bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex‐skewed trophic impacts in ephemeral wetlands
Authors: Cuthbert Ross N. , Dalu Tatenda , Wasserman Ryan J. , Weyl Olaf L. F. , Callaghan Amanda , Froneman William , Dick Jaimie T. A. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPredation can have marked impacts on ecosystem structure, function, and stability. However, quantifications of biotic interactions frequently overlook demographic variabilities within populations, which can modulate interaction strengths, such as sex and reproductive status. Compositional population ratios between males and females, alongside reproductive status, are highly variable temporally in ephemeral aquatic systems, and may profoundly mediate levels of ecological impact and thus stability of trophic groups.In the present study, we apply functional responses (resource intake as a function of resource density) to quantify predatory impacts of adult males, non‐gravid females, and gravid females of the calanoid copepodLovenula raynerae(Diaptomidae), an abundant ephemeral pond specialist, on larvae of theCulex pipiens(Culicidae) mosquito complex. We then develop a novel metric to forecast population‐level impacts across different population sex ratio scenarios.Lovenula rayneraedemonstrated prey population destabilising TypeIIfunctional responses irrespective of sex and reproductive status, yet variable functional response magnitudes were found. While male and non‐gravid female copepods exhibited similar functional response maximum feeding rates, gravid female feeding rates were substantially higher, implying higher resource demands for progeny development. Ecological impacts ofL. rayneraeon lower trophic groups increased markedly where their abundances increased but, crucially, also as population sex ratios became more biased towards gravid female copepods.We demonstrate that population‐level impacts do not only correlate tightly with abundance but may be further modulated by reproductive status variations. Thus, the development of sex‐skewed ratios in favour of gravid females during the hydroperiod probably heightens ecological impacts on lower trophic groups. The implications of these results for prey population stability are discussed in the context of freshwater ecosystems.
Developing a list of invasive alien species likely to threaten biodiversity and ecosystems in the European Union
Authors: Roy Helen E. , Bacher Sven , Essl Franz , Adriaens Tim , Aldridge David C. , Bishop John D. D. , Blackburn Tim M. , Branquart Etienne , Brodie Juliet , Carboneras Carles , Cottier-Cook Elizabeth J. , Copp Gordon H. , Dean Hannah J. , Eilenberg Jørgen , Gallardo Belinda , Garcia Mariana , García‐Berthou Emili , Genovesi Piero , Hulme Philip E. , Kenis Marc , Kerckhof Francis , Kettunen Marianne , Minchin Dan , Nentwig Wolfgang , Nieto Ana , Pergl Jan , Pescott Oliver L. , M. Peyton Jodey , Preda Cristina , Roques Alain , Rorke Steph L. , Scalera Riccardo , Schindler Stefan , Schönrogge Karsten , Sewell Jack , Solarz Wojciech , Stewart Alan J. A. , Tricarico Elena , Vanderhoeven Sonia , van der Velde Gerard , Vilà Montserrat , Wood Christine A. , Zenetos Argyro , Rabitsch Wolfgang 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe European Union (EU) has recently published its first list of invasive alien species (IAS) of EU concern to which current legislation must apply. The list comprises species known to pose great threats to biodiversity and needs to be maintained and updated. Horizon scanning is seen as critical to identify the most threatening potential IAS that do not yet occur in Europe to be subsequently risk assessed for future listing. Accordingly, we present a systematic consensus horizon scanning procedure to derive a ranked list of potential IAS likely to arrive, establish, spread and have an impact on biodiversity in the region over the next decade. The approach is unique in the continental scale examined, the breadth of taxonomic groups and environments considered, and the methods and data sources used. International experts were brought together to address five broad thematic groups of potential IAS. For each thematic group the experts first independently assembled lists of potential IAS not yet established in the EU but potentially threatening biodiversity if introduced. Experts were asked to score the species within their thematic group for their separate likelihoods of i) arrival, ii) establishment, iii) spread, and iv) magnitude of the potential negative impact on biodiversity within the EU. Experts then convened for a 2‐day workshop applying consensus methods to compile a ranked list of potential IAS. From an initial working list of 329 species, a list of 66 species not yet established in the EU that were considered to be very high (8 species), high (40 species) or medium (18 species) risk species was derived. Here, we present these species highlighting the potential negative impacts and the most likely biogeographic regions to be affected by these potential IAS.
Geographical adaptation prevails over species‐specific determinism in trees’ vulnerability to climate change at Mediterranean rear‐edge forests
Authors: Dorado‐Liñán Isabel , Piovesan Gianluca , Martínez‐Sancho Elisabet , Gea‐Izquierdo Guillermo , Zang Christian , Cañellas Isabel , Castagneri Daniele , Di Filippo Alfredo , Gutiérrez Emilia , Ewald Joerg , Fernández‐de‐Uña Laura , Hornstein Daniel , Jantsch Matthias C. , Levanič Tom , Mellert Karl H. , Vacchiano Giorgio , Zlatanov Tzvetan , Menzel Annette 
Published: December 2018

AbstractClimate change may reduce forest growth and increase forest mortality, which is connected to high carbon costs through reductions in gross primary production and net ecosystem exchange. Yet, the spatiotemporal patterns of vulnerability to both short‐term extreme events and gradual environmental changes are quite uncertain across the species’ limits of tolerance to dryness. Such information is fundamental for defining ecologically relevant upper limits of species tolerance to drought and, hence, to predict the risk of increased forest mortality and shifts in species composition. We investigate here to what extent the impact of short‐ and long‐term environmental changes determines vulnerability to climate change of three evergreen conifers (Scots pine, silver fir, Norway spruce) and two deciduous hardwoods (European beech, sessile oak) tree species at their southernmost limits of distribution in the Mediterranean Basin. Finally, we simulated future forest growth under RCP 2.6 and 8.5 emission scenarios using a multispecies generalized linear mixed model. Our analysis provides four key insights into the patterns of species’ vulnerability to climate change. First, site climatic marginality was significantly linked to the growth trends: increasing growth was related to less climatically limited sites. Second, estimated species‐specific vulnerability did not match their a priori rank in drought tolerance: Scots pine and beech seem to be the most vulnerable species among those studied despite their contrasting physiologies. Third, adaptation to site conditions prevails over species‐specific determinism in forest response to climate change. And fourth, regional differences in forests vulnerability to climate change across the Mediterranean Basin are linked to the influence of summer atmospheric circulation patterns, which are not correctly represented in global climate models. Thus, projections of forest performance should reconsider the traditional classification of tree species in functional types and critically evaluate the fine‐scale limitations of the climate data generated by global climate models.
Integrated lignocellulosic value chains in a growing bioeconomy: Status quo and perspectives
Authors: Dahmen Nicolaus , Lewandowski Iris , Zibek Susanne , Weidtmann Annette 
Published: December 2018

AbstractLignocellulose is the most abundant biomass on Earth, with an estimated 181.5 billion tonnes produced annually. Of the 8.2 billion tonnes that are currently used, about 7 billion tonnes are produced from dedicated agricultural, grass and forest land and another 1.2 billion tonnes stem from agricultural residues. Economic and environmentally efficient pathways for production and utilization of lignocellulose for chemical products and energy are needed to expand the bioeconomy. This opinion paper arose from the research network “Lignocellulose as new resource platform for novel materials and products” funded by the German federal state of Baden‐Württemberg and summarizes original research presented in this special issue. It first discusses how the supply of lignocellulosic biomass can be organized sustainably and suggests that perennial biomass crops (PBC) are likely to play an important role in future regional biomass supply to European lignocellulosic biorefineries. Dedicated PBC production has the advantage of delivering biomass with reliable quantity and quality. The tailoring of PBC quality through crop breeding and management can support the integration of lignocellulosic value chains. Two biorefinery concepts using lignocellulosic biomass are then compared and discussed: the syngas biorefinery and the lignocellulosic biorefinery. Syngas biorefineries are less sensitive to biomass qualities and are technically relatively advanced, but require high investments and large‐scale facilities to be economically feasible. Lignocellulosic biorefineries require multiple processing steps to separate the recalcitrant lignin from cellulose and hemicellulose and convert the intermediates into valuable products. The refining processes for high‐quality lignin and hemicellulose fractions still need to be further developed. A concept of a modular lignocellulosic biorefinery is presented that could be flexibly adapted for a range of feedstock and products by combining appropriate technologies either at the same location or in a decentralized form.
Impacts of nitrogen addition on plant species richness and abundance: A global meta‐analysis
Authors: Midolo Gabriele , Alkemade Rob , Schipper Aafke M. , Benítez‐López Ana , Perring Michael P. , De Vries Wim 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimExperimental nitrogen (N) addition (fertilization) studies are commonly used to quantify the impacts of increased N inputs on plant biodiversity. However, given that plant community responses can vary considerably among individual studies, there is a clear need to synthesize and generalize findings with meta‐analytical approaches. Our goal was to quantify changes in species richness and abundance in plant communities in response to N addition across different environmental contexts, while controlling for different experimental designs.LocationGlobal.Time periodData range: 1985–2016; Publication years: 1990–2018.Major taxa studiedPlants.MethodsWe performed a meta‐analysis of 115 experiments reported in 85 studies assessing the effects of N addition on terrestrial natural and semi‐natural plant communities. We quantified local‐scale changes in plant biodiversity in relationship to N addition using four metrics: species richness (SR), individual species abundance (IA), mean species abundance (MSA) and geometric mean abundance (GMA).ResultsFor all metrics, greater amounts of annual N addition resulted in larger declines in plant diversity. Additionally, MSA decreased more steeply with N that was applied in reduced (NH4+) rather than oxidized () form. Loss of SR with increasing amounts of N was found to be larger in warmer sites. Furthermore, greater losses of SR were found in sites with longer experimental durations, smaller plot sizes and lower soil cation exchange capacity. Finally, reductions in the abundance of individual species were larger for N‐sensitive plant life‐form types (legumes and non‐vascular plants).Main conclusionsN enrichment decreases both SR and abundance of plants in N‐addition experiments, but the magnitude of the response differs among biodiversity metrics and with the environmental and experimental context. This underlines the importance of integrating multiple dimensions of biodiversity and relevant modifying factors into assessments of biodiversity responses to global environmental change.
Increasing incidence of lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma in Catalonia
Authors: Matas‐Nadal Clara , Malvehy Josep , Ferreres Jose Ramon , Boada Aram , Bodet Domingo , Segura Sonia , Salleras Montse , Azon Antoni , Bel‐Pla Susana , Bigata Xavier , Campoy Antoni , Curcó Neus , Dalmau Joan , Formigon Manel , Gonzalez Alberto , Just Miquel , Llistosella Enric , Nogues M. Elena , Pedragosa Ramon , Pujol Josep A. , Sabat Mireia , Smandia Joan A. , Zaballos Pedro , Puig Susana , Martí Rosa M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundRecent epidemiological studies suggest that past data where superficial spreading melanoma was by far the most common subtype of melanoma may not reflect current patterns of sun exposure or other risk factors more involved in other subtypes of melanoma as lentigo maligna (LM) or lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM).MethodsIn order to measure the current situation in our country, all cases of LM and LMM diagnosed in 23 hospitals in Catalonia, from 2000 to 2007, were recorded.ResultsAlthough for the global period LM/LMM represented only 8.4% of cases, an increasing trend in this percentage was observed throughout the study period (from 6.9% [27 cases] in 2000 to 13.1% [94 cases] in 2007). Also, an increasing incidence of LM/LMM was observed, especially in chronically sun‐exposed areas (85.5% involving the head and neck region). During the 8 years of the registry, the mean Breslow thickness of LMM remained stable. However, the increase in the number of LM (in situ) cases was significantly higher than the increase of the invasive ones.ConclusionsAn important observation from this data is that aging of population and current sun exposure patterns could keep increasing the incidence of LM/LMM, which may become an important public healthcare problem, over the other histological subtypes. In order to establish primary or secondary preventive measures to the LM/LMM risk‐population, it is imperative to highlight the importance of chronic sun damage as a melanoma risk factor, and not only sunburn, most commonly addressed in melanoma prevention campaigns.
Structural and biochemical evaluation of Ceratitiscapitata odorant‐binding protein 22 affinity for odorants involved in intersex communication
Authors: Falchetto M. , Ciossani G. , Scolari F. , Di Cosimo A. , Nenci S. , Field L. M. , Mattevi A. , Zhou J.‐J. , Gasperi G. , Forneris F. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn insects, odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs) connect the peripheral sensory system to receptors of olfactory organs. Medfly Ceratitis capitata CcapObp22 shows 37% identity and close phylogenetic affinities with Drosophila melanogaster OBP69a/pheromone‐binding protein related protein 1. The CcapObp22 gene is transcribed in the antennae and maxillary palps, suggesting an active role in olfaction. Here, we recombinantly produced CcapObp22, obtaining a 13.5 kDa protein capable of binding multiple strongly hydrophobic terpene compounds, including medfly male pheromone components. The highest binding affinity [half maximal effective concentration (EC50) = 0.48 µM] was to (E,E)‐α‐farnesene, one of the most abundant compounds in the male pheromone blend. This odorant was used in cocrystallization experiments, yielding the structure of CcapOBP22. The monomeric structure shows the typical OBP folding, constituted by six α‐helical elements interconnected by three disulphide bridges. A C‐terminal seventh α‐helix constitutes the wall of a deep, L‐shaped hydrophobic cavity. Analysis of the electron density in this cavity suggested trapping of farnesene in the crystal structure, although with partial occupancy. Superposition of the CcapOBP22 structure with related seven‐helical OBPs highlights striking similarity in the organization of the C‐terminal segment of these proteins. Collectively, our molecular and physiological data on medfly CcapOBP22 suggest its involvement in intersex olfactory communication.
Comovement in Anomalies between the Australian and US Equity Markets*
Authors: Chiah Mardy , Gharghori Philip , Zhong Angel 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis study examines the comovement between eight prominent Australian asset pricing anomalies and their corresponding US counterparts. It confirms the continued existence of these anomalies in Australia and finds that these anomalies do not co‐move with their US counterparts. Given the conflicting findings in prior research on the integration or segmentation of the Australian and US equity markets, this study adds to the body of evidence supporting segmentation.
Study of Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 microelectromechanical system piezoelectric accelerometers for health monitoring of mechanical motors
Authors: Tsai Cheng‐Che , Chien Yu‐Chun , Hong Cheng‐Shong , Chu Sheng‐Yuan , Wei Chia‐Ling , Liu Yun‐Hui , Kao Hsueh‐Yu 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn this study, piezoelectric Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) thick films were fabricated on Pt‐coated Si substrates by a modified sol‐gel method via dispersing the piezoelectric submicron powders of composition (Pb, Sr)Lax(Ti, Zr)1−1/4xO3 (PZT‐5A, having a high d33 value of 520 and a high kp value of 0.64) in the PZT sol‐gel solution. Then, piezoelectric microelectromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometers were designed and fabricated on Si substrates via micromachining techniques. A mathematic approximation model was firstly proposed. It used an effective thickness of Si membrane (heff) to replace the thickness of Si membrane, derived by math theory. The resonant frequency using the mathematic approximation model would be closer to the values of the experimental data than using the original math theory. Finally, the self‐made thick film accelerometers with best properties were fabricated via a modified sol‐gel method. They had voltage sensitivities in the range of 2.21‐2.14 mV/g, which is pretty high compared with the reported data, and the resonant frequency is in the range of 6.5‐7.1 kHz. In addition, the accelerometers with amplifier circuit and power source were practically used in vibration detection of health monitoring of mechanical motors.
Practitioner Review: Mental health problems of refugee children and adolescents and their management
Authors: Hodes Matthew , Vostanis Panos 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundSince 2010, the numbers of refugees have increased and around half are under 18 years of age. It is known that experience of organised violence, displacement and resettlement increases the risk for psychiatric disorders and psychosocial impairment. This review integrates recent research into the risk and protective factors for psychopathology with service and treatment issues.MethodsWe draw on and critically evaluate key systematic reviews in the selected areas, innovative robust studies and relevant government reports.ResultsMany refugee children show resilience and function well, even in the face of substantial adversities. The most robust findings for psychopathology are that PTSD, and posttraumatic and depressive symptoms are found at higher prevalence in those who have been exposed to war experiences. Their severity may decrease over time with resettlement, but PTSD in the most exposed may show higher continuity. More severe psychiatric disorders including psychosis may also occur. Service delivery needs to take into account socioeconomic and cultural influences but, given the high level of unmet need even in high‐income countries, stepped care delivery is required. The evaluation of psychological interventions, often delivered in group settings, suggests that they can be effective for many distressed children; however, for the more impaired, a greater range of disorder‐specific therapies will be required.ConclusionsChild and adolescent mental health clinicians and service providers need to be aware of the specific needs of this population and systems for service delivery. There are significant knowledge gaps in understanding risk and vulnerability, service delivery and treatment effectiveness.
Antifungal activities of coating incorporated with Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall mannoprotein on Aspergillus flavus growth and aflatoxin production in pistachio (Pistacia vera L.)
Authors: Abdolshahi Anna , Marvdashti Leila Monjazeb , Salehi Bahare , Sharifi‐Rad Mehdi , Ghobakhloo Safiyeh , Iriti Marcello , Sharifi‐Rad Javad 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn this study, the effects of the mannoprotein isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ScMnn) were evaluated against Aspergillus flavus growth and aflatoxin (AF) production in pistachios. The mannoprotein extracted from the cell wall of S. cerevisiae was incorporated in gelatin‐based solution at different concentration (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5% w/w) then used as coating of kernels. A. flavus spore suspension (104 spores/mL) was inoculated on both coated (cp) and non‐coated (ncp) pistachios. In cp samples, the mycelium development was delayed and AF content decreased, compared with the ncp ones. Noteworthy, the coating containing 1.5% ScMnn decreased AFB1 up to 42.81%. The ScMnn could be considered as an operative agent to reduce A. flavus growth and AF contamination in pistachios. The edible and food grade properties are important in its application as novel additive and as bioactive agent in coatings for the control of AF in pistachios.Practical applicationsActive edible coating containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannoprotein could be applied in pistachio industry to control Aspergillus flavus growth and reduce aflatoxin contamination. This antifungal coating could improve the safety of pistachio nuts.
An Explanation of Negative Swap Spreads: Demand for Duration from Underfunded Pension Plans
Authors: KLINGLER SVEN , SUNDARESAN SURESH 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTThe 30‐year U.S. swap spreads have been negative since September 2008. We offer a novel explanation for this persistent anomaly. Through an illustrative model, we show that underfunded pension plans optimally use swaps for duration hedging. Combined with dealer banks' balance sheet constraints, this demand can drive swap spreads to become negative. Empirically, we construct a measure of the aggregate funding status of defined benefit pension plans and show that this measure helps explain 30‐year swap spreads. We find a similar link between pension funds' underfunding and swap spreads for two other regions.
Balthasar and the Eclipse of Nietzsche
Authors: O’Regan Cyril 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis essay is about Hans Urs von Balthasar’s critical appropriation of Nietzsche as a prophetic and apocalyptic thinker whose thought presents a challenge to a tired European culture and a petrified form of Christianity. But it is also about a particular expiration date for this critical appropriation which can be dated to the 1940s. The bulk of the essay deals with two early texts of Balthasar in which Nietzsche is a dominant figure, that is, Balthasar’s dissertation, Geschichte des eschatologischen Problems in der modernen Literatur (1928) and Apokalypse der deutschen Seele (1939). The centrality of Nietzsche in these texts makes it all the more shocking that by the mid 1940s Balthasar’s engagement has essentially come to an end. The hypothesis put forward is not that the questions raised by Nietzsche have ceased to have pertinence, but that Heidegger, who had also from the beginning been an important figure for Balthasar, essentially takes over Nietzsche’s apocalyptic provocation and thereby eclipses him. Thereafter, Heidegger becomes not only the emblem of the best that Phenomenology can do, but also of a form of Nietzschianism that is more subtle and complex in its negotiations with Christianity and precisely for that reason more dangerous.