bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activity rhythm and action range of workers of the invasive hornet predator of honeybees Vespa velutina, measured by radio frequency identification tags
Authors: Poidatz Juliette , Monceau Karine , Bonnard Olivier , Thiéry Denis
Published: July 2018

In social insects, the activity rhythm of foragers and their action range determinate the activity of the colony. In vespids, which are mostly predators, the foraging range of workers determines their maximum predation pressure round the nest. One of these species, Vespa velutina, a recently invasive species introduced into Europe, exerts a strong predation on honeybees at the hive. Therefore, the definition of its activity rhythm and spatial range of predation is of primary importance. Using radio frequency identification tags (RFID), two experiments were carried out to (a) determine their return ability (called homing) in releasing 318 individuals at different distance from their colony and (b) monitor their foraging activity rhythm and the duration of their flights based on 71 individuals followed 24 hr/24 during 2 months. The homing ability of V. velutina was evaluated to be up to 5,000 m and was not affected by the cardinal orientation of release point. The lag time to return to the nest increased with the distance of release. Most of the flight activity took place between 07:00 a.m. and 08:00 p.m., hornets doing principally short flights of less than an hour. Foraging range was thus estimated ca. 1,000 m around the nest. This study of V. velutina assisted by RFID tags provides for the first time a baseline for its potential foraging distance that increase our knowledge of this species to (a) refine more accurately models for risk assessment and (b) define security perimeter for early detection of predation on invasion front.
Spatiotemporal and demographic variation in the diet of New Zealand lesser short‐tailed bats (Mystacina tuberculata)
Authors: Czenze Zenon J. , Tucker J. Leon , Clare Elizabeth L. , Littlefair Joanne E. , Hemprich‐Bennett David , Oliveira Hernani F. M. , Brigham R. Mark , Hickey Anthony J. R. , Parsons Stuart
Published: July 2018

Variation in the diet of generalist insectivores can be affected by site‐specific traits including weather, habitat, and season, as well as demographic traits such as reproductive status and age. We used molecular methods to compare diets of three distinct New Zealand populations of lesser short‐tailed bats, Mystacina tuberculata. Summer diets were compared between a southern cold‐temperate (Eglinton) and a northern population (Puroera). Winter diets were compared between Pureora and a subtropical offshore island population (Hauturu). This also permitted seasonal diet comparisons within the Pureora population. Lepidoptera and Diptera accounted for >80% of MOTUs identified from fecal matter at each site/season. The proportion of orders represented within prey and the Simpson diversity index, differed between sites and seasons within the Pureora population. For the Pureora population, the value of the Simpson diversity index was higher in summer than winter and was higher in Pureora compared to Eglinton. Summer Eglinton samples revealed that juvenile diets appeared to be more diverse than other demographic groups. Lactating females had the lowest dietary diversity during summer in Pureora. In Hauturu, we found a significant negative relationship between mean ambient temperature and prey richness. Our data suggest that M. tuberculata incorporate a narrower diversity of terrestrial insects than previously reported. This provides novel insights into foraging behavior and ecological interactions within different habitats. Our study is the first from the Southern Hemisphere to use molecular techniques to examine spatiotemporal variation in the diet of a generalist insectivore that inhabits a contiguous range with several habitat types and climates.
Photocatalytic Methanol Oxidation by Supported Vanadium Oxide Species: Influence of Support and Degree of Oligomerization
Authors: Kortewille Bianca , Wachs Israel E. , Cibura Niklas , Pfingsten Oliver , Bacher Gerd , Muhler Martin , Strunk Jennifer
Published: July 2018

Supported isolated vanadium oxide (VO4) species on silica have recently been shown to photocatalytically oxidize methanol selectively to formaldehyde. Insights into support effects and the reactivity of the different supported vanadium oxide species in photocatalytic methanol oxidation are obtained in the present study by varying the support, surface vanadium oxide loading, and synthesis procedure. Isolated and oligomeric surface vanadium oxide species supported on alumina can also photocatalytically oxidize methanol to formaldehyde. Crystalline V2O5 nanoparticles are inactive for photocatalytic conversion of methanol irrespective of the support, but they further convert the formaldehyde produced by the surface vanadium oxide species to surface formate species. The formation of surface formate species is also observed on the bare alumina support. Thermal catalyzed reactions take place at elevated temperatures, leading to product degradation, when attempting to desorb and quantify the photocatalysis products adsorbed on the alumina‐supported samples. This study is a step forward in the directed development of active and selective sites for photocatalysis, and highlights the importance of limitation by desorption in the kinetics of photoreactions.
Back Cover: Non‐invasive optical method for real‐time assessment of intracorneal riboflavin concentration and efficacy of corneal cross‐linking (J. Biophotonics 7/2018)
Authors: Lombardo Giuseppe , Villari Valentina , Micali Norberto L. , Leone Nancy , Labate Cristina , De Santo Maria P. , Lombardo Marco
Published: July 2018

We disclose a theranostic device for performing image‐guided riboflavin/UV‐A corneal cross‐linking. The device determines treatment efficacy by real time monitoring of riboflavin concentration in the corneal stroma. The study shows efficacy of the device in eye bank human donor tissues.

Further details can be found in the article by Giuseppe Lombardo et al. (e201800028)

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Characterization and inhibition effects of some metal ions on carbonic anhydrase enzyme from Kangal Akkaraman sheep
Authors: Kocyigit Umit M. , Taslimi Parham , Gulçin İlhami
Published: July 2018

In this work, the carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzyme was purified from Kangal Akkaraman sheep in Sivas, Turkey with specific activity value of 6681.57 EU/mg and yield of 14.90% with using affinity column chromatography. For designating the subunit molecular mass and enzyme purity, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis method was used and single band for this procedure was obtained. The molecular mass of CA enzyme was found as 28.89 kDa. In this study, the optimum temperature and optimum pH were obtained from 30 and 7.5. Vmax and Km values for p‐nitrophenylacetate substrate of the CA were determined from Lineweaver–Burk graphs. Additionally, the inhibitory results of diverse heavy metal ions (Hg+, Fe2+, Pb2+, Co2+, Ag+, and Cu2+) on sheep were studied. Indeed, CA enzyme activities of Kangal sheep were investigated with using esterase procedure under in vitro conditions. The heavy metal concentrations inhibiting 50% of enzyme activity (IC50) and Ki values were obtained.
1H‐indazole molecules reduced the activity of human erythrocytes carbonic anhydrase I and II isoenzymes
Authors: Alim Zuhal
Published: July 2018

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is an important metabolic enzyme family closely related to many physiological and pathological processes. Currently, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are the target molecules in the treatment and diagnosis of many diseases. In present study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of some indazole molecules on the CA‐I and CA‐II isoenzymes isolated from human erythrocytes. We showed that human CA‐I and CA‐II activities were reduced by of some indazoles at low concentrations. IC50 values, Ki constants, and inhibition types for each indazole molecule were determined. The indazoles showed Ki constants in a range of 0.383 ± 0.021 to 2.317 ± 0.644 mM, 0.409 ± 0.083 to 3.030 ± 0.711 mM against CA‐I and CA‐II, respectively. Each indazole molecule exhibited a noncompetitive inhibition effect. Bromine‐ and chlorine‐bonded indazoles were found to be more potent inhibitory effects on carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes. In conclusion, we conclude that these results may be useful in the synthesis of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Opioid Therapy in Acute and Chronic Pain
Authors: Nafziger Anne N. , Barkin Robert L.
Published: July 2018

This is an article in the Core Entrustables in Clinical Pharmacology series that describes opioid therapy in acute and chronic pain. Opioid use during surgical procedures or anesthesia is not discussed. Basic pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of opioids are reviewed. The safe and effective use of opioids, including clinical assessment and treatment plan, equianalgesic dosing, opioid rotation, opioid risks and side effects, and clinical adherence monitoring are discussed. Individualized opioid use can be a safe and effective component of a patient‐specific multimodal treatment plan for acute or chronic pain. Adverse effects and risks can be prevented or effectively managed when anticipated and recognized. The article is followed by 4 clinical vignettes with discussions.
Multivariate analysis of Raman spectra of carbonaceous black drawing media for the in situ identification of historic artist materials
Authors: Daly Nathan S. , Sullivan Michelle , Lee Lynn , Trentelman Karen
Published: July 2018

The identification of black drawing materials in works of art on paper is often important for their conservation and crucial to gain insight about artists' methodologies and the historic use of drawing materials. Traditionally, conservators and curators have had to rely upon visual observation with multiple wavelengths of light and magnification to characterize the materials in drawings, a challenging task further complicated if the media have been manipulated by the artist. The use of carbon‐based pigments in black drawing materials, ranging from charcoals and chalks to pastels and crayons, can be verified in situ using Raman microspectroscopy based on the presence of the two broad spectral bands characteristic of carbonaceous materials. However, the subtle differences in these spectral features between pigments can be difficult to discern, especially in cases with high background fluorescence. Here, we utilized principal component analysis to distinguish a group of 14 reference black drawing materials, both contemporary and historic, in the Raman spectral region of 800–2,000 cm−1. The model generated successfully differentiates between charcoal, chalk, and fabricated stick media, with sensitivity to both the Raman bands of carbon‐based materials as well as the fluorescent background profile. We validated the model using Raman spectra of black media on 19th‐century French drawings from the J. Paul Getty Museum collection that were previously classified visually by microscopic evaluation.
Automating neurosurgical tumor resection surgery: Volumetric laser ablation of cadaveric porcine brain with integrated surface mapping
Authors: Ross Weston A. , Hill Westin M. , Hoang Kimberly B. , Laarakker Avra S. , Mann Brian P. , Codd Patrick J.
Published: July 2018

Objective

Current surgical instruments for soft tissue resection including neurosurgical procedures rely on the accuracy and precision of the human operator and are fundamentally constrained by the human hand. Automated surgical action with the integration of intraoperative data sources can enable highly accurate and fast tissue manipulation using laser ablation. This study presents the first experiments with a prototype designed for automated tumor resection via laser ablation. We demonstrate targeted soft tissue resection in porcine brain with an integrated device that combines 3D scanning capabilities with a steerable surgical laser and discuss implications for future automated robotic neurosurgical procedures.

Study Design and Methods

A device consisting of a two‐axis galvanometer for steering a cutting laser and a 3D surface profiler is used to perform volumetric removal of tissue of ex vivo porcine brain. Three‐dimensional surface profiles are gathered between cuts and used to estimate ablation rate.

Results

Volumetric ablation of porcine brain tissue is performed and subsequently surface profiled. The average ablation rates across the area cutting areas were 2.6 mm3/s and 3.7 mm3/s for the initial and subsequent cuts, respectively. A Kruskal–Wallis and post‐hoc Tukey test show statistical significance between the initial and subsequent cuts. Accuracy between cuts when benchmarked against a human surgeon varied from 47 to 88%.

Conclusion

A feed‐forward volumetric resection is demonstrated with sensing and cutting housed within a single device, thereby opening the potential for automated soft tissue resection as necessary during the surgical removal of pathologic tissues. High variance around target cut depths motivates future work in developing a closed‐loop ablation tool as well as characterization of laser‐tissue interactions for predictive modelling. Objective Lasers Surg. 50:1017–1024, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nanoclay Reinforced Self‐Cross‐Linking Poly(N‐Hydroxyethyl Acrylamide) Hydrogels with Integrated High Performances
Authors: Yu Xianqiang , Li Yu , Yang Jia , Chen Feng , Tang Ziqing , Zhu Lin , Qin Gang , Dai Yahui , Chen Qiang
Published: July 2018

Despite recent significant progress in fabricating tough hydrogels, it is still a challenge to realize high strength, large stretchability, high toughness, rapid recoverability, and good self‐healing simultaneously in a single hydrogel. Herein, Laponite reinforced self‐cross‐linking poly(N‐hydroxyethyl acrylamide) (PHEAA) hydrogels (i.e., PHEAA/Laponite nanocomposite [NC] gels) with dual physically cross‐linked network structures, where PHEAA chains can be self‐cross‐linked by themselves and also cross‐linked by Laponite nanoplatelets, demonstrate integrated high performances. At optimal conditions, PHEAA/Laponite NC gels exhibit high tensile strength of 1.31 MPa, ultrahigh tensile strain of 52.23 mm mm−1, high toughness of 2238 J m−2, rapid self‐recoverability (toughness recovery of 79% and stiffness recovery of 74% at room temperature for 2 min recovery without any external stimuli), and good self‐healing properties (strain healing efficiency of 42%). The work provides a promising and simple strategy for the fabrication of dual physically cross‐linked NC gels with integrated high performances, and helps to expand the fundamentals and applications of NC gels.
The effect of a dysfunctional upper limb on community‐dwelling stroke survivors and their carers: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Smith Rebecca , Burgess Caroline , Sorinola Isaac
Published: July 2018

Objectives

The poststroke upper limb continues to pose a myriad of physical and psychological challenges for patients and caregivers. To optimize existing services, this study firstly aimed to explore the experiences of both stroke survivors and caregivers and secondly identify their ongoing needs.

Methods

A qualitative approach was utilized for this study. Six participants (three stroke survivors and three caregivers) were purposively sampled from community stroke groups. Semi structured interviews were utilized to collect experiential data, which were analysed using an interpretative phenomenological approach.

Results

Three master themes emerged from data analysis: “Finding a way forwards from a poor start,” “The battle with the upper‐limb,” and “Relationships with self and society.” All participants, seemingly affected by disappointing services, expressed negative views of rehabilitation. Misplaced or persistent hope, losses in control, and reduced autonomy may have contributed to poor functional outcomes and perceptions of rehabilitation services. The complex physical and psychological impact of the experience of the dysfunctional upper limb was also associated with ongoing and unmet support needs for stroke survivors and carers.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals may consider the varying impact of the dysfunctional upper limb during decision‐making and treatment planning, particularly during acute rehabilitation. Future research could explore therapists' perceptions and experiences of upper‐limb rehabilitation during this period.
Design and analysis of a 3‐arm noninferiority trial with a prespecified margin for the hazard ratio
Authors: Hida Eisuke , Tango Toshiro
Published: July 2018

A 3‐arm trial design that includes an experimental treatment, an active reference treatment, and a placebo is useful for assessing the noninferiority of an experimental treatment. The inclusion of a placebo arm enables the assessment of assay sensitivity and internal validation, in addition to the testing of the noninferiority of the experimental treatment compared with the reference treatment. In 3‐arm noninferiority trials, various statistical test procedures have been considered to evaluate the following 3 hypotheses: (i) superiority of the experimental treatment over the placebo, (ii) superiority of the reference treatment over the placebo, and (iii) noninferiority of the experimental treatment compared with the reference treatment. However, hypothesis (ii) can be insufficient and may not accurately assess the assay sensitivity for the noninferiority of the experimental treatment compared with the reference treatment. Thus, demonstrating that the superiority of the reference treatment over the placebo is greater than the noninferiority margin (the nonsuperiority of the reference treatment compared with the placebo) can be necessary.

Here, we propose log‐rank statistical procedures for evaluating data obtained from 3‐arm noninferiority trials to assess assay sensitivity with a prespecified margin Δ. In addition, we derive the approximate sample size and optimal allocation required to minimize the total sample size and that of the placebo treatment sample size, hierarchically.
Differentiating plant functional types using reflectance: which traits make the difference?
Authors: Kattenborn Teja , Fassnacht Fabian Ewald , Schmidtlein Sebastian
Published: July 2018

Abiotic ecosystem properties together with plant species interaction create differences in structural and physiological traits among plant species. Certain plant traits cause a spatial and temporal variation in canopy reflectance that enables the differentiation of plant functional types, using earth observation data. However, it often remains unclear which traits drive the differences in reflectance between plant functional types, since the spectral regions in which electromagnetic radiation is influenced by certain plant traits are often overlapping. The present study aims to assess the relative (statistical) contributions of plant traits to the separability of plant functional groups using their reflectance. We apply the radiative transfer model PROSAIL to simulate optical canopy reflectance of 38 herbaceous plant species based on field‐measured traits such as leaf area index, leaf inclination distribution, chlorophyll content, carotenoid content, water and dry matter content. These traits of the selected grassland species were measured in an outdoor plant experiment. The 38 species differed in growth form and strategy types according to Grime′s CSR model and hence represented a broad range of plant functioning. We determined the relative (statistical) contribution of each plant trait for separating plant functional groups via reflectance. Therein we used a separation into growth forms, that is graminoids and herbs, and into CSR strategy types. Our results show that the relative contribution of plant traits to differentiate between the examined plant functional types (PFT) groups using canopy reflectance depends on the PFT scheme applied. Plant traits describing the canopy structure were more important in this regard than leaf traits. Accordingly, leaf area index (LAI) and leaf inclination showed consistently high importance for separating the examined PFT groups. This indicates that the role of canopy structure for spectrally differentiating PFT might have been underestimated.
Application of a variance‐based sensitivity analysis method to the Biomass Scenario Learning Model
Authors: Jadun Paige , Vimmerstedt Laura J. , Bush Brian W. , Inman Daniel , Peterson Steve
Published: July 2018

Variance‐based sensitivity analysis can provide a comprehensive understanding of the input factors that drive model behavior, complementing more traditional system dynamics methods with quantitative metrics. This paper presents the methodology of a variance‐based sensitivity analysis of the Biomass Scenario Learning Model, a published STELLA model of interactions among investment, production, and learning in an emerging competitive industry. We document the methodology requirements, interpretations, and constraints, and compute estimated sensitivity indices and their uncertainties. We show that application of variance‐based sensitivity analysis to the model allows us to test for non‐additivity, identify influential and interactive variables, and confirm model formulation. To enable use of this type of sensitivity analysis in other system dynamics models, we provide this study's R code, annotated to facilitate adaptation to other studies. A related paper describes application of these techniques to the much larger Biomass Scenario Model.
An Innovative Light Trapping Structure Fabrication Method on Diamond‐Wire‐Sawing Multi‐Crystalline Silicon Wafers
Authors: Liu Youbo , Zhang Junna , Wang Lei , Shen Hao , Chen Jie , Tang Xun , Yang Deren
Published: July 2018

An innovative fabrication method of light trapping structures on the surface of diamond‐wire‐sawing multi‐crystalline silicon (DWS mc‐Si) is proposed, which may trigger new progress in photovoltaic (PV) industry. A simple pre‐etching step with HNO3/HF solution is used to remove the saw marks of the wafers as well as amorphous silicon layers, and form vermicular micro‐hollows. Then, the HNO3/HF fog formed by ultrasonic vibration etches the silicon surface to fabricate nano‐scale porous structures on the above microstructures. This micro‐nano composite structure (MNCS) surface shows low average light reflectivity (∼5.5%) and relatively higher effective minority carrier lifetime (∼5.2 μs). The innovative method is applied to fabricate the 156 mm × 156 mm DWS mc‐Si solar cells and the conversion efficiency of 18.01% has been obtained, which is 0.93% higher than the cells without MNCS. This method matches well with current PV industrial processes, which shows a promising prospect.
A Recoverable Complex with Nitrogen‐Rich Double Rings for Hg(II) Sorption
Authors: Xu Wei‐Qin , Lin Chun‐Cheng , Qiu Yan‐Xuan , He Shan , Jiang Tao , Liu Xiao‐Jun , Xie Li‐Jun , Fuhr Olaf , Fenske Dieter , Jiang Ji‐Jun
Published: July 2018

A discrete binuclear copper complex with nitrogen‐rich double rings has been synthesized by ether diffusion method, which was characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The crystal structure exhibits two connected rings as Arabic numeral “8” shape and stacks each other in the lattice leading to channels for ion sorption. Furthermore, this crystalline material is recoverable and displays high stability in water. The thermal stability has been confirmed by variable temperature powder X‐ray diffraction (VT‐PXRD). Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) study has been carried out to confirm the ability of mercury(II) capture from aqueous solution, showing that the porous crystals have good adsorption capacity. The ion sorption kinetic process has been investigated, revealing a pseudo‐second‐order kinetics of mercury(II) adsorption.
The Evolution of Gold Nanoparticles in the Presence of Configurational Ion Cu2+ of Hydrotalcites Supports
Authors: Liu Na , Liu Dan , Tang Tian , Dong Wensheng , Liu Chunling , Xu Chunli
Published: July 2018

Controlled synthesis of gold nanoparticles had attracted much attention in catalysis. The evolution of gold nanoparticles by impregnation was investigated in the presence of configurational ion Cu2+ of hydrotalcites supports. The formation of Au nanoparticles experienced two steps. In the drying step, part of Au ions was reduced by H2O. The reducing extents of Au ions and the dispersion of Au nanoparticles were affected by configurational ion Cu2+ in the hydrotalcites supports. In the reduction step, all the residue Au ions were reduced by H2 and the Au nanoparticles formed in the previous step was redistributed. Both the redistribution of Au nanoparticles formed in the previous step and the distribution of Au nanoparticles formed in the second step was affected by the surface reaction between Au on the surface of supports and Cu embedded in the supports. The surface reaction controlled the dispersion of Au nanoparticles. The size of gold nanoparticles was 2.7 nm, which showed high activity in benzyl alcohol oxidation with benzaldehyde yield of 95%.
KI‐I2‐DMSO: An Improved Microwave‐Assisted Selective Oxidation of Alkenes into 1,2‐Diketones
Authors: Tamuli Kashyap J. , Bordoloi Manobjyoti
Published: July 2018

The microwave assisted catalytic oxidation of olefins into diketones is a remarkable effort. A new metal free, efficient catalytic system was developed for the oxidation of alkenes into α‐diketones using KI‐I2‐DMSO under microwave irradiation. With various challenging functional groups such as stilbenes, simple alkenes, alkynes, phenanthrene and 1,4‐distyrylbenzene, this environment friendly approach afforded to its corresponding products in moderate to excellent yields in 5–12 minutes under the optimized condition. The resulting α‐diketone from chlorobenzil was found to undergo Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction to obtain desired product in high yields. Thus, this methodology promises to be a cheaper and rapid synthesis for the production of different building blocks in the near future.
Magnetically Recoverable Fe3O4 Nanoparticles for the One‐Pot Synthesis of Coumarin‐3‐carboxamide Derivatives in Aqueous Ethanol
Authors: Payra Soumen , Saha Arijit , Banerjee Subhash
Published: July 2018

Here, we have demonstrated an efficient protocol for the synthesis of coumarin‐3‐carboxamides via one‐pot multicomponent reactions of 2‐hydroxy‐benzaldehyde, ethyl cyanoacetate and aromatic/aliphatic amines using magnetically separable nano‐Fe3O4 as reusable catalyst in aqueous ethanol. This is the first one‐pot protocol to produce coumarin‐3‐carboxamides. The reactions are very fast (5 min.) and high yielding (74‐99%). The nano‐Fe3O4 catalyst was separated simply by using an external magnet, after completion of the reaction and recycled up to 10 times without loss of catalytic activity.
Mesoporous MnMoO4 Nanorods for Enhanced Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Patil Shivaraj B. , Kishore Brij , Nagaraj Manukumar K. , Ganganagappa Nagaraju , Velu Udayakumar
Published: July 2018

High energy demand has directed the present‐day research towards synthesis and applications of heterostructured nanomaterials such as molybdenum oxysalts over mono‐structured nanomaterials. Molybdenum oxysalt is a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries because of its high theoretical lithium storage capacity (998 mAh g−1) and flexible composition. Engineering the morphology and porosity of a material has proven to be a productive approach towards enhancing its performances. Here in, we have demonstrated a one pot synthesis of mesoporous MnMoO4 nanorods and its enhanced electrochemical performance for Li‐ion battery anode. Several physiochemical techniques have been used to validate the desired properties and purity of the synthesized material. It exhibits high lithiation capacity of 1050 mAh g−1 and stability over 100 cycles at 0.5 C. The enhanced performance is attributed to its structural stability and mesoporous nature.
Rhenium‐Carbonyl‐Based Supramolecular Coordination Complexes: Synthesis, Structure and Properties
Authors: Gupta Deepak , Sathiyendiran Malaichamy
Published: July 2018

The facial‐Re(CO)3 core based supramolecular coordination complexes represent a unique class of functional 2D and 3D metallacycles possessing advantages such as high stability, one‐step synthesis, clean products and good solubility. Most of these metallacycles display interesting photophysical and redox properties leading to their applications in host‐guest chemistry, photo‐catalysis, biological activity and functional molecular devices. This review presents a comprehensive survey of reported Re‐based metallacycles describing the development of synthetic methodologies, properties, applications and future prospects.
Synthesis Conditions on the Nature of GdBO3 Phase Formed
Authors: Nair Ramya G. , Nigam Sandeep , Sudarsan Vasanthakumaran , Rao Rekha , Vatsa Rajesh Kumar , Jain Vimal Kumar
Published: July 2018

Present study has been carried out to develop a facile synthetic methodology for preparing single phase monoclinic and triclinic forms of GdBO3, a potential phosphor material. This is achieved by varying annealing temperatures and annealing steps. Detailed structural studies, using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopic techniques confirmed that, Gd3+‐boric acid complexes formed initially at low temperatures (300 °C or less) get converted to monoclinic and triclinic forms of GdBO3 depending upon annealing temperatures, annealing steps and heating rates. Multiple steps with slow heating rates (∼3 °C/min) lead to the formation of single phase triclinic form of GdBO3. Two step heating with relatively faster heating rates (5 °C/min and above) results in single phase monoclinic GdBO3. FTIR and Raman studies also confirmed that boron exists only as BO4 structural units (in the form of B3O93− rings) in monoclinic GdBO3 and as BO3 structural units in triclinic GdBO3. Luminescence studies carried out with Eu3+ as a probe species confirmed more covalent nature around Eu3+/Gd3+ ions with improved red colour emission from triclinic form of GdBO3 compared to the monoclinic form.
The impact of earnings expectations on corporate downsizing
Authors: Schulz Ann‐Christine , Wiersema Margarethe F.
Published: July 2018

Research Summary: We propose that due to financial market pressures, managers are forward‐looking in their search and decision processes and focus on meeting performance targets set by the financial community. Using panel data on S&P 100 companies, we find that pressure felt by management to meet the analyst consensus earnings estimate influences the extent of corporate downsizing. Moreover, our results show that high levels of institutional investor stock ownership and CEO power attenuate managers’ sensitivity to financial market pressures, while high levels of analyst coverage increase their sensitivity.

Managerial Summary: In this study we examine how financial market pressures influence managers’ downsizing decisions. We argue that investment analysts’ earnings estimates represent important performance targets to which managers aspire. If firms fail to meet analysts’ expectations, the stock price will suffer. This study shows that managers utilize corporate downsizing to address the potential shortfall between a firm's future performance and the analyst consensus earnings estimate.

In addition, we find that managers’ concerns over meeting analysts’ earnings estimates are influenced by various contextual factors such as institutional investor stock ownership, CEO power, and high levels of analyst coverage.
Crystallization, Properties, and Challenges of Low‐Bandgap Sn–Pb Binary Perovskites
Authors: Zhu Hugh Lu , Choy Wallace C. H.
Published: July 2018

Solution‐process and low‐temperature perovskites have motivated a broad range of interests and intensive studies for applications in solar cells (SCs) and photodetectors (PDs). Perovskite SCs with the bandgap of ≈1.5 eV currently exhibit the certified efficiency over 22% comparable with those of established thin film technologies. Meanwhile, perovskite PDs achieve superb performances in the visible region compared with commercial Si PDs. Partial substitution of Sn into Pb‐based perovskites can tune the absorption to near‐infrared (NIR) region, which would achieve an ideal‐bandgap perovskite approaching the Shockley–Queisser‐efficiency limit, low‐bandgap perovskite‐based bottom subcells in tandem devices (≈1.2 eV), and NIR photodetection. Here, various crystallization methods for growing low‐bandgap Sn–Pb binary perovskites are presented. Their impacts on morphology, crystallinity, preferred orientation, carrier lifetimes, Urbach energy, and stability of the resultant Sn–Pb binary perovskites are highlighted. Then, a description is given of single‐junction, 2‐terminal, and 4‐terminal SCs using these perovskites as absorbers, which achieve up‐to‐date efficiencies of 17.8%, 18.4%, and 21.2%, respectively. The current development of ultraviolet–visible–NIR PDs using these perovskites is also discussed. Furthermore, the challenges in controlling inter‐grain Sn/Pb element distributions and perovskite stability, which will influence performance and stability of Sn–Pb perovskite‐based devices, are presented. Finally, potential prospects are discussed for advancing low‐bandgap Sn–Pb binary perovskite‐based optoelectronic devices.
Let's get connected: A new graph theory‐based approach and toolbox for understanding braided river morphodynamics
Authors: Connor‐Streich Gabriel , Henshaw Alexander J. , Brasington James , Bertoldi Walter , Harvey Gemma L.
Published: July 2018

Our understanding of braided river morphodynamics has improved significantly in recent years, however, there are still large knowledge gaps relating to both long‐term and event‐based change in braided river morphologies. Furthermore, we still lack methods that can take full advantage of the increasing availability of remotely sensed datasets that are well suited to braided river research. Network analysis based on graph theory, the mathematics of networks, offers a largely unexplored toolbox that can be applied to remotely sensed data to quantify the structure and function of braided rivers across nearly the full range of spatiotemporal scales relevant to braided river evolution. In this article, important commonalities between braided rivers and other types of complex network are described, providing a compelling argument for the wider uptake of complex network analysis methods in the study of braided rivers. We provide an overview of the extraction of graph representations of braided river networks from remotely sensed data and detail a suite of metrics for quantitative analysis of these networks. Application of these metrics as new tools for multiscale characterization of braided river planforms that improve upon traditional, spatially averaged approaches is discussed and potential approaches to network‐based analysis of braided river dynamics are proposed, drawing on a range of different concepts from braided river research and other network sciences. Finally, the potential for using graph theory metrics to validate numerical models of braided rivers is discussed.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Methods
The epistemology of modality and the problem of modal epistemic friction
Authors: Vaidya Anand Jayprakash , Wallner Michael
Published: July 2018

There are three theories in the epistemology of modality that have received sustained attention over the past 20 years (1998–2018): conceivability-theory, counterfactual-theory, and deduction-theory. In this paper we argue that all three face what we callthe problem of modal epistemic friction(PMEF). One consequence of the problem is that for any of the three accounts to yieldmodal knowledge, the account must provide an epistemology of essence. We discuss an attempt to fend off the problem within the context of the internalism versus externalism debate about epistemic justification. We then investigate the effects that the PMEF has on reductive and non-reductive theories of the relation between essence and modality.
The Incompatibility of System and Lifeworld Understandings of Food Insecurity and the Provision of Food Aid in an English City
Authors: Power Madeleine , Small Neil , Doherty Bob , Pickett Kate E.
Published: July 2018

We report qualitative findings from a study in a multi-ethnic, multi-faith city with high levels of deprivation. Primary research over 2 years consisted of three focus groups and 18 semi-structured interviews with food insecurity service providers followed by focus groups with 16 White British and Pakistani women in or at risk of food insecurity. We consider food insecurity using Habermas’s distinction between the system and lifeworld. We examine system definitions of the nature of need, approved food choices, the reification of selected skills associated with household management and the imposition of a construct of virtue. While lifeworld truths about food insecurity include understandings of structural causes and recognition that the potential of social solidarity to respond to them exist, they are not engaged with by the system. The gap between system rationalities and the experiential nature of lay knowledge generates individual and collective disempowerment and a corrosive sense of shame.
Reactionary Deconversion from Mormonism: Polarization of Ideological and Behavioral Religiosity among Active and Former Mormons
Authors: McGraw James S. , Peer Samuel O. , Draper Matthew R.
Published: July 2018

In contrast to a growing body of literature examining the experiences and trends of those who leave their faith tradition—particularly among Christian denominations—relatively little is known about those who specifically disaffiliate from Mormonism, although some evidence suggests that former Mormons may be especially likely to embrace secularity or irreligion rather than other religious beliefs and practices. Pursuant to empirically investigating this reactionary dynamic, the current study compared the relative religiosity and secularity of an online sample of active Mormons ( n = 194) and former Mormons ( n = 109) using the Abbreviated Religiousness Measure (ARM), an updated questionnaire of multidimensional religiosity. Results supported the ARM's improved psychometrics and its hypothesized three-factor structure with both subsamples. Additionally, multivariate and univariate results indicated that active and former Mormon participants from our sample, significantly polarized in their self-reported level of religious beliefs, rituals, and influence on daily behaviors, with active Mormon reporting high religiosity and former Mormons reporting low religiosity or high secularity. Although these results comport with reactionary deconversion dynamics found in other high cost religions, limits to generalizability are discussed. Reasons for and implications of this reactionary phenomenon are also posited.
“Some fuzzy math”: relational information on debt value adjustments by managers and the financial press
Authors: Kaumanns Sebastian
Published: July 2018

This study provides comprehensive descriptive evidence on the occurrence, size, and reporting by managers and the financial press of debt value adjustments due to a change in own credit risk (DVAs). The study is motivated by a public debate about DVAs in which critics describe them as “counterintuitive” and claim that managers disclose DVA information strategically to make firms “look good”. Analyzing a sample of 405 firm-quarters of 19 US financial firms that report DVAs between 2007 and 2014, I found that positive and negative DVAs appear similarly often and with similar magnitude. I further found that managers provide more information on large negative DVAs compared to positive DVAs. Managers also provide more DVA information when they have strategic incentives to do so. Examining newspaper articles on 202 firm-quarters, I found that the financial press is more likely to cover large positive DVAs and DVAs about which managers provided more information. Analyzing the articles’ content, I found that the press is more likely to provide new DVA information if managers’ press releases contain little information. The findings are in line with popular claims of asymmetric DVA reporting by managers. They are further consistent with the financial press acting as a counterweight to such asymmetric reporting.
Assessing impacts of introducing ship‐to‐store service on sales and returns in omnichannel retailing: A data analytics study
Authors: Serkan Akturk M. , Ketzenberg Michael , Heim Gregory R.
Published: July 2018

Omnichannel retailing features, such as ship‐to‐store (STS) service, are designed to deliver a seamless shopping experience for customers. For a retailer, introducing omnichannel capabilities requires major investments to integrate physical stores and online marketplaces, yet holds a promise of potentially enhancing revenue streams from both brick‐and‐mortar (BM) stores and online store channels. We assess the promise of ship‐to‐store capabilities by analyzing transactional data from a national jewelry retailer to study impacts of introducing ship‐to‐store on a retailer's operating performance, in terms of sales and customer returns. Contrary to expectations, the findings show that online sales decreased after ship‐to‐store was introduced, although BM store sales increased. Detailed analysis of the transactional data suggests that, after STS implementation, some customers switched from the online channel to the brick‐and‐mortar channel. This switch occurred mainly for high‐value purchases. The customers who actually remained with and fully completed a sale using the ship‐to‐store service typically were those that bought low‐value items. Our findings also suggest that introducing ship‐to‐store increased cross‐channel customer returns of online purchases to physical stores. Concurrently, these new ship‐to‐store returns generated additional BM store sales. The paper contributes by showing how introducing ship‐to‐store service can have different impacts in terms of sales and returns across a retailer's channels.
Managing Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction in the Changing Arctic
Authors: Koivurova Timo , Caddell Richard
Published: July 2018

The development of an Internationally Binding Legal Instrument (ILBI) for the conservation and sustainable management of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has profound implications for the future regulatory activities of a host of regional governance structures exercising competence over these waters. In the rather stilted vernacular of the BBNJ Process, the ILBI aspires to “not undermine” the work of preexisting institutions and initiatives. Inevitably, given the emphasis upon future institutional symbiosis, a key challenge facing the ILBI is to promote its four thematic priorities—marine genetic resources, area-based management tools, environmental assessment, and capacity building and technology transfer—in a manner that can be effectively harnessed by current regional and sectoral frameworks. One region in which the intriguing set of challenges and opportunities presented by the ILBI are strikingly manifested is the Arctic. Some have argued for a regional treaty or clearer recognition of the “special” nature of Arctic conditions. However, we view the ILBI as a potential milestone in Arctic governance that can provide a firm platform to build on current cooperative arrangements for these vulnerable and rapidly changing marine ecosystems. Moreover, we argue that the present legal and institutional framework for the Arctic need not be revisited at this juncture, as it provides a strong regime through which to implement the core objectives of the ILBI. Its ability to do so, however, will depend on whether the ILBI (1) is effectively designed to work with preexisting machinery and (2) succeeds in clarifying and advancing universally-agreed methodological requirements for its four priority areas.
A new find of macrofossils of Picea crassifolia Kom. in early–middle Holocene sediments of the Qinghai Lake basin and its paleoenvironmental significance
Authors: Lu Ruijie , Liu Xiaokang , Lü Zhiqiang , Chen Lu , Du Jing
Published: July 2018

Here we report a new find of abundant woody debris and cones in stratum of two sections located to the east of the Qinghai Lake basin in China. Analysis of the anatomical structure of the wood and cones confirmed that they are Picea crassifolia Kom. The results of accelerator mass spectrometry 14C dating indicate that the buried Qinghai spruce grew during 9.7–4.2 ka, and the ages of the large trunks or branches are mainly concentrated within the interval 7.5–6.5 ka. This finding gives direct evidence at the species level about the presence of coniferous forest in the early–middle Holocene in Qinghai lake basin. In addition, the buried cones suggest that the early-middle Holocene environment was suitable for the propagation of Picea crassifolia Kom. The variations in the occurrence of Qinghai spruce forest in the Holocene probably reflect changes in humidity/moisture. The humid early-middle Holocene was suitable for the growth and reproduction of Qinghai spruce forest, while a shift toward an increasingly arid climate during the late Holocene resulted in the disappearance of Picea crassifolia Kom. from the Qinghai Lake basin, although human activities may also have contributed to the environmental change.
Are All ‘Birthers’ Conspiracy Theorists? On the Relationship Between Conspiratorial Thinking and Political Orientations
Authors: Enders Adam M. , Smallpage Steven M. , Lupton Robert N.
Published: July 2018

While research on conspiracy theories and those who believe them has recently undergone a renaissance, there still exists a great deal of uncertainty about the measurement of conspiratorial beliefs and orientations, and the consequences of a conspiratorial mindset for expressly political attitudes and behaviors. We first demonstrate, using data from the 2012 American National Election Study, that beliefs in a variety of specific conspiracy theories are simultaneously, but differentially, the product of both a general tendency toward conspiratorial thinking and left/right political orientations. Next, we employ unique data including a general measure of conspiratorial thinking to explore the predictors of specific conspiracy beliefs. We find that partisan and ideological self-identifications are more important than any other variable in predicting ‘birther’ beliefs, while conspiratorial thinking is most important in predicting conspiracy beliefs about the assassination of John F. Kennedy and the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
What Matters in Love: Reflections on the Relationship between Love and Persons
Authors: FOSTER GARY
Published: July 2018

In Reasons and Persons, Derek Parfit takes issue with Bernard Williams’ view of the relation between love and identity. Williams thought that, in a world where there were several co-existing replicas of one’s beloved, our current conception of love would begin to crumble. Parfit agrees with Williams in the branching case of replication, but thought that, where replication takes a non-branching form, our ordinary view of love would remain intact. I believe Parfit arrives at this conclusion because he has not fully appreciated the degree to which Williams’ claim is primarily about a view of love rather than one of identity.