def split_layers_str(layers_str):
    """ Splits a comma seperated list into its components.
    Strips leading and trailing blanks from each entry.
    Args:
        layers_str: String in the form: "layer_1,layer_2,..."
    Returns:
        List of strings in the form [layer_1, layer_2, ...]
    """
    if layers_str !="":
        layers = layers_str.split(",")
        layers = [layer.strip() for layer in layers]
    else:
        layers = []
    return layers