bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A global spatially Continuous Solar Induced Fluorescence (CSIF)
dataset using neural networks
Authors: Zhang Yao , Joiner Joanna , Alemohammad Seyed Hamed , Zhou Sha , Gentine Pierre
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Satellite-retrieved Solar Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence (SIF) has shown great potential to monitor the photosynthetic activity of terrestrial ecosystems. However, several issues, including low spatial and temporal resolution of the gridded datasets and high uncertainty of the individual retrievals, limit the applications of SIF. In addition, inconsistency in measurements footprints also hinder the direct comparison between gross primary production (GPP) from eddy covariance (EC) flux towers and satellite-retrieved SIF. In this study, by training a neural network (NN) with surface reflectance from the MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and SIF from Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2), we generated two global spatially continuous SIF (CSIF) datasets at moderate spatio-temporal resolutions (0.05 degree 4-day) during 2001–2016, one for clear-sky conditions and the other one in all-sky conditions. The clear-sky instantaneous CSIF (CSIFclear-inst) shows high accuracy against the clear-sky OCO-2 SIF and little bias across biome types. The all-sky daily average CSIF (CSIFall-daily) dataset exhibits strong spatial, seasonal and interannual dynamics that are consistent with daily SIF from OCO-2 and the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment-2 (GOME-2). An increasing trend (0.39 %) of annual average CSIFall-daily is also found, confirming the greening of Earth in most regions. Since the difference between satellite observed SIF and CSIF is mostly caused by the environmental down-regulation on SIFyield, the ratio between OCO-2 SIF and CSIFclear-inst can be an effective indicator of drought stress that is more sensitive than normalized difference vegetation index and enhanced vegetation index. By comparing CSIFall-daily with gross primary production (GPP) estimates from 40 EC flux towers across the globe, we find a large cross-site variation (c.v. = 0.36) of GPP-SIF relationship with the highest regression slopes for evergreen needleleaf forest. However, the cross-biome variation is relatively limited (c.v. = 0.15). These two continuous SIF datasets and the derived GPP-SIF relationship enable a better understanding of the spatial and temporal variations of the GPP across biomes and climate.
High-latitude Southern Hemisphere fire history during the mid- to late Holocene (6000–750 BP)
Authors: Battistel Dario , Kehrwald Natalie M. , Zennaro Piero , Pellegrino Giuseppe , Barbaro Elena , Zangrando Roberta , Pedeli Xanthi X. , Varin Cristiano , Spolaor Andrea , Vallelonga Paul T. , Gambaro Andrea , Barbante Carlo
Published: June 2018

Abstract. We determined the specific biomass burning biomarker levoglucosan in an ice
core from the TALos Dome Ice CorE drilling project (TALDICE) during the mid-
to late Holocene (6000–750 BP). The levoglucosan record is characterized by
a long-term increase with higher rates starting at ∼ 4000 BP and peaks
between 2500 and 1500 BP. The anomalous increase in levoglucosan centered at
∼ 2000 BP is consistent with other Antarctic biomass burning records.
Multiple atmospheric phenomena affect the coastal Antarctic Talos Dome
drilling site, where the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) is the most prominent as
the Southern Annular Mode Index (SAMA) correlates with stable
isotopes in precipitation throughout the most recent 1000 years of the ice
core. If this connection remains throughout the mid- to late Holocene, then
our results demonstrate that changes in biomass burning, rather than changes
in atmospheric transport, are the major influence on the TALDICE levoglucosan
record. Comparisons with charcoal syntheses help evaluate fire sources,
showing a greater contribution from southern South American fires than from
Australian biomass burning. The levoglucosan peak centered at
∼ 2000 BP occurs during a cool period throughout the
Southern Hemisphere, yet during a time of increased fire activity in both
northern and southern Patagonia. This peak in biomass burning is influenced
by increased vegetation in southern South America from a preceding humid
period, in which the vegetation desiccated during the following cool, dry
period. The Talos Dome ice core record from 6000 to ∼ 750 BP
currently does not provide clear evidence that the fire record may be
strongly affected by anthropogenic activities during the mid- to late Holocene,
although we cannot exclude at least a partial influence.
An Assessment of the Benefits and Externalities of Urbanisation in Kogi East, Nigeria
Authors: L. D. Abalaka, , A. E. Tokula
Published: June 2018

In this paper, the benefits and externalities (spillover effects) of urbanisation in Kogi East, Nigeria were examined. Data for the study were obtained by administering 1408 questionnaire copies to households in Ankpa, Anyigba and Idah as well as communities within 15km radius of Ankpa, Anyigba and Idah being the urbanizing centres in Kogi East. Questionnaire data was analysed using means, tables and simple percentages. Results obtained showed that population explosion, material structures and diversity of infrastructural facilities/services were the principal benefits of urbanisation in Kogi East (Ankpa, Anyigba and Idah) with average percentage of 60.8%. Others included improvement in employment opportunities and relative prosperity, enhancement of better communication, transport, housing and public/social infrastructure, improvement in income and wealth distribution among several others. The study showed that across the three locations power outage, social problems (drug addiction, crime, prostitution, alcoholism and political thuggery) and overcrowding were the essential and common urbanisation problems. The study further showed that security of life/poverty, poverty, water supply and sanitation and environmental pollution were serious problems in urban areas with higher mean scores than in the hinterland (rural).
The Impact of Internal Factor Analysis Summary (IFAS) and Competing Power on Performance in the Life Insurance Industry: The Mediating Role of Competitive Advantage
Authors: Dewi Ratna , Mahmud Amir
Published: June 2018

This research aim to test and analyze the impact of internal factor analysis summary (IFAS) and competing power on performance in the life insurance industry in Makassar (Indonesia): The mediating role of competitive advantage. This study uses 60 employees of insurance companies at the manager level. Path analysis results provide evidence that the internal factor analysis summary (IFAS) and competitiveness significantly influence the competitive advantage and performance in the life insurance industry. The role of competitive advantage proved able to mediate the effect of internal factor analysis summary (IFAS) in improving the performance in the life insurance industry. The different conditions with competitive advantages that cannot increase the competing power against performance in the life insurance industryindicate that from each sector, agriculture, forestry, mining fishery, excavation, processing industry and trade are very strong together that is equal to 97,70%, besides coefficient value of determination equal to 0,96% whereas the remaining 4% of the poverty rate is influenced by other factors
“That the Works of God Should Be Made Manifest”
Authors: Yuckman Colin H.
Published: June 2018

Traditional historical-critical readings of John 9 have tended to overlook the story’s potential for missional readings. Through an analysis of John 9 as a narrative about vocation rather than a purely socio-historical source of information on the implied community, this study places this passage firmly within the theological vision of the Fourth Gospel. A close study of the passage reveals a sophisticated “doubling” of Jesus and the man born blind. Though Jesus is largely absent, the man testifies on his behalf and takes up Jesus’ role as the “sent” one, thereby experiencing a kind of qualified “divinization.” The passage, therefore, equips and empowers would-be disciples for testimony even as it orients such testimony to Jesus’ lordship in his absence. The article concludes with reflections on the implications of the analysis for notions of epistemology in theological perspective.
Impactful health research
Authors: Nör Jacques E.
Published: June 2018

Jacques E. Nör
Gestão fiscal, desenvolvimento e eleição municipal: uma análise da região Nordeste entre 2006 e 2010
Authors: Carvalho Willane Queiroz , De Oliveira Nilton Marques
Published: June 2018

Este artigo tem como objetivo verificar se há uma relação entre o nível de desenvolvimento e a qualidade da gestão fiscal nos municípios da região Nordeste, além de verificar se a população usa seu poder de voto para premiar ou rejeitar essa gestão reelegendo os prefeitos. Como
metodologia, utilizou-se um modelo econométrico onde, por meio de uma regressão múltipla, foram relacionados os Índices Firjan de Gestão Fiscal - IFGF, de Desenvolvimento Municipal – IFDM de 2006 e 2010, além da dummy de Reeleição. Os dados secundários foram obtidos
no sitio da Federação das Indústrias do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Firjan). Constatou-se que há relação positiva entre qualidade da gestão pública e níveis de desenvolvimento municipal e que os eleitores nordestinos tendem a confiar um segundo mandato a um prefeito que promoveu melhora nos níveis de desenvolvimento do município.
Palavras-chave: Desenvolvimento municipal. Gestão fiscal. Reeleição.
Distribuição da população brasileira sob o enfoque das cidades de porte médio
Authors: Stamm Cristiano , Dos Santos Manoela Silveira
Published: June 2018

A desconcentração industrial, a mobilidade da fronteira agrícola e os investimentos em infra-estrutura que integraram o interior do Brasil à dinâmica da economia nacional são apontados como um dos fatores responsáveis pela dispersão espacial da população brasileira. O presente artigo mostra a evolução das cidades de porte médio no Brasil entre os períodos de 1970 a 2010 a partir de um enfoque populacional. A metodologia é caracterizada por pesquisa documental. Ao longo do estudo, é possível observar que as cidades de porte médio têm uma posição estratégica potencial para a continuidade da desconcentração regional no Brasil. Os resultados apontaram que as cidades de porte médio aumentaram sua participação na população total do país, o que em 1970 era representado por cerca de 18% da população urbana, em 2010 chegou a abrigar pouco mais de 27% dessa população.
Palavras-chave: População urbana; Cidades de porte médio; Sistema urbano, Brasil.
Solid Waste Generation in Europe: Study of Affecting Factors Using Panel Data
Authors: Athanasios Aggelopoulos , Dimitrios Komninos , Zacharias Dermatis , Athanasios Anastasiou , Panagiotis Liargovas
Published: June 2018

The factors that affect the quantity of solid waste inside the EU-28 but also in Switzerland and Norway for the period 1995 to 2014 are examined with the help of econometric model study based on panel data. The correlation between the quantity of solid waste generated and various factors is examined thoroughly and a separate reference of the consequences of the economic crisis on the quantity of the produced solid waste is presented. The results of the model study will be the basis for drawing conclusions of this article.
Relooking at the ESL Reading Comprehension Assessment for Malaysian Primary Schools
Authors: Lim Chang Kuan , Eng Lin Siew , Mohamed Abdul Rashid , Mohamed Ismail Shaik Abdul Malik
Published: June 2018

The purpose of the study is to have a relook at the ESL reading comprehension assessment system for Malaysian Year Five students. Traditionally, the ESL teachers have been assessing and reporting on their primary year’s students by merely giving a composite grade with some vague remarks. This process has been used and is still being employed in spite of the numerous advances and progress that have been made in the realm of education. To gauge the students’ reading ability there is a need to take a serious look into the way teachers assess the students. In this ESL reading comprehension assessment system, a set of standardised generic reading comprehension test, a reading matrix and reading performance descriptors were developed. The findings revealed that Year Five respondents at reading performance Band 1, Band 2, Band 3, Band 4 and Band 5 have acquired the literal, reorganization and inferential reading sub-skills to a certain extent. The results obtained were found to be consistent indicating that the ESL reading assessment is reliable and valid to a large extent as revealed by a second administration of the test conducted in a few other selected primary schools. This ESL reading comprehension system can provide information on students’ reading ability at both the micro and macro levels. At the micro level, ESL teachers can plan their teaching instructions that tailor to the needs of the students. At the macro level, it can assist the district as well as the state education departments in Malaysia to plan reading programmes for primary school students.
De rechtmatigheid van datamining door de politie
Authors: Gritter E.
Published: June 2018

De rechtmatigheid van datamining door de politie

In deze bijdrage staat de rechtsgrondslag van datamining door de politie centraal, voor zover die wordt ingezet als vorm van surveillance of monitoring teneinde de informatiepositie van de politie te versterken. Betoogd wordt dat het ongericht vergaren van informatie uit openbare internetbronnen als vorm van ‘repressieve controle’ moet worden gezien, die gebaseerd kan worden op art. 3 Politiewet 2012 en/of art. 141 Sv.
Human Understanding
Authors: Cobley Paul ,   Semiotic Society of America
Published: June 2018

John Deely’s contributions to the philosophy of signs have transformed semiotics. Key to this development has been Deely’s concern not just with human-produced texts but, instead, with human understanding amidst the context of semiosis in general, including realms beyond that of the human. Underpinning this concern, in turn, is his triad of sign, object and thing: A definite re-orientation of the theory of the sign. In this article it will be suggested that the triad, exemplifying suprasubjectivity and the primacy of relation, not only establishes the ground for rethinking common understandings of subjectivity, intersubjectivity and objectivity, it also provides a basis for re-conceptualizing other areas of social thought: In particular, how humans exist within their environment, both in terms of “affordances”—which generally facilitate human action—and “ideology”—which generally constrain it to the exigencies of determined circumstances. Deely’s realism, in its fundament of the sign/object/thing triad, demonstrates how mind-independent being is omnipresent, even when occluded in the objective order; it uncovers the “truth” of ideology and the Gegengefuge or ‘counter-structure’ of affordances.
Revision of Trechus Clairville, 1806 of the Bale Mountains and adjacent volcanos, Ethiopia (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Trechini)
Authors: Schmidt Joachim , Faille Arnaud
Published: June 2018

Based on a study of 2150 specimens of the genus Trechus Clairville, 1806 from the Bale Mts, Mount Chillalo, and Mount Enkuolo, southern Ethiopia, the current knowledge regarding systematics and distribution of the genus in the area is summarized. Twenty-six new species are described and figured in detail: Trechus abalkhasimi sp. nov. (southeastern slope of Bale Mts, below Mt Abalk-hasim); T. adaba sp. nov. (western Bale Mts, above Adaba); T. angavoensis sp. nov. (western Bale Mts, above Dodola); T. balesilvestris sp. nov. (western Bale Mts, above Adaba); T. bombi sp. nov. (southern escarpment of Bale Mts, Harenna Forest); T. colobus sp. nov. (western Bale Mts); T. depressipennis sp. nov. (northeastern margin of Sanetti Plateau, Bale Mts); T. dodola sp. nov. (western Bale Mts, above Dodola); T. fisehai sp. nov. (northern slope of Bale Mts, above Goba); T. grandipennis sp. nov. and T. hagenia sp. nov. (southern escarpment of Bale Mts, Harenna Forest); T. haggei sp. nov. (northeastern margin of Sanetti Plateau); T. harenna sp. nov. and T. harryi sp. nov. (southern escarpment of Bale Mts, Harenna Forest); T. iridescens sp. nov. (southeastern slope of Bale Mts, below Mt Abalk-hasim); T. mattisi sp. nov. (southern escarpment of Bale Mts, Harenna Forest); T. mekbibi sp. nov. (southern and western part of Bale Mts); T. minitrechus sp. nov. (northeastern slope of Mt Enkuolo); T. nanulus sp. nov. (southern escarpment of Bale Mts, Harenna Forest); T. nigrifemoralis sp. nov. and T. oppositus sp. nov. (western Bale Mts, above Dodola); T. rira sp. nov. (southern escarpment of Bale Mts, upper Rira Valley); T. sanettii sp. nov. (southeastern slope of Sanetti Plateau, Bale Mts); T. tragelaphus sp. nov. (western Bale Mts, above Dodola); T. transversicollis sp. nov. (southern escarpment of Bale Mts, Harenna Forest); T. wiersbowskyi sp. nov. (southern escarpment of Bale Mts, upper Rira Valley). New distributional data are provided for T. baleensis (Basilewsky, 1974), T. bastianinii Magrini & Sciaky, 2006, T. batuensis Magrini & Sciaky, 2006, T. chillalicus Jeannel, 1936, T. clarkeianus (Basilewsky, 1974), T. culminicola Jeannel, 1936, T. ericalis Magrini, Quéinnec & Vigna Taglianti, 2013, T. gallorites Jeannel, 1936, T. gypaeti Vigna Taglianti & Magrini, 2010, T. oromiensis Magrini, Quéinnec & Vigna Taglianti, 2012, T. relictus Magrini, Quéinnec & Vigna Taglianti, 2012 and T. rotundicollis (Basilewsky, 1974). Cothresia robini Basilewsky, 1974 is considered a junior synonym of T. chillalicus Jeannel, 1936. A key to all species known to occur in the Bale Mts and adjacent volcanos is presented.
Regeneration of manganese electrolyte during continuous electrolysis of manganese coatings
Authors: Šulčius Algirdas
Published: June 2018

Water pollution in the electrolytic manganese metal (EMM) industrial production process is a serious problem, and the manganese and ammonia nitrogen concentration in the rivers near EMM plants still exceeds the standards. An environment-friendly regeneration method of the manganese electrolyte (ME) that reduces the duration of the electrodeposition process and saves water resources for ME preparation in laboratories was proposed. Thus, electrolytic manganese metal powder (EMMP) was dissolved in ME and the addition of hydroxylamine sulphate altered significantly the dissolution effect of EMMP in ME. The provided ME regeneration scheme allows to extend duration of the Mn coating deposition process up to one week without changing ME, just only adding the electrolyte prepared by dissolving EMMP in an anolyte. EMMP losses did not exceed 5–7% from the mass of the electrodeposited Mn coatings on the cathode. Ammonium selenate was dissolved in ME by periodically dissolving 2% of the salt from the mass of the electrodeposited Mn coating on the cathode at an electrolyte temperature of 30–40°C.
Plantar Pressure Distribution in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and a First-Ray Amputation
Authors: Borg Iona , Mizzi Stephen , Formosa Cynthia
Published: June 2018

Background:

Elevated dynamic plantar pressures are a consistent finding in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy, with implications for plantar foot ulceration. This study aimed to investigate whether a first-ray amputation affects plantar pressures and plantar pressure distribution patterns in individuals living with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.

Methods:

A nonexperimental matched-subject design was conducted. Twenty patients living with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy were recruited. Group 1 (n = 10) had a first-ray amputation and group 2 (n = 10) had an intact foot with no history of ulceration. Plantar foot pressures and pressure-time integrals were measured under the second to fourth metatarsophalangeal joints, fifth metatarsophalangeal joint, and heel using a pressure platform.

Results:

Peak plantar pressures under the second to fourth metatarsophalangeal joints were significantly higher in participants with a first-ray amputation (P = .008). However, differences under the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint (P = .734) and heel (P = .273) were nonsignificant. Pressure-time integrals were significantly higher under the second to fourth metatarsophalangeal joints in participants with a first-ray amputation (P = .016) and in the heel in the control group (P = .046).

Conclusions:

Plantar pressures and pressure-time integrals seem to be significantly higher in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and a first-ray amputation compared with those with diabetic neuropathy and an intact foot. Routine plantar pressure screening, orthotic prescription, and education should be recommended in patients with a first-ray amputation.
Lower-Extremity Osteomyelitis Treatment Using Calcium Sulfate/Hydroxyapatite Bone Void Filler with Antibiotics
Authors: Karr Jeffrey C.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Over a 74-month period (∼6 years), 143 lower-extremity osteomyelitis locations in 125 patients were treated with a calcium sulfate/hydroxyapatite liquid bone void filler with antibiotic(s).

Methods:

The osteomyelitis locations were treated with a percutaneous antibiotic delivery technique delivering intraosseous antibiotic followed by either oral or intravenous antibiotics for 4 weeks.

Results:

There was no recurrence of osteomyelitis in 96.15% of the treatable patients. Outcomes classified by the Cierny-Mader clinical classification are discussed as well.

Conclusions:

A bone void filler with antibiotic(s) using the percutaneous antibiotic delivery technique is a safe, reliable, and effective means to treat lower-extremity osteomyelitis with either oral or intravenous antibiotics for 4 weeks.
Metatarsus Primus Elevatus Resolution After First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Sanchez Patrick J. , Grady John F. , Lenz Robin C. , Park Sarah J. , Ruff Jake G.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Hallux limitus (HL) is the second-most common pathology associated with the first metatarsophalangeal joint. A common etiology believed to be associated with HL is metatarsus primus elevatus (MPE), although causation has been unsubstantiated by evidence. Historically, correction of MPE is surgically addressed with an osteotomy. However, some believe MPE is a secondary manifestation of HL due to retrograde pressure and lack of dorsiflexion at the first metatarsophalangeal joint. This study sought to determine whether MPE resolves spontaneously after first metatarsophalangeal joint arthroplasty and reinstitution of normal joint dorsiflexion.

Methods:

Twenty-seven weightbearing lateral radiographs from patients with HL were reviewed before and after nonimplant first metatarsophalangeal joint arthroplasty. Radiographs were taken preoperatively and at postoperative visits 1 (mean, 2 weeks) and 2 (mean, 10 weeks). Measurements included first to second metatarsal elevation, Seiberg Index, first to fifth metatarsal distance, sagittal plane first to second metatarsal angle, Meary's angle, metatarsal declination angle, and hallux equinus angle.

Results:

Statistically significant improvement was seen at both postoperative visits in all of the previously mentioned measurements except first to fifth metatarsal distance, which was reduced but was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Metatarsus primus elevatus was reduced significantly after first metatarsophalangeal joint arthroplasty. Resolution occurred rapidly and was maintained at the final postoperative visit. This could be due to MPE being a manifestation of HL and not a cause. Based on the results of this study, osteotomies may be unnecessary to surgically address MPE because it can spontaneously correct after reinstitution of first metatarsophalangeal joint motion.
Complete Reduction for Pilon Fracture Can Make Complete Failure
Authors: Lee Kwang-Bok , Jeong Seong-Yup , Kim Seung-Ho , Shim Dong-Gun
Published: June 2018

The surgical management of distal intra-articular comminuted fracture of the tibia (pilon fracture) is difficult because complications frequently develop. The minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis technique is generally accepted for this type of fracture. In this study, complications developed after open reduction and internal fixation using multiple miniplates for accurate reduction of small fracture fragments. Therefore, when we use this technique, we need to pay attention to the development of complications such as nonunion, avascular necrosis, and osteomyelitis by the disruption of both endosteal blood supply by fracture and periosteal blood supply during approach or reduction.
Reinventing the Yggdrasil: Hilma af Klint and Political Aesthetics
Authors: Ryle Jadranka
Published: June 2018

The Yggdrasil, the holy tree of Norse mythology, is central to Hilma af Klint’s series of paintings from 1913/15: Tree of Knowledge. As with the Biblical Tree of Knowledge from Eden that is echoed in Christ’s cross, the Yggdrasil allows for the salvation of humanity in Norse mythology. During the nineteenth century, the Nordic National Romantic movement turned the Norse myth towards a politics of nationalism and nationhood. Taking as her point of departure these aestheticised nationalisms, af Klint’s abstraction redirects Nordic romanticism towards an alternative political aesthetic. Locating an intertwining of genders at the heart of the Yggdrasil tradition, her androgynous abstraction subverts the nationalist and patriarchal romanticism of the nineteenth century Yggdrasil.

Central to af Klint’s aesthetic subversion is the troubled history of theosophy’s engagement with Nordic myth. The Yggdrasil was revived in Helena Blavatsky's theosophy, and Rudolf Steiner constructed a theory of Aryanism in his readings of Nordic myth. Although af Klint was a keen student of theosophic eclecticism, using the discipline as a model for her stylistic hybrid combinations of esoteric, scientific, mythical, and modern motifs, her turn to the Yggdrasil should be read as constituting a distinct break from theosophic Nordism.
Make comedy matter: Ernst Cassirer on the politics and morality of humor
Authors: Marra Jennifer
Published: June 2018

Many of Ernst Cassirer’s later works are concerned with the dangers of political myth. His analysis speaks at length about the role of philosophy during the rise of the Third Reich, and Cassirer argues that philosophers failed to combat the dominant ideology. Today, philosophers struggle to explain their relevance to greater public and governmental powers that see no intrinsic value. Given the current political situation in the US, we find ourselves at a crossroads as philosophers. We can either retreat and remain within the comforts of academia, or we can take up arms against dangerous and divisive political forces. If we take Cassirer’s prescriptions seriously, we must choose the latter. Fortunately, philosophy has not disappeared from public consciousness completely. An emerging theme in contemporary cultural studies is the exploration of connections between humour and philosophy. I argue we ought to take advantage of the status of the comedian as public philosopher, and for philosophers to take seriously the political power of comedians. To do this responsibly, I analyse a portion of Cassirer’s work that has been widely ignored in scholarship – his understanding of the politics and morality of humour. By analysing these passages in relation to Cassirer’s later works, we are given the tools to understand the power of humour in political discourse, as well as the responsibility of that power. I argue that “joking responsibly”, for Cassirer, means to reveal the motives and values which underlie sophistry, particularly the sort which lends itself to political manipulation.
Cities may save some threatened species but not their ecological functions
Authors: Luna Álvaro , Romero-Vidal Pedro , Hiraldo Fernando , Tella Jose L.
Published: June 2018

Background

Urbanization is one of the main causes of biodiversity loss worldwide. Wildlife responses to urbanization, however, are greatly variable and, paradoxically, some threatened species may achieve much larger populations in urban than in natural habitats. Urban conservation hotspots may therefore help some species avoid regional or even global extinctions, but not conserve their often overlooked ecological functions in the wild. We aim to draw attention to this issue using two species of globally threatened parrots occurring in the Dominican Republic: the Hispaniolan amazon (Amazona ventralis) and the Hispaniolan parakeet (Psittacara chloropterus).

Methods

We conducted a large-scale roadside survey in June 2017 across the country to estimate the relative abundance of parrots in natural habitats, rural habitats, and cities. We combined this with informal interviews with local people to collect information on past and current human impacts on parrot populations. We also looked for foraging parrots to assess their potential role as seed dispersers, an ecological function that has been overlooked until very recently.

Results

Relative abundances of both parrot species were negligible in rural areas and very low in natural habitats. They were generally between one and two orders of magnitude lower than that of congeneric species inhabiting other Neotropical ecosystems. Relative abundances were six times higher in cities than in natural habitats in the case of the Hispaniolan parakeet and three times higher in the case of the Hispaniolan amazon. People indicated hunting for a source food and to mitigate crop damage as causes of parrot population declines, and a vigorous illegal trade for parrots (131 individuals recorded, 75% of them poached very recently), mostly obtained from protected areas where the last small wild populations remain. We observed parrots foraging on 19 plant species from 11 families, dispersing the fruits of 14 species by carrying them in their beaks and consuming them in distant perching trees. They discarded undamaged mature seeds, with the potential to germinate, in 99.5% of cases (n= 306), and minimum dispersal distances ranged from 8 to 155 m (median = 37 m).

Discussion

The loss of ecological functions provided by some species when they disappear from natural habitats and only persist in cities may have long-term, unexpected effects on ecosystems. Our example demonstrates how two cities may soon be the last refuges for two endemic parrots if overharvesting continues, in which case their overlooked role as seed dispersers would be completely lost in nature. The functional extinction of these species could strongly affect vegetation communities in an island environment where seed-dispersal species are naturally scarce. While conservation plans must include urban populations of threatened species, greater efforts are needed to restore their populations in natural habitats to conserve ecological functions.
Predicted effects of landscape change, sea level rise, and habitat management on the extirpation risk of the Hawaiian common gallinule (Gallinula galeata sandvicensis) on the island of O‘ahu
Authors: van Rees Charles B. , Reed J. Michael
Published: June 2018

We conducted a spatially explicit, stochastic, individually based population viability analysis for the Hawaiian common gallinule (Gallinula galeata sandvicensis), an endangered subspecies of waterbird endemic to fragmented coastal wetlands in Hawai‘i. This subspecies persists on two islands, with no apparent movement between them. We assessed extirpation risk for birds on O‘ahu, where the resident gallinule population is made up of several fragmented subpopulations. Data on genetic differentiation were used to delineate subpopulations and estimate dispersal rates between them. We used sensitivity analyses to gauge the impact of current uncertainty of vital rate parameters on population projections, to ascertain the relative importance of gallinule vital rates to population persistence, and to compare the efficacy of potential management strategies. We used available sea level rise projections to examine the relative vulnerability of O‘ahu’s gallinule population to habitat loss arising from this threat. Our model predicted persistence of the island’s gallinule population at 160 years (∼40 generations), but with high probabilities of extirpation for small subpopulations. Sensitivity analyses highlighted the importance of juvenile and adult mortality to population persistence in Hawaiian gallinules, justifying current predator control efforts and suggesting the need for additional research on chick and fledgling survival. Subpopulation connectivity from dispersal had little effect on the persistence of the island-wide population, but strong effects on the persistence of smaller subpopulations. Our model also predicted island-wide population persistence under predicted sea level rise scenarios, but with O‘ahu’s largest gallinule populations losing >40% of current carrying capacity.
Integrating biomarkers across omic platforms: an approach to improve stratification of patients with indolent and aggressive prostate cancer
Authors: Murphy Keefe , Murphy Brendan T. , Boyce Susie , Flynn Louise , Gilgunn Sarah , O'Rourke Colm J. , Rooney Cathy , Stöckmann Henning , Walsh Anna L. , Finn Stephen , O'Kennedy Richard J. , O'Leary John , Pennington Stephen R. , Perry Antoinette S. , Rudd Pauline M. , Saldova Radka , Sheils Orla , Shields Denis C. , Watson R. William
Published: June 2018

Classifying indolent prostate cancer represents a significant clinical challenge. We investigated whether integrating data from different omic platforms could identify a biomarker panel with improved performance compared to individual platforms alone.DNAmethylation, transcripts, protein and glycosylation biomarkers were assessed in a single cohort of patients treated by radical prostatectomy. Novel multiblock statistical data integration approaches were used to deal with missing data and modelled via stepwise multinomial logistic regression, orLASSO. After applying leave‐one‐out cross‐validation to each model, the probabilistic predictions of disease type for each individual panel were aggregated to improve prediction accuracy using all available information for a given patient. Through assessment of three performance parameters of area under the curve (AUC) values, calibration and decision curve analysis, the study identified an integrated biomarker panel which predicts disease type with a high level of accuracy, with MultiAUCvalue of 0.91 (0.89, 0.94) and Ordinal C‐Index (ORC) value of 0.94 (0.91, 0.96), which was significantly improved compared to the values for the clinical panel alone of 0.67 (0.62, 0.72) MultiAUCand 0.72 (0.67, 0.78)ORC. Biomarker integration across different omic platforms significantly improves prediction accuracy. We provide a novel multiplatform approach for the analysis, determination and performance assessment of novel panels which can be applied to other diseases. With further refinement and validation, this panel could form a tool to help inform appropriate treatment strategies impacting on patient outcome in early stage prostate cancer.
Effects of climate warming and prolonged snow cover on phenology of the early life history stages of four alpine herbs on the southeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Guoyan , Baskin Carol C. , Baskin Jerry M. , Yang Xuejun , Liu Guofang , Ye Xuehua , Zhang Xinshi , Huang Zhenying
Published: June 2018

Premise of the Study

Much research has focused on plant responses to ongoing climate change, but there is relatively little information about how climate change will affect the early plant life history stages. Understanding how global warming and changes in winter snow pattern will affect seed germination and seedling establishment is crucial for predicting future alpine population and vegetation dynamics.

Methods

In a 2‐year study, we tested how warming and alteration in the snowmelt regime, both in isolation and combination, influence seedling emergence phenology, first‐year growth, biomass allocation, and survival of four native alpine perennial herbs on the southeastern Tibetan Plateau.

Key Results

Warming promoted seedling emergence phenology of all four species and biomass per plant of two species but reduced seedling survival of three species. Prolonged snow cover partly mediated the affects of warming on Primula alpicola (survival and biomass), Pedicularis fletcheri (phenology, biomass, and root:shoot ratio) and Meconopsis integrifolia (survival). For the narrowly distributed species M. racemosa, seedling growth was additively decreased by warming and prolonged snow cover.

Conclusions

Both warming and alteration of the snow cover regime can influence plant recruitment by affecting seedling phenology, growth, and survival, and the effects are largely species‐specific. Thus, climate change is likely to affect population dynamics and community structure of the alpine ecosystem. This is the first experimental demonstration of the phenological advancement of seedling emergence in the field by simulated climate warming.
Photoswitching the Efficacy of a Small‐Molecule Ligand for a Peptidergic GPCR: from Antagonism to Agonism
Authors: Gómez‐Santacana Xavier , de Munnik Sabrina M. , Vijayachandran Prashanna , Da Costa Pereira Daniel , Bebelman Jan Paul M. , de Esch Iwan J. P. , Vischer Henry F. , Wijtmans Maikel , Leurs Rob
Published: June 2018

For optical control of GPCR function, we set out to develop small‐molecule ligands with photoswitchable efficacy in which both configurations bind the target protein but exert distinct pharmacological effects, that is, stimulate or antagonize GPCR activation. Our design was based on a previously identified efficacy hotspot for the peptidergic chemokine receptor CXCR3 and resulted in the synthesis and characterization of five new azobenzene‐containing CXCR3 ligands. G protein activation assays and real‐time electrophysiology experiments demonstrated photoswitching from antagonism to partial agonism and even to full agonism (compound VUF16216). SAR evaluation suggests that the size and electron‐donating properties of the substituents on the inner aromatic ring are important for the efficacy photoswitching. These compounds are the first GPCR azo ligands with a nearly full efficacy photoswitch and may become valuable pharmacological tools for the optical control of peptidergic GPCR signaling.
Transformation of 14C‐Labeled Graphene to 14CO2 in the Shoots of a Rice Plant
Authors: Huang Chi , Xia Tian , Niu Junfeng , Yang Yu , Lin Sijie , Wang Xiangke , Yang Guoqing , Mao Liang , Xing Baoshan
Published: June 2018

This study focused on using carbon‐14‐labeled few‐layer graphene (FLG) to determine its uptake, distribution, transformation, and depuration in rice plants. After 7 d hydroponic exposure to FLG suspension at 250 μg L−1, roots accumulated 694.8 mg kg−1 graphene and shoots had 53.7 mg kg−1 graphene from intra‐plant translocation. FLG could likely pass through the cell wall and membrane and enter the chloroplast in the shoots. After 14 days of depuration, only about 15 % of the accumulated FLG were eliminated into the depuration solution with about 70 % of graphene retained in the plants. About 9 % of the accumulated FLG was degraded to 14CO2 and proposed that reaction with OH. in the leaves may likely contribute to the degradation of FLG, which had structural defects. These findings have an important impact on the long‐term environmental fate of graphene‐related materials in soil–plant systems.
Sol–Gel Synthesis of Metal–Phenolic Coordination Spheres and Their Derived Carbon Composites
Authors: Wei Jing , Wang Gen , Chen Feng , Bai Min , Liang Yan , Wang Huanting , Zhao Dongyuan , Zhao Yongxi
Published: June 2018

A formaldehyde‐assisted metal–ligand crosslinking strategy is used for the synthesis of metal–phenolic coordination spheres based on sol–gel chemistry. A range of mono‐metal (Co, Fe, Al, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ce), bi‐metal (Fe‐Co, Co‐Zn) and multi‐metal (Fe‐Co‐Ni‐Cu‐Zn) species can be incorporated into the frameworks of the colloidal spheres. The formation of coordination spheres involves the pre‐crosslinking of plant polyphenol (such as tannic acid) by formaldehyde in alkaline ethanol/water solvents, followed by the aggregation assembly of polyphenol oligomers via metal–ligand crosslinking. The coordination spheres can be used as sensors for the analysis of nucleic acid variants with single‐nucleotide discrimination, and a versatile precursor for electrode materials with high electrocatalytic performance.
Phthalocyanine‐Assembled Nanodots as Photosensitizers for Highly Efficient Type I Photoreactions in Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Li Xingshu , Lee Dayoung , Huang Jian‐Dong , Yoon Juyoung
Published: June 2018

Owing to their unique, nanoscale related optical properties, nanostructures assembled from molecular photosensitizers (PSs) have interesting applications in phototheranostics. However, most nanostructured PS assemblies are super‐quenched, thus, preventing their use in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Although some of these materials undergo stimuli‐responsive disassembly, which leads to partial recovery of PDT activity, their therapeutic potentials are unsatisfactory owing to a limited ability to promote generation reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially via type I photoreactions (i.e., not by 1O2 generation). Herein we demonstrate that a new, nanostructured phthalocyanine assembly, NanoPcA, has the ability to promote highly efficient ROS generation via the type I mechanism. The results of antibacterial studies demonstrate that NanoPcA has potential PDT applications.
Radical Trifluoromethoxylation of Arenes Triggered by a Visible‐Light‐Mediated N−O Bond Redox Fragmentation
Authors: Jelier Benson J. , Tripet Pascal F. , Pietrasiak Ewa , Franzoni Ivan , Jeschke Gunnar , Togni Antonio
Published: June 2018

A simple trifluoromethoxylation method enables non‐directed functionalization of C−H bonds on a range of substrates, providing access to aryl trifluoromethyl ethers. This light‐driven process is distinctly different from conventional procedures and occurs through an OCF3 radical mechanism mediated by a photoredox catalyst, which triggers an N−O bond fragmentation. The pyridinium‐based trifluoromethoxylation reagent is bench‐stable and provides access to synthetic diversity in lead compounds in an operationally simple manner.
Difluorination at Boron Leads to the First Electrophilic Ligated Boryl Radical (NHC‐BF2.)
Authors: Subervie Daniel , Graff Bernadette , Nerkar Swapnil , Curran Dennis P. , Lalevée Jacques , Lacôte Emmanuel
Published: June 2018

1,3‐Dimethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene difluoroborane (NHC‐BF2H) was prepared in a one‐pot, two‐step reaction from the parent ligated borane (NHC‐BH3). The derived difluoroboryl radical (NHC‐BF2.) was generated by laser flash photolysis experiments and characterized by UV spectroscopy and rate‐constant measurements. It is transient and reacts quickly with O2. Unusually, it also reacts more rapidly with ethyl vinyl ether than with methyl acrylate. By this measure, it is the first electrophilic ligated boryl radical. Both NHC‐BH3 and NHC‐BF2H serve as co‐initiators in bulk photopolymerizations, converting both electron‐poor and electron‐rich monomers at roughly similar rates. However, the difluorinated coinitiator provides polymers with dramatically increased chain lengths from both monomers.
DFT Calculations, Spectroscopic Studies, Biological Activity and Non Linear Optical Properties (NLO) of Novel Ternary Cu(II)‐Chelates Derived from 5‐Acetyl‐4‐hydroxy‐2H‐1,3‐thiazinedione
Authors: Halim Shimaa Abdel , Adly Omima M.I.
Published: June 2018

New ternary Cu(II)‐chelates with the general formula [ML L′(H2O)x] (NO3)y x (H2O), x = 0–2 and y = 0–1, (L) = 5‐acetyl‐4‐hydroxy‐2H‐1,3‐thiazine‐2,6(3H)‐dione with in the presence of a secondary ligand (L′) [N,O‐donor; 8 hydroxyquinoline or N,N‐donor; 1,10‐phenanthroline and diethethylendiamine]. Characterization of the synthesized complexes was established based on elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements, spectral (infrared, electronic, mass, 1H‐NMR and ESR) as well as thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The complexes exhibited octahedral and square planer geometry. The antimicrobial activity for the studied complexes was tested for different kind of organisms. The geometrical and non‐linear optical parameters of the studied complexes 1–3 are investigated theoretically at the B3LYP/GENECP level of theory. The optimized geometries of the studied complexes are non‐planner as indicated from the dihedral angles. The natural charge population (core, valence and Rydberg), exact electronic configuration, total Lewis, and total non‐Lewis is computed and discussed in terms of natural bond orbitals (NBO) analysis. The calculated EHOMO and ELUMO energies at the same level of theory of the studied complexes were used to calculate the global properties; hardness (η), global softness (S), electrophilicity (ω) and electronegativity (χ). The total dipole moment (μtot), total and anisotropy of polarizability (˂α˃), (Δα) and first hyperpolarizability (˂β˃) values were calculated and compared with urea as a reference compound. From the values of the computed first hyperpolarizability (˂β˃), the ligand and the studied complexes show promising optical properties.
WO3 Quantum Dots Decorated GO/Mg‐doped ZnO Composites for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity under Nature Sunlight
Authors: Zhao Huiyang , Fang Qun , Chen Chuansheng , Chao Zisheng , Tsang Yuenhong , Wu Yiyong
Published: June 2018

Graphene oxide/Mg‐doped ZnO/tungsten oxide quantum dots composites (WQGOMZ) were prepared through co‐precipitation method, and were studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fluorescence spectra (FL), and UV–vis diffuse reflection spectra. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of resultant WQGOMZ was evaluated under nature sunlight. Experimental results showed that WO3QDs can remarkably heighten the photocatalytic activity of GOMZ composite, in which is nearly 6.58 times higher than that of GOMZ composite. Simultaneously, WQGOMZ composites possess optical memory ability and maintain high photocatalytic stability for more than 40 days. The enhanced photocatalytic activity and optical memory ability are attributed to the effective synergistic effect between ZnO and WO3QDs.
Development of novel EST‐SSR markers for Rhododendron longipedicellatum (Ericaceae) and cross‐amplification in two congeners
Authors: Li Taiqiang , Liu Xiongfang , Li Zhenghong , Wan Youming , Liu Xiuxian , Ma Hong
Published: June 2018

Premise of the Study

To investigate the genetic background and population characteristics of Rhododendron longipedicellatum (Ericaceae), a newly discovered and critically endangered species, expressed sequence tag–simple sequence repeat markers were developed, and transferability was tested in two congeners, R. molle and R. simsii.

Methods and Results

Based on the transcriptome sequences of R. longipedicellatum, 102 primer sets were designed; 48 primer sets were successfully amplified, with 15 showing polymorphisms in 150 individuals from five extant populations of R. longipedicellatum. The number of alleles per locus ranged from four to 18, and the levels of observed and expected heterozygosity for the 15 loci varied from 0.255 to 0.913 and from 0.306 to 0.851, respectively. All 15 loci were found to amplify in R. molle and R. simsii.

Conclusions

These polymorphic SSR markers can be used in conservation genetic and phylogeographic studies to elucidate the rarity and origin of R. longipedicellatum.