bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superweak asthenosphere in light of upper mantle seismic anisotropy
Authors: Becker Thorsten W.
Published: April 2017

Earth's upper mantle includes a
km thick asthenosphere underneath the plates where viscosity and seismic velocities are reduced compared to the background. This zone of weakness matters for plate dynamics and may be required for the generation of plate tectonics itself. However, recent seismological and electromagnetic studies indicate strong heterogeneity in thinner layers underneath the plates which, if related to more extreme, global viscosity reductions, may require a revision of our understanding of mantle convection. Here, I use dynamically consistent mantle flow modeling and the constraints provided by azimuthal seismic anisotropy as well as plate motions to explore the effect of a range of global and local viscosity reductions. The fit between mantle flow model predictions and observations of seismic anisotropy is highly sensitive to radial and lateral viscosity variations. I show that moderate suboceanic viscosity reductions, to
–0.1 times the upper mantle viscosity, are preferred by the fit to anisotropy and global plate motions, depending on layer thickness. Lower viscosities degrade the fit to azimuthal anisotropy. Localized patches of viscosity reduction, or layers of subducted asthenosphere, however, have only limited additional effects on anisotropy or plate velocities. This indicates that it is unlikely that regional observations of subplate anomalies are both continuous and indicative of dramatic viscosity reduction. Locally, such weak patches may exist and would be detectable by regional anisotropy analysis, for example. However, large‐scale plate dynamics are most likely governed by broad continent‐ocean asthenospheric viscosity contrasts rather than a thin, possibly high melt fraction layer.
Skillful regional prediction of Arctic sea ice on seasonal timescales
Authors: Bushuk Mitchell , Msadek Rym , Winton Michael , Vecchi Gabriel A. , Gudgel Rich , Rosati Anthony , Yang Xiaosong
Published: April 2017

Recent Arctic sea ice seasonal prediction efforts and forecast skill assessments have primarily focused on pan‐Arctic sea ice extent (SIE). In this work, we move toward stakeholder‐relevant spatial scales, investigating the regional forecast skill of Arctic sea ice in a Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) seasonal prediction system. Using a suite of retrospective initialized forecasts spanning 1981–2015 made with a coupled atmosphere‐ocean‐sea ice‐land model, we show that predictions of detrended regional SIE are skillful at lead times up to 11 months. Regional prediction skill is highly region and target month dependent and generically exceeds the skill of an anomaly persistence forecast. We show for the first time that initializing the ocean subsurface in a seasonal prediction system can yield significant regional skill for winter SIE. Similarly, as suggested by previous work, we find that sea ice thickness initial conditions provide a crucial source of skill for regional summer SIE.
Diagenetic silica enrichment and late‐stage groundwater activity in Gale crater, Mars
Authors: Frydenvang J. , Gasda P. J. , Hurowitz J. A. , Grotzinger J. P. , Wiens R. C. , Newsom H. E. , Edgett K. S. , Watkins J. , Bridges J. C. , Maurice S. , Fisk M. R. , Johnson J. R. , Rapin W. , Stein N. T. , Clegg S. M. , Schwenzer S. P. , Bedford C. C. , Edwards P. , Mangold N. , Cousin A. , Anderson R. B. , Payré V. , Vaniman D. , Blake D. F. , Lanza N. L. , Gupta S. , Van Beek J. , Sautter V. , Meslin P.‐Y. , Rice M. , Milliken R. , Gellert R. , Thompson L. , Clark B. C. , Sumner D. Y. , Fraeman A. A. , Kinch K. M. , Madsen M. B. , Mitrofanov I. G. , Jun I. , Calef F. , Vasavada A. R.
Published: April 2017

Diagenetic silica enrichment in fracture‐associated halos that crosscut lacustrine and unconformably overlying aeolian sedimentary bedrock is observed on the lower north slope of Aeolis Mons in Gale crater, Mars. The diagenetic silica enrichment is colocated with detrital silica enrichment observed in the lacustrine bedrock yet extends into a considerably younger, unconformably draping aeolian sandstone, implying that diagenetic silica enrichment postdates the detrital silica enrichment. A causal connection between the detrital and diagenetic silica enrichment implies that water was present in the subsurface of Gale crater long after deposition of the lacustrine sediments and that it mobilized detrital amorphous silica and precipitated it along fractures in the overlying bedrock. Although absolute timing is uncertain, the observed diagenesis likely represents some of the most recent groundwater activity in Gale crater and suggests that the timescale of potential habitability extended considerably beyond the time that the lacustrine sediments of Aeolis Mons were deposited.
Quantify the continuous dependence of SST‐turbulent heat flux relationship on spatial scales
Authors: Li Furong , Sang Huiyan , Jing Zhao
Published: April 2017

Relationship among different quantities usually changes in the time, spatial, and spectral domains due to the complicated dynamics in the geosystem. In this study, we propose a general statistical modeling approach to address this problem and apply the approach to evaluating the continuous dependence of relationship between sea surface temperature (SST) and turbulent heat flux (T‐Q relationship) on spatial scales. In the Kuroshio extension region, it is found that the turbulent heat flux (defined positive upward) anomalies are positively correlated to SST anomalies at scales ranging from ~150 km to ~4000 km. The T‐Q relationship stays stable at mesoscales (<1000 km) with a regression coefficient α of 26 W/(m2K). However, its value decreases rapidly as scales further increase. In addition, α exhibits a pronounced seasonal cycle with coherent phase at all the scales. The largest and smallest values occur in winter and summer, respectively.
Achieving Ultrahigh Energy Density and Long Durability in a Flexible Rechargeable Quasi‐Solid‐State Zn–MnO2 Battery
Authors: Zeng Yinxiang , Zhang Xiyue , Meng Yue , Yu Minghao , Yi Jianan , Wu Yiqiang , Lu Xihong , Tong Yexiang
Published: April 2017

Advanced flexible batteries with high energy density and long cycle life are an important research target. Herein, the first paradigm of a high‐performance and stable flexible rechargeable quasi‐solid‐state Zn–MnO2 battery is constructed by engineering MnO2 electrodes and gel electrolyte. Benefiting from a poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) buffer layer and a Mn2+‐based neutral electrolyte, the fabricated Zn–MnO2@PEDOT battery presents a remarkable capacity of 366.6 mA h g−1 and good cycling performance (83.7% after 300 cycles) in aqueous electrolyte. More importantly, when using PVA/ZnCl2/MnSO4 gel as electrolyte, the as‐fabricated quasi‐solid‐state Zn–MnO2@PEDOT battery remains highly rechargeable, maintaining more than 77.7% of its initial capacity and nearly 100% Coulombic efficiency after 300 cycles. Moreover, this flexible quasi‐solid‐state Zn–MnO2 battery achieves an admirable energy density of 504.9 W h kg−1 (33.95 mW h cm−3), together with a peak power density of 8.6 kW kg−1, substantially higher than most recently reported flexible energy‐storage devices. With the merits of impressive energy density and durability, this highly flexible rechargeable Zn–MnO2 battery opens new opportunities for powering portable and wearable electronics.
Objectively Evaluating the Cathode Performance of Lithium‐Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Zhang Wang , Shen Yue , Sun Dan , Huang Zhimei , Huang Yunhui
Published: April 2017

Lithium‐oxygen battery is a promising high specific energy electrochemical system for next generation energy storage. Many literatures have reported lithium‐oxygen battery cathodes with specific capacity higher than 1000 mA h g−1 and cyclability of several hundred cycles in half‐cell tests. However, on the prototype cell level, high specific energy lithium‐oxygen batteries are still irreversible. In this report, the huge discrepancy between the half‐cell result and the prototype cell performance is carefully analyzed. Some methods and parameters to evaluate the cathode performances in lithium‐ion batteries are found to be unsuitable in lithium‐oxygen battery studies. More reliable half‐cell testing methods are discussed to objectively evaluate the cathode capacity and cyclability. Considering the latest progress, the lithium‐oxygen battery is still a promising energy storage system. But at this early stage, fundamental research on the battery chemistry is still the most important issue. Objective evaluating the electrochemical performance is the prerequisite to find the exact problems and thus deserves attention.
A mathematical model for optimal compression costs in the hydrogen networks for the petroleum refineries
Authors: Jagannath Anoop , Almansoori Ali
Published: April 2017

Hydrogen network design is an important step in hydrogen management of a petroleum refinery that manages the hydrogen distribution and consumption in a cost‐effective manner. While most works in this area have primarily focused on minimization of fresh hydrogen requirement and hydrogen purification aspects, very few works have dealt the issue of compression costs in hydrogen network designs. This work proposes a new mathematical model for synthesizing a hydrogen network with minimum compression costs. In contrast to the existing literature, this model uses stream‐dependent properties and realistic compressor cost correlations to determine the compression duty and costs, respectively. Tests on literature examples show that our model is flexible and gives reasonably favorable solutions than the previous models. Furthermore, the usefulness of understanding the trade‐offs between the number of compressors and compression duty and the importance of using stream‐dependent conditions in estimating compression costs are also highlighted in this work. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 3925–3943, 2017
Feeding‐induced phenol production in Capsicum annuum L. influences Spodoptera litura F. larval growth and physiology
Authors: Movva Vijaya , Pathipati Usha Rani
Published: April 2017

We studied the role of induced plant phenols as a defense response to insect herbivory. Phenolic compounds were induced in Capsicum annuum L., the source of many culinary peppers, after feeding by different stages of the insect pest, Spodoptera litura F. The phenols were identified and quantified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and effects produced by these phenols on larval development were studied. Vanillic acid was identified in plants challenged by second, fourth, and fifth instar larvae, but not in plants challenged by third instar nor unchallenged plants. Syringic acid production was induced in chili plants infested with second (0.429 ± 0.003 μg/g fresh weight, fourth (0.396 ± 0.01 μg/g fresh weight), and fifth instar (5.5 ± 0.06 μg/g fresh weight) larvae, compared to untreated plants (0.303 ± 0.01 μg/g fresh weight) plants. Leaves surface treated with the rutin deterred oviposition. Dietary exposure to chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, sinapic acid, and rutin led to enhanced activities of detoxifying enzymes, β‐glucosidase, carboxyl esterase, glutathione S‐transferase, and glutathione reductase in the midgut tissues of all the larval instars, indicating the toxic nature of these compounds. Protein carbonyl content and acetylcholinesterase activity was analyzed to appreciate the role of induced plant phenols in insect protein oxidation and terminating nerve impulses.
Physics, History, and the German Atomic Bomb
Authors: Walker Mark
Published: April 2017

Physics, History, and the German Atomic Bomb. This paper examines the German concept of a nuclear weapon during National Socialism and the Second World War. Zusammenfassung: Physik, Geschichte und die deutsche Atombombe. Dieser Aufsatz untersucht die deutsche Vorstellung einer nuklearen Waffe während des Nationalsozialismus und des Zweiten Weltkrieges.
The attitudes of medical students in Europe toward the clinical importance of histology
Authors: Moxham Bernard John , Emmanouil‐Nikoloussi Elpida , Brenner Erich , Plaisant Odile , Brichova Hana , Kucera Tomas , Pais Diogo , Stabile Isobel , Borg Jordy , Scholz Michael , Paulsen Friedrich , Luis Bueno‐López José , Alfonso Arraez Aybar Luis , De Caro Raffaele , Arsic Stojanka , Lignier Baptiste , Chirculescu Andy
Published: April 2017

Many studies have been undertaken to assess the attitudes of medical students to the clinical importance of gross anatomy. However, much less is known about their attitudes toward the clinical importance of histology. Using Thurstone and Chave methods to assess attitudes, over 2,000 early stage medical students across Europe provided responses to a survey that tested the hypothesis that the students have a high regard for histology's clinical relevance. Regardless of the university and country surveyed, and of the teaching methods employed for histology, our findings were not consistent with our hypotheses, students providing a more moderate assessment of histology's importance compared to gross anatomy but more positive than their attitudes toward embryology. Histology should play a significant role in medical education in terms of appreciating not just normal structure and function but also pathology. We conclude that teachers of histology should pay special attention to informing newly‐recruited medical students of the significant role played by histology in attaining clinical competence and in underpinning their status as being learned members of a healthcare profession. This work was conducted under the auspices of the Trans‐European Pedagogic Research Group (TEPARG). Clin. Anat. 30:635–643, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
e‐Signals&Systems: A web‐based educational tool for signals and systems
Authors: Vatansever Fahri , Yalcin Nedim A.
Published: April 2017

Computers are widely used for educational purposes. Multimedia tools and simulations are mostly preferred for learning especially hard and complex structures in technical field and hardly realized experiments in laboratory environment. Besides, supporting theoretical knowledge with practical applications is crucial in engineering education. But, effects of negative conditions such as hardware deficiency (experimental gadgets, measuring instruments, etc.) in education environment, high number of students, less number of educators can be diminished with concepts which are distance education, computer‐aided education, etc. In this study, web‐based educational tool which is oriented to signals and systems subjects/courses is realized. This tool provides learning of signals and systems subjects with its subject descriptions, solved/unsolved problems, animations, simulations, interactive simulators, real‐time applications, general exams, online communication/support, and new educational strategy in easy, simple, and effective way. Usability and educational contribution of realized study was inspected with questionnaires which were filled anonymously by 110 students in Uludag University and assessed according to SUS and Likert scales.
Chemical Characterization of Lodoicea maldivica Fruit
Authors: Sebastiani Bartolomeo , Giorgini Martino , Falcinelli Stefano
Published: April 2017

In the present study, we report the attempt to characterize the chemical composition of fruit kernel of Lodoicea maldivica coco nucifera palm (commonly named as ‘Coco de mer’) by gas chromatographic method. The analysis was performed by HS‐SPME and GC/MS techniques to determine volatile aroma, sterol, and fatty acid composition profiles in the internal and external pulp of two distinct coconuts. Although no qualitative differences in flavour composition were observed between the two analysed coconuts and the relative two pulp parts, variations in the abundance levels of the prominent compounds have been recorded. The averaged quantity of total phytosterols, resulting from the two analysed ‘Coco de mer’ samples, was almost constant in both kernels coconut, being 24.5 μg/g (of dry net matter) for the external, and 26.9 μg/g (of dry net matter) for the internal portion. In both coconuts, the fatty acid pattern composition was characterized by seven saturated acids ranged from C14:0 (myristic) to C20:0 (arachidic) and two monounsaturated acids, the palmitoleic (C16:1, ω7) and the oleic (C18:1, ω9). Palmitic acid (C16:0) was the predominant one with an average contribution of about 49.0%, followed by pentadecanoic 16.5%, stearic (C18:0) 11.6%, and myristic (C14:0) 9.9% acids in all two examined kernel portions.
New Cobalt‐Bisterpyridyl Catalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Aroua Safwan , Todorova Tanya K. , Mougel Victor , Hommes Paul , Reissig Hans‐Ulrich , Fontecave Marc
Published: April 2017

Preparation of a series of terpyridyl ligands bearing different substituents recently led to the synthesis of new cobalt‐bisterpyridyl complexes spanning over a wide range of redox potentials. In this work, we describe the catalytic properties of these complexes for the electroreduction of protons into hydrogen (hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)) in acetonitrile. The substituents of the ligands were found to greatly affect the catalytic performances of the systems, in terms of stability and overpotential. Interestingly, systems based on dimethylamino‐terpyridine derivatives perform HER with high efficiency, low overpotential and excellent stability. Density functional theory calculations were used to provide insights into the reaction mechanism of HER catalyzed by these systems, highlighting the role of the ligand for proton activation.
The Shape of Things To Come: The Formation of Modulated Nematic Mesophases at Various Length Scales
Authors: Mandle Richard J.
Published: April 2017

The twist–bend nematic (NTB) phase is a recently discovered liquid‐crystalline phase that exhibits macroscopic chirality even when formed from achiral materials, and as such presents a unique testbed for studies concerning the spontaneous breaking of mirror symmetry in soft matter. It is primarily exhibited by materials for which the molecular structure is composed of two rigid aromatic units (such as biphenyl connected by a flexible spacer). The local structure of the NTB phase is nematic‐like—with molecules having an average orientational order but no positional order—with a nanoscale helix in which the pitch (i.e., the repeat distance of the helix) is of the order of several nanometres. A helix is chiral, and so the bulk NTB phase—in the absence of a biasing chiral environment—spontaneously separates into macroscopic domains of opposite handedness. After discussing the structure of this mesophase and its elucidation, this concept article presents the molecular factors that determine its incidence. The apparent dependency primarily on molecular shape and bend angle rather than particular functional group combinations manifests in this mesophase being exhibited on length scales far beyond those of simple liquid‐crystalline dimers, not only in oligomers and polymers, but also in aqueous suspensions of micron sized helical particles.
Push–Pull‐Type Polychlorotriphenylmethyl Radicals: New Two‐Photon Absorbers and Dyes for Generation of Photo‐Charges
Authors: Wu Xiaojin , Kim Jun Oh , Medina Samara , Ramírez Francisco J. , Mayorga Burrezo Paula , Wu Shaofei , Lim Zheng Long , Lambert Christoph , Casado Juan , Kim Dongho , Wu Jishan
Published: April 2017

Tri(4‐iodo‐2,3,5,6‐tetrachlorophenyl)methane (2) is reported as a general building block for the synthesis of various π‐conjugated polychlorotriphenylmethyl (PTM) radicals. Three push–pull‐type triphenylamine‐substituted PTM radicals with different substitution patterns were prepared and all exhibited intense inter‐valence charge‐transfer bands and large two‐photon absorption (TPA) cross sections. Moreover, increase of solvent polarity also resulted in improved TPA response. The charge‐transfer character of the relevant excited states provoked the efficient photo‐generation of charges, anions in the PTM and cations in the amine arms, driven by the amphoteric redox character and the small coupling between donor and acceptor.
Potential biomechanical roles of risk factors in the evolution of thrombus‐laden abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Virag Lana , Wilson John S. , Humphrey Jay D. , Karšaj Igor
Published: April 2017

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) typically harbour an intraluminal thrombus (ILT), yet most prior computational models neglect biochemomechanical effects of thrombus on lesion evolution. We recently proposed a growth and remodelling model of thrombus‐laden AAAs that introduced a number of new constitutive relations and associated model parameters. Because values of several of these parameters have yet to be elucidated by clinical data and could vary significantly from patient to patient, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible extent to which these parameters influence AAA evolution. Given that some of these parameters model potential effects of factors that influence the risk of rupture, this study also provides insight into possible roles of common risk factors on the natural history of AAAs. Despite geometrical limitations of a cylindrical domain, findings support current thought that smoking, hypertension, and female sex likely increase the risk of rupture. Although thrombus thickness is not a reliable risk factor for rupture, the model suggests that the presence of ILT may have a destabilizing effect on AAA evolution, consistent with histological findings from human samples. Finally, simulations support two hypotheses that should be tested on patient‐specific geometries in the future. First, ILT is a potential source of the staccato enlargement observed in many AAAs. Second, ILT can influence rupture risk, positively or negatively, via competing biomechanical (eg, stress shielding) and biochemical (ie, proteolytic) effects. Although further computational and experimental studies are needed, the present findings highlight the importance of considering ILT when predicting aneurysmal enlargement and rupture risk.
An LC–MS/MS method for determination of bioactive components of liquorice and Semen Strychni in rat plasma: Application to a pharmacokinetics study
Authors: Zhang Min , Deng Yang , Wang Chao , Cai Hua‐Lin , Wen Jing , Fang Ping‐Fei , Zhang Bi‐Kui , Li Huan‐De , Yan Miao
Published: April 2017

Semen Strychni is known for its treatment of rheumatic arthritis with a low therapeutic index. Liquorice contributes a lot in herb detoxification according to the traditional Chinese medicine theory. A simple, rapid, and sensitive liquid chromatography–mass spectrometric method (LC–MS) was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of main bioactive ingredients in liquorice and Semen Strychni in rat plasma. Using moclobemide and cyproterone acetate as the internal standards, the analytes were pretreated via protein precipitation with methanol. An Ultimate AQ‐C18 column (3.0 μm, 3.0 × 100 mm) was employed for chromatographic separation, combining with gradient elution. The mobile phase consisted of 0.07% formic acid and 0.12% ammonium acetate in aqueous phase (A) and acetonitrile in organic phase (B). The elution program was as follows: 0–0.5 min, 20% B; 0.5–1 min, 20–60% B; 1–7 min, 60–85% B; and 7–7.5 min, returned to 20% B, then continued to 12 min. Selected reaction monitoring was performed in both positive and negative ESI. Positive mode was adopted for detection of strychnine, brucine, and moclobemide, while negative mode was used for glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, liquiritin, and cyproterone acetate. The method was validated for specificity, linearity, matrix effect, recovery, precision, accuracy, and stability. The results show that this method is sensitive, accurate and robust for biological matrix analysis. Moreover, the proposed method was applied to a pharmacokinetic study in Sprague–Dawley rats for investigating the mechanism of which liquorice detoxifies Semen Strychni.
Effect of humic acid‐based amendments on exchangeable cadmium and its accumulation by rice seedlings
Authors: Yu Yao , Yuan Sili , Wan Yanan , Wang Qi , Li Huafen
Published: April 2017

Cadmium (Cd) in the food chain is toxic to humans and mainly attributed to the accumulation by plants. Organic amendments are considered effective to reduce the bioaccessiblity of heavy metals through complexation, only if insoluble complexes are formed. A 42‐day soil incubation followed by a 40‐day rice pot experiment was conducted. The result of the incubation showed that all seven amendments (humic‐ammonium, humic‐calcium, humic‐nitro‐calcium, humic‐urea, humic‐potassium, humic‐nitro‐potassium, and woody peat) significantly increased soil pH and reduced MgCl2‐exchangeable Cd contents by over 32% on day 12. But soil pH decreased and exchangeable Cd contents increased with time and at the end of the incubation, no significant difference in either soil pH or exchangeable Cd contents between CK and most amendments was found. The contents of Cd in rice seedlings were reduced by amendments both under the aged and unaged groups (unaged: soil with freshly added amendments; aged: rice was planted in the soil used in the incubation without further addition of amendments). Compared with the corresponding unaged amendments, the aged amendments significantly increased the contents of Cd in rice shoots, except humic‐potassium. Therefore, the humic acid‐based amendments could reduce exchangeable Cd in soil but the effect was not persistent and accordingly, the unaged amendments would lead to much less Cd accumulation in rice seedlings than the aged ones. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1308–1313, 2017
Retention and sustained release of fragrance by Cyclodextrin functionalized cotton fabric modified using maleic anhydride
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Sumana , Das Debasish
Published: April 2017

β‐cyclodextrin(CD) was incorporated in cotton fabric following pad‐dry‐cure technique employing maleic anhydride as modifying agent under the dual influence of free radical polymerization catalyst ammonium peroxodisulfate [(NH4)2S2O8] and esterification catalyst tetrasodium pyrophosphate (Na4P2O7). β‐cyclodextrin(CD) can be esterified if treated with maleic anhydride (an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid) due to the presence of hydroxyl groups in β‐cyclodextrins and also such compound can form inclusion complex with essential oils. The retention of essential oil and its sustained release after repeated post wash treatments was determined quantitatively by UV–vis spectrophotometry.
Estimating electromyography responses using an adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system with subtractive clustering
Authors: Çakıt Erman , Karwowski Waldemar
Published: April 2017

This study aimed to develop an adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) approach to estimate the normalized electromyography (NEMG) responses, where the independent variables are demographic variables including population, gender, ethnicity, age, height, weight, posture, and muscle groups. The study groups comprised 75 US‐based (54 males and 21 females) and 10 Japan‐based (all males) automobile assembly workers. A total of 65 inputs and 1 output reflecting the NEMG values were considered at the beginning. After correlating analysis results, a total of 35 significant predictors were considered for both ANFIS and regression models. The data were partitioned into two datasets, one for training (70% of all data) and one for validation (30% of all data). In addition to a soft‐computing approach, a multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis was also performed to evaluate whether or not the ANFIS approach showed superior predictive performance compared to a classical statistical approach. According to the performance comparison, ANFIS had better predictive accuracy than MLR, as demonstrated by the experimental results. Overall, this study demonstrates that the ANFIS approach can predict normalized EMG responses according to subjects’ demographic variables, posture, and muscle groups.
Evaluation of soil health in organicvs. conventional farming of basmati rice in North India
Authors: Sihi Debjani , Dari Biswanath , Sharma Dinesh K. , Pathak Himanshu , Nain Lata , Sharma Om Parkash
Published: April 2017

Conventional agricultural practices that use excessive chemical fertilizers and pesticides come at a great price with respect to soil health, a key component to achieve agricultural sustainability. Organic farming could serve as an alternative agricultural system and solve the problems associated with the usage of agro‐chemicals by sustainable use of soil resources. A study was carried out to evaluate the impact of organicvs. conventional cultivations of basmati rice on soil health during Kharif (rainy) season of 2011 at Kaithal district of Haryana, India, under farmers' participatory mode. Long‐term application of organic residues in certified organic farms was found to improve physical, chemical, and biological indicators of soil health. Greater organic matter buildup as indicated by higher soil organic carbon content in organic fields was critical to increase soil aggregate stability by increasing water holding capacity and reducing bulk density. Proper supplementation of nutrients (both major and micro nutrients) through organic residue addition favored biologically available nutrients in organic systems. Further, the prevalence of organic substrates stimulated soil microorganisms to produce enzymes responsible for the conversion of unavailable nutrients to plant available forms. Most importantly, a closer look at the relationship between physicochemical and biological indicators of soil health evidenced the significance of organic matter to enzyme activities suggesting enhanced nutrient cycling in systems receiving organic amendments. Enzyme activities were very sensitive to short‐term (one growing season) effects of organicvs. conventional nutrient management. Soil chemical indicators (organic matter and nutrient contents) were also changed in the short‐term, but the response was secondary to the biochemical indicators. Taken together, this study indicates that organic farming practices foster biotic and abiotic interactions in the soil which may facilitate in moving towards a sustainable food future.
Efficient collection and preparation of methane from low concentration waters for natural abundance radiocarbon analysis
Authors: Sparrow Katy J. , Kessler John D.
Published: April 2017

Freshwater and marine environments constitute the largest global reservoirs of the greenhouse gas methane (CH4) and natural abundance radiocarbon measurements (14C‐CH4) can allow for high confidence interpretations about CH4 dynamics operating in these environments. Collecting sufficient amounts of CH4 sample for a standard, high precision 14C‐accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) analysis (∼ 200 μg carbon (C)) was previously unfeasible when sampling from low CH4 concentration waters, such as much of the surface ocean (∼ 2 nM), which would require collecting the CH4 from 8500 L of seawater. The method described here involves pumping 20,000–40,000 L of seawater up from depth through a dissolved gas extraction system, which enables the collection of a sample composed of 100s of L of gas in less than 4 h on station. The large volume extracted gas sample is compressed into a 1.7 L cylinder for transport from the ship to the home laboratory. The home laboratory preparation of each sample to a CH4‐derived carbon dioxide aliquot for 14C‐AMS analysis is carried out in 3 h on a flow‐through vacuum line that simultaneously prepares aliquots for stable isotope analyses (δ13C‐CH4 and δ2H‐CH4). The total process blank of the method is small (5.0 μg CH4‐C) and composes 1.2% of the average collected and prepared sample (424 ± 163 μg, from a recent campaign; n = 16). The 14C‐CH4 blanks prepared on the vacuum line have acceptably low 14C content (0.23 ± 0.07 percent Modern Carbon (pMC); n = 7) relative to the 14C‐dead (0 pMC) CH4 from which they are prepared.
The effect of a lifestyle intervention on pregnancy and postpartum dietary patterns determined by factor analysis
Authors: Moran Lisa J. , Flynn Angela C. , Louise Jennie , Deussen Andrea R. , Dodd Jodie M.
Published: April 2017

Objective

Optimizing maternal diet during pregnancy improves maternal and infant health. This study assessed the effect of an antenatal lifestyle intervention for women with overweight or obesity on dietary patterns during pregnancy and post partum.

Methods

This study is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial in which pregnant women (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) received lifestyle advice (n = 943) or standard care (n = 924). Dietary pattern analysis was undertaken using factor analysis with comparisons between trial entry and 28 weeks, 36 weeks, and 4 months post partum.

Results

The dietary pattern analysis revealed two distinct patterns: “prudent” and “Western.” There was a significant difference between groups in the change over time for both patterns (P < 0.001). For the prudent score, the lifestyle group had higher scores at all times after trial entry compared with standard care, while for the Western score, the lifestyle group had a lower score at 28 weeks. The intervention effect differed based on trial entry BMI (P =  0.043) and smoking (P = 0.019), with higher prudent scores for women with obesity compared with overweight and smokers compared with nonsmokers.

Conclusions

The provision of an antenatal lifestyle intervention for women with overweight and obesity was associated with an improvement in dietary patterns that persisted post partum. This has important implications for the future consideration of optimal dietary intervention components to include in antenatal lifestyle interventions.
Surface modification of magnesium hydroxide sulfate hydrate whiskers and its toughness and reinforcement for polyvinyl chloride
Authors: Gong Juan , Guo Weihong , Wang Kai , Xiong Jiaoyang
Published: April 2017

In order to enhance the adhesion and compatibility of magnesium hydroxide sulfate hydrate (MHSH) whiskers with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and prepare high performance MHSH/PVC composites, chitosan (CS) is coated on the surface of MHSH whiskers by a facile method. The effect of the CS‐coated MHSH (CS‐MHSH) whisker and its toughness and reinforcement for PVC are studied. A thin layer coated on the surface of MHSH whiskers after modification is investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The efficacy of surface modification is confirmed by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray power diffraction analyses (XRD) and energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS). The optimum modification concentration of CS is 0.025%. The notched impact strength and flexural modulus of PVC composite with 15 phr CS‐MHSH whiskers are increased by 85.5% and 58.5% compared with those of pure PVC, and by 48.3% and 4.1% compared with those of the PVC composite with 15 phr unmodified MHSH whiskers. A better thermal stability of CS‐MHSH/PVC composite is showed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) result indicates that CS‐MHSH whiskers have a better dispersion and a stronger interfacial adhesion with PVC matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3676–3685, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Properties investigation of recycled polylactic acid reinforced by cellulose nanofibrils isolated from bagasse
Authors: Heidarian Pejman , Behzad Tayebeh , Karimi Keikhosro , Sain Mohini
Published: April 2017

In this research, an industrial‐scale approach was developed for preparing bio‐nanocomposites from recycled polylactic acid (rPLA) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). In this regard, several steps were conducted consisting of extracting CNFs, preparing CNF/rPLA master batch, and melt compounding which was finally followed by compression molding. The influence of adding CNFs on rPLA properties was investigated by morphological, mechanical, thermo‐mechanical, and degradability studies. Images from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed an increase in the fracture surface roughness of rPLA after adding CNFs. In addition, compared to unreinforced rPLA, the modulus and strength of bio‐nanocomposites containing 3 wt% CNFs were enhanced from 527.5 and 23.9 MPa to 716.5 and 32.6 MPa, respectively. Other mechanical properties including elongation at break and work of fracture were decreased by 35.5 and 33% at this CNF percentage. Furthermore, the storage modulus, obtained from dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), was significantly improved from 1,024 to 8,214 MPa after adding 3 wt % CNF. Similarly, at this CNF percentage, glass transition temperature (Tg) was enhanced from 59.5 to 64°C. According to biodegradation study, the highest biodegradability resistance was also obtained for bio‐nanocomposite containing 3 wt % CNF. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3740–3749, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and properties of bio‐based poly(pentamethylene oxamide)
Authors: Mutua Fredrick Nzioka , Cheng Cong , Dong Yusheng , Zheng Chuyu , Zhu Bo , He Yong
Published: April 2017

A novel bio‐based polyamide, poly(pentamethylene oxamide) (PA52), with high molecular weight has been prepared from dibutyl oxalate and renewable monomer of 1,5‐pentanediamine by a two‐step polymerization procedure. The chemical structures are analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy while the properties are evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and water uptake measurements for the obtained PA52. The results reveal that PA52 possesses distinguished properties such as high temperature resistance, excellent crystallizability and low water absorption. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Plasma proteome of buffaloes
Authors: de Pontes Leticia Gomes , Cavassan Nayara Rodrigues Vieira , de Barros Luciana Curtolo , Ferreira Junior Rui Seabra , Barraviera Benedito , Santos Lucilene Delazari dos
Published: April 2017

The proteomic approach has aroused the interest of veterinary medicine researchers, especially regarding the production of biopharmaceuticals and diagnosis of diseases in farm animals. Water buffaloes have gained prominence in the world economy due to the quality of their milk, meat, and leather, in addition to being an important donor of blood components. This work aimed to identify and characterize the proteins present in the blood plasma of Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) through 2D electrophoresis, in gel protein digestion followed by mass spectrometry technique and for albumin depletion, in solution protein digestion followed by shotgun analysis. Our results showed the identification of 112 protein spots and 35 individual proteins, respectively. The abundant proteins were represented by albumin, fibrinogen‐α, fibrinogen‐β, fibrinogen‐γ, immunoglobulins in general, α‐1‐antiproteinase, α‐1B‐glycoprotein, α‐2‐HS‐glycoprotein, α‐macroglobulin, apolipoprotein A1, antithrombin‐III, endopin 2B, fetuin‐B, retinol‐binding protein, serotransferrin, transthyretin and vitamin D‐binding protein. Most of these proteins are related to the signaling pathways of the complement system and coagulation cascade. The results allowed a better understanding of the protein composition of these blood components, thus promoting studies on animal health in the search for molecular markers of zoonotic diseases in buffaloes.
Statistical modeling for Bayesian extrapolation of adult clinical trial information in pediatric drug evaluation
Authors: Gamalo‐Siebers Margaret , Savic Jasmina , Basu Cynthia , Zhao Xin , Gopalakrishnan Mathangi , Gao Aijun , Song Guochen , Baygani Simin , Thompson Laura , Xia H. Amy , Price Karen , Tiwari Ram , Carlin Bradley P.
Published: April 2017

Children represent a large underserved population of “therapeutic orphans,” as an estimated 80% of children are treated off‐label. However, pediatric drug development often faces substantial challenges, including economic, logistical, technical, and ethical barriers, among others. Among many efforts trying to remove these barriers, increased recent attention has been paid toextrapolation; that is, the leveraging of available data from adults or older age groups to draw conclusions for the pediatric population. The Bayesian statistical paradigm is natural in this setting, as it permits the combining (or “borrowing”) of information across disparate sources, such as the adult and pediatric data. In this paper, authored by the pediatric subteam of the Drug Information Association Bayesian Scientific Working Group and Adaptive Design Working Group, we develop, illustrate, and provide suggestions on Bayesian statistical methods that could be used to design improved pediatric development programs that use all available information in the most efficient manner. A variety of relevant Bayesian approaches are described, several of which are illustrated through 2 case studies: extrapolating adult efficacy data to expand the labeling for Remicade to include pediatric ulcerative colitis and extrapolating adult exposure‐response information for antiepileptic drugs to pediatrics.
DNA‐Origami‐Based Assembly of Anisotropic Plasmonic Gold Nanostructures
Authors: Liu Bing , Song Chunyuan , Zhu Dan , Wang Xu , Zhao Mengzhen , Yang Yanjun , Zhang Yinan , Su Shao , Shi Jiye , Chao Jie , Liu Huajie , Zhao Yun , Fan Chunhai , Wang Lianhui
Published: April 2017

Precise control over the assembly of anisotropic plasmonic gold nanostructures with relative spatial directionality and sequence asymmetry remains a major challenge and offers great fundamental insight and optical application possibilities. Here, a novel strategy is developed to anisotropically functionalize gold nanorods (AuNRs) by using a DNA‐origami‐based precise machine to transfer essential DNA sequence configurations to the surface of the AuNRs through an intentionally designed toehold‐initiated displacement reaction. Different AuNR products are examined via hybridization with DNA‐AuNPs that display distinct elements of regiospecificity. These assembled anisotropic plasmonic gold nanostructures based on the DNA‐origami precise machine inherit the encoded information from the parent platform with high fidelity and show fixed orientation and bonding anisotropy, thereby generating discrete plasmonic nanostructures with enhanced Raman resonance.
Variable terrestrial GPS telemetry detection rates: Addressing the probability of successful acquisitions
Authors: Ironside Kirsten E. , Mattson David J. , Choate David , Stoner David , Arundel Terence , Hansen Jered , Theimer Tad , Holton Brandon , Jansen Brian , Sexton Joseph O. , Longshore Kathleen , Edwards Thomas C. , Peters Michael
Published: April 2017

Studies using global positioning system (GPS) telemetry rarely result in 100% fix success rates (FSR), which may bias datasets because data loss is systematic rather than a random process. Previous spatially explicit models developed to correct for sampling bias have been limited to small study areas, a small range of data loss, or were study‐area specific. We modeled environmental effects on FSR from desert to alpine biomes, investigated the full range of potential data loss (0–100% FSR), and evaluated whether animal body position can contribute to lower FSR because of changes in antenna orientation based on GPS detection rates for 4 focal species: cougars (Puma concolor), desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni), Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni), and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). Terrain exposure and height of over story vegetation were the most influential factors affecting FSR. Model evaluation showed a strong correlation (0.88) between observed and predicted FSR and no significant differences between predicted and observed FSRs using 2 independent validation datasets. We found that cougars and canyon‐dwelling bighorn sheep may select for environmental features that influence their detectability by GPS technology, mule deer may select against these features, and elk appear to be nonselective. We observed temporal patterns in missed fixes only for cougars. We provide a model for cougars, predicting fix success by time of day that is likely due to circadian changes in collar orientation and selection of daybed sites. We also provide a model predicting the probability of GPS fix acquisitions given environmental conditions, which had a strong relationship (r
2 = 0.82) with deployed collar FSRs across species. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Making Race Matter
Authors: Alexander Claire , Knowles Caroline
Published: April 2017

This collection of original pieces brings together critical perspectives on the intersection of ethnic and gender identities as spatialized forms of embodied social practice, tackling important recent themes such as whiteness, masculinity, the body, sexuality, diaspora and globalization. Designed to bring these debates to students in a way that bridges contemporary theory with vivid case material, this is a lively and wide-ranging text of relevance to a range of social sciences.
Differential Aggressiveness of Bipolaris microstegii and B. drechsleri on Japanese Stiltgrass
Authors: Bruckart William L. , Eskandari Farivar M. , Michael Jami L. , Smallwood Emily L.
Published: April 2017

Severe leaf blight of Japanese stiltgrass (JSG) fromBipolarisdisease, causing significant decline in population density at some locations, has been reported sporadically in the field. Even so, much of the JSG in the mid-Atlantic is not diseased. Six populations of JSG from the field, one that was severely diseased byB. microstegiiand the others “healthy,” were tested by artificial inoculation for susceptibility to bothB. microstegii(five isolates) andB. drechsleri(three isolates). Populations of JSG in this study differed in their response to the twoBipolarisspecies, but within species ofBipolaristhe plant responses were consistent. Plants from the diseased population of JSG from Frederick, MD, were very susceptible toB. microstegii, and plants from other populations from Maryland (three locations), Delaware, and Indiana were not. In contrast,B. drechslericaused moderate disease on plants from all accessions but one, and it was significantly less aggressive than wasB. microstegiion the susceptible accession of JSG. Results of a limited host range determination only withB. microstegiirevealed hypersensitive responses, and therefore high levels of resistance, in corn (four cultivars) and sorghum (three accessions). The native, sympatric grass deertongue was not diseased in these tests. Results reveal a distinct differential response among populations of JSG to disease fromB. microstegii, while in contrast,B. drechsleriis capable of causing disease on a broader range of JSG populations.
Resonance-like dynamics in radial cyclic injection flows of immiscible fluids in homogeneous porous media
Authors: Lins T. F. , Azaiez J.
Published: April 2017

Interfacial instabilities of immiscible radial displacements in homogeneous porous media are analysed in the case of sinusoidal injection flows. The analysis is carried out through numerical simulations based on the immersed interface and level set methods. Investigations of the effects of the period of the sinusoidal injection flows revealed a novel resonance effect where, for a critical period, the number of fingers as well as their structures are considerably changed. The resonance in the flow development is clearly identified through the abrupt changes in the Fourier spectrum of the interface as well as quantitative characteristics of the flow in the form of the minimum and maximum radii of the interface. For the range of parameters examined in this study that correspond to instabilities dominated by viscous forces, the resonance period was found to correlate with a characteristic time of the flow and the fluids mobility ratio. This new physical phenomenon offers new perspectives for using the flow instability to determine important physical properties such as the viscosity and the surface tension of fluids.