bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the Method that Improving the Space Headway Simulation Accuracy of Gipps Model
Authors: Sui Dongyang , Shang Tongfei , Li Bo
Published: August 2019

Gipps model is a typical car-following model based on safe distance and is widely used in computer simulation. However, in order to avoid collision with the preceding vehicle, the model has strict restrictions on the following spacing, that makes the model has a certain error at the simulation of vehicle space headway in complex traffic environment. Due to that, based on the mathematical expression of the following spacing in Gipps model, this paper proposes a method of adding influence coefficient to improve the simulation accuracy of space headway. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the method is proved by simulation experiments, and the experimental results illustrate that the simulation results of the improved model are closer to the field data in complex traffic environment than the original model.
Experimental study on long-distance SPAD-based VLC systems
Authors: Xue Jingshu , Zhu Yijun , Wang Chao , Zhang Dongfang , Mu Yu
Published: August 2019

Long-distance visible light communication (VLC) based on single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) can supplement the existing wireless communication mechanism in many senarios. Although there are many researches on VLC in recent years, the experiments on long-distance VLC are relatively scarce. In this paper, we use the experimental method to study the long-distance VLC, so as to apply it to two new application scenarios — VLC between buildings and in mountainous areas. A system model is established for both of the scenarios. Based on the model, a low energy consumption device for long-distance VLC is completed to realize the long-distance transmission of voice and data. At the end of the paper, we simulate the performance of the proposed system. The results indicate that the system is feasible to realize the duplexing voice and data transmission within the range of 2 km when the data rate is below 200 kbps.
An Efficient Message Filtering Strategy Based on Asynchronous ADMM with L1 Regularization
Authors: Zhang Jiafeng
Published: August 2019

With the increment of data scale, distributed machine learning has received more and more attention. However, as the data grows, the dimension of the dataset will increase rapidly, which leads to the increment of the communication traffic in the distributed computing cluster and decreases the performance of the distributed algorithms. This paper proposes a message filtering strategy based on asynchronous alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM), which can effectively reduce the communication time of the algorithm while ensuring the convergence of the algorithm. In this paper, a soft threshold filtering strategy based on L1 regularization is proposed to filter the parameter of master node, and a gradient truncation filtering strategy is proposed to filter the parameter of slave node. Besides, we update the algorithm asynchronously to reduce the waiting time of the master node. Experiments on large-scale sparse data show that our algorithm can effectively reduce the traffic of messages and make the algorithm reach convergence in a shorter time.
2. Secularism in Western societies
Authors: Copson Andrew
Published: August 2019

‘Secularism in Western societies’ begins by considering the city states of Ancient Greece and then the rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire, with increasing church–state relations. It was the thinkers of the age of Enlightenment in Europe from the late 17th to the late 18th century whose work on church and state gave birth to a full theory of secularism that for the first time affected the policy of states in the real world. Official state secularism in France and America is discussed along with a look at modern Western societies where the rule of law through non-religious values embedded in constitutions has become the foundation of most states.
5. The case against secularism
Authors: Copson Andrew
Published: August 2019

Arguments against secularism come from both defensive and offensive positions and vary accordingly. ‘The case against secularism’ considers some of the opponents to secularism, including theocracies, Islamic states, states with established churches, and Communist states. Opponents of secularism in the age when it was hypothetical made arguments to defend the religious status quo. Many of these are still used today. Since the institution of secularism as a state system, new arguments have come from secularism’s critics and these have a different character, targeted as they are at an ideology in power. It adds further complexity that many critics of secularism seek to modify its content and change its definition rather than to oppose it completely.
1. Beginnings
Authors: Wallace David
Published: August 2019

‘Beginnings’ describes Geoffrey Chaucer’s life and work as a civil servant, along with why his writing has inspired so many. His most important role was controller, or chief tax inspector, of wool for Edward III from 1374–1386. Chaucer understood many languages, but it was his decision to write exclusively in English that gave him the opportunity to write afresh, inventively, and without worrying about burdens of precedent. Chaucer was as finely attuned to audience reactions inside and outside his text-worlds as any dramatist. His poetry has designs on its readers, stirring strong emotions. At the same time, it is keen to deny responsibility for any views or opinions raised, or conclusions reached.
Associations between genomic ancestry, genome size and capitula morphology in the invasive meadow knapweed hybrid complex (Centaurea × moncktonii) in eastern North America
Authors: Lachmuth Susanne , Molofsky Jane , Milbrath Lindsey , Suda Jan , Keller Stephen R
Published: August 2019

Plant invasions are prime opportunities for studying hybridization and the nature of species boundaries, but hybrids also complicate the taxonomic treatment and management of introduced taxa. In this study, we use population genomics to estimate the extent of genomic admixture and test for its association with morphology and genome size in a hybrid complex of knapweeds invasive to North America: meadow knapweed (Centaurea × moncktonii) and its parental species (C. jacea and C. nigra). We sampled 20 populations from New York and Vermont, USA, and used genotyping by sequencing to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms in order to estimate genome-wide ancestry and classify individuals into hybrid genotype classes. We then tested for association between degree of genomic introgression and variation in a subset of traits diagnostic for the parental taxa, namely capitula morphology and monoploid genome size. Genomic clustering revealed two clearly defined lineages, as well as many admixed individuals forming a continuous gradation of introgression. Individual assignments to hybrid genotype classes revealed many advanced generation intercrosses and backcrosses, suggesting introgression has been extensive and unimpeded by strong reproductive barriers between taxa. Variation in capitula traits between the two unadmixed, presumed parental, lineages exhibited continuous, and in some cases transgressive, segregation among introgressed hybrids. Genome size was also divergent between lineages, although advanced generation hybrids had smaller genomes relative to additive expectations. Our study demonstrates deep introgression between the porous genomes of a hybrid invasive species complex. In addition to strong associations among genomic ancestry, genome size and morphology, hybrids expressed more extreme phenotypic values for capitula traits and genome size, indicating transgressive segregation, as well as a bias towards smaller genomes, possibly due to genomic downsizing. Future studies will apply these results to experimentally test how introgression, transgressive segregation and genome size reduction interact to confer invasiveness.
Nori Holdings v PJSC Bank and the tale of anti-suit Injunctions
Authors: Varesis Faidon
Published: August 2019

This article analyses the issues arising out of the recent High Court judgment of Males J in Nori Holdings Limited et al v PJSC Bank Okritie Financial Corporation [2018] EWHC 1343 (Comm). Traditionally, English Courts and practitioners have been steadily opposed to the ECJ driven prohibition of anti-suit injunctions under the Brussels I Regulation regime. The crack to this prohibition created by Advocate General Wathelet in Gazprom was accepted gloriously across the channel. Males J in his judgment, however, critically addressed this opinion and seems to side with the ECJ’s interpretation even under the Brussels I Recast Regulation. This article considers Nori Holdings in the wider context of the remedies available to a court or tribunal when faced with torpedo or parallel proceedings. Finally, it considers how the situation might change and why this case could be important in a post-Brexit world.
Application of LC–ESI-MS/MS Method for Analysis of Escitalopram Oxalate in Human Urine and Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms
Authors: Badulla Wafa F S , Atkoşar Zeki , Arli Göksel , Şener Erol
Published: August 2019

An effective and sensitive liquid chromatographic–electrospray ionization tandem mass-spectrometric (LC–ESI-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for quantification of escitalopram oxalate (ESC-OX), antidepressant drug in spiked human urine and pharmaceutical formulations. In this work, simple liquid–liquid extraction was optimized and used for extraction of cited drug from urine samples. The chromatographic separation was attained within 6 min including re-equilibration time by using gradient elution with 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in water as mobile phase, Zorbax Eclipse RP C18 (50 × 2.1 mm) column was used with a particle size of 1.8 μm; the flow-rate was 0.35 mL min−1. Ion signal m/z 262.0 and 109.0 for ESC-OX product ions were monitored at positive ESI mode. Validation of the method was carried out according to the ICH Q2 (R1) guidelines and EMEA criteria. The method was linear over 79−196,450 pg mL−1 with a regression of 0.9999 and 0.9993 for both standard and urine samples. The LOD was 3.88 and 10.66 pg mL−1 for standard and urine samples, respectively, while lower limit of quantification was 79 pg mL−1.
Radiofrequency ablation lesions in low-, intermediate-, and normal-voltage myocardium: an in vivo study in a porcine heart model
Authors: Tofig Bawer J , Lukac Peter , Nielsen Jan M , Hansen Esben S S , Tougaard Rasmus S , Jensen Henrik K , Nielsen Jens C , Kristiansen Steen B
Published: August 2019

Aims

Contact force (CF) between radiofrequency (RF) ablation catheter and myocardium and ablation index (AI) correlates with RF lesion depth and width in normal-voltage (>1.5 mV) myocardium (NVM). We investigate the impact of CF on RF lesion depth and width in low (<0.5 mV) (LVM) and intermediate-voltage (0.5–1.5 mV) myocardium (IVM) following myocardial infarction. Correlation between RF lesion depth and width evaluated by native contrast magnetic resonance imaging (ncMRI) and gross anatomical evaluation was investigated.

Methods and results

Twelve weeks after myocardial infarction, 10 pigs underwent electroanatomical mapping and endocardial RF ablations were deployed in NVM, IVM, and LVM myocardium. In vivo ncMRI was performed before the heart was excised and subjected to gross anatomical evaluation. Ninety (82%) RF lesions were evaluated. Radiofrequency lesion depth and width were smaller in IVM and LVM compared with NVM (P < 0.001). Radiofrequency lesion depth and width correlated with CF, AI, and impedance drop in NVM (CF and AI P < 0.001) and IVM (CF and AI depths P < 0.001; CF and AI widths P < 0.05). Native contrast magnetic resonance imaging evaluated RF lesion depth and width correlated with gross anatomical depth and width (NVM and IVM P < 0.001; LVM P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Radiofrequency lesions deployed by similar duration, power and CF are smaller in IVM and LVM than in NVM. Radiofrequency lesion depth and width correlated with CF, AI, and impedance drop in NVM and IVM but not in LVM. Native contrast magnetic resonance imaging may be useful to assess RF lesion depth and width in NVM, IVM, and LVM.
Cost of youth tobacco-control policies in seven European countries
Authors: Leão Teresa , Perelman Julian , Clancy Luke , Hoffmann Laura , Kinnunen Jaana M , Mélard Nora , Nuyts Paulien A W , Richter Matthias , Rimpelä Arja , Lorant Vincent , Kunst Anton E
Published: August 2019

Background

Tobacco-control policies have been suggested to reduce smoking among adolescents. However, there is limited evidence on the real-world costs of implementation in different settings. In this study, we aimed at estimating the costs of school smoking bans, school prevention programmes and non-school bans (smoking bans in non-educational public settings, bans on sales to minors and bans on point-of-sale advertising), implemented in Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Portugal, for 2016.

Methods

We retrospectively collected costs related to the inspection, monitoring and sanctioning activities related to bans and educational activities related to smoking prevention programmes. We used an ‘ingredients-based’ approach, identifying each resource used, quantity and unit value for one full year, under the state perspective. Costs were measured at national, regional, local and school-level and were informed by data on how these activities were performed in reality.

Results

Purchasing power parities adjusted-costs varied between €0.02 and €0.74 (average €0.24) per person (pp) for bans implemented outside schools. Mean costs of school smoking bans ranged from €3.31 to €34.76 (average €20.60), and mean costs of school educational programmes from €0.75 to €4.65 (average €2.92).

Conclusions

It is feasible to estimate costs of health policies as implemented in different settings. Costs of the tobacco control policies evaluated here depend mainly on the number of person-hours allocated to their implementation, and on the scale of intervention. Non-school bans presented the lowest costs, and the implementation of all policies cost up to €36 pp for 1 year.
Restriction of plant roots in boreal forest organic soils affects the microbial community but does not change the dominance from ectomycorrhizal to saprotrophic fungi
Authors: Sietiö Outi-Maaria , Santalahti Minna , Putkinen Anuliina , Adamczyk Sylwia , Sun Hui , Heinonsalo Jussi
Published: August 2019

Boreal forest soils store significant amounts of carbon and are cohabited by saprotrophic and ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM). The ‘Gadgil effect’ implies antagonistic interactions between saprotrophic fungi and ECM. Plant photosynthates support the competitive fitness of the ECM, and may also shape the soil bacterial communities. Many ‘Gadgil effect’ experiments have focused on litter layer (OL) or have litter and root-fragments present, and thus possibly favor the saprotrophs. We compared how the restriction of plant roots and exudates affect soil microbial community structures in organic soil (mixed OF and OH). For this, we established a 3-yr field experiment with 3 different mesh treatments affecting the penetration of plant roots and external fungal hyphae. Exclusion of plant photosynthates induced modest changes in both fungal and bacterial community structures, but not to potential functionality of the microbial community. The microbial community was resilient towards rather short-term disturbances. Contrary to the ‘Gadgil effect’, mesh treatments restricting the entrance of plant roots and external fungal hyphae did not favor saprotrophs that originally inhabited the soil. Thus, we propose that different substrate preferences (fresh litter vs. fermented or humified soil), rather than antagonism, maintain the spatial separation of saprotrophs and mycorrhizal fungi in boreal forest soils.
Untapped sponge microbiomes: structure specificity at host order and family levels
Authors: Yang Qi , Franco Christopher M M , Lin Hou-Wen , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2019

Sponges are complex holobionts in which the structure of the microbiome has seldom been characterized above the host species level. The hypothesis tested in this study is that the structure of the sponge microbiomes is specific to the host at the order and family levels. This was done by using 33 sponge species belonging to 19 families representing five orders. A combination of three primer sets covering the V1-V8 regions of the 16S rRNA gene provided a more comprehensive coverage of the microbiomes. Both the diversity and structure of sponge microbiomes were demonstrated to be highly specific to the host phylogeny at the order and family levels. There are always dominant operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (relative abundance >1%) shared between microbial communities of sponges within the same family or order, but these shared OTUs showed high levels of dissimilarity between different sponge families and orders. The unique OTUs for a particular sponge family or order could be regarded as their ‘signature identity’. 70%–87% of these unique OTUs (class level) are unaffiliated and represent a vast resource of untapped microbiota. This study contributes to a deeper understanding on the concept of host-specificity of sponge microbiomes and highlights a hidden reservoir of sponge-associated microbial resources.
Future Directions for Meningitis Surveillance and Vaccine Evaluation in the Meningitis Belt of Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Novak Ryan T , Ronveaux Olivier , Bita André F , Aké Honoré Flavien , Lessa Fernanda C , Wang Xin , Bwaka Ado M , Fox LeAnne M
Published: August 2019

In sub-Saharan Africa, bacterial meningitis remains a significant public health problem, especially in the countries of the meningitis belt, where Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A historically caused large-scale epidemics. In 2014, MenAfriNet was established as a consortium of partners supporting strategic implementation of case-based meningitis surveillance to monitor meningitis epidemiology and impact of meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine (MACV). MenAfriNet improved data quality through use of standardized tools, procedures, and laboratory diagnostics. MenAfriNet surveillance and study data provided evidence of ongoing MACV impact, characterized the burden of non-serogroup A meningococcal disease (including the emergence of a new epidemic clone of serogroup C), and documented the impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. New vaccines and schedules have been proposed for future implementation to address the remaining burden of meningitis. To support the goals of “Defeating Meningitis by 2030,” MenAfriNet will continue to strengthen surveillance and support research and modeling to monitor the impact of these programs on meningitis burden in sub-Saharan Africa.
Immune Correlates of Protection Against Human Cytomegalovirus Acquisition, Replication, and Disease
Authors: Nelson Cody S , Baraniak Ilona , Lilleri Daniele , Reeves Matthew B , Griffiths Paul D , Permar Sallie R
Published: August 2019

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common infectious cause of infant birth defects and an etiology of significant morbidity and mortality in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. There is tremendous interest in developing a vaccine or immunotherapeutic to reduce the burden of HCMV-associated disease, yet after nearly a half-century of research and development in this field we remain without such an intervention. Defining immune correlates of protection is a process that enables targeted vaccine/immunotherapeutic discovery and informed evaluation of clinical performance. Outcomes in the HCMV field have previously been measured against a variety of clinical end points, including virus acquisition, systemic replication, and progression to disease. Herein we review immune correlates of protection against each of these end points in turn, showing that control of HCMV likely depends on a combination of innate immune factors, antibodies, and T-cell responses. Furthermore, protective immune responses are heterogeneous, with no single immune parameter predicting protection against all clinical outcomes and stages of HCMV infection. A detailed understanding of protective immune responses for a given clinical end point will inform immunogen selection and guide preclinical and clinical evaluation of vaccines or immunotherapeutics to prevent HCMV-mediated congenital and transplant disease.
Metabolic Changes in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients Who Carry IFNL4-ΔG and Achieve Sustained Virologic Response With Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Emmanuel Benjamin , El-Kamary Samer S , Magder Laurence S , Stafford Kristen A , Charurat Man E , Chairez Cheryl , McLaughlin Mary , Hadigan Colleen , Prokunina-Olsson Ludmila , O’Brien Thomas R , Masur Henry , Kottilil Shyam
Published: August 2019

Background

Clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) results in rapid changes in metabolic parameters early in direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. Long-term changes after sustained virologic response (SVR) remain unknown.

Methods

We investigated longitudinal changes in metabolic and inflammatory outcomes in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) using a general linear model for repeated measurements at 5 clinical time points and by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection and IFNL4 genotype.

Results

The mean LDL increased markedly during DAA therapy (pre-DAA, 86.6 to DAA, 107.4 mg/dL; P < .0001), but then it decreased to 97.7 mg/dL by post-SVR year 1 (P < .001 compared with DAA; P = .0013 compared with SVR). In patients who carry the IFNL4-ΔG allele, mean LDL increased during treatment, then decreased at post-SVR year 1; however, in patients with TT/TT, genotype did not change during and after DAA treatment. The mean ALT and AST normalized rapidly between pre-DAA and DAA, whereas only mean ALT continued to decrease until post-SVR. Metabolic and inflammatory outcomes were similar by HIV-coinfection status.

Conclusions

Changes in LDL among CHC patients who achieved SVR differed by IFNL4 genotype, which implicates the interferon-λ4 protein in metabolic changes observed in HCV-infected patients.
What Isn't a Norm? Redefining the Conceptual Boundaries of “Norms” in the Human Rights Literature
Authors: Jurkovich Michelle
Published: August 2019

What makes the “norm” a distinct concept? How do norms differ from other aspects of the moral and social fabric of society? In this article I argue that imposing stricter boundaries on the norm concept could have significant analytical payoffs, especially in the human rights literature. Greater conceptual clarity on the boundaries of the norm concept highlights three important distinctions: the difference between norms and moral principles, norms and supererogatory standards, and norms and formal law. Clarifying what a norm is (and, importantly, what it is not) improves our analytic equipment and theories, but the inquiry is not purely a theoretical exercise. Clarifying the norm concept enables us to ask new questions about, and rethink old findings on issues like the role of shaming in human rights advocacy, the origins of norms and challenges to their construction, what constitutes evidence of the existence of a norm, and whether, in fact, all human rights have been translated into norms.
A Case Report of Slug Ingestion Causing Eosinophilic Meningitis, Papilledema, and Pronounced Motor Weakness in a US Marine
Authors: Widder Jared R , Fallah Shamis , Mondzelewski Todd J
Published: August 2019

Angiostrongyliasis is the most common cause of eosinophilic meningitis worldwide and is primarily characterized by eosinophilic meningitis, meningoencephalitis, or myelitis. It is caused by ingestion of the nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the rat lungworm (or apple snail). The most common route of infection is by ingestion of parts of the intermediate hosts like mollusks or food contaminated with infective third stage larvae. Following ingestion, the larvae migrate through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream and further into the central nervous system where they cause meningo-encephalo-myelitis and can have a variety of ocular manifestations. We present a case of a Caucasian United States Marine who suffered severe meningo-encephalo-myelitis with papilledema following ingestion of a raw Giant African Snail (Lissachatina lutica) while stationed in Japan. He developed eosinophilic meningoencephalitis, polyneuropathy, motor weakness, and papilledema. We describe the unique clinical features of this disease in our patient.
The clustering of undetected high-redshift black holes and their signatures in cosmic backgrounds
Authors: Ricarte Angelo , Pacucci Fabio , Cappelluti Nico , Natarajan Priyamvada
Published: August 2019

There exist hitherto unexplained fluctuations in the cosmic infrared background on arcminute scales and larger. These have been shown to cross-correlate with the cosmic X-ray background, leading several authors to attribute the excess to a high-redshift growing black hole population. In order to investigate potential sources that could explain this excess, in this paper, we develop a new framework to compute the power spectrum of undetected sources that do not have constant flux as a function of halo mass. In this formulation, we combine a semi-analytic model for black hole growth and their simulated spectra from hydrodynamical simulations. Revisiting the possible contribution of a high-redshift black hole population, we find that too much black hole growth is required at early epochs for z > 6 accretion to explain these fluctuations. Examining a population of accreting black holes at more moderate redshifts, z ∼ 2–3, we find that such models produce a poor fit to the observed fluctuations while simultaneously overproducing the local black hole mass density. Additionally, we rule out the hypothesis of a missing Galactic foreground of warm dust that produces coherent fluctuations in the X-ray via reflection of Galactic X-ray binary emission. Although we firmly rule out accreting massive black holes as the source of these missing fluctuations, additional studies will be required to determine their origin.
Emission-line properties of the most luminous AGNs in massive galaxies at intermediate redshifts
Authors: Kauffmann Guinevere , Maraston Claudia
Published: August 2019

We have analysed the emission-line properties of 6019 Type II active galactic nuclei (AGNs) at redshifts in the range 0.4–0.8 with [O iii] luminosities greater than $3 \times 10^8 \, \mathrm{L}_{\odot }$, characteristic of the Type II quasars first identified in population studies by Zakamska et al. The AGNs are drawn from the CMASS sample of galaxies with stellar masses greater than $10^{11} \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ that were studied as part of the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) and comprise 0.5 per cent of the total population of these galaxies. Individual spectra have low S/N, so the analysis is carried out on stacked spectra in bins of [O iii] luminosity and estimated stellar age. The emission line ratios of the stacks are well fit with simple uniform-density photoionization models with metallicities between solar and twice solar. In the stacks, a number of emission lines are found to have distinct broad components requiring a double Gaussian rather than a single Gaussian fit, indicative of outflowing ionized gas. These are: [O iii] λ4959, [O iii] λ5007, [O ii] λ3727,3729, and H αλ6563. Higher ionization lines such as [Ne iii] λ3869 and [Ne v] λ3345 are detected in the stacks, but are well fit by single Gaussians. The broad components typically contain a third of the total line flux and have widths of 600 km s−1 for the oxygen lines and 900 km s−1 for H α. The fraction of the flux in the broad component and its width are independent of [O iii] luminosity, stellar age, radio, and mid-IR luminosity. The stellar mass of the galaxy is the only parameter we could identify that influences the width of the broad line component.
High Density Reflection Spectroscopy – II. The density of the inner black hole accretion disc in AGN
Authors: Jiang Jiachen , Fabian Andrew C , Dauser Thomas , Gallo Luigi , García Javier A , Kara Erin , Parker Michael L , Tomsick John A , Walton Dominic J , Reynolds Christopher S
Published: August 2019

We present a high density disc reflection spectral analysis of a sample of 17 Seyfert 1 galaxies to study the inner disc densities at different black hole mass scales and accretion rates. All the available XMM–Newton observations in the archive are used. OM observations in the optical/UV band are used to estimate their accretion rates. We find that 65 per cent of sources in our sample show a disc density significantly higher than ne = 1015 cm−3, which was assumed in previous reflection-based spectral analyses. The best-fitting disc densities show an anticorrelation with black hole mass and mass accretion rate. High density disc reflection model can successfully explain the soft excess emission and significantly reduce inferred iron abundances. We also compare our black hole spin and disc inclination angle measurements with previous analyses.
X-ray properties of z > 4 blazars
Authors: Ighina L , Caccianiga A , Moretti A , Belladitta S , Della Ceca R , Ballo L , Dallacasa D
Published: August 2019

We present the X-ray analysis of the largest flux-limited complete sample of blazar candidates at z > 4 selected from the Cosmic Lens All Sky Survey (CLASS). After obtaining a nearly complete (24/25) X-ray coverage of the sample (from Swift-XRT, XMM–Newton, and Chandra), we analysed the spectra in order to identify the bona fide blazars. We classified the sources based on the shape of their Spectral Energy Distributions and, in particular, on the flatness of the X-ray emission and its intensity compared to the optical one. We then compared these high-z blazars with a blazar sample selected at lower redshifts ($\bar{z}\sim 1$). We found a significant difference in the X-ray-to-radio luminosity ratios, with the CLASS blazars having a mean ratio 2.4 ± 0.5 times larger than low-z blazars. We tentatively interpret this evolution as due to the interaction of the electrons of the jet with the Cosmic Microwave Background photons, which is expected to boost the observed X-ray emission at high redshifts. Such a dependence has been already observed in highly radio loud AGNs in the recent literature. This is the first time it is observed using a statistically complete radio flux limited sample of blazars. We have then evaluated whether this effect could explain the differences in the cosmological evolution recently found between radio and X-ray selected samples of blazars. We found that the simple version of this model is not able to solve the tension between the two evolutionary results.
The impact of magnetic fields on cold streams feeding galaxies
Authors: Berlok Thomas , Pfrommer Christoph
Published: August 2019

High-redshift, massive haloes are observed to have sustained high star formation rates, which require that the amount of cold gas in the halo is continuously replenished. The cooling time-scale for the hot virialized halo gas is too long to provide the source of cold gas. Supersonic, cold streams have been invoked as a mechanism for feeding massive haloes at high redshift and delivering the cold gas required for continued star formation at the rates observed. This mechanism for replenishing the cold gas reservoir is motivated by some cosmological simulations. However, the cold streams are likely to be subject to the supersonic version of the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (KHI), which eventually leads to stream disruption. Cosmological simulations have yet to obtain the spatial resolution required for understanding the detailed stability properties of cold streams. In this paper, we consider instead an idealized model of magnetized cold streams that we spatially resolve. Using linear theory, we show how magnetic fields with dynamically important field strengths do not inhibit the KHI but rather enhance its growth rate. We perform non-linear simulations of magnetized stream disruption and find that magnetic fields can nevertheless increase stream survival times by suppressing the mixing rate of cold gas with the circumgalactic medium. We find that magnetic fields can allow streams to survive ∼2–8 times longer and, consequently, that streams ∼2–8 times thinner can reach the central galaxy if the magnetic field strength is $\sim 0.3\rm {-}0.8 \, \mu$G.
WASP-169, WASP-171, WASP-175, and WASP-182: three hot Jupiters and one bloated sub-Saturn mass planet discovered by WASP-South
Authors: Nielsen L D , Bouchy F , Turner O D , Anderson D R , Barkaoui K , Benkhaldoun Z , Burdanov A , Cameron A Collier , Delrez L , Gillon M , Ducrot E , Hellier C , Jehin E , Lendl M , Maxted P F L , Pepe F , Pollacco D , Pozuelos F J , Queloz D , Ségransan D , Smalley B , Triaud A H M J , Udry S , West R G
Published: August 2019

We present the discovery of four new giant planets from the Wide Angle Search for Planets-South (WASP-South), three hot Jupiters and one bloated sub-Saturn mass planet: WASP-169b, WASP-171b, WASP-175b, and WASP-182b. Besides the discovery photometry from WASP-South we use radial velocity measurements from CORALIE and HARPS and follow-up photometry from EulerCam, TRAPPIST-North and -South, and SPECULOOS. WASP-169b is a low-density Jupiter ($M=0.561 \pm 0.061\,{M_{\rm Jup}},\ R=1.304^{+0.150}_{-0.073}\,{R_{\rm Jup}}$) orbiting a V = 12.17 F8 subgiant in a 5.611 d orbit. WASP-171b is a typical hot Jupiter ($M=1.084 \pm 0.094\,{M_{\rm Jup}},\ R=0.98^{+0.07}_{-0.04}\,{R_{\rm Jup}}$, P = 3.82 d) around a V = 13.05 G0 star. We find a linear drift in the radial velocities of WASP-171 spanning 3.5 yr, indicating the possibility of an additional outer planet or stellar companion. WASP-175b is an inflated hot Jupiter (M = 0.99 ± 0.13 MJup, R = 1.208 ± 0.081 RJup, P = 3.07 d) around a V = 12.04 F7 star, which possibly is part of a binary system with a star 7.9 arcsec away. WASP-182b is a bloated sub-Saturn mass planet (M = 0.148 ± 0.011 MJup, R = 0.850 ± 0.030 RJup) around a metal-rich V = 11.98 G5 star ([Fe/H] = 0.27 ± 0.11). With an orbital period of P = 3.377 d, it sits right in the apex of the sub-Jovian desert, bordering the upper and lower edge of the desert in both the mass–period and radius–period plane. WASP-169b, WASP-175b, and WASP-182b are promising targets for atmospheric characterization through transmission spectroscopy, with expected transmission signals of 121, 150, and 264 ppm, respectively.
Retracted: Diffuse midline glioma with H3 K27M mutation: a comparison integrating the clinical, radiological, and molecular features between adult and pediatric patients
Authors: Jiang Haihui , Yang Kaiyuan , Ren Xiaohui , Cui Yong , Li Mingxiao , Lei Yifei , Lin Song
Published: August 2019

Background

Diffuse midline glioma (DMG), H3 K27M mutant, occurs in both adult and pediatric populations. The characteristics of the 2 DMG groups were systematically explored in this study.

Methods

H3 K27M–mutant DMG was diagnosed in 116 patients at Beijing Tiantan Hospital from May 2016 to December 2018 who were included in our study. Patients were classified into an adult group (n = 57; 49.1%) and a pediatric group (n = 59; 50.9%). Clinical, radiological, and molecular features were compared between the groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors.

Results

Compared with the adult group, pediatric patients had a younger age (8.9 ± 4.1 y vs 35.1 ± 11.8 y, P < 0.001), a lower preoperative Karnofsky performance scale score (62.9 ± 15.5 vs 72.1 ± 16.5, P = 0.004), a lower rate of total resection (5.7% vs 26.8%, P = 0.009), a larger tumor size (4.4 ± 0.9 vs 3.9 ± 1.5 cm, P = 0.045), a higher Ki-67 index (63.0% vs 37.8%, P = 0.047), and higher rates of postoperative cranial nerve palsy (61.0% vs 36.8%, P = 0.009) and ataxia (45.8% vs 26.3%, P = 0.029). Adult DMG was located predominantly in the thalamus, while the predilection site for pediatric DMG was brainstem (P < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier plot showed that the median survival of adult and pediatric DMG was 16.0 (9.7–22.3) months and 10.0 (8.3–11.7) months, respectively, which imparted a significant difference (P = 0.008). Age at diagnosis, radiotherapy, and motor deficit were confirmed as independent prognostic factors according to the multivariate analysis (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with adult patients, children with H3 K27M–mutant DMG confer distinct clinical, radiological, and molecular characteristics and have a dismal prognosis. Radiotherapy is an independent factor associated with prolonged survival.
Aerial Release of Norway Spruce with Roundup in the Central Appalachians
Authors: Wendel George W. , Kochenderfer James N.
Published: August 2019

Restrictions on use of 2,4,5- T have created a need for herbicides that can be used for conifer release. Seven-year-old Norway spruce was released from competing vegetation with aerially applied Roundup. A wide spectrum of competing species were controlled and most hardwoods did not resprout during the 2-year evaluation period following treatment. Norway spruce appeared to respond to treatment and suffered negligible damage. Roundup as applied in this study appears to be a safe, effective herbicide that can be used to release Norway spruce. North. J. Appl. For. 2:29-32, June 1984.
Statistical Appraisal of Timber with an Application to the Chequamegon National Forest
Authors: Buongiorno Joseph , Young Timothy
Published: August 2019

A statistical method of appraising timber is presented. It consists of predicting the high bid of a particular timber offering under competitive conditions and adjusting this value to reflect uncertainty and the goals of the selling agency. Using data from the Chequamegon National Forest in northern Wisconsin, it was found that a simple linear model using 14 variables explained 93% of the variance in high bid for competitive sales from 1976 to 1980. This model predicted well post-sample high bids for 1981 and 1982. Based on this model, three possible definitions of appraised value were investigated: (1) predicted high bid, (2) predicted high bid minus one standard error, and (3) predicted high bid minus two standard errors. The consequences of each definition on timber sales, had it been applied in 1981 and 1982, were examined. Definitions (1) and (2) would have increased receipts by 28 and 5%, while decreasing the volume sold by only 5 and 3.6 %, respectively. Definition (3) would have led to the sale of approximately the same volume, but a decrease in receipts of 26%. North. J. Appl. For. 1:72-76, Dec. 1984.
Multiple-Resource Modeling—Lake States' Application
Authors: Ffolliott Peter F. , Brooks Kenneth N. , Guertin D. Philip
Published: August 2019

Forest managers in the Lake States need to evaluate multiple-resource relationships. In response to this need, a framework called INTERIM was developed. It links models of individual resource components and is capable of predicting responses to certain forest management activities in the Lake States. A modular framework was used so that components could be included, deleted, or modified as needed. INTERIM links tree growth with understory cover, white-tailed deer habitat, and nongame-bird diversity index. The effects of forest management on water yield and annual snowmelt peak runoff can also be estimated. This is one of the first attempts in the Lake States to link components that can estimate production relationships for different land management options. The result is a useful tool for identifying research needed to develop a comprehensive and practical multiple-resource model. North J. Appl. For. 1:80-84, Dec. 1984.
Some New Equations and Constraints Useful in Analysis of Serial Repayment or Investment
Authors: Grosenbaugh Lewis R.
Published: August 2019

Initial value of the sum of a series of equal payments of R dollars at equal time intervals is V and terminal value is W. It is desired to find total number (N) of such payments and rate of effective periodic compound interest (P) implied by R, V, W under a specified protocol relating start and end of a contract (e.g., a debt repayment, annuity, or lease) to times of first and last payments. Two new equations are derived, completing the set of five needed to solve for any unknown, given any three of the remaining variables and an appropriate protocol. A list of implied constraints has been provided to facilitate early detection of invalid values assigned to trios of "known" variables and to help ensure that required guesses at value of unknowns do not violate implied limits. Erroneous and correct relationships between periodic rate (P) and annual percentage rate (APR) are compared. North. J. Appl. For. 11(2):58-62.
Integrating Multiple-Ownership Forest Data Using a GIS
Authors: Queen Lloyd , Arthaud Greg
Published: August 2019

The condition and use of adjacent lands is becoming increasingly important as more and more organizations manage with multiple-use objectives in mind. Yet differences in ownership, thus in data collection and compilation, on adjacent lands results in considerable difficulty in attempting to compile consistent data for an area extending onto multiple ownerships. This paper illustrates how forest stand data was spatially integrated for an area containing federal, state, county, and private lands. Problems overcome with this approach included differences in minimum stand sizes, stand labeling schemes, georeferencing, forest stand definitions, and completeness of data. Strategies were developed and applied in order to generate a seamless forest stand thematic layer in a geographic information system (GIS). North. J. Appl. For. 11(3):73-79.
Pollen Contamination Evaluation on a Proposed Eastern Larch Seed Orchard Site
Authors: Caron Guy-É
Published: August 2019

Pollen monitoring was conducted in 1988 and 1989 in an open field in Ste. Anne de Madawaska (N.B., Canada) proposed for the establishment of an eastern larch clonal seed orchard. Eastern larch is a common species in the area, and a stand is located adjacent to the study site. The objective of the study was to evaluate the level of pollen originating from the adjacent stand and from more distant stands. Pollen traps were established along a transect downwind to the stand and monitored daily. Pollen catch in 1989 was 2.7 times less than in 1988. Pollen catch downwind from the stand was described according to three phases. Early in the study, pollen catch originated only from the stands; then, increased numbers of pollen originated from other sources; finally, pollen catch was only from other sources. Pollen from the stand represented about 5-10% of larch pollen catch in both 1988 and 1989, and the remaining originated from more distant sources. Removal of the stand would have had little impact on total pollen influx on to the proposed orchard site. North. J. Appl. For. 11(4):124-130.
Early Height Growth and Site Index for Planted Red Pine in North Central Ontario
Authors: Carmean William H. , Thrower James S.
Published: August 2019

Height-growth, site-index curves, and growth intercepts were developed from internode and stem-analysis data using dominant trees in 25 plots located in red pine plantations aged 26 to 37 yr. Height-growth curves were based on breast-height age because growth below breast height (1.3 m) was slow and erratic. Growth intercepts using the first three to five internodes above 1.5 m gave the best estimates of site index (dominant height at 20 yr breast-height age)for trees that were between 3 and 5 yr breast-height age; site-index estimation equations gave the best estimates for trees older than 10 yr breast-height age. These computed height-growth curves and growth intercepts and observed site index in north central Ontario were similar to other regions. The excellent growth observed in this study suggests that red pine should be given greater emphasis in future reforestation programs in north central Ontario. North. J. Appl. For. 12(1): 23-29.
Effects of Fire Intensity on Competitive Dynamics Between Red and Black Oaks and Mountain Laurel
Authors: Moser W. Keith , Ducey Mark J. , Ashton P. Mark S.
Published: August 2019

We investigated the competitive response of oak and mountain laurel to prescribed fire on two sites in northeastern Connecticut. After nearly a decade, the competitive position of oak on moderately burned portions of both sites was little better, and in some respects worse, than on adjacent unburned controls. However, on portions of both sites where fire had killed much of the overstory, oak regrowth was vigorous and had escaped the dense mountain laurel layer. The results suggest that light understory fires alone are not sufficient for oak regeneration, and that prescribed fire should be used only as part of an integrated strategy involving harvesting of the overstory. Ecologically, the results point to the importance of severe disturbances in maintaining the structure and function of oak ecosystems. North. J. Appl. For. 13(3):119-123.
Field Evaluation of the IPL VacuSpout for Maple Sap Collection
Authors: Staats Lewis J. , Kelley John W.
Published: August 2019

During the 1991 and 1992 maple syrup production seasons a recently developed maple sap spout of unique design was evaluated at Cornell University's Uihlein Sugar Maple Research/Extension Field Station near Lake Placid, New York. The performance of the IPL Inc. VacuSpout was compared to that of a conventional spout under field conditions. The difference in performance of the two spouts was not statistically significant interms of sap volume yield or sap sugar concentration. The closure of tapholes following use of the VacuSpout was found to occur in less time than was the case with the conventional spile. Early closure of tapholes is beneficial to the productivity and long-term operation of a sugarbush. Use of the VacuSpout may have other practical advantages for maple producers. North. J. Appl. For. 13(4):171-174.
West Virginia Tree Farmers and Consulting Foresters: A Comparison of Views on Timber Harvesting
Authors: Egan Andrew F. , Rowe John , Peterson Dan , Philippi Grover
Published: August 2019

A mail survey sought the responses of West Virginia Tree Farmers and consulting foresters to questions related to timber harvesting. The intent was to examine the attitudinal similarities and differences between citizens who own forestland and are predisposed to forest management and the forestry professionals often charged with assisting with the management of these resources. Results of contingency table analysis indicated agreement between landowners and foresters on general harvesting philosophies and objectives, but disagreement on specific logging outcomes and environmental effects. The possibility of significant differences between landowners and foresters on issues such as banning clearcutting and the effects of logging on the forest environment indicates a need for efforts to educate not only landowners about forest practices, but also foresters about landowner objectives and attitudes. North. J. Appl. For. 14(1):16-19.