bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Benefits of Active Video Games for Educational and Physical Activity Approaches: A Systematic Review
Authors: Merino Campos Carlos , del Castillo Fernández Héctor 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
This article sets out to conduct a systematic review of the current literature on active video games as potential educational tools for physical education or physical activity. To begin with, research on active video games for educational and physical purposes has been examined with the purpose of verifying improvement of attitudes, intellectual skills, knowledge, motor skills and physical properties associated with physical activity and physical education. A second aim will be to determine the effectiveness of active video games compared with traditional approaches to physical activity. From this perspective, a systematic literature search from relevant international databases was conducted from January to July 2015 in order to find papers published in journals or conference proceedings from January 2010 onwards. Then, 2648 references were identified in database searches and 100 of these papers met the inclusion criteria. Two main conclusions are to be drawn from this research. Firstly, controlled studies demonstrate that active video games increase capacities in relation to physical activity and education. Secondly, Research also shows that physical activity interventions designed and measured using behavioural theories are more likely to be successful in comparison with traditional exercise activities.
Using practical and social information to influence flood adaptation behavior
Authors: Allaire Maura C. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAs the prospect for more frequent and severe extreme weather events gains scientific support, many nations are evaluating mitigation and adaptation options. Insurance and home retrofits could reduce household welfare losses due to flood events. Yet even after disasters, households often fail to take risk mitigation actions. This paper presents the first randomized field experiment that tests the effect of information provision on household uptake of flood insurance and home retrofits. A sample of 364 flood‐prone households in Bangkok was randomly split into treatment and control groups. The treatment group received practical details on home retrofits and flood insurance as well as social information regarding the insurance purchase decisions of peers. Results indicate that the information intervention increased insurance purchases by about five percentage points, while no effect was detected for home retrofits. This effect is nearly equal to the increase in uptake that the national insurance program in Thailand has achieved through all other means since its establishment in 2012. If scaled up to include all uninsured, flood‐prone households in Bangkok, nearly 70,000 additional households could be insured. The results suggest that well‐designed information interventions could increase uptake of flood insurance, without additional premium subsidies or mandates.
A snapshot of internal waves and hydrodynamic instabilities in the southern Bay of Bengal
Authors: Lozovatsky Iossif , Wijesekera Hemantha , Jarosz Ewa , Lilover Madis‐Jaak , Pirro Annunziata , Silver Zachariah , Centurioni Luca , Fernando H. J. S. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractMeasurements conducted in the southern Bay of Bengal (BoB) as a part of the ASIRI‐EBoB Program portray the characteristics of high‐frequency internal waves in the upper pycnocline as well as the velocity structure with episodic events of shear instability. A 20 h time series of CTD, ADCP, and acoustic backscatter profiles down to 150 m as well as temporal CTD measurements in the pycnocline at
= 54 m were taken to the east of Sri Lanka. Internal waves of periods ∼10–40 min were recorded at all depths below a shallow (∼20–30 m) surface mixed layer in the background of an 8 m amplitude internal tide. The absolute values of vertical displacements associated with high‐frequency waves followed the Nakagami distribution with a median value of 2.1 m and a 95% quintile 6.5 m. The internal wave amplitudes are normally distributed. The tails of the distribution deviate from normality due to episodic high‐amplitude displacements. The sporadic appearance of internal waves with amplitudes exceeding ∼5 m usually coincided with patches of low Richardson numbers, pointing to local shear instability as a possible mechanism of internal‐wave‐induced turbulence. The probability of shear instability in the summer BoB pycnocline based on an exponential distribution of the inverse Richardson number, however, appears to be relatively low, not exceeding 4% for Ri < 0.25 and about 10% for Ri < 0.36 (K‐H billows). The probability of the generation of asymmetric breaking internal waves and Holmboe instabilities is above ∼25%.
Assessment of net community production and calcification of a coral reef using a boundary layer approach
Authors: Takeshita Yuichiro , McGillis Wade , Briggs Ellen M. , Carter Amanda L. , Donham Emily M. , Martz Todd R. , Price Nichole N. , Smith Jennifer E. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractCoral reefs are threatened worldwide, and there is a need to develop new approaches to monitor reef health under natural conditions. Because simultaneous measurements of net community production (NCP) and net community calcification (NCC) are used as important indicators of reef health, tools are needed to assess them in situ. Here we present the Benthic Ecosystem and Acidification Measurement System (BEAMS) to provide the first fully autonomous approach capable of sustained, simultaneous measurements of reef NCP and NCC under undisturbed, natural conditions on time scales ranging from tens of minutes to weeks. BEAMS combines the chemical and velocity gradient in the benthic boundary layer to quantify flux from the benthos for a variety of parameters to measure NCP and NCC. Here BEAMS was used to measure these rates from two different sites with different benthic communities on the western reef terrace at Palmyra Atoll for 2 weeks in September 2014. Measurements were made every ∼15 min. The trends in metabolic rates were consistent with the benthic communities between the two sites with one dominated by fleshy organisms and the other dominated by calcifiers (degraded and healthy reefs, respectively). This demonstrates the potential utility of BEAMS as a reef health monitoring tool. NCP and NCC were tightly coupled on time scales of minutes to days, and light was the primary driver for the variability of daily integrated metabolic rates. No correlation between CO2 levels and daily integrated NCC was observed, indicating that NCC at these sites were not significantly affected by CO2.
Revisiting salt marsh resilience to sea level rise: Are ponds responsible for permanent land loss?
Authors: Mariotti G. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractPonds are unvegetated rounded depressions commonly present on marsh platforms. The role of ponds on the long‐term morphological evolution of tidal marshes is unclear—at times ponds expand but eventually recover the marsh platform, at other times ponds never recover and lead to permanent marsh loss. Existing field observations indicate that episodic disturbances of the marsh vegetation cause the formation of small (1–10 m) isolated ponds, even if the vegetated platform keeps pace with relative sea level rise (RSLR) and that isolated ponds tend to deepen and enlarge until they eventually connect to the channel network. Here I implement a simple model to study the vertical and planform evolution of a single connected pond. A newly connected pond recovers if its bed lies above the limit for marsh plant growth or if the inorganic deposition rate is larger than the RSLR rate. A pond that cannot accrete faster than RSLR will deepen and enlarge, eventually entering a runaway erosion by wave edge retreat. A large tidal range, a large sediment supply, and a low rate of RSLR favor pond recovery. The model suggests that inorganic sediment deposition alone controls pond recovery, even in marshes where organic matter dominates accretion of the vegetated platform. As such, halting permanent marsh loss by pond collapse requires to increase inorganic sediment deposition. Because pond collapse is possible even if the vegetated platform keeps pace with RSLR, I conclude that marsh resilience to RSLR is less than previously quantified.
Foliage/atmosphere exchange of mercury in a subtropical coniferous forest in south China
Authors: Luo Yao , Duan Lei , Driscoll Charles T. , Xu Guangyi , Shao Mengshu , Taylor Mariah , Wang Shuxiao , Hao Jiming 
Published: July 2016

AbstractFoliage/atmosphere exchange is an important pathway of deposition and loss in the biogeochemical mercury (Hg) cycle of terrestrial ecosystems. The foliage/atmosphere fluxes of Hg0 were observed over four seasons in a Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) forest in south China. Hg0 exchange showed a bidirectional process but without clear compensation point. Hg0 emissions peaked midday in all four seasons, probably associated with Hg photoreduction on needle surface. Peaks in Hg0 adsorption/deposition often occurred in the morning, especially in spring and autumn. Although current‐year needles accumulated Hg at a rate of 19.4 µg m−2 yr−1, they were a net Hg0 source of 1.7 µg m−2 yr−1 to the atmosphere as their release of Hg exceeded inputs. In addition, previous‐year needles emitted Hg0 at an average rate of 9.2 µg m−2 yr−1. Based on the mass balance of Hg in the forest canopy, the dry deposition of Hg was estimated 52.5 µg m−2 yr−1, much higher than the wet deposition (to 14.4 µg m−2 yr−1). Although Hg in the atmosphere is considered the main source of Hg in folia, soil water may contribute to Hg0 emission by plant transpiration. These processes should be further studied in the future.
K
ranz Anatomy and the

C
4

Pathway
Authors: Garner Drake MG , Mure Christopher M , Yerramsetty Pradeep , Berry James O 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

C
4
photosynthesis incorporates novel leaf anatomy, metabolic specialisations and modified gene expression. C
4
plants typically possess a distinctive Kranz leaf anatomy consisting of two photosynthetic cell types. These are bundle sheath (BS) cells that surround the vascular centres, and mesophyll (M) cells that, in turn, surround the BS cells. A more rare form uses compartmentalisation of dimorphic chloroplasts within a single cell type. In C
4
leaves, these structural frameworks functionally separate two sets of carboxylation and decarboxylation reactions. Selective expression of key photosynthesis genes in BS and M cells leads to specific accumulation of key photosynthetic enzymes which catalyse different sets of cell‐type‐specific reactions, enabling these plants to assimilate atmospheric CO
2
with very high efficiency. For some plants, C
4
photosynthesis has facilitated their adaptation to arid conditions, high temperatures and marginal environments. Understanding the basis of this pathway has applications for improvements in agricultural productivity and alternative fuel development.

Key Concepts

C
4
photosynthesis is a carbon concentration mechanism used by some plants to improve the efficiency of photosynthetic carbon fixation.

C
4
photosynthesis incorporates modified leaf morphology, separation of carboxylation and decarboxylation/refixation steps of carbon assimilation, and specialised patterns of cell‐type‐specific gene expression.

The leaves of most C
4
plants possess a Kranz‐type anatomy consisting of bundle sheath and mesophyll cells. A more rare form of this pathway, called single‐cell C
4
, uses partitioning of dimorphic chloroplasts to separate different sets of reactions within a single leaf cell type.

In C
4
leaves, Rubisco is localised only within internalised bundle sheath cells, or internalised chloroplasts, to protect from atmospheric O
2
and limit the oxygenase activity of this enzyme. The initial carbon assimilation enzyme in these leaves is PEPCase, which incorporates CO
2
but not O
2
.

Reactions of C
4
pathway work as a pump to concentrate CO
2
in the vicinity of the internalised Rubisco enzyme. These reduce or eliminate photorespiration, thereby enhancing photosynthetic efficiency.

C
4
plants are more efficient than C
3
plants under arid conditions, including high temperatures and water stress. C
4
plants show increased efficiency of water and nitrogen use, allowing them to outcompete C
3
plants in marginal environments.

Bioengineering of C
4
characteristics into C
3
species has the potential to improve photosynthetic efficiency in crop plants used for food and biofuel.
Protein Kinases: Physiological Roles in Cell Signalling
Authors: Cormier Kevin W. , Woodgett James R. 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

By catalysing reversible phosphorylation of their substrates, protein kinases play pleiotropic roles in cells and act as predominant arbiters in the coordination of cellular responses to their environment. Despite large variation in biological functions between kinases, there is great structural conservation across the human kinome. Besides structural aspects, substrate specificity relies on dynamic factors such as concentration, activity and localisation. This article discusses these fundamental aspects of protein kinases as related to cellular signalling while also taking note of the less commonly discussed members of the class such as pseudokinases and ectokinases. The complexity of signalling networks is demonstrated by a discussion on the crosstalk involved between the metabolic and signal transduction pathways. By having roles in such processes as cell growth, proliferation and death, protein kinases are at the centre of the regulation of the cell and therefore also at the heart of many human diseases when dysregulated.

Key Concepts

Protein kinases are enzymes that catalyse the phosphorylation of a protein substrate.

Reversible phosphorylation is a key feature of cellular signalling.

There are some highly conserved structural motifs across the human kinome despite great differences in biological functions.

Activation of a kinase is dependent upon assembly of the regulatory spine.

Structural and dynamic factors contribute to substrate selectivity.

Kinases are present both within the cell and in extracellular spaces (ectokinases).

Crosstalk with other post‐translational modifications and between other pathways makes protein kinases participants in nearly every physiological process.
Starch Biosynthesis and Degradation in Plants
Authors: Lloyd James R , Kötting Oliver 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

Starch is the main form in which plants store carbon. Its presence and turnover are important for proper plant growth and productivity. The glucose polymers that constitute the semi‐crystalline starch granule are synthesised by the concerted actions of well‐conserved classes of isoforms of starch synthase and starch‐branching enzyme, via a process that also requires the debranching enzyme isoamylase. The degradation of the granule proceeds via different pathways in different types of starch‐storing tissues. The pathway of starch degradation differs between different plant tissues, but has been elucidated in most detail in leaves. The polymer is first phosphorylated to allow access to the insoluble granule by enzymes that cleave bonds between glucose residues. The main product of this degradation is maltose, which is exported into the cytosol before a series of enzymatic steps convert it to sucrose.

Key Concepts

Starch is the main carbon store of most plants.

It is a glucose polymer that is stored as insoluble granules within plastids.

The polymer is composed of two fractions, branched amylopectin and unbranched amylose.

It is synthesised by a number of enzymes that control the amount made, as well as the amounts of amylose and amylopectin.

Starch is synthesised in leaves during the day and is mobilised at night.

The rate of leaf starch degradation at night is closely controlled by mechanisms linked to the circadian clock so that starch is eliminated just before the beginning of day.

Leaf starch degradation involves many enzymes that lead to the production of soluble sugars, mainly maltose.

Maltose is exported into the cytosol where it is converted to sucrose.

Arabidopsis plants in which starch metabolism is impaired grow poorly.

Starch synthesised in leaves is often termed transitory starch, while that in storage organs can be termed storage starch. They are different in terms of the structure of the amylose and amylopectin within them.
Plant Transposable Elements
Authors: Jiang Ning 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

Transposable elements (TEs) were first discovered by Barbara McClintock in maize. As the most abundant and dynamic component of the plant genomes, the activity of TEs is responsible for genome size expansion, alteration of gene expression, duplication and amplification of normal genes. There are many different types of elements in the plant genomes, with each of them occupying a specific niche, including genic regions, intergenic regions and centromeres. Particularly, the centromere‐specific elements may play critical roles in the formation of new plant species. Most TEs are quiescent in normal development but are turned on by various biotic or abiotic stresses, thus favouring the survival of host organisms under undesirable conditions. In addition to their roles in genome evolution, TEs can be useful tools for gene cloning, mapping and transformation.

Key Concepts

Transposable elements are the largest components of plant genomes.

They have target specificity.

Transposable elements play roles in speciation.

Transposition activity is tightly regulated.

Transposable elements influence expression of other genes.

They are genetic and molecular tools.
Early Epigenetic Origins of Adult Disease
Authors: Pinnock Adele G , Ozanne Susan E 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

Our risk of developing traditionally adult‐onset diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease is thought to be determined by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Epigenetics provides a mechanism by which our genes and the environment interact. Evidence arising from both epidemiological and animal studies has recently demonstrated a significant role for early‐life epigenetic mechanisms in the aetiology of adult diseases. Critically, epigenetic modifications have now been demonstrated to persist over multiple generations, highlighting their stability. This emphasises the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the exponential surge in the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome that has occurred in just one generation in humans. Future studies should focus further on the precise mechanisms leading to adverse epigenetic alterations that promote disease. A deeper understanding of these processes may lead to effective early‐life interventions which prevent adult‐onset diseases and improve the health of future generations.

Key Concepts

Epigenetics provides a mechanism by which our environment can interact with our genes.

Epigenetic modifications in early life are able to influence the metabolism in later life.

The early environment influences our long‐term health and risk of disease.

Epigenetic modifications may be stable and transmitted through multiple generations.

Epigenetic modifications can be modulated by the early environment.
Stoichiometry and Population Growth in Osmotrophs and Non‐Osmotrophs
Authors: Cherif Mehdi 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

Growth is a process fundamental to life. It implies an increase in not only energy and information but also matter content. Recent advances in ecology have demonstrated that the elemental composition of organisms – their stoichiometry – is inextricably linked to their growth rate. Unbalances between the demands of elements for growth and their relative availabilities often result in elemental limitation. Also, different cellular components have different elemental compositions, and thus changes in allocation between uptake and assembly machineries affect both growth rate and elemental composition at the organismal level. Osmotrophs (including autotrophs) acquire essential elements through a vast set of separate molecules, resulting in more flexible stoichiometries compared to non‐osmotrophs that ingest their preys in one package. Relationships between elemental composition and growth rate should be considered differently for individuals and for populations, as processes and mechanisms differ between the two scales, and more generally among the various biological scales.

Key Concepts

Growth for organisms is by nature a stoichiometric process that involves multiple currencies: energy, information and matter, itself made of multiple essential elements.

Most organisms are stoichiometrically homeostatic, that is, they need to keep the ratios of elements in their protoplasm within narrow limits. However, some organisms use storage structures, such as vacuoles, to further modulate their stoichiometry.

According to Liebig's law of the minimum, growth is mostly limited by the element that is in least supply compared to the demand of the growing organism.

Organisms can resort to a set of behavioural and physiological strategies when facing elemental limitation.

Osmotrophs (including autotrophs), which can regulate the stoichiometry of their diet at the uptake level, differ from non‐osmotrophs (including some large protists and all metazoans), which ingest all the essential elements at once.

Another strategy is to adapt the relative investment into cellular machineries that differ in their elemental composition, but this comes with important repercussions on cellular functions.

Excretion of the elements in excess is another strategy, but there are associated costs, too, leading to only a narrow range of diet elemental composition that optimises growth.

A priori, elemental limitation at the level of populations should differ from limitation of individual growth because of demographic processes.

Even if differences between the two biological levels are ignored, including stoichiometry into classical population models yields interesting novel predictions, confirming the importance of stoichiometry to understand the growth process.
Dehydromicrosclerodermin B and Microsclerodermin J: Total Synthesis and Structural Revision
Authors: Melikhova Ekaterina Y. , Pullin Robert D. C. , Winter Christian , Donohoe Timothy J. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe total synthesis of dehydromicrosclerodermin B and microsclerodermin J is described. Efficient approaches to the unusual amino acids in the target molecules were developed on the basis of a Negishi coupling (for Trp‐2‐CO2H) and Blaise reaction (for Pyrr). An incorrect assignment of the pyrrolidinone stereochemistry of both compounds was confirmed by synthesizing epimers of the proposed structures. The spectroscopic data of these epimers were in complete agreement with those for the naturally derived material.
Dispersion‐Force‐Assisted Disproportionation: A Stable Two‐Coordinate Copper(II) Complex
Authors: Wagner Clifton L. , Tao Lizhi , Thompson Emily J. , Stich Troy A. , Guo Jingdong , Fettinger James C. , Berben Louise A. , Britt R. David , Nagase Shigeru , Power Philip P. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe synthesis of the first linear coordinated CuII complex Cu{N(SiMe3)Dipp}2 (1 Dipp=C6H5‐2,6Pri2) and its CuI counterpart [Cu{N(SiMe3)Dipp}2]− (2) is described. The formation of 1 proceeds through a dispersion force‐driven disproportionation, and is the reaction product of a CuI halide and LiN(SiMe3)Dipp in a non‐donor solvent. The synthesis of 2 is accomplished by preventing the disproportionation into 1 by using the complexing agent 15‐crown‐5. EPR spectroscopy of 1 provides the first detailed study of a two‐coordinate transition‐metal complex indicating strong covalency in the Cu−N bonds.