastable crystalline phase such as a tetragonal or orthorhombic phase. First-principles calculation reveals that metastable phases tend to have a formation energy of oxygen vacancy lower than that of stable monoclinic ones. A schematic picture of traps in crystalline Hf oxides is provided. The metastable phase is also demonstrated to have retention characteristics superior to other phases.
Bilateral Purtscher’s Retinopathy: A Case Report
Authors: Ahir Nitasha , Syal Ekta , Hans Tania , Kaur Gagandeep
Published: June 2016

Purtscher’s retinopathy was first described in 1910 and 1912 as a syndrome of sudden blindness after head trauma, with patches of hemorrhage and whitening of the retina in both eyes. Subsequently, similar appearance was seen after other types of trauma, such as chest trauma, along with several non-traumatic systemic diseases. Purtscher’s retinopathy is a retinal lesion associated with different diseases which include cardiac aneurysm, thoracic compressions, bone fractures, recent major trauma, pancreatitis, child birth, pre-eclampsia and chronic renal failure. It could be unilateral or bilateral. The typical course of Purtscher's retinopathy is an initial severe loss of vision followed by a gradual and nearly complete improvement.
Pattern of Change in Accommodation and its Correlation with Mydriasis in Young Emmetropes After Instillation of Tropicamide Phenylephrine Eye Drops
Authors: Prabhu Padma B , Amina Finu , Chevayoorkalathil Fildha Kavungal , Raju Kuzhippally Vallon
Published: June 2016

Cycloplegics relax accommodation by blocking the action of ciliary muscles. The mydriasis obtained with these drugs is expected to be related to the degree of cycloplegia. This study evaluates the change in accommodation in young emmetropes and its correlation with mydriasis post instillation of tropicamide phenylephrine eye drops.

A prospective descriptive study. Young adults of age group 18-22 years with uncorrected visual acuity of 6/6, near vision N6 and no asthenopic symptoms were included in the study. Age of the subject, NPA (near point of accommodation), NPC (near point of convergence), AA (accomodation amplitude), objective refraction with Autorefractometer, pupillary size and near vision (NV) were noted.

The study group included 25 cases; mean age of 20.54 years (SD 1.046years). The amount of accommodation relaxed by drug ranged from 2.75D to 4.50 D. NPA, NPC, AA were inversely proportional to accommodation relaxed (p=0.00). The rate of change of pupillary dilatation and cycloplegia differed. The cycloplegic effect had a positive correlation with the increase in the visual angle; but was independent of the mydriatic effect.

The effect on mydriasis and cycloplegia is not uniform and proportionate even among emmetropes of the same age group. It is affected by NPA, NPC, AA, age and SE (spherical equivalent) of the individual.
Overriding plate, mantle wedge, slab, and subslab contributions to seismic anisotropy beneath the northern Central Andean Plateau
Authors: Long Maureen D. , Biryol C. Berk , Eakin Caroline M. , Beck Susan L. , Wagner Lara S. , Zandt George , Minaya Estella , Tavera Hernando
Published: June 2016

The Central Andean Plateau, the second‐highest plateau on Earth, overlies the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the central portion of South America. The origin of the high topography remains poorly understood, and this puzzle is intimately tied to unanswered questions about processes in the upper mantle, including possible removal of the overriding plate lithosphere and interaction with the flow field that results from the driving forces associated with subduction. Observations of seismic anisotropy can provide important constraints on mantle flow geometry in subduction systems. The interpretation of seismic anisotropy measurements in subduction settings can be challenging, however, because different parts of the subduction system may contribute, including the overriding plate, the mantle wedge above the slab, the slab itself, and the deep upper mantle beneath the slab. Here we present measurements of shear wave splitting for core phases (SKS, SKKS, PKS, and sSKS), local S, and source‐side teleseismic S phases that sample the upper mantle beneath southern Peru and northern Bolivia, relying mostly on data from the CAUGHT experiment. We find evidence for seismic anisotropy within most portions of the subduction system, although the overriding plate itself likely makes only a small contribution to the observed delay times. Average fast orientations generally trend roughly trench‐parallel to trench‐oblique, contradicting predictions from the simplest two‐dimensional flow models and olivine fabric scenarios. Our measurements suggest complex, layered anisotropy beneath the northern portion of the Central Andean Plateau, with significant departures from a two‐dimensional mantle flow regime.
Is uplift of volcano clusters in the Tohoku Volcanic Arc, Japan, driven by magma accumulation in hot zones? A geodynamic modeling study
Authors: George Ophelia A. , Malservisi Rocco , Govers Rob , Connor Charles B. , Connor Laura J.
Published: June 2016

In many volcanic arcs, the rate of tectonic uplift cannot be explained by lithospheric plate motion alone but may be associated with dynamic uplift. Buoyant forces associated with underplated magma bodies lift the upper crust and leads to relatively high rates of topographic change. One such region is northern Honshu, Japan, where Quaternary volcano clusters are spatially associated with uplifted crust and isostatic gravity anomalies. Axisymmetric inversion of Bouguer gravity data for the Sengan volcano cluster shows that these gravity anomalies can be modeled by 30 km radius bodies emplaced at ∼15 km depth. Axisymmetric, finite element models, generated using GTECTON, of a layered Earth representative of the Tohoku crust indicate that the deformation of these midcrustal intrusions produces elevated topography on the surface directly above the intrusion that is bounded by a shallow peripheral trough. The wavelengths of vertical deformation produced by these bodies are sensitive to the thickness of the models' elastic layer and relatively insensitive to the models' rheology. This suggests that the amplitude of the vertical deformation represents a trade‐off between the size of the intrusion and the thickness of the elastic layer and is less strongly influenced by the rheology of the lithosphere into which the bodies are emplaced. Our results are consistent with hot zone and hot finger models for the arc and indicate that Tohoku Volcanic Arc features such as gravity anomalies and uplifted basement are related to crustal magma intrusions and hot zones rather than directly related to mantle processes.
A meridional dipole in premonsoon Bay of Bengal tropical cyclone activity induced by ENSO
Authors: Balaguru Karthik , Leung L. Ruby , Lu Jian , Foltz Gregory R.
Published: June 2016

Analysis of Bay of Bengal tropical cyclone (TC) track data for the months of May–June during 1979–2014 reveals a meridional dipole in TC intensification: TC intensification rates increased significantly in the northern region and decreased in the southern region. The dipole is consistent with changes in the large‐scale TC environment estimated using the Genesis Potential Index (GPI) for the same period. While an increase in lower troposphere cyclonic vorticity and midtroposphere humidity in the northern Bay of Bengal made the environment more favorable for TC intensification, enhanced vertical wind shear in the southern Bay of Bengal tended to reduce TC development. These environmental changes were associated with a strengthening of the monsoon circulation for the months of May–June, driven by a La Niña‐like shift in tropical Pacific SSTs and associated tropical wave dynamics. Finally, analysis of a suite of climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 archive shows that most models correctly reproduce the link between ENSO and premonsoon Bay of Bengal TC activity at interannual timescales, demonstrating the robustness of our main conclusions.
Thermoelectric Enhancement of Different Kinds of Metal Chalcogenides
Authors: Han Chao , Sun Qiao , Li Zhen , Dou Shi Xue
Published: June 2016

Due to the urgency of our energy and environmental issues, a variety of cost‐effective and pollution‐free technologies have attracted considerable attention, among which thermoelectric technology has made enormous progress. Substantial numbers of new thermoelectric materials are created with high figure of merit (ZT) by using advanced nanoscience and nanotechnology. This is especially true in the case of metal‐chalcogenide‐based materials, which possess both relatively high ZT and low cost among all the different kinds of thermoelectric materials. Here, comprehensive coverage of recent advances in metal chalcogenides and their correlated thermoelectric enhancement mechanisms are provided. Several new strategies are summarized with the hope that they can inspire further enhancement of performance, both in metal chalcogenides and in other materials.
Amphiphilic poly(ether sulfone) membranes for oil/water separation: Effect of sequence structure of the modifier
Authors: Zhang Guangfa , Jiang Jingxian , Zhang Qinghua , Zhan Xiaoli , Chen Fengqiu
Published: June 2016

Oil‐contaminated wastewater threatens our environment and health thus novel membrane materials with low or nonfouling properties are an immediate need for oily wastewater treatment in a cost‐effective and environmentally friendly manner. In this study, three types of amphiphilic random, gradient, and block copolymers with similar molecular weights and chemical compositions, based on poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) and 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8‐tridecafluorooctyl acrylate (TFOA), were synthesized by the reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) method. The amphiphilic Poly(ether sulfone) membranes were then fabricated by blending with these copolymers via a facile coupled process of nonsolvent induced phase separation and surface segregation. Accompanying the phase inversion process of polymer matrix, the hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments in the amphiphilic modifiers would migrate and immobilize onto the membrane surfaces. This surface segregation process leaded to a chemical heterogeneous membrane surface comprising both hydrophilic PEGMA and low surface energy PTFOA brushes, which was confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and surface wettability analyses. Oil‐in‐water emulsion filtration test of the membranes displayed a lower permeate flux decline and a higher flux recovery (as high as 99.8%), establishing their considerably elevated antifouling properties. Additionally, cyclic oil/water separation and long‐term underwater immersion tests demonstrated that the as‐prepared membranes modified by these amphiphilic additives possessed excellent antifouling stabilities. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 739–750, 2017
BRAT1 mutations present with a spectrum of clinical severity
Authors: Srivastava Siddharth , Olson Heather E. , Cohen Julie S. , Gubbels Cynthia S. , Lincoln Sharyn , Davis Brigette Tippin , Shahmirzadi Layla , Gupta Siddharth , Picker Jonathan , Yu Timothy W. , Miller David T. , Soul Janet S. , Poretti Andrea , Naidu SakkuBai
Published: June 2016

Mutations in BRAT1, encoding BRCA1‐associated ATM activator 1, are associated with a severe phenotype known as rigidity and multifocal seizure syndrome, lethal neonatal (RMFSL; OMIM # 614498), characterized by intractable seizures, hypertonia, autonomic instability, and early death. We expand the phenotypic spectrum of BRAT1 related disorders by reporting on four individuals with various BRAT1 mutations resulting in clinical severity that is either mild or moderate compared to the severe phenotype seen in RMFSL. Representing mild severity are three individuals (Patients 1–3), who are girls (including two sisters, Patients 1–2) between 4 and 10 years old, with subtle dysmorphisms, intellectual disability, ataxia or dyspraxia, and cerebellar atrophy on brain MRI; additionally, Patient 3 has well‐controlled epilepsy and microcephaly. Representing moderate severity is a 15‐month‐old boy (Patient 4) with severe global developmental delay, refractory epilepsy, microcephaly, spasticity, hyperkinetic movements, dysautonomia, and chronic lung disease. In contrast to RMFSL, his seizure onset occurred later at 4 months of age, and he is still alive. All four of the individuals have compound heterozygous BRAT1 mutations discovered via whole exome sequencing: c.638dupA (p.Val214Glyfs*189); c.803+1G>C (splice site mutation) in Patients 1–2; c.638dupA (p.Val214Glyfs*189); c.419T>C (p.Leu140Pro) in Patient 3; and c.171delG (p.Glu57Aspfs*7); c.419T>C (p.Leu140Pro) in Patient 4. Only the c.638dupA (p.Val214Glyfs*189) mutation has been previously reported in association with RMFSL. These patients illustrate that, compared with RMFSL, BRAT1 mutations can result in both moderately severe presentations evident by later‐onset epilepsy and survival past infancy, as well as milder presentations that include intellectual disability, ataxia/dyspraxia, and cerebellar atrophy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous measurement of the molecular weight distribution and 5‐ethylidene‐2‐norbornene content across the molecular weight distribution of ethylene–propylene–diene terpolymer via a new size exclusion chromatography–ultraviolet–refractive index method
Authors: Zhou Z. , Janco M. , Cong R. , Lee D. , Shan C. Li Pi , Boopalachandran P. , Shi Z. , Miller M. D. , Winniford B. , Huang T. , Herceg E. , Salazar I. , Pangburn T. , Sandlin A. , Fan L. , Wu J.
Published: June 2016

A size exclusion chromatography (SEC)–UV–refractive index (RI) method was developed to measure the 5‐ethylidene‐2‐norbornene (ENB) content across the molecular weight distribution (MWD) in ethylene–propylene–diene terpolymer (EPDM) at room temperature. The ratio of the UV and RI signals at the same effective elution volume was converted to ENB content. The feasibility of using this method to measure the ENB content across the MWD in EPDM at high temperature was also demonstrated. Prior understanding was that ENB had insufficient UV absorbance relative to high‐temperature SEC solvents to allow for useful measurements. We demonstrated this by using high‐boiling‐point solvents, such as decalin, with a low UV absorbance in the UV wavelength range of interest for ENB. These solvents also gave rise to a high enough specific RI increment (dn/dc) for EPDM that a suitable RI detector response was obtained. Additionally, this methodology could be readily applied to other polymers soluble at high temperature as long as the polymers contained a UV chromophore. These include polymers containing vinyl, conjugated vinyl, aromatic ring, carbonyl, or halocarbon groups. This UV‐absorption‐based detection concept might also be extended to high‐temperature thermal‐gradient interactive chromatography‐UV, high‐temperature solvent‐gradient interactive chromatography‐UV (high‐temperature liquid chromatography‐UV), temperature‐rising elution fractionation‐UV, crystallization analysis fractionation‐UV, and crystallization elution fractionation‐UV. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43911.
Polymerization kinetics of styrene in isotactic polypropylene pellets and evolution of phase morphology during polymerization
Authors: Chen Fang , Guo Zhao‐Xia , Yu Jian
Published: June 2016

Polymerization kinetics of styrene (St) in commercially available isotactic polypropylene (iPP) pellets and the phase morphology evolution during polymerization are investigated. The polymerization rate of St in iPP pellets is slightly faster than in the corresponding bulk and suspension polymerizations carried out under similar reaction conditions due to the existence of two reaction sites: amorphous PP and polystyrene (PS), which are formed by polymerization‐induced phase separation. Two mechanisms are proposed for the phase morphology evolution: nucleation and growth, and St‐assisted coarsening of phase structure. During polymerization, the size of the dispersed PS particles increases with polymerization time no matter at which position of the pellet, but the increasing amplitude is much bigger at 200 μm distance to the edge than at the center due to much more significant occurrence of St‐assisted coarsening of phase structure which is attributed to both high values of PS/PP and St/PP resulted from polymerization‐induced diffusion of St. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43934.
Biobased polymer films from avocado oil extraction residue: Production and characterization
Authors: Dalle Mulle Santos Cassandra , Pagno Carlos Henrique , Haas Costa Tania Maria , Jung Luvizetto Faccin Débora , Hickmann Flôres Simone , Medeiros Cardozo Nilo Sérgio
Published: June 2016

In view of the increasing interest in the use of residues from the food industry as source for packing applications, the by‐product of the mechanical extraction of avocado oil is an attractive product as it consists basically a hydrated and defatted pulp, rich in proteins, fibers. and oil. This work aims to produce biobased polymer films from avocado oil extraction residue. Seven film‐forming solutions were elaborated from puree and the additives tested were glycerol, cassava starch, and microcrystalline cellulose. The films obtained from the pure residue presented brittle behavior. All films presented low values of water vapor permeability (0.064 to 0.446 g mm m−2·kPa−1 h−1) and medium water soluble fraction (43.79 to 56.92%). The films with cassava starch and glycerol presented the best results, with mechanical (tensile: 2.70 MPa; elongation: 13.7%) and thermal properties in the range typically found in the literature for biobased films. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43957.
Location‐Controlled Growth of Vertically Aligned Si Nanowires using Au Nanodisks Patterned by KrF Stepper Lithography
Authors: Park Yi‐Seul , Lee Jin Seok
Published: June 2016

The location‐controlled epitaxial growth of vertically aligned Si nanowire (v‐SiNW) arrays over large surface area was investigated with Au nanodisks (AuNDs) patterned by KrF stepper lithography. There are two steps for synthesizing v‐SiNWs from an AuND pattern: annealing and growth. The annealing process induces the formation of a single Au nanoparticle (AuNP) from an AuND pattern, which consists of several cracked AuNPs. Here, the oxide layer between the AuNDs and Si substrate is necessary for impeding the diffusion of Si atoms into the AuNPs. However, the oxide layer must be removed for properly aligned epitaxial SiNW growth. These SiNW arrays in large area can contribute highly to improve a nanowire‐based engineering by controlling the location of SiNWs with consistent pitch.
Integrated expression method for technical mapping of traffic parameters using RGB color model
Authors: Lee Jun , Lee Dongmin , Hatoyama Kiichiro
Published: June 2016

In the field of traffic flow, speed, density, time, and distance are fundamental variables analyzed to predict traffic conditions. Reliable sources of information are gauged using tested mathematical approaches that have been developed. However, a fundamental diagram that could serve as a basis for expression techniques has not been devised. Red–green–blue (RGB) color modeling was used to overcome this limitation in traffic flow. The purpose of this study is to provide a way to understand traffic flow conditions based on features of three traffic flow elements simultaneously. The limitation of three‐dimensional expressions in two‐dimensional paper was extended to multi‐dimensional information. Information on speed, density, and flow were combined into a single RGB color and given the name RGB flow‐density space time‐distance space. This cancels out the effect of each individual's vehicular trajectories and contains five major components of a specific road section. The new gizmo aims to provide information on traffic flow conditions in transition and to stimulate further approaches related to the predictions and understanding of traffic flow. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic Diversity and Structure of Populations of Annona crassiflora Mart. of Brazilian Savanna and Its Association with Chemical Variability
Authors: Egydio‐Brandão Anary Priscila Monteiro , Furlan Claudia Maria , dos Santos Déborah Yara Alves Cursino
Published: June 2016

Annona crassiflora Mart. is a native tree from Brazilian savanna. Isoquinoline alkaloids are characteristic of species of Annonaceae. This work aimed to assess the magnitude of genetic diversity among different populations of A. crassiflora using AFLP markers, and verify the existence of any correlation between the AFLP data and previous reported alkaloid composition. A. crassiflora from eight populations in the states of São Paulo, Goiás, Minas Gerais, and Distrito Federal were analyzed. The data suggest a low, moderate, and high level of genetic diversity from different populations of A. crassiflora. Concentration of alkaloids was significantly correlated with AFLP data, suggesting interaction between chemical and molecular markers in A. crassiflora. The data of association between the chemical and genetic differentiation of A. crassiflora may be useful to establish cultivation areas allowing the definition of strategies to preserve their genetic diversity with an interest in specific chemotypes for genetic improvement programs focused on sustainable utilization of this specie.
Metal(loid)s Uptake and Effects on the Growth of Helianthus tuberosus Cultivar‐Clones Under Multi‐Polluted Hydroponic Cultures
Authors: Montalbán Blanca , Lobo Mª Carmen , Alonso Juan , Pérez‐Sanz Araceli
Published: June 2016

Helianthus tuberosus is a high biomass crop recently proposed as a candidate for use in phytotechnologies on metal polluted soils. The present work reports data concerning plant growth, metal(loid) uptake and the metal(loid)–nutrient interactions of two cultivar‐clones of H. tuberosus (VR and D19). Three hydroponic experiments were performed separately: T1: 30 mg · L−1 of As(V), Cd, Cr(VI), and Ni; T2: 30 mg · L−1 of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd; T3: 30 mg · L−1 of As(V), Cd, and Ni. Theoretical estimation of the metal(loid) speciation in the nutrient solution was evaluated by MINTEQA2. The aerial biomass of both cultivar‐clones was not significantly reduced with T2 and T3 in comparison to the controls. T1 was the most toxic treatment for H. tuberosus, due to the presence of Cr(VI) in the mixture. D19 accumulated higher concentrations of metal in tissues than VR, and showed an effective mobilization of Pb to the stems. Although both cultivar‐clones showed high capacity to grow in presence of multiple toxic metal(loid)s, D19 showed better characteristics than VR to become a potential candidate for use in phytotechnologies.
Virus‐Induced Gene Silencing and Transient Gene Expression in Soybean (Glycine max) Using Bean Pod Mottle Virus Infectious Clones
Authors: Whitham Steven A. , Lincoln Lori M. , Chowda‐Reddy R. V. , Dittman Jaime D. , O'Rourke Jamie A. , Graham Michelle A.
Published: June 2016

Virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a powerful and rapid approach for determining the functions of plant genes. The basis of VIGS is that a viral genome is engineered so that it can carry fragments of plant genes, typically in the 200 to 300 base pair size range. The recombinant viruses are used to infect experimental plants, and wherever the virus invades, the target gene or genes will be silenced. VIGS is thus transient, and in the span of a few weeks, it is possible to design VIGS constructs and then generate loss‐of‐function phenotypes through RNA silencing of the target genes. In soybean (Glycine max), the Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) has been engineered to be valuable tool for silencing genes with diverse functions and also for over‐expression of foreign genes. This protocol describes a method for designing BPMV constructs and using them to silence or transiently express genes in soybean. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Translating microfluidics: Cell separation technologies and their barriers to commercialization
Authors: Shields C. Wyatt , Ohiri Korine A. , Szott Luisa M. , López Gabriel P.
Published: June 2016

Advances in microfluidic cell sorting have revolutionized the ways in which cell‐containing fluids are processed, now providing performances comparable to, or exceeding, traditional systems, but in a vastly miniaturized format. These technologies exploit a wide variety of physical phenomena to manipulate cells and fluid flow, such as magnetic traps, sound waves and flow‐altering micropatterns, and they can evaluate single cells by immobilizing them onto surfaces for chemotherapeutic assessment, encapsulate cells into picoliter droplets for toxicity screenings and examine the interactions between pairs of cells in response to new, experimental drugs. However, despite the massive surge of innovation in these high‐performance lab‐on‐a‐chip devices, few have undergone successful commercialization, and no device has been translated to a widely distributed clinical commodity to date. Persistent challenges such as an increasingly saturated patent landscape as well as complex user interfaces are among several factors that may contribute to their slowed progress. In this article, we identify several of the leading microfluidic technologies for sorting cells that are poised for clinical translation; we examine the principal barriers preventing their routine clinical use; finally, we provide a prospectus to elucidate the key criteria that must be met to overcome those barriers. Once established, these tools may soon transform how clinical labs study various ailments and diseases by separating cells for downstream sequencing and enabling other forms of advanced cellular or sub‐cellular analysis. © 2016 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Assessing the sustainability of African lion trophy hunting, with recommendations for policy
Authors: Creel Scott , M'soka Jassiel , Dröge Egil , Rosenblatt Eli , Becker Matthew S. , Matandiko Wigganson , Simpamba Twakundine
Published: June 2016

While trophy hunting provides revenue for conservation, it must be carefully managed to avoid negative population impacts, particularly for long‐lived species with low natural mortality rates. Trophy hunting has had negative effects on lion populations throughout Africa, and the species serves as an important case study to consider the balance of costs and benefits, and to consider the effectiveness of alternative strategies to conserve exploited species. Age‐restricted harvesting is widely recommended to mitigate negative effects of lion hunting, but this recommendation was based on a population model parameterized with data from a well‐protected and growing lion population. Here, we used demographic data from lions subject to more typical conditions, including source–sink dynamics between a protected National Park and adjacent hunting areas in Zambia's Luangwa Valley, to develop a stochastic population projection model and evaluate alternative harvest scenarios. Hunting resulted in population declines over a 25‐yr period for all continuous harvest strategies, with large declines for quotas >1 lion/concession (~0.5 lion/1,000 km2) and hunting of males younger than seven years. A strategy that combined periods of recovery, an age limit of ≥7 yr, and a maximum quota of ~0.5 lions shot/1,000 km2 yielded a risk of extirpation <10%. Our analysis incorporated the effects of human encroachment, poaching, and prey depletion on survival, but assumed that these problems will not increase, which is unlikely. These results suggest conservative management of lion trophy hunting with a combination of regulations. To implement sustainable trophy hunting while maintaining revenue for conservation of hunting areas, our results suggest that hunting fees must increase as a consequence of diminished supply. These findings are broadly applicable to hunted lion populations throughout Africa and to inform global efforts to conserve exploited carnivore populations.
Preservation of the 3D Phenotype Upon Dispersal of Cultured Cell Spheroids Into Monolayer Cultures
Authors: Koshkin Vasilij , Ailles Laurie E. , Liu Geoffrey , Krylov Sergey N.
Published: June 2016

In functional cytometric studies, cultured cells are exposed to effectors (e.g., drugs), and the heterogeneity of cell responses are studied using cytometry techniques (e.g., image cytometry). Such studies are difficult to perform on 3D cell cultures. A solution is to disperse 3D clusters and transfer the cells to the 2D state before applying effectors and using cytometry. This approach requires that the lifetime of the 3D phenotype be longer than the duration of the experiment. Here we studied the dynamics of phenotype transformation from 3D to 2D and searched for means of slowing this transformation down in dispersed spheroids of MCF7 cells. We found three functional biomarkers of the 3D phenotype in MCF7 cell spheroids that are absent in the 2D cell culture: (i) the presence of a subpopulation with an elevated drug‐expelling capacity; (ii) the presence of a subpopulation with an elevated cytoprotective capacity; and (iii) the accumulation of cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Monitoring these biomarkers in cells transferred from the 3D state to the 2D state revealed their gradual extinction. We found that the combined application of an elevated cell density and thiol‐containing medium supplements increased the lifetime of the 3D phenotype by several fold to as long as 96 h. Our results suggest that extending the lifetime of the 3D phenotype in the cells transferred from the 3D state to the 2D state can facilitate detailed functional cytometric studies, such as measurements of population heterogeneity of cytotoxicity, chemosensitivity, and radiosensitivity. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 154–162, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two isocitrate dehydrogenases from a plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris 8004. Bioinformatic analysis, enzymatic characterization, and implication in virulence
Authors: Lv Changqi , Wang Peng , Wang Wencai , Su Ruirui , Ge Yadong , Zhu Youming , Zhu Guoping
Published: June 2016

Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) is a key enzyme in the tricarboxylate (TCA) cycle, which may play an important role in the virulence of pathogenic bacteria. Here, two structurally different IDHs from a plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris 8004 (XccIDH1 and XccIDH2) were characterized in detail. The recombinant XccIDH1 forms homodimer in solution, while the recombinant XccIDH2 is a typical monomer. Phylogenetic analysis showed that XccIDH1 belongs to the type I IDH subfamily and XccIDH2 groups into the monomeric IDH clade. Kinetic characterization demonstrated that XccIDH1's specificity towards NAD+ was 110‐fold greater than NADP+, while XccIDH2's specificity towards NADP+ was 353‐fold greater than NAD+. The putative coenzyme discriminating amino acids (Asp268, Ile269 and Ala275 for XccIDH1, and Lys589, His590 and Arg601 for XccIDH2) were studied by site‐directed mutagenesis. The coenzyme specificities of the two mutants, mXccIDH1 and mXccIDH2, were completely reversed from NAD+ to NADP+, and NADP+ to NAD+, respectively. Furthermore, Ser80 of XccIDH1, and Lys256 and Tyr421 of XccIDH2, were the determinants for the substrate binding. The detailed biochemical properties, such as optimal pH and temperature, thermostability, and metal ion effects, of XccIDH1 and XccIDH2 were further investigated. The possibility of taking the two IDHs into consideration as the targets for drug development to control the plant diseases caused by Xcc 8004 were described and discussed thoroughly.
Eleven years of ground–air temperature tracking over different land cover types
Authors: Cermak Vladimir , Bodri Louise , Kresl Milan , Dedecek Petr , Safanda Jan
Published: June 2016

We have analyzed series of air, near‐surface and shallow ground temperatures under four land cover types, namely bare clayey soil, sand, short‐cut grass and asphalt; the samples were collected between 2002 and 2013 and monitored at the Geothermal Climate Change Observatory Sporilov, Prague (50°02.43′N, 14°28.54′E, 226 m a.s.l.). A comparison of all of the obtained temperature series revealed a strong dependence of the subsurface thermal regime on the respective surface cover material. The ground ‘skin’ temperature was generally warmer than the surface air temperature over all monitored surfaces; however, the temperatures over different land cover types differed significantly. Asphalt exhibited the highest temperatures, and temperatures below the grassy surface were the lowest. Special attention was paid to assessing the value of the ‘temperature offset’, the instant value of which sometimes varied dramatically, on both daily and annual scales, by up to 30+ K; however, on a long‐time scale, the temperature offset was generally constant and reflected the surface material. The characteristic 2003–2013 mean values for the individual covers are as follows: asphalt 4.1 K, sand 1.6 K, clay 1.4 K and grass 0.2 K. All four surface covers revealed typical daily and inter‐annual cycles, which were monitored and are discussed in detail. Incident solar radiation was the primary variable for determining the amount and temporal changes of the temperature offset values. A linear relationship between air–ground temperature differences and incident solar radiation was detected. The mean slope of the linear regression between both variables is clearly surface cover dependent. The greatest value, 3.3 K per 100 W m−2, was found for asphalt cover; rates of 1.0–1.2 apply to bare soil and sand cover, and a negative slope of −0.44 K per 100 W m−2 represents grass cover.
Effect of Mechanical Constraint on Tearing Energy of Polymer Membranes
Authors: Yuen Pak Yan , Dauskardt Reinhold H.
Published: June 2016

The role of mechanical constraint on the tearing behavior of perfluorosulfonic acid and polyethylene membranes is examined. A constrained tearing test is employed to measure the tearing energy when the formation of a plastic zone ahead of the tear tip is constrained. It is shown that the tearing energy decreases with increasing constraint associated with a smaller plastic zone and is much lower than the tearing energy with no constraint. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the tearing rate has a strong effect on the tearing energy when the membrane is unconstrained, but a much smaller effect when the membrane is constrained as the viscoelastic relaxation processes related to the plastic zone are suppressed. The results highlight the significant role of mechanical constraint on the tearing behavior of membranes during both testing and in application.

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Whole lung morphometry with 3D multiple b‐value hyperpolarized gas MRI and compressed sensing
Authors: Chan Ho‐Fung , Stewart Neil J. , Parra‐Robles Juan , Collier Guilhem J. , Wild Jim M.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

To demonstrate three‐dimensional (3D) multiple b‐value diffusion‐weighted (DW) MRI of hyperpolarized 3He gas for whole lung morphometry with compressed sensing (CS).

Methods

A fully‐sampled, two b‐value, 3D hyperpolarized 3He DW‐MRI dataset was acquired from the lungs of a healthy volunteer and retrospectively undersampled in the ky and kz phase‐encoding directions for CS simulations. Optimal k‐space undersampling patterns were determined by minimizing the mean absolute error between reconstructed and fully‐sampled 3He apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps. Prospective three‐fold, undersampled, 3D multiple b‐value 3He DW‐MRI datasets were acquired from five healthy volunteers and one chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patient, and the mean values of maps of ADC and mean alveolar dimension (LmD) were validated against two‐dimensional (2D) and 3D fully‐sampled 3He DW‐MRI experiments.

Results

Reconstructed undersampled datasets showed no visual artifacts and good preservation of the main image features and quantitative information. A good agreement between fully‐sampled and prospective undersampled datasets was found, with a mean difference of +3.4% and +5.1% observed in mean global ADC and LmD values, respectively. These differences were within the standard deviation range and consistent with values reported from healthy and COPD lungs.

Conclusions

Accelerated CS acquisition has facilitated 3D multiple b‐value 3He DW‐MRI scans in a single breath‐hold, enabling whole lung morphometry mapping. Magn Reson Med 77:1916–1925, 2017. © 2016 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Site‐specific conjugation of the quencher on peptide's N‐terminal for the synthesis of a targeted non‐spreading activatable optical probe
Authors: Simard Bryan , Mironov Gleb G. , Tomanek Boguslaw , van Veggel Frank C. J. M. , Abulrob Abedelnasser
Published: June 2016

Optical imaging offers high sensitivity and portability at low cost. The design of ‘smart’ or ‘activatable’ probes can decrease the background noise and increase the specificity of the signal. By conjugating a fluorescent dye and a compatible quencher on each side of an enzyme's substrate, the signal remains in its ‘off ’ state until it reaches the area where a specific enzyme is expressed. However, the signal can leak from that area unless the dye is attached to a molecule able to bind to a specific target also presented in that area. The aim of this study was to (i) specifically conjugate the quencher on the α‐amino group of the peptide's N‐terminus, (ii) conjugate the dye on the ε‐amino group of a lysine in C‐terminus, and (iii) conjugate the carboxyl group of the peptide's C‐terminus to an amino group present on an antibody, using carbodiimide chemistry. The use of protecting groups, such as Boc or Fmoc, to allow site‐specific conjugation, presents several drawbacks including ‘on beads labeling’, additional steps required for deprotection and removal from the resin, decreased yield, and dye degradation. A method of preferential labeling of α‐amino N‐terminal group in slightly acidic solution, proposed by Selo et al. (1996) has partially solved the problem. The present study reports improvements of the method allowing to (i) avoid the homo‐bilabeling, (ii) increase the yield of the N‐terminal labeling by two folds, and (iii) decrease the cost by 44‐fold. Copyright © 2016 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.