bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Road Friction Coefficient and Vehicle States by 3‐DOF Dynamic Model and HSRI Model Based on Information Fusion
Authors: Xu Ying , Chen Biyun , Chi Cheng
Published: December 2016

Vehicle states and the road friction coefficient in active safety control systems have become increasingly prominent. However, a low‐cost, high‐precision system in real‐time has yet to be achieved. The use of complex models has led to poor real‐time estimation, while variations in the road friction coefficient have often been neglected. This paper adopts information fusion technology by using DEKF theory for rapid simulation and estimation of these parameters. Using a vehicle dynamic model based on three degrees of freedom (3‐DOF) and the Highway Safety Research Institute tire model, DEKF recursive estimation models are established and verified. In the DEKF, two recursive state and parameter estimation models exist in parallel. The models are dependent upon each other and have real‐time interaction correction in order to forecast information, which quickly yields true value estimation in simulation. Experimental brake test results show that the DEKF estimator not only accurately estimates the vehicle state parameters, but also estimates the road friction coefficient in real‐time. This can reduce the cost of the vehicle sensor, and can estimate the status parameter, which is difficult to measure. The validity and feasibility of this algorithm have been verified by an HIL driving simulator, offering the possibility of future application in real cars.
Inferring human microbial dynamics from temporal metagenomics data: Pitfalls and lessons
Authors: Cao Hong‐Tai , Gibson Travis E. , Bashan Amir , Liu Yang‐Yu
Published: December 2016

The human gut microbiota is a very complex and dynamic ecosystem that plays a crucial role in health and well‐being. Inferring microbial community structure and dynamics directly from time‐resolved metagenomics data is key to understanding the community ecology and predicting its temporal behavior. Many methods have been proposed to perform the inference. Yet, as we point out in this review, there are several pitfalls along the way. Indeed, the uninformative temporal measurements and the compositional nature of the relative abundance data raise serious challenges in inference. Moreover, the inference results can be largely distorted when only focusing on highly abundant species by ignoring or grouping low‐abundance species. Finally, the implicit assumptions in various regularization methods may not reflect reality. Those issues have to be seriously considered in ecological modeling of human gut microbiota.
Differential effects of endogenous, phyto and synthetic cannabinoids on thrombogenesis and platelet activity
Authors: Grambow Eberhard , Strüder Daniel , Klar Ernst , Hinz Burkhard , Vollmar Brigitte
Published: December 2016

This study analysed the impact of anandamide, cannabidiol (CBD), and WIN55,212‐2 on platelet activity and thrombogenesis for the first time. The effects of the cannabinoids on venular thrombosis were studied in the ear of hairless mice. Cannabinoid treatment was performed either once or repetitive by a once‐daily administration for three days. To assess the role of cyclooxygenase metabolites in the putative action of anandamide, in vivo studies likewise included a combined administration of anandamide with indomethacin. In vitro, the effect of the cannabinoids on human platelet activation was studied by means of P‐selectin expression using flow cytometry. Platelets were analysed under resting or thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP)‐stimulated conditions, both after cannabinoid treatment alone and after TRAP stimulation and subsequent cannabinoid exposure. Finally, platelet count was assessed after treatment with high concentrations of anandamide. Anandamide, but not CBD and WIN55,212‐2, significantly accelerated thrombus growth after one‐time treatment as compared to vehicle control. Co‐administration with indomethacin neutralized this effect. However, thrombogenesis was not altered by repeated treatment with the cannabinoids. In vitro, anandamide was shown to elicit a concentration‐dependent activation of resting human platelets. However, at higher concentrations anandamide reduced the response to TRAP activation associated with a decrease of platelet count. CBD and WIN55,212‐2 neither increased nor reduced activation of platelets. Acute exposure to anandamide elicits a cyclooxygenase‐dependent prothrombotic effect in vivo. Anandamide seems to affect human platelet activation by a concentration‐dependent toxic effect. By contrast, CBD and WIN55,212‐2 were not associated with induction of thrombosis or activation of platelets. © 2016 BioFactors, 42(6):581–590, 2016
Pancreatic β‐Cell production of CXCR3 ligands precedes diabetes onset
Authors: Burke Susan J. , Karlstad Michael D. , Eder Adrianna E. , Regal Kellie M. , Lu Danhong , Burk David H. , Collier J. Jason
Published: December 2016

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) results from immune cell‐mediated reductions in function and mass of the insulin‐producing β‐cells within the pancreatic islets. While the initial trigger(s) that initiates the autoimmune process is unknown, there is a leukocytic infiltration that precedes islet β‐cell death and dysfunction. Herein, we demonstrate that genes encoding the chemokines CXCL9, 10, and 11 are primary response genes in pancreatic β‐cells and are also elevated as part of the inflammatory response in mouse, rat, and human islets. We further established that STAT1 participates in the transcriptional control of these genes in response to the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IFN‐γ. STAT1 is phosphorylated within five minutes after β‐cell exposure to IFN‐γ, with subsequent occupancy at proximal and distal response elements within the Cxcl9 and Cxcl11 gene promoters. This increase in STAT1 binding is coupled to the rapid appearance of chemokine transcript. Moreover, circulating levels of chemokines that activate CXCR3 are elevated in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice, consistent with clinical findings in human diabetes. We also report herein that mice with genetic deletion of CXCR3 (receptor for ligands CXCL9, 10, and 11) exhibit a delay in diabetes development after being injected with multiple low doses of streptozotocin. Therefore, we conclude that production of CXCL9, 10, and 11 from islet β‐cells controls leukocyte migration and activity into pancreatic tissue, which ultimately influences islet β‐cell mass and function. © 2016 BioFactors, 42(6):703–715, 2016
The nephroprotection exerted by curcumin in maleate‐induced renal damage is associated with decreased mitochondrial fission and autophagy
Authors: Molina‐Jijón Eduardo , Aparicio‐Trejo Omar Emiliano , Rodríguez‐Muñoz Rafael , León‐Contreras Juan Carlos , del Carmen Cárdenas‐Aguayo María , Medina‐Campos Omar Noel , Tapia Edilia , Sánchez‐Lozada Laura Gabriela , Hernández‐Pando Rogelio , Reyes José L. , Arreola‐Mendoza Laura , Pedraza‐Chaverri José
Published: December 2016

We have previously reported that the antioxidant curcumin exerts nephroprotection in maleate‐induced renal damage, a model associated with oxidative stress. However, the mechanisms involved in curcumin protective effect were not explored, to assess this issue, curcumin was administered daily by gavage (150 mg/kg) five days before a single maleate (400 mg/kg)‐injection. Curcumin prevented maleate‐induced proteinuria, increased heat shock protein of 72 KDa (Hsp72) expression, and decreased plasma glutathione peroxidase activity. Maleate‐induced oxidative stress by increasing the nicotinamide–adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4) and mitochondrial complex I‐dependent superoxide anion (O2•—) production, formation of malondialdehyde (MDA)‐ and 3‐nitrotyrosine (3‐NT)‐protein adducts and protein carbonylation and decreased GSH/GSSG ratio. Curcumin treatment ameliorated all the above‐described changes. The maleate‐induced epithelial damage, evaluated by claudin‐2 and occludin expressions, was ameliorated by curcumin. It was found that maleate‐induced oxidative stress promoted mitochondrial fission, evaluated by dynamin‐related protein (Drp) 1 and fission (Fis) 1 expressions and by electron‐microscopy, and autophagy, evaluated by phospho‐threonine 389 from p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p‐Thr 389 p70S6K), beclin 1, microtubule‐associated protein 1A/1B‐light chain 3 phosphatidylethanolamine conjugate (LC3‐II), autophagy‐related gene 5 and 12 (Atg5‐Atg12) complex, p62, and lysosomal‐associated membrane protein (LAMP)‐2 expressions in isolated proximal tubules and by electron‐microscopy and LC‐3 immunolabelling. Curcumin treatment ameliorated these changes. Moreover, curcumin alone induced autophagy in proximal tubules. These data suggest that the nephroprotective effect exerted by curcumin in maleate‐induced renal damage is associated with decreased mitochondrial fission and autophagy. © 2016 BioFactors, 42(6):686–702, 2016
An approach to randomization into surgical clinical trials
Authors: Treasure T , Baum M
Published: December 2016

Making randomization easier
Longitudinal analysis of reporting and quality of systematic reviews in high-impact surgical journals
Authors: Chapman S J , Drake T M , Bolton W S , Barnard J , Bhangu A
Published: December 2016

Background

The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) Statement aims to optimize the reporting of systematic reviews. The performance of the PRISMA Statement in improving the reporting and quality of surgical systematic reviews remains unclear.

Methods

Systematic reviews published in five high-impact surgical journals between 2007 and 2015 were identified from online archives. Manuscripts blinded to journal, publication year and authorship were assessed according to 27 reporting criteria described by the PRISMA Statement and scored using a validated quality appraisal tool (AMSTAR, Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews). Comparisons were made between studies published before (2007–2009) and after (2011–2015) its introduction. The relationship between reporting and study quality was measured using Spearman's rank test.

Results

Of 281 eligible manuscripts, 80 were published before the PRISMA Statement and 201 afterwards. Most manuscripts (208) included a meta-analysis, with the remainder comprising a systematic review only. There was no meaningful change in median compliance with the PRISMA Statement (19 (i.q.r. 16–21) of 27 items before versus 19 (17–22) of 27 after introduction of PRISMA) despite achieving statistical significance (P = 0·042). Better reporting compliance was associated with higher methodological quality (rs = 0·70, P < 0·001).

Conclusion

The PRISMA Statement has had minimal impact on the reporting of surgical systematic reviews. Better compliance was associated with higher-quality methodology.
Reflections on Receiving the ASIS&T 2016 Award of Merit
Authors: Ingwersen Peter
Published: December 2016

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

At the ASIS&T Annual Meeting in Copenhagen, Peter Ingwersen expressed surprise and gratitude for being honored with the Association's 2016 Award of Merit. The professor emeritus from Denmark's Royal School of Library and Information Science thanked peers for recognizing him as a mentor and research originator. Ingwersen observed that his own areas of research in interactive information retrieval (IR) and scientometrics/webometrics have come together as converging lines of interest, though research and analysis are often restricted by system and feature limitations. Experimentation, Ingwersen stated, is too little focused on the effective workings of IR models and contexts, repeatability and negative research results, and is instead constrained by practicalities and pragmatics. Ingwersen expressed pleasure at the acceptance of web redundancy, citing his theory of polyrepresentation and noting the value of weighting term and search results underlying ranking of web search results. He credited the ASIS&T meetings and publications for developments stemming from original IR experimental studies.
The Modern Records Management Program: An Overview of Electronic Records Management Standards
Authors: Seymour Jennifer
Published: December 2016

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

Standardization is fundamental for bringing a vast variety of electronic records under control. It enables capturing and preserving original records as well as evidence of any access or change to the records. Creating standards within and across organizations is an extreme challenge that must be met. The 2011 Presidential Memorandum on Managing Government Records and subsequent 2012 Directive established values and strategic direction for managing federal electronic records without creating strict standards. The Battelle Record Management Office relies on a Defense Department standard for enterprise content management systems to be secure, searchable and capable of preserving contextual relationships and on the Code of Federal Regulations regarding equivalence of electronic records and signatures to paper. The result demonstrates a record's integrity and authenticity and enables it to be discovered and accessed. Defined access permissions and an audit trail add further assurances. Interoperability through application program interface layers is another requirement, being addressed through advanced platform development, which may provide the solution for authenticity and contextual preservation.
Free‐Surface Turbulent Flow in an Eccentric Stirred Tank
Authors: Yang Fengling , Zhou Shenjie , Zhang Cuixun
Published: December 2016

This work aims at a reliable prediction of the flow dynamics in stirred tanks. The focus is on the free‐surface turbulent flow in an eccentric stirred tank by using the combination of detached‐eddy simulation and volume of fluid model. The flow field, profiles of the free surface, mean velocities, and the macroinstability phenomenon were explored and compared with the available experimental data. A reasonable representation of the free‐surface hydrodynamics was achieved. The findings indicate that the model and simulation strategies presented here can be used with sufficient confidence to predict the free‐surface hydrodynamics in stirred tanks.
Bouquet‐Like NiCo2O4@CoNi2S4 Arrays for High‐Performance Pseudocapacitors
Authors: He Yahui , Xiao Xin , Gao Lin , Li Shaohui , Shen Yan
Published: December 2016

The bouquet‐like NiCo2O4@CoNi2S4 ternary heterostructure on nickel foam is successfully synthesized through a hydrothermal method and electrodeposition. CoNi2S4 nanosheets uniformly cover the surface of nanoneedle‐like NiCo2O4 arrays. The as‐prepared NiCo2O4@CoNi2S4 material was characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Their electrochemical performance was tested by using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge‐discharge (GCD) methods. The bouquet‐like NiCo2O4@CoNi2S4 material with a ternary heterostructure shows the advantages of fast electron and ion transport, a large electroactive surface, and a remarkable areal capacitance (6.25 F cm−2 at current density of 2 mA ⋅ cm−2), which suggests NiCo2O4@CoNi2S4 is a promising material in practical application for pseudocapacitors.
Guest‐Induced Folding and Self‐Assembly of Conformationally Adaptive Macrocycles into Nanosheets and Nanotubes
Authors: Yang Liu‐Pan , Jia Fei , Zhou Qing‐Hai , Pan Fangfang , Sun Jiao‐Nan , Rissanen Kari , Chung Lung Wa , Jiang Wei
Published: December 2016

A conformationally adaptive macrocycle is presented, namely zorb[4]arene, which exists in multiple conformations in the uncomplexed state. The binding cavity of zorb[4]arene is concealed, either due to a collapsed conformation or by self‐inclusion. The zorb[4]arene with long alkyl chains manifests itself with surprisingly low melting point and thus exist as an oil at room temperature. Binding of a guest molecule induces the folding and conformational rigidity of zorb[4]arene and leads to well‐defined three‐dimensional structures, which can further self‐assemble into nanosheets or nanotubes upon solvent evaporation, depending on guest molecules and the conformations they can induce.
Isolation of Carboxylic Acids from Biobased Feedstock
Authors: Painer Daniela , Lux Susanne , Grafschafter Annika , Toth Andreas , Siebenhofer Matthäus
Published: December 2016

Isolation of low concentrated constituents from side streams of biobased processes has recently received increased technical and economical attention. For energy efficient acid isolation reactive extraction is proposed in literature. The crucial step for efficient process application is the solvent regeneration. Alternatively to conventional reactive extraction, physical extraction with chemical conversion simplifies the technical demand. For continuous operation of heterogeneous catalyzed esterification with physical extraction the Taylor‐Couette disc contactor has proven to be applicable.
Colloidal Alchemy: Conversion of Polystyrene Nanoclusters into Gold
Authors: Chomette Cyril , Tréguer‐Delapierre Mona , Schade Nicholas B. , Manoharan Vinothan N. , Lambert Olivier , Taveau Jean‐Christophe , Ravaine Serge , Duguet Etienne
Published: December 2016

Isotropic plasmonic clusters consisting of a controlled number of gold satellites around a silica core are fabricated from silica/polystyrene tetrapod, hexapod, and dodecapod templates. The synthetic pathway includes stages of site‐specific seed adsorption, seed‐mediated growth, and iterative etching/regrowth to reshape the satellites into spheroids. Transmission electron microscopy and electron tomography provide evidence of the symmetry of the clusters. This work paves the way for a comprehensive study of their optical properties.
Testing for linearizability
Authors: Lowe Gavin
Published: December 2016

Linearizability is a well established correctness condition for concurrent datatypes. Informally, a concurrent datatype is linearizable if operation calls appear to have an effect, one at a time, in an order that is consistent with a sequential (specification) datatype, with each operation taking effect between the point at which it is called and when it returns. We present a testing framework for linearizabilty. The basic idea is to generate histories of the datatype randomly, and to test whether each is linearizable. We consider five algorithms—one existing, and four new—for testing whether a history of a concurrent datatype implementation is linearizable. Four of these are generic: they will work with any concurrent datatype for which there is a corresponding sequential specification datatype. The fifth considers specifically a history of a concurrent queue. We also combine algorithms in competition parallel in various ways. We perform an experimental evaluation of the different algorithms. We illustrate that the framework is very effective in finding bugs, and discuss the pragmatics of using the framework. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
p‐Phosphonated Calix[n]arene Stabilizes Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles for Nitrate and Phosphate Uptake
Authors: D'Alonzo Nicholas J. , Eggers Paul K. , Eroglu Ela , Raston Colin L.
Published: December 2016

Highly faceted superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles roughly 11 nm in diameter are readily accessible in the presence of p‐phosphonated calix[n]arenes of different ring sizes (n=4, 5 and 6), through the use of a simple co‐precipitation technique. In contrast, the larger calix[8]arene affords spherical particles of comparable size. The maximum magnetization is 70–60 emu g−1, which decreases with increasing size of the calixarene macrocycle, and the evidence indicates that the calixarenes bind to the surface of the nanoparticles via the phosphonate head groups rather than the phenolic oxygen centers. The stabilized nanoparticles show dual functionality: they remove up to 62 % of nitrate nitrogen and 48 % of phosphate from an aqueous effluent after 24 hours at concentrations of only 1 g L−1 of calixarene‐coated nanoparticles.
Drug‐induced ototoxicity: Mechanisms, Pharmacogenetics, and protective strategies
Authors: Lanvers‐Kaminsky C , Zehnhoff‐Dinnesen AG am , Parfitt R , Ciarimboli G
Published: December 2016

Drug ototoxicity limits the quality of life of patients after treatment, having serious consequences, especially for psychosocial development of children. Although the ototoxicity of many drugs resolves after treatment discontinuation, the use of platinum derivatives and aminoglycosides is associated with permanent hearing loss. In this review, we have listed ototoxic drugs and the mechanisms by which they damage the ears. Moreover, possible protective strategies and important methods for early detection of ototoxic effects are discussed.
A Facile and Efficient Method to Fabricate Highly Selective Nanocarbon Catalysts for Oxidative Dehydrogenation
Authors: Zhang Yajie , Wang Jia , Rong Junfeng , Diao Jiangyong , Zhang Jiayun , Shi Chunfeng , Liu Hongyang , Su Dangsheng
Published: December 2016

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used in oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) reactions. Quinone groups on the CNT surface were identified as active sites for the dehydrogenation pathway. Liquid‐phase oxidation with HNO3 is one way to generate various oxygen functionalities on the CNT surface but it produces a large amount of acid waste, limiting its industrial application. Here, a facile and efficient oxidative method to prepare highly selective CNT catalysts for ODH of n‐butane is reported. Magnesium nitrate salts as precursors were used to produce defect‐rich CNTs through solid‐phase oxidation. Skeleton defects induced on the CNT surface resulted in the selective formation of quinone groups active for the selective dehydrogenation. The as‐prepared catalyst exhibited a considerable selectivity (58 %) to C4 olefins, which is superior to that of CNTs oxidized with liquid HNO3. Through the introduction of MgO nanoparticles on the CNT surface, the desorption of alkenes can be accelerated dramatically, thus enhancing the selectivity. This study provides an attractive way to develop new nanocarbon catalysts.
Carbon Dioxide Capture Adsorbents: Chemistry and Methods
Authors: Patel Hasmukh A. , Byun Jeehye , Yavuz Cafer T.
Published: December 2016

Excess carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and their inevitable consequences continue to stimulate hard debate and awareness in both academic and public spaces, despite the widespread lack of understanding on what really is needed to capture and store the unwanted CO2. Of the entire carbon capture and storage (CCS) operation, capture is the most costly process, consisting of nearly 70 % of the price tag. In this tutorial review, CO2 capture science and technology based on adsorbents are described and evaluated in the context of chemistry and methods, after briefly introducing the current status of CO2 emissions. An effective sorbent design is suggested, whereby six checkpoints are expected to be met: cost, capacity, selectivity, stability, recyclability, and fast kinetics.
Ectoderm–mesoderm crosstalk in the embryonic limb: The role of fibroblast growth factor signaling
Authors: Mariani Francesca V. , Fernandez‐Teran Marian , Ros Maria A.
Published: December 2016

In this commentary we focus on the function of FGFs during limb development and morphogenesis. Our goal is to understand, interpret and, when possible, reconcile the interesting findings and conflicting results that remain unexplained. For example, the cell death pattern observed after surgical removal of the AER versus genetic removal of the AER‐Fgfs is strikingly different and the field is at an impasse with regard to an explanation. We also discuss the idea that AER function may involve signaling components in addition to the AER‐FGFs and that signaling from the non‐AER ectoderm may also have a significant contribution. We hope that a re‐evaluation of current studies and a discussion of outstanding questions will motivate new experiments, especially considering the availability of new technologies, that will fuel further progress toward understanding the intricate ectoderm‐to‐mesoderm crosstalk during limb development. Developmental Dynamics 246:208–216, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Can low‐severity fire reverse compositional change in montane forests of the Sierra Nevada, California, USA?
Authors: Becker Kendall M. L. , Lutz James A.
Published: December 2016

Throughout the Sierra Nevada, nearly a century of fire suppression has altered the tree species composition, forest structure, and fire regimes that were previously characteristic of montane forests. Species composition is fundamentally important because species differ in their tolerances to fire and environmental stressors, and these differences dictate future forest structure and influence fire regime attributes. In some lower montane stands, shade‐tolerant, fire‐sensitive species have driven a threefold increase in tree density that may intensify the risk of high‐severity fire. In upper montane forests, which were historically characterized by longer fire return intervals, the effects of fire exclusion are both less apparent and less studied. Although land managers have been reintroducing fire to lower and upper montane forests for >4 decades, the potentially restorative effects of these actions on species composition remain largely unassessed. We used tree diameter and species data from 51 recently burned and 46 unburned plots located throughout lower and upper montane forests in Yosemite National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks to examine the effects of low‐ to moderate‐severity (hereafter, lower‐severity) fire on the demography of seven prevalent tree species. The density ofAbies concolor<30 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) was significantly lower in burned plots than unburned plots; densities ofA. concolor30–45 cm dbh,A. magnifica<30 cm dbh, andCalocedrus decurrens<15 cm dbh were lower in burned plots than unburned plots at a marginal level of significance. These diameter thresholds represent the maximum size at which each species is likely to experience significant mortality from lower‐severity fire. We overlaid these thresholds on historical and contemporary diameter distributions to show that: (1) lower‐severity fire has reduced mean tree density to historical levels forA. concolorbut not forC. decurrens, and (2) variability in tree density among plots that burned at lower severity exceeded the range of tree densities reported in historical data sets. High proportions of shade‐tolerant species in some postfire stands may increase the prevalence of shade‐tolerant species in the future, a potential concern for managers who seek to minimize ladder fuels and promote forest structure that is less prone to high‐severity fire.
Limited conifer regeneration following wildfires in dry ponderosa pine forests of the Colorado Front Range
Authors: Rother Monica T. , Veblen Thomas T.
Published: December 2016

In recent years, increased wildfire activity and climate change have raised concern among scientists and land managers regarding current and future vegetation patterns in post‐burn landscapes. We surveyed conifer regeneration 8–15 years after fire in six burn areas in the lower montane zone of the Colorado Front Range. We sampled across a broad range of elevations, aspects, and fire severities and found that densities of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) are generally low, although areas of abundant regeneration do occur. Conifer regeneration was most limited in xeric settings, including more southerly aspects and elevations closer to lower treeline. Additionally, fewer juvenile conifers occurred at greater distances from mature, live trees indicating that seed source as well as topoclimatic setting limits post‐fire tree regeneration. Projecting the extent of future forest cover is uncertain due to the possibility of future pulses of tree establishment and unknown depletion rates of existing seedling populations. However, current patterns of post‐fire seedling establishment suggest that vegetation composition and structure may differ notably from historic patterns and that lower density stands and even non‐forested communities may persist in some areas of these burns long after fire, especially in xeric settings or where no nearby seed source remains.
Biogeochemical drivers of Neotropical ant activity and diversity
Authors: Bujan Jelena , Wright S. Joseph , Kaspari Michael
Published: December 2016

Human activities are rapidly changing biogeochemistry across the globe, yet little is known about biogeochemical impacts on higher‐level consumers. In a Panamanian rainforest, we measured the effects of chronic nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilization on ants: hyper‐abundant terrestrial arthropods and ecosystem engineers. We tested two compatible hypotheses: the nutrient limitation hypothesis—where adding a limiting nutrient increases ant activity and abundance; and the community homogenization hypothesis—where adding a limiting nutrient decreases ant diversity. Lowland tropical rainforests are expected to be phosphorus‐limited, so we predicted higher ant activity but lower diversity on phosphorus plots. In each fertilization plot, we baited trees and lianas to attract both canopy and ground nesting ants. After controlling for temperature, which accounted for roughly 20% of the variation in ant foraging activity, ant activity remained higher on phosphorus addition plots than on any other fertilization treatment. Genus level diversity was 16% lower on plots receiving phosphorus than the control, consistent with the paradox of enrichment frequently observed in plant communities. This pattern, however, did not hold for species level diversity. The community‐level response was largely driven by the most abundant genus,Azteca, which increased foraging activity and abundance across phosphorus plots. The high activity and low diversity of ants on experimental phosphorus plots point to the potentially strong influence of biogeochemistry on these ubiquitous insects with potential ramifications for the forest food web. This is, to our knowledge, the first study relating biogeochemistry of macronutrients to foraging activity, diversity, and abundance of consumers, implicating strong bottom‐up structuring of the ant community in one of the world's most diverse ecosystems.
Using rarefaction to isolate the effects of patch size and sampling effort on beta diversity
Authors: Stier Adrian C. , Bolker Benjamin M. , Osenberg Craig W.
Published: December 2016

Beta diversity describes how species composition varies across space and through time. Current estimators of beta diversity typically ignore the effects of within‐patch sample size, determined jointly by local abundance and sampling effort. Many ecological processes such as immigration, predation, or nutrient limitation affect abundance and asymptotic beta diversity concurrently; thus, existing metrics may confound changes in asymptotic beta diversity with changes that result from differences in abundance or sampling. Results from a stochastic simulation model illustrate how decreasing within‐patch sample size may either increase or decrease observed beta diversity, depending on the type of metric, sample size, and community properties; these changes are easy to understand, and predict, by considering the effects of sampling on variance. A modified, patch‐level form of rarefaction controls for variation in within‐patch sample size; two case studies illustrate the utility of this approach. Studies seeking a mechanistic link between ecological process and beta diversity will continue to benefit from explicit consideration of sampling effects.
Guiding phosphorus stewardship for multiple ecosystem services
Authors: Macdonald Graham K. , Jarvie Helen P. , Withers Paul J. A. , Doody Donnacha G. , Keeler Bonnie L. , Haygarth Philip M. , Johnson Laura T. , Mcdowell Richard W. , Miyittah Michael K. , Powers Stephen M. , Sharpley Andrew N. , Shen Jianbo , Smith Douglas R. , Weintraub Michael N. , Zhang Tiequan
Published: December 2016

The essential role of phosphorus (P) for agriculture and its impact on water quality has received decades of research attention. However, the benefits of sustainable P use and management for society due to its downstream impacts on multiple ecosystem services are rarely acknowledged. We propose a conceptual framework—the “phosphorus‐ecosystem services cascade” ()—to integrate the key ecosystem processes and functions that moderate the relationship between P released to the environment from human actions and ecosystem services at distinct spatial and temporal scales. Indirect pathways in the cascade via soil and aquatic processes link anthropogenic P to biodiversity and multiple services, including recreation, drinking water provision, and fisheries. As anthropogenic P cascades through catchments, it often shifts from a subsidy to a stressor of ecosystem services. Phosphorus stewardship can have emergent ecosystem service co‐benefits due to synergies with other societal or management goals (e.g., recycling of livestock manures and organic wastes could impact soil carbon storage). Applying the framework, we identify key research priorities to align P stewardship with the management of multiple ecosystem services, such as incorporating additional services into agri‐environmental P indices, assessing how widespread recycling of organic P sources could differentially impact agricultural yields and water quality, and accounting for shifting baselines in P stewardship due to climate change. Ultimately, P impacts depend on site‐specific agricultural and biogeophysical contexts, so greater precision in targeting stewardship strategies to specific locations would help to optimize for ecosystem services and to more effectively internalize the downstream costs of farm nutrient management.
A whole‐systems approach for assessing measures to improve arable ecosystem sustainability
Authors: Hawes C. , Begg G. S. , Iannetta P. P. M. , Karley A. J. , Squire G. R.
Published: December 2016

There is increasing pressure on the agricultural industry to maintain or increase production of high‐quality food while maintaining long‐term environmental sustainability. and policies and practices have been developed and implemented in an attempt to improve the sustainability and efficiency of arable farming and satisfy these potentially conflicting requirements. However, to the authors' knowledge, there has been no attempt to quantify whether new interventions have the desired effect on improving sustainability at a whole‐systems level. Most studies focus on one, or a few, elements of a specific system and therefore fail to account for trade‐offs and conflicts between the many different interacting components. Here, we propose a whole‐systems approach based on a suite of indicators for a complete and holistic assessment of the efficacy of policies to improve economic, environmental, and ecological sustainability.
Core principles characterizing immune function
Authors: Cohn Melvin
Published: December 2016

The immune system is an anticipatory mechanism designed by evolution to protect the individual against noxious agents and harmful cellular debris. In order to recognize substances that it has never encountered, the immune system somatically generates an appropriately sized random (with respect to self and nonself [NS]) recognitive repertoire that is coupled to a biodestructive and ridding output. Consequently, a Self–NS discrimination is required in order to avoid autoimmunity. This essay is an attempt to highlight the core principles upon which this anticipatory mechanism depends in order to function.
Schreiner's Thiourea Promoted [2+2] Cycloaddition of Captodative Azetidinones and Nitroolefins
Authors: Dobi Zoltán , Holczbauer Tamás , Soós Tibor
Published: December 2016

Strained, captodative benzylideneazetidinones were demonstrated to function as potent reaction partners in thermal [2+2] cycloadditions with nitro alkenes. The relief of strain during the cycloaddition could be leveraged to secure kinetic and thermodynamic stability for the aminonitrocyclobutane ring. Accordingly, this mild and robust procedure could be used to simplify the synthesis of azaspiro[3.3]heptanes, a motif that serves as a rigid piperidine bioisostere.
Make good use of data to retain your students
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2016

SAN ANTONIO — If your goal is to improve student persistence and completion numbers, using data to understand your students and plan initiatives is the first step. At Saint Joseph's University in Pennsylvania, first‐year retention rates increased from 85.5 percent to 89 percent and six‐year graduation rates increased from 77 percent to 79 percent over a five‐year period.
Get the best from your most valuable asset: Your staff
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2016

SAN ANTONIO — “Your most competitive weapon is your people,” said Monique Perry, dean for enrollment services at York Technical College in North Carolina.
Enhanced Energy Storage using Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3–0.15(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 Ceramics with BaO–SrO–TiO2–Al2O3–SiO2–BaF2 Glass Addition
Authors: Liu Wenfeng , Ping Weiwei , Li Shengtao
Published: December 2016

The addition of the glass BaO–SrO–TiO2–Al2O3–SiO2–BaF2 was employed to improve the microstructures and energy storage properties of Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3–0.15(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 ceramics, which exhibited a large dielectric constant of 3458 at 25 °C under 1 kHz, slim hysteresis loop with the maximum polarization of 12.53 μC cm−2, and a remnant polarization of 4.05 μC cm−2. Characterization of the microstructure indicated that the average grain size was reduced significantly with increasing glass concentration. Macroscopically the glass ceramics exhibited diffusion phase transition with reduced peak dielectric constant, but a broad peak with a relatively large dielectric constant of approximately 1000 near room temperature. Meanwhile the electrical breakdown strength (BDS) of the glass modified ceramics was nearly quadruple that of the pure ceramic. The energy storage performance of the glass‐modified ceramics (419.4 kJ m−3 calculated from the product of dielectric constant and square of BDS and 192.8 kJ m−3 from the integration of the hysteresis loop under an electric field of 9.6 kV mm−1) showed significant superiority to that of the pure ceramic material.
Heavy metal concentrations in female wild mink (Neovison vison) in Sweden: Sources of variation and associations with internal organ weights
Authors: Ljungvall Karl , Magnusson Ulf , Korvela Marcus , Norrby Mattias , Bergquist Jonas , Persson Sara
Published: December 2016

The American mink is an invasive species in Sweden, and it is legally hunted all year. Therefore, the mink is well suited as a sentinel species for environmental monitoring. In the present study female mink (n = 91) from 6 different areas in Sweden were analyzed for the concentrations of silver, cadmium, mercury and lead in liver tissue using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The wet concentrations in liver tissue were 42.6 ± 52.7 ng/g for silver, 99.5 ± 100 ng/g for cadmium, 652 ± 537 ng/g for mercury, and 196 ± 401 ng/g for lead (expressed as mean ± standard deviation). There were associations between the sample area and the concentrations of silver, lead, and mercury. The concentrations of lead and cadmium varied with season of capture and lead, cadmium, and mercury were positively associated with increasing age. Relative liver weight was positively associated with concentrations of mercury and negatively associated with lead and cadmium. Relative kidney weight was negatively associated with lead concentrations. In summary, it is of importance to take age and season of capture into account when assessing levels of heavy metals in wild mink. Also, liver and kidneys seem to be potential targets for heavy metal toxicity in wild female mink in Sweden. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2030–2035. © 2016 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC
Development and evaluation of floating alginate microspheres for oral delivery of anthocyanins – A preliminary investigation
Authors: Celli Giovana B. , Ghanem Amyl , Brooks Marianne S.
Published: December 2016

The goal of this study was to develop floating microspheres that could be used as gastroretentive systems for the delivery of anthocyanins (ACNs). These compounds are absorbed in the stomach and small intestine, and insufficient residence time in these organs could result in limited absorption and contribute to degradation. The microparticles containing freeze‐dried haskap berry extract (321.96 ± 8.35 mg cyanidin 3‐glucoside equivalents per g) were prepared by ionotropic gelation of alginate (9%, w/w) with calcium ions (CaCl2 at 2%, w/v) in the gelation bath, with calcium carbonate as the gas‐generating compound (added at different ratios in the alginate/extract mixture). The effect of acetic acid concentration (2 and 10%, v/v) in the gelation medium was investigated. Increasing the carbonate : alginate weigh ratio from 0 to 3:4 resulted in different degrees of floatability, larger particles, higher encapsulation efficiency, and lower amount of ACN released. The power law equation fitted the experimental data well, indicating that release occurred mainly by diffusion. This is the first time floating microspheres are proposed as gastroretentive platforms for the delivery of ACNs.
Soil‐Geomorphology and Micromorphology of a Natufian Depositional Record at El‐Wad Terrace, Mount Carmel, Israel
Authors: Tsatskin Alexander , Yeshurun Reuven , Kaufman Daniel , Weinstein‐Evron Mina
Published: December 2016

The Natufian sequence at the site of el‐Wad Terrace (EWT) shows a complex depositional record derived from intertwined soil‐geomorphic and human processes. In order to identify site formation processes at EWT, we analyzed gravel composition, its distribution within the stratigraphic sequence, and micromorphology of both fine‐grained material and gravel rims. The fine deposits within the EWT sequence are magnetically enhanced anthropogenic sediments mixed with a colluvial component. They contain miniscule burnt bones, charcoal, and calcareous aggregates reminiscent of reworked ash. The constructed stone floors in the earlier Early Natufian (ca. 15.0–13.7/13.0 ka) are largely covered by crusts on their undersides. In thin sections, the crusts exhibit a sequence of thin phosphate coatings directly overlying limestone calcite followed by clayey and secondary pedogenic calcite on the outer side. The expected post‐depositional erosion of floors was likely hampered by their cementation resulting from pedogenic calcite redeposition. The major break in coarse deposition appears to have occurred in the later Early Natufian occupation phase marked by low rate of scree formation.
Acquisition or greenfield entry into Africa? Responding to institutional dynamics in an emerging continent
Authors: Chen Ruiyuan , Cui Lin , Li Sali , Rolfe Robert
Published: December 2016

Research Summary

Foreign direct investment establishment mode literature has focused on the impact of unidimensional measures of institutional status, despite that institutional environments in emerging economies undergo substantial and continuous changes in multiple dimensions. This study integrates the dynamic institution‐based view with the theoretical construct of institutional competitive advantages to examine the heterogeneous strategic responses of investing firms to host country institutional dynamics. Empirical results from 2,245 FDIs into Africa during the period 2008–2013 show that multinational enterprises MNEs are more likely to adopt: (1) a greenfield mode in countries with rapid development of formal institutions; and (2) an acquisition mode in countries with rapid development of factor markets. Moreover, the regional experience of MNEs strengthens the first effect, while the institutional ties strengthen both effects.

Managerial summary

The dynamic development of a host country's institutional and factor market conditions is a critical consideration for multinational enterprises when entering emerging countries. By studying 2,245 foreign direct investments into Africa during the period 2008–2013, we find that MNEs are more likely to enter African countries that have formal institutions that are rapidly improving via greenfield investments. This is especially true for those MNEs with prior investment experience in Africa or with local government connections. We also find that acquisition modes are more likely to be adopted in African countries with rapidly improving factor market conditions, especially by MNEs with local government connections. We promote a dynamic perspective for MNEs for assessing business opportunities and entry modes in Africa. Copyright © 2016 Strategic Management Society.
Catch‐up via agglomeration: A study of township clusters
Authors: Jia Liangding , Li Sali , Tallman Steve , Zheng Yaqin
Published: December 2016

Research Summary

This study examines both the horizontal and the vertical dimensions of Chinese township industrial clusters in order to disentangle the determinants of catch‐up performance. By examining 87 township clusters in Jiangsu Province, we find that a cluster's competitive intensity partially mediates the relationship between cluster size and cluster performance and that the number of R&D centers and interfirm joint actions in a cluster positively affects a cluster's innovativeness which, in turn, contributes to cluster performance. Our study not only helps shed light on what strategic factors led Chinese manufacturing clusters to catch up in the global value chain, but our findings can be used as a basis for comparison with other types of clusters around the world.

Managerial summary

Despite the emergence of Chinese manufacturing industries over the past 30 years, little is known about how local clusters have helped Chinese firms catch up in global competition. By analyzing the performance of 87 township industrial clusters in Jiangsu Province, we find that the level of competition in a cluster mediates the relationship between cluster size and cluster performance and that a cluster's number of R&D centers and interfirm collaborations positively affect a cluster's innovativeness which, in turn, contributes to cluster performance. Our study contributes to a better understanding of cluster catch‐up strategies, helping compare and contrast the differences between clusters from developing countries and ones from developed countries. Copyright © 2016 Strategic Management Society.
Maternal guidance in at‐risk mother–child dyads: Associations with contextual variables
Authors: Briscoe Ciara , Stack Dale M. , Serbin Lisa A. , Ledingham Jane E. , Schwartzman Alex E.
Published: December 2016

The present study was designed to explore how maternal guidance (i.e., involvement and monitoring) is associated with parent‐level and contextual factors in unstructured and structured tasks. Participants were mothers who had histories of risk and disadvantage (mean age = 30.47) with their preschool‐aged children (aged 2–6 years; n males = 39, n females = 50). Maternal guidance was divided into two categories: directive (i.e., commands and command repetitions) and nondirective (i.e., queries, verbal prompts, and explanations). Results revealed that mothers with more directive guidance had higher levels of parental stress and higher levels of maternal childhood histories of social withdrawal. Furthermore, more nondirective maternal guidance was associated with higher quality of home environments. Taken together, results suggest that parenting practices are best understood in relation to contextual variables. Findings have implications for developing and implementing parenting interventions for at‐risk mothers.

Highlights

Explored the association between contextual factors (e.g., parent stress, home environment) and maternal guidance (mother's use of commands vs. hints or prompts).

Maternal guidance was assessed observationally and commands were associated with more parental stress while hints were associated with a higher quality home environment.

Understanding parents as a whole by exploring contextual factors, rather than through isolated parenting practices, may be beneficial in the application of future parenting interventions.