157 research outputs found
An ALMA survey of sub-millimetre galaxies in the extended chandra deep field south: The far-infrared properties of SMGs
We exploit Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) 870 μm observations of sub-millimetre sources in the Extended Chandra Deep Field South to investigate the far-infrared properties of high-redshift sub-millimetre galaxies (SMGs). Using the precisely located 870 μm ALMA positions of 99 SMGs, together with 24μm and radio imaging, we deblend the Herschel/SPIRE imaging to extract their far-infrared fluxes and colours. The median redshifts for ALMA LESS (ALESS) SMGs which are detected in at least two SPIRE bands increases with wavelength of the peak in their spectral energy distributions (SEDs), with z = 2.3 ± 0.2, 2.5 ± 0.3 and 3.5 ± 0.5 for the 250, 350 and 500 μm peakers, respectively. 34 ALESS SMGs do not have a >3σ counterpart at 250, 350 or 500 μm. These galaxies have a median photometric redshift derived from the rest-frame UV–mid-infrared SEDs of z = 3.3 ± 0.5, which is higher than the full ALESS SMG sample; z = 2.5 ± 0.2. We estimate the far-infrared luminosities and characteristic dust temperature of each SMG, deriving LIR = (3.0 ± 0.3) × 1012 L⊙ (SFR = 300 ± 30 M⊙ yr−1) and Td = 32 ± 1 K. The characteristic dust temperature of these high-redshift SMGs is ΔTd = 3–5 K lower than comparably luminous galaxies at z = 0, reflecting the more extended star formation in these systems. We show that the contribution of S870 μm ≥ 1 mJy SMGs to the cosmic star formation budget is 20 per cent of the total over the redshift range z ∼ 1–4. Adopting an appropriate gas-to-dust ratio, we estimate a typical molecular mass of the ALESS SMGs of
MH2 = (4.2 ± 0.4) × 1010 M⊙. Finally, we show that SMGs with S870 μm > 1 mJy (LIR ≳ 1012 L⊙) contain ∼ 10 per cent of the z ∼ 2 volume-averaged H2 mass density
Conservation physiology can inform threat assessment and recovery planning processes for threatened species
Conservation physiology has emerged as a discipline with many success stories. Yet, it is unclear how it is currently integrated into the activities of the IUCN and other bodies which undertake international, national, or regional species threat assessments and work with partners to develop recovery plans. Here we argue that conservation physiology has much to offer for the threat assessment process and we outline the ways in which this can be operationalized. For instance, conservation physiology is effective in revealing causal relationships and mechanisms that explain observed patterns, such as population declines. Identifying the causes of population declines is a necessary precursor to the design of actions to reverse or mitigate such threats. Conservation physiology can also identify complex interactions and support modeling activities that consider emerging threats. When a population or species is deemed threatened and recovery plans are needed, physiology can be used to predict how organisms will respond to the conservation intervention and future threats. For example, if a recovery plan was focused on translocation, understanding how to safely translocate organisms would be necessary, as would ensuring that the recipient habitat provides the necessary environmental characteristics to meet the fundamental physiological needs/tolerances of that organism. Our hope is that this paper will clarify ways in which physiological data can make an important contribution to the conservation activities of bodies like the IUCN that are engaged in threat assess
FTIR spectroscopy can predict organic matter quality in regenerating cutover peatlands.
International audienceVegetational changes during the restoration of cutover peatlands leave a legacy in terms of the organic matter quality of the newly formed peat. Current efforts to restore peatlands at a large scale therefore require low cost, and high throughout, techniques to monitor the evolution of organic matter. In this study, we assessed the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra of the organic matter in peat samples at various stages of peatland regeneration from five European countries. Using predictive partial least squares analyses, we were able to reconstruct both peat C:N ratio and carbohydrate signatures, but not the micromorphological composit ion of vegetation remains, from the FTIR datasets. Despite utilising different size fractions, both carbohydrate (< 200 μm fraction) and FTIR (bulk soil) analyses report on the composition of plant cell wall constituents in the peat and therefore essentially reveal the composition of the parent vegetational material. This suggests that FTIR analysis of peat may be used successfully for evaluation of the present and future organic matter composition of peat in monitoring of restoration efforts
THE MAGNETIC FIELD MORPHOLOGY OF THE CLASS 0 PROTOSTAR L1157-mm
We present the first detection of polarization around the Class 0 low-mass protostar L1157-mm at two different wavelengths. We show polarimetric maps at large scales (10 '' resolution at 350 mu m) from the SHARC-II Polarimeter and at smaller scales (1.'' 2-4.'' 5 at 1.3 mm) from the Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy (CARMA). The observations are consistent with each other and show inferred magnetic field lines aligned with the outflow. The CARMA observations suggest a full hourglass magnetic field morphology centered about the core; this is only the second well-defined hourglass detected around a low-mass protostar to date. We apply two different methods to CARMA polarimetric observations to estimate the plane-of-sky magnetic field magnitude, finding values of 1.4 and 3.4 mG.</p
Clinical outcomes of patients with unresectable primary liver cancer treated with yttrium-90 radioembolization with an escalated dose
PURPOSE: Yttrium-90 (90Y) radioembolization with an escalated dose has been shown to improve clinical outcomes compared with standard dose radioembolization, but there are few data on the local control of primary liver tumors. We reported the clinical outcomes of patients with unresectable primary liver tumors treated with 90Y radioembolization with an escalated dose.
METHODS AND MATERIALS: Clinical data of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CC), and biphenotypic tumors (cHCC-CC) treated with radioembolization with an escalated dose (≥150 Gy) between 2013 and 2020 with \u3e3 months follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. The primary endpoint was freedom from local progression. Clinical response was defined by Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours and toxic effects were assessed using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0.
RESULTS: Fifty-three patients with HCC and 15 patients with CC/cHCC-CC were analyzed. The median dose delivered was 205 Gy (interquartile range, 183-253 Gy) and 198 Gy (interquartile range, 154-234 Gy) for patients with HCC and CC/cHCC-CC, respectively. The 1-year freedom from local progression rate was 54% (95% confidence interval [CI], 38%-78%) for patients with HCC and 66% (95% CI, 42%-100%) for patients with CC/cHCC-CC. For patients with HCC, United Network for Organ Sharing nodal stage 1 (
CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of unresectable primary liver tumors with 90Y radioembolization with an escalated dose was safe and well tolerated. Delivery of \u3e268 Gy may improve local tumor control of HCC. Determination of the maximum tolerated dose needs to be performed in the context of future prospective dose-escalation trials to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of such an approach
Vertical zonation of testate amoebae in the Elatia Mires, northern Greece : palaeoecological evidence for a wetland response to recent climate change or autogenic processes?
The Elatia Mires of northern Greece are unique ecosystems of high conservation value. The mires are climatically marginal and may be sensitive to changing hydroclimate, while northern Greece has experienced a significant increase in aridity since the late twentieth century. To investigate the impact of recent climatic change on the hydrology of the mires, the palaeoecological record was investigated from three near-surface monoliths extracted from two sites. Testate amoebae were analysed as sensitive indicators of hydrology. Results were interpreted using transfer function models to provide quantitative reconstructions of changing water table depth and pH. AMS radiocarbon dates and 210Pb suggest the peats were deposited within the last c. 50 years, but do not allow a secure chronology to be established. Results from all three profiles show a distinct shift towards a more xerophilic community particularly noted by increases in Euglypha species. Transfer function results infer a distinct lowering of water tables in this period. A hydrological response to recent climate change is a tenable hypothesis to explain this change; however other possible explanations include selective test decay, vertical zonation of living amoebae, ombrotrophication and local hydrological change. It is suggested that a peatland response to climatic change is the most probable hypothesis, showing the sensitivity of marginal peatlands to recent climatic change
Conservation physiology of animal migration
Migration is a widespread phenomenon among many taxa. This complex behaviour enables animals to exploit many temporally productive and spatially discrete habitats to accrue various fitness benefits (e.g. growth, reproduction, predator avoidance). Human activities and global environmental change represent potential threats to migrating animals (from individuals to species), and research is underway to understand mechanisms that control migration and how migration responds to modern challenges. Focusing on behavioural and physiological aspects of migration can help to provide better understanding, management and conservation of migratory populations. Here, we highlight different physiological, behavioural and biomechanical aspects of animal migration that will help us to understand how migratory animals interact with current and future anthropogenic threats. We are in the early stages of a changing planet, and our und
Identifying and prioritising unanswered research questions for people with hyperacusis: James Lind Alliance Hyperacusis Priority Setting Partnership
Objective To determine research priorities in hyperacusis that key stakeholders agree are the most important. Design/setting A priority setting partnership using two international surveys, and a UK prioritisation workshop, adhering to the six-staged methodology outlined by the James Lind Alliance. Participants People with lived experience of hyperacusis, parents/carers, family and friends, educational professionals and healthcare professionals who support and/or treat adults and children who experience hyperacusis, including but not limited to surgeons, audiologists, psychologists and hearing therapists. Methods The priority setting partnership was conducted from August 2017 to July 2018. An international identification survey asked respondents to submit any questions/uncertainties about hyperacusis. Uncertainties were categorised, refined and rephrased into representative indicative questions using thematic analysis techniques. These questions were verified as ‘unanswered’ through searches of current evidence. A second international survey asked respondents to vote for their top 10 priority questions. A shortlist of questions that represented votes from all stakeholder groups was prioritised into a top 10 at the final prioritisation workshop (UK). Results In the identification survey, 312 respondents submitted 2730 uncertainties. Of those uncertainties, 593 were removed as out of scope, and the remaining were refined into 85 indicative questions. None of the indicative questions had already been answered in research. The second survey collected votes from 327 respondents, which resulted in a shortlist of 28 representative questions for the final workshop. Consensus was reached on the top 10 priorities for future research, including identifying causes and underlying mechanisms, effective management and training for healthcare professionals. Conclusions These priorities were identified and shaped by people with lived experience, parents/carers and healthcare professionals, and as such are an essential resource for directing future research in hyperacusis. Researchers and funders should focus on addressing these priorities.Additional co-authors: Tracey Pollard, Helen Henshaw, Toto A Gronlund, Derek J Hoar
Collective Wisdom: An Exploration of Library, Archives and Museum Cultures
The 2016 Collective Wisdom: Library, Archives and Museum (LAM) Conference Exchange program brought together 18 librarians, archivists and museum professionals to form a cohort charged with exploring cross-sector practices and culture with an eye toward increasing interdisciplinary collaborations and continuing education. This white paper presents reflections and provides recommendations based on the cohort experience. Cohort members represented a range of library, archives and museum institutions, academic programs and professional organizations from across the US and the Territory of American Samoa
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