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We report here on design and computer simulation of computer-generated holograms for three dimensional (3D) imaging and display. Angular spectrum of general polygon patches was calculated in closed analytical form that includes angular dependence of the intensity and linear gradient of phase at each polygon. Special attention was paid to reduction of the dynamic range in the amplitude transmittance of the hologram by proper random choices of slopes and initial phases of each polygon. Numerical computer simulation results proved that our polygon-patched design demonstrates halftones of object shades and shows expected sharp focusing of different parts of the reconstructed 3D images in their different cross-sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of phycobiliproteins of the cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina was investigated in buffer solution at physiological temperatures, i.e. under the same conditions applied in spectroscopic experiments, using small angle neutron scattering. The scattering data of intact phycobiliproteins in buffer solution containing phosphate can be well described using a cylindrical shape with a length of about 225 Å and a diameter of approximately 100 Å. This finding is qualitatively consistent with earlier electron microscopy studies reporting a rod-like shape of the phycobiliproteins with a length of about 250 (M. Chen et al., FEBS Letters 583, 2009, 2535) or 300 Å (J. Marquart et al., FEBS Letters 410, 1997, 428). In contrast, phycobiliproteins dissolved in buffer lacking phosphate revealed a splitting of the rods into cylindrical subunits with a height of 28 Å only, but also a pronounced sample aggregation. Complementary small angle neutron and X-ray scattering experiments on phycocyanin suggest that the cylindrical subunits may represent either trimeric phycocyanin or trimeric allophycocyanin. Our findings are in agreement with the assumption that a phycobiliprotein rod with a total height of about 225 Å can accommodate seven trimeric phycocyanin subunits and one trimeric allophycocyanin subunit, each of which having a height of about 28 Å. The structural information obtained by small angle neutron and X-ray scattering can be used to interpret variations in the low-energy region of the 4.5 K absorption spectra of phycobiliproteins dissolved in buffer solutions containing and lacking phosphate, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of numerical simulation of the steady-state harmonic vibrations of a layered phononic crystal (elastic periodic composite) with a set of strip-like cracks parallel to the layer boundaries is solved, and the accompanying wave phenomena are considered. The transfer matrix method (propagator matrix method) is used to describe the incident wave field. It allows one not only to construct the wave fields but also to calculate the pass bands and band gaps and to find the localization factor. The wave field scattered by multiple defects is represented by means of an integral approach as a superposition of the fields scattered by all cracks. An integral representation in the form of a convolution of the Fourier symbols of Green's matrices for the corresponding layered structures and a Fourier transform of the crack opening displacement vector is constructed for each of the scattered fields. The crack opening displacements are determined by the boundary integral equation method using the Bubnov-Galerkin scheme, where Chebyshev polynomials of the second kind, which take into account the behavior of the solution near the crack edges, are chosen as the projection and basis systems. The system of linear algebraic equations with a diagonal predominance of components arising when the system of integral equations is discretized has a block structure. The characteristics describing qualitatively and quantitatively the wave processes that take place under the diffraction of plane elastic waves by multiple cracks in a phononic crystal are analyzed. The resonant properties of a system of defects and the influence of the relative positions and sizes of defects in a layered phononic crystal on the resonant properties are studied. To obtain clearer results and to explain them, the energy flux vector is calculated and the energy surfaces and streamlines corresponding to them are constructed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social and emotional behaviors are known to be sensitive to both developmental iron deficiency (ID) and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene polymorphisms. In this study, male rhesus monkey infants deprived of dietary iron in utero were compared with iron sufficient (IS) controls ( n = 10/group). Half of each group had low MAOA activity genotypes and half had high MAOA activity genotypes. A series of social response tests were conducted at 3-14 months of age. MAOA genotype influenced attention to a video of aggressive behavior, emotional expression (fear, grimace and sniff) in the social intruder test, social actions (displacement, grooming) in the social dyad test, and aggressive responses to a threatening picture. Interactions between MAOA and prenatal ID were seen in response to the aggressive video, in temperament ratings, in affiliative behavior in the social dyad test, in cortisol response in the social buffering test and in response to a social intruder and to pictures with social and nonsocial themes. In general, the effects of ID were dependent on MAOA genotype in terms of both direction and size of the effect. Nutrition/genotype interactions may shed new light on behavioral consequences of nutritional deprivation during brain development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transport properties of several aromatic polyamides among which there exist fairly subtle structural differences were examined in perva-poration of water-isopropanol solutions. The dependences of the flux density on the membrane area and the oscillatory kinetics of permeability were established, and an unstable steady state arising via predominant permeation of an organic solvent through a highly hydrophilic polymeric membrane was revealed. Conductometric examination of the swelling kinetics showed that chitosan swelling in water gives rise to instabilities in the form of macrofluctuations of local sorbate concentration distribution in the polymer. The wavelet analysis of the time series of the stochastic oscillations was carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility is studied of applying spring boundary conditions to describe propagation of elastic waves in layered composites with nonperfect contact of components or in the presence of groups of microdefects at the interface. Stiffnesses in spring boundary conditions are determined by crack density, the average size of microdefects, and the elastic properties of the materials surrounding them. In deriving the values of the effective stiffness parameters, the Baik-Thompson and Boström-Wickham approaches are applied, as well as the integral approach. The components of the stiffness matrices are derived from consideration of an incident, at a random angle to the interface, plane wave in the antiplane case, and at a normal angle in the plane case. The efficiency of this model and the possibility of using its results in the three-dimensional case are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of three-phase drying of Calendula officinalis L. in batch dryer, as well as changes of drying mode (open-circulating) in its second and third phase are discussed. The experiments include five different drying temperatures and plant material layer height. The drying temperature of 50°C, constant open mode and natural drying served as control. The mass of dried material, fuel consumption, temperature of lower and upper layer, total carotenoid content and total microbial count were measured. Also, the specific drying duration and the specific drying energy were calculated. The specific drying energy value was lower than that of the control, in all the three-phase drying groups. When drying with changed mode (open-circulating) was applied, the in crease of the specific drying energy in final phase was smaller than in the control (constant open mode). The significant differences in moisture content between lower and upper layer of dried plant material were evident, pointing out the necessity of turning plant material during drying procedure. The content of total carotenoids was higher in lower layer, in all the experimental variants and lower by natural drying, pointing out that higher temperatures positively affected the total carotenoid content. The lowest total microbial count was obtained with the lower plant material layer while higher values were re corded in natural dried material. The highest values were recorded in fresh samples. Future investigations should be aimed at a constant temperature of drying agent in all phases, changing the drying mode (open-circulation) at app. 32% moisture content of plant material. In addition, plant layers should be turned after finishing first phase of drying (moisture content app. 32%). Also, the limit value of drying agent temperature should be defined to produce positive effects upon total carotenoid content. The re corded effect of relative humidity of drying agent upon total carotenoid content should be tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteins of the Homer1 immediate early gene family have been associated with synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity suggesting broad behavioral consequences of loss of function. This study examined the behavior of male Homer1 knockout (KO) mice compared with wild-type (WT) and heterozygous mice using a battery of 10 behavioral tests probing sensory, motor, social, emotional and learning/memory functions. KO mice showed mild somatic growth retardation, poor motor coordination, enhanced sensory reactivity and learning deficits. Heterozygous mice showed increased aggression in social interactions with conspecifics. The distribution of mGluR5 and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDA) receptors appeared to be unaltered in the hippocampus (HIP) of Homer1 KO mice. The results indicate an extensive range of disrupted behaviors that should contribute to the understanding of the Homer1 gene in brain development and behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation and X-ray microanalysis (EDX) of the highly conducting organic composites of general formulae (BEDO-TTF)x/I and (BEDO-TTF)x/(AuI), where BEDO-TTF is bis(ethylenedioxy)tetrathiafulvalene, obtained by direct charge-transfer (CT) reaction in the solid state have been performed. The structure of the composites has been compared with the structure of ones based on the donor bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene (BEDT-TTF). Differences in electrical properties of these two types of composites are discussed, basing on this comparison. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lipid composition of human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and its physicochemical characteristics are relevant for proper functioning of lipid transport in the blood circulation. To explore dynamical and structural features of LDL particles with either a normal or a triglyceride-rich lipid composition we combined coherent and incoherent neutron scattering methods. The investigations were carried out under high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), which is a versatile tool to study the physicochemical behavior of biomolecules in solution at a molecular level. Within both neutron techniques we applied HHP to probe the shape and degree of freedom of the possible motions (within the time windows of 15 and 100 ps) and consequently the flexibility of LDL particles. We found that HHP does not change the types of motion in LDL, but influences the portion of motions participating. Contrary to our assumption that lipoprotein particles, like membranes, are highly sensitive to pressure we determined that LDL copes surprisingly well with high pressure conditions, although the lipid composition, particularly the triglyceride content of the particles, impacts the molecular dynamics and shape arrangement of LDL under pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wave processes that occur in an elastic layer when waves traveling in it are diffracted by a system of horizontal cracks are investigated. Integral representations of wave fields are constructed in terms of the convolution of Green’s matrices and unknown jumps of displacements at the cracks. The displacement jumps are determined from the boundary integral equations, which are obtained from the initial boundary-value problem with the boundary conditions at crack faces being satisfied. The spectrum of the integral operator is studied for different variants of mutual crack arrangement and is compared with the spectrum of the corresponding operators for individual cracks; the relationship between the spectrum and the blocking effects is analyzed. The possibility of obtaining an extended frequency band of waveguide blocking in the case of groups of cracks is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The semianalytic methods developed for solving the problems of elastodynamic diffraction by a horizontal strip-like crack are used to analyze the transmission and reflection of Rayleigh waves in a half-plane and normal modes in a layer with the aim to determine the parameters of blocking and study the blocking mechanism. The resonance blocking is shown to be accompanied by energy localization near the crack. For the case of a crack in a half-plane, a possibility of nonresonance blocking is revealed. The transmission and reflection coefficients are analyzed as functions of frequency, crack size, and crack depth. Numerical examples of energy streamline and power distribution structures are given for the resonance and nonresonance blocking, as well as examples of the behavior of stress intensity factors at the crack tips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new charge transfer salt based on bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene (BEDT-TTF) and the [Mo8O26]4− anion was synthesized and characterized by X-ray and spectral analysis. The crystals are triclinic, space group P1¯, a=12.996(3) A˚, b=13.135(3) A˚, c=20.705(5) A˚, α=72.01(2)°, β=85.94(2)°, γ=60.02(2)°, V=2896.9 A˚3, Z=1. The structure consists of alternating organic and inorganic layers. The inorganic layers are formed by [Mo8O26]4− anions and dimethyl formamide (DMF) molecules. The organic layers are built of two different types of BEDT-TTF molecules bonded by short S … S contacts. The compound is a metal with σ≈3 S cm−1 at room temperature. IR and Raman spectra of single crystals were analyzed and an assignment of the vibrational features was proposed. The temperature dependencies of transport parameters were obtained using the Drude–Lorentz model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Results of the first extended spectral investigation of the bis-linked tetrathiafulvalene donors (TTFs) to [60]fullerene are reported. From UV-VIS-NIR-IR spectra it is stated that charge distribution on C60 moiety and on TTFs attachments is disturbed after the adduct formation.This redistribution depends not only on the nature of an attached molecular group but also on the number of bounded donors. In the infrared spectra of the bis-adducts, a particularly strong resonant effect was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat uptake is a key variable for understanding the Earth system response to greenhouse gas forcing. Despite the importance of this heat budget, heat uptake by inland waters has so far not been quantified. Here we use a unique combination of global‐scale lake models, global hydrological models and Earth system models to quantify global heat uptake by natural lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. The total net heat uptake by inland waters amounts to 2.6 ± 3.2 ×1020 J over the period 1900–2020, corresponding to 3.6% of the energy stored on land. The overall uptake is dominated by natural lakes (111.7%), followed by reservoir warming (2.3%). Rivers contribute negatively (‐14%) due to a decreasing water volume. The thermal energy of water stored in artificial reservoirs exceeds inland water heat uptake by a factor ∼10.4. This first quantification underlines that the heat uptake by inland waters is relatively small, but non‐negligible. Plain Language Summary: Human‐induced emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases cause energy accumulation in the Earth system. Oceans trap most of this excess energy, thereby largely buffering the warming of the atmosphere. However, the fraction of excess energy stored in lakes, reservoirs, and rivers is currently unknown, despite the high heat capacity of water. Here we quantify this human‐induced heat storage, and show that it amounts up to 3.6% of the energy stored on land, while covering 2.58% of the land surface. The increase in heat storage from 1900 to 2020 is dominated by warming of lakes. The thermal heat contained in the water stored in man‐made reservoirs is about ten times larger. Our study overall highlights the importance of inland waters–next to oceans, ice and land–for buffering atmospheric warming, especially on regional scale. Key Points: We use a unique combination of lake models, hydrological models, and Earth System models to quantify global heat uptake by inland watersHeat uptake by inland waters over the industrial period amounts up to 2.6 × 1020 J, or 3.6% of the continental heat uptakeThe thermal energy of the water trapped on land due to dam construction (26.8 × 1020 J) is 10.4 times larger than inland water heat uptake [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kv2.1 delayed rectifier potassium channel exhibits high-level expression in both principal and inhibitory neurons throughout the central nervous system, including prominent expression in hippocampal neurons. Studies of in vitro preparations suggest that Kv2.1 is a key yet conditional regulator of intrinsic neuronal excitability, mediated by changes in Kv2.1 expression, localization and function via activity-dependent regulation of Kv2.1 phosphorylation. Here we identify neurological and behavioral deficits in mutant ( Kv2.1−/−) mice lacking this channel. Kv2.1−/− mice have grossly normal characteristics. No impairment in vision or motor coordination was apparent, although Kv2.1−/− mice exhibit reduced body weight. The anatomic structure and expression of related Kv channels in the brains of Kv2.1−/− mice appear unchanged. Delayed rectifier potassium current is diminished in hippocampal neurons cultured from Kv2.1−/− animals. Field recordings from hippocampal slices of Kv2.1−/− mice reveal hyperexcitability in response to the convulsant bicuculline, and epileptiform activity in response to stimulation. In Kv2.1−/− mice, long-term potentiation at the Schaffer collateral - CA1 synapse is decreased. Kv2.1−/− mice are strikingly hyperactive, and exhibit defects in spatial learning, failing to improve performance in a Morris Water Maze task. Kv2.1−/− mice are hypersensitive to the effects of the convulsants flurothyl and pilocarpine, consistent with a role for Kv2.1 as a conditional suppressor of neuronal activity. Although not prone to spontaneous seizures, Kv2.1−/− mice exhibit accelerated seizure progression. Together, these findings suggest homeostatic suppression of elevated neuronal activity by Kv2.1 plays a central role in regulating neuronal network function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The currently used procedures of oil pumpkin seed harvesting, drying and processing are described in the paper. Problems were identified on the basis of observations of the current practice and literature review. It was concluded that high efficiency has been achieved in ali three operations, especially in seed extraction. The formation of rows, which combines a mechanized procedure and manual labor, needs to be improved. The most significant problem associated with seed rinsing is the use of large amounts of water, up to 3,000 1 per ton of fresh seed. Possibilities should be investi-gated how to reduce the consumption of water, for examplc by water recirculation. The latest R&D results in the field of seed drying showed that the drying temperature can be increased to 60°C. Increased temperature and air recirculation applied in the second stage of drying process may bring significant reductions of the time and energy input for drying. In the next phase, a possibility of using pumpkin meat in biogas production should be tested. If this turns out to be feasible, the harvest procedure of oil pumpkins should be duly modified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extended spectral investigations of several new bis-linked tetrathiafulvalenes (TTFs) to [60]fullerene were performed. From UV–Vis–NIR–IR spectra, it was stated that charge distribution on the fullerene sphere and on the TTFs substituents is distinctly disturbed after the adduct formation. A particularly strong resonant effect was observed in the infrared spectra of the one of double-substituted fullerene molecules. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Marginal iron (Fe) deficiency is prevalent in children worldwide, yet the behavioral and biochemical effects of chronic marginal Fe intakes during early development are not well characterized. Using a murine model, previous work in our laboratory demonstrated persistent behavioral disturbances as a consequence of marginal Fe intakes during early development. In the present study, Swiss-Webster mice fed a control Fe diet (75 microgram Fe/g diet, n = 13 litters) or marginal Fe diet (14 microgram Fe/g diet, n = 16 litters) during gestation and through postnatal day (PND) 75 were killed on PND 75 for assessment of tissue mineral concentrations, dopamine metabolism, myelin fatty acid composition, and c- and m-aconitase activities. In addition, these outcomes were assessed in a group of offspring (n = 13 litters) fed a marginal Fe diet during gestation and lactation and then fed a control diet from PND 21-75. Marginal Fe mice demonstrated significant differences in brain iron concentrations, dopamine metabolism and myelin fatty acid composition relative to control mice; however, no difference in c- or m-aconitase activity was demonstrated in the brain. The postnatal consumption of Fe-adequate diets among marginal Fe offspring did not fully reverse all of the observed biochemical disturbances. This study demonstrates that chronic marginal Fe intakes during early development can result in significant changes in brain biochemistry. The persistence of some of these biochemical changes after postnatal Fe supplementation suggests that they are an irreversible consequence of developmental Fe restriction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the behavioral and cognitive outcomes associated with chronic marginal iron (Fe) intakes during early development. Offspring (3 males and 3 females/litter) of Swiss-Webster female mice who had been fed a control Fe diet (75 microg Fe/g diet) or marginal Fe diet (14 microg Fe/g diet) for 9 wk before mating were weaned on postnatal (PND) 21. Offspring of marginal Fe dams were fed either the marginal Fe diet (marginal group) or a control diet (replete group) from PND 21 throughout the duration of the study, whereas offspring of control dams consumed the control diet ad libitum (control group). On PND 30, 45 and 60, one male and female per litter underwent grip strength and auditory startle testing. A Morris maze was used to assess cognitive function in males starting at PND 50. Marginal Fe mice consistently demonstrated significantly lower grip strength, which was independent of differences in body weight. In addition, marginal Fe males demonstrated attenuated startle responsiveness, as well as altered performance in the Morris water maze. These differences in performance were found in association with lower brain Fe concentrations. Postnatal Fe supplementation did not reverse all of these disturbances because differences in brain Fe concentrations and maze learning persisted. This study demonstrates that chronic marginal Fe intakes during early development can result in persistent biochemical and behavioral changes in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]