bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition of Defect Patterns from 2D to 3D in Liquid Crystals
Authors: Qu Yang , Wei Ying , Zhang Pingwen
Published: February 2017

Defects arise when nematic liquid crystals are under topological constraints at the boundary. Recently the study of defects has drawn a lot of attention because of the growing theoretical and practical significance. In this paper, we investigate the relationship between two-dimensional defects and three-dimensional defects within nematic liquid crystals confined in a shell. A highly accurate spectral method is used to solve the Landau-de Gennes model to get the detailed static structures of defects. Interestingly, the solution is radial-invariant when the thickness of the shell is sufficiently small. As the shell thickness increases, the solution undergoes symmetry break to reconfigure the disclination lines. We study this three-dimensional reconfiguration of disclination lines in detail under different boundary conditions. In particular, we find that the temperature plays an important role in deciding whether the transition between two-dimensional defects and three-dimensional defects is continuous or discontinuous for the shell with planar anchoring condition on both inner and outer surfaces. We also discuss the characterization of defects in two- and three-dimensional spaces within the tensor model.
An Efficient Adaptive Rescaling Scheme for Computing Moving Interface Problems
Authors: Zhao Meng , Ying Wenjun , Lowengrub John , Li Shuwang
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we present an efficient rescaling scheme for computing thelong-timedynamics of expanding interfaces. The idea is to design an adaptive time-space mapping such that in the new time scale, the interfaces evolves logarithmically fast at early growth stage and exponentially fast at later times. The new spatial scale guarantees the conservation of the area/volume enclosed by the interface. Compared with the original rescaling method in [J. Comput. Phys. 225(1) (2007) 554–567], this adaptive scheme dramatically improves the slow evolution at early times when the size of the interface is small. Our results show that the original three-week computation in [J. Comput. Phys. 225(1) (2007) 554–567] can be reproduced in about one day using the adaptive scheme. We then present the largest and most complicated Hele-Shaw simulation up to date.
Mechanism behind the Beauty: The Golden Ratio Appeared in the Shape of Red Blood Cells
Authors: Zhang Xue-Jun , Ou-Yang Zhong-Can
Published: February 2017

In the past two decades, a rigorous solution for the shape of human red blood cell (RBC) with a negative spontaneous curvature c0 has been derived with the Helfrich model under the condition that both the osmotic pressure Δp and tensile stress λ are equal to zero. By fitting the experimentally observed shape of RBC, c0R0 has been predicted to be –1.62, theminus golden ratio, where R0 is the radius of a sphere which has the same surface area as RBC. In this paper, we verify this prediction by comparing experimental data with an analytical equation describing the relation between volume and surface area. Furthermore, it is also found ρmax /ρB ≈ 1.6 with ρmax the maximal radius and ρB the characteristic radius of RBC, showing an approximate beautiful golden cross section of RBC. On the basis of a complete numerical calculation, we propose a mechanism behind the beauty of the minus golden ratio that c0R0 results from the balance between the minimization of the surface area and the requirement of adequate deformability of RBC to allow it passing through the spleen, the so called “physical fitness test”.
In Vitro Sensitivity of Cutaneous Leishmania Promastigote Isolates Circulating in French Guiana to a Set of Drugs
Authors: Ginouvès Marine , Simon Stéphane , Nacher Mathieu , Demar Magalie , Carme Bernard , Couppié Pierre , Prévot Ghislaine
Published: February 2017

Anti-leishmaniasis drug resistance is a common problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to inventory the general in vitro level of sensitivity of Leishmania isolates circulating in French Guiana and to highlight potential in vitro pentamidine-resistant isolates. This sensitivity study was conducted on 36 patient-promastigote isolates for seven drugs (amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, meglumine antimoniate, miltefosine, paromomycin, and pentamidine) using the Cell Counting Kit-8 viability test. The IC50 values obtained were heterogeneous. One isolate exhibited high IC50 values for almost all drugs tested. Pentamidine, which is the first-line treatment in French Guiana, showed efficacy at very low doses (mean of 0.0038 μg/mL). The concordance of the in vitro pentamidine results with the patients' clinical outcomes was 94% (K = 0.82).
Case–Case Analysis Using 7 Years of Travelers' Diarrhea Surveillance Data: Preventive and Travel Medicine Applications in Cusco, Peru
Authors: Jennings Mary Carol , Tilley Drake H. , Ballard Sarah-Blythe , Villanueva Miguel , Costa Fernando Maldonado , Lopez Martha , Steinberg Hannah E. , Luna C. Giannina , Meza Rina , Silva Maria E. , Gilman Robert H. , Simons Mark P. , Maves Ryan C. , Cabada Miguel M.
Published: February 2017

In Cusco, Peru, and South America in general, there is a dearth of travelers' diarrhea (TD) data concerning the clinical features associated with enteropathogen-specific infections and destination-specific risk behaviors. Understanding these factors would allow travel medicine providers to tailor interventions to patients' risk profiles and travel destination. To characterize TD etiology, evaluate region-specific TD risk factors, and examine relationships between preventive recommendations and risk-taking behaviors among medium- to long-term travelers' from high-income countries, we conducted this case–case analysis using 7 years of prospective surveillance data from adult travelers' presenting with TD to a physician in Cusco. At the time of enrollment, participants provided a stool sample and answered survey questions about demographics, risk behaviors, and the clinical features of illness. Stool samples were tested for norovirus (NV), bacteria, and parasites using conventional methods. Data obtained were then analyzed using case–case methods. NV (14%), enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (11%), and Campylobacter (9%), notably ciprofloxacin-resistant Campylobacter, were the most frequently identified pathogens among adults with TD. Coinfection with multiple enteropathogens occurred in 5% of cases. NV caused severe disease relative to other TD-associated pathogens identified, confining over 90% of infected individuals to bed. Destination-specific risk factors include consumption of the local beverage “chicha,” which was associated with Cryptosporidium infection. Preventive interventions, such as vaccines, directed against these pathogens could significantly reduce the burden of TD.
Showroom para Vitra Micasa Volume B en Sao Paulo. Brasil
Authors: Marcio Kogan Arquitecto
Published: February 2017

La arquitectura popular brasileña, con la consolidación de los barrios precarios construidos con materiales pobres, se ha especializado en la construcción de lo que se llamó “puxadinhos” (anexos), pequeñas ampliaciones, horizontales o verticales, colonizando unos sobre otros. La ciudad formal ha incorporado esta cultura y ha creado, en las nuevas ciudades latinoamericanas, siempre frescas, siempre renovadas, una tipología de arquitectura: construir sobre lo construido.
Puente del diablo en el Valle de L'Hérault. Francia
Authors: Rudy Ricciotti Arquitecto
Published: February 2017

La obra de arte se integra en un entorno excepcional clasificado como Patrimonio Mundial de la UNESCO del Camino de Santiago de Compostela. Se encuentra en diálogo con las obras existentes: el puente románico del siglo XI; a su lado, el puente-carretera que marca el final del siglo XIX; así como otro puente de hormigón del siglo XX.
Variability and evolution of the midlatitude stratospheric aerosol budget from 22 years of ground-based lidar and satellite observations
Authors: Khaykin Sergey M. , Godin-Beekmann Sophie , Keckhut Philippe , Hauchecorne Alain , Jumelet Julien , Vernier Jean-Paul , Bourassa Adam , Degenstein Doug A. , Rieger Landon A. , Bingen Christine , Vanhellemont Filip , Robert Charles , DeLand Matthew , Bhartia Pawan K.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The article presents new high-quality continuous stratospheric aerosol observations spanning 1994–2015 at the French Observatoire de Haute-Provence (OHP, 44° N, 6° E) obtained by two independent, regularly maintained lidar systems operating within the Network for Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC). Lidar series are compared with global-coverage observations by Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE II), Global Ozone Monitoring by Occultation of Stars (GOMOS), Optical Spectrograph and InfraRed Imaging System (OSIRIS), Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP), and Ozone Mapping Profiling Suite (OMPS) satellite instruments, altogether covering the time span of OHP lidar measurements. Local OHP and zonal-mean satellite series of stratospheric aerosol optical depth are in excellent agreement, allowing for accurate characterization of stratospheric aerosol evolution and variability at northern midlatitudes during the last 2 decades. The combination of local and global observations is used for a careful separation between volcanically perturbed and quiescent periods. While the volcanic signatures dominate the stratospheric aerosol record, the background aerosol abundance is found to be modulated remotely by the poleward transport of convectively cleansed air from the deep tropics and aerosol-laden air from the Asian monsoon region. The annual cycle of background aerosol at midlatitudes, featuring a minimum during late spring and a maximum during late summer, correlates with that of water vapor from the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS). Observations covering two volcanically quiescent periods over the last 2 decades provide an indication of a growth in the nonvolcanic component of stratospheric aerosol. A statistically significant factor of 2 increase in nonvolcanic aerosol since 1998, seasonally restricted to late summer and fall, is associated with the influence of the Asian monsoon and growing pollution therein.
Pan-Arctic Aerosol Number Size Distributions: Seasonality and Transport Patterns
Authors: Freud Eyal , Krejci Radovan , Tunved Peter , Leaitch Richard , Nguyen Quynh T. , Massling Andreas , Skov Henrik , Barrie Leonard
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The Arctic environment has an amplified response to global climatic change. It is sensitive to human activities that mostly take place elsewhere. For this study, a multi-year set of observed aerosol number size distributions in the diameter range of 10 to 500 nm from five sites around the Arctic Ocean (Alert, Villum Research Station – Station Nord, Zeppelin, Tiksi and Barrow) was assembled and analysed. A cluster analysis of the aerosol number size distributions, revealed four distinct distributions. Together with Lagrangian air parcel back-trajectories, they were used to link the observed aerosol number size distributions with a variety of transport regimes. This analysis yields insight into aerosol dynamics, transport and removal processes, on both an intra- and inter-monthly scales. For instance, the relative occurrence of aerosol number size distributions that indicate new particle formation (NPF) event is near zero during the dark months, and increases gradually to ~ 40 % from spring to summer, and then collapses in autumn. Also, the likelihood of Arctic Haze aerosols is minimal in summer and peaks in April at all sites. The residence time of accumulation-mode particles in the Arctic troposphere is typically long enough to allow tracking them back to their source regions. Air flow that passes at low altitude over central Siberia and Western Russia is associated with relatively high concentrations of accumulation-mode particles (Nacc) at all five sites – often above 150 cm−3. There are also indications of air descending into the Arctic boundary layer after transport from lower latitudes. The analysis of the back-trajectories together with the meteorological fields along them indicates that the main driver of the Arctic annual cycle of Nacc, on the larger scale, is when atmospheric transport covers the source regions for these particles in the 10-day period preceding the observations in the Arctic. The scavenging of these particles by precipitation is shown to be important on a regional scale and it is most active in summer. Cloud processing is an additional factor that enhances the Nacc annual cycle. There are some consistent differences between the sites that are beyond the year-to-year variability. They are the result of differences in the proximity to the aerosol source regions and to the Arctic Ocean sea-ice edge, as well as in the exposure to free tropospheric air and in precipitation patterns – to mention a few. Hence, for most purposes, aerosol observations from a single Arctic site cannot represent the entire Arctic region. Therefore, the results presented here are a powerful observational benchmark for evaluation of detailed climate and air chemistry modelling studies of aerosols throughout the vast Arctic region.
Exceptional summer warming leads to contrasting outcomes for methane cycling in small Arctic lakes of Greenland
Authors: Cadieux Sarah B. , White Jeffrey R. , Pratt Lisa M.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. In thermally stratified lakes, the greatest annual methane emissions typically occur during thermal overturn events. In July of 2012, Greenland experienced significant warming that resulted in substantial melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet and enhanced runoff events. This unusual climate phenomenon provided an opportunity to examine the effects of short-term natural heating on lake thermal structure and methane dynamics and compare these observations with those from the following year, when temperatures were normal. Here, we focus on methane concentrations within the water column of five adjacent small lakes on the ice-free margin of southwestern Greenland under open-water and ice-covered conditions from 2012–2014. Enhanced warming of the epilimnion in the lakes under open-water conditions in 2012 led to strong thermal stability and the development of anoxic hypolimnia in each of the lakes. As a result, during open-water conditions, mean dissolved methane concentrations in the water column were significantly (p < 0.0001) greater in 2012 than in 2013. In all of the lakes, mean methane concentrations under ice-covered conditions were significantly (p < 0.0001) greater than under open-water conditions, suggesting spring overturn is currently the largest annual methane flux to the atmosphere. As the climate continues to warm, shorter ice cover durations are expected, which may reduce the winter inventory of methane and lead to a decrease in total methane flux during ice melt. Under open-water conditions, greater heat income and warming of lake surface waters will lead to increased thermal stratification and hypolimnetic anoxia, which will consequently result in increased water column inventories of methane. This stored methane will be susceptible to emissions during fall overturn, which may result in a shift in greatest annual efflux of methane from spring melt to fall overturn. The results of this study suggest that interannual variation in ground-level air temperatures may be the primary driver of changes in methane dynamics because it controls both the duration of ice cover and the strength of thermal stratification.
America as Assemblage of Placeways: Toward a Meshwork of Lifelines
Authors: Innis Robert E.
Published: February 2017

In this article I examine whether and how America can be understood as an assemblage of placeways encompassing very different forms of temperament, patterns of action and feeling, and systems of viewing the world. I argue that the contemporary American landscape can no longer be seen as a composition of well-defined individual spaces but, rather, as zones of influence that are labile, with no sharp edges, subject to symbolic contestation and a wide range of expectations with material and symbolic consequences. These zones and places are matrices of energies, locating different forms of experience in people and giving rise to different existential preferences. Of particular importance are the contrasts between proximity and distance and between the space of nature and urban space as well as the development of a new sense of time as social organizing principle. It is proposed that we see America as a meshwork of intersecting lifelines rather than an assemblage of external accretions.
The Primordial Forms of Autopoiesis: It Is Self-Assemblage All the Way Down
Authors: Colapietro Vincent
Published: February 2017

Short of the universe in its entirety, there is not any whole that is not also a part, frequently in a dynamic, integral sense. Arthur Koestler coined the word holon to designate any part-whole. Even those parts that are seemingly mere constituents of some whole are themselves wholes to some extent. They have an integrity and identity of their own, even if their existence is apparently reducible to that of a constituent of a whole. If we take the multicellular organism as a paradigm of a dynamic holon, it seems obvious and undeniable that it is a whole as well as a part of any number of more encompassing wholes. But what is equally evident is that such a holon is self-assembling. Moreover, the processes of self-assemblage by which cells, organisms, entire populations, and countless other “beings” secure their existence are ones in which a logic of immanent dynamism and a logic of “external” support are both responsible for what is actually taking place.
The Effect of English Language Learning on Creative Thinking Skills: A Mixed Methods Case Study
Authors: Sehic Sandro
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this sequential explanatory mixed-methods case study was to investigate the effects of English language learning on creative thinking skills in the domains of fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration as measured with the Alternate Uses Test. Unlike the previous research studies that investigated the links between English language learning and cognitive skills and had large numbers of participants, this research study relied on small group of participants to provide detailed information about the effects of English language learning on their creative thinking skills in the domains of fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration as measured with the Alternate Uses Test. This study involved the collection of quantitative data at the pretest and posttest stages and the explanation of the quantitative data using qualitative data. The quantitative findings of this sequential explanatory mixed-method case study indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between the pretest and posttest results in the domains of fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration as measured with the Alternate Uses Test.
Laïcité et patrimonialisation du religieux au Québec
Authors: Zubrzycki Geneviève
Published: February 2017

Cet article examine le processus de patrimonialisation du catholicisme au Québec au cours des deux dernières décennies. À travers l’analyse de cas et de débats saillants tels la commission Bouchard-Taylor sur les accommodements raisonnables, le projet de Charte des valeurs québécoises proposé par le Parti Québécois, les débats autour du crucifix à l’Assemblée nationale et les poursuites et jugements de la cour sur la prière à Saguenay, nous étudions les formes discursives, matérielles et légales par lesquelles les pratiques et symboles catholiques sont resacralisés à titre d’éléments de la nation québécoise et de son histoire.
Vegetative Propagation of Tilia sp. Using Semi - Hardwood Cuttings
Authors: Ivanova Valeria , Panchev Valentin , Panayotov Nikolay
Published: February 2017

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of IBA, IAA and NAA on rooting power of semi - hardwood cuttings from Tilia. The cuttings were treated with 30, 40, 50 and 60 mg/l IBA, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/l IAA, and 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/l NAA. The results were reported after three months. The following indicators were analyzed: percentage of rooted cuttings (%), number of roots of cutting and the average length of root (cm). The largest number of rooted cuttings was obtained using 40 mg/l IBA for most of the variants. The treatment with 200 mg/l IAA resulted in the roots with the greatest length. The average length of the roots is increased by treatment with 30 mg/l and 40 mg/l NAA. High doses of IBA, IAA, NAA will provide a weak, brittle root system, which reduces the chances of successful adaptation in replanting.
Effect of Presowing Treatment with Ultrasound and Stratification of Laurocerasus officinalis L. Seeds on Some Growth Behaviour of Seedlings
Authors: Ivanova Valeria , Panchev Valentin
Published: February 2017

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different treatment with ultrasound and stratification of Laurocerasus officinalis L. seeds, conducted in greenhouse conditions during the period 2013-2015. The Laurocerasus officinalis L. is a species with an economic importance for the pharmaceutical industry, and it is also often used in ornamental horticulture. The determination of appropriate conditions for propagation by seeds has an effect on the cost of production. The seeds were treated with 0, 5, 10 and 5 min ultrasound and 2 months stratification. The results showed that the percentage of germinated seeds and quality root system are dependent on the exposition time. The largest number of germinated seeds was obtained with ultrasound treatment of 10 min. The stratification resulted in the obtaining of roots with the greatest length. High doses of ultrasound will provide the breaking of seeds and weak, brittle root system, which reduces the chances of successful adaptation in replanting.
Some Physico-Chemical Characteristics in Fruits of Rose Hip (Rosa spp.) Genotypes from Bolu Province in Western Part of Turkey
Authors: Ersoy Nilda , Salman Özen Merve
Published: February 2017

More recently, functional foods or food supplements which can protect humans from oxidative stress and several diseases have attracted worldwide interest. Among functional foods, fruits were given special attention, particularly wild edible fruits (neglected or underutilized fruits). There are various neglected and underutilized fruit tree species grown in Turkey solely. They could be exploited directly as foods, or used to obtain valuable natural compounds and derivatives. Rose hip (Rosa spp.) is one of them. The aim of the study is to determine some fruit characteristics of promising rose hip selections from Bolu province in the western part of Turkey. In the selection study, around 100 wild growing rose hip plants were investigated and among them 9 promising genotypes were selected based on rose hip selection criteria. The fruit mass, fruit flesh ratio, soluble solid content, titratable acidity, total dry matter and vitamin C content of these selected nine genotypes ranged from 1.40-2.77 g, 64.92-82.83%, 24.10-30.50%, 0.04-1.55%, 32.44-56.94% and 332.42-1603.52 mg/100 g respectively. Among the 9 promising genotypes, two genotypes had high, two genotypes had medium and five genotypes had low level of thorn.
Design principles of autocatalytic cycles constrain enzyme kinetics and force low substrate saturation at flux branch points
Authors: Barenholz Uri , Davidi Dan , Reznik Ed , Bar-On Yinon , Antonovsky Niv , Noor Elad , Milo Ron
Published: February 2017

A set of chemical reactions that require a metabolite to synthesize more of that metabolite is an autocatalytic cycle. Here, we show that most of the reactions in the core of central carbon metabolism are part of compact autocatalytic cycles. Such metabolic designs must meet specific conditions to support stable fluxes, hence avoiding depletion of intermediate metabolites. As such, they are subjected to constraints that may seem counter-intuitive: the enzymes of branch reactions out of the cycle must be overexpressed and the affinity of these enzymes to their substrates must be relatively weak. We use recent quantitative proteomics and fluxomics measurements to show that the above conditions hold for functioning cycles in central carbon metabolism of E. coli. This work demonstrates that the topology of a metabolic network can shape kinetic parameters of enzymes and lead to seemingly wasteful enzyme usage.
Interface between 40S exit channel protein uS7/Rps5 and eIF2α modulates start codon recognition in vivo
Authors: Visweswaraiah Jyothsna , Hinnebusch Alan G
Published: February 2017

The eukaryotic pre-initiation complex (PIC) bearing the eIF2·GTP·Met-tRNAiMet ternary complex (TC) scans the mRNA for an AUG codon in favorable context. AUG recognition evokes rearrangement of the PIC from an open, scanning to a closed, arrested conformation. Cryo-EM reconstructions of yeast PICs suggest remodeling of the interface between 40S protein Rps5/uS7 and eIF2α between open and closed states; however, its importance was unknown. uS7 substitutions disrupting eIF2α contacts favored in the open complex increase initiation at suboptimal sites, and uS7-S223D stabilizes TC binding to PICs reconstituted with a UUG start codon, indicating inappropriate rearrangement to the closed state. Conversely, uS7-D215 substitutions, perturbing uS7-eIF2α interaction in the closed state, confer the opposite phenotypes of hyperaccuracy and (for D215L) accelerated TC dissociation from reconstituted PICs. Thus, remodeling of the uS7/eIF2α interface appears to stabilize first the open, and then the closed state of the PIC to promote accurate AUG selection in vivo.
Differences in pollination success between local and foreign flower color phenotypes: a translocation experiment withGentiana lutea(Gentianaceae)
Authors: Guitián Javier A. , Sobral Mar , Veiga Tania , Losada María , Guitián Pablo , Guitián José M.
Published: February 2017

Background

The adaptive maintenance of flower color variation is frequently attributed to pollinators partly because they preferentially visit certain flower phenotypes. We tested whetherGentiana lutea—which shows a flower color variation (from orange to yellow) in the Cantabrian Mountains range (north of Spain)—is locally adapted to the pollinator community.

Methods

We transplanted orange-flowering individuals to a population with yellow-flowering individuals and vice versa, in order to assess whether there is a pollination advantage in the local morph by comparing its visitation rate with the foreign morph.

Results

Our reciprocal transplant experiment did not show clear local morph advantage in overall visitation rate: local orange flowers received more visits than foreign yellow flowers in the orange population, while both local and foreign flowers received the same visits in the yellow population; thus, there is no evidence of local adaptation inGentiana luteato the pollinator assemblage. However, some floral visitor groups (such asBombus pratorum,B. soroensis ancaricusandB. lapidarius decipiens) consistently preferred the local morph to the foreign morph whereas others (such asBombus terrestris) consistently preferred the foreign morph.

Discussion

We concluded that there is no evidence of local adaptation to the pollinator community in each of the twoG. luteapopulations studied. The consequences for local adaptation to pollinator onG. luteaflower color would depend on the variation along the Cantabrian Mountains range in morph frequency and pollinator community composition.
Off the scale: a new species of fish-scale gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Geckolepis) with exceptionally large scales
Authors: Scherz Mark D. , Daza Juan D. , Köhler Jörn , Vences Miguel , Glaw Frank
Published: February 2017

The gecko genus Geckolepis, endemic to Madagascar and the Comoro archipelago, is taxonomically challenging. One reason is its members ability to autotomize a large portion of their scales when grasped or touched, most likely to escape predation. Based on an integrative taxonomic approach including external morphology, morphometrics, genetics, pholidosis, and osteology, we here describe the first new species from this genus in 75 years: Geckolepis megalepis sp. nov. from the limestone karst of Ankarana in northern Madagascar. The new species has the largest known body scales of any gecko (both relatively and absolutely), which come off with exceptional ease. We provide a detailed description of the skeleton of the genus Geckolepis based on micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT) analysis of the new species, the holotype of G. maculata, the recently resurrected G. humbloti, and a specimen belonging to an operational taxonomic unit (OTU) recently suggested to represent G. maculata. Geckolepis is characterized by highly mineralized, imbricated scales, paired frontals, and unfused subolfactory processes of the frontals, among other features. We identify diagnostic characters in the osteology of these geckos that help define our new species and show that the OTU assigned to G. maculata is probably not conspecific with it, leaving the taxonomic identity of this species unclear. We discuss possible reasons for the extremely enlarged scales of G. megalepis in the context of an anti-predator defence mechanism, and the future of Geckolepis taxonomy.
Seasonal effect for polar cap sunward plasma flows at strongly northward IMF Bz
Authors: Koustov A. V. , Yakymenko K. N. , Ponomarenko P. V.
Published: February 2017

We use Super Dual Auroral Radar Network data to study polar cap ionospheric flow under strongly dominant positive interplanetary magnetic field Bz component. We show that the near‐noon flow along the magnetic meridian is predominantly sunward in summer. The sunward velocity increase with intensification of the external driver (the reverse convection electric field) is also faster in summer, and the rate of the increase is slightly larger for the Southern Hemisphere. The sunward flows simultaneously detected in both hemispheres are faster in the summer hemisphere. In addition, while sunward flows are aligned with the midnight‐noon line in a winter hemisphere, they are oriented toward earlier magnetic local hours in a summer hemisphere.
Postemplacement dynamics of basaltic intrusions in the continental crust
Authors: Roman A. , Jaupart C.
Published: February 2017

Laboratory experiments document the postemplacement behavior of mafic intrusions that spread at a density interface and founder as they become denser than their surroundings due to cooling and crystallization. All else being equal, the larger the intrusion volume, the farther the intrusion can spread and the smaller its aspect ratio is. The final aspect ratio is a function of a single dimensionless number analogous to the Rayleigh number of thermal convection. Once it is denser than its surroundings, the intrusion becomes unstable and may founder in two different regimes. At aspect ratios larger than about 0.4, the “teardrop” regime is such that the intrusion thickens in a central region, developing the shapes of a funnel and a pendant drop. At lower aspect ratios, another regime is observed, with thickening of the intrusion at the leading edge and thinning in a central region. The thick outer ring in turn becomes unstable into a set of teardrops and leads to an irregular horizontal outline. In one variant called the “jellyfish” regime, the thin central region develops a number of downwellings and upwellings in a Rayleigh‐Taylor‐like pattern. These instabilities may get arrested due to cooling as the intrusion and encasing rocks become too strong to deform. One would then be left with a funnel‐shaped residual body or a wide irregular one with thick peripheral lobes and a thinner central region. These different patterns can be recognized in upper crustal mafic intrusions.
Variability of upper‐ocean characteristics and tropical cyclones in the South West Indian Ocean
Authors: Mawren D. , Reason C. J. C.
Published: February 2017

Track and intensity are key aspects of tropical cyclone behavior. Intensity may be impacted by the upper‐ocean heat content relevant for TC intensification (known as Tdy) and barrier layer thickness (BLT). Here the variability of Tdy and BLT in the South West Indian Ocean and their relationships with tropical cyclones are investigated. It is shown that rapid cyclone intensification is influenced by large Tdy values, thick barrier layers and the presence of anticyclonic eddies. For TC generation in the South West Indian Ocean, the parameter Tdy was found to be important. Large BLT values overlay with large Tdy values during summer. Both fields are modulated by the westward propagation of Rossby waves, which are often associated with ENSO. For example, the 1997–1998 El Niño shows a strong signal in Tdy, SST, and BLT over the South West Indian Ocean. After this event, an increasing trend in Tdy occurred over most of the basin which may be associated with changes in atmospheric circulation. Increasing SST, Power Dissipation Index and frequency of Category 5 tropical cyclones also occurred from 1980 to 2010. To further examine the links between tropical cyclones, Tdy, and BLT, the ocean response to Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Bansi that developed near Madagascar during January 2015 was analyzed. Its unusual track was found to be linked with the strengthening of the monsoonal north westerlies while its rapid intensification from Category 2 to Category 4 was linked to a high‐Tdy region, associated with a warm core eddy and large BLT.
A robust optimal design for strictly positive realness in recursive parameter adaptation
Authors: Xiao Hui , Landau Ioan D. , Chen Xu
Published: February 2017

This paper provides an optimization‐based approach to assure the strict positive real (SPR) condition in a set of recursive parameter adaptation algorithms (PAA). The developed algorithms and tools enable a multiobjective formulation of the SPR problem, creating new controls of the stability and parameter convergence in PAAs. In addition to assuring the SPR condition for global stability in PAAs, we provide an algorithmic solution for uniform convergence under performance constraints in PAAs. Several new aspects of parameter convergence were observed with the adoption of the algorithm in a narrow‐band identification problem. The proposed algorithm is verified in simulation and experiments on a precision motion control platform in advanced manufacturing.
Diarylprolinol as a Ligand for Enantioselective Alkynylation of Cyclic Imines
Authors: De Munck Lode , Monleón Alicia , Vila Carlos , Pedro José R.
Published: February 2017

An easily accessible prolinol derived ligand, (S)‐bis(3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)(pyrrolidin‐2‐yl)methanol, has been efficiently applied in the catalytic enantioselective addition of terminal alkynes to cyclic imines using dimethylzinc (Me2Zn) under mild reaction conditions. The developed catalytic system led to chiral propargylic sulfamidates with high yields (up to 97%) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 97% ee).

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Emerging Trends in Phosphorene Fabrication towards Next Generation Devices
Authors: Dhanabalan Sathish Chander , Ponraj Joice Sophia , Guo Zhinan , Li Shaojuan , Bao Qiaoliang , Zhang Han
Published: February 2017

The challenge of science and technology is to design and make materials that will dominate the future of our society. In this context, black phosphorus has emerged as a new, intriguing two‐dimensional (2D) material, together with its monolayer, which is referred to as phosphorene. The exploration of this new 2D material demands various fabrication methods to achieve potential applications— this demand motivated this review. This article is aimed at supplementing the concrete understanding of existing phosphorene fabrication techniques, which forms the foundation for a variety of applications. Here, the major issue of the degradation encountered in realizing devices based on few‐layered black phosphorus and phosphorene is reviewed. The prospects of phosphorene in future research are also described by discussing its significance and explaining ways to advance state‐of‐art of phosphorene‐based devices. In addition, a detailed presentation on the demand for future studies to promote well‐systemized fabrication methods towards large‐area, high‐yield and perfectly protected phosphorene for the development of reliable devices in optoelectronic applications and other areas is offered.
Transport Phenomena in Eccentric Cylindrical Coordinates
Authors: Gilbert P. H. , Saengow C. , Giacomin A. J.
Published: February 2017

Studies in transport phenomena have been limited to a select few coordinate systems. Specifically, Cartesian, cylindrical, spherical, Dijksman toroidal, and bipolar cylindrical coordinates have been the primary focus of transport work. The lack of diverse coordinate systems, for which the equations of change have been worked out, limits the diversity of transport phenomena problem solutions. Here, we introduce eccentric cylindrical coordinates and develop the corresponding equations of change (continuity, motion, and energy). This new coordinate system is unique, distinct from bipolar cylindrical coordinates, and does not contain cylindrical coordinates as a special case. We find eccentric cylindrical coordinates to be more intuitive for solving transport problems than bipolar cylindrical coordinates. Specific applications are given, in the form of novel exact solutions, for problems important to chemical engineers, in momentum, heat and mass transfer. We complete our analysis of eccentric cylindrical coordinates by using the new equations to solve one momentum, one energy, and one mass transport problem exactly. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 3563–3581, 2017
Prenatal and postnatal presentations of corpus callosum agenesis with polymicrogyria caused by EGP5 mutation
Authors: Maillard Camille , Cavallin Mara , Piquand Kevin , Philbert Marion , Bault Jean Philippe , Millischer Anne Elodie , Moshous Despina , Rio Marlène , Gitiaux Cyril , Boddaert Nathalie , Masson Cecile , Thomas Sophie , Bahi‐Buisson Nadia
Published: February 2017

EPG5‐related Vici syndrome is a rare multisystem autosomal recessive disorder characterized by corpus callosum agenesis (ACC), hypopigmentation, cataracts, acquired microcephaly, failure to thrive, cardiomyopathy and profound developmental delay, and immunodeficiency. We report here the first case of prenatally diagnosed Vici syndrome with delayed gyration associated with ACC. Trio based exome sequencing allowed the identification of a compound heterozygous mutation in the EPG5 gene. Our patient subsequently demonstrated severe developmental delay, hypopigmentation, progressive microcephaly, and failure to thrive which led to suspicion of the diagnosis. Her MRI demonstrated ACC with frontoparietal polymicrogyria, severe hypomyelination, and pontocerebellar atrophy. This prenatal presentation of malformations of cortical development in combination with ACC expands the EPG5‐related phenotypic spectrum. Our report supports the idea that EPG5‐related Vici syndrome is both a neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorder. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seminal coagulation and sperm quality in different social contexts in captive tufted capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella)
Authors: Lima Julianne S. , Leão Danuza L. , Oliveira Karol G. , Brito Adriel B. , Sampaio Wlaisa V. , Santos Regiane R. , Queiroz Helder L. , Domingues Sheyla F.
Published: February 2017

In the present study, we aimed to assess the influence of different social contexts on the seminal coagulation and sperm quality in captive tufted capuchin monkeys. For this, males were housed either individually, in mixed‐sex groups (with females), or in male‐only groups. Monkeys were housed in cages and each cage type (i.e., individual or group cage) was placed in a different room. Forty‐one males were subjected to semen collection by rectal electroejaculation. The degree of seminal coagulation was determined on a scale of I–IV. Seminal volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, vigor, and plasma membrane integrity were evaluated for all ejaculate samples. All ejaculates collected showed degrees of coagulation between II and IV, where the majority presented coagulation degree IV, when collected from animals housed in groups. No statistical differences among percentages of coagula degree when samples were collected from males housed individually. Animals housed in group cages (male‐only groups and mixed‐sex groups) showed a significantly higher percentage of ejaculates at degree IV than males housed individually. Seminal volume was not affected by the coagula degree but by the housing system, where animals housed individually showed the highest volume (543 μl) when compared with those animals from male (273 μl) and mixed‐sex (318 μl) groups. No differences were observed in semen volume when comparing male‐only groups with mixed‐sex groups. Sperm motility was affected by both housing system and coagula degree. Samples with coagula degree IV from animals housed individually showed the highest (72%) sperm motility percentages. Sperm plasma membrane integrity was lower when samples were presenting coagula degree II + III and collected from male‐ (17%) or mixed‐sex (23%) groups. However, this housing system effect was not observed when sperm was obtained from coagula degree IV semen. Sperm vigor was neither affect by housing system or coagula degree.
Elucidating the Spatial Arrangement of Emitter Molecules in Organic Light‐Emitting Diode Films
Authors: Tonnelé Claire , Stroet Martin , Caron Bertrand , Clulow Andrew J. , Nagiri Ravi C. R. , Malde Alpeshkumar K. , Burn Paul L. , Gentle Ian R. , Mark Alan E. , Powell Benjamin J.
Published: February 2017

The effect of varying the emitter concentration on the structural properties of an archetypal phosphorescent blend consisting of 4,4′‐bis(N‐carbazolyl)biphenyl and tris(2‐phenylpyridyl)iridium(III) has been investigated using non‐equilibrium molecular dynamics (MD) simulations that mimic the process of vacuum deposition. By comparison with reflectometry measurements, we show that the simulations provide an accurate model of the average density of such films. The emitter molecules were found not to be evenly distributed throughout film, but rather they can form networks that provide charge and/or energy migration pathways, even at emitter concentrations as low as ≈5 weight percent. At slightly higher concentrations, percolated networks form that span the entire system. While such networks would give improved charge transport, they could also lead to more non‐radiative pathways for the emissive state and a resultant loss of efficiency.
Phosphonic acid functionalized siloxane crosslinked with 3‐glycidoxyproyltrimethoxysilane grafted polybenzimidazole high temperature proton exchange membranes
Authors: Qian Wei , Shen Chunhui , Gao Shanjun , Xiang Jingluan
Published: February 2017

Phosphonic acid functionalized siloxane crosslinked with 3‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) grafted polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes are prepared by sol–gel process. The structure of the membranes is characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy. SEM images of the membranes show that the membranes are homogeneous and compact. The crosslinked membranes exhibit excellent thermal stability, chemical stability and mechanical property. The proton conductivity of the crosslinked membranes increases by an order of magnitude over range of 20 °C to 160 °C under anhydrous condition, which can reach 3.15 × 10−2 S cm−1 at 160 °C under anhydrous condition. The activation energy of proton conductivity for membranes decreases with increase of PBI, because the formation of hydrogen bond network between the phosphonic acid and the imidazole ring can enhance the continuity of hydrogen bond in the membrane. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44818.
Sulfuric acid treatment of ground tire rubber and its effect on the mechanical and thermal properties of polypropylene composites
Authors: Hernández Ernesto Hernández , Gámez José Francisco Hernández , Cepeda Lorena Farías , Muñoz Esthela Judith Chávez , Corral Florentino Soriano , Rosales Silvia Guadalupe Solís , Velázquez Guadalupe Neira , Morones Pablo González , Martínez Deidré I. Sánchez
Published: February 2017

Ground tire rubber (GTR) was modified by sulfuric acid in order to improve its compatibility with and reinforcement of a polypropylene (PP) matrix. Polymer composites PP/GTR were prepared by melt mixing at different concentrations, with a maximum of 50 wt % of GTR. Studies by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), surface specific area by BET (Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller), and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the untreated GTR and treated GTR, while the mechanical and thermal properties of the PP/GTR composites were assessed to understand how the surface treatment of GTR affected the mechanical and thermal properties of the composite PP/GTR. FTIR revealed the presence of sulfonic groups on the surface of sulfuric acid–treated GTR, and BET analyses showed an increase of about 625% in the specific surface area as a result of the high porosity produced by the treatment. In all composites containing treated GTR, a higher Young's modulus was obtained than for composites containing untreated GTR. Particularly, an increase of about 275% in the Young's modulus was obtained in composites with treated GTR (40 wt %) against that containing untreated GTR. However, a more significant reduction of the elongation at break was observed in composites containing treated GTR than in those containing untreated GTR. Also, an increase of the crystallization temperature of PP as a function of GTR was observed by differential scanning calorimetry, but the crystallinity of the composites was reduced by the addition of both untreated and treated GTR. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44858.
Preparation and characterization of transparent cellulose films using an improved cellulose dissolution process
Authors: Acharya Sanjit , Hu Yang , Moussa Hanna , Abidi Noureddine
Published: February 2017

Effective dissolution of cellulosic macromolecules is the first predominant step to prepare functional bio‐based materials with desirable properties. In this study, we developed an improved dissolution process using a freeze‐drying pretreatment to promote the dissolution of cellulose. Rheological measurements of cellulose solutions and physicochemical characterization of regenerated cellulose films (scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis) were performed. Cellulose solution prepared from 5% microcrystalline cellulose (w:v) in the solvent exhibits a Newtonian fluid character while cellulose solutions at higher concentrations show a pseudo‐plastic fluid behavior. Results from physicochemical characterization indicate that a freeze‐drying pretreatment step of cellulose leads to a complete dissolution at 5% concentration while only part of cellulose is dissolved at 10% and 15% concentrations. The results obtained indicated that the use of a freeze‐drying pretreatment step under mild conditions lead to a complete dissolution of cellulose at 5% concentration. The cellulose films prepared from 5% concentration exhibited desirable properties such as good optical transparency, crystallinity, and thermal stability. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44871.