bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Method development for the determination of 24S‐hydroxycholesterol in human plasma without derivatization by high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry in atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mode
Authors: Sugimoto Hiroshi , Kakehi Masaaki , Satomi Yoshinori , Kamiguchi Hidenori , Jinno Fumihiro
Published: August 2015

We developed a highly sensitive and specific high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method with an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization interface to determine 24S‐hydroxycholesterol, a major metabolite of cholesterol formed by cytochrome P450 family 46A1, in human plasma without any derivatization step. Phosphate buffered saline including 1% Tween 80 was used as the surrogate matrix for preparation of calibration curves and quality control samples. The saponification process to convert esterified 24S‐hydroxycholesterol to free sterols was optimized, followed by liquid–liquid extraction using hexane. Chromatographic separation of 24S‐hydroxycholesterol from other isobaric endogenous oxysterols was successfully achieved with gradient mobile phase comprised of 0.1% propionic acid and acetonitrile using L‐column2 ODS (2 μm, 2.1 mm id × 150 mm). This assay was capable of determining 24S‐hydroxycholesterol in human plasma (200 μL) ranging from 1 to 100 ng/mL with acceptable intra‐ and inter‐day precision and accuracy. The potential risk of in vitro formation of 24S‐hydroxycholesterol by oxidation from endogenous cholesterol in human plasma was found to be negligible. The stability of 24S‐hydroxycholesterol in relevant solvents and human plasma was confirmed. This method was successfully applied to quantify the plasma concentrations of 24S‐hydroxycholesterol in male and female volunteers.
Linking acoustics and finite‐time Lyapunov exponents reveals areas and mechanisms of krill aggregation within the Gulf of St. Lawrence, eastern Canada
Authors: Maps Frédéric , Plourde Stéphane , McQuinn Ian H. , St‐Onge‐Drouin Simon , Lavoie Diane , Chassé Joël , Lesage Véronique
Published: August 2015

The Gulf of St. Lawrence (GSL) is a feeding ground for several baleen whale species from the North Atlantic, providing them with an abundant supply of krill during their seasonal presence. Krill aggregations are found along the abrupt topography formed by the deep channels, but the dynamics of krill aggregations have not yet been characterized at the scale of the whole GSL. In this study, we combined extensive dual‐frequency acoustic observations of krill and Lagrangian numerical simulations to identify the recurrent areas of krill accumulation in summer and the mesoscale circulation mechanisms responsible for their formation. Throughout the GSL, the topographic forcing of the surface circulation appeared essential in forming convergence zones where observed krill concentrations were systematically higher than average, and within which most of the densest patches were observed. This approach can help in defining the dynamics of the feeding habitat of baleen whales in the GSL, in particular blue and fin whales whose diet is dominated by krill.
Fiber‐based light sources for biomedical applications of coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering microscopy
Authors: Gottschall Thomas , Meyer Tobias , Baumgartl Martin , Jauregui Cesar , Schmitt Michael , Popp Jürgen , Limpert Jens , Tünnermann Andreas
Published: August 2015

During the past decade coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy has evolved to one of the most powerful imaging techniques in the biomedical sciences, enabling the label‐free visualization of the chemical composition of tissue in vivo in real time. While the acquisition of high‐contrast images of single cells up to large tissue sections enables a wide range of medical applications from routine diagnostics to surgical guidance, to date CARS imaging is employed in fundamental research only, essentially because the synchronized multiple wavelength pulsed laser sources required for CARS microscopy are large, expensive and require regular maintenance. Laser sources based on optical fibers can overcome these limitations combining highest efficiency and peak powers with an excellent spatial beam profile and thermal stability. In this review we summarize the different fiber‐based approaches for laser sources dedicated to coherent Raman imaging, in particular active fiber technology and passive fiber‐based frequency conversion processes, i.e. supercontinuum generation, soliton self‐frequency shift and four‐wave mixing. We re‐evaluate the ideal laser parameters for CARS imaging and discuss the suitability of different laser concepts for turn‐key operation required for routine application in clinics.

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Synthesis of Miktoarm Star‐Shaped Polymers with POSS Core via a Combination of CuAAC Click Chemistry, ATRP, and ROP Techniques
Authors: Doganci Erdinc , Tasdelen Mehmet Atilla , Yilmaz Faruk
Published: August 2015

Well‐defined AB‐type miktoarm star‐shaped polymers with a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) core are prepared by combination of the “core‐first” and “arm‐first” approaches using ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) and copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) click reactions. The clickable octakis‐azido‐hydroxyl‐POSS as the core molecule and alkyne end‐functionalized precursor polymers (methoxypoly(ethylene glycol), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and polystyrene) are synthesized independently according to the well‐known procedures including ring‐opening reaction of octaglycidyldimethylsilyl POSS using sodium azide, etherification of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) monomethyl ether using propargyl bromide and sequential atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate or styrene and following nucleophilic substitution reactions of the these polymers with sodium azide. In subsequent step, octa‐armed poly(ε‐caprolactone) star‐shaped polymer ((PCL)8‐POSS‐(N3)8) containing azido functionalities in the core is synthesized via “core‐first” approach through ROP of ε‐caprolactone (ε‐CL). Finally, alkyne end‐functionalized polymers are introduced to the (PCL)8‐POSS‐(N3)8 via “arm‐first” approach using the CuAAC click reaction under ambient conditions, yielding AB‐type miktoarm star‐shaped polymers. Based on 1H NMR spectroscopy calculations, the number of PEG, PMMA, and PSt arms in (PCL)8‐POSS‐(mPEG)7, (PCL)8‐POSS‐(PMMA)5, and (PCL)8‐POSS‐(PSt)6 star‐shaped polymers is found as 7.1, 4.9, and 5.9, respectively.

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Indirect study of non‐covalent protein complexes by MALDI mass spectrometry: Origins, advantages, and applications of the “intensity‐fading” approach
Authors: Downard Kevin M.
Published: August 2015

This review article describes the origins, advantages, and application of an indirect approach with which to study protein and other macromolecular complexes and identify the nature and site of interaction interfaces by means of conventional matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS). First reported in 1999, it involves the detection of ion depletion or the absence of ions associated with a binding partner or domain in the MALDI mass spectrum of a mixture of interacting components compared to that for an untreated control. Later referred to as intensity‐fading in some applications, the method offers numerous advantages over the direct detection of protein and other macromolecule complexes by MALDI‐MS and even electrospray ionization (ESI) MS. The origins of this indirect method, its development for use with gel‐separated components, validation using companion biochemical assays, and application to a range of protein‐antibody and protein–drug complexes are reviewed together with software specifically developed to aid with data interpretation. The sensitivity of the approach for revealing how subtle differences in the structure of the binding partners can be detected by MALDI‐MS is also demonstrated. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 35:559–573, 2016
The advanced algorithm for tracking objects (AALTO)
Authors: Limpert George , Houston Adam , Lock Noah
Published: August 2015

The advanced algorithm for the tracking of objects (AALTO) constructs tracks from objects, such as thunderstorms or mesocyclones, detected by multiple weather radars at irregular time intervals. It is important to have high accuracy in tracking thunderstorms to generate skilful forecasts and high‐quality climatologies and, fundamentally, to ensure that any derived product from tracks captures only that particular storm, and in its entirety. AALTO incorporates many of the best practices of existing tracking algorithms and techniques employed by meteorologists in constructing tracks. AALTO differs from existing algorithms designed to track meteorological phenomena that manifest in radar data in the following ways: (1) AALTO is designed to track objects from multiple radars, enabling analysis over a larger domain than if a single radar was used; (2) improved tracking is realized through improved initial motion estimates and directional thresholding and (3) AALTO looks both at the track history and at the subsequent possible positions along a track when constructing the best possible tracks, mimicking the approach that would be taken by a human meteorologist. Verification was done using metrics that were objectively determined to distinguish between good and degraded tracks; a description of the approach to determine the appropriate metrics is presented. An overview of the AALTO tracking procedure and an example case are presented in this study.
Inferring Association between Compound and Pathway with an Improved Ensemble Learning Method
Authors: Song Meiyue , Jiang Zhenran
Published: August 2015

Emergence of compound molecular data coupled to pathway information offers the possibility of using machine learning methods for compound‐pathway associations’ inference. To provide insights into the global relationship between compounds and their affected pathways, a improved Rotation Forest ensemble learning method called RGRF (Relief & GBSSL – Rotation Forest) was proposed to predict their potential associations. The main characteristic of the RGRF lies in using the Relief algorithm for feature extraction and regarding the Graph‐Based Semi‐Supervised Learning method as classifier. By incorporating the chemical structure information, drug mode of action information and genomic space information, our method can achieve a better precision and flexibility on compound‐pathway prediction. Moreover, several new compound‐pathway associations that having the potential for further clinical investigation have been identified by database searching. In the end, a prediction tool was developed using RGRF algorithm, which can predict the interactions between pathways and all of the compounds in cMap database.
Curcumin suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation and protects against LPS‐induced septic shock
Authors: Gong Zizhen , Zhou Jiefei , Li Hui , Gao Yanhong , Xu Congfeng , Zhao Shengnan , Chen Yingwei , Cai Wei , Wu Jin
Published: August 2015

Scope

The NLRP3 inflammasome responds to various pathogen‐derived factors and danger‐associated molecules, mediating IL‐1β maturation, therefore is involved in multiple inflammatory diseases. Curcumin has been shown to possess strong anti‐inflammatory activity, but the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we sought to investigate the role and mechanism of curcumin on the inhibition of mature IL‐1β production via the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome.

Methods and results

Curcumin dramatically inhibited the production of mature IL‐1β in LPS‐primed macrophages triggered by multiple NLRP3 inflammasome activators, and also reduced the level of cleaved caspase‐1 as measured by western blot and ELISA. Curcumin prevented K+ efflux, the common trigger for NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and attenuated lysosomes disruption and intracellular ROS formation as well. The inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome by curcumin was in part mediated via the suppression of extracellular regulated protein kinases phosphorylation. Furthermore, administration of curcumin significantly reduced peritoneal IL‐1β and HMGB‐1 concentration induced by LPS and improved the survival of mice suffering from lethal endotoxic shock.

Conclusion

Curcumin potently inhibits the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome which may contribute to its anti‐inflammatory activity. Our finding offers a mechanistic basis for the therapeutic potential of curcumin in septic shock and other NLRP3 inflammasome‐driven diseases.
Proportional stress and strain paths in barodesy
Authors: Medicus Gertraud , Kolymbas Dimitrios , Fellin Wolfgang
Published: August 2015

Asymptotic behaviour of soil deserves particular attention: If soil is deformed with a proportional strain path, the resulting stress path approaches asymptotically a proportional stress path. In this arcticle, we review existing experimental evidence on this phenomenon and discuss it in the frame of barodesy. Here, the presented relation is a modification of a barodetic expression and includes Jáky's relation, inhibits tensile stress and is able to predict asymptotic stress ratios based on experimental findings. The proposed relation is compared with experimental data as well as with the so‐called stress‐dilatancy relations and other constitutive relations proposed so far. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical study of inter‐particle bond failure by 3D discrete element method
Authors: Shen Zhifu , Jiang Mingjing , Wan Richard
Published: August 2015

The cohesive‐frictional nature of cementitious geomaterials raises great interest in the discrete element method (DEM) simulation of their mechanical behavior, where a proper bond failure criterion is usually required. In this paper, the failure of bond material between two spheres was investigated numerically using DEM that can easily reproduce the failure process of brittle material. In the DEM simulations, a bonded‐grain system (composed of two particles and bond material in between) was discretized as a cylindrical assembly of very fine particles connecting two large end spheres. Then, the bonded‐grain system was subjected to compression/tension, shear, rolling and torsion loadings and their combinations until overall failure (peak state) was reached. Bonded‐grain systems with various sizes were employed to investigate bond geometry effects. The numerical results show that the compression strength is highly affected by bond geometry, with the tensile strength being dependent to a lesser degree. The shear, rolling and torsion strengths are all normal force dependent; i.e., with an increase in the normal force, these strengths first increase at a declining rate and then start to decrease upon the normal force exceeding a critical value. The combined actions of shear force, rolling moment and torque lead to a spherical failure envelope in a normalized loading space. The fitted bond geometry factors and bond failure envelopes obtained numerically in this three‐dimensional study are qualitatively consistent with those in previous two‐dimensional experiments. The obtained bond failure criterion can be incorporated into a future bond contact model. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activity of the external urethral sphincter evoked by genital stimulation in male rats
Authors: Juárez Raúl , Zempoalteca René , Pacheco Pablo , Lucio Rosa Angélica , Medel Alfonso , Cruz Yolanda
Published: August 2015

Aims

To determine whether the external urethral sphincter (EUS) fasciculi of male rats respond to the mechanical stimulation of genital structures and to characterize the pattern of the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the three regions of the EUS: the cranial (CrEUS), the medial (MeEUS) and the caudal (CaEUS).

Methods

Electromyographic signals were recorded from the CrEUS, MeEUS and CaEUS regions of the male rat's EUS, before, during and after the mechanical stimulation of the urogenital structures.

Results

The CrEUS, MeEUS and CaEUS regions responded when brushing and squeezing the foreskin and glans as well as to penile and prostatic urethral distension. The CaEUS EMG amplitude (P < 0.01) and frequency (P < 0.05) were lower in comparison to the CrEUS and MeEUS responses to the mechanical stimulation. In addition, the CaEUS was characterized by a short or no afterdischarge. In contrast, the CrEUS and MeEUS responded by presenting a long discharge after the penile or prostatic urethral distension.

Conclusions

The activity of the EUS is modulated by both, cutaneous and visceral genitourinary stimuli, with motor units being activated by mechanoreceptors located in the foreskin, glans, bladder, and urethra. The CrEUS, MeEUS and CaEUS have differential EMG patterns, indicating that the EUS consists of three anatomically and functionally different regions. Precise coordination in the muscular activity of these regions may be crucial for the control of male expulsive urethral functions, i.e., during voiding and ejaculation.Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:914–919, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Myeloid cell‐mediated renal injury in rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis depends upon spleen tyrosine kinase
Authors: Ryan Jessica , Ma Frank Y , Han Yingjie , Ozols Elyce , Kanellis John , Tesch Greg H , Nikolic‐Paterson David J
Published: August 2015

Antibody‐dependent activation of myeloid cells within the glomerulus plays a central role in rapidly progressive forms of glomerulonephritis. The spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) is expressed by all leukocytes, except mature T cells, and is required for signalling via the B‐cell receptor, Fc receptors, and some integrins. Syk has been proposed as a therapeutic target in glomerulonephritis. However, little is known of Syk activation in human kidney disease, while studies in experimental glomerulonephritis using non‐selective Syk inhibitors require validation via conditional gene deletion. The current study addressed both of these important points. Syk activation (Tyr525/526phosphorylation) was examined in a cohort of 96 patients with different glomerulonephritides. Syk activation was evident in infiltrating leukocytes, mainly neutrophils and macrophages, in 36/40 cases of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. In contrast, non‐proliferative diseases showed little or no Syk activation. Glomerular and interstitial cells exhibiting Syk activation correlated with renal function and systemic inflammation. Next, we examined mice with conditionalSykgene deletion in myeloid cells (SykMy) versusSykf/flittermate controls in nephrotoxic serum nephritis – a model of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. ControlSykf/fmice featured a transient neutrophil influx at 3 h and severe disease on day 9 of nephrotoxic serum nephritis, with crescent formation, macrophage infiltration, inflammation, kidney fibrosis, and renal dysfunction. In contrast,SykMymice had significantly reduced neutrophil and macrophage infiltration despite equivalent glomerular deposition of humoral reactants.SykMymice exhibited reduced crescent formation, inflammation, and fibrosis, with improved renal function on day 9 of nephrotoxic serum nephritis. In conclusion, Syk activation is prominent in infiltrating myeloid cells in human rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, and functional studies demonstrate thatSykdeletion in myeloid cells is protective in mouse nephrotoxic serum nephritis. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
End group polarity and block symmetry effects on cloud point and hydrodynamic diameter of thermoresponsive block copolymers
Authors: Xiang Xu , Ding Xiaochu , Chen Ning , Zhang Beilu , Heiden Patricia A.
Published: August 2015

Thermoresponsive block copolymers are of interest for delivery vehicles in the body. Often an interior domain is designed for the active agent and the exterior domain provides stability in the bloodstream, and may carry a targeting ligand. There is still much to learn about how block sequence and chain end identity affect micelle structure, size, and cloud points. Here, hydrophilic oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate and more hydrophobic di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate monomers were polymerized to give amphiphilic block copolymers with amphiphilic chain ends. The block sequence and chain end identity were both controlled by appropriate choice of RAFT chain transfer agents to study the effect of ‘matched’ and ‘mismatched’ chain end polarity with amphiphilic block sequence. The affect of matching or mismatching chain end polarity and block sequence was studied on the hydrodynamic diameter, cloud point, and temperature range of the chain collapse on linear di‐ and triblock copolymers and star diblock polymers. The affects of matching or mismatching chain end polarity were significant with linear diblock copolymers but more complex with triblock and star copolymers. Explanations of these results may help guide others in designing thermoresponsive block copolymers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 2838–2848
Naphthalic anhydride derivatives: Structural effects on their initiating abilities in radical and/or cationic photopolymerizations under visible light
Authors: Xiao Pu , Dumur Frédéric , Zhang Jing , Graff Bernadette , Morlet‐Savary Fabrice , Fouassier Jean Pierre , Gigmes Didier , Lalevée Jacques
Published: August 2015

Only one naphthalic anhydride derivative has been reported as light sensitive photoinitiator, this prompted us to further explore the possibility to prepare a new family of photoinitiators based on this scaffold. Therefore, eight naphthalic Naphthalic anhydride derivatives (ANH1‐ANH8) have been prepared and combined with an iodonium salt (and optionally N‐vinylcarbazole) or an amine (and optionally 2,4,6‐tris(trichloromethyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine) to initiate the cationic polymerization of epoxides and the free radical polymerization of acrylates under different irradiation sources, that is, very soft halogen lamp (∼ 12 mW cm−2), laser diode at 405 nm (∼1.5 mW cm−2) or blue LED centered at 455 nm (80 mW cm−2). The ANH6 based photoinitiating systems are particularly efficient for the cationic and the radical photopolymerizations, and even better than that of the well‐known camphorquinone based systems. The photochemical mechanisms associated with the chemical structure/photopolymerization efficiency relationships are studied by steady state photolysis, fluorescence, cyclic voltammetry, laser flash photolysis, and electron spin resonance spin‐trapping techniques. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 2860–2866
High solids TEMPO‐mediated radical semibatch emulsion polymerization of styrene
Authors: González‐Blanco Roberto , Cunningham Michael F. , Saldívar‐Guerra Enrique
Published: August 2015

A bicomponent initiation system consisting of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐N‐oxyl (TEMPO) and the water soluble initiator potassium persulfate (KPS) was used to develop a robust and versatile semibatch emulsion polymerization process to obtain polystyrene (PS) latexes with solids contents of 5–40 wt %. A window of operating conditions was found that yielded high conversion (>95%) stable latexes and well controlled polymers, overcoming limitations found in previous attempts at developing similar processes using TEMPO. The critical parameters studied were surfactant concentration, monomer concentration in the nucleation step and the monomer feed rate in the semibatch step. Methyl acrylate (MA) was used in the nucleation step to improve the nitroxide efficiency (NEff). Latexes having molecular weight distribution (MWD) with dispersity (Đ) lower than 1.5, average particle size (Dp) from ≈32 to ≈500 nm, nitroxide efficiencies NEff up to ≈1.0 and monomer conversions >90% were obtained in less than 12 h with solids contents up to 40 wt %. These results constitute a significant advance over prior efforts in TEMPO‐mediated polymerization in aqueous dispersions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 49–62
Wide‐angle X‐ray scattering study of the lamellar/fibrillar transition for a semi‐crystalline polymer deformed in tension in relation with the evolution of volume strain
Authors: Farge Laurent , Boisse Julien , Dillet Jérôme , André Stéphane , Albouy Pierre‐Antoine , Meneau Florian
Published: August 2015

This work is devoted to the study of the deformation mechanisms of a high‐density polyethylene deformed in tension. Specific treatments were applied to synchrotron wide‐angle X‐ray scattering patterns obtained in situ with the aim of quantifying: (i) the evolution of the apparent crystal sizes during the deformation process, (ii) the reorientation dynamics of the fragmented crystals while aligning their chains along the drawing axis during the establishment of the fibrillar morphology, and (iii) the reorientation dynamics of the amorphous chains. In addition, the volume strain evolution was measured using 3D digital image correlation. The cavitation phenomenon was found to mainly occur during the lamellae fragmentation phase. At the end of the deformation process, when the lamellar structure is destroyed, the fragmented crystals have new degrees of freedom and become free to rotate to align their chains along the drawing axis. Crystal fragmentation is then no longer needed to allow material deformation, and there is no further volume strain increase. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 1470–1480
Reciprocated suppression of polymer crystallization toward improved solid polymer electrolytes: Higher ion conductivity and tunable mechanical properties
Authors: Bi Sheng , Sun Che‐Nan , Zawodzinski Thomas A. , Ren Fei , Keum Jong Kahk , Ahn Suk‐Kyun , Li Dawen , Chen Jihua
Published: August 2015

Solid polymer electrolytes based on lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide and polymer matrix were extensively studied in the past due to their excellent potential in a broad range of energy related applications. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) are among the most examined polymer candidates as solid polymer electrolyte matrix. In this work, we study the effect of reciprocated suppression of polymer crystallization in PVDF/PEO binary matrix on ion transport and mechanical properties of the resultant solid polymer electrolytes. With electron and X‐ray diffractions as well as energy filtered transmission electron microscopy, we identify and examine the appropriate blending composition that is responsible for the diminishment of both PVDF and PEO crystallites. A three‐fold conductivity enhancement is achieved along with a highly tunable elastic modulus ranging from 20 to 200 MPa, which is expected to contribute toward future designs of solid polymer electrolytes with high room‐temperature ion conductivities and mechanical flexibility. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 1450–1457
Study of Plasma Properties for the Low‐Temperature Deposition of Highly Conductive Aluminum Doped ZnO Film Using ICP Assisted DC Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Sahu Bibhuti Bhusan , Han Jeon Geon , Kim Jay Bum , Kumar Manish , Jin Subong , Hori Masaru
Published: August 2015

This work reports an investigation of the Al‐doped ZnO (AZO) film deposition process using ICP assisted DC magnetron plasmas, at different working pressures. The mechanism of plasma formation and plasma properties are analyzed by various diagnostic tools. Data show that there is the presence of low‐frequency oscillations in the range of 3–8 MHz, which are expected to be caused by high‐frequency waves. It is seen that ICP source is quite capable of producing the high‐energy warm electrons that are expected to be produced by the Landau damping. The plasma properties and their role on the electrical and structural properties of the AZO film are carefully studied. This work also reports the deposition of high conductive AZO films with resistivity as low as ∼ 6.8 × 10−4 cm using low‐temperature process.
Di‐nitrogen–vacancy–hydrogen defects in diamond: a computational study
Authors: Peaker C. V. , Goss J. P. , Briddon P. R. , Horsfall A. B. , Rayson M. J.
Published: August 2015

Density functional theory was used to determine selected experimentally observable properties of the and point defects in diamond. We report that the symmetry of the defects are and retrospectively with the hydrogen(s) saturating carbon radicals that are produced when the vacancy is formed. has an accessible negative charge state if the Fermi energy lies above around 2.4 above the valence band top, as contains only species with their valence satisfied, only the neutral charge state of this species is thermodynamically stable. We predict that N2 VH0 would be detectable in infrared, with a C–H stretch mode around 3050 for the neutral species, shifting to 2700 in the negative charge state. is also expected to be visible in infrared, with the presence of two, sterically interacting H atoms resulting in peaks with higher wave numbers, being around 3370 and 3540 for the anti‐symmetric and symmetric stretch modes, respectively. Similarities can be drawn between the bandstructures of and the isoelectronic N centre, from which we predict the likely electronic optical transition for this centre. is expected to not give rise to any sharp electronic transitions.
Satellite‐based estimation of cloud‐base heights using constrained spectral radiance matching
Authors: Sun X. J. , Li H. R. , Barker H. W. , Zhang R. W. , Zhou Y. B. , Liu L.
Published: August 2015

A method for estimating cloud‐base heights (CBHs) across wide swaths of passive satellite imagery is introduced. The constrained spectral radiance matching (CSRM) algorithm assigns donor columns observed by CloudSat/CALIPSO to recipient pixels across MODIS imagery. The column meeting the constraint is selected as a donor via spectral radiance matching (SRM). Results are compared using eight cloud characteristics, retrieved from passive imagery, as constraints and distinct values for a matching controlling factor α. Cloud‐top pressure and α = 0.3 are used in the final algorithm. Estimates are made of CBH and layer‐cloud fraction profile made by SRM, CSRM, cloud‐type matching (CTM), and retrieved data matching (RDM) using a data‐exclusion procedure. Results show that the CSRM is superior at estimating lowest CBH and layer‐cloud fraction. It is also shown that, when cloud types are provided by merged CloudSat and CALIPSO data, the CTM provides the best estimates of uppermost CBH, with the CSRM taking second. Both the CSRM method and the straight SRM method construct layer‐cloud fraction profiles very well for clouds between 2 and ∼15 km. A preliminary 3D rendering of tropical storm Soulik is presented.
An experimental viewpoint on the information depth of EBSD
Authors: Wisniewski Wolfgang , Rüssel Christian
Published: August 2015

This article contains a critical review of the literature concerning the information depth of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and a viewpoint on the topic is formulated. EBSD is applied to a crystal partially covered by a wedge of amorphous glass. EBSD‐patterns of decreasing quality are obtained from a crystal covered by an increasingly thick layer of glass. The location of the last indexable EBSD‐patterns is compared to the last discernible contrast in SEM‐micrographs obtained from the same crystal using accelerating voltages of 2–20 kV. It is concluded that the information depth of EBSD is at least as large as that of an SEM‐micrograph obtained with a voltage of 4 kV from a non‐tilted sample. Concepts of the information depth and experimental approaches are discussed. SCANNING 38:164–171, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changes and Stability in Reasoning After a Field Trip to a Natural History Museum
Authors: TENENBAUM HARRIET R. , TO CHERYL , WORMALD DANIEL , PEGRAM EMMA
Published: August 2015

Darwinian evolution is difficult to understand because of conceptual barriers stemming from intuitive ideas. This study examined understanding of evolution in 52 students (M = 14.48 years, SD = 0.89) before and after a guided field trip to a natural history museum and in a comparison group of 18 students (M = 14.17 years, SD = 0.79) who did not attend the trip. During the trip, students learned about the “Oxford Evolution Debate.” Students were interviewed before and after the trip and were asked about evolutionary processes in humans, algae, seals, finches, and Tasmanian tigers. Students’ answers were coded as relying on informed naturalistic reasoning (INR; i.e., some understanding of Darwinian evolution), novice naturalistic reasoning (NNR; i.e., intuitive explanations from folk biology and psychology), and creationist reasoning (CR). Students who attended the trip were more likely to increase their use of INR and decrease their use of NNR than students who did not attend the trip. CR was rarely supported. The majority of both groups of students invoked more than one type of reasoning across the questions. The findings are interpreted in relation to use of multiple epistemologies and the benefits of informal learning environments for increasing understanding of Darwinian evolution.
Survey measures of first‐ and second‐order competences
Authors: Danneels Erwin
Published: August 2015

Research summary: This study tests and validates survey measures of first‐ and second‐order competences in order to foster cumulative empirical research and theoretical refinement in the area of dynamic capabilities. Data from two informants and two time periods for a sample of publicly traded U.S. manufacturing firms are used to examine the convergent, discriminant, and nomological validity, and the reliability of scales to measure various levels and types of competences. Findings suggest that customer competence, technological competence, marketing competence, and R&D competence are related but distinct dimensions, evidencing strong validity and reliability. Qualifying this empirical support, it was found that items regarding manufacturing operations and facilities seemed to measure aspects unrelated to the focal competences, and that marketing competence had no relation to future market‐resource accumulation.

Managerial summary: This study enhances understanding and measurement of dynamic capabilities, in particular, marketing and R&D second‐order competences. Marketing and R&D second‐order competences are a firm's ability to build new competences to serve new markets or use new technologies, respectively. The ability of a firm to add new market‐related resources (such as brands and distribution channels) and technological resources (such as patents and engineering skills) helps it cope with environmental change and grow in new directions. For firms in stable environments, being able to serve new markets and use new technologies provide opportunities for growth. For firms in turbulent environments, these skills are a matter of survival. Using data collected from publicly traded U.S. manufacturing firms, this study tests and validates questions that can be asked in questionnaires presented to management. It finds that even if a firm has strong skills in serving current customers and great technology, it may not be able to go after new markets or technologies. The survey questions tested here could be used not only by other researchers, but also by practitioners. Managers, management consultants, and industry association advisors could use the scales as diagnostic instruments or to perform benchmarking. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Self‐Assembled DNA Origami‐Gold Nanorod Complex for Cancer Theranostics
Authors: Jiang Qiao , Shi Yuefeng , Zhang Qian , Li Na , Zhan Pengfei , Song Linlin , Dai Luru , Tian Jie , Du Yang , Cheng Zhen , Ding Baoquan
Published: August 2015

A self‐assembled DNA origami (DO)‐gold nanorod (GNR) complex, which is a dual‐functional nanotheranostics constructed by decorating GNRs onto the surface of DNA origami, is demonstrated. After 24 h incubation of two structured DO‐GNR complexes with human MCF7 breast cancer cells, significant enhancement of cell uptake is achieved compared to bare GNRs by two‐photon luminescence imaging. Particularly, the triangle shaped DO‐GNR complex exhibits optimal cellular accumulation. Compared to GNRs, improved photothermolysis against tumor cells is accomplished for the triangle DO‐GNR complex by two‐photon laser or NIR laser irradiation. Moreover, the DO‐GNR complex exhibits enhanced antitumor efficacy compared with bare GNRs in nude mice bearing breast tumor xenografts. The results demonstrate that the DO‐GNR complex can achieve optimal two‐photon cell imaging and photothermal effect, suggesting a promising candidate for cancer diagnosis and therapy both in vitro and in vivo.
Accelerated non‐parametrics for cascades of Poisson processes
Authors: Oates Chris J.
Published: August 2015

Cascades of Poisson processes are probabilistic models for spatio‐temporal phenomena in which (i) previous events may trigger subsequent events and (ii) both the background and triggering processes are conditionally Poisson. Such phenomena are typically “data rich but knowledge poor,” in the sense that large datasets are available, yet a mechanistic understanding of the background and triggering processes that generate the data is unavailable. In these settings, non‐parametric estimation plays a central role. However, existing non‐parametric estimators have computational and storage complexity
, precluding their application on large datasets. Here, by assuming the triggering process acts only locally, we derive non‐parametric estimators with computational complexity
and storage complexity
. Our approach automatically learns the domain of the triggering process from data and is essentially free from hyperparameters. The methodology is applied to a large seismic dataset where estimation under existing algorithms would be infeasible. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of low temperature on the mechanical properties of glass fibre–epoxy composites: static tension, compression, R = 0.1 and R =− 1 fatigue of ±45° laminates
Authors: Cormier Laurent , Joncas Simon , Nijssen Rogier P.L.
Published: August 2015

Effects of cold climate exposure on structures made of composite materials are scarcely documented. As a result, even if exceptional wind conditions prevail in some cold regions, uncertainties related to composite materials durability at low temperatures may hinder development of wind energy projects in those regions. Therefore, as part of the Wind Energy Strategic Network (WESNet) of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada, efforts were made to evaluate the effects of cold climate exposure on the mechanical properties of glass–epoxy composites. Tensile and compressive quasi‐static tests as well as tensile (R = 0.1) and fully reversed (R =− 1) fatigue tests were performed on vacuum‐infused [±45]2s glass–epoxy composites at −40°C and 23°C. Results for quasi‐static tests show an increase of tensile, compressive and shear strengths and moduli at low temperatures. It is also demonstrated that for the stress range under scrutiny, fatigue performance is improved at −40°C for both the R = 0.1 and R =− 1 loading cases. Moreover, the failure mode for R =− 1 fatigue changed from compressive failure due to buckling of delaminated plies to tensile failure, suggesting a more efficient use of the material. However, if R =− 1 fatigue results at low temperature are extrapolated towards the very low stresses that are also part of wind turbine blades fatigue load spectrum, fatigue life may be degraded compared with that at ambient temperature. Finally, evidence of visco‐elastic behaviour leading to changes in s − N curve slope parameter are reported. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Survival and movement of rehabilitated white‐tailed deer fawns in Connecticut
Authors: Williams Scott C. , Gregonis Michael A.
Published: August 2015

Connecticut (USA) has a volunteer‐based, white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawn rehabilitation program. In 2010 and 2011, 29 apparently orphaned or injured fawns were raised and released at about 3 months of age by licensed rehabilitators at no cost to taxpayers. Our objectives were to compare survival and movements of fawns subjected to 2 different release techniques. Thirteen fawns were soft‐released with feed and water provided ad libitum, and the remaining 16 were hard‐released into a 2,250‐ha block of state forest. Fawns were monitored daily using expandable radiocollars for 30 days and tri‐ or bi‐weekly thereafter. When mortality sensors activated, signs of trauma, struggle, hair, caching behavior, and scats were inspected to determine cause of death, and necropsies were performed in a laboratory for fawns evidently succumbing to sickness or starvation. Hard‐release fawns experienced 100% mortality within 35 days. Sources of mortality included coyote (Canis latrans), bobcat (Lynx rufus), vehicles, and pneumonia. Soft‐release fawns experienced 69% mortality within 86 days from coyote, vehicles, illegal shooting, and legal archery harvest. The Kaplan–Meier 100‐day survival rate for all fawns was 0.138 (SE = 0.064) for both years combined; 86% of fawns were dead within 86 days of release. All fawns exhibited high fidelity to release sites. Some soft‐release fawns survived longer by staying proximate to the pen, but in addition to unacceptably high mortality rates, all fawns, regardless of release technique, lacked the behavioral attributes needed by truly wild white‐tailed deer to survive to adulthood. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Engaging active stakeholders in implementation of community‐based conservation: Whooping crane management in Texas, USA
Authors: Bernacchi Leigh A. , Ragland Chara J. , Peterson Tarla R.
Published: August 2015

Engaging a variety of wildlife stakeholders in the implementation of conservation plans is an increasingly frequent activity of wildlife managers. In some cases, stakeholders develop interdependent relationships with a species being managed by the wildlife agency, usually when the species is economically important. We studied the potential for engaging stakeholders in the implementation of community‐based conservation in the winter habitat of the federally endangered whooping crane (Grus americana) to better understand the relationships between stakeholders (including landowners and nongovernmental organizations) and wildlife managers when working with charismatic species that provide local economic value. In May–September 2010, we interviewed 35 Texas individuals interested in crane conservation, and then analyzed transcripts using both a priori and emergent coding techniques. We found that active stakeholders were eager to work with wildlife managers because of the charismatic and economic values they attributed to the whooping crane. We also found that these stakeholders responded positively to agency intervention for the purpose of sharing expert knowledge and providing stakeholders with standing in the dynamically complex management practices surrounding the species and ecosystem. By recognizing the interests of active stakeholders, wildlife managers can expand opportunities for positive public participation in efforts to conserve and restore endangered species populations. They can improve community relations by building on already existing positive perceptions of relationships between humans and wildlife. © 2015 The Authors. Wildlife Society Bulletin published by The Wildlife Society.
Evaluation of autonomous recording units for detecting 3 species of secretive marsh birds
Authors: Sidie‐Slettedahl Anna M. , Jensen Kent C. , Johnson Rex R. , Arnold Todd W. , Austin Jane E. , Stafford Joshua D.
Published: August 2015

Population status and habitat use of yellow rails (Coturnicops noveboracensis), Nelson's sparrows (Ammodramus nelsoni), and Le Conte's sparrows (A. leconteii) are poorly known, so standardized surveys of these species are needed to inform conservation planning and management. A protocol for monitoring secretive marsh birds exists; however, these species regularly call at night and may be missed during early morning surveys. We tested the effectiveness of autonomous recording units (hereafter, recording units) to survey these species by analyzing recorded vocalizations using bioacoustics software. We deployed 22 recording units at 54 sites in northern Minnesota and eastern North Dakota, USA, and conducted traditional broadcast surveys during May–June, 2010 and 2011. We compared detection probabilities between recording units and standard monitoring protocols using robust‐design occupancy models. On average, recording units detected 0.59 (SE = 0.11) fewer Le Conte's sparrows, 0.76 (SE = 0.15) fewer Nelson's sparrows, and 1.01 (SE = 0.14) fewer yellow rails per survey than were detected using the standard protocol. Detection probabilities using the standard protocol averaged 0.95 (yellow rail; 95% CI = 0.86–0.98), 0.93 (Le Conte's sparrow; 95% CI = 0.78–0.98), and 0.89 (Nelson's sparrow; 95% CI = 0.56–0.98), but averaged 0.71 (yellow rail; 95% CI = 0.56–0.83), 0.61 (Le Conte's sparrow; 95% CI = 0.42–0.78), and 0.51 (Nelson's sparrow; 95% CI = 0.19–0.82) using recording units. Reduced detection by recording units was likely due to the ability of human listeners to identify birds calling at greater distances. Recording units may be effective for surveying nocturnal secretive marsh birds if investigators correct for differential detectability. Reduced detectability may be outweighed by the increased spatial and temporal coverage feasible with recording units. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Intensity of play behavior as a potential measure of welfare: A novel method for quantifying the integrated intensity of behavior in African elephants
Authors: Vicino Greg A. , Marcacci Emily S.
Published: August 2015

To the authors' knowledge there is currently no discrete index to measure the integrated intensity of a play bout in mammals, despite the potential for using intensity and duration of play bouts as a measure of physical activity and welfare. This study was developed to test an equation that quantified the intensity and duration of play bouts in a particularly gregarious mammal, African elephants (Loxodonta africana) housed at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, CA. To quantify these behaviors, we created a scale of intensity and a subsequent equation that produces an index value, giving each unique bout a score. A compilation of these scores provides a range of intensity of play behavior that is a representative value for that particular herd at that point in time, and thus a database to which later bouts can be compared. It can be argued that play behavior is an indicator of positive welfare, and if quantifiable, it is our belief that it can be used as an additional measure of positive welfare in zoo housed animals. Here we present the methods and technique used to calculate a standardized Integrated Play Index (IPI) that has potential for use in other socially living species that are known to exhibit play behavior. Zoo Biol. 34:492–496, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.