On the notion "strength" of coarticulation

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Entropy-induced smectic phases in rod-coil copolymers

We present a self-consistent field theory (SCFT) of semiflexible (wormlike) diblock copolymers, each consisting of a rigid and a flexible part. The segments of the polymers are otherwise identical, in particular with regard to their interactions, which are taken to be of an Onsager excluded-volume type. The theory is developed in a general three-dimensional form, as well as in a simpler one-dimensional version. Using the latter, we demonstrate that the theory predicts the formation of a partial-bilayer smectic-A phase in this system, as shown by profiles of the local density and orientational distribution functions. The phase diagram of the system, which includes the isotropic and nematic phases, is obtained in terms of the mean density and rigid-rod fraction of each molecule. The nematic-smectic transition is found to be second order. Since the smectic phase is induced solely by the difference in the rigidities, the onset of smectic ordering is shown to be an entropic effect and therefore does not have to rely on additional Flory-Huggins-type repulsive interactions between unlike chain segments. These findings are compared with other recent SCFT studies of similar copolymer models and with computer simulations of several molecular models.Comment: 13 pages, 8 figure

3D Spinodal Decomposition in the Inertial Regime

We simulate late-stage coarsening of a 3D symmetric binary fluid using a lattice Boltzmann method. With reduced lengths and times l and t respectively (scales set by viscosity, density and surface tension) our data sets cover 1 < l 100 we find clear evidence of Furukawa's inertial scaling (l ~ t^{2/3}), although the crossover from the viscous regime (l ~ t) is very broad. Though it cannot be ruled out, we find no indication that Re is self-limiting (l ~ t^{1/2}) as proposed by M. Grant and K. R. Elder [Phys. Rev. Lett. 82, 14 (1999)].Comment: 4 pages, 3 eps figures, RevTex, minor changes to bring in line with published version. Mobility values added to Table

Tests of Dynamical Scaling in 3-D Spinodal Decomposition

We simulate late-stage coarsening of a 3-D symmetric binary fluid. With reduced units l,t (with scales set by viscosity, density and surface tension) our data extends two decades in t beyond earlier work. Across at least four decades, our own and others' individual datasets (< 1 decade each) show viscous hydrodynamic scaling (l ~ a + b t), but b is not constant between runs as this scaling demands. This betrays either the unexpected intrusion of a discretization (or molecular) lengthscale, or an exceptionally slow crossover between viscous and inertial regimes.Comment: Submitted to Phys. Rev.

Analysis of a spatial Lotka-Volterra model with a finite range predator-prey interaction

We perform an analysis of a recent spatial version of the classical Lotka-Volterra model, where a finite scale controls individuals' interaction. We study the behavior of the predator-prey dynamics in physical spaces higher than one, showing how spatial patterns can emerge for some values of the interaction range and of the diffusion parameter.Comment: 7 pages, 7 figure

Reducing publication delay to improve the efficiency and impact of conservation science.

Evidence-based decision-making is most effective with comprehensive access to scientific studies. If studies face significant publication delays or barriers, the useful information they contain may not reach decision-makers in a timely manner. This represents a potential problem for mission-oriented disciplines where access to the latest data is required to ensure effective actions are undertaken. We sought to analyse the severity of publication delay in conservation science-a field that requires urgent action to prevent the loss of biodiversity. We used the Conservation Evidence database to assess the length of publication delay (time from finishing data collection to publication) in the literature that tests the effectiveness of conservation interventions. From 7,447 peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed studies of conservation interventions published over eleven decades, we find that the raw mean publication delay was 3.2 years (±2SD = 0.1) and varied by conservation subject. A significantly shorter delay was observed for studies focused on Bee Conservation, Sustainable Aquaculture, Management of Captive Animals, Amphibian Conservation, and Control of Freshwater Invasive Species (Estimated Marginal Mean range from 1.4-1.9 years). Publication delay was significantly shorter for the non-peer-reviewed literature (Estimated Marginal Mean delay of 1.9 years ± 0.2) compared to the peer-reviewed literature (i.e., scientific journals; Estimated Marginal Mean delay of 3.0 years ± 0.1). We found publication delay has significantly increased over time (an increase of ~1.2 years from 1912 (1.4 years ± 0.2) to 2020 (2.6 years ± 0.1)), but this change was much weaker and non-significant post-2000s; we found no evidence for any decline. There was also no evidence that studies on more threatened species were subject to a shorter delay-indeed, the contrary was true for mammals, and to a lesser extent for birds. We suggest a range of possible ways in which scientists, funders, publishers, and practitioners can work together to reduce delays at each stage of the publication process

Terrestrial Mammal Conservation

"Terrestrial Mammal Conservation provides a thorough summary of the available scientific evidence of what is known, or not known, about the effectiveness of all of the conservation actions for wild terrestrial mammals across the world (excluding bats and primates, which are covered in separate synopses). Actions are organized into categories based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature classifications of direct threats and conservation actions. Over the course of fifteen chapters, the authors consider interventions as wide ranging as creating uncultivated margins around fields, prescribed burning, setting hunting quotas and removing non-native mammals. This book is written in an accessible style and is designed to be an invaluable resource for anyone concerned with the practical conservation of terrestrial mammals. The authors consulted an international group of terrestrial mammal experts and conservationists to produce this synopsis. Funding was provided by the MAVA Foundation, Arcadia and National Geographic Big Cats Initiative. Terrestrial Mammal Conservation is the seventeenth publication in the Conservation Evidence Series, linked to the online resource www.ConservationEvidence.com. Conservation Evidence Synopses are designed to promote a more evidence-based approach to biodiversity conservation. Others in the series include Bat Conservation, Primate Conservation, Bird Conservation and Forest Conservation and more are in preparation. Expert assessment of the evidence summarised within synopses is provided online and within the annual publication What Works in Conservation.