bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Scientific Survey of Excipients Used in Currently Marketed, Therapeutic Biological Drug Products
Authors: Rao V. Ashutosh , Kim Jennifer J. , Patel Dipti S. , Rains Kimberly , Estoll Corey R.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The steady development of biotechnology-derived therapeutic biologics over the last few decades has generated drugs that are now standard medical treatments for a range of indications. While the development of protein products has surged in recent years, the formulation and delivery of these complex molecules have relied on drug-specific studies and, in some instances, data from non-proteinaceous drug products. The commonalities, trends, and gaps in excipient technologies used to support the development of therapeutic proteins largely remain unexplored due to the drug-specific nature of many formulations.

Methods

Using a comprehensive and relational database approach, we aimed to provide a scientific survey of all approved or licensed biotechnology-derived drug products with the goal of providing evidence-based information on common attributes and trending features in protein product excipients. We examined 665 formulations, and 395 unique formulations based on having unique excipients within them, that supported 211 therapeutic proteins as of June 2020.

Results

We report the prevalence of each excipient class and excipient chemical used in eight different drug types including monoclonal antibodies, antibody conjugates, cytokines and growth factors, enzymes, polypeptide hormones, pulmonary surfactants, recombinant fusion proteins, and toxins. We also report the prevalence by excipient type among all therapeutic proteins, in the context of each drug’s recommended pH range, concentration ranges for excipients, and route of administration.

Conclusions

The results of our analyses indicate certain excipients common to monoclonal antibodies, cytokines, and polypeptide hormones. We also report on excipients unique to protein drug products, such as amino acids, solubilizers, and lyoprotectants. Overall, our report summarizes the current landscape of excipients used in marketed biotechnology-derived therapeutic biologic products.
The Gini index of demand imbalances in public transport
Authors: Hörcher Daniel , Graham Daniel J.
Published: September 2020

The paper studies a general bidirectional public transport line along which demand varies by line section. The length of line sections also varies, and therefore their contribution to aggregate (line-level) user and operational costs might be different, even if demand levels were uniform. The paper proposes the Gini index as a measure of demand imbalances in public transport. We run a series of numerical simulations with randomised demand patterns, and derive the socially optimal fare, frequency and vehicle size variables in each case. We show that the Gini coefficient is a surprisingly good predictor of all three attributes of optimal supply. These results remain robust with inelastic as well as elastic demand, at various levels of aggregate demand intensity. In addition, we find that lines facing severe demand imbalances generate higher operational cost and require more public subsidies under socially optimal supply, controlling for the scale of operations. The results shed light on the bias introduced by the assumption of homogeneous demand in several existing public transport models.
An artificial neural network based method to uncover the value-of-travel-time distribution
Authors: van Cranenburgh Sander , Kouwenhoven Marco
Published: September 2020

This study proposes a novel Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based method to derive the Value-of-Travel-Time (VTT) distribution. The strength of this method is that it is possible to uncover the VTT distribution (and its moments) without making assumptions about the shape of the distribution or the error terms, while being able to incorporate covariates and taking the panel nature of stated choice data into account. To assess how well the proposed ANN-based method works in terms of being able to recover the VTT distribution, we first conduct a series of Monte Carlo experiments. After having demonstrated that the method works on Monte Carlo data, we apply the method to data from the 2009 Norwegian VTT study. Finally, we extensively cross-validate our method by comparing it with a series of state-of-the-art discrete choice models and nonparametric methods. Based on the promising results we have obtained, we believe that there is a place for ANN-based methods in future VTT studies.
How to count biological minds: symbiosis, the free energy principle, and reciprocal multiscale integration
Authors: Sims Matthew
Published: September 2020

The notion of a physiological individuals has been developed and applied in the philosophy of biology to understand symbiosis, an understanding of which is key to theorising about the major transition in evolution from multi-organismality to multi-cellularity. The paper begins by asking what such symbiotic individuals can help to reveal about a possible transition in the evolution of cognition. Such a transition marks the movement from cooperating individual biological cognizers to a functionally integrated cognizing unit. Somewhere along the way, did such cognizing units simultaneously have cognizers as parts? Expanding upon the multiscale integration view of the Free Energy Principle, this paper develops an account of reciprocal integration, demonstrating how some coupled biological cognizing systems, when certain constraints are met, can result in a cognizing unit that is in ways greater than the sum of its cognizing parts. Symbiosis between V. Fischeri bacteria and the bobtail squid is used to provide an illustration this account. A novel manner of conceptualizing biological cognizers as gradient is then suggested. Lastly it is argued that the reason why the notion of ontologically nested cognizers may be unintuitive stems from the fact that our folk-psychology notion of what a cognizer is has been deeply influenced by our folk-biological manner of understanding biological individuals as units of reproduction.
Longer sleep duration may negatively affect renal function
Authors: Mazidi Mohsen , Shekoohi Niloofar , Katsiki Niki , Banach Maciej
Published: September 2020

Background

Observational studies evaluating the link between sleep duration and kidney function reported controversial results. In the present study, Mendelian randomization analysis was applied to obtain unconfounded estimates of the casual association of genetically determined sleep duration with estimated glomerular filtration rate and the risk of chronic kidney disease.

Methods

Data from the largest genome-wide association studies on self-reported and accelerometer-derived sleep duration, estimated glomerular filtration rate and chronic kidney disease were analysed in total, as well as separately in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, weighted median-based method, MR-Egger and MR-Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) were applied, as well as the leave-one-out method to rule out the impact of single single-nucleotide polymorphism.

Results

Individuals with genetically longer self-reported sleep duration had a higher chronic kidney disease risk (IVW: β = 0.358, p = 0.047). Furthermore, in non-diabetics, longer self-reported sleep duration was negatively associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (IVW: β = − 0.024, p = 0.020). Similarly, accelerometer-derived sleep duration was negatively related to estimated glomerular filtration rate in the total population (IVW: β = − 0.019, p = 0.047) and then on-diabetic individuals. No significant association was found between self-reported sleep duration and estimated glomerular filtration rate in the whole population and type-2 diabetes mellitus patients. None of the estimated associations was subjected to a significant level of heterogeneity. MR-PRESSO analysis did not show any chance of outliers for all estimates. The pleiotropy test also indicated low chance of pleiotropy. The leave-one-out method demonstrated that the links were not driven by single-nucleotide polymorphisms.

Conclusions

For the first time, the present study shed a light on the potential harmful effects of longer sleep duration (measured both objectively and subjectively) on kidney function. This finding was observed in the total population and in non-diabetic individuals, but not in those with diabetes. Further research is needed to elucidate the links between sleep duration, estimated glomerular filtration rate and the risk of chronic kidney disease.
Potential reverse spillover of infectious bursal disease virus at the interface of commercial poultry and wild birds
Authors: Naggar Rania F. El , Rohaim Mohammed A. , Munir Muhammad
Published: September 2020

Recently, multiple spillover events between domesticated poultry and wild birds have been reported for several avian viruses. This phenomenon highlights the importance of the livestock-wildlife interface in the possible emergence of novel viruses. The aim of the current study was to investigate the potential spillover and epidemiological links of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) between wild birds and domestic poultry. To this end, twenty-eight cloacal swabs were collected from four species of free-living Egyptian wild birds (i.e. mallard duck, bean goose, white-fronted goose and black-billed magpie). Genetic and phylogenetic analysis of three positive isolates revealed that the IBDV/USC-1/2019 strain clustered with previously reported very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) Egyptian isolates. Interestingly, two other wild bird-origin isolates (i.e. IBDV/USC-2/2019 and IBDV/USC-3/2019) grouped with a vaccine strain that is being used in commercial poultry. In conclusion, our results revealed the molecular detection of vaccine and vvIBDV-like strains in Egyptian wild birds and highlighted the potential role of wild birds in IBDV epidemiology in disease-endemic regions.
‘Then You Will Know the Truth, and the Truth Will Set You Free’: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Career Experiences of Gay Clergy in the Church of England
Authors: Connell Adam , Yates Julia
Published: September 2020

The career choices of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) employees are increasingly under the spotlight in academic research, but the experiences of LGB employees called to devote their careers to faith organisations remain largely unexplored in the literature. The Church of England does not fully condone same-sex relationships and this may pose a challenge for LGB people working for the Church, as they look for a way to reconcile their sexuality with their faith and their employer’s beliefs. This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of six gay clergymen in the Church of England, using data gathered through semi-structured interviews and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Three master themes were identified: tensions between sexuality, calling, and career; coping strategies; and the institutionalisation of homophobia in the Church. The findings are discussed with reference to Work as Calling Theory and we offer practical recommendations.
CT-supported analysis of the destructive effects of Varroa destructor on the pre-imaginal development of honey bee, Apis mellifera
Authors: Keszthelyi Sándor , Sipos Tamás , Csóka Ádám , Donkó Tamás
Published: September 2020

The ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor, is a most important health risk for European honey bee subspecies (Apis mellifera) globally. There is a scarcity in experimental approaches addressing this issue by using computed tomography. Our purpose was to determine the decrease in the volume, surface, density and weight alteration triggered by V. destructor in pre-imaginal stages of A. mellifera using computer-based 3-D reconstruction technology. Computer tomography used in the current study proved to be sufficiently sensitive for the detection of V. destructor in comb cells. This non-invasive experimental setup revealed that the developing worker pupae have retained their volume and surface values, whereas the weight loss triggered by V. destructor was statistically confirmed. In addition, the disappearance of lower radiodensity tissues is shown to be due to mite parasitism, which can be primarily explained by haemolymph losses.
On Monomial Golod Ideals
Authors: Dao Hailong , De Stefani Alessandro
Published: September 2020

We study ideal-theoretic conditions for a monomial ideal to be Golod. For ideals in a polynomial ring in three variables, our criteria give a complete characterization. Over such rings, we show that the product of two monomial ideals is Golod.
Adipositaschirurgie: Update 2020
Authors: Widmer Jeannette , Büter Marco , Thalheimer Andreas
Published: September 2020

Die Anzahl übergewichtiger und adipöser Patienten steigt weltweit epidemisch an. Neben massiven sozioökonomischen Folgen sehen wir uns mit einer Vielzahl von adipositasassoziierten Begleiterkrankungen konfrontiert, die zum Teil eine massive Belastung für die betroffenen Patienten darstellen. Die Therapie sollte idealerweise so früh wie möglich durch ein interdisziplinäres Team begonnen werden und stufenweise erfolgen. Der konservative Therapieansatz ist jedoch weiterhin längerfristig kaum erfolgreich. Auch wenn in den letzten Jahren einige vielversprechende Medikamente zur Behandlung der Adipositas entwickelt wurden, ist die konservative Therapie für Patienten und Ärzte häufig frustran. Die langfristig erfolgreichste Therapie bleibt daher die bariatrische Chirurgie (operative Eingriffe, die zu einer Reduktion des Körpergewichts führen). In diesem Artikel werden die aktuellen operativen Verfahren der bariatrischen Chirurgie, die postoperativen Ergebnisse sowie die bisher bekannten Wirkungsmechanismen dargestellt.
Targeting Your Audience
Authors: Arksey Marieka , Peterson Marcia , Pierce Greg
Published: September 2020

The Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist has as one of its main objectives to actively engage the population of Wyoming in archaeological stewardship. To achieve this goal, in the past five years, we have launched the youth-oriented Summer Ventures program and the adult-oriented Wyoming Avocational Archaeology Training Program. Both programs were inspired by existing programs in other parts of the country and were launched following research and target audience surveys on how to best adapt them to Wyoming. Despite this preliminary research, our in-field experiences over the past few years have shown some patterns that are causing us to rethink both programs. This article discusses these initial in-field testing years, the issues we have encountered, and the ways we are redesigning both programs to better target the appropriate audiences in light of the different lifestyles of populations, particularly those of youths, in a rural state.
Ergodicity of affine processes on the cone of symmetric positive semidefinite matrices
Authors: Friesen Martin , Jin Peng , Kremer Jonas , Rüdiger Barbara
Published: September 2020

This article investigates the long-time behavior of conservative affine processes on the cone of symmetric positive semidefinite$d\times d$matrices. In particular, for conservative and subcritical affine processes we show that a finite$\log$-moment of the state-independent jump measure is sufficient for the existence of a unique limit distribution. Moreover, we study the convergence rate of the underlying transition kernel to the limit distribution: first, in a specific metric induced by the Laplace transform, and second, in the Wasserstein distance under a first moment assumption imposed on the state-independent jump measure and an additional condition on the diffusion parameter.
Community Organizations and Latin America’s Poorest Citizens: Voting, Protesting, and Contacting Government
Authors: Boulding Carew , Holzner Claudio A.
Published: September 2020

How do Latin America’s poorest citizens participate in politics? This article explores the role that community organizations play in mobilizing individuals into three common modes of political participation: voting, protesting, and contacting government. It argues that community organizations help mobilize poor individuals both through the resources they provide for mobilization and because they serve as sites where political parties target individuals for mobilization. It analyzes survey data from LAPOP surveys for 18 Latin American countries and finds that overall, poor people are just as politically active as more affluent individuals; that involvement in community organizations is a very strong predictor of all types of political participation; and that membership in organizations has an especially strong effect on voting and protesting for poor people. By equalizing levels of political participation across income groups, organizations help erase class-based inequalities in participation that have plagued democracies in the region.
The effect of intra-striatal administration of GPR55 agonist (LPI) and antagonist (ML193) on sensorimotor and motor functions in a Parkinson’s disease rat model
Authors: Fatemi Iman , Abdollahi Abbas , Shamsizadeh Ali , Allahtavakoli Mohammad , Roohbakhsh Ali
Published: September 2020

Objective:

G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) is an orphan G protein-coupled receptor with various physiological functions. Recent evidence suggests that this receptor may be involved in the control of motor functions. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated the effects of intra-striatal administration of GPR55 selective ligands in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease.

Methods:

Experimental Parkinson was induced by unilateral intra-striatal administration of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA, 10 µg/rat). L-α-lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI, 1 and 5 µg/rat), an endogenous GPR55 agonist, and ML193 (1 and 5 µg/rat), a selective GPR55 antagonist, were injected into the striatum of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. Motor performance and balance skills were evaluated using the accelerating rotating rod and the ledged beam tests. The sensorimotor function of the forelimbs and locomotor activity were assessed by the adhesive removal and open field tests, respectively.

Results:

6-OHDA-lesioned rats had impaired behaviours in all tests. Intra-striatal administration of LPI in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats increased time on the rotarod, decreased latency to remove the label, with no significant effect on slip steps, and locomotor activity. Intra-striatal administration of ML193 also increased time on the rotarod, decreased latency to remove the label and slip steps in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats mostly at the dose of 1 µg/rat.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that the striatal GPR55 is involved in the control of motor functions. However, considering the similar effects of GPR55 agonist and antagonist, it may be concluded that this receptor has a modulatory role in the control of motor deficits in an experimental model of Parkinson.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, depressive symptoms and somatic comorbidity in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Tschorn Mira , Kuhlmann Stella Linnea , Rieckmann Nina , Beer Katja , Grosse Laura , Arolt Volker , Waltenberger Johannes , Haverkamp Wilhelm , Müller-Nordhorn Jacqueline , Hellweg Rainer , Ströhle Andreas
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Depression and coronary heart disease (CHD) are highly comorbid conditions. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in cardiovascular processes. Depressed patients typically show decreased BDNF concentrations. We analysed the relationship between BDNF and depression in a sample of patients with CHD and additionally distinguished between cognitive-affective and somatic depression symptoms. We also investigated whether BDNF was associated with somatic comorbidity burden, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or congestive heart failure (CHF).

Methods:

The following variables were assessed for 225 hospitalised patients with CHD: BDNF concentrations, depression [Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)], somatic comorbidity (Charlson Comorbidity Index), CHF, ACS, platelet count, smoking status and antidepressant treatment.

Results:

Regression models revealed that BDNF was not associated with severity of depression. Although depressed patients (PHQ-9 score >7) had significantly lower BDNF concentrations compared to non-depressed patients (p = 0.04), this was not statistically significant after controlling for confounders (p = 0.15). Cognitive-affective symptoms and somatic comorbidity burden each closely missed a statistically significant association with BDNF concentrations (p = 0.08, p = 0.06, respectively). BDNF was reduced in patients with CHF (p = 0.02). There was no covariate-adjusted, significant association between BDNF and ACS.

Conclusion:

Serum BDNF concentrations are associated with cardiovascular dysfunction. Somatic comorbidities should be considered when investigating the relationship between depression and BDNF.
Spatial scaling of beta diversity in the shallow-marine fossil record
Authors: Womack Tom M. , Crampton James S. , Hannah Michael J.
Published: September 2020

Beta diversity quantifies the spatial structuring of ecological communities and is a fundamental partition of biodiversity, central to understanding many macroecological phenomena in modern biology and paleobiology. Despite its common application in ecology, studies of beta diversity in the fossil record are relatively limited at regional spatial scales that are important for understanding macroevolutionary processes. The spatial scaling of beta diversity in the fossil record is poorly understood, but has significant implications due to temporal variation in the spatial distribution of fossil collections and the large spatiotemporal scales typically employed. Here we test the spatial scaling of several common measures of beta diversity using the Cenozoic shallow-marine molluscan fossil record of New Zealand and derive a spatially standardized time series of beta diversity. To measure spatial scaling, we use and compare grid-cell occupancy based on an equal-area grid and summed minimum spanning tree length, both based on reconstructed paleocoordinates of fossil collections. We find that beta diversity is spatially dependent at local to regional scales, regardless of the metric or spatial scaling utilized, and that spatial standardization significantly changes apparent temporal trends of beta diversity and, therefore, inferences about processes driving diversity change.
A systematic review of the determinants of seafood consumption
Authors: Govzman S. , Looby S. , Wang X. , Butler F. , Gibney E. R. , Timon C. M.
Published: September 2020

Although seafood is considered to be an important part of a balanced diet, many national food consumption surveys suggest that seafood is not consumed in sufficient amounts. As consumers are moving to diversify their diet from animal-based protein, it is important to understand the factors influencing consumption of marine foods. This review aims to assess the characteristics of seafood consumers as well as the influences on seafood consumption in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Systematic search strategies were used to identify relevant journal articles from three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Embase). Three searches were carried out and identified 4405 unique publications from which 121 met the criteria for the review process. The reviewed studies revealed that seafood consumers were more likely to be older, more affluent and more physically active and were less likely to smoke compared with non-seafood consumers. Sex and BMI did not appear to have a directional association with seafood consumption. The most commonly reported barriers to seafood consumption were cost, followed by sensory or physical barriers, health and nutritional beliefs, habits, availability and cooking skills. The most commonly reported influences were beliefs about the contribution of seafood to health, environmental influences and personal preferences. Based on the findings of this review, future intervention strategies to increase seafood consumption may need to consider affordability and education in terms of health, nutrition and cooking skills. More research is needed to explore the effectiveness of specific interventions at increasing the consumption of seafood.
Big particles, best nutrition? Absorption and excretion of protein by Anastrepha obliqua larvae (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Rincón-Betancurt Olivia , Aceituno-Medina Marysol , García-Fajardo Luz Verónica , Hernández Emilio
Published: September 2020

For purposes of mass-rearing fruit flies, nutrient intake through artificial diets is a challenge, artificial food content and processing should promote sufficient absorption and availability to ensure fly fitness. Bulking agents play an essential role in creating a quality diet, but its physical characteristics, such as particle size, may establish a better microenvironment for feeding and development. Currently, there is a lack of information about protein metabolism in mass-reared fruit flies. Therefore, we evaluated whether the particle size of the bulking agent affects the absorption and excretion of the proteins, as well as their effect on the life-history traits of Anastrepha obliqua. We determined the protein content of hemolymph and feces, as well as the presence of nitrogen end-products as indicators of their level of absorption in a diet elaborated with coarse and fine corn cob particles as a bulking agent. The bromatological composition showed that coarse particles increased the bioavailability and content of crude, digestible, and soluble protein for the diet and hemolymph protein of larvae alike. We found an inverse relationship between the protein content of the hemolymph and feces of the larvae. Ammonium was determined to be a product of the catabolism of proteins. Also, A. obliqua improved its development (yield and pupal weight) and fitness (adult emergence and flight ability) when larvae were reared on a coarse particle diet. In conclusion, a diet elaborated with a coarse bulking agent features increased protein bioavailability and nutritional quality, which, in turn, increases the life-history traits of A. obliqua.
Palaeobiology of the reclining rangeomorph Beothukis from the Ediacaran Mistaken Point Formation of southeastern Newfoundland
Authors: McIlroy Duncan , Hawco Jessica , McKean Christopher , Nicholls Robert , Pasinetti Giovanni , Taylor Rod
Published: September 2020

Beothukis mistakensis from the Ediacaran System of Newfoundland, Canada demonstrates complex fractal-like morphology through the development of primary-, secondary- and tertiary-order Rangea-like units. The primary-order rangeomorph units observed in B. mistakensis are tightly juxtaposed, show no evidence of being independent of one another and are made up of chamber-like secondary-order – probably mesoglea-filled – units. The growth of these rangeomorph units demonstrates that the frond developed from the tip towards the basal region through ontogeny. The tertiary-order units of Beothukis are considered to represent surface morphology on the secondary-order units. This is in contrast to palaeobiological reconstructions of Beothukis that invoke three-dimensional fractal-like branches with independent units, which has been used to infer an osmotrophic mode of life. It is considered here that the fractal-like morphology of the lower surface of B. mistakensis was an adaptation to increase surface area to volume ratio. The quilted morphology of Beothukis proposed here is consistent with a sessile, reclining, phagocytotic and/or chemosymbiotic mode of life similar to that invoked for the reclining rangeomorph Fractofusus.
What vocabulary size tells us about pronunciation skills: Issues in assessing L2 learners
Authors: Mairano Paolo , Santiago Fabian
Published: September 2020

Measures of second language (L2) learners’ vocabulary size have been shown to correlate with language proficiency in reading, writing and listening skills, and vocabulary tests are sometimes used for placement purposes. However, the relation between learners’ vocabulary knowledge and their speaking skills has been less thoroughly investigated, and even less so in terms of pronunciation. In this article, we compare vocabulary and pronunciation measures for 25 Italian instructed learners of L2 French. We measure their receptive (Dialang score) and productive (vocd-D, MTLD) vocabulary size, and calculate the following pronunciation indices: acoustic distance and overlap of realizations for selected L2 French vowel pairs, ratings of nasality forratings of foreign-accentedness, fluency metrics. We find that vocabulary measures show low to medium correlations with fluency metrics and ratings of foreign-accentedness, but not with vowel metrics. We then turn our attention to the impact of research methods on the study of vocabulary and pronunciation. More specifically, we discuss the possibility that these results are due to pitfalls in vocabulary and pronunciation indices, such as the failure of Dialang to take into account the effect of L1-L2 cognates, and the lack of measures for evaluating consonants, intonation and perception skills.
Introduction
Authors: Edmonds Amanda , Leclercq Pascale
Published: September 2020

This special issue of the Journal of French Language Studies participates in the ‘methodological turn’ (Byrnes, 2013) in the field of Second Language Acquisition (SLA), by presenting five original articles that focus on different methodological issues in studies on various aspects of the acquisition of French as an additional language. We highlight the contributions of the five articles and situate them within the larger discussion on research methodology. We end by arguing for the need for additional attention to methodology in SLA.
Solar activity influences on planetary atmosphere evolution: Lessons from observations at Venus, Earth, and Mars
Authors: Luhmann J. G.
Published: September 2020

The Pioneer Venus and Venus Express missions, and the Mars Express and MAVEN missions, along with numerous Earth orbiters carrying space physics and aeronomy instruments, have utilized the increasing availability of space weather observations to provide better insight into the impacts of present-day solar activity on the atmospheres of terrestrial planets. Of most interest among these are the responses leading to escape of either ion or neutral constituents, potentially altering both the total atmospheric reservoirs and their composition. While debates continue regarding the role(s) of a planetary magnetic field in either decreasing or increasing these escape rates, observations have shown that enhancements can occur in both situations in response to solar activity-related changes. These generally involve increased energy inputs to the upper atmospheres, increases in ion production, and/or increases in escape channels, e.g. via interplanetary field penetration or planetary field ‘opening’. Problems arise when extrapolations of former loss rates are needed. While it is probably safe to suggest lower limits based simply on planet age multiplied by currently measured ion and neutral escape rates, the evolution of the Sun, including its activity, must be folded into these estimations. Poor knowledge of the history of solar activity, especially in terms of coronal mass ejections and solar wind properties, greatly compounds the uncertainties in related planetary atmosphere evolution calculations. Prospects for constraining their influences will depend on our ability to do a better job of solar activity history reconstruction.
TESS light curves of low-mass detached eclipsing binaries
Authors: Hełminiak Krzysztof G. , Jordán Andrés , Espinoza Nestor , Brahm Rafael
Published: September 2020

We present high-precision light curves of several M- and K-type, active detached eclipsing binaries (DEBs), recorded with 2-minute cadence by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). Analysis of these curves, combined with new and literature radial velocity (RV) data, allows to vastly improve the accuracy and precision of stellar parameters with respect to previous studies of these systems. Results for one previously unpublished DEB are also presented.
The rotation of low mass stars at 30 Myr in the cluster NGC 3766
Authors: Roquette Julia , Bouvier Jerome , Moraux Estelle , Bouy Herve , Irwin Jonathan , Aigrain Suzanne , Lachaume Régis
Published: September 2020

Together with the stellar rotation, the spotted surfaces of low-mass magnetically active stars produce modulations in their brightness. These modulations can be resolved by photometric variability surveys, allowing direct measurements of stellar spin rates. In this proceedings, we present results of a multisite photometric survey dedicated to the measurement of spin rates in the 30 Myr cluster NGC 3766. Inside the framework of the Monitor Project, the cluster was monitored during 2014 in the i-band by the Wide Field Imager at the MPG/ESO 2.2-m telescope. Data from Gaia-DR2 and grizY photometry from DECam/CTIO were used to identify cluster members. We present spin rates measured for ⁓200 cluster members.
Possible evidence for a magnetic dynamo in hot Algols
Authors: Mennickent R. E. , Garcés J. , Djurašević G. , Rojas G. , Schleicher D. , Otero S.
Published: September 2020

We present the case of hot semi-detached Algols showing photometric cycles longer than the orbital period. The evidence indicating that this long cycle might be due to a magnetic dynamo operating in the rapidly rotating donor star is examined.
Different types of star-planet interactions
Authors: Vidotto A. A.
Published: September 2020

Stars and their exoplanets evolve together. Depending on the physical characteristics of these systems, such as age, orbital distance and activity of the host stars, certain types of star-exoplanet interactions can dominate during given phases of the evolution. Identifying observable signatures of such interactions can provide additional avenues for characterising exoplanetary systems. Here, I review some recent works on star-planet interactions and discuss their observability at different wavelengths across the electromagnetic spectrum.
On the multifractality of plasma turbulence in the solar wind
Authors: Echeverría Sebastián , Moya Pablo S. , Pastén Denisse
Published: September 2020

In this work we have analyzed turbulent plasma in the kinetic scale by the characterization of magnetic fluctuations time series. Considering numerical Particle-In-Cell (PIC) simulations we apply a method known as MultiFractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MFDFA) to study the fluctuations of solar-wind-like plasmas in thermodynamic equilibrium (represented by Maxwellian velocity distribution functions), and out of equilibrium plasma represented by Tsallis velocity distribution functions, characterized by the kappa (κ) parameter, to stablish relations between the fractality of magnetic fluctuation and the kappa parameter.
Solar Open Magnetic Flux Migration Pattern over Solar Cycles
Authors: Lin Chia-Hsien , Huang Guan-Han , Lee Lou-Chuang
Published: September 2020

The objective of this study is to investigate the solar-cycle variation of the areas of solar open magnetic flux regions at different latitudes. The data used in this study are the radial-field synoptic maps from Wilcox Solar Observatory from May 1970 to December 2014, which covers 3.5 solar cycles. Our results reveal a pole-to-pole trans-equatorial migration pattern for both inward and outward open magnetic fluxes. The pattern consists of the open flux regions migrating across the equator, the regions generated at low latitude and migrating poleward, and the regions locally generated at polar regions. The results also indicate the destruction of open flux regions during the migration from pole to equator, and at low latitude regions. The results have been published in Scientific Reports (Huang et al.2017)
Helioseismic insights into the generation and evolution of the Sun’s internal magnetic field
Authors: Broomhall Anne-Marie , Kiefer René
Published: September 2020

Properties of helioseismic acoustic oscillations (p modes) are modified by flows and magnetic fields in the solar interior, with frequencies, amplitudes and damping rates all varying systematically through the solar cycle. Crucially, now, we have a long enough baseline of helioseismic data to compare of the different activity cycles. We review recent efforts along these lines, from the impact of near-surface magnetic fields on p-mode frequencies to the evolution of the torsional oscillation and meridional circulation. We show that each activity cycle for which we have helioseismic data is slightly different in terms of the relationship between p mode frequencies and atmospheric proxies of activity, and in terms of the rotation and meridional circulation flows. However, many challenges remain, crucially including our ability to constrain flows and magnetic fields in the deep solar interior.
Searching for the cycle period in chromospherically active stars
Authors: Villegas F. , Mennickent R. E. , Garcés J.
Published: September 2020

The detection and analysis of line emission of the CaII, H(396.8nm) and K(393.3nm) have confirmed the chromospheric activity of some single and binaries stars. This activity is associated to the presence of magnetic fields which in turn are produced by internal convective flows along with stellar rotation producing a long-term photometric cycle length related to the apparition and vanishing of superficial stellar spots. We present a photometric study of stars of the type RS CVn, Rotationally variable Star and BY Dra, that have shown evidence of chromospheric activity. The analysis of these measurements has allowed us to delimit periods of rotation. In addition, we have detected and measured the cycle length in some cases. It allows us to complement previous investigations and in some cases to determine for the first time the presence of a long photometric cycle, contributing to complement the link between rotation and magnetic cycles.
An Experiment with Free Latin Prose Composition with a Year 10 Latin Class in a Non-Selective Girls’ School
Authors: Barrett Guy
Published: September 2020

This action research project investigates the effects of the use of ‘free composition’ in the teaching of Latin to a group of Year 10 pupils. By ‘free composition’ I mean pupils were not given English sentences to translate into Latin, as is the case in many Latin course books (see, for example, Cullen and Taylor's Latin to GCSE (2016)), but were told to use simple Latin sentences to tell a story of their own devising. The focus of the study will be on analysing pupils’ perceptions of the value of free prose composition and how free prose composition can be used to analyse pupils’ understanding of grammatical features by investigating the types of errors which they made.
Sicut Sol Inter Astra: Timely Latin in the Aftermath of the Fire at Notre-Dame
Authors: Dutmer Evan
Published: September 2020

This piece originated as an article in In Medias Res on 31 May 2019 and has been updated for the Journal of Classics Teaching. The author would like to acknowledge the helpful feedback from the editors at In Medias Res and The Journal of Classics Teaching on earlier drafts of this essay. Their suggestions helped produce a superior piece.
Changes in Global and Regional Characteristics of Heat Stress Waves in the 21st Century
Authors: Chen Xi , Li Ning , Liu Jiawei , Zhang Zhengtao , Liu Yuan , Huang Chengfang
Published: September 2020

Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), a combined measure of temperature and humidity effects on thermal comfort, is used to define heat stress waves (HSWs). While emerging research has raised concerns on future changes in heat stress, for the first time, this study examines spatiotemporal changes in multiple HSW characteristics (intensity, duration, frequency, and cumulative mean intensity) in the 21st century under three emissions scenarios. It is the sustained nature of HSWs that impose more adverse impacts than extreme heat on a single day. HSWs are expected to be more intense, persistent, frequent, and influential due to anthropogenic influence. Models project the largest increases in multiple HSW characteristics will occur over the tropics and subtropics. The exception is maximum intensity, which displays a relative uniform increase over most global land areas. Analysis of regional population exposure to HSWs under different climate and socioeconomic scenarios emphasizes the importance of aggressive mitigation to minimize the potential impacts of HSWs. We further investigate how different regional HSW characteristics are projected to change relative to increasing global mean surface temperature (GMST). Our results confirm the varying rates and different trajectories at which regional HSWs change, independent of forcing pathway, strongly related to GMST. On both globally aggregated and regional scales, the maximum intensity and GMST are highly linearly associated, with an approximately 1:1 increase. However, the other three HSW characteristics are projected to change at a nonlinear rate per degree of GMST increase in general and display large regional variation in the rates of their changes.
Records and Risks of Legacy Phosphorus in Streams
Authors: Thompson Elizabeth
Published: September 2020

A new study quantifies persistent phosphorus in a drainage basin in Sweden and points out risks and oversights to factor in to future stream management.
Poleward Shift of Northern Subtropics in Winter: Time of Emergence of Zonal Versus Regional Signals
Authors: D'Agostino Roberta , Scambiati Ascanio Luigi , Jungclaus Johann , Lionello Piero
Published: September 2020

The Northern Hemisphere mid‐latitudes will be exposed to hydroclimatic risk in next coming decades because the subtropical expansion. However, it is not clear when the anthropogenic signal will emerge from the internal climate variability. For this purpose, we investigate the time of emergence (ToE) of the hemispheric and regional shift of northern subtropical margins in the Max Planck Institute Grand Ensemble. For several indicators, the ToE of the poleward shift of Northern subtropical margin will not occur by the end of the 21st century, neither at regional nor at hemispheric scale. The exceptions are the Mediterranean/Middle East and, to a lesser degree, Western Pacific, where the ToE would occur earlier. According to our results, given the fundamental role played by internal variability, trends of Northern Hemisphere subtropical poleward shift that have been identified over last decades in reanalyses cannot be considered as robust signals of anthropogenic climate change.
Elastic Moduli of Arenites From Microtomographic Images: A Practical Digital Rock Physics Workflow
Authors: Liang Jiabin , Gurevich Boris , Lebedev Maxim , Vialle Stephanie , Yurikov Alexey , Glubokovskikh Stanislav
Published: September 2020

Numerical computation from high‐resolution 3‐D microtomographic images of rocks (known as digital rock physics) has the potential to predict elastic properties more accurately. However, successful examples are limited to samples with simple structure and mineralogy. The physical size of sample is often too small to present heterogeneities at a larger scale and the image resolution is insufficient to characterize the details of rocks. Also, the grayscale values of different minerals in microtomographic images are often similar, and previous attempts to segment them as separate phases are not very successful. Here, we propose a practical digital rock physics workflow for somewhat more complex and ubiquitous rocks, namely, sandstones that contain mostly quartz and a small fraction of dispersed clay (known as arenites). Based on a set of images, we obtain a suite of postcomputation corrections to compensate for the effects of sample size and resolution of the microtomographic images. Furthermore, we build a segmentation workflow that effectively detects feldspar and clay minerals, despite their grayscale similarity to quartz. A moduli‐porosity trend is derived from the subsamples of the original digital images. Bulk moduli agree well with the ultrasonic measurements on the dry samples at 40 MPa. Shear moduli remain overestimated, which is likely caused by poor knowledge of the mineral stiffness. We compensate for this effect using a heuristic correction to the matrix moduli. The final version of the workflow provides accurate elastic moduli trends with porosity and clay content based on only two samples of Bentheimer sandstone.
A Curvature‐Based Method for Measuring Valley Width Applied to Glacial and Fluvial Landscapes
Authors: Hilley G. E. , Baden C. W. , Dobbs S. C. , Plante Z. , Sare R. , Steelquist A. T.
Published: September 2020

Valleys produced by glaciers are morphologically distinct from those created by rivers, but these differences are surprisingly difficult to automatically detect using digital topographic data. This contribution tests whether glacial and fluvial valleys can be discriminated using scaling between watershed area and valley width. We present a method for estimating valley width at each point in digital topographic data by determining the cross‐valley scale at which normalized principal curvature is minimized. We assess how well this approach measures valley width in synthetic valleys using artificial valley cross sections with random topographic noise. These width estimates are validated against manual measurements in glacial and fluvial valleys. Finally, we assess the sensitivity of these quantities to the pixel dimension of the input data to determine the detection limits of the method for moderate (20 m) and coarse‐resolution (>30 m) digital elevation models (DEMs). We find that valley widths are underpredicted by a factor of 2.5 to 4; nonetheless, they are well correlated with both synthetically prescribed and empirically measured widths and so can be used as reliable measures of valley width when scaled to account for this underprediction. We find clear distinctions between valley width‐catchment area relationships in glacial and nonglacial valleys, indicating that this methodology might be deployed globally to characterize the distribution and extent of glacial landscapes across Earth. In addition, this technique could be used to determine anomalous downstream width changes related to processes such as valley aggradation.
An Overview of Antarctic Sea Ice in the Community Earth System Model Version 2, Part I: Analysis of the Seasonal Cycle in the Context of Sea Ice Thermodynamics and Coupled Atmosphere‐Ocean‐Ice Processes
Authors: Singh Hansi K. A. , Landrum Laura , Holland Marika M. , Bailey David A. , DuVivier Alice K.
Published: September 2020

We assess Antarctic sea ice climatology and variability in version 2 of the Community Earth System Model (CESM2) and compare it to that in the older CESM1 and (where appropriate) real‐world observations. In CESM2, Antarctic sea ice is thinner and less extensive than in CESM1, though sea ice area is still approximately 1 million km2 greater in CESM2 than in present‐day observations. Though there is less Antarctic sea ice in CESM2, the annual cycle of ice growth and melt is more vigorous in CESM2 than in CESM1. A new mushy layer thermodynamics formulation implemented in the latest version of the Community Ice Code (CICE) in CESM2 accounts for both greater frazil ice formation in coastal polynyas and more snow‐to‐ice conversion near the edge of the ice pack in the new model. Greater winter ice divergence in CESM2 (relative to CESM1) is due to stronger stationary wave activity and greater wind stress curl over the ice pack. Greater wind stress curl, in turn, drives more warm water upwelling under the ice pack, thinning it and decreasing its extent. Overall, differences between Antarctic sea ice in CESM2 and CESM1 arise due to both differences in their sea ice thermodynamics formulations and differences in their coupled atmosphere‐ocean states.