bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photosynthetic rates influence the population dynamics of understory herbs in stochastic light environments
Authors: Westerband Andrea C. , Horvitz Carol C. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractTemporal variability in light from gaps in the tree canopy strongly influences the vital rates of understory plants. From 2012 to 2015, we estimated the size‐specific vital rates of two herbs, Calathea crotalifera and Heliconia tortuosa, over a range of light environments. We estimated maximum photosynthetic capacity (Amax) for a subset of individuals each year during three annual censuses, and modelled future size as a linear function of current size (a plant trait that changes ontogenetically), canopy openness (an environmental variable), and Amax (a potentially plastic physiological trait). We estimated what the demographic success would be of a population comprised of individuals with a particular fixed Amax for each of several levels of canopy openness if the environment remained constant, by evaluating corresponding Integral Projection Models and their deterministic growth rates (λ). We then estimated their demographic success in the stochastic light environment (λS) and its elasticities. As light increased, deterministic λ increased for Calathea by 33% but decreased for Heliconia by 52%, and increasing Amax had no effect on λ for Calathea but increased λ for Heliconia in low light. As Amax increased, λS increased for Heliconia, but not Calathea. We also investigated whether photosynthetic rates would influence the elasticities of λS, including its response to perturbation of vital rates in each environment (ESβ), vital rates over all environments (ES), and variability of vital rates among environments (ESσ). ES, ESσ, and ESβ were influenced by Amax for Heliconia but not Calathea. Events that affect some vital rates in high light have a greater impact on overall fitness than events that affect the same vital rates in shady environments, and there is greater potential for selection on traits of large individuals in high light than in low light for Heliconia, while the reverse was true for Calathea. Photosynthetic rates, through their effects on growth, can strongly influence the population dynamics of plants in random light environments, but the magnitude of this effect varies between species. In the species for which fitness was independent of Amax, Calathea, there would be little opportunity for selection on photosynthetic rates.
Base shear capping buildings with graphite‐lubricated bases for collapse prevention in extreme earthquakes
Authors: Barbagallo Francesca , Hamashima Ikumi , Hu Hongsong , Kurata Masahiro , Nakashima Masayoshi 
Published: November 2016

SummaryDamage or collapse of buildings vulnerable to seismic forces may cause human casualties, and seismic upgrading of such structures is a practical solution to this deficiency. The study presented here proposes a simple approach to prevent structural collapse by separating the superstructure from its foundation to let the superstructure slide during extreme ground shaking. The sliding mechanism contributes to cap the horizontal force exerted on the superstructure. In such approach, the key is to maintain the friction force between the superstructure and the foundation sufficiently low and stable. This research proposes to realize a controlled sliding mechanism, which acts as a structural fuse, by means of carbon powder lubrication at the bases of the structure's columns. The fundamental behaviour of the proposed structural system, named the base shear capping building, is investigated by shaking table tests and numerical simulation. Both experimental and numerical results showed that graphite lubrication is an efficient and robust lubrication material, maintaining the friction coefficient between the steel column bases and mortar foundation at around 0.16. The sliding at the bases significantly reduced the acceleration transmitted to the superstructure, keeping the base shear coefficient not greater than about 0.40. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
INTRODUCTION TO SYSTEMS OF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Authors: Dahmann Judith , Henshaw Michael 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTThis article provides an introduction and overview of basic concepts of systems of systems (SoS). Beginning with the definition of SoS and SoS engineering, the paper describes the characteristics of SoS. It compares systems with SoS and discusses the implications for systems engineering. Finally, the paper concludes with a discussion of the challenges SoS pose for systems engineering with a description of recognized SoS ‘pain points.’
CASE STUDY: APPLICATION OF EVOLVING ARCHITECTURE FRAMEWORKS FOR HEAVY RAIL ASSET MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY ASSURANCE
Authors: Scott William , Campbell Peter 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTA heavy rail system is a complex system of systems that has specific challenges for asset management. The introduction of modern digital systems into existing rail systems adds further to this complexity. The Asset Standards Authority of Transport for New South Wales in Australia is introducing model‐based systems engineering through the use of an architecture framework populated using the Systems Modeling Language (SysML), referred to hereafter as the Transport Network Architecture Framework (TNAF). The TNAF is intended initially to be used to act as a structure that will assist procurement through the depiction of the minimum standards to be met when specifying new systems to be acquired and integrated into the network. This article describes how architecture framework tools can be used for management of the various configurations.
SYSTEMS OF SYSTEMS, CYBER‐PHYSICAL SYSTEMS, THE INTERNET‐OF‐THINGS…WHATEVER NEXT?
Authors: de C Henshaw Michael J. 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTThis paper considers the concepts of systems of systems, cyber‐physical systems, and the Internet‐of‐things. Although originating from different domains and perspectives, there is considerable convergence of the three concepts in terms of future complex systems, and it is concluded that the Internet‐of‐things is essentially a cyber‐physical system of systems which will require new approaches in systems engineering to be developed.
COMPREHENSIVE MODEL‐BASED ENGINEERING FOR SYSTEMS OF SYSTEMS
Authors: John Fitzgerald 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTSystems of systems (SoS) place particular demands on model‐based engineering, arising from the uncertainty inherent in dealing with independent constituent systems, the need to obtain confidence in the end‐to‐end capabilities of the SoS, and the challenges of integrating diverse domain‐specific terminologies, models, and tools. This paper describes the approach taken by the COMPASS project in developing and validating model‐based methods for SoS engineering (SoSE). Architectural frameworks, profiles and modelling patterns implement a contractual approach that deals with uncertainty by allowing abstract specification of the assumptions and guarantees between SoS constituents. These are underpinned by a formal semantic framework that permits the verification of SoS‐level properties arising from the composition of diverse constituent system contracts. The whole approach has been realized in an open tools framework and validated through applications in home audio/video networks and in emergency response service reengineering. The paper outlines and exemplifies the technologies developed within COMPASS and looks forward to the emerging challenges of cyber‐physical SoS.
Galectin‐3 contributes to vascular fibrosis in monocrotaline‐induced pulmonary arterial hypertension rat model
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Wang Yanli , Zhang Jinbo , Guan Xue , Chen Minggang , Li Yumei , Zhang Li 
Published: November 2016

AbstractGalectin‐3 (Gal‐3) plays a critical role in vascular inflammation and fibrosis. The role of TGF‐β1 in mediating pulmonary vascular fibrosis is well documented; thus, we suspected that Gal‐3 could be an important factor in TGF‐β1‐induced fibrosis in pulmonary adventitial fibroblasts (PAFs). We treated rats with monocrotaline (MCT) and cultured PAFs with TGF‐β1 to stimulate fibrosis. We found that MCT injection induced vessel thickening and extracellular matrix deposition in vivo. TGF‐β1 stimulated the production of collagen and fibronectin (Fn) protein in vitro. TGF‐β1 promoted the expression of Gal‐3 and its translocation, while silencing Gal‐3 reduced Col‐1a deposition. Blockage of STAT3 decreased the expression of Gal‐3 induced by TGF‐β1. Gal‐3 increased Col‐1a accumulation and downregulated matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP‐9) expression in PAFs, but it did not affect Fn expression. These findings demonstrate that Gal‐3 is required for TGF‐β1‐stimulated vascular fibrosis via a STAT3 signaling cascade and that MMP‐9 is also involved in TGF‐β1/Gal‐3‐induced vascular fibrosis.
Antheraea pernyi silk sericin mediating biomimetic nucleation and growth of hydroxylapatite crystals promoting bone matrix formation
Authors: Jiayao Zhuang , Guanshan Zhou , Jinchi Zhang , Yuyin Chen , Yongqiang Zhu 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBone biomineralization is well‐regulated processes mediated by extracellular matrix proteins. The materials that can direct nucleation of hydroxylapatite (HAp) crystals and assembly of well‐structured material‐minerals complex are the key to mimicking the natural mineralization. This study used sericin from Antheraea pernyi (A.pernyi), non‐mulberry silkworm cocoon as template to mediate nucleation of HAp crystals. Here we find out that AS (Antheraea pernyi sericin) can nucleate the formation HAp crystals in simulated body fluid verified by XRD and FTIR observations. The HAp crystals are organized into nano‐rods oriented with c‐axis preferentially parallel to the long axis of AS due to hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interaction and finally aggregated into HAp globule. The cell culture of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) showed that the HAp crystals mediated by AS not only stimulate cell adhesion and proliferation but also promote 0f osteogenic differentiation, suggesting that the resultant mineralized AS biomaterial has potential in promoting bone formation. Thus our work will provide significant implication on biomineralization of A. pernyi silk sericin as a potential scaffold for tissue engineering.
Climatology of Philippine tropical cyclone activity: 1945–2011
Authors: Corporal‐Lodangco Irenea L. , Leslie Lance M. 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTThe Philippine region occupies the southwestern western North Pacific (WNP) Ocean, between 5°–25°N and 115°–135°E. About 70% of WNP tropical cyclones (TCs) formed in or entered the Philippine region during 1945–2011. Here, a climatology of Philippine TC metrics is developed, including mean annual frequencies, landfalls, TC days, season lengths, season earliest and latest start and end dates, genesis locations, and tracks. Two distinct TC seasons, the less active season (LAS; 1 January–31 May) and more active season (MAS; 1 June–31 December), are evident. Philippine TC annual median LAS frequency is 2 [interquartile range (IQR) is 2], and median landfalling frequency is 1. The annual median MAS frequency is 15 (IQR is 4.5), and median landfalling frequency is 6. About 55% of Philippine TCs reach typhoon intensity. A quiescent (TC‐free) period occurs between LAS and MAS, ranging from 2 days to 5 months (median 1.2 months) for LAS to MAS transitions, and 6 days to 7 months (median 2.85 months) for MAS to LAS transitions. The interannual variability of the annual average lifetime maximum intensity (LMI) for all TCs and landfalling TCs decreased slightly during the satellite era (the years since 1980). The TC annual average latitude of LMI in the satellite era exhibits a poleward migration; however, for landfalling TCs it is equatorward.Wavelet analysis shows El Niño Southern Oscillation as the dominant mode affecting Philippine TCs, consistent with other studies. The wavelet analysis also indicates possible decadal and multi‐decadal modes. In El Niño years, TCs frequently recurve or decay before reaching the Philippine region, producing below normal numbers and landfalls in LAS and MAS. In La Niña years, TC numbers and landfalls are below normal in January–March and July–September, but above normal in April–June and October–December.The climatology developed here has social and economic relevance: allowing planning, providing early risk assessment, and mitigating impacts through timely preparation and management.
Urological complications after cystectomy as part of pelvic exenteration are higher than that after cystectomy for primary bladder malignancy
Authors: Brown Kilian G.M. , Solomon Michael J. , Latif Edward R. , Koh Cherry E. , Vasilaras Arthur , Eisinger David , Sved Paul 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundTotal cystectomy and subsequent reconstruction of the urinary tract may be required for primary malignancy of the bladder, or in the context of multi‐visceral resection for more advanced pelvic tumors. Complications following urinary diversion are a major source of morbidity, particularly in pelvic exenteration (PE) patients.MethodsAll patients who underwent radical cystectomy alone or during PE at a single tertiary referral centre between 2008 and 2014 were reviewed. Postoperative urological complications were collected and compared between groups.ResultsTwo hundred and thirty‐one patients underwent en bloc cystectomy (98 cystectomy alone, 133 as part of a PE). Postoperative urological complications occurred in 33% of the cystectomy alone group and 59% of the PE group (P < 0.001). PE for recurrence had higher complications than PE for primary malignancy (67% vs. 48%, P = 0.035). Urological leaks occurred in 3%, 6%, and 14% of patient who had cystectomy alone, PE for primary malignancy and PE for recurrence. Major blood loss and previous pelvic radiotherapy independently predicted conduit‐associated complications in PE patients (P = 0.002 and 0.035).ConclusionsUrological complications of cystectomy, particularly urine leaks and sepsis, are more common in patients undergoing PE compared to those with cystectomy alone. Prior pelvic radiotherapy, the extent of surgical resection and major blood loss may contribute to urological morbidity. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:307–311. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gelation of Novel Pyrene‐Cored Chiral Dendrimers: Dendritic Effect in Gelation and Shear Thinning Behavior
Authors: Bhattacharjee Subham , Maiti Bappa , Biswakarma Dipen , Bhattacharya Santanu 
Published: November 2016

SummarySynthesis and gelation property of novel pyrene‐cored chiral dendrimers PyFG1 and PyFG2 have been studied. Dendritic effect was found to play a crucial role in the self‐assembly pattern, solvents for gelation and the shear thinning behavior of the gels as well.
Studies on Syndiotactic Polystyrene/Poly(3‐hexyl thiophene) Composite
Authors: Samanta Ketaki , Malik Sudip 
Published: November 2016

SummarySyndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) generally exhibits five crystal modifications (α, β, γ, δ and ϵ) with different molecular conformations and also with different chain packing structures. Among these modifications, the δ phase of sPS is very promising as it absorbs guest molecules producing clathrate or intercalate co‐crystals of sPS. In this connection, sPS/poly(3‐hexyl thiophene) (P3HT) composites have been prepared with the expectation of formation of P3HT nano‐crystal in the crystalline lattice of sPS. Composites have been characterized by UV‐Vis, XRD, TGA studies. Mechanical and morphological properties have been explored. UV spectra show the appearance of vibronic structure of P3HT even at low concentration of P3HT, indicating the formation of nanoaggregates of P3HT in the sPS matrix. FESEM and HRTEM analysis reveal the formation of fibrillar morphology of composites and EDX studies indicate the presence of P3HT in the fiber as well as the interaction between sPS and P3HT. There is enhancement of diameter of sPS/P3HT fibers as well as increase of mechanical strength of fibers.
Leucine‐Based Block Copolymer Nano‐Objects via Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly (PISA)
Authors: Bauri Kamal , Maiti Binoy , De Priyadarsi 
Published: November 2016

SummaryPolymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) technique has been used to prepare leucine‐based block copolymer nano‐objects. A side‐chain leucine appending macromolecular chain transfer agent (macroCTA) has been employed for reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) mediated dispersion polymerization of benzyl methacrylate (BzMA) in methanol at 65 °C. 1H NMR spectroscopy reveals near quantitative monomer conversions (≥90%) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) indicated well‐defined block copolymer formation. Morphological evolution has been observed from spherical micelle to fibre to vesicle with increase of the length of the solvophobic block keeping the stabilizer block length and monomer solid content constant.
A Highly Selective Colorimetric Detection of Hg(II) via Enzymatic Dephosphorylation Reaction
Authors: Biswas Sagar , Bhowmik Soumitra , Rasale Dnyaneshwar B. , Das Apurba K. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryHere, we report colorimetric detection of Hg(II) via enzymatic dephosphorylation reaction of Fmoc‐O‐phospho‐L‐tyrosine and cytidine 5′‐monophosphate. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are synthesized via enzymatic dephosphorylation reaction at room temperature which is used to detect Hg(II). Fmoc‐O‐phospho‐l‐tyrosine and cytidine 5′‐monophosphate are used to sense an enzyme alkaline phosphatase. Enzymatic dephosphorylated product provides both reducing and stabilizing agent to synthesize AuNPs. Enzymatic synthesis of AuNps is highly selective towards biomolecules and AuNPs are readily detected colorimetrically and UV‐Vis analysis. In situ synthesized AuNPs are used to detect toxic Hg2+ ions in aqueous media. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals AuNPs which were prepared using enzymatic dephosphorylation reaction of Fmoc‐Tyrosine phosphate.
Discovery of Therapeutic Approaches for Polyglutamine Diseases: A Summary of Recent Efforts
Authors: Esteves Sofia , Duarte‐Silva Sara , Maciel Patrícia 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPolyglutamine (PolyQ) diseases are a group of neurodegenerative disorders caused by the expansion of cytosine–adenine–guanine (CAG) trinucleotide repeats in the coding region of specific genes. This leads to the production of pathogenic proteins containing critically expanded tracts of glutamines. Although polyQ diseases are individually rare, the fact that these nine diseases are irreversibly progressive over 10 to 30 years, severely impairing and ultimately fatal, usually implicating the full‐time patient support by a caregiver for long time periods, makes their economic and social impact quite significant. This has led several researchers worldwide to investigate the pathogenic mechanism(s) and therapeutic strategies for polyQ diseases. Although research in the field has grown notably in the last decades, we are still far from having an effective treatment to offer patients, and the decision of which compounds should be translated to the clinics may be very challenging. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and critical overview of the most recent drug discovery efforts in the field of polyQ diseases, including the most relevant findings emerging from two different types of approaches—hypothesis‐based candidate molecule testing and hypothesis‐free unbiased drug screenings. We hereby summarize and reflect on the preclinical studies as well as all the clinical trials performed to date, aiming to provide a useful framework for increasingly successful future drug discovery and development efforts.
Suppression of ghost artifacts arising from long T1 species in segmented inversion‐recovery imaging
Authors: Jenista Elizabeth R. , Rehwald Wolfgang G. , Chaptini Nayla H. , Kim Han W. , Parker Michele A. , Wendell David C. , Chen Enn‐ling , Kim Raymond J. 
Published: November 2016

PurposeWe demonstrate an improved segmented inversion‐recovery sequence that suppresses ghost artifacts arising from tissues with long T1 ( > 1.5 s).Theory and MethodsLong T1 species such as pericardial fluid can create bright ghost artifacts in segmented, inversion‐recovery MRI because of oscillations in longitudinal magnetization between segments. A single dummy acquisition at the beginning of the sequence can reduce oscillations; however, its effectiveness in suppressing long T1 artifacts is unknown. In this study, we systematically evaluated several test sequences, including a prototype (saturation post‐pulse readout to eliminate spurious signal: SPPRESS) in simulations, phantoms, and patients.ResultsSPPRESS reduced artifact signal 90% ± 25% and 74% ± 28% compared with Control and Single‐Dummy methods in phantoms. SPPRESS performed well at 1.5 Tesla (T) and 3T, with steady‐state free precession (SSFP) and fast low‐angle shot (FLASH) readout, with conventional and phase‐sensitive reconstruction, and over a range of physiologic heart rates. A review of 100 consecutive clinical cardiac MRI scans revealed large fluid collections (eg, regions with long T1) in 14% of patients. In a prospectively enrolled cohort of 16 patients with visible long T1 fluids, SPPRESS appreciably reduced artifacts in all cases compared with Control and Single‐Dummy methods.ConclusionWe developed and validated a new robust method, SPPRESS, for reducing artifacts due to long T1 species across a wide range of imaging and physiologic conditions. Magn Reson Med 78:1442–1451, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Efficient 31P band inversion transfer approach for measuring creatine kinase activity, ATP synthesis, and molecular dynamics in the human brain at 7 T
Authors: Ren Jimin , Sherry A. Dean , Malloy Craig R. 
Published: November 2016

PurposeTo develop an efficient 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) method for measuring creatine kinase (CK) activity, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, and motion dynamics in the human brain at 7 Tesla (T).MethodsThree band inversion modules differing in center frequency were used to induce magnetization transfer (MT) effect in three exchange pathways: (i) CK‐mediated reaction PCr → γ‐ATP; (ii) de novo ATP synthesis Pi → γ‐ATP; and (iii) ATP intramolecular 31P–31P cross‐relaxation γ‐(α‐) ↔ β‐ATP. The resultant MT data were analyzed using a 5‐pool model in the format of magnetization matrix according to Bloch‐McConnell‐Solomon formalism.ResultsWith a repetition time (TR) of 4 s, the scan time for each module was approximately 8 min. The rate constants were kPCr → γATP 0.38 ± 0.02 s−1, kPi → γATP 0.19 ± 0.02 s−1, and σγ(α) ↔ βATP 0.19 ± 0.04 s−1, corresponding to ATP rotation correlation time τc (0.8 ± 0.2) ·10−7 s. The T1 relaxation times were Pi 7.26 ± 1.76 s, PCr 5.99 ± 0.58 s, γ‐ATP 0.98 ± 0.07 s, α‐ATP 0.95 ± 0.04 s, and β‐ATP 0.68 ± 0.03 s.ConclusionShort‐TR band inversion modules provide a time‐efficient way of measuring brain ATP metabolism and could be useful in studying metabolic disorders in brain diseases. Magn Reson Med 78:1657–1666, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.