bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neutral and zwitterionic dopamine species adsorbed on silver surfaces: A DFT investigation of interaction mechanism
Authors: Rossi‐Fernández Ana C. , Meier Lorena A. , Castellani Norberto J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBiomolecules nondissociative adsorption on noble metals is a key process in metallic biosensors implying several questions related to the stability and orientation of such molecules. Here, the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) adsorption on silver surface is investigated in the context of density functional theory (DFT). Two different dopamine isomers, the neutral (NDA) and zwitterionic (ZDA) species, and two different silver surfaces, Ag (110) and Ag(111), were considered. NDA shows relatively large binding energies, compared to previously studied π‐π bonded systems. ZDA adsorbs even much more strongly although this species is less stable than NDA in vacuum. To elucidate the nature of the interaction between adsorbate and substrate, an electronic structure analysis was performed. Adsorbed NDA species suffers the loss of electronic charge, accompanied by a downshift of its molecular levels and the appearance of an attractive interaction of coulombic nature between adsorbate and substrate. The significant ZDA binding can be related to larger electron transfer and coupling between ZDA and Ag orbitals. Moreover, for both species, an important contribution of attractive noncovalent interactions of different degrees can be observed. The Ag substrate produces several modifications on NDA and ZDA vibrational frequencies. Noticeably relevant are the large red/blue shifts undergone by the N‐H/O‐H stretching bands of zwitterionic species, of up to −670/+430 cm−1.
Multistage bayesian autonomy for high‐precision operation in a large field
Authors: Hodges Jonathan , Attia Tamer , Arukgoda Janindu , Kang Changkoo , Cowden Mickey , Doan Luan , Ranasinghe Ravindra , Abdelatty Karim , Dissanayake Gamini , Furukawa Tomonari 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis paper presents a generalized multistage bayesian framework to enable an autonomous robot to complete high‐precision operations on a static target in a large field. The proposed framework consists of two multistage approaches, capable of dealing with the complexity of high‐precision operation in a large field to detect and localize the target. In the multistage localization, locations of the robot and the target are estimated sequentially when the target is far away from the robot, whereas these locations are estimated simultaneously when the target is close. A level of confidence (LOC) for each detection criterion of a sensor and the associated probability of detection (POD) of the sensor are defined to make the target detectable with different LOCs at varying distances. Differential entropies of the robot and target are used as a precision metric for evaluating the performance of the proposed approach. The proposed multistage observation and localization approaches were applied to scenarios using an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Results with the UGV in simulated environments and then real environments show the effectiveness of the proposed approaches to real‐world problems. A successful demonstration using the UAV is also presented.
Visible Light TiO2 Photocatalyst Composite Based on Carbon Microfiber Derived from Human Hair
Authors: Basheer Esmail A. M. , Abdulbari Hayder A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe present work reports titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst composite based on human hair that can operate efficiently under visible light. The human hair melanin structure contains active sites, which can be described as a carbon compound derived from a Quinone where one of two oxygen atoms is bonded to a hydrogen radical and that can be reversibly photogenerated under visible or ultraviolet irradiation. The human hair‐derived microfibers (HHDMs) were created by the pyrolyzing hair at 850 °C, resulting in a rod‐like hollow structure. TiO2 was immobilized on the pyrolyzed hair by a simple self‐template method. The resulting composite was calcined at five different temperatures (150 to 350 °C). The HHDM and HHDM‐TiO2 morphologies and the chemical compositions were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD). The HHDM‐TiO2 photocatalytic efficiency in degrading methylene blue was investigated and compared to that of a conventional TiO2 catalyst (P25). HHDM‐TiO2 was more effective for methylene blue degradation under visible light than the conventional P25 catalyst suspension due to the unique photosensitivity and porous structure of the composite. The catalyst calcined at 300 °C showed the best performance, which was 71% higher than that of the P25 catalyst.
PEGylation Quaternary (Triphenyl‐) Phosphonium Tosylate: A Class of Promising Carriers for Drug Delivery and Gene Delivery?
Authors: Wu Haiwei , Lai Xuexu , Li Zhou , Gu Liuqun , Ao Ningjian 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA new class of PEGylation quaternary (triphenyl‐) phosphonium tosylate (PQPT) was synthesized with different length of polyethylene glycol chain; the procedure is chromatography‐free and practical for large scale synthesis. All PQPTs are soluble in water and showed good anti‐bacterial activity. Particularly, cytotoxicity study on NIH 3T3 cell lines indicated PQPT with PEG750 does not inhibit cell proliferation even at relatively high concentration of 6 mg/ml. The observed excellent binding ability of quaternary (triphenyl‐) phosphonium centre with drug Fluorouracil and the low cytotoxicity in healthy cell lines make PQPTs promising candidates as carriers for drug/gene delivery targeting cells’ mitochondria.
Oxidative Biphasic Depolymerization (BPD) of Kraft Lignin at Low pH
Authors: Bjelić Saša , Garbuio Luca , Arturi Katarzyna R. , van Bokhoven Jeroen A. , Jeschke Gunnar , Vogel Frédéric 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn this work, we systematically investigated factors governing catalytic oxidation of Kraft lignin in a biphasic system at acidic conditions. The process is designated biphasic depolymerization (BPD) and is based on the concept of protective extraction of the target molecules from the reactive aqueous phase containing catalysts into an inert organic phase. The aim is to prevent over‐oxidation, one of the main causes of decreased yields of high‐value monomeric aromatics from depolymerization of lignin. Vanillin, a typical and commercially relevant product of lignin oxidation, was chosen as an indicator for understanding which factors impact the process. The conversion in water/octanol mixtures was shown to be more effective than in a monophasic system at corresponding conditions showing the proof of concept for BPD. A set of conversion conditions maximizing the yields of the target molecule was identified (T=170 °C, t=60 min, pO2=5 MPa). The presence of the oxidative catalyst (CuSO4) did not influence the conversion. The contributions of oxidation and acidolysis of lignin were assessed to be approx. 60 and 40%, respectively. Based on the results, a strategy for optimizing BPD, a promising technique for valorization of technical lignins in acidic media, is laid out.
College students' daily coping, mood, and quality of life: Benefits of problem‐focused engagement
Authors: Shermeyer Leaha , Morrow Michael T. , Mediate Nicholas 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn this short communication, we investigated the relations of daily coping, mood, and quality of life in college students (n = 74) over seven consecutive days (n = 510). Specifically, we tested whether four types of daily coping (problem‐focused engagement, problem‐focused disengagement, emotion‐focused engagement, and emotion‐focused disengagement) were associated with three aspects of daily functioning (negative mood, positive mood, and quality of life). In a single multilevel multivariate regression model, we examined the day‐to‐day relations of the four coping strategies with mood and quality of life, while controlling for perceived stress. Results largely supported our hypotheses, such that problem‐focused engagement was linked to lower negative mood and higher positive mood and quality of daily life, whereas the three other types of coping were negatively related or unrelated to daily functioning. These findings provide support for the benefits of problem‐focused engagement in coping with everyday stressors of life as a college student, and implications for psychotherapy and counselling are discussed.
Salmonid Conservation in an Invaded Lake: Changing Outcomes of Predator Removal with Introduction of Nonnative Prey
Authors: Shephard Samuel , Delanty Karen , O'Grady Martin , Kelly Fiona 
Published: November 2018

AbstractCulling of predators is a traditional tool in inland fisheries management. There is a long history of removing Northern Pike Esox lucius from certain Irish lakes in an attempt to enhance Brown Trout Salmo trutta fisheries. In recent decades, some of these systems have experienced ongoing warming, eutrophication, and the establishment of large populations of a nonnative cyprinid, the Roach Rutilus rutilus. Availability of this abundant new fish prey resource may have modified predator–prey interactions between Northern Pike and Brown Trout and consequently the potential efficacy of Northern Pike removal as a trout fisheries management tool. Statistical analysis of long‐term fish survey data (1978–2015) and Northern Pike removal data (1980–2014) from Lough Sheelin, Ireland, indicated that the Northern Pike diet (stomach contents) changed significantly after the Roach invasion. There was a strong reduction in the proportion of Northern Pike stomachs containing trout, and the incidence of Roach in Northern Pike stomachs increased. Northern Pike removal was found to have a generally positive effect on abundance of Brown Trout in the following year, but this positive effect became neutral or negative at intermediate and peak levels of Roach abundance (>33rd percentile of annual survey CPUE). Brown Trout abundance also declined in years of high chlorophyll‐a concentration. Removal of top predators may have unanticipated effects on target fish stocks in systems with multiple anthropogenic pressures.
Student‐Created Book Basket Labels: An Innovative, Culturally Sustaining Literacy Practice
Authors: Nash Kindel , Panther Leah , Elson Kerry 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA century of research has shown that culturally relevant, responsive, and sustaining literacy teaching is essential to teaching all students well and is especially crucial for students of color, who most often attend urban schools. The authors share one innovative and culturally sustaining literacy practice that critically centers kindergarten and first‐grade students’ agency and language knowledge in writing and drawing labels for their classroom book baskets. When students create labels for their classroom books, they not only take ownership of their classroom library but are also positioned as real readers and real writers who are active and innovative communicators, writers, and readers of everyday texts that represent their diverse lives and experiences.
Maturation of pre‐40S particles in yeast and humans
Authors: Cerezo Emilie , Plisson‐Chastang Célia , Henras Anthony K. , Lebaron Simon , Gleizes Pierre‐Emmanuel , O'Donohue Marie‐Françoise , Romeo Yves , Henry Yves 
Published: November 2018

The synthesis of ribosomal subunits in eukaryotes requires the interplay of numerous maturation and assembly factors (AFs) that intervene in the insertion of ribosomal proteins within pre‐ribosomal particles, the ribosomal subunit precursors, as well as in pre‐ribosomal RNA (rRNA) processing and folding. Here, we review the intricate nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation steps of pre‐40S particles, the precursors to the small ribosomal subunits, in both yeast and human cells, with particular emphasis on the timing and mechanisms of AF association with and dissociation from pre‐40S particles and the roles of these AFs in the maturation process. We highlight the particularly complex pre‐rRNA processing pathway in human cells, compared to yeast, to generate the mature 18S rRNA. We discuss the information gained from the recently published cryo‐electron microscopy atomic models of yeast and human pre‐40S particles, as well as the checkpoint/quality control systems that seem to operate to probe functional sites within yeast cytoplasmic pre‐40S particles.This article is categorized under:
RNA Processing > rRNA Processing
Translation > Ribosome Biogenesis
Earth Observations based Conservation Prioritization in Western Ghats, India
Authors: Reddy C. Sudhakar , Jha C. S. , Dadhwal V. K. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT
Earth Observation with large suite of sensors and with capabilities to address natural resources at multiple scales has proven to be a critical resource in setting conservation priorities of a region. The role of earth observation data was recognized towards achieving international biodiversity targets by 2020. Ecosystem irreplaceability and ecosystem vulnerability are two concepts key to understanding and preparing conservation priority maps. This study presents spatial conservation prioritization analysis for forests of ‘Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot’. Earth observation data products have been used for prioritization of areas of irreplaceability and vulnerability that are significant for conservation planning. The spatial surrogates of biodiversity in terms of very dense forest, biological richness, intactness and rarity of habitat are analyzed for evaluation of ecosystem irreplaceability. Fragmentation, forest fires, plant invasion and disturbance index are surrogates included for spatial analysis of ecosystem vulnerability. Vegetation type wise analysis indicates dry deciduous forests are under high vulnerability, followed by moist deciduous forests. The high concentration of irreplaceability is observed in Shola followed by wet evergreen forests and semi-evergreen forests. Spatial prioritization approach has identified about 18% of the forest area as irreplaceable which represents overlapped area of very dense forest, shola, intact forest and high biological richness. We observed that the overlap of forest areas of irreplaceability with vulnerability in southern Western Ghats, which needs high priority of conservation. This study is the first of its kind wherein multi-source earth observation data has been analysed to examine the quantitative criteria at regional level in Western Ghats.
River Discharge, Major Ion Chemistry and Sediment Transport of the Bharathapuzha River, Southwest India: Implications on Catchment Erosion
Authors: Padmalal D. , Sreelash K. , Raj Vipin T. , Sajan K. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT
The present study deals with the discharge characteristics, major ion chemistry as well as particulate and dissolved sediment transport of the Bharathapuzha river flowing across the Western Ghats through the Palghat gap - a prominent break in the Western Ghats that acts as a climate corridor in the region. While the western part of the basin in Kerala exhibits a wetter/humid climate, the eastern part in Tamil Nadu experiences a semi-arid climate. This peculiar climatic condition together with human interventions has a decisive role on the discharge characteristics as well as catchment erosion of the river basin. The dissolved and particulate contents of the river waters were found to be directly related to the geo-environmental settings of the river catchments. An inter-comparison of elemental loading in the river waters in different seasons reveals notable decrease in monsoon compared to non-monsoon seasons, which is attributed mainly to dilution of the solute contents by monsoon precipitation. The bivariate plots of Na/ (Na+Ca) vs Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Cl/(Cl+HCO3) vs TDS spread generally in the rock dominance sector of Gibb’s model indicating the role of chemical weathering in contributing to the major ion chemistry of the Bharathapuzha river. The intensity of weathering varied significantly among the different sub-basins of the Bharathapuzha river basin. The higher particulate load by dissolved load ratio of the Thuthapuzha and Gayathripuzha tributaries draining the humid areas compared to the Chitturpuzha tributary draining the semi-arid zones of the basin indicates the predominance of physical weathering in the former two sub-basins than the latter.
Water and Organic Carbon Cycles in Monsoon-driven Humid Tropics of the Western Ghats Mountain Belt, India: Insights from Stable Isotope Approach
Authors: Tripti M. , Gurumurthy G. P. , Lambs L. , Riotte J. , Balakrishna K. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT
The Western Ghats form a major mountain belt, next to the Himalayas, in controlling the flux of water and carbon to the northern Indian Ocean. This study attempts to understand the water and carbon cycles in two humid tropical river basins with its streams originating at higher altitudes of the Western Ghats, India. Water and suspended particulate matter (SPM) were collected on a monthly scale during summer monsoon season (June-September) from Swarna and Nethravati rivers draining into the Arabian Sea. For the source apportionment, samples have been measured for stable isotopes of oxygen (δ18O) and hydrogen (δ2H) in water and stable isotopes of carbon (δ13CPOC) in particulate organic matter (POM) at spatial scale from tributaries and main channel of rivers, and runoff water from agricultural land (dominant paddy field) and forest in the downstream region. The association between δ18O and deuterium-excess in river water and rain water shows that water in these tropical basins depicts rain-out effect of marine source moisture during the onset of summer monsoon. As the monsoon intensifies, the fresher rain water replenishes older water stored previously in sub surface soil layer leading to its flushing into the river during summer monsoon season. Stable carbon isotope ratio and elemental ratio of POM (δ13CPOC = -27.1 ± 0.4 ‰ and C/N = 8.1 ± 1.7) in two humid tropical river water during summer monsoon season is an admixture of suspended particulates from runoff water of forest (δ13CPOC = - 27.82 ± 0.4 ‰) and agricultural land (δ13CPOC = -26.29 ± 0.4 ‰). It is found that δ13CPOC shows minimal variability with SPM content and C/N ratio within the same organic carbon pool. The study emphasizes the need to consider the agricultural runoff contribution to the rivers while establishing the global elemental budget and observing the global climate change.
Coastal Morphology and Long-term Shoreline Changes along the Southwest Coast of India
Authors: Nair L. Sheela , Prasad R. , Rafeeque M. K. , Prakash T. N. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT
The part of southwest coast of India extending from Poovar in the south to Kasaragod in the north is considered as one of the highly dynamic coastal areas of Indian peninsula. Over the years due to rapid urbanization as well as other natural and anthropogenic activities, the coast is under severe pressure which in turn has reduced the percentage status of healthy / stable coast. Unscientific shoreline protection methods adopted without conducting appropriate studies to assess the suitability of the said method to a particular coastal stretch has often led to negative impacts. As a result, many areas that were once stable have turned eroding and in certain cases, the observed extent of erosion is severe warranting immediate protection measures. In this context, a study was carried out to assess the long-term shoreline changes along the southwest coast and to decipher the causative factors responsible for these changes. Accordingly, a 46 year period from 1968 to 2014 was studied using multi-dated shoreline images and Survey of India (SOI) topographic charts. The DSAS software (USGS) is used to compute the rate of shoreline changes along different sectors of the coast and accordingly the entire coastal stretch is classified into 7 classes depicting the present status (stable / dynamically stable / unstable) of the coast. The analysis revealed that almost 60 % of the coastline is eroding with about 29 % showing an accreting trend.
Hydroclimatological Perspective of the Kerala Flood of 2018
Authors: Mishra Vimal , Shah Harsh L. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT
Flood is among the deadliest disasters in India, and the frequency of floods and extreme precipitation events is projected to increase under the warming climate. The frequency of floods in India varies geographically as some regions are more prone to floods than the others. The Kerala flood of 2018 caused enormous economic damage, affected millions of people, and resulted in the death of more than 400 people. Here we provide a hydro-climatological perspective on the Kerala flood of 2018. Using the observations and model simulations from the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model, we show that the 2018 extreme precipitation and runoff conditions that caused flooding were unprecedented in the record of the past 66 years (1951-2017). Our results show that mean monsoon precipitation has significantly declined while air temperature has significantly increased during 1951-2017 in Kerala. The drying and warming trends during the monsoon season resulted in a declined total runoff in large part of the state in the last 66 years. Apart from the mean hydroclimatic conditions, extreme precipitation, and extreme total runoff have also declined from 1951 to 2017. However, 1 and 2-day extreme precipitation and extreme runoff conditions in August 2018 exceeded substantially from the long-term 95th percentiles recorded during 1951-2017. Since there is no increase in mean and extreme precipitation in Kerala over the last six decades, the extreme event during August 2018 is likely to be driven by anomalous atmospheric conditions due to climate variability rather anthropogenic climate warming. The severity of the Kerala flood of 2018 and the damage caused might be affected by several factors including land use/land cover change, antecedent hydrologic conditions, reservoir storage and operations, encroachment of flood plains, and other natural factors. The impacts of key drivers (anthropogenic and natural) on flood severity need to be established to improve our understanding of floods and associated damage.
Skin Color and Social Mobility: Evidence From Mexico
Authors: Campos-Vazquez Raymundo M. , Medina-Cortina Eduardo M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn many Latin American countries, census data on race and skin color are scarce or nonexistent. In this study, we contribute to understanding how skin color affects intergenerational social mobility in Mexico. Using a novel data set, we provide evidence of profound social stratification by skin color, even after controlling for specific individual characteristics that previous work has not been able to include, such as individual cognitive and noncognitive abilities, parental education and wealth, and measures of stress and parenting style in the home of origin. Results indicate that people in the lightest skin color category have an average of 1.4 additional years of schooling and 53 % more in hourly earnings than their darkest-skinned counterparts. Social mobility is also related to skin color. Individuals in the darkest category are 20 percentile ranks lower in the current wealth distribution than those in the lightest category, conditional on parental wealth. In addition, results of a quantile regression indicate that the darkest group shows higher downward mobility.