bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New horizons for dredging research: The ecology and politics of harbor deepening in the southeastern United States
Authors: Carse Ashley , Lewis Joshua A.
Published: October 2020

Harbor deepening projects in the southeastern United States illuminate a global phenomenon: navigable rivers and coastal estuaries have been dredged to new depths as port authorities and governments compete to accommodate and benefit from new generations of massive oceangoing ships. This urbanized region has dozens of ports situated in estuaries and deltas where major rivers meet the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. It is also home to the majority of U.S. inland federal waterways, significant cargo traffic, and remarkable cultural and ecological diversity. Moving enormous volumes of underwater sediment is as much a social, economic, and political phenomenon as an intervention in hydrological and geomorphological processes. Therefore, dredging demands an analytical framework that bridges disciplines and spatial scales. Putting dredging research into conversation with scholarship on global shipping, logistics, and port development, we call for an analytical framework that draws upon political ecology and geosocial theory. We use this framework to examine large harbor deepening projects near Savannah, Jacksonville, Mobile, and New Orleans. Each project has been rationalized in terms of accommodating the megaships transiting an expanded Panama Canal and, more generally, linking local and regional economic development to global supply chains. An expanded and comparative framework reveals the geographical scale and variegated politics that characterize navigation dredging today.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Methods
Predicting susceptibility for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in domestic and wildlife animals using ACE2 protein sequence homology
Authors: Kumar Ashutosh , Pandey Sada N. , Pareek Vikas , Narayan Ravi K. , Faiq Muneeb A. , Kumari Chiman
Published: October 2020

The article is presenting a bioinformatics based method predicting susceptibility for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in domestic and wildlife animals. Recently, there were reports of cats and ferrets, dogs, minks, golden hamster, rhesus monkeys, tigers, and lions testing for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA which indicated for the possible interspecies viral transmission. Our method successfully predicted the susceptibility of these animals for contracting SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. This method can be used as a screening tool for guiding viral RNA testing for domestic and wildlife animals at risk of getting COVID‐19. We provide a list of the animals at risk of developing COVID‐19 based on the susceptibility score.
Study on risk factors, bacterial species, and drug resistance of acute pyelonephritis associated with ureteral stent after percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Authors: Jiang Guo , Li Jiang , Long He , Qiulin Chen , Jin Ren , Yaodong Yang , Xingyou Dong , Jiang Zhao , Zhenyang Zhang
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study is to explore the risk factors, bacterial species, and drug resistance of acute pyelonephritis (AP) associated with ureteral stent after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and to provide reference for clinical intervention. The clinical data of 415 patients with indwelling ureteral stent after PCNL from December 2016 to May 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into infection group (n = 54) and non-infection group (n = 361) according to whether patients had AP. Patients’ clinical data, blood and urine bacterial culture, and drug sensitivity were collected and analyzed. The incidence of AP associated with ureteral stent after PCNL was 13.01% and diabetes mellitus (P = 0.001), postoperative stone residue (P = 0.002), urinary leucocytes ≥ 100/HP (P = 0.018), positive urine culture results (P = 0.001), ureteral stent retention time ≥ 8 weeks (P = 0.004), and high S.T.O.N.E. score (P = 0.014) are independent risk factors for it. Escherichia coli (40.54%, 47.82%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.21%, 15.21%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.81%, 4.34%), Enterococcus faecalis (21.6%, 19.56%), and epidermis Staphylococci (10.81%, 13.33%) are the main pathogens in blood and urine. The main sensitive drugs of pathogenic bacteria are imipenem, meropenem, tigecycline, piperacillin/tazobactam, ceftazidime, linezolid, teicoplanin, levofloxacin, vancomycin, tigecycline, etc., while levofloxacin, norfloxacin, penicillin G, first, and second-generation cephalosporins showed a strong drug resistance rate (> 70%). This study found that diabetes, postoperative stone residuals, urinary leukocytes ≧ 100 cells/HP, positive urine culture results, ureteral stent indwelling time ≧ 8 weeks, and high S.T.O.N.E. score were independent of AP associated with ureteral stent after PCNL risk factors and Escherichia coli is the main pathogenic bacteria and shows drug resistance.
Percutaneous isolated hepatic perfusion (chemosaturation) with melphalan following right hemihepatectomy in patients with cholangiocarcinoma and metastatic uveal melanoma: peri- and post-interventional adverse events and therapy response compared to a matched group without prior liver surgery
Authors: Dewald C. L. A. , Becker L. S. , Maschke S. K. , Meine T. C. , Alten T. A. , Kirstein M. M. , Vogel A. , Wacker F. K. , Meyer B. C. , Hinrichs J. B.
Published: October 2020

To evaluate feasibility, frequency and severity of peri-procedural complications and post-procedural adverse events (AEs) in patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma or liver metastasis of uveal melanoma and prior hemihepatectomy undergoing chemosaturation percutaneous hepatic perfusion (CS-PHP) and to analyze therapy response and overall survival compared to a matched group without prior surgery. CS-PHP performed between 10/2014 and 02/2018 were retrospectively assessed. To determine peri-procedural safety and post-procedural adverse events, hospital records and hematological, hepatic and biliary function were categorized using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0 (1–5; mild-death). Significance was tested using Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann–Whitney U test. Kaplan–Meier estimation and log-rank test assessed survival. Overall 21 CS-PHP in seven patients (4/7 males; 52 ± 10 years) with hemihepatectomy (grouphemihep) and 22 CS-PHP in seven patients (3/7 males; 63 ± 12 years) without prior surgery (groupnoresection) were included. No complications occurred during the CS-PHP procedures. Transient changes (CTCAE grade 1–2) of liver enzymes and blood cells followed all procedures. In comparison, grouphemihep presented slightly more AEs grade 3–4 (e.g. thrombocytopenia in 57% (12/21) vs. 41% (9/22; p = 0.37)) 5–7 days after CS-PHP. These AEs were self-limiting or responsive to treatment (insignificant difference of pre-interventional to 21–45 days post-interventional values (p > 0.05)). One patient in grouphemihep with high tumor burden died eight days following CS-PHP. No deaths occurred in groupnoresection. In comparison, overall survival after first diagnosis was insignificantly shorter in groupnoresection (44.7(32–56.1) months) than in grouphemihep (48.3(34.6–72.8) months; p = 0.48). The severity of adverse events following CS-PHP in patients after hemihepatectomy was comparable to a matched group without prior liver surgery. Thus, the performance of CS-PHP is not substantially compromised by a prior hemihepatectomy.
Influence of low amounts of zinc or magnesium substitution on ion release and apatite formation of Bioglass 45S5
Authors: Wetzel R. , Bartzok O. , Brauer D. S.
Published: October 2020

Magnesium and zinc ions play various key roles in the human body, being involved, among others, in skeletal development and wound healing. Zinc is also known to have antimicrobial properties. While low concentrations can stimulate cells in vitro, high concentrations of magnesium or zinc introduced into bioactive glasses significantly reduce glass degradation and ion release and inhibit apatite precipitation. On the other hand, magnesium and zinc ions improve the high temperature processing of bioactive glasses, even when present at low concentrations only. Results here show that by substituting small amounts of Mg or Zn for Ca, ion release remains high enough to allow for apatite precipitation. In addition, magnesium and zinc containing bioactive glasses are shown to be very susceptible to changes in particle size and relative surface area. For a given magnesium or zinc content in the glass, ion release and apatite formation can be enhanced dramatically by reducing the particle size, reaching comparable levels as Bioglass 45S5 of the same particle size range. Taken together, these findings suggest that when introducing these ions into bioactive glasses, ideally low Mg or Zn for Ca substitution as well as small particle sizes are used. This way, bioactive glasses combining good high temperature processing with fast ion release and apatite precipitation can be obtained, providing the potential additional benefit of releasing magnesium or zinc ions in therapeutic concentrations.
Are Repeatedly Extorted Businesses Different? A Multilevel Hurdle Model of Extortion Victimization
Authors: Estévez-Soto Patricio R. , Johnson Shane D. , Tilley Nick
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Research consistently shows that crime concentrates on a few repeatedly victimized places and targets. In this paper we examine whether the same is true for extortion against businesses. We then test whether the factors that explain the likelihood of becoming a victim of extortion also explain the number of incidents suffered by victimized businesses. The alternative is that extortion concentration is a function of event dependence.

Methods

Drawing on Mexico’s commercial victimization survey, we determine whether repeat victimization occurs by chance by comparing the observed distribution to that expected under a Poisson process. Next, we utilize a multilevel negative binomial-logit hurdle model to examine whether area- and business-level predictors of victimization are also associated with the number of repeat extortions suffered by businesses.

Results

Findings suggest that extortion is highly concentrated, and that the predictors of repeated extortion differ from those that predict the likelihood of becoming a victim of extortion. While area-level variables showed a modest association with the likelihood of extortion victimization, they were not significant predictors of repeat incidents. Similarly, most business-level variables significantly associated with victimization risk showed insignificant (and sometimes contrary) associations with victimization concentration. Overall, unexplained differences in extortion concentration at the business-level were unaffected by predictors of extortion prevalence.

Conclusions

The inconsistent associations of predictors across the hurdle components suggest that extortion prevalence and concentration are fueled by two distinct processes, an interpretation congruent with theoretical expectations regarding extortion that considers that repeats are likely fueled by a process of event dependence.
Media-Induced Sexual Harassment: The Routes from Sexually Objectifying Media to Sexual Harassment
Authors: Galdi Silvia , Guizzo Francesca
Published: October 2020

Media that sexually objectify women by portraying them in ways that emphasize physical beauty and sexual readiness as well as reduce them to decorative and sexual objects have been traditionally identified by scholars as a powerful cultural risk factor encouraging sexual harassment and sexual violence. In the present article we review the existing empirical evidence linking sexually objectifying media and sexual harassment of women to the overarching and integrative Media-Induced Sexual Harassment framework. This framework offers a coherent scheme for explaining the effects of sexually objectifying media on three target groups directly involved in sexual harassment—perpetrators, victims, and bystanders—and it postulates three cognitive and emotional mechanisms through which sexually objectifying media lead to sexual harassment: dehumanization, disruption of emphatic resonance, and a shift in gender norms. The evidence reviewed on the basis of the Media-Induced Sexual Harassment framework shows that sexually objectifying media converge in normalizing harassing behaviors and can be a causal risk factor for increasing engagement in sexual harassment, heightening victims’ acceptance of sexual harassment and discouraging bystander intervention. We discuss implications of these arguments for effectively preventing negative effects of exposure to sexually objectifying media and for education programs aimed at critical media-consumption.
Patients with obstructive sleep apnea have suppressed levels of soluble cytokine receptors involved in neurodegenerative disease, but normal levels with airways therapy
Authors: Wang Ye , Meagher Richard B. , Ambati Suresh , Ma Ping , Phillips Bradley G.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) results in systemic intermittent hypoxia. By one model, hypoxic stress signaling in OSA patients alters the levels of inflammatory soluble cytokines TNF and IL6, damages the blood brain barrier, and activates microglial targeting of neuronal cell death to increase the risk of neurodegenerative disorders and other diseases. However, it is not yet clear if OSA significantly alters the levels of the soluble isoforms of TNF receptors TNFR1 and TNFR2 and IL6 receptor (IL6R) and co-receptor gp130, which have the potential to modulate TNF and IL6 signaling.

Methods

Picogram per milliliter levels of the soluble isoforms of these four cytokine receptors were estimated in OSA patients, in OSA patients receiving airways therapy, and in healthy control subjects. Triplicate samples were examined using Bio-Plex fluorescent bead microfluidic technology. The statistical significance of cytokine data was estimated using the nonparametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The clustering of these high-dimensional data was visualized usingt-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE).

Results

OSA patients had significant twofold to sevenfold reductions in the soluble serum isoforms of all four cytokine receptors, gp130, IL6R, TNFR1, and TNFR2, as compared with control individuals (p = 1.8 × 10−13to 4 × 10−8). Relative to untreated OSA patients, airways therapy of OSA patients had significantly higher levels of gp130 (p = 2.8 × 10−13), IL6R (p = 1.1 × 10−9), TNFR1 (p = 2.5 × 10−10), and TNFR2 (p = 5.7 × 10−9), levels indistinguishable from controls (p = 0.29 to 0.95). The data for most airway-treated patients clustered with healthy controls, but the data for a few airway-treated patients clustered with apneic patients.

Conclusions

Patients with OSA have aberrantly low levels of four soluble cytokine receptors associated with neurodegenerative disease, gp130, IL6R, TNFR1, and TNFR2. Most OSA patients receiving airways therapy have receptor levels indistinguishable from healthy controls, suggesting a chronic intermittent hypoxia may be one of the factors contributing to low receptor levels in untreated OSA patients.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Mullus surmuletus from the Catania Gulf (Sicily, Italy): distribution and potential health risks
Authors: Bua Rosaria Ornella , Contino Annalinda , Giuffrida Alessandro
Published: October 2020

Different specimens of Mullus surmuletus from the Catania Gulf (Sicily) were sampled and analysed for the quantification of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in order to evaluate the distribution of these pollutants and the potential human health risks associated to the consumption of fish. The determined PAHs concentration values ranged from 0.25 to 6.10 ng/g wet weight and the most abundant PAHs detected were lower molecular weight (LMW) compounds with 2 to 3 rings. Relying on the PAHs concentration values, on the consumption data and on the total toxic equivalent (TEQ), the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) was assessed and its calculated value (2.97 × 10−7) is far below the “maximum acceptable risk level” (ARL), suggesting a low potential carcinogenic risk on consuming M. surmuletus for local population. Even though the study shows a quite low contamination level in M. surmuletus, intensive monitoring programmes are still highly needed in order to provide a better picture of the PAHs distribution in Catania Gulf and of the human health risk linked to fish consumption.
Driving force of soil microbial community structure in a burned area of Daxing’anling, China
Authors: Meng Meng , Wang Bing , Zhang Qiuliang , Tian Yuan
Published: October 2020

Fires are an important factor impacting forest ecosystems of Daxing’anling and have a significant effect on soil microbial community structure. In this study, high-throughput sequencing for 16S rDNA and ITS rDNA were applied to analyze the changing characteristics and driving factors of bacterial and fungal community structures in burned areas with different fire severity. PICRUSt2 software was used to predict the functional characteristics of burned areas with different fire severity. The purpose was to unveil the responsive relationships among the structure and function of bacterial and fungal communities, fire severity, and post-disturbance restoration times. After high severity fires, the destruction of surface vegetation and loss of soil nutrients reduced the diversity and abundance of soil bacteria and fungi. The soil bacteria community structure, which was dominated by Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria, changed to be dominated by Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi. As well, soil fungal community changed from domination by Helotiales, Eurotiales and Russulales to domination by Archaeorhizomycetales and Helotiales. Over time, soil bacterial community was gradually restored to pre-fire levels 30 years after the fire. Soil fungal community changed and failed to restore to pre-fire levels after 30 years. After low/intermediate severity fires, environmental factors were relatively unchanged so that soil bacteria diversity and abundance increased, optimizing community composition. The diversity and abundance of soil fungi decreased and the community structure changed slightly. Over time, both bacterial and fungal communities were gradually restored to pre-fire levels 30 years after the fire. After fire disturbance, with increasing severity, soil carbon fixation, lignin degradation, mineralization of organic nitrogen and hydrolysis of organic phosphorus are enhanced. Denitrification is weakened. Therefore, forest fires have certain positive effects on carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles where soil bacteria and fungi are involved.
Solvent Effects on Skin Penetration and Spatial Distribution of the Hydrophilic Nitroxide Spin Probe PCA Investigated by EPR
Authors: Dong Pin , Teutloff Christian , Lademann Jürgen , Patzelt Alexa , Schäfer-Korting Monika , Meinke Martina C.
Published: October 2020

Oxidative stress occurs in extrinsic skin aging processes and diseases when the enhanced production of free radicals exceeds the homeostatic antioxidant capacity of the skin. The spin probe, 3-(carboxy)-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidin-1-oxyl (PCA), is frequently used to study the cutaneous radical production by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. This approach requires delivering PCA into the skin, yet solvent effects on the skin penetration and spatial distribution of PCA have not been thoroughly investigated. Three solvents of ethanol, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and ethanol-PBS (1:1) were studied. For both human and porcine skin ex vivo, the amount of PCA in the stratum corneum (SC) was the lowest when using ethanol and very similar for PBS and ethanol-PBS. The highest amount of PCA in the viable skin layers was detected for ethanol-PBS, yet it only took up less than 5% of the total amount. The majority of PCA was localized in the SC, among which PCA with high mobility was predominantly distributed in the hydrophilic microenvironment of corneocytes and PCA with lower mobility was mainly in the less hydrophilic microenvironment of intercellular skin lipids. A higher ethanol concentration in the solvent could improve the distribution of PCA in the hydrophilic microenvironments of the SC. The results suggest that ethanol-PBS (1:1) is best-suited for delivering most PCA deep into the skin. This work enhances the understanding of solvent effects on the skin penetration and distribution of PCA and supports the utilization of PCA in studying cutaneous radical production.
Inhibition of microRNA-155 Protects Retinal Function Through Attenuation of Inflammation in Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Aggio-Bruce Riemke , Chu-Tan Joshua A. , Wooff Yvette , Cioanca Adrian V. , Schumann Ulrike , Natoli Riccardo
Published: October 2020

Although extensively investigated in inflammatory conditions, the role of pro-inflammatory microRNAs (miRNAs), miR-155 and miR-146a, has not been well-studied in retinal degenerative diseases. We therefore aimed to explore the role and regulation of these miRNA in the degenerating retina, with a focus on miR-155. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to photo-oxidative damage for up to 5 days to induce focal retinal degeneration. MiR-155 expression was quantified by qRT-PCR in whole retina, serum, and small-medium extracellular vesicles (s-mEVs), and a PrimeFlow™ assay was used to identify localisation of miR-155 in retinal cells. Constitutive miR-155 knockout (KO) mice and miR-155 and miR-146a inhibitors were utilised to determine the role of these miRNA in the degenerating retina. Electroretinography was employed as a measure of retinal function, while histological quantification of TUNEL+ and IBA1+ positive cells was used to quantify photoreceptor cell death and infiltrating immune cells, respectively. Upregulation of miR-155 was detected in retinal tissue, serum and s-mEVs in response to photo-oxidative damage, localising to the nucleus of a subset of retinal ganglion cells and glial cells and in the cytoplasm of photoreceptors. Inhibition of miR-155 showed increased function from negative controls and a less pathological pattern of IBA1+ cell localisation and morphology at 5 days photo-oxidative damage. While neither dim-reared nor damaged miR-155 KO animals showed retinal histological difference from controls, following photo-oxidative damage, miR-155 KO mice showed increased a-wave relative to controls. We therefore consider miR-155 to be associated with the inflammatory response of the retina in response to photoreceptor-specific degeneration.
Algorithmus des Vorgehens beim unklaren Gelenkschmerz
Authors: Hermann Josef
Published: October 2020

Gelenkschmerzen gehören zu den häufigsten Symptomen in der Medizin. Um Gelenkschmerzen diagnostisch einordnen zu können, ist eine Kategorisierung des Schmerzes in einen entzündlichen, nichtentzündlichen oder neuropathischen Schmerz hilfreich. Zudem muss der Schmerz einer anatomischen Struktur zugeordnet werden, da nur bei einem Schmerz, der von der Synovialmembran ausgeht, von einem Gelenkschmerz gesprochen werden kann. Für die Einordnung des Schmerzes in einen entzündlichen oder nichtentzündlichen Schmerz stehen uns methodisch die Schmerzanamnese, als bildgebende Methoden der Ultraschall und die Magnetresonanztomographie und die Entzündungsparameter zur Verfügung. In unklaren Situationen und zur Sicherung eines entzündlichen Geschehens sind eine Synoviaanalyse und eventuell die Biopsie erforderlich. Um den Ort des Schmerzgeschehens zu lokalisieren, können wir die funktionelle Untersuchung, die Sonographie, die Magnetresonanztomographie und eventuell die Röntgenuntersuchung heranziehen.
Situated Counting
Authors: Gärdenfors Peter , Quinon Paula
Published: October 2020

We present a model of how counting is learned based on the ability to perform a series of specific steps. The steps require conceptual knowledge of three components: numerosity as a property of collections; numerals; and one-to-one mappings between numerals and collections. We argue that establishing one-to-one mappings is the central feature of counting. In the literature, the so-called cardinality principle has been in focus when studying the development of counting. We submit that identifying the procedural ability to count with the cardinality principle is not sufficient, but only one of the several steps in the counting process. Moreover, we suggest that some of these steps may be facilitated by the external organization of the counting situation. Using the methods of situated cognition, we analyze how the balance between external and internal representations will imply different loads on the working memory and attention of the counting individual. This analysis will show that even if the counter can competently use the cardinality principle, counting will vary in difficulty depending on the physical properties of the elements of collection and on their special arrangement. The upshot is that situated factors will influence counting performance.
Principal component analysis-assisted selection of optimal denoising method for oil well transient data
Authors: Zhang Bing , Muradov Khafiz , Dada Akindolu
Published: October 2020

Oil and gas production wells are often equipped with modern, permanent or temporary in-well monitoring systems, either electronic or fiber-optic, typically for measurement of downhole pressure and temperature. Consequently, novel methods of pressure and temperature transient analysis (PTTA) have emerged in the past two decades, able to interpret subtle thermodynamic effects. Such analysis demands high-quality data. High-level reduction in data noise is often needed in order to ensure sufficient reliability of the PTTA. This paper considers the case of a state-of-the-art intelligent well equipped with fiber-optic, high-precision, permanent downhole gauges. This is followed by screening, development, verification and application of data denoising methods that can overcome the limitation of the existing noise reduction methods. Firstly, the specific types of noise contained in the original data are analyzed by wavelet transform, and the corresponding denoising methods are selected on the basis of the wavelet analysis. Then, the wavelet threshold denoising method is used for the data with white noise and white Gaussian noise, while a data smoothing method is used for the data with impulse noise. The paper further proposes a comprehensive evaluation index as a useful denoising success metrics for optimal selection of the optimal combination of the noise reduction methods. This metrics comprises a weighted combination of the signal-to-noise ratio and smoothness value where the principal component analysis was used to determine the weights. Thus the workflow proposed here can be comprehensively defined solely by the data via its processing and analysis. Finally, the effectiveness of the optimal selection methods is confirmed by the robustness of the PTTA results derived from the de-noised measurements from the above-mentioned oil wells.
Modelling Non-timber Forest Products for Forest Management Planning in Europe
Authors: Miina Jari , Kurttila Mikko , Calama Rafael , de-Miguel Sergio , Pukkala Timo
Published: October 2020

Purpose of Review

The increased popularity and commercial use of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) calls for the development of models for NTFPs to include their predicted yields in forest management planning and to evaluate the potential of multi-functional forest management. This study assesses and discusses the current state of the art and trends in NTFP yield modelling in Europe and the integration of the models in multi-functional forest management planning at different spatial scales.

Recent Findings

Climate-sensitive empirical yield models already exist not only for a variety of NTFPs that are economically important to forest owners (e.g. cork and pine nuts) but also for wild-gathered berries and mushrooms, the harvesting of which cannot be controlled by the forest landowner in all European countries. Several studies on multi-functional forest management planning consider the economic profitability of the joint production of timber and NTFP. Harvesting NTFPs can create significant additional incomes for forest owners, compared with timber production only. However, maximizing the economic returns from the joint production of timber and NTFPs often calls for changes in forest management practices.

Continued efforts in modelling and predicting the yields of NTFPs have enabled forest managers to further expand the analyses of multi-functional forest planning and management in Europe. Climate-sensitive models also allow analyses on the potential effects of climate change on NTFP yields. New models and forest management practices are still needed for tree fruits, birch sap, a wider variety of wild edible mushrooms, specialty mushrooms cultivated on live trees as well as medicinal and edible forest herbs harvested for commercial value in Europe.
The Moon in the Greek and Roman Imagination
Authors: ní Mheallaigh Karen
Published: October 2020

The Moon exerted a powerful influence on ancient intellectual history, as a playground for the scientific imagination. This book explores the history of the Moon in the Greco-Roman imaginary from Homer to Lucian, with special focus on those accounts of the Moon, its attributes, and its 'inhabitants' given by ancient philosophers, natural scientists and imaginative writers including Pythagoreans, Plato and the Old Academy, Varro, Plutarch and Lucian. ní Mheallaigh shows how the Moon's enigmatic presence made it a key site for thinking about the gaze (erotic, philosophical and scientific) and the relation between appearance and reality. It was also a site for hoax in antiquity as well as today. Central issues explored include the view from elsewhere (selēnoskopia), the relation of science and fiction, the interaction between the beginnings of science in the classical polis and the imperial period, and the limits of knowledge itself.
“Imperium in Imperio”: The Corporation, Mining, and Governance in British Southeast Asia, 1900–1930
Authors: BAILLARGEON DAVID
Published: October 2020

This article examines the history of mining in British Southeast Asia during the early twentieth century. In particular, it focuses on the histories of the Burma Corporation and the Duff Development Company, which were located in British-occupied Burma and Malaya, respectively. It argues that despite being represented as “rogue” corporate ventures in areas under “indirect” colonial rule, the contrasting fates of each company—one successful, one not—reveal how foreign-owned businesses operating in the empire became increasingly beholden to British colonial state regulations during this period, marking a shift in policy from the “company-state” model that operated in prior centuries. The histories of these two firms ultimately demonstrate the continued significance of business in the making of empire during the late colonial period, bridging the divide between the age of company rule and the turn toward state-sponsored “development” that would occur in the mid-twentieth century.
Candida albicans isolated from denture-related stomatitis in elderly patients: Antifungal susceptibility and production of virulence attributes
Authors: de Sousa Lourimar Viana Nascimento Franco , de Oliveira Maia Carlos Davi , Carvalho Isadora Sousa , Prata Juliano Meireles , Arcanjo Larissa Carla Rodrigues , de Figueiredo Vieira Marina , Martins Matheus Batista , Pereira Thais Silveira , Souza Lucieri Olegário Pereira , Galdino Anna Clara Milesi , Branquinha Marta Helena , Canela Heliara Maria Spina , Santos André Luis Souza
Published: October 2020

Denture-related stomatitis caused by Candida spp. affects elderly individuals using partial/total prosthesis, provoking several discomforts including burning sensation and altered taste. Herein, we have studied 52 denture-wearing individuals (>60 years-old), attended at the dentistry clinic of UNIVALE, aiming to isolate Candida spp. directly from the stomatitis lesions and to evaluate their potential to produce virulence attributes. A low prevalence of denture-related stomatitis was reported in these patients (4/52; 7.7%). Candida albicans was isolated in the 4 selected patients, with the ability to form biofilm over a polystyrene surface and to produce aspartic protease, esterase and hemolysin. However, neither phospholipase nor caseinase activities were detected. Planktonic-growing yeasts were susceptible to amphotericin B and caspofungin, while the susceptibility to azoles (fluconazol, itraconazole and voriconazole) varied depending on either the isolate or antifungal. Relevantly, biofilm-forming C. albicans cells exhibited resistance to all studied antifungals. So, new effective drugs against resistant C. albicans isolates causing denture-related stomatitis are urgently required.
Does a mobile dust-containment cart reduce the risk of healthcare-associated fungal infections during above-ceiling work?
Authors: Buchanan Mark O. , Thompson Sharon C. , DiBiase Lauren M. , Sickbert-Bennett Emily E. , Weber David J.
Published: October 2020

Immunocompromised patients are at risk for infections due to above-ceiling activities in hospitals. Mobile dust-containment carts are available as environmental controls, but no published data support their efficacy. Using microbial air sampling and particle counts, we provide evidence of reduced risk of fungal exposure during open ceiling activities.
Geophysical characterization of late-Quaternary glaciofluvial complex and glacial stratigraphy in the Satakunta sandstone area, Köyliö, southwest Finland
Authors: Ahokangas Elina Marita , Maries Georgiana Anca , Mäkinen Joni Kalevi , Pasanen Antti Heikki , Malehmir Alireza , Heinonen Suvi Elina , Pajunen Matti Ensio
Published: October 2020

We acquired high-resolution reflection seismic data using a broadband digital-based landstreamer system to characterize a depression related to the Mesoproterozoic (Jothnian) Satakunta sandstone basin in the Köyliö study area, southwest Finland. This ca. 800-m-wide depression is infilled with up to 100-m-thick (late) Quaternary interlobate glaciofluvial complex sediments. The seismic images clearly reveal details of the glaciofluvial complex, sandstone depression topography, and brittle structures related to the formation of the sandstone basin by oblique transtension. Additionally, we identified the setting of a diabase laccolith within the sandstone and the geometry and position of the steep sandstone contact. The esker core does not follow the sandstone-Svecofennian basement rock contact or lean to it. The esker core is at a depth of 50–60 m on the flank of the depression. The seismic data image the esker core and other architectural elements of the esker. We highlight the potential of the digital-based landstreamer in the research of complex Quaternary sediments in major bedrock depressions including the characterization of the underlying bedrock properties. We also discuss the possible tunnel valley origin of the sandstone depression.
The Systemic Turn and Participatory Budgeting: The Case of Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Legard Sveinung , Goldfrank Benjamin
Published: October 2020

Participatory budgeting (PB) has been one of the most popular local democratic reforms in Latin America in recent decades. This article examines what happened to PB when it was scaled up to the state level and integrated in a participatory system in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (2011–14). Using theories of deliberative systems, multichannel participation, ‘venue shopping’ (the practice of seeking the most favourable policy venue) and countervailing power, as well as a multimethod research design, we explain how the systems approach allowed for both deliberation and direct democracy and mobilised new sectors to participate online. However, on the negative side, the different participation channels undermined each other. Social movements migrated to other spaces, leaving the budgeting process open to control by well-established, powerful public-sector groups.
Tectono-metamorphic evolution and significance of shear-zone lithologies in Akebono Rock, Lützow-Holm Complex, East Antarctica
Authors: Baba Sotaro , Hokada Tomokazu , Kamei Atsushi , Kitano Ippei , Motoyoshi Yoichi , Nantasin Prayath , Setiawan Nugroho Imam , Dashbaatar Davaa-Ochir
Published: October 2020

We describe a major shear zone exposed at Akebono Rock and discuss its deformation and metamorphic history, with a view to providing a better understanding of the geological history of the Lützow-Holm Complex. Three deformation episodes are recognized: D1 produced open folds (F1), boudinage and a regional ductile foliation, whilst the related metamorphic facies is characterized by stable garnet. F1 folding is dominantly preserved in the eastern part of the study area. During D2, an isoclinal to tight asymmetric F2 folds developed mainly in the west part of the region, accompanied by an S2 shear, under biotite facies retrograde metamorphism. The D3 episode involved the formation of the major shear zone, characterized by mylonite and L-tectonite fabrics, which took place at ~610–660°C and 4–5 kbar. Large, sigmoidal garnet core domains have S-shaped inclusion trails, suggesting that syntectonic garnet growth occurred before the formation of the shear zone. Estimated P-T conditions suggest that the sigmoidal garnet-bearing amphibolite was recrystallized at a deeper crustal level and was brought to a higher level during the formation of the shear zone. Crustal-scale deformation involving syntectonic recrystallization and shearing of Akebono Rock is a key issue for reconsidering the evolution of the Lützow-Holm Complex.
Geometry of nova ejecta
Authors: Pavana M. , Anupama G. C. , Anche Ramya M. , Kamath U. S. , Selva Kumar G.
Published: October 2020

We present photo-ionization and morpho-kinematic analyses of the ejecta of novae. The sample consists of ten novae belonging to the Fe II, He/N and hybrid classes. The Fe II class of novae in the sample have bipolar cone-like structures, with or without equatorial rings with inclination angle in the range of 40°–60°. The He/N novae have bullet-nose curve along with bipolar cone-like structures and equatorial rings with an inclination angle of ~80°. The hybrid nova in the sample is a bipolar frustum of prolate spheroid along with bipolar cone-like structures and equatorial rings with an inclination angle of 63°.
Accreting pulsating white dwarfs: Probing heating and rotation
Authors: Szkody Paula , Gänsicke Boris , Toloza Odette , Godon Patrick , Sion Edward , Kafka Stella , Bell Keaton , Vanderbosch Zachary ,   AAVSO observers
Published: October 2020

The white dwarfs in close, interacting binaries provide a natural laboratory for exploring the effects of heating and angular momentum from the accreting material arriving on the surface from the companion. This study is even more fruitful when it involves a pulsating white dwarf, which allows an exploration of the effects of the accretion on the interior as well as in the atmosphere. The last decade has seen the accomplishment of UV (HST) and optical (ground) studies of several accreting white dwarfs that have undergone a dwarf nova outburst that heated the white dwarf and subsequently returned to its quiescent temperature. The most recent study involves V386 Ser, which underwent its first known outburst in January 2019, after 19 years at quiescence. V386 Ser is unique in that its quiescent pulsation shows a triplet, with spacing indicating a rotation period of 4.8 days, extremely slow for accreting white dwarfs. This paper presents the result of HST ultraviolet spectra obtained 7 months after its outburst that shows the first clear confirmation of shorter period modes being driven following the heating from a dwarf nova outburst.
Searching for ZZ Ceti white dwarfs in the Gaia survey
Authors: Vincent Olivier , Bergeron Pierre , Lafrenière David
Published: October 2020

The Gaia satellite recently released parallax measurements for nearly 400,000 white dwarf stars, allowing for precise measurements of their physical parameters. By combining these parallaxes with Pan-STARRS and CFIS-u photometry, we measured the effective temperatures and surface gravities for all white dwarfs within 100 pc and identified a sample of ZZ Ceti white dwarf candidates within the instability strip. We report the results of a photometric follow-up, currently under way, aimed at identifying new ZZ Ceti stars among this sample using the PESTO camera attached to the 1.6-m telescope at the Mont Mégantic Observatory. Our goal is to verify that ZZ Ceti stars occupy a region in the logg-Teff plane where no nonvariable stars are found, supporting the idea that ZZ Ceti pulsators represent a phase through which all hydrogen-line (DA) white dwarfs must evolve.
Laboratory studies of Vacuum Ultra-Violet (VUV) emission spectra of heavy element ions
Authors: Tchang-Brillet W.-Ü Lydia , Meftah Ali , Deghiche Djamel , Wyart Jean-François , Balança Christian , Champion Norbert , Blaess Christophe
Published: October 2020

Reliable spectroscopic data are needed for interpretation and modeling of observed astrophysical plasmas. For heavy element ions, which have complex spectra, experimental data are rather incomplete. To provide valuable fundamental quantities, such as precise wavelengths, level energies and semi-empirical transition probabilities, we are carrying out laboratory studies of high-resolution VUV emission spectra of moderately charged ions of transition metals and rare earth elements. Experimental and theoretical methods are summarized. Examples of studies are described.
Two delays in white dwarf evolution revealed byGaia
Authors: Cheng Sihao
Published: October 2020

By comparing two age indicators of high-mass white dwarfs (WDs) derived fromGaiadata, two discoveries have been made recently: one is the existence of a cooling anomaly that produces the Q branch structure on the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram, and the other is the existence of high-mass WDs as double-WD merger products. The former poses a challenge for WD cooling models, and the latter has implications on binary evolution and type-Ia supernovae.
A catalog of 159,238 white dwarf ages
Authors: von Hippel Ted , Moss Adam , Kloc Isabelle , Moticska Natalie , Sargent Jimmy , Robinson Elliot , Stenning David , van Dyk David , Jeffery Elizabeth , Fouesneau Morgan , Bailer-Jones Coryn
Published: October 2020

We employ Pan-STARRS photometry, Gaia trigonometric parallaxes, modern stellar evolution and atmosphere models, and our Bayesian fitting approach to determine cooling and total ages for 159,238 white dwarfs. In many cases we are able to derive precise ages (better than 5%) for individual white dwarfs. These results are meant for broad use within the white dwarf and stellar astrophysics communities and we plan to make available on-line the posterior distributions for cooling age, total age, initial stellar mass, and other parameters.
Type Ia supernova sub-classes and progenitor origin
Authors: Ruiter Ashley J.
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a short review on the current state of SN Ia progenitor origin. Type Ia supernova explosions (meaning thermonuclear disruption of a white dwarf) are observed to be widely diverse in peak luminosity, lightcurve width and shape, spectral features, and host stellar population environment. In the last decade alone, theoretical simulations and observational data have come together to seriously challenge the long-standing paradigm that all SNe Ia arise from explosions of Chandrasekhar mass white dwarfs. In this review I highlight some of the major developments (and changing views) of our understanding of the nature of SN Ia progenitor systems. I give a brief overview of binary star configurations and their plausible explosion mechanisms, and infer links between some of the various (observationally-categorized) SN Ia sub-classes and their progenitor origins from a theoretical standpoint.
Clues to the origin and properties of magnetic white dwarfs
Authors: Kawka Adela
Published: October 2020

A significant fraction of white dwarfs possess a magnetic field with strengths ranging from a few kG up to about 1000 MG. However, the incidence of magnetism varies when the white dwarf population is broken down into different spectral types providing clues on the formation of magnetic fields in white dwarfs. Several scenarios for the origin of magnetic fields have been proposed from a fossil field origin to dynamo generation at various stages of evolution. Offset dipoles are often assumed sufficient to model the field structure, however time-resolved spectropolarimetric observations have revealed more complex structures such as magnetic spots or multipoles. Surface mapping of these field structures combined with measured rotation rates help distinguish scenarios involving single star evolution from other scenarios involving binary interactions. I describe key observational properties of magnetic white dwarfs such as age, mass, and field strength, and confront proposed formation scenarios with these properties.
A new look at magnetic white dwarfs
Authors: Hardy François , Dufour Patrick , Jordan Stefan
Published: October 2020

We present a homogeneous analysis of a large sample of magnetic white dwarf stars (with SDSS, PanSTARRS and Gaia data) using state-of-the-art magnetic atmosphere models and fitting techniques. We discuss the properties of the sample as well as the implication on our understanding of the nature and evolution of such objects.
Main conclusions from Symposium discussions
Authors: Barstow M. A.
Published: October 2020

The programme of this IAU Symposium, number 357, consisted of sessions organized around a number of key themes, as detailed in the preceding text. Each session included one or two invited keynote talks plus a number of contributed papers. Time was set aside for extensive discussion following the sessions associated with each of them. These were moderated by members of the Science Organising Committee, posing a number of questions to the audience to stimulate the discussion. The nature of such discussions makes them hard to record in detail, but a number of key points have been extracted and incorporated into this short concluding paper.
Information about Coronavirus Exposure Effects Attitudes Towards Voting Methods
Authors: Safarpour Alauna C. , Hanmer Michael J.
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered all aspects of life, including the creation of trade-offs between the right to vote and health. While many states postponed primary elections, Wisconsin forged ahead with their April 7, 2020 primaries. The result was widely criticized, with health officials raising concerns about the spread of COVID-19 through in-person voting. We argue that concerns from Wisconsin health officials about the potential to contract COVID-19 via in-person voting can shift American’s comfort with using various voting methods in November. We test our hypotheses using a survey experiment on a diverse national sample. We find that information about possible coronavirus exposures decreases comfort with voting in-person yet does not increase comfort with voting by mail. We discuss the implications, including the need to tailor messages to specific features of various methods of voting in order to increase citizens’ comfort with voting in upcoming elections.