bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of habitat suitability criteria for conservation of the black‐necked crane in Nyamjang Chu River in eastern Himalaya, India in connection with a proposed hydropower dam
Authors: Johnson Jeyaraj A. , Watham Taibanganba , Gopi Govindan V. , Sivakumar Kuppusamy
Published: November 2020

We developed the habitat suitability criteria for the black‐necked Crane (BNC) to manage their wintering habitat in the Nyamjang Chu River in Zemithang valley, India. We generated habitat suitability criteria (HSC) curves for BNC based on the habitat availability in the river channel and use by the BNC. The HSC curves indicated that BNC preferred velocity ranged from 0 to 0.2 m/s and depth ranged from 0 to 30 cm in the river channel. Based on the HSCs of BNC, three scenarios were explored in PHABSIM: Scenario (i) increase in flow versus dry riverbed area; Scenario (ii) increase in flow versus instream suitable area; Scenario (iii) increase in flow versus weighted usable area based on combined dry and instream suitable area. The output of Scenario (i) indicated at 20 cumecs discharge achieved optimum dry riverbed area (47.07%) available for BNC, whereas Scenario (ii) predicted the different section of the river produced optimum instream area at different discharges. Though, the Scenario (iii) predicted at 20 cumecs discharge, the study area generated more than 57.38% of combined suitable habitat available for BNC. Since a proposed hydropower dam in the Zemithang valley is intend to raise water level in the river channel, it is expected to be reduced suitable habitat for BNC in the valley. Based on the PHABSIM output, we concluded that the availability of suitable habitat of BNC decreases steadily if the discharge flow increases above 20 cumecs. Moreover, the predicted average dry riverbed area (47.07%) at 20 cumecs was almost equal to the percentage of dry riverbed area (47.8%) that was naturally available during the winter. Thus, we recommend a maximum of 20 cumecs as ecological flows to maintain the minimum required habitats for wintering BNC in the Nyamjang Chu River. Consequently, the installation of the proposed dam in Zemithang valley may not be feasible.
Finding maximum matchings in random regular graphs in linear expected time
Authors: Anastos Michael , Frieze Alan
Published: November 2020

In a seminal paper on finding large matchings in sparse random graphs, Karp and Sipser proposed two algorithms for this task. The second algorithm has been intensely studied, but due to technical difficulties, the first algorithm has received less attention. Empirical results by Karp and Sipser suggest that the first algorithm is superior. In this paper we show that this is indeed the case, at least for random k‐regular graphs. We show that w.h.p. the first algorithm will find a matching of size in a random k‐regular graph, k = O(1). We also show that the algorithm can be adapted to find a maximum matching in O(n) time w.h.p. This is to be compared with O(n3/2) time for the worst‐case.
A clustering method for graphical handwriting components and statistical writership analysis
Authors: Crawford Amy M. , Berry Nicholas S. , Carriquiry Alicia L.
Published: November 2020

Handwritten documents can be characterized by their content or by the shape of the written characters. We focus on the problem of comparing a person's handwriting to a document of unknown provenance using the shape of the writing, as is done in forensic applications. To do so, we first propose a method for processing scanned handwritten documents to decompose the writing into small graphical structures, often corresponding to letters. We then introduce a measure of distance between two such structures that is inspired by the graph edit distance, and a measure of center for a collection of the graphs. These measurements are the basis for an outlier tolerant K‐means algorithm to cluster the graphs based on structural attributes, thus creating a template for sorting new documents. Finally, we present a Bayesian hierarchical model to capture the propensity of a writer for producing graphs that are assigned to certain clusters. We illustrate the methods using documents from the Computer Vision Lab dataset. We show results of the identification task under the cluster assignments and compare to the same modeling, but with a less flexible grouping method that is not tolerant of incidental strokes or outliers.
Highly Stretchable and Biocompatible Liquid Metal‐Elastomer Conductors for Self‐Healing Electronics
Authors: Mou Lei , Qi Jie , Tang Lixue , Dong Ruihua , Xia Yong , Gao Yuan , Jiang Xingyu
Published: November 2020

Highly stretchable, conductive, biocompatible conductors, and connectors are crucial for the fabrication of flexible devices. However, it remains a problem to get highly stretchable, conductive materials with low cost on a large scale. Another problem in production is the connection between soft and rigid components. Here, a new conductive nanocomposite is reported by mixing the 11‐mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) modified liquid metal (LM) nanoparticles with polystyrene‐block‐polybutadiene‐block‐polystyrene (SBS), which is biocompatible (in vivo and in vitro), conductive (12 000 S cm−1 of conductivity), and stretchable (800% of elongation). Apart from its good performance, this material can be produced on a large scale by using a commercial polymer product and a straightforward physical production process. MUA is used to compromise the dense “gallium oxide shell” of liquid metal nanoparticles such that the whole composite can become conductive. By using resin to modify this composite, this new conductive material can be adhesive and highly conductive, and serve as a stable and efficient connector between soft conductor and rigid component.
Blinking Mechanisms and Intrinsic Quantum‐Confined Stark Effect in Single Methylammonium Lead Bromide Perovskite Quantum Dots
Authors: Han Xue , Zhang Guofeng , Li Bin , Yang Changgang , Guo Wenli , Bai Xiuqing , Huang Peng , Chen Ruiyun , Qin Chengbing , Hu Jianyong , Ma Yifei , Zhong Haizheng , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang
Published: November 2020

Lead halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) are promising materials for next‐generation photoelectric devices because of their low preparation costs and excellent optoelectronic properties. In this study, the blinking mechanisms and the intrinsic quantum‐confined Stark effect (IQCSE) in single organic–inorganic hybrid CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite QDs using single‐dot photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy is investigated. The PL quantum yield‐recombination rates distribution map allows the identification of different PL blinking mechanisms and their respective contributions to the PL emission behavior. A strong correlation between the excitation power and the blinking mechanisms is reported. Most single QDs exhibit band‐edge carrier blinking under a low excitation photon fluence. While under a high excitation photon fluence, different proportions of Auger‐blinking emerge in their PL intensity trajectories. In particular, significant IQCSEs in the QDs that exhibit more pronounced Auger‐blinking are observed. Based on these findings, an Auger‐induced IQCSE model to explain the observed IQCSE phenomena is observed.
A universal method for rapid and large‐scale growth of layered crystals
Authors: Chaturvedi Apoorva , Chen Bo , Zhang Keke , He Qiyuan , Nam Gwang‐Hyeon , You Lu , Lai Zhuangchai , Tan Chaoliang , Tran Thu Ha , Liu Guigao , Zhou Jiadong , Liu Zheng , Wang Junling , Teo Edwin H. T. , Zhang Hua
Published: November 2020

Layered van der Waals (vdW) materials, consisting of atomically thin layers, are of paramount importance in physics, chemistry, and materials science owing to their unique properties and various promising applications. However, their fast and large‐scale growth via a general approach is still a big challenge, severely limiting their practical implementations. Here, we report a universal method for rapid (~60 min) and large‐scale (gram scale) growth of phase‐pure, high‐crystalline layered vdW materials from their elementary powders via microwave plasma heating in sealed ampoules. This method can be used for growth of 30 compounds with different components (binary, ternary, and quaternary) and properties. The ferroelectric and transport properties of mechanically exfoliated flakes validate the high crystal quality of the grown materials. Our study provides a general strategy for the fast and large‐scale growth of layered vdW materials with appealing physiochemical properties, which could be used for various promising applications.
Effect of marble slurry as a partial substitution of ordinary Portland cement in lean concrete mixes
Authors: Parmar Sumit , Das Sourav Kumar
Published: November 2020

Marble stone is the mostly quarried stone in Rajasthan for its high demand in India and abroad. This quarrying resulted in the generation of waste in a slurry form which was dumped in the nearby landfill sites resulted in a detrimental effect on the soil strata and expanding the landfill area with time. The focus of the study is to explore the outcome of utilization of marble slurry as a partial substitution of ordinary Portland cement by 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% for lean concrete mixes with an average target compressive strength of 20 MPa or more. To explore the prospect of deployment of marble slurry in cement concrete mechanical properties, durability aspects, and relevant microstructural analysis was performed, and the results have been reported. Though the durability aspect was not purely encouraging, though it was depicted that marble slurry can be utilized as a partial replacement of OPC up to 40% for the purpose for which the investigation has been done.

Highlights

Marble slurry utilized as a substitution of OPC by 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%.

TGA results indicate that marble slurry did not affect the hydration of OPC.

Resistance against carbonation decreases with the increment of marble slurry content.

UPV results indicates after 40% substitution concrete was in the good quality zone.
Experimental and numerical study on the seismic performance of steel‐polyvinyl alcohol hybrid fiber‐reinforced concrete shear walls
Authors: Zhou Ying , Zhong Guangchun , Xiao Yi
Published: November 2020

In order to reduce the crushing damage at shear wall corners and improve the seismic behavior of ordinary concrete shear walls, this paper develops a high‐performance steel‐polyvinyl alcohol (S‐PVA) hybrid fiber‐reinforced concrete (HyFRC) shear wall. Two‐phase studies from experiment to numerical analysis were carried out. The first phase investigates the seismic behavior of S‐PVA HyFRC shear walls by quasi‐static tests. Five S‐PVA HyFRC shear walls were fabricated, designed with various S‐PVA HyFRC distribution heights and locations. One ordinary concrete shear wall was fabricated as a reference specimen. The test hysteretic curve and skeleton curve were analyzed. Experimental results confirm that using the S‐PVA HyFRC at the bottom of the shear walls can improve their overall seismic behaviors effectively. Based on the test results, the optimal distribution height and location of S‐PVA HyFRC that generate the most cost‐effective benefits were determined. The second phase developed a numerical model to simulate the shear wall's behavior in OpenSees using SFI‐MVLEM model. Confined and unconfined constitutive models for S‐PVA and ordinary concrete under compression and tension were established and incorporated in the model. The model was compared with the experimental data and then was used for a parametric analyses, which provide theoretical basis for the seismic design and nonlinear analyses of HyFRC shear walls. Five parameters were considered in the parametric analyses, including the height of HyFRC in shear wall, the length of boundary elements, the ratio of longitudinal reinforcement, the ratio of transverse reinforcement, and the axial load ratio. Results suggest that the plastic hinge calculated by well‐developed equations can be used in the design of the HyFRC height. Current regulations about the boundary element length are applicable to HyFRC shear wall and the axial compression ratio is suggested to be smaller than 0.6.
Statin therapy and risk of Alzheimer's and age‐related neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Torrandell‐Haro Georgina , Branigan Gregory L. , Vitali Francesca , Geifman Nophar , Zissimopoulos Julie M. , Brinton Roberta Diaz
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Establishing efficacy of and molecular pathways for statins has the potential to impact incidence of Alzheimer's and age‐related neurodegenerative diseases (NDD).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study surveyed US‐based Humana claims, which includes prescription and patient records from private‐payer and Medicare insurance. Claims from 288,515 patients, aged 45 years and older, without prior history of NDD or neurological surgery, were surveyed for a diagnosis of NDD starting 1 year following statin exposure. Patients were required to be enrolled with claims data for at least 6 months prior to first statin prescription and at least 3 years thereafter. Computational system biology analysis was conducted to determine unique target engagement for each statin.

Results

Of the 288,515 participants included in the study, 144,214 patients (mean [standard deviation (SD)] age, 67.22 [3.8] years) exposed to statin therapies, and 144,301 patients (65.97 [3.2] years) were not treated with statins. The mean (SD) follow‐up time was 5.1 (2.3) years. Exposure to statins was associated with a lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease (1.10% vs 2.37%; relative risk [RR], 0.4643; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44–0.49; P < .001), dementia 3.03% vs 5.39%; RR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.54–0.58; P < .001), multiple sclerosis (0.08% vs 0.15%; RR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.41–0.66; P < .001), Parkinson's disease (0.48% vs 0.92%; RR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.48–0.58; P < .001), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (0.02% vs 0.05%; RR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.30–0.69; P < .001). All NDD incidence for all statins, except for fluvastatin (RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.65‐1.30; P = 0.71), was reduced with variances in individual risk profiles. Pathway analysis indicated unique and common profiles associated with risk reduction efficacy.

Discussion

Benefits and risks of statins relative to neurological outcomes should be considered when prescribed for at‐risk NDD populations. Common statin activated pathways indicate overarching systems required for risk reduction whereas unique targets could advance a precision medicine approach to prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
Material heterogeneity of male genitalia reduces genital damage in a bushcricket during sperm removal behaviour
Authors: Matsumura Yoko , Jafarpour Mohsen , Ramm Steven A. , Reinhold Klaus , Gorb Stanislav N. , Rajabi Hamed
Published: November 2020

Sperm removal behaviour (SRB) is known in many animals, and male genital structures are often involved in the SRB, e.g. rubbing female genitalia vigorously. However, it remains unclear how those male genital structures function properly without severe genital damage during SRB. In the present study, we focused on the bushcricket Metaplastes ornatus and examined the biomechanics of male and female genital structures, involved in their SRB as a model case. During an initial phase of mating, males of this species thrust their subgenital plate with hook-like spurs and many microscopic spines into the female genital chamber. By moving the subgenital plate back-and-forth, males stimulate females, and this stimulation induces the ejection of sperm previously stored in females. We aimed to uncover the mechanics of the interaction between the subgenital plate and genital chamber during SRB. The genital morphology and its material composition were investigated using modern imaging and microscopy techniques. The obtained results showed a pronounced material heterogeneity in the subgenital plate and the genital chamber. The material heterogeneity was completely absent in that of a second bushcricket species, Poecilimon veluchianus, which does not exhibit SRB. Finite element simulations showed that the specific material heterogeneity can redistribute the stress in the subgenital plate of M. ornatus and, thereby, reduces stress concentration during SRB. This may explain why only a few examined males had a broken spur. We suggest that the observed structural features and material heterogeneity in M. ornatus are adaptations to their SRB.
Integrability via Geometry: Dispersionless Differential Equations in Three and Four Dimensions
Authors: Calderbank David M. J. , Kruglikov Boris
Published: November 2020

We prove that the existence of a dispersionless Lax pair with spectral parameter for a nondegenerate hyperbolic second order partial differential equation (PDE) is equivalent to the canonical conformal structure defined by the symbol being Einstein–Weyl on any solution in 3D, and self-dual on any solution in 4D. The first main ingredient in the proof is a characteristic property for dispersionless Lax pairs. The second is the projective behaviour of the Lax pair with respect to the spectral parameter. Both are established for nondegenerate determined systems of PDEs of any order. Thus our main result applies more generally to any such PDE system whose characteristic variety is a quadric hypersurface.
Mgs1 function at G-quadruplex structures during DNA replication
Authors: Paeschke Katrin , Burkovics Peter
Published: November 2020

The coordinated action of DNA polymerases and DNA helicases is essential at genomic sites that are hard to replicate. Among these are sites that harbour G-quadruplex DNA structures (G4). G4s are stable alternative DNA structures, which have been implicated to be involved in important cellular processes like the regulation of gene expression or telomere maintenance. G4 structures were shown to hinder replication fork progression and cause genomic deletions, mutations and recombination events. Many helicases unwind G4 structures and preserve genome stability, but a detailed understanding of G4 replication and the re-start of stalled replication forks around formed G4 structures is not clear, yet. In our recent study, we identified that Mgs1 preferentially binds to G4 DNA structures in vitro and is associated with putative G4-forming chromosomal regions in vivo. Mgs1 binding to G4 motifs in vivo is partially dependent on the helicase Pif1. Pif1 is the major G4-unwinding helicase in S. cerevisiae. In the absence of Mgs1, we determined elevated gross chromosomal rearrangement (GCR) rates in yeast, similar to Pif1 deletion. Here, we highlight the recent findings and set these into context with a new mechanistic model. We propose that Mgs1's functions support DNA replication at G4-forming regions.
Diagnostic accuracy of ultra-low-dose CT for torsion measurement of the lower limb
Authors: Keller Gabriel , Afat Saif , Ahrend Marc-Daniel , Springer Fabian
Published: November 2020

Objectives

The study aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of simulated ultra-low-dose CT (ULD-CT) for torsion measurement of the lower limb.

Methods

Thirty retrospectively identified patients were included (32.3 ± 14.2 years; 14 women, 16 men). ULD-CT simulations were generated at dose levels of 100%, 10%, 5%, and 1% using two reconstruction methods: standard filtered back projection (FBP) and iterative reconstruction (ADMIRE). Two readers measured the lower limb torsion in all data sets. The readers also captured image noise in standardized anatomical landmarks. All data sets were evaluated regarding subjective diagnostic confidence (DC; 5-point Likert scale). Effective radiation dose of the original data sets and the simulated ULD-CT was compared.

Results

There was no significant difference of measured lower limb torsion in any simulated dose level compared to the original data sets in both readers. Dose length product (DLP) of the original examinations was 402.1 ± 4.3 mGy cm, which resulted in an effective radiation dose of 4.00 ± 2.12 mSv. Calculated effective radiation dose in ULD-CT at 1% of the original dose was 0.04 mSv. Image noise increased significantly with dose reduction (p < 0.0001) and was dependent on the reconstructional method (p < 0.0001) with less noise using ADMIRE compared to FBP. Both readers rated DC at doses 100%, 10%, and 5% with 5.0/5: there were no ratings worse than 3/5 at 1% dose level.

Conclusions

The results suggest that radiation dose reduction down to 1% of original CT dose levels may be achieved in CT torsion measurements of the lower limb without compromising diagnostic accuracy.

Key Points

• Modern CT delivers exceptional high image quality in musculoskeletal imaging, especially for evaluation of osseous structures.

• Usually, this high image quality is accompanied by significant radiation exposure to the patient and may not always be required for the intended purpose, e.g., pure delineation of cortical bone of the lower limb.

• This study shows the tremendous prospects of radiation dose reduction without compromising diagnostic confidence in CT torsion measurement of the lower limb.
Macromorphological findings in cases of death in water: a critical view on “drowning signs”
Authors: Schneppe Simon , Dokter Martin , Bockholdt Britta
Published: November 2020

Death in water is a challenging issue in forensic pathology since from natural death to homicide all circumstances of death in water are conceivable. Therefore, the correct interpretation of all abnormal autopsy findings is important. In order to determine a death by drowning, numerous internal and external signs of drowning are already described. However, these are supposed to be influenced by various factors reducing their significance and evidence. Moreover, the autopsy of water corpses often reveals further pathological findings that should not be underestimated for determining the cause of death. The aim of this study was to set frequencies of the observed drowning signs in context to the forensic literature and to identify possible influencing factors. In this study, we observed that pathological organ changes of the cardiovascular system were significantly more common in corpses after shortened (atypical) drowning processes than in classical drowned victims. Furthermore only a complete formation of external foam, immediately after the corpse’s recovery, was exclusively found in drowning victims. All other drowning signs were either also observed in non-drowning deaths in water or no information could be provided with reasonable assurance. In addition, many of the examined drowning signs were negatively affected by prolonged postmortem intervals, putrefaction, or resuscitation attempts. It can be concluded from our analysis that morbidity is an important factor in deaths in water. Morbidity can support a death by drowning in case of incidents in water. For the examined drowning signs, no high diagnostic certainty could be observed. Nevertheless, these findings can increase their diagnostic value—if forensic physicians take influencing factors into consideration.
Preventable fatal injury during rally race: a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Zerbo Stefania , Bilotta Clio , Perrone Giulio , Malta Ginevra , Re Giuseppe Lo , Terranova Maria Chiara , Argo Antonina , Salerno Sergio
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The motor vehicle crash (MVC) constitutes an important challenge for forensic pathology in order to identify the manner and cause of death. Our study focuses on a fatal accident during a rally race corresponding to MVC sub-category.

Materials and method

Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) was performed before the conventional autopsy. Autoptic and PMCT data were compared. Data collection allowed analyzing biomechanical dynamics of the incident and post-traumatic injuries through qualitative-statistics and solicitation quantitative indices.

Results

Photo and circumstantial evidence analysis showed a wrong installation of double shoulder belt system of head and neck support (HANS) collar. PMTC clearly highlighted multiple and bilateral fractures involving roof and base of skull; a displaced fracture of the right acetabulum was also encountered. Autopsy confirmed PMCT data and revealed a brainstem laceration. AIS (Abbreviated Injury Scale) achieved a maximum score in consideration of fatal injuries.

Discussion

The injuries analysis resulting from photographic surveys examination, conventional autopsy, and PMCT has led us to confirm a fatal front collision with a tree trunk. Head trauma represents a major injury in the present case. In this case, head injuries, related to whiplash trauma, are a consequence of a double shoulder belt system (HANS collar component) wrong installation.

Conclusion

MVC and especially high-speed motor racing represent an important death cause. There was, for this reason, a marked development of cars and occupants’ safety systems, such as HANS collar. PMCT improves the diagnostic performance of conventional autopsy and increases forensic medical knowledge related to traumatic injuries.
ALK alterations in salivary gland carcinomas
Authors: Majewska Hanna , Gorczyński Adam , Czapiewski Piotr , Menon Roopika , Mueller Judith , Lakis Sotirios , Heuckmann Johannes M. , Laco Jan , Gupta Ruta , Andreasen Simon , Stodulski Dominik , Iliszko Mariola , Dziadziuszko Rafał , Jassem Jacek , Heukamp Lukas C. , Biernat Wojciech
Published: November 2020

Salivary gland carcinomas represent a heterogeneous group of poorly characterized head and neck tumors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate ALK gene and protein aberrations in a large, well-characterized cohort of these tumors. A total of 182 salivary gland carcinomas were tested for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positivity by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the cut-off of 10% positive cells. ALK positive tumors were subjected to FISH analysis and followed by hybrid capture–based next generation sequencing (NGS). Of the 182 tumors, 8 were ALK positive by IHC. Further analysis using hybrid capture NGS analysis revealed a novel MYO18A (Exon1-40)-ALK (exon 20-29) gene fusion in one case of intraductal carcinoma. Additional genomic analyses resulted in the detection of inactivating mutations in BRAF and TP53, as well as amplifications of ERBB2 and ALK. ALK rearrangements are a rare entity in salivary gland carcinomas. We identified a potentially targetable novel ALK fusion in an intraductal carcinoma of minor salivary glands.
Modes of climate variability and their relationships with interhemispheric temperature asymmetry: a Granger causality analysis
Authors: Triacca Umberto
Published: November 2020

The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationships among Interhemispheric Temperature Asymmetry (ITA) and the principal modes of natural variability: the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). In particular, Granger causality tests are used to capture the linkages among these variables. Our analysis provides strong evidence that AMO causes ITA, the causal role of PDO is weak, and SOI seems to have no causal influence.
Seismic risk assessment of residential buildings in Italy
Authors: Dolce Mauro , Prota Andrea , Borzi Barbara , da Porto Francesca , Lagomarsino Sergio , Magenes Guido , Moroni Claudio , Penna Andrea , Polese Maria , Speranza Elena , Verderame Gerardo Mario , Zuccaro Giulio
Published: November 2020

The last National Risk Assessment NRA for Italy was developed at the end of 2018 by the Department of Civil Protection (DPC) in response to the specific requirement of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 to periodically adjourn the assessment of disaster risk. The methodology adopted to perform seismic risk assessment and build national seismic risk maps was specifically developed to comply with the recent Code for Civil Protection, issuing that, in addition to a solid scientific base, risk assessment should be characterized by a wide consensus of the scientific community. As a result, six research units belonging to two Centers of Competence of the DPC, namely ReLUIS (Network of university laboratories for seismic engineering) and EUCENTRE (European Centre for Training and Research in Earthquake Engineering), collaborated under the guidance and coordination of DPC to produce the recent updating of national seismic risk maps for the residential building stock. This paper describes the methodology adopted to develop the consensus-based national seismic risk assessment and presents the main results in terms of expected damage and impact measures (unusable buildings, homeless, casualties, direct economic losses).
Guideline for the description of soils in the Berlin metropolitan area: an extension for surveying and mapping anthropogenic and natural soils in urban environments within the German soil classification system
Authors: Makki Mohsen , Thestorf Kolja , Hilbert Sabine , Thelemann Michael , Makowsky Lutz
Published: November 2020

Purpose

In urban areas, humans shape the surface, (re-)deposit natural or technogenic material, and thus become the dominant soil formation factor. The 2015 edition of the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) describes anthropogenic urban soils as Anthrosols or Technosols, but the methodological approaches and classification criteria of national soil classification systems are rather inconsistent. Stringent criteria for describing and mapping anthropogenic soils in urban areas and their application are still lacking, although more than half (53%) of the urban soils in Berlin are built-up by or contain anthropogenic material.

Materials and methods

On behalf of the Berlin Senate Department for the Environment, Transport and Climate Protection and in close cooperation with the German Working Group for Urban Soils, a comprehensive guideline for soil description in the Berlin metropolitan area (BMA), with special regard to anthropogenic/technogenic parent material and anthropogenic soils, has been developed. Our approach includes all previous standard works for soil description and mapping and is based on studies that have been conducted in the BMA over the last five decades. Special emphasis was placed on the integration of our manual into the classification system of the German soil mapping guideline (KA5).

Results and discussion

The extension of existing data fields (e.g., the further subdivision of land use types) as well as the creation of new data fields (e.g., pH value) adapted to the requirements of urban soil mapping has been carried out. Additional technogenic materials that occur in urban environments have been added to the list of anthropogenic parent materials. Furthermore, we designed appendices that clearly characterize typical soil profiles of the BMA and depict technogenic materials, their physical and chemical characteristics, as well as their origin and distribution. Our approach will set new benchmarks for soil description and mapping in urban environments, which will improve the quality of urban soil research in the BMA. It is expected that our approach will provide baselines for urban soil mapping in other metropolitan areas.

Conclusions

Our guideline is a comprehensive manual for the description of urban soils within a national soil classification system. This mapping guideline will be the future standard work for soil surveys and soil mapping in the federal state of Berlin. Currently, representatives from federal and state authorities are reviewing our guideline, with a view to potentially integrating key components into the classification system of the forthcoming 6th edition of the German soil mapping guideline (KA6).
Von der Arbeit, wie eine Freundin zu sein
Authors: Klein Isabel
Published: November 2020

Der Beitrag untersucht auf Grundlage ethnografisch erhobener Daten die Arbeit von größtenteils selbstständigen Kosmetiker*innen. Diese stellen langfristige intime Beziehungen zu ihren Kund*innen her, die rhetorisch und im Arbeitshandeln Freundschaften ähneln. Die Chiffre der „Freundschaft“ verweist auf eine Form von Arbeit, die, so die These des Beitrags, organisational über das Konzept der Emotionsarbeit hinausgeht, weshalb der Begriff der Beziehungsarbeit eingeführt wird. Anhand des empirischen Materials werden zunächst Verkürzungen im Forschungsstand zu Emotionsarbeit und Interaktionsarbeit in der (solo‑)selbstständigen, prekären, feminisierten Arbeit aufgezeigt und es wird daraufhin vorgeschlagen, die Arbeit, „wie eine Freundin zu sein“, als Beziehungsarbeit zu konzipieren. Der Begriff der Beziehungsarbeit soll die unsichtbare und entgrenzte Arbeit als Bedingung und Folge der Dienstleistung, die jenseits der kosmetischen Behandlungen stattfindet, empirisch und theoretisch anschlussfähig machen. Damit werden auch die paradoxen Anforderungen an die Arbeitenden in der Kommodifizierung von feminisierten reproduktiven Tätigkeiten aufgezeigt und diskutiert, wie die Kosmetiker*innen die in der kapitalistischen Organisation von Arbeit immanenten Grenzziehungen von reproduktiver und produktiver Arbeit verhandeln und re-justieren.
Familie in der Stadt und am Land: Zur Bedeutung des regionalen Kontextes für die Realisierung des Kinderwunsches in Österreich
Authors: Riederer Bernhard , Buber-Ennser Isabella
Published: November 2020

Es ist seit Langem bekannt, dass sich Fertilitätsraten zwischen ländlichen und urbanen Regionen unterscheiden. Stadt-Land-Unterschiede bei der Realisierung bestehender Kinderwünsche wurden jedoch bisher kaum untersucht. Der vorliegende Aufsatz untersucht die Verwirklichung bestehender Kinderwünsche in Österreich, wobei ländliche und urbane Gebiete mit der Hauptstadt Wien als einziger Millionenstadt verglichen werden. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Kinderwünsche in Wien seltener realisiert werden als in ländlichen oder anderen urbanen Regionen Österreichs. Unterschiede in der Bevölkerungszusammensetzung erklären das häufigere Aufschieben des Kinderwunsches in Wien. Für die Aufgabe des Drei-Jahres-Kinderwunsches bestehen aber auch nach Berücksichtigung sozioökonomischer und demographischer Charakteristika sowie Wertvorstellungen noch regionale Unterschiede. Dies könnte an der Vielfalt an bildungs- und berufsbezogenen Optionen in Städten liegen, die mit einer Familiengründung konkurrieren.
Methodenausbildung im digitalen Zeitalter: Neue Daten, Projektseminare und Selbstlernmodule
Authors: Döring Holger , Hocks Phillip
Published: November 2020

Die Datengrundlage in der Politikwissenschaft hat sich in den letzten Jahren stark verändert und ist breiter geworden. Daten sozialer Medien und digitale Spurendaten erweitern das Methodenportfolio in den Sozialwissenschaften beträchtlich. In diesem Artikel diskutieren wir Herausforderungen und Chancen dieser neuen Entwicklungen für die quantitative Methodenlehre in der Politikwissenschaft. Wir argumentieren, dass die Methodenlehre (i) stärker an Theorie und Inhalt geknüpft werden sollte. Dies erfolgt am besten durch (ii) Projektseminare, welche Studierende eigene Forschungsvorhaben umsetzen lassen. Mit der leichten Generierung durch neue Datenquellen, können Studierende (iii) den gesamten Forschungsprozess durchlaufen. Geringere Teile der Lehre werden als Präsenzveranstaltung abgehalten, (iv) Programmierfähigkeiten werden durch E‑Lernangebote ergänzt. Durch die hohe Praxisorientierung und eigene Lerntempi kann so ein Interesse für quantitative Methoden bei mehr Studierenden der Politikwissenschaft gebildet werden.
Increasing the Productivity of Laser Powder Bed Fusion for Stainless Steel 316L through Increased Layer Thickness
Authors: Leicht Alexander , Fischer Marie , Klement Uta , Nyborg Lars , Hryha Eduard
Published: November 2020

Additive manufacturing (AM) is able to generate parts of a quality comparable to those produced through conventional manufacturing, but most of the AM processes are associated with low build speeds, which reduce the overall productivity. This paper evaluates how increasing the powder layer thickness from 20 µm to 80 µm affects the build speed, microstructure and mechanical properties of stainless steel 316L parts that are produced using laser powder bed fusion. A detailed microstructure characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and x-ray powder diffraction in conjunction with tensile testing. The results suggest that parts can be fabricated four times faster with tensile strengths comparable to those obtained using standard process parameters. In either case, nominal relative density of > 99.9% is obtained but with the 80 µm layer thickness presenting some lack of fusion defects, which resulted in a reduced elongation to fracture. Still, acceptable yield strength and ultimate tensile strength values of 464 MPa and 605 MPa were obtained, and the average elongation to fracture was 44%, indicating that desirable properties can be achieved.
The diagnostic accuracy of digital, infrared and mercury-in-glass thermometers in measuring body temperature: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Pecoraro Valentina , Petri Davide , Costantino Giorgio , Squizzato Alessandro , Moja Lorenzo , Virgili Gianni , Lucenteforte Ersilia
Published: November 2020

Not much is known about how accurate and reproducible different thermometers are at diagnosing patients with suspected fever. The study aims at evaluating which peripheral thermometers are more accurate and reproducible. We searched Medline, Embase, Scopus, WOS, CENTRAL, and Cinahl to perform: (1) diagnostic accuracy meta-analysis (MA) using rectal mercury-in-glass or digital thermometry as reference, and bivariate models for pooling; (2) network MA to estimate differences in mean temperature between devices; (3) Bland–Altman method to estimate 95% coefficient of reproducibility. PROSPERO registration: CRD42020174996. We included 46 studies enrolling more than 12,000 patients. Using 38 °C (100.4 ℉) as cut-off temperature, temporal infrared thermometry had a sensitivity of 0.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.65, 0.84; low certainty) and specificity of 0.96 (0.92, 0.98; moderate certainty); tympanic infrared thermometry had a sensitivity of 0.77 (0.60,  0.88; low certainty) and specificity of 0.98 (0.95, 0.99; moderate certainty). For all the other index devices, it was not possible to pool the estimates. Compared to the rectal mercury-in-glass thermometer, mean temperature differences were not statistically different from zero for temporal or tympanic infrared thermometry; the median coefficient of reproducibility ranged between 0.53 °C [0.95 ℉] for infrared temporal and 1.2 °C [2.16 ℉] for axillary digital thermometry. Several peripheral thermometers proved specific, but not sensitive for diagnosing fever with rectal thermometry as a reference standard, meaning that finding a temperature below 38 °C does not rule out fever. Fixed differences between temperatures together with random error means facing differences between measurements in the order of 2 °C [4.5 ℉]. This study informs practitioners of the limitations associated with different thermometers; peripheral ones are specific but not sensitive.
Quantifying simultaneous innovations in evolutionary medicine
Authors: Painter Deryc T. , van der Wouden Frank , Laubichler Manfred D. , Youn Hyejin
Published: November 2020

To what extent do simultaneous innovations occur and are independently from each other? In this paper we use a novel persistent keyword framework to systematically identify innovations in a large corpus containing academic papers in evolutionary medicine between 2007 and 2011. We examine whether innovative papers occurring simultaneously are independent from each other by evaluating the citation and co-authorship information gathered from the corpus metadata. We find that 19 out of 22 simultaneous innovative papers do, in fact, occur independently from each other. In particular, co-authors of simultaneous innovative papers are no more geographically concentrated than the co-authors of similar non-innovative papers in the field. Our result suggests producing innovative work draws from a collective knowledge pool, rather than from knowledge circulating in distinct localized collaboration networks. Therefore, new ideas can appear at multiple locations and with geographically dispersed co-authorship networks. Our findings support the perspective that simultaneous innovations are the outcome of collective behavior.
Terrestrische Cyanobakterien als Quelle für antimikrobielle Wirkstoffe
Authors: Witthohn Marco , Schwarz Anna , Strieth Dorina , Lenz Selina , Ulber Roland , Muffler Kai
Published: November 2020

Cyanobacteria developed an enormous reservoir of bioactive secondary metabolites in order to prevail against competitive microorganisms and harsh environmental impacts. Many cyanobacterial substances with vast economical, medical and biotechnological potential have been described in the past. However, most of the examined bacteria are aquatic strains. We want to take a closer look on their terrestrial relatives which also possess a rich secondary metabolome that is still to explore.
Global systematic diversity, range distributions, conservation and taxonomic assessments of graylings (Teleostei: Salmonidae; Thymallus spp.)
Authors: Weiss Steven J. , Gonçalves Duarte V. , Secci-Petretto Giulia , Englmaier Gernot K. , Gomes-Dos-Santos André , Denys Gael P. J. , Persat Henri , Antonov Alexander , Hahn Christoph , Taylor Eric B. , Froufe Elsa
Published: November 2020

Graylings (Thymallus) are among the less well-studied groups of salmonid fishes, especially across their Asian distribution range. Here we perform a comprehensive global review of their phylogeography, systematic diversity and range distributions, including biogeographic reconstruction and assessment of both conservation and taxonomic status of each species. Based on a mitogenomic phylogenetic analysis, three approaches to the delineation of molecular operational units, and evaluation of 15 a-priori defined species, we provide biological support for the recognition of 13 grayling species, plus two additional species tentatively. Several instances of paraphyly and its potential effect on systematic inferences are discussed. Overall, the genus displays increasing species diversity and decreasing range size from higher to lower latitudes and ancestral trait reconstruction supports an East Asian origin for extant diversity, most likely centred in the Amur River drainage. Europe’s colonization byThymallustook place as early as the late Miocene, at least two colonisations of North America are supported, and multiple dispersal events likely took place into Western Siberia. The conservation status for the 15 taxa was estimated to be: 6 least concern, 1 near-threatened, 2 vulnerable, 3 endangered and 3 data deficient.
Zwischen normativer Enthaltsamkeit und empirischem Historismus
Authors: Seiverth Andreas
Published: November 2020

Der Beitrag interpretiert das Erscheinen eines in methodischer Hinsicht originellen Jubiläumsbandes zur einhundertjährigen Geschichte der Volkshochschulen in Deutschland als Impuls für eine mögliche Innovation der Geschichtsschreibung zur Erwachsenenbildung. Zunächst werden die methodologischen Konstruktionsprinzipien einer mit Empirie gesättigten narrativen Geschichtsschreibung und der sie strukturierenden theoretischen Begriffe beschrieben. Ausgehend von dem praktisch-moralischen Interesse des Buches, eine affirmative Traditionsgeschichte der Volkshochschulen darzustellen, skizziert der Beitrag die Idee einer historisch-normativen Geschichtsschreibung. Dazu wird die Verankerung der Erwachsenenbildung in der Weimarer Verfassung mit der Revolutionsgeschichte 1918/19 kontextualisiert und hieraus der normative Gehalt der (teilweisen) Revolutionierung des Bildungssystems des Deutschen Reiches rekonstruiert.
COVID-19: Against a Lockdown Approach
Authors: Kraaijeveld Steven R.
Published: November 2020

Governments around the world have faced the challenge of how to respond to the recent outbreak of a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Some have reacted by greatly restricting the freedom of citizens, while others have opted for less drastic policies. In this paper, I draw a parallel with vaccination ethics to conceptualize two distinct approaches to COVID-19 that I call altruistic and lockdown. Given that the individual measures necessary to limit the spread of the virus can in principle be achieved voluntarily as well as through enforcement, the question arises of how much freedom governments ought to give citizens to adopt the required measures. I argue that an altruistic approach is preferable on moral grounds: it preserves important citizen freedoms, avoids a number of potential injustices, and gives people a much-needed sense of meaning in precarious times.
Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analysis of Mannitol-Metabolism-Associated Genes in Saccharina Japonica
Authors: Chi Shan , Wang Guoliang , Liu Tao , Wang Xumin , Liu Cui , Jin Yuemei , Yin Hongxin , Xu Xin , Yu Jun
Published: November 2020

As a carbon-storage compound and osmoprotectant in brown algae, mannitol is synthesized and then accumulated at high levels in Saccharina japonica (Sja); however, the underlying control mechanisms have not been studied. Our analysis of genomic and transcriptomic data from Sja shows that mannitol metabolism is a cyclic pathway composed of four distinct steps. A mannitol-1-phosphate dehydrogenase (M1PDH2) and two mannitol-1-phosphatases (M1Pase1 and MIPase2) work together or in combination to exhibit full enzymatic properties. Based on comprehensive transcriptomic data from different tissues, generations, and sexes as well as under different stress conditions, coupled with droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and proteomic confirmation, we suggest that SjaM1Pase1 plays a major role in mannitol biosynthesis and that the basic mannitol anabolism and the carbohydrate pool dynamics are responsible for carbon storage and anti-stress mechanism. Our proteomic data indicate that mannitol metabolism remains constant during diurnal cycle in Sja. In addition, we discover that mannitol-metabolism-associated (MMA) genes show differential expression between the multicellular filamentous (gametophyte) and large parenchymal thallus (sporophyte) generations and respond differentially to environmental stresses, such as hyposaline and hyperthermia conditions. Our results indicate that the ecophysiological significance of such differentially expressed genes may be attributable to the evolution of heteromorphic generations (filamentous and thallus) and environmental adaptation of Laminariales.
Guardians of Living History
Authors: Melchior Inge
Published: November 2020

Guardians of Living History: An Ethnography of Post-Soviet Memory Making in Estonia interrogates how people living in a society with an extremely complicated, violent past, only a short history of independence, and a desire to belong to Europe engage with the past, both within their families and as members of a national community. In line with other scholarship on memory, this book shows that many Estonians desire an established collective story, as they live in a society where their national identity is quite regularly under threat. At the same time however, that same closure is perceived to pose a threat to the survival of Estonian culture and independence. Guardians of Living History provides an intimate insight into the lives of Estonians from the countryside, former deportees, young intellectuals, and memory activists, who all in their own ways act as guardians of a national history: a history which they wish to keep alive, apolitical, and as close to their family stories as possible.
Shopping Spaces and the Urban Landscape in Early Modern Amsterdam, 1550–1850
Authors: Lesger Clé
Published: November 2020

In this study, the appearance and location of shops in Amsterdam during the early modern period is linked to major changes in the urban economy, the size and socio-spatial distribution of its population, and the structure of the urban grid. Not only is there ample attention for the spatial distribution of shops across the urban landscape, but for the first time it is also accurately charted what the exterior and interior of Amsterdam shops looked like and how they changed in the course of the centuries. Partly as a result of this, it has proved possible to give an impression of the ways in which retailers and customers interacted.