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Soils store the largest amount of carbon (C) in the biosphere, and the C pool in soil is critical to the global C balance. Numerous microbial models have been developed over the last few decades to represent microbial processes that regulate the responses of soil organic carbon (SOC) to climate change. However, the representation of microbial processes varies, and how microbial processes are incorporated into SOC models has not been well explored. Here, we reviewed 71 microbial models to characterize the microbial processes incorporated into SOC models and analyzed variations in mechanistic complexity. We revealed that (a) four processes (microbial‐mediated decomposition, mineral interaction, microbial necromass recycling, and active and dormant microbial dynamics) are commonly incorporated in microbial models, (b) ∼48% of models simulate only one microbial process (i.e., microbial‐mediated decomposition) and 35% of models simulate two microbial processes: for example, microbial‐mediated decomposition and mineral interaction, (c) more than 80% microbial models use nonlinear equations, such as forward Michaelis‐Menten kinetics, to represent SOC decomposition, (d) the concept of persistence of SOC due to its intrinsic properties has been replaced by organo‐mineral interaction (∼39% of microbial models) that protects SOC from decomposition, and (e) various temperature and moisture modifiers and pH effects have been used to explain the environmental effect on microbial processes. In the future, to realistically incorporate microbial processes into Earth System Models, it is imperative to identify experimental evidence on rate limitation processes and firmly ground model structure on the field and laboratory data. Plain Language Summary: Soil stores the largest amount of carbon (C) in land ecosystems and, thus, has the potential to regulate climate change. To understand soil C processes under climate change, researchers have developed numerous microbial models that focus on the role of microorganisms in soil organic carbon (SOC) decomposition. In this study, we reviewed 71 microbial models on how microbial processes are represented for their regulation of SOC dynamics. These models commonly include four processes: microbially mediated decomposition, mineral interaction, microbial necromass recycling, and dormancy of microbial activity. More than three‐fourths of the models use nonlinear equations to describe the decomposition of SOC. The concept of SOC stability has shifted from chemical‐based properties of SOC to interactions between SOC and minerals. Our review also revealed that microbial models vary greatly in representing environmental effects, such as temperature, soil moisture, and soil pH, on microbial processes. Finally, we recommend the use of data in guiding the future development of microbial models. Key Points: More than 70 microbial models have recently been developed to simulate soil carbon dynamicsDiversity in model structures and parameters indicates uncertainty in translating current knowledge of microbial processes into modelsData‐driven model development and parameterization are highly recommended to improve the prediction of microbial models [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Length weight relationships are presented for five deep‐sea anglerfishes collected from Andaman and Nicobar waters during April 2016 using a 38 m high speed demersal trawl II (HSDT II, crustacean version, codend mesh size 40 mm). The b values ranged from 1.80 to 2.76 and the coefficient of variation (r2) ranged from 0.82 to 0.97. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Length–weight relationships (LWRs) are presented for 11 deep‐sea fishes caught in the western Bay of Bengal and Andaman waters during August 2010 using a 38 m high speed demersal trawl II (HSDT II, crustacean version, codend mesh size 40 mm) and a 45.6 m Expo model demersal trawl (codend mesh size 30 mm). The b values ranged from 2.34 to 3.3 and the coefficient of variation (r2) ranged from .82 to .98. LWR estimates of eight deep‐sea fishes are provided for the first time. The estimated LWR values were compared with the Bayesian LWR estimates available in FishBase, based on models developed to improve the accuracy and predictability of species‐specific growth parameters of data‐poor species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents for the first time the otolith morphology of nine species of deep-sea fishes. This study was based on sampling carried out on-board FORV Sagar Sampada (Cruise No 349) during March-April 2016, along the continental margin of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal using high speed demersal trawl. Unbroken (complete) otoliths from Polymixia fusca Kotthaus, 1970, Neoepinnula orientalis (Gilchrist & von Bonde 1924), Chlorophthalmus nigromarginatus (Kamohara, 1953), Cubiceps baxteri (McCulloch, 1923), Bembrops caudimacula (Steindachner, 1876), Neoscopelus microchir (Matsubara, 1943), Ostracoberyx dorygenis Fowler, 1934, Synagrops japonicus (Döderlein, 1883), and Bathyclupea hoskynii Alcock 1891) were used for this study. Length-weight relationships (LWR) and the regression between otolith size (width, weight, area and perimeter) and fish length (TL) of nine deep-sea Fishes were considered. Numerical relationships derived from the relationship between otolith size and the fish can be used as predictors to estimate the prey size as well as to understand trophic relations and food web dynamics of these hitherto unexamined deep-sea ichthyofauna. LWR showed negative allometric otolith growth in five species; four species showed positive allometric growth. Otolith size to fish size ( TL) relation is explained by a simple linear regression considering otolith width ( OW), otolith weight ( OWe), otolith area ( OA) and otolith perimeter ( OP). Stronger r2 values (>.76) indicate robustness, except for Cubiceps baxteri ( r2 = .65), and give better estimates for the TL of the fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT We have investigated the effect of ion implantation on structural modification and the electrical conductivity of Bakelite-resistive plate chamber (RPC) detector material used in high energy physics experiments. Samples of Bakelite polymer were exposed to 100 keV and 150 keV oxygen ions in the fluence of 1012 to 1015 ions cm−2. Ion implantation induced microstructural changes have been studied using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared techniques. Positron lifetime parameters viz., o-Ps lifetime and its intensity showed formation of radicals, secondary ions due to the creation of interior tracks by high-energy ions followed by chain scission at lower fluence of 100 keV implantation. The decreased free volume size at 150 keV ion implantation is an indication of crosslinking and filling up of interior tracks by the implanted ions. Variation of ac conductivity with frequency obeys Jonscher power law at 100 keV and the conduction mechanism is explained by barrier hopping model. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44962. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to estimate a prey body size from the hard parts (e.g. otoliths) of a fish species frequently found in the guts of predators. Length-weight relationships between otolith size (length, height, weight and aspect ratio) and fish size (total length and weight) were determined for four fish species captured in the Arabian Sea by bottom trawl (2015 survey on-board FORV Sagar Sampada, 200-300 m depth), off the west coast of India: Psenopsis cyanea, Pterygotrigla hemisticta, Bembrops caudimacula and Hoplostethus rubellopterus. No significant differences were noted between the size of the left and right otoliths ( t test) in any of the four species. The length-weight relationship of the otolith in all four species showed a negative allometric growth pattern ( t test, p < .05). The data fitted well to the regression model for otolith length ( OL), otolith height ( OH) and otolith weight ( OW) to total length (TL) and total weight ( TW). Results showed that these relationships are a helpful tool in predicting fish size from the otoliths and in calculating the biomass of these less-studied fish species during feeding studies and palaentology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Length‐weight relationships (LWR) for eight deep‐sea fishes belonging to six families collected from the south west coast of India are presented. Specimens were caught by deep‐sea shrimp trawls with mesh size 24 mm during 2011 and 2013. The b values ranged from 2.13 to 3.71 and the coefficient of determination (r2) ranged from 0.84 to 0.98. A new standard length maximum was recorded for Neoscopelus microchir. The b values estimated during the present study were compared with the values estimated using models based on Bayesian approach deposited in Fish Base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annealing studies have been carried out to understand the temperature induced microstructural changes in Bakelite (P-120 NEMA LI-1989 Grade XXX) Resistive Plate Chamber (RPC) detector material using Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and XRD. The variation of positron lifetime parameters viz., ortho-Positronium lifetime (τ3) and free volume size ( V f) increases marginally above glass transition temperature T g as a result of structural changes due to segmental mobility. The drastic increase of free volume parameters above 240°C attributed to the reduction in strength of C-H bond of the aliphatic bridges and cleavage of methylene bridges of the polymer network, which is supported by the FTIR results. The XRD results show the reduction in crystallinity and average crystallite size of Bakelite on annealing correlates well with the free volume and electrical conductivity. The temperature induced electrical conductivity and activation energy is also correlated with the positron lifetime parameters. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 793-800, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Length-weight relationships for six deep-sea fish species inhabiting the shelf regions of the western Bay of Bengal and the waters of Andaman and Nicobar of India are presented. Samples were collected using high-speed demersal trawl and expo demersal trawl nets at depths of 231-514 m in August and September 2010. The b values in the analyses ranged from 3.05 to 3.31, showing a mean and median value of 3.21 ( SE ± 0.039, SD ± 0.097) and 3.2, respectively. Comparisons of b values with earlier estimations confirm the presence of spatial and temporal variations in the length-weight relations among the species. Coefficient of determination scores ranged from 0.94 to 0.97, indicating robustness of the samples analysed. This study provides the first estimates of length-weight relationships for four of the deep-sea fishes, enriching the understanding of the growth patterns and population dynamics of these less-studied deep-sea fishery resources in Indian Ocean waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SRY gene is considered as the key player in the male sexual differentiation and developmental pathway. SRY gene mutations account for ~15% of 46,XY disorders of sexual development patients, and majority of them resides within the HMG domain of the protein. In this study, we report a novel missense mutation within the HMG domain of SRY gene, and an A‐to‐T transition causes E89V amino acid substitution in a 15‐year‐old female patient with 46,XY karyotype and complete gonadal dysgenesis. Moreover, three‐dimensional analysis of protein–DNA complex showed that the replacement of highly hydrophilic glutamic acid residue with a hydrophobic residue like valine would have an impact on the structure of protein. In conclusion, we identified a novel SRY mutation in a 46,XY female patient with complete gonadal dysgenesis, and based on the protein modelling, we propose that the identified mutation could impair normal function of the SRY protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]