bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controls on surface soil drying rates observed by SMAP and simulated by the Noah land surface model
Authors: Shellito Peter J. , Small Eric E. , Livneh Ben
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Drydown periods that follow precipitation events provide an
opportunity to assess controls on soil evaporation on a continental scale. We
use SMAP (Soil Moisture Active Passive) observations and Noah simulations
from drydown periods to quantify the role of soil moisture, potential
evaporation, vegetation cover, and soil texture on soil drying rates. Rates
are determined using finite differences over intervals of 1 to 3 days. In the
Noah model, the drying rates are a good approximation of direct soil
evaporation rates, and our work suggests that SMAP-observed drying is also
predominantly affected by direct soil evaporation. Data cover the domain of
the North American Land Data Assimilation System Phase 2 and span the first
1.8 years of SMAP's operation. Drying of surface soil moisture observed by SMAP is faster than that
simulated by Noah. SMAP drying is fastest when surface soil moisture levels
are high, potential evaporation is high, and when vegetation cover is low.
Soil texture plays a minor role in SMAP drying rates. Noah simulations show
similar responses to soil moisture and potential evaporation, but vegetation
has a minimal effect and soil texture has a much larger effect compared to
SMAP. When drying rates are normalized by potential evaporation, SMAP
observations and Noah simulations both show that increases in vegetation
cover lead to decreases in evaporative efficiency from the surface soil.
However, the magnitude of this effect simulated by Noah is much weaker than
that determined from SMAP observations.
Global glacier volume projections under high-end climate change
scenarios
Authors: Shannon Sarah , Smith Robin , Wiltshire Andy , Payne Tony , Huss Matthias , Betts Richard , Caesar John , Koutroulis Aris , Jones Darren , Harrison Stephan
Published: March 2018

Abstract. The Paris agreement aims to hold global warming to well below 2 °C and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 °C relative to the pre-industrial period. Recent estimates based on population growth and intended carbon emissions from participant countries, suggest global warming may exceed this ambitious target. Here we present glacier volume projections for the end of this century, under a range of high-end climate change scenarios, defined as exceeding +2 °C global average warming relative to the preindustrial period. Glacier volume is modelled by developing an elevation-dependent mass balance model for the Joint UK Land Environmental Simulator (JULES). To do this, we modify JULES to include glaciated and un-glaciated surfaces that can exist at multiple heights within a single grid-box. Present day mass balance is calibrated by tuning albedo, wind speed, precipitation and temperature lapse rates to obtain the best agreement with observed mass balance profiles. JULES is forced with an ensemble of six Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models which were downscaled using the high resolution HadGEM3-A atmosphere only global climate model. The ensemble mean volume loss at the end of the century plus/minus one standard deviation is, minus;64 ± 5 % for all glaciers excluding those on the peripheral of the Antarctic ice sheet. The uncertainty in the multi-model mean is rather small and caused by the sensitivity of HadGEM3-A to the boundary conditions supplied by the CMIP5 models. The regions which lose more than 75% of their initial volume by the end of the century are; Alaska, Western Canada and US, Iceland, Scandinavia, Russian Arctic, Central Europe, Caucasus, High Mountain Asia, Low Latitudes, Southern Andes and New Zealand. The ensemble mean ice loss expressed in sea-level equivalent contribution is 215.2 ± 21.3 mm. The largest contributors to sea level rise are Alaska (44.6 ± 1.1 mm), Arctic Canada North and South (34.9 ± 3.0 mm), Russian Arctic (33.3 ± 4.8 mm), Greenland (20.1 ± 4.4), High Mountain Asia (combined Central Asia, South Asia East and West), (18.0 ± 0.8 mm), Southern Andes (14.4 ± 0.1 mm) and Svalbard (17.0 ± 4.6 mm). Including parametric uncertainty in the calibrated mass balance parameters, gives an upper bound global volume loss of 247.3 mm, sea-level equivalent by the end of the century. Such large ice losses will have inevitable consequences for sea-level rise and for water supply in glacier-fed river systems.
Invariants of first order partial differential equations
Authors: Challapa Lizandro Sanchez
Published: March 2018

In this paper we introduce the concepts of multiplicity and index of first order partial differential equations. In particular, the concept of multiplicity coincides with the multiplicity of implicit differential equations given by Bruce and Tari in [2]. We also show that these concepts are invariants by smooth equivalences. Following the works Hayakawa, Ishikawa, Izumiya and Yamaguchi on implicit differential equations with first integrals, we introduce a definition of multiplicity for this class of equations
On Euler type integrals involving extended Mittag-Leffler functions
Authors: Mittal Ekta , Joshi Sunil , Pandey Rupakshi Mishra
Published: March 2018

The Object of the present paper is to establish some interested theorems on Euler type integral involving extended Mittag-Leffler function. Further, we reduce some special cases involving various known functions like Wiman function, Prabhakar function, exponential and Binomial functions.
Payment Methods in Mergers and Acquisitions: A Theoretical Framework
Authors: Sankar B. P. Bijay , Leepsa N. M.
Published: March 2018

Purpose: This paper aims to review the prior literature on payment methods in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As) and summarizing its effects on the performance of companies involved in M&As. This study also attempts to find out various determinants of the payment methods of M&As that affects the decision of payment methods in M&As. Methodology: To carry out the analysis, this study focuses the past literature relating to payment methods in M&As and summarizes the positive and negative effects of different payment methods. The review is carried out by dividing into four parts (i) Literature studies on cash payment method (ii) Literature studies on stock payment method (iii) Literature studies on mixed payment and (iv) Determinants of payment methods. The paper investigates based on the findings of the major studies.Research limitations: The scope of the study is confined to the contemporary review of M&As literature than the empirical survey. The study is focused more on giving suggestions for future work on M&As than providing conclusion. Research Implications: The knowledge gained from this study will help managers from both acquirer and target companies for selection of appropriate payment methods and improve their investment mechanism and strengthen their finances by value creation in M&As. Originality: To the authors’ knowledge this paper is the first attempt to document for summarizing the impact of different payment methods and its determinants of performance of M&As deals.
Acute pulmonary embolism concomitant with ST-elevation myocardial infarction in a patient with pancreatic cancer
Authors: Lee Wen-Hsien , Lee Meng-Kuang , Liu Chih-Tsung
Published: March 2018

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have different etiology; however, PE might be concomitant with STEMI in rarely seen patient cases. Here, we present a 62-year-old male with pancreatic cancer who had acute PE and STEMI.
Women, Violence, and Jung’s Archetypes
Authors: Sarieddine Maysar
Published: March 2018

Jung’s concept of the shadow will be applied to cases of violence against women in the regional context of theMiddle East. This paper will present an explanation of the reasons why Middle Eastern women are often subject togender inequality and violence against women. In order to do so, Jung’s conception of archetypes will be applied tothe specific cultural context of the Middle East.Objective: To further understanding of gender inequality in the Middle East.Methods: Phenomenology/Analytic PsychologyResults: Liberation from violence from men is the women’s shadow since this is a desire which they deny orconsciously ignore primarily because it is in contrast with societal and cultural norms that teach them to besubmissive and inferior to males.Conclusions: Women should identify, understand, and reveal this shadow. Once revealed, women will realize theirrights, particularly to be free from acts of discrimination and violence, and can begin to fight for these rights and forempowerment.
On the Need of Ethical Foundations for Global Education
Authors: Ciążela Helena , Bernat Paweł
Published: March 2018

The concept of global education is based on the recognition of the world as a network of interdependencies and on realizing the fact that the current direction of the development of civilization is leading to environmental and humanitarian disaster. On the other hand, there is a belief that there is still a chance to change this state of affairs by means of education. The purpose of education is recognized as not only a transfer of knowledge, but also as a transfer of morals that are able to generate a shift in attitudes. In order to strengthen the impact of the global education project, it is necessary to provide a coherent description and axiological analysis of the values behind it. In the paper, we argue that ethicists should work on building philosophical arguments for the development and implementation of global education programs. We argue further that such a philosophical framework should be based on the ideas of new humanism (proposed by Aurelio Peccei) and global responsibility (formulated by Hans Jonas).
Buying Food for a Hungry Person in Poland: A Case of an Internet Discussion
Authors: Kanasz Tatiana
Published: March 2018

The goal of this paper is to investigate the communication emotions used by internet users when facing a situation in whichwhen a needy person asks for food; and, as well as to explore socio-emotional discourse practices for constructing a cultural image of a giver and a receiver of help. The results are discussed in light of Arlie Russel Hochschild’s concept of the emotion management and feeling rules and Candance Clark’s concept of sympathy margin.
Popular Participation: Why do People Participate in Amateur Theatre?
Authors: Sigurðardóttir Gerður Halldóra
Published: March 2018

There are about sixty amateur theatre companies in Iceland. Hundreds of people every year participate in various theatrical activities, from staging large and intricate produc­tions to smaller and more intimate readings and programs, attending workshops and seminars, writing plays both short and “full-length”, meeting in groups not only to re­hearse but to practice and develop theatrical crafts. None get paid. Some are even ready to part with fairly large sums for aforementioned workshops and seminars. All of them put in untold work hours and a lot of effort – after they get done with their day jobs. These are not “professionals”. Mostly, they don’t want to be. They have no inter­est in pursuing a theatrical career for a living. They just want to make theatre.In my article I explore what it is that people experience when participating in amateur theatre.  The paper will mainly be based on a number of in depth interviews I con­ducted in 2009 and 2010 with people from the Selfoss Amateur Theatre Company, as well as my own experience of being a member of the same company for the last 25 years. Using analytical tools such as thematic analysis and Richard Schechner’s perfor­mance process as a time-space sequence I explore how making theatre creates communities and worlds and gives the participants freedom to let loose and play, if only for a time.
How to Explain Popular to a Dead Hare
Authors: Karulin Ott
Published: March 2018

In this article the popular is defined with the tools of field theory by Pierre Bourdieu, that is as production with high degree of outer-field economic capital (measured with the number of visits per production). It is also claimed that on some conditions these productions do not lower the degree of autonomy of the field since theatre manages to convert the economic capital to symbolic capital (nominations for annual awards give evidence of the latter). Such a production is called the Full Game. Based on the comparable data of new productions made in Estonia from 2010 to 2015 (1199 in total) the article will introduce a possible methodology of how to calculate the popular in theatre that considers both the number of visits per production in a year and the use of seating capacity. Following that methodology, there were only sixty-one produc­tions during the chosen period that could be titled popular in a sense that they have a very high degree of outer-field success (these productions are visited 2,4 times more often than the average number of visits per production in one calendar year and have the attendance rate of 95% and higher). Taking into account also the inner-field specific consecration (whether they have been nominated for annual theatre awards), only twenty-three popular productions – among them just one comedy, one musical and one operetta – remain in the list of what I have called the Full Game. That is two per cent of all the new productions of the respective time period.The list of Full Games suggests that the specific theatre, where the production is per­formed plays a significant role for a production to become popular. Only four theatres have had more than one Full Game in 2010–15 in Estonia and two of them – Theatre NO99 and Tallinn City Theatre – are used as case studies to find possible strategies of being popular without loosing specific consecration.
Abstract, emotional and concrete concepts and the activation of mouth-hand effectors.
Authors: Mazzuca Claudia , Lugli Luisa , Nicoletti Roberto , Borghi Anna M
Published: March 2018

According to embodied and grounded theories concepts are grounded in sensorimotor systems. The majority of evidence supporting these views concerns concepts referring to objects or actions, while evidence on abstract concepts is more scarce. Explaining how abstract concepts, as “freedom”, are represented, would however be pivotal for grounded theories. According to some recent proposals, abstract concepts are grounded evoking both sensorimotor and linguistic experience, thus activating the mouth motor system more than concrete concepts. Two experiments are reported, aimed at verifying whether abstract, concrete and emotional words activate the mouth and hand effectors. In both experiments participants performed first a lexical decision, then a recognition task. In Experiment 1 participants responded by pressing a button either with the mouth or with the hand, in Experiment 2 responses were given with the foot, while a button held either in the mouth or in the hand was used to respond to catch-trials. Abstract words were slower to process in both tasks (concreteness effect). Across the tasks and experiments, emotional concepts had instead a fluctuating pattern, different from those of both concrete and abstract concepts, suggesting that they cannot be considered as a subset of abstract concepts. The interaction between kind of concept (abstract, concrete and emotional) and effector (mouth, hand) was not significant in the lexical decision task, likely because it emerged only with tasks implying a deeper processing level. It reached significance, instead, in the accuracy analyses of the recognition tasks. In both experiments abstract concepts yielded less errors in the mouth than in the hand condition, supporting our main prediction. Emotional concepts had instead a more variable pattern. Overall, our findings indicate that different kinds of concepts differently activate the mouth and hand effectors, but they also suggests that concepts activate effectors in a flexible and task-dependent way.
Ontogeny of a synaptophysin-mediated GABA transmission mechanism from the ciliary band-associated strand to the ciliary band during the development of the sea urchin Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus
Authors: Katow Hideki , Yoshida Hiromi , Katow Tomoko , Kiyomoto Masato
Published: March 2018

Swimming activity of the sea urchin larva depends on ciliary beating primarily in the circumoral ciliary band (CB) and is regulated by several neurotransmitters, such as 5HT, dopamine and -aminobutyric acid (GABA). Accordingly, the larval swimming activity is severely inhibited by 3-mercaptopropionic acid [a glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) inhibitor]. Although GABA is detected in the CB, GAD is absent. GAD is expressed in the spatially segregated nearby ciliary band-associated strand (CBAS). Thus, it is assumed that GABA transmission extends from the CBAS to the CB. Here, we examined the synaptic transmission mechanism by focusing on the spatiotemporal expression pattern of synaptophysin (Syp), a synaptic vesicle glycoprotein. The sea urchin has a single copy of the Syp gene, which encodes a 266-amino acid protein with possibly 4 transmembrane domains. We generated an anti-Syp antibody (Ab). Immunoblotting (IB) detected Ab binding to a single band at approximately 38 kDa. Whole-mount immunohistochemistry (WMIHC) detected high intensity Ab binding to the CBAS. Syp was initially detected at the mesenchyme blastula stage (mBL) as a single band by IB. Accordingly, WMIHC detected Syp in the cytoplasm of small patches of several ectodermal cells at the mBL stage. Syp has also been detected in the cytoplasm of blastocoelar cells from the prism stage to the 2-arm pluteus stage (2aPL). By the 4aPL stage, Syp was expressed in the CBAS and was moderately expressed among the blastocoelar cells. Distinctive co-localization of GABA and Syp was not detected until the 2aPL stage. Beginning at the 4aPL stage, GABA was detected in the CB and Syp-positive puncta in the CBAS. In the CB, GABA was co-localized with the GABA-A receptor (GABAAR). Thus, the GABA signal may be transmitted from GAD in the CBAS through a Syp-mediated system to the CB and then, in the CB, to the basal body of the cilia through GABAAR.
GIA Model Statistics for GRACE Hydrology, Cryosphere, and Ocean Science
Authors: Caron L. , Ivins E. R. , Larour E. , Adhikari S. , Nilsson J. , Blewitt G.
Published: March 2018

We provide a new analysis of glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) with the goal of assembling the model uncertainty statistics required for rigorously extracting trends in surface mass from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission. Such statistics are essential for deciphering sea level, ocean mass, and hydrological changes because the latter signals can be relatively small (≤2 mm/yr water height equivalent) over very large regions, such as major ocean basins and watersheds. With abundant new >7 year continuous measurements of vertical land motion (VLM) reported by Global Positioning System stations on bedrock and new relative sea level records, our new statistical evaluation of GIA uncertainties incorporates Bayesian methodologies. A unique aspect of the method is that both the ice history and 1‐D Earth structure vary through a total of 128,000 forward models. We find that best fit models poorly capture the statistical inferences needed to correctly invert for lower mantle viscosity and that GIA uncertainty exceeds the uncertainty ascribed to trends from 14 years of GRACE data in polar regions.
Defects in Solids
Authors: Tilley Richard J.D.
Published: March 2018

The chemical aspects of defects of relevance to inorganic crystalline solids are described, especially the close links with the composition of inorganic nonstoichiometric compounds. Section 2 deals with point defect chemistry, including solid solutions and nonstoichiometry, concluding with a description of the Kroger–Vink point defect notation and the formalism required for the incorporation of defect formation into chemical equations. Section 3 describes defects in near stoichiometric monatomic and polyatomic crystals, including Schottky, Frenkel, and antisite defects, together with formulae for the Gibbs energy associated with defect formation. Section 4 covers the inter‐relationship between point defects and electronic conductivity. This includes a description of the visualization of these interdependencies via the Brouwer diagram formalism. Section 5 describes the defect structures associated with color centers, including the important NV centers in diamond. Compounds that contain extremely disordered and mobile cations are covered in Section 6, while Section 7 is concerned with grossly nonstoichiometric crystals, which includes a description of point defect clusters and their chemistry. Section 8 briefly introduces the concepts of defects in materials in which interpolation and intercalation are important. Section 9 covers extended defects, including dislocations, crystallographic shear and twinning, and the extended defects formed by pentagonal columns. The defect chemistry of modular structures, described with reference to perovskite‐related structures, is also described in this section.
NonhemeFe(II) and α‐Ketoglutarate‐Dependent CarbocyclaseSnoKand EpimeraseSnoN
Authors: Metsä‐Ketelä Mikko , Schneider Gunter
Published: March 2018

In spite of their close structural similarity (37% amino acid sequence identity), the evolutionary‐related nonheme Fe(II) and α‐ketoglutarate‐dependent carbocyclase SnoK and epimerase SnoN catalyze two very different reactions in the biosynthesis of the aromatic polyketide nogalamycin. The carbocyclization reaction is particularly challenging as it involves the activation of an aliphatic C–H bond and subsequent C–C bond formation with an aromatic ring system. Structural and functional studies have revealed that a limited number of amino acid changes in the active site cleft might be responsible for the complete switch in chemistry, from the challenging C–C bond formation to epimerization at a chiral carbon center. The subtle amino acid changes result in a different positioning of the reactive atoms of the substrate in relation to the Fe(IV)O center in the two enzymes, critical for the differences in catalysis. SnoK and SnoN thus represent striking examples of divergent enzyme evolution, illustrating the appearance of novel chemistry in a metabolic pathway based on the same protein scaffold.
Conceptually Novel Black Phosphorus/Cellulose Hydrogels as Promising Photothermal Agents for Effective Cancer Therapy
Authors: Xing Chenyang , Chen Shiyou , Qiu Meng , Liang Xin , Liu Quan , Zou Qingshuang , Li Zhongjun , Xie Zhongjian , Wang Dou , Dong Biqin , Liu Liping , Fan Dianyuan , Zhang Han
Published: March 2018

Black phosphorus (BP) has recently emerged as an intriguing photothermal agent in photothermal therapy (PTT) against cancer by virtue of its high photothermal efficiency, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. However, naked BP is intrinsically characterized by easy oxidation (or natural degradation) and sedimentation inside the tumor microenvironment, leading to a short‐term therapeutic and inhomogeneous photothermal effect. Development of BP‐based nanocomposites for PTT against cancer therefore remains challenging. The present work demonstrates that green and injectable composite hydrogels based on cellulose and BP nanosheets (BPNSs) are of great efficiency for PTT against cancer. The resultant cellulose/BPNS‐based hydrogel possesses 3D networks with irregular micrometer‐sized pores and thin, strong cellulose‐formed walls and exhibits an excellent photothermal response, enhanced stability, and good flexibility. Importantly, this hydrogel nanoplatform is totally harmless and biocompatible both in vivo and in vitro. This work may facilitate the development of BP–polymer‐based photothermal agents in the form of hydrogels for biomedical‐related clinic applications.
A Polymer Encapsulation Strategy to Synthesize Porous Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon‐Nanosphere‐Supported Metal Isolated‐Single‐Atomic‐Site Catalysts
Authors: Han Aijuan , Chen Wenxing , Zhang Shaolong , Zhang Maolin , Han Yunhu , Zhang Jian , Ji Shufang , Zheng Lirong , Wang Yu , Gu Lin , Chen Chen , Peng Qing , Wang Dingsheng , Li Yadong
Published: March 2018

A novel polymer encapsulation strategy to synthesize metal isolated‐single‐atomic‐site (ISAS) catalysts supported by porous nitrogen‐doped carbon nanospheres is reported. First, metal precursors are encapsulated in situ by polymers through polymerization; then, metal ISASs are created within the polymer‐derived p‐CN nanospheres by controlled pyrolysis at high temperature (200–900 °C). Transmission electron microscopy and N2 sorption results reveal this material to exhibit a nanospheric morphology, a high surface area (≈380 m2 g−1), and a porous structure (with micropores and mesopores). Characterization by aberration‐corrected high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray absorption fine structure confirms the metal to be present as metal ISASs. This methodology is applicable to both noble and nonprecious metals (M‐ISAS/p‐CN, M = Co, Ni, Cu, Mn, Pd, etc.). In particular, the Co‐ISAS/p‐CN nanospheres obtained using this method show comparable (E1/2 = 0.838 V) electrochemical oxygen reduction activity to commercial Pt/C with 20 wt% Pt loading (E1/2 = 0.834 V) in alkaline media, superior methanol tolerance, and outstanding stability, even after 5000 cycles.
Access to Furo[2,3‐b]pyridines by Transition‐Metal‐Free Intramolecular Cyclization of C3‐substituted Pyridine N‐oxides
Authors: Wang Dong , Shen Meng , Wang Yuxi , Hu Jianyong , Zhao Junjie , Yu Peng
Published: March 2018

Two transition‐metal‐free synthetic methods for the construction of furo[2,3‐b]pyridines have been developed by intramolecular nucleophilic addition/rearomatization strategy. Remarkable features of the methods include simple operation, wide substrate scope, and easily accessible starting materials.
Pore‐Environment Engineering with Multiple Metal Sites in Rare‐Earth Porphyrinic Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Zhang Liangliang , Yuan Shuai , Feng Liang , Guo Bingbing , Qin Jun‐Sheng , Xu Ben , Lollar Christina , Sun Daofeng , Zhou Hong‐Cai
Published: March 2018

Multi‐component metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with precisely controlled pore environments are highly desired owing to their potential applications in gas adsorption, separation, cooperative catalysis, and biomimetics. A series of multi‐component MOFs, namely PCN‐900(RE), were constructed from a combination of tetratopic porphyrinic linkers, linear linkers, and rare‐earth hexanuclear clusters (RE6) under the guidance of thermodynamics. These MOFs exhibit high surface areas (up to 2523 cm2 g−1) and unlimited tunability by modification of metal nodes and/or linker components. Post‐synthetic exchange of linear linkers and metalation of two organic linkers were realized, allowing the incorporation of a wide range of functional moieties. Two different metal sites were sequentially placed on the linear linker and the tetratopic porphyrinic linker, respectively, giving rise to an ideal platform for heterogeneous catalysis.
Dragging the chain: Quantifying continued losses of seagrasses from boat moorings
Authors: Glasby Tim M. , West Greg
Published: March 2018

Globally, seagrasses and other estuarine habitats are under threat from a range of human disturbances, including boating‐related activities. The fixed, block‐and‐chain swing moorings used to secure boats in many countries can create visible scars in seagrass meadows and remove other benthic organisms.

Losses of seagrasses in two estuaries in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, were quantified using aerial imagery and used to estimate estuarine habitat damage across the remainder of the state. The rate of mooring scar development was approximated and factors influencing the size of mooring scars were identified.

Individually mapped mooring scars in meadows of the endangered Posidonia australis ranged from 55 to 706 m2, and were generally larger than those in the more opportunistic seagrass Zostera muelleri subsp. capricorni (22–342 m2). Scar size in both species of seagrass increased significantly with depth and boat length.

The rate of increase in the size of mooring scars amongst P. australis was roughly linear over 4.8 years, averaging 6.3 m2/month up to a maximum of 16.7 m2/month for one 16‐m yacht.

Across all of NSW, it was estimated that currently leased moorings were causing losses of 129 884 m2 of P. australis and 93 940 m2 of Z. capricorni, and disturbing 2 790 907 m2 of non‐vegetated soft sediments. NSW seagrass loss estimates relate only to damage from current moorings and could be underestimated by ~41% for P. australis if estuaries contain many old scars that remain after the relocation of moorings (as has occurred in Lake Macquarie).

Mandating the use of moorings that do not rely on a chain dragging on the sea bed would greatly reduce future physical damage of benthic habitats and enable some recovery from legacy effects.
River damming drives population fragmentation and habitat loss of the threatened Danube streber (Zingel streber): Implications for conservation
Authors: Brinker Alexander , Chucholl Christoph , Behrmann‐Godel Jasminca , Matzinger Michaela , Basen Timo , Baer Jan
Published: March 2018

The Danube streber, Zingel streber, is a threatened and data‐deficient percid fish endemic to the Danube catchment. The study provides the first data on distribution, life history, and genetic structure of the species at the upstream limit of its historic distribution (south‐western Germany).

A 3‐year survey effort with 143 fishing events identified several small, fragmentary populations covering only 7% of the historical range of the species. Census population sizes (Nc) of these subpopulations were estimated from mark–recapture data at <200 individuals. Effective population sizes (Ne), calculated from genetic data (microsatellite genotyping), were much smaller still, at <15 individuals, resulting in an Nc/Ne ratio of <0.25, strongly indicating that populations are seriously affected by genetic drift and inbreeding, and are thus facing a severe extinction risk.

Life‐history parameters recorded during the study indicate a rapid life cycle, with both sexes probably attaining sexual maturity at the age of 1 year or older. Spawning commenced at the beginning of April and fecundity was low (~300–400 eggs per female).

Genetic analysis and mark–recapture data indicate that subpopulations of the streber live in effective isolation, separated by impassable weirs that significantly reduce genetic connectivity between subpopulations.

The species is rheophilic, and limited to sites with flow velocities of ~0.7 m s–1. Hydropower infrastructure may thus also have diminished the availability of suitable habitat by reducing flow rates.

Only 32% of the historical range of the Danube streber is now estimated to be morphologically suitable for the species. Furthermore, relevant parts of this range are located upstream of dams and are therefore not accessible for natural recolonization.

The availability and accessibility of suitable habitats seem to be factors limiting the size of the remaining subpopulations.

Conservation actions should address the restoration of degraded river habitats and increase the connectivity between isolated subpopulations of the Danube streber.
Glochidial infestation of fish by the endangered thick‐shelled river mussel Unio crassus
Authors: Ćmiel Adam M. , Zając Katarzyna , Lipińska Anna M. , Zając Tadeusz
Published: March 2018

Freshwater mussels (Unionoida) are globally threatened. The key to the development of effective conservation strategies for this group is to unravel their complicated life cycle, including the obligatory larva, which parasitizes the external tissues of fish.

Artificial infestation was conducted for three fish species – Barbus barbus, Chondrostoma nasus, and Squalius cephalus – in order to study the prevalence, site, and intensity of infestation, in relation to the fish species and their individual body size. Fish gut contents were also examined, in order to analyse the possibility of glochidia consumption.

Glochidia of Unio crassus are considered parasites of fish gills; however, this study revealed that U. crassus glochidia were attached to the fins of all the host species tested. The number of glochidia attached to C. nasus fins was four times higher than the number of glochidia attached to gills.

The prevalence of fin infestation was higher for C. nasus and S. cephalus than for B. barbus. Infestation intensity was highest for C. nasus and lowest for B. barbus, and was also dependent on fin type. The number of glochidia attached to fins demonstrated a nonlinear (log10) relationship with fish body length.

Inspection of dissected fish guts showed that all of the fish species tested foraged on glochidia: S. cephalus and B. barbus more frequently than C. nasus.

Using predatory fish host species with non‐predatory species in mixed assemblages for artificial rearing of mussels led to increased mortality of fish and decreased infestation intensity.

The best conservation practices for freshwater mussels should therefore be based on single fish species that are easy to infest and that do not prey on glochidia.
The Effect of Random and Block Copolymerization with Pendent Carbozole Donors and Naphthalimide Acceptors on Multilevel Memory Performance
Authors: Zhang Qi‐jian , Zhou Jia‐hui , Li Hui , He Jing‐hui , Li Na‐jun , Xu Qing‐feng , Chen Dong‐yun , Li Hua , Lu Jian‐mei
Published: March 2018

Polymeric materials have been widely used in the fabrication of data‐storage devices, owing to their unique advantages and defined conduction mechanisms. To date, the most‐functional polymers that have been reported for memory devices were synthesized through random copolymerization, whilst there have been no reports regarding the memory effect of block polymers. Herein, we synthesized a random copolymer (PMCz8‐co‐PMBNa2) and its corresponding block copolymer (PMCz8‐b‐PMBNa2) to study the effect of the method of polymerization on the memory properties of the corresponding devices. Interestingly, both devices (ITO/PMCz8‐co‐PMBNa2/Al and ITO/PMCz8‐b‐PMBNa2/Al) exhibited ternary memory performance, with threshold voltages of −1.7 V/−3.3 V and −2.7 V/−3.8 V, respectively. However, based on comprehensive measurements, the memory properties of PMCz8‐co‐PMBNa2 and PMCz8‐b‐PMBNa2 were found to be owing to the operation of different conduction mechanisms, which resulted from different molecular stacking in the film state. Therefore, we expect that this work will be helpful for improving our understanding of the conduction mechanisms in polymer‐based data‐storage devices.
The Rise of the Cartwheel: Seeding the Centriole Organelle
Authors: Guichard Paul , Hamel Virginie , Gönczy Pierre
Published: March 2018

The cartwheel is a striking structure critical for building the centriole, a microtubule‐based organelle fundamental for organizing centrosomes, cilia, and flagella. Over the last 50 years, the cartwheel has been described in many systems using electron microscopy, but the molecular nature of its constituent building blocks and their assembly mechanisms have long remained mysterious. Here, we review discoveries that led to the current understanding of cartwheel structure, assembly, and function. We focus on the key role of SAS‐6 protein self‐organization, both for building the signature ring‐like structure with hub and spokes, as well as for their vertical stacking. The resemblance of assembly intermediates in vitro and in vivo leads us to propose a novel registration step in cartwheel biogenesis, whereby stacked SAS‐6‐containing rings are put in register through interactions with peripheral elements anchored to microtubules. We conclude by evoking some avenues for further uncovering cartwheel and centriole assembly mechanisms.
My smartphone kit: Design and development of an integrated platform for innovation and product design in engineering education
Authors: Reddy S.R.N. , Kaur Jasleen , Chande Suresh , Challa Rama K.
Published: March 2018

This paper highlights a system and method of bringing an integrated platform for real time teaching of various courses, innovations, designing products, and to extend the mobile education with a practical approach in assorted research and technical education domains. My SmartPhone Kit has been designed and developed for the purpose of learning, developing, and experimenting basic concepts of various courses such as mobile communication, sensor networks, embedded systems, mobile architecture, and programming, etc. Different workshops were conducted in 2015–2016 to evaluate the need of a practical approach and to experience the user satisfaction with the overall methodology of My SmartPhone kit. These workshops comprises the set of theory classes for understanding the basic concepts of various courses, practical sessions, experimental demos by the resource staff, product idea session, real time product development with the kit, and feedback analysis session. This paper focuses on the design of the kit, its implementation, methodology, novelty, and outcomes achieved through it. The analysis is carried through a case study presenting a total of six different workshops at four different institutes during 2015–2016. The findings reveal that maximum number of participants have been satisfied with the overall methodology of My SmartPhone Kit and adopted the same for teaching and learning.
Formation and Properties of Poly(Ionic Liquid)–Carbene Nanogels Containing Individually Stabilized Silver Species
Authors: Miao Han , Schmidt Johannes , Heil Tobias , Antonietti Markus , Willinger Marc , Guterman Ryan
Published: March 2018

Imidazolium‐based ionic liquids have the ability to undergo a variety of chemical reactions through an N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) intermediate, which has expanded the chemical toolbox for new applications. Despite their uses and exploration, the carbene‐forming properties and applications of their polymeric congeners, poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs), is still underdeveloped. Herein, we explore the NHC‐forming properties of a theophylline‐derived PIL for nanogel synthesis. Using silver oxide as both the carbene‐forming reagent and cross‐linker, nanogels containing individually stabilized ions can be created with different sizes and morphology, including large “galaxy‐like” superstructures. Using high‐resolution TEM techniques, we directly observed the sub‐nanometer structure of these constructs. These features combined exemplify the unique chemistry of poly‐NHCs for single‐metal‐ion‐stabilization nanogel design.
Early estimates of cancer incidence for 2015: Expanding to include estimates for white and black races
Authors: Lewis Denise Riedel , Chen Huann‐Sheng , Cockburn Myles G. , Wu Xiao‐Cheng , Stroup Antoinette M. , Midthune Douglas N. , Zou Zhaohui , Krapcho Martin F. , Miller Daniel G. , Feuer Eric J.
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

The National Cancer Institute's cancer incidence estimates through 2015 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries' November 2017 submission are released in April 2018.

METHODS

Early estimates (February 2017) of cancer incidence rates and trends from the SEER 18 registries for diagnoses in 2000 through 2015 were evaluated with a revised delay‐adjustment model, which was used to adjust for the undercount of cases in the early release. For the first time, early estimates were produced for race (whites and blacks) along with estimates for new sites: the oral cavity and pharynx, leukemia, and myeloma.

RESULTS

Model validation comparing delay‐adjusted rates and trends through 2014 and using 2016 submissions showed good agreement. Differences in trends through 2015 in comparison with those through 2014 were evident. The rate of female breast cancer rose significantly from 2004 to 2015 by 0.3% per year (annual percent change [APC] = 0.3%); the prior trend through 2014 (the same magnitude) was not yet significant. The female colon and rectum cancer trend for whites became flat after previously declining. Lung and bronchus cancer for whites showed a significant decline (APC for males = −2.3%, 2012‐2015; APC for females = −0.7%, 2011‐2015). Thyroid cancer for black females changed from a continuous rise to a flat final segment (APC = 1.6%, not significant, 2011‐2015). Both kidney and renal pelvis cancer (APC = 1.5%, 2011‐2015) and childhood cancers (APC = 0.5%, 2000‐2015) for white males showed a significant rise in the final segments from previously flat trends. Kidney and renal pelvis cancer for black males showed a change from a significant rise to a flat trend.

CONCLUSIONS

The early release of SEER data continues to be useful as a preliminary estimate of the most current cancer incidence trends. Cancer 2018;124:2192‐204. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Nucleophilic Cleavage of Lignin Model Compounds under Acidic Conditions in an Ionic Liquid: A Mechanistic Study
Authors: Hart William E. S. , Aldous Leigh , Harper Jason B.
Published: March 2018

A range of lignin model compounds were examined for their reactivity with hydrogen bromide in the ionic liquid N‐butylpyridinium triflate. It was found that the ionic liquid enabled rapid reaction at both the hydroxy and methyl ether sites of the model compounds at room temperature. Reactions at the phenyl ether moieties were more complex; rather than facilitating cleavage at these sites, alternate breakdown products that had not been seen in previous studies were observed; these products are consistent with functionalisation of the aromatic components of the model compounds.
Generation and characterization of Lhx3GFP reporter knockin and Lhx3loxP conditional knockout mice
Authors: Xu Mei , Xie Xiaoling , Dong Xuhui , Liang Guoqing , Gan Lin
Published: March 2018

LHX3, a LIM‐homeodomain transcription factor, is broadly expressed in the developing pituitary, spinal cord, medulla, retina and inner ear, and plays essential roles during embryonic development. Mice with homozygous Lhx3 null mutation exhibit failure in the formation of pituitary gland and die perinatally. To facilitate the functional study of Lhx3 in mice, we engineered and characterized two novel Lhx3 mouse strains: Lhx3GFP reporter knock‐in and Lhx3loxP conditional knockout mice. Coimmunolabeling of LHX3 and GFP shows that the expression pattern of the knock‐in GFP reporter recapitulates that of endogenous LHX3 in cochlea, vestibule, retina, and spinal cord. By crossing Lhx3loxP mice with the ubiquitous CMV‐Cre mice, we have demonstrated a high efficiency of Cre recombinase‐mediated removal of exons 3 to 5 of Lhx3, which encode the second LIM‐domain and the HD domain of LHX3, resulting global knockout of Lhx3. Thus, Lhx3GFP and Lhx3loxP mice serve as valuable genetic tools to dissect the tissue‐specific roles of Lhx3 at late‐gestation and postnatal stages in mice.
Current and historical land use influence soil‐based ecosystem services in an urban landscape
Authors: Ziter Carly , Turner Monica G.
Published: March 2018

Urban landscapes are increasingly recognized as providing important ecosystem services (ES) to their occupants. Yet, urban ES assessments often ignore the complex spatial heterogeneity and land‐use history of cities. Soil‐based services may be particularly susceptible to land‐use legacy effects. We studied indicators of three soil‐based ES, carbon storage, water quality regulation, and runoff regulation, in a historically agricultural urban landscape and asked (1) How do ES indicators vary with contemporary land cover and time since development? (2) Do ES indicators vary primarily among land‐cover classes, within land‐cover classes, or within sites? (3) What is the relative contribution of urban land‐cover classes to potential citywide ES provision? We measured biophysical indicators (soil carbon [C], available phosphorus [P], and saturated hydraulic conductivity [Ks]) in 100 sites across five land‐cover classes, spanning an ~125‐year gradient of time since development within each land‐cover class. Potential for ES provision was substantial in urban green spaces, including developed land. Runoff regulation services (high Ks) were highest in forests; water quality regulation (low P) was highest in open spaces and grasslands; and open spaces and developed land (e.g., residential yards) had the highest C storage. In developed land covers, both C and P increased with time since development, indicating effects of historical land‐use on contemporary ES and trade‐offs between two important ES. Among‐site differences accounted for a high proportion of variance in soil properties in forests, grasslands, and open space, while residential areas had high within‐site variability, underscoring the leverage city residents have to improve urban ES provision. Developed land covers contributed most ES supply at the citywide scale, even after accounting for potential impacts of impervious surfaces. Considering the full mosaic of urban green space and its history is needed to estimate the kinds and magnitude of ES provided in cities, and to augment regional ES assessments that often ignore or underestimate urban ES supply.
Do consumer‐mediated negative effects on plant establishment outweigh the positive effects of a nurse plant?
Authors: Fujita Tomohiro , Yamashina Chisato
Published: March 2018

Many studies demonstrated the importance of facilitative effect by nurse plant on seedling establishment. Few studies evaluated the negative effects of consumers on plant establishment under nurse plants by dealing with them during multiple demographic processes. We investigated the balance between the facilitative effect and negative effects of consumers during multiple demographic processes in Malawi in southeastern Africa. We chose Ficus natalensis as a nurse plant and compared it with three other microsites in tropical woodlands: Brachystegia floribunda (a dominant woodland species), Uapaca kirkiana (a woodland species), and a treeless site. We quantified the seed rain, postdispersal seed predation, germination, and seedling survival of Syzygium guineense ssp. afromontanum (a common forest species). Within each microsite, we quantified the overall probability of recruitment. We also measured seedling abundance of S. guineense ssp. afromontanum. We found that Ficus natalensis exerted both positive and negative impacts on the establishment of S. guineense ssp. afromontanum. Ficus natalensis facilitated seed deposition, seed germination, and seedling survival. On the other hand, seed removal at postdispersal stage was highest under F. natalensis. Interestingly, B. floribunda also had positive effects on germination and seedling survival, but not on seed deposition. When we excluded the seed arrival stage from our estimation of the recruitment probability, the highest value was found under B. floribunda, not under F. natalensis. When we included the seed arrival stage, however, the order of recruitment probability between F. natalensis and B. floribunda was reversed. The probability was one order of magnitude higher under F. natalensis than under B. floribunda. Our estimation of the probability which included the seed arrival stage was consistent with natural patterns of S. guineense ssp. afromontanum establishment. Despite the presence of opposite effects, the net effects of F. natalensis on S. guineense ssp. afromontanum recruitment in tropical woodlands can be positive.