bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Protestant and the Pelagian
Authors: Walsh Julie , Stencil Eric ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: May 2019

One of the longest and most acrimonious polemics in the history of philosophy is between Antoine Arnauld and Nicolas Malebranche. Their central disagreements are over the nature of ideas, theodicy, and—the topic of this paper—grace. We offer the most in-depth English-language treatment of their discussion of grace to date. Our focus is one particular aspect of the polemic: the power of finite agents to assent to grace. We defend two theses. First, we show that as the debate progresses, the differences between Arnauld and Malebranche become, surprisingly, less pronounced—despite mutual accusations of Pelagianism and Calvinism. Our second thesis is developed to explain the outcome of the first. We argue that the employment of different methodologies to interrogate the relationship between efficacious grace and human power prohibits any possibility of reconciliation between Arnauld and Malebranche.
From Structuralism to Points of Rupture
Authors: Mesing Dave ,   Canadian Society for Continental Philosophy
Published: May 2019

This paper considers the ontological and political implications of the concept of the subject within structuralism. I turn first to Balibar in order to articulate structuralism as a tendency or movement rather than fixed set of positions, using some indications he has provided in order to demonstrate how thoroughly embedded the subject is as a problem within this tendency. I argue that Laclau and Mouffe’s work on hegemony deepens the political stakes of this problem while also introducing the grammar of strategy in an ambivalent and underdefined manner. Considering some possible options for understanding strategy within a structuralist framework, I contend that a stronger theoretical account of strategy is necessary. In order to provide some outlines for such a project, I conclude the analysis by emphasizing the contribution that George Jackson’s writings can provide to this framework, suggesting that the role of the subject should be assigned to tactics.Cet article analyse les implications ontologiques et politiques du concept structuraliste de sujet. En me tournant dans un premier temps vers les indications de Balibar concernant l’intrication profonde du problème du sujet au sein du structuralisme, je montre que ce dernier devrait être compris comme une tendance ou un mouvement plutôt que comme une position philosophique définitive. Je montre ensuite que le travail de Laclau et Mouffe sur l’hégémonie permet d’approfondir les enjeux politiques de ce problème, tout en introduisant de manière ambivalente et prédéfinie la grammaire de la stratégie. En considérant quelques options possibles pour comprendre la stratégie dans une perspective structuraliste, je soutiens la nécessité de l’approcher théoriquement de manière plus puissante. En guise d’esquisse d’un tel projet, je conclus mon analyse avec la contribution qu’y apportent les écrits de George Jackson, en suggérant que le rôle du sujet devrait revenir à la tactique.
Los expedientes-oposición a direcciones de escuelas graduadas de 1932 como fuente histórico-educativa. Un estudio de caso: el expediente-oposición de María Sánchez Arbós
Authors: Menguiano Rodríguez Carlos
Published: May 2019

El objetivo de este artículo es presentar y contextualizar una fuente original hasta ahora desatendida y carente de un estudio sistemático. Se trata de los expedientes-oposición de las oposiciones a Direcciones de escuelas graduadas de seis o más secciones de 1932, las únicas convocadas por la Segunda República Española para este cuerpo. La particular estructura de estas oposiciones nos sugiere una propuesta metodológica para trabajar estos expedientes: se trata de considerar cada expediente-oposición como una práctica de archivo de vida, donde cada opositor selecciona, con cierta libertad, una serie de fragmentos y documentos mediante los cuales construye y representa su identidad profesional ante el tribunal, pero también ante sí mismo. Por último, llevaremos a cabo un estudio de caso con el expediente de una de las opositoras más conocidas: María Sánchez Arbós. Este caso nos permite, además, medir las posibilidades metodológicas de nuestra propuesta para estudiar la construcción y reconstrucción de las identidades  profesionales de los docentes republicanos, al tener la oportunidad de comparar la composición del expediente-oposición, elaborada en 1932, con otra fuente muy conocida: su Diario, publicado en los años sesenta.
Los boletines eclesiásticos como fuente para la historia de la enseñanza primaria en España (1851-1931)
Authors: Diego Pérez Carmen , González Fernández Montserrat
Published: May 2019

Recurrir a publicaciones periódicas en la investigación histórica es habitual desde las últimas décadas; sin embargo, la información proporcionada por los boletines eclesiásticos —órganos de difusión de las directrices oficiales de la Iglesia católica— no ha sido suficientemente utilizada para conocer las conexiones y relaciones entre la Iglesia católica y el estado en torno a la enseñanza. Este artículo tiene el objetivo de señalar las potencialidades de estos boletines para los historiadores de la educación. En este sentido sintetizamos, en primer lugar, el marco legal y la doctrina de dicha iglesia —desde el nacimiento de esta publicación periódica a mediados del siglo XIX hasta la tercera década del siglo XX— y esbozamos la relación que mantuvieron iglesia y estado durante este periodo. A continuación, caracterizamos los boletines eclesiásticos y apuntamos aquellas cuestiones educativas relativas a la enseñanza primaria que tratan y que servirían, en unos casos, para contrastar y comparar informaciones procedentes de otras fuentes —el control que la Iglesia católica y el estado ejercieron sobre el magisterio en relación a las  prácticas religiosas que debían realizar con los escolares, por ejemplo— y, en otros, para investigar aspectos poco conocidos —el asociacionismo del magisterio católico, es otro ejemplo—, contribuyendo, así, a la construcción de una historia de la educación primaria oficial más completa.
Essay on a Course of Liberal Education (1764) de Priestley y Memoria sobre la Educación Pública (1802) de Jovellanos: un análisis comparativo
Authors: Sell Maestro Alejandro
Published: May 2019

La Ilustración fue un movimiento multidisciplinar que nutrió sus esperanzas en la educación, como medio por el cual la sociedad podría sustentar su progreso o en ciertos casos, al menos mantenerlo; pero no todos los ilustrados tuvieron la misma concepción de la educación, pues cada uno de ellos es producto de sus propias circunstancias vitales y de una formación diferenciada. Este es el caso de Joseph Priestley y de Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, dos personalidades que, si bien resultan contrapuestas en algunos aspectos, coinciden en otros. El primero, oriundo de una familia artesana de la Inglaterra rural y formado en un ambiente del más puro protestantismo disidente se opone claramente, al menos a simple vista, al segundo, miembro de la aristocracia asturiana y educado en la tradición católica escolástica. A pesar de ello, y esto es lo que se pretenderá demostrar más abajo, ambos son hijos, receptores y difusores de la Ilustración, y desde el punto de vista personal y profesional, tanto uno como otro fueron polifacéticos autores, mantuvieron una estrecha vinculación con sus respectivas confesiones religiosas y terminaron siendo perseguidos por sus afanes de reforma social. Todo ello da lugar a unas visiones sobre la educación muy similares, fundamentalmente, en su oposición  al sistema escolástico vigente, y a unas diferencias, hasta cierto punto, paradójicas y, en todo caso, muy influenciadas por sus respectivos pensamientos religiosos.
Preventing Human Trafficking in Global and Vietnamese Context
Authors: Le Trung Kien
Published: May 2019

Crime prevention is an outreach measure to stop crime before it can occur. Prevention measures vary in different countries. In Vietnam, human trafficking prevention includes a range of strategies that are implemented by law enforcement agencies, other government agencies, social organisations, the media, community level organisations and individuals.In this paper, the author intends to exam the human trafficking situation and crime prevention in the world and Vietnam.
Is Primary Androgen Deprivation Therapy a Suitable Option for Asian Patients With Prostate Cancer Compared With Radical Prostatectomy?
Authors: Ha U-Syn , Choi Jin Bong , Shim Jung Im , Kang Minjoo , Park Eunjung , Kang Shinhee , Park Jooyeon , Yang Jangmi , Choi Insun , Ahn Jeonghoon , Kwak Cheol , Jeong Chang Wook , Kim Choung Soo , Byun Seok-Soo , Seo Seong Il , Lee Hyun Moo , Lee Seung-Ju , Lee Seung Hwan , Chung Byung Ha , Lee Ji Youl
Published: May 2019

Background: We conducted a comparative survival analysis between primary androgen deprivation therapy (PADT) and radical prostatectomy (RP) based on nationwide Korean population data that included all patients with prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: This study enrolled 4,538 patients with prostate cancer from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database linked with Korean Central Cancer Registry data who were treated with PADT or RP between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2014. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate survival analyses stratified by stage (localized and locally advanced) and age (<75 and ≥75 years) were performed using a Cox proportional hazards model to evaluate treatment effects. Results: Among 18,403 patients from the NHIS database diagnosed with prostate cancer during the study period, 4,538 satisfied inclusion criteria and were included in the analyses. Of these, 3,136 and 1,402 patients underwent RP or received PADT, respectively. Risk of death was significantly increased for patients who received PADT compared with those who underwent RP in the propensity score–matched cohort. In subgroup analyses stratified by stage and age, in every subgroup, patients who received PADT had a significantly increased risk of death compared with those who underwent RP. In particular, a much greater risk was observed for patients with locally advanced prostate cancer. Conclusions: Based on a nationwide survival analysis of nonmetastatic prostate cancer, this study provides valuable clinical implications that favor RP over PDAT for treatment of Asian populations. However, the possibility that survival differences have been overestimated due to not accounting for potential confounding characteristics must be considered.
Prostate Cancer, Version 2.2019, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology
Authors: Mohler James L. , Antonarakis Emmanuel S. , Armstrong Andrew J. , D’Amico Anthony V. , Davis Brian J. , Dorff Tanya , Eastham James A. , Enke Charles A. , Farrington Thomas A. , Higano Celestia S. , Horwitz Eric Mark , Hurwitz Michael , Ippolito Joseph E. , Kane Christopher J. , Kuettel Michael R. , Lang Joshua M. , McKenney Jesse , Netto George , Penson David F. , Plimack Elizabeth R. , Pow-Sang Julio M. , Pugh Thomas J. , Richey Sylvia , Roach Mack , Rosenfeld Stan , Schaeffer Edward , Shabsigh Ahmad , Small Eric J. , Spratt Daniel E. , Srinivas Sandy , Tward Jonathan , Shead Dorothy A. , Freedman-Cass Deborah A.
Published: May 2019

The NCCN Guidelines for Prostate Cancer include recommendations regarding diagnosis, risk stratification and workup, treatment options for localized disease, and management of recurrent and advanced disease for clinicians who treat patients with prostate cancer. The portions of the guidelines included herein focus on the roles of germline and somatic genetic testing, risk stratification with nomograms and tumor multigene molecular testing, androgen deprivation therapy, secondary hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy in patients with prostate cancer.
Trabalho em equipe: uma estratégia de gestão
Authors: Cruz Maria Juanete Evangelista da , Braz Helena Maria Fagundes dos Santos
Published: May 2019

Esse artigo argumenta sobre o uso do trabalho em equipe como uma estratégia de gestão nas empresas, com vistas à melhoria da eficiência nos serviços prestados e aumento do nível de satisfação e bem-estar dos clientes. Através do desenvolvimento de uma pesquisa teórica de caráter exploratório-descritivo, por meio de um levantamento bibliográfico pautado na leitura e análise dos conteúdos presentes em livros, revistas científicas e artigos de periódicos disponibilizados em meio eletrônico, o referido estudo se propõe a analisar a importância do trabalho em equipe para melhoria da performance das empresas frente às pressões ambientais externas e no enfrentamento das demandas do mercado competitivo. Discorremos, também, acerca do uso do trabalho em equipe como uma estratégia organizacional que contribui para o alcance dos objetivos traçados pelas empresas e para o aprimoramento de habilidades individuais e coletivas. Demonstramos, além disso, os vários benefícios obtidos por meio do trabalho em equipe, a exemplo da inovação, compartilhamento de ideias e/ou conhecimentos, novas oportunidades de aprendizagem através da troca de saberes e experiências, melhor desempenho e disposição para assumir riscos, assim como apresentamos algumas características e atitudes impróprias praticadas pelos indivíduos que atuam nessas instituições, como o individualismo, o desrespeito à diversidade e a falha na comunicação, e que se configuram como as principais barreiras encontradas para sua efetiva realização no contexto organizacional.
The medico-legal assessment of asylum seeker victims in Italy
Authors: Magli Francesca , Franceschetti Lorenzo , Maggioni Lidia , Muccino Enrico Angelo , Merelli Vera Gloria , Cerutti Elisa , Marzagalia Marzia , Armocida Andrea , Kustermann Alessandra , Cattaneo Cristina
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Changing patterns of migration hasrequired states andgovernments to respond to the specific medical and legal needs of asylum seekers. Based on medical assessments undertaken at the University Institute of Legal Medicine, the present study aims to describe the cases of asylum applicants who have suffered from physical violence, including torture, and the variables involved. Methods: Over a 10-year period, 225 survivors were examined by clinical forensic professionals from the University Institute of Legal Medicine. Results:85% of asylum applicants came from Africa, 87% were male, and the most common age group was 26-40 years old. 46% of applicants fled their country for political reasons. Blunt force injuries were reported in 45% of cases, the trunk was the most affected area of the body (40%), and applicants presented with an average of two different mechanisms of lesions and an average of four lesions each. Discussion/conclusion:Assessment of physical violence on asylum seekers requires the cooperation of professionals with different skillsets and training.
Migration-related torture: One of the greatest tragedies of our time
Authors: Melzer Nils
Published: May 2019

Without any doubt, the torture and abuse suffered by millions of migrants in all parts of the world is one of the greatest tragedies of our time. The undeniable links between irregular migration and torture are manifold and deeply troubling. Not only is the risk of torture and violence one of the most important “push-factors” causing countless people to flee their country of origin, it is also a frightening and pervasive reality of most irregular migration routes and, most shockingly, even of the treatment they receive by the very countries to which they turn for protection. My mandate as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture is to seek, receive, examine and act upon information regarding torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. My sources of information are governments, international and civil society organizations, but also journalists, individual victims and their lawyers, doctors, relatives, and friends.
THE NECESSITY OF BUILDING ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEMS IN THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM OF SMALL POST-TRANSITION DEVELOPING ECONOMIES FOR THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
Authors: Petković Saša , Kisić Svetlana
Published: May 2019

Youth unemployment rate in Bosnia andHerzegovina (BiH) is one of the largest in the world. Ahigh percentage of unemployed and inactive young peopleis the result of on the one hand, insufficiently rapid economicdevelopment of small post-transition economies andon the other hand, the mismatch of supply and demand inthe labor market. In the long run, reformed modern formaleducation at all levels, as well as non-formal education,particularly entrepreneurship and STEAMeducation, could make a significant contribution to economicgrowth and development of small post-transitiondeveloping economies, by strengthening the entrepreneurialecosystem of educational institutions at all levels and thedevelopment of entrepreneurship. The goal of the researchis, through the review of empirical studies, to analyze successfulpractices of applying entrepreneurship educationand building the entrepreneurial ecosystem in primary, secondaryand higher education and modeling strategic directionsof curriculum reforms at all levels of the educationsystem in small post-transition developing economies, witha focus on the reform of the education system of higher educationin the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina.We used historical method, method ofclassification, method of analysis and synthesis, and a casestudy. In the case study, on the example of the University ofBanja Luka (UNIBL), we can conclude that UNIBL stilldoes not have the characteristics of entrepreneurship universityand that the reform of the University is necessary.
OTVORENI INVESTICIONI FONDOVI U REPUBLICI SRPSKOJ NASTALI OBAVEZNIM PREOBLIKOVANJEM ZATVORENIH INVESTICIONIH FONDOVA
Authors: Krčmar Aleksandra
Published: May 2019

Otvoreni investicioni fondovi uRepublici Srpskoj koji su predmet istraživanja uovom radu nastali su obaveznim preobliko va -njem privatizacionih investicionih fondovaosnovanih u postupku masovne vaučerskeprivatizacije državnog kapitala, koji se odvijao udvije faze. Prvobitno su privatizacioni inve -sticioni fondovi 2006. godine transformisani uzatvorene investicione fondove, a posljednjimizmjenama regulative iz 2015. godine propisanoje obavezno preoblikovanje ove grupe zatvo -renih investicionih fondova u otvorene inve s -ticione fondove. Očekivanja od navedenogpostupka znatno se razlikuju. Iako je u pro -teklom periodu došlo do pada svih pokazateljauspješnosti zatvorenih investicionih fondova,očekivano unapređenje poslovanja otvorenihinvesticionih fondova u smislu efikasnijegupravljanja portfeljom može biti otežano usljednepovoljnih uslova na tržištu kapitala RepublikeSrpske. Ovaj rad istražuje dosadašnje efektepreoblikovanja investicionih fondova uRepublici Srpskoj i daje pregled mogućihpravaca njihovog daljeg razvoja.
A multimodal generic perspective on Nigerian stand-up comedy
Authors: Ogoanah Felix Nwabeze , Ojo Fredrick Osaro
Published: May 2019

Studies in stand-up comedy in Nigeria have recently begun to gain serious attention. Several articles that describe the psychological and socio-cultural contexts of joke texts of stand-up comedy in Nigeria have appeared within the last few years (Orhiunu 2007; Imo 2010; Adetunji 2013; Filani 2015, 2016, etc.). However, one aspect of the phenomenon that is yet to be explored is the function of a multimodal generic framework and its contributions to the humorous content of the genre. While it is important to maintain the spoken text as many writers have done, the “multiple embodied modes” (Norris 2008: 13) that amplify the spoken text must be given due consideration. This study, therefore, examines the Nigerian stand-up comedy from the perspective of a multimodal-ESP theory to genre analysis. This theory takes cognizance not only of joke-texts, but also the visual features that enhance the performance. The material for analysis is videoed data of a popular stand-up comedy show in Nigeria, “A Nite of a Thousand Laugh.” The study demonstrates that stage management, nonverbal cues (e.g. gesture, movements, and gaze), speeches, body postures, and music/sounds contribute to the communicative value and the production of the genre. Also, it shows how plausible multimodal-ESP approach to genre is in the description of stand-up comedy in the Nigerian context and how the knowledge can be integrated into the teaching and learning of technology-mediated communications (TMC), such as using English for entertainment purposes.
Humour generation and multimodal framing of political actor in the 2015 Nigerian presidential election campaign memes
Authors: Tella Akin
Published: May 2019

Internet memes significantly constitute an outlet for extensive popular political participation in election contexts. They instantiate humour and represent political candidates so as to affect voters’ behaviour. Few studies on memes in political context exist (Shifman et al. 2007; Chen 2013; Tay 2014; Adegoju & Oyebode 2015; Huttington 2016; Dzanic & Berberovic 2017). These studies have not intensively examined the integrative deployment of visual and verbal resources afforded by internet memes to generate humour and to construct specific frames for election candidates in the campaign context of an emerging democracy. Therefore, this study investigates the use of language and visuals for humour generation and for the creation of definite frames for the two major presidential candidates in internet memes created in the course of the 2015 Nigerian presidential election campaigns. The theoretical insights for the study are derived from Attardo’s (1997) set-up-incongruity-resolution theory of humour, Kuypers’ (1997, 2002, 2009, 2010) model of rhetorical framing analysis, Bauman & Briggs’ (1990) concept of entextualisation, Kress & van Leeuwen’s (1996) socio-semiotic model for visual analysis and Sperber & Wilson’s (1986) relevance theory. The analysis indicates that meme producers generate humour and frame candidates through the entextualisation of verbal and visual texts, explicatures and implicatures. The memes construct seven individuated frames and one collective frame for the two major presidential candidates in the sampled memes using visual and linguistic resources. It concludes on the note that supporters of election candidates use humorous internet memes for negative portraying opponents and the positive representation of the favoured candidate. These negative other-representations serve the purpose of depreciating the electoral values of the opponents and indirectly increasing the electoral chances of their own candidates.
Editorial: Multilingual Humour in Translation
Authors: Dore Margherita
Published: May 2019

This volume seeks to investigate how humour translation has been developing over the last two decades by focusing in particular on new ways of communication. The contributions seek to plot and debate how today’s globalised communication, media and new technologies are influencing and/or shaping humour translation. Furthermore, they seek to map out future directions for research in this field of inquiry and its practice within a variety of contexts.
Multilingual humour in audiovisual translation. Modern Family dubbed in Italian
Authors: Dore Margherita
Published: May 2019

Audiovisual productions are increasingly featuring multi-ethnic communities which also reflect today’s globalised world. Characters in both films and TV series are often depicted as having a bilingual background and heavily relying on code-switching to express their bicultural identity (Monti 2016: 69). As such, this phenomenon poses important challenges for its translation, especially when dubbing is involved. Using this audiovisual translation (AVT) mode involves a necessary technical manipulation(Díaz-Cintas 2012: 284-285). As for Italian dubbing, multilingualism has often undergone a process of neutralization (Pavesi 2005: 56) or local standardization (Ulrych 2000: 410), although recent dubbed films have proved to be geared towards a more faithful rendering of this important feature of the source text (Monti 2016: 90).It should be borne in mind that contextual factors, such as genres, may play a fundamental role in deciding whether to retain or neutralise multilingualism in AVT, especially when it is used for humorous purposes. In those cases, the perlocutionary function of the ST should be considered (Hickey 1998; cf. also Zabalbeascoa 2012: 322). Comedy can make use of multilingualism to entertain and the American mockumentary (or docucomedy) Modern Family(Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan, 2009-2019), is a striking example in this sense. It follows the lives of Jay Pritchett and his family in suburban Los Angeles. Linguistically speaking, the most interesting character is Jay’s second wife Gloria Delgado, a young and beautiful Colombian woman who often code-switches or code-mixes English and Spanish (with a marked Colombian accent), thus creating moments of pure comedy. Hence, this study investigates how Gloria’s humorous and multilingual persona has been transferred into Italian. The analysis confirms the current tendency of Italian dubbing to render otherness in the TT (Monti 2016: 89). This may be justified by the genre and scope of the programme, that allow for a more innovative transfer of vernacular matching via what I propose to call functional manipulation.
The use of bat houses as day roosts in macadamia orchards, South Africa
Authors: Weier Sina M. , Linden Valerie M.G. , Grass Ingo , Tscharntke Teja , Taylor Peter J.
Published: May 2019

The loss of roost sites is one of the major drivers of the worldwide decline in bat populations and roost site preferences, either natural or artificially provided, are not well known for African bat species specifically. In this study we focus on the preference for different artificial roost sites by insectivorous bats in macadamia orchards in northern South Africa. From June 2016 to July 2017 we monitored 31 bat houses, mounted on poles in six macadamia orchards, for presence of bats or other occupants. Twenty-one multi-chambered bat houses of three different designs were erected in sets of three. Additionally, five Rocket boxes, four bat houses in sets of two (painted black and white) and one colony bat house were erected. Bats were counted and visually identified to family or species level. From December 2016 to the end of March 2017 iButtons were installed to record and analyze temperature variation within one set of three bat houses. We related the occupancy of bat houses to the different types of houses and the environmental variables: distance to water, altitude and height of the bat houses above the ground. Overall bat house occupancy was significantly higher in the central bat house, in the set of three, and the black bat house, in the set of two. Mean temperatures differed between houses in the set of three with the central bat house having a significantly higher mean temperature than the houses flanking it. Our study might confirm previous assumptions that the microclimate of bat houses appears to be an important factor influencing occupancy. In conclusion, from the different bat houses tested in this study the designs we assume the warmest and best insulated attracted the most bats. Further research is needed on the preferred microclimate of different bat species, co-habitation within bat houses and the potential importance of altitude and distance to water. Our study provided little variation in both altitude and the distance to water.
The Greenspace Bird Calculator: a citizen-driven tool for monitoring avian biodiversity in urban greenspaces
Authors: Callaghan Corey T. , Wilshire John H. , Martin John M. , Major Richard E. , Lyons Mitchell B. , Kingsford Richard T.
Published: May 2019

Urbanisation is altering local flora and fauna, but urban greenspaces can provide refugia for a variety of taxa. However, we often lack basic biodiversity information (e.g., species richness) for these urban greenspaces. Citizen science projects are continuously improving our understanding of ecology at broad temporal and spatial scales. But, many conservation-relevant decisions are idiosyncratic and made at small management scales (e.g., local government). Given a general bias of citizen science data towards areas with large human populations, citizen scientists are best placed to contribute to improving our understanding of the biodiversity within cities and urban greenspaces. We introduce the Greenspace Bird Calculator: a web-app aimed at enhancing our collective knowledge of bird diversity in urban greenspaces. Users of the web-app could be land managers seeking to understand the bird diversity in the greenspaces they manage. It is built in a reproducible workflow, allowing anyone to delineate a greenspace and submit it to the web-app administrator, receiving an output comprising the greenspace’s total bird diversity. The Greenspace Bird Calculator web-app provides an automated tool to utilise existing eBird citizen science data to calculate species richness for urban greenspaces globally. Critically, the GBC web-app statistically assesses available data that otherwise would be unlikely to be considered by decision-makers. This web-app is an example of the evolution of citizen science, whereby the data collected has been analysed to allow accessible interpretation and inclusion into urban greenspace management and planning.
Trends and Variations of Monthly Solar Radiation, Temperature and Rainfall Data over Birnin Kebbi Metropolis for the Period of 2014-2016
Authors: Magawata Usman Zayyanu , Yahaya Abubakar Aliero
Published: May 2019

The investigation of rainfall, temperature and solar radiation variability at Birnin Kebbi metropolis, Kebbi State, Nigeria was carried out using observations of air temperature (°C) rainfall (mm) and solar radiation (W/m2) for the period of 2014 -2016 (3 years), data was obtained at Sir Ahmadu Bello international Airport, analysis of data indicate for the occurrences of abrupt change in temperature, rainfall and solar radiation values. It was observed from the distributions of monthly average wind speed for the (3) three years are fairly similar with maximum wind speed with variation in some months, having deficit values in February and April 2014, February and March 2015, January and February 2016, its revealed that, the least global solar radiation in 2014 followed by the month of January 2015 and June in 2016. The variation between maximum solar radiation and minimum is said to be great in the months of January to March where there is increase in the intensity of heat as there is strong expectation of precipitation events that become extremely in the month of August/September 2016. The slight difference between maximum and minimum in the period advocates a different seasonal period between the regime of large difference and low difference in the Relative Humidity in the year. However 2016 show the maximum temperature which in turn when compared with 2014 and 2015 as the case reverse, significant increases in precipitation indicated in 2014 compare to other years (2015, 2016). It was concluded that there is a significant downward trend in the yearly total and mean rainfalls at Birnin Kebbi showing that 2014 has highest rainfall compared with 2015 and 2016.
Identification of genes mediating branched chain fatty acid elongation
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wang Dong Hao , Park Hui Gyu , Yan Yuanyuan , Goykhman Yuliya , Lawrence Peter , Kothapalli Kumar S. D. , Brenna J. Thomas
Published: May 2019

Saturated branched chain fatty acids (BCFA) terminating with either a prop‐2‐yl (iso) or sec‐butan‐2‐yl (anteiso) group are common bioactive food components consumed from beef, fish, and dairy products. Little is known about the endogenous metabolism of BCFA and the enzymes mediating their interconversions. By using transient transfection studies, we report for the first time the substrate specificity of the elongase of very long chain fatty acids (ELOVL)1‐7 toward anteiso‐15:0 and iso‐18:0, and assessed competition between BCFA and normal saturated fatty acids (n‐SFA). ELOVL6 mediates elongation of anteiso‐15:0→anteiso‐17:0, while ELOVL3 is active toward iso‐18:0→iso‐20:0. Competition studies reveal n‐16:0 competes with anteiso‐15:0 for ELOVL6, while n‐18:0 competes with iso‐18:0 for ELOVL3. These competitions for elongation may have implications in specialized tissues where both BCFA and n‐SFA are present at comparable levels.
Targeting the site encoded by SERPINA1*E342K for treating alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency‐associated liver diseases
Authors: Zhang Xiaojuan , Pham Kien , Li Danmeng , Schutte Ryan J. , Brantly Mark , Liu Chen , Ostrov David A.
Published: May 2019

Alpha1‐antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency predisposes individuals to emphysema and liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The deficiency results from mutations in the SERPIN1A gene encoding AAT molecules that cause hepatotoxic retention within the endoplasmic reticulum. Since the E342K mutation is the basis for destabilization leading to lung and liver pathologies, we used the crystal structure of the mutated AAT as the basis for molecular docking selection of candidate compounds that may bind and stabilize the 342K structural pocket. We identified compounds that inhibited intracellular accumulation of AAT in hepatocytes in vitro. These data suggest that drug binding to a structural site encoded by a mutation associated with AAT deficiency has the potential for clinical utility by modulating conformational transitions.
Retracted: Long noncoding RNA MALAT1 promotes the stemness of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by enhancing YAP transcriptional activity
Authors: Yao Qi , Yang Jun , Liu Ting , Zhang Jianjiang , Zheng Yibo
Published: May 2019

The tumor promoting roles of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) MALAT1 have been revealed in various cancers; however, its roles in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have not previously been disclosed. In this study, we found that MALAT1 expression was remarkably increased in ESCC cells compared to normal human esophageal epithelial cells. In addition, knockdown of MALAT1 attenuated the stemness of ESCC cells, as evidenced by a decrease in spheroid formation capacity, stemness marker expression and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 activity. Moreover, MALAT1 knockdown decreased the migration ability of ESCC cells. Notably, knockdown of MALAT1 enhanced the radiosensitivity and chemosensitivity of ESCC cells. We also established that MALAT1 binds directly to Yes‐associated protein (YAP), thereby enhancing YAP protein expression and increasing YAP transcriptional activity. Overexpression of YAP partially rescued the effect of MALAT1 knockdown on stemness and radiosensitivity of ESCC cells. Overall, this study has identified that a novel MALAT1–YAP axis promotes the stemness of ESCC cells, and thus could be a potential target for treatment of ESCC.
Comparison of treatment planning approaches for spatially fractionated irradiation of deep tumors
Authors: Sheikh Khadija , Hrinivich William T. , Bell Leslie A. , Moore Joseph A. , Laub Wolfram , Viswanathan Akila N. , Yan Yulong , McNutt Todd R. , Meyer Jeffrey
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this work was to compare the dosimetry and delivery times of 3D‐conformal (3DCRT)‐, volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)‐, and tomotherapy‐based approaches for spatially fractionated radiation therapy for deep tumor targets.

Methods

Two virtual GRID phantoms were created consisting of 7 “target” cylinders (1‐cm diameter) aligned longitudinally along the tumor in a honey‐comb pattern, mimicking a conventional GRID block, with 2‐cm center‐to‐center spacing (GRID2 cm) and 3‐cm center‐to‐center spacing (GRID3 cm), all contained within a larger cylinder (8 and 10 cm in diameter for the GRID2 cm and GRID3 cm, respectively). In a single patient, a GRID3 cm structure was created within the gross tumor volume (GTV). Tomotherapy, VMAT (6 MV + 6 MV‐flattening‐filter‐free) and multi‐leaf collimator segment 3DCRT (6 MV) plans were created using commercially available software. Two tomotherapy plans were created with field widths (TOMO2.5 cm) 2.5 cm and (TOMO5 cm) 5 cm. Prescriptions for all plans were set to deliver a mean dose of 15 Gy to the GRID targets in one fraction. The mean dose to the GRID target and the heterogeneity of the dose distribution (peak‐to‐valley and peak‐to‐edge dose ratios) inside the GRID target were obtained. The volume of normal tissue receiving 7.5 Gy was determined.

Results

The peak‐to‐valley ratios for GRID2 cm/GRID3 cm/Patient were 2.1/2.3/2.8, 1.7/1.5/2.8, 1.7/1.9/2.4, and 1.8/2.0/2.8 for the 3DCRT, VMAT, TOMO5 cm, and TOMO2.5 cm plans, respectively. The peak‐to‐edge ratios for GRID2 cm/GRID3 cm/Patient were 2.8/3.2/5.4, 2.1/1.8/5.4, 2.0/2.2/3.9, 2.1/2.7/5.2 and for the 3DCRT, VMAT, TOMO5 cm, and TOMO2.5 cm plans, respectively. The volume of normal tissue receiving 7.5 Gy was lowest in the TOMO2.5 cm plan (GRID2 cm/GRID3 cm/Patient = 54 cm3/19 cm3/10 cm3). The VMAT plans had the lowest delivery times (GRID2 cm/GRID3 cm/Patient = 17 min/8 min/9 min).

Conclusion

Our results present, for the first time, preliminary evidence comparing IMRT‐GRID approaches which result in high‐dose “islands” within a target, mimicking what is achieved with a conventional GRID block but without high‐dose “tail” regions outside of the target. These approaches differ modestly in their ability to achieve high peak‐to‐edge ratios and also differ in delivery times.
Atomic‐Scale Spectroscopic Imaging of the Extreme‐UV Optical Response of B‐ and N‐Doped Graphene
Authors: Hage Fredrik S. , Kapetanakis Myron D. , Idrobo Juan‐Carlos , Ramasse Quentin M. , Kepaptsoglou Demie
Published: May 2019

Substitutional doping of graphene by impurity atoms such as boron and nitrogen, followed by atom‐by‐atom manipulation via scanning transmission electron microscopy, can allow for accurate tailoring of its electronic structure, plasmonic response, and even the creation of single atom devices. Beyond the identification of individual dopant atoms by means of “Z contrast” imaging, spectroscopic characterization is needed to understand the modifications induced in the electronic structure and plasmonic response. Here, atomic scale spectroscopic imaging in the extreme UV‐frequency band is demonstrated. Characteristic and energy‐loss‐dependent contrast changes centered on individual dopant atoms are highlighted. These effects are attributed to local dopant‐induced modifications of the electronic structure and are shown to be in excellent agreement with calculations of the associated densities of states.
Constructing CoO/Co3S4 Heterostructures Embedded in N‐doped Carbon Frameworks for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Guo Can , Zhang Wenchao , Liu Yi , He Jiapeng , Yang Shun , Liu Mingkai , Wang Qinghong , Guo Zaiping
Published: May 2019

Heterostructures are attractive for advanced energy storage devices due to their rapid charge transfer kinetics, which is of benefit to the rate performance. The rational and facile construction of heterostructures with satisfactory electrochemical performance, however, is still a great challenge. Herein, ultrafine hetero‐CoO/Co3S4 nanoparticles embedded in N‐doped carbon frameworks (CoO/Co3S4@N‐C) are successfully obtained by employing metal‐organic frameworks as precursors. As anodes for sodium ion batteries, the CoO/Co3S4@N‐C electrodes exhibit high specific capacity (1029.5 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1) and excellent rate capability (428.0 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1), which may be attributed to their enhanced electric conductivity, facilitated Na+ transport, and intrinsic structural stability. Density functional theoretical calculations further confirm that the constructed heterostructures induce electric fields and promote fast reaction kinetics in Na+ transport. This work provides a feasible approach to construct metal oxide/sulfide heterostructures toward high‐performance metal‐ion batteries.
Plasmonic Nanoparticles with Supramolecular Recognition
Authors: Mosquera Jesús , Zhao Yuan , Jang Hee‐Jeong , Xie Nuli , Xu Chuanlai , Kotov Nicholas A. , Liz‐Marzán Luis M.
Published: May 2019

Even after more than two decades of intense studies, the research on self‐assembly processes involving supramolecular interactions between nanoparticles (NPs) is continuously expanding. Plasmonic NPs have attracted particular attention due to strong optical, electrical, biological, and catalytic effects they are accompanied with. Surface plasmon resonance characteristics of plasmonic NPs and their assemblies enable fine‐tuning of these effects with unprecedented dynamic range. In turn, the uniquely high polarizability of plasmonic nanostructures and related optical effects exemplified by surface‐enhanced Raman scattering and red–blue color changes give rise to their application to biosensing. Since supramolecular interactions are ubiquitous in nature, scientists have found a spectrum of biomimetic properties of individual and assembled NPs that can be regulated by the layer of surface ligands coating all NPs. This paradigm has given rise to multiple studies from the design of molecular containers and enzyme‐like catalysts to chiroplasmonic assemblies. Computational and theoretical advances in plasmonic effects for geometrically complex structures have made possible the nanoscale engineering of NPs, assemblies, and supramolecular complexes with biomolecules. It is anticipated that further studies in this area will be expanded toward chiral catalysis, environmental monitoring, disease diagnosis, and therapy.
Hyaluronidase with pH‐responsive Dextran Modification as an Adjuvant Nanomedicine for Enhanced Photodynamic‐Immunotherapy of Cancer
Authors: Wang Hairong , Han Xiao , Dong Ziliang , Xu Jun , Wang Jian , Liu Zhuang
Published: May 2019

The condensed tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) consisting of cross‐linked hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of key factors that results in the aberrant tumor microenvironment (TME) and the resistance to various types of therapies. Herein, hyaluronidase (HAase) is modified by a biocompatible polymer, dextran (DEX), via a pH‐responsive traceless linker. The formulated DEX‐HAase nanoparticles show enhanced enzyme stability, reduced immunogenicity, and prolonged blood half‐life after intravenous injection. With efficient tumor passive accumulation, DEX‐HAase within the acidic TME would be dissociated to release native HAase, which afterward triggers the breakdown of HA to loosen the ECM structure, subsequently leading to enhanced penetration of oxygen and other therapeutic agents. The largely relieved tumor hypoxia would promote the therapeutic effect of nanoparticle‐based photodynamic therapy (PDT), accompanied by the reverse of the immunosuppressive TME to boost cancer immunotherapy. Interestingly, the therapeutic responses achieved by the combination of PDT and anti‐programmed death‐ligand 1 (anti‐PD‐L1) checkpoint blockade therapy could be significantly enhanced by pretreatment with DEX‐HAase. In addition to destructing tumors with direct light exposure, a robust abscopal effect is achieved after such treatment, which is promising for tumor metastasis inhibition. The work presents a new type of adjuvant nanomedicine to assist photodynamic‐immunotherapy of cancer, by effective modulation of TME.
Pressure‐Tunable Ambipolar Conduction and Hysteresis in Thin Palladium Diselenide Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Di Bartolomeo Antonio , Pelella Aniello , Liu Xiaowei , Miao Feng , Passacantando Maurizio , Giubileo Filippo , Grillo Alessandro , Iemmo Laura , Urban Francesca , Liang Shi‐Jun
Published: May 2019

Few‐layer palladium diselenide (PdSe2) field effect transistors are studied under external stimuli such as electrical and optical fields, electron irradiation, and gas pressure. The ambipolar conduction and hysteresis are observed in the transfer curves of the as‐exfoliated and unprotected PdSe2 material. The ambipolar conduction and its hysteretic behavior in the air and pure nitrogen environments are tuned. The prevailing p‐type transport observed at atmospheric pressure is reversibly turned into a dominant n‐type conduction by reducing the pressure, which can simultaneously suppress the hysteresis. The pressure control can be exploited to symmetrize and stabilize the transfer characteristics of the device as required in high‐performance logic circuits. The transistors are affected by trap states with characteristic times in the order of minutes. The channel conductance, dramatically reduced by the electron irradiation during scanning electron microscope imaging, is restored after an annealing of several minutes at room temperature. The work paves the way toward the exploitation of PdSe2 in electronic devices by providing an experiment‐based and deep understanding of charge transport in PdSe2 transistors subjected to electrical stress and other external agents.
Nanostructured Materials and Interfaces for Advanced Ionic Electronic Conducting Oxides
Authors: Acosta Matias , Baiutti Federico , Tarancón Albert , MacManus‐Driscoll Judith L.
Published: May 2019

Mixed ionic electronic conductors (MIEC) are pivotal materials in a number of electrochemical devices that are relevant for clean energy technologies and industrial chemical processes. In this report progress, an overview of the recent strategies to tune surfaces and interfaces of MIEC fluorite and perovskite oxides for solid oxide fuel cells and microsolid oxide fuel cells electrodes is provided. Most of the works presented focus on salient strategies to improve the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the fuel oxidation reaction kinetics. Herein insights on the current understanding of heterointerfaces in epitaxial thin films and vertically aligned nanocomposites for ORR kinetics is provided. A selection of oxide materials having potential for thin‐film anode application is also presented. Further, recent salient results in grain boundary engineering and ex‐solution as well as strain engineering and photoactivation for the development of advanced electrodes is discussed.
A Multifunctional Biodegradable Nanocomposite for Cancer Theranostics
Authors: Wu Jianrong , Williams Gareth R. , Niu Shiwei , Gao Feng , Tang Ranran , Zhu Li‐Min
Published: May 2019

Theranostic formulations, integrating both diagnostic and therapeutic functions into a single platform, hold great potential for precision medicines. In this work, a biodegradable theranostic based on hollow mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (HMONs) is reported and explored for ultrasound/photoacoustic dual‐modality imaging guided chemo‐photothermal therapy of cancer. The HMONs prepared are endowed with glutathione‐responsive biodegradation behavior by incorporating disulfide bonds into their framework. The nanoparticles are loaded with indocyanine green (ICG) and perfluoropentane (PFP). The former acts as a photothermal agent and the latter can generate bubbles for ultrasound imaging. A paclitaxel prodrug is developed to both serve as a redox‐sensitive gatekeeper controlling ICG release from the HMON pores and a chemotherapeutic. ICG generates mild hyperthermia upon exposure to an 808 nm laser, and this in turn leads to a liquid–gas phase transition of PFP, resulting in the generation of bubbles which can be used for ultrasound imaging. The platform is found to have excellent properties for both ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging. In addition, both in vitro and in vivo results show that the nanoparticles provide potent synergistic chemo‐photothermal therapy. The material developed in this work thus has great potential for exploitation in advanced cancer therapies.