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1. The Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility at 12 GeV

Author

Adderley, P. A., Ahmed, S., Allison, T., Bachimanchi, R., Baggett, K., BastaniNejad, M., Bevins, B., Bevins, M., Bickley, M., Bodenstein, R. M., Bogacz, S. A., Bruker, M., Burrill, A., Cardman, L., Creel, J., Chao, Y. -C., Cheng, G., Ciovati, G., Chattopadhyay, S., Clark, J., Clemens, W. A., Croke, G., Daly, E., Davis, G. K., Delayen, J., De Silva, S. U., Dickson, R., Diaz, M., Drury, M., Doolittle, L., Douglas, D., Feldl, E., Fischer, J., Freyberger, A., Ganni, V., Geng, R. L., Ginsburg, C., Gomez, J., Grames, J., Gubeli, J., Guo, J., Hannon, F., Hansknecht, J., Harwood, L., Henry, J., Hernandez-Garcia, C., Higgins, S., Higinbotham, D., Hofler, A. S., Hiatt, T., Hogan, J., Hovater, C., Hutton, A., Jones, C., Jordan, K., Joyce, M., Kazimi, R., Keesee, M., Kelley, M. J., Keppel, C., Kimber, A., King, L., Kjeldsen, P., Kneisel, P., Koval, J., Krafft, G. A., Lahti, G., Larrieu, T., Lauze, R., Leemann, C., Legg, R., Li, R., Lin, F., Machie, D., Mammosser, J., Macha, K., Mahoney, K., Marhauser, F., Mastracci, B., Matalevich, J., McCarter, J., McCaughan, M., Merminga, L., Michaud, R., Morozov, V., Mounts, C., Musson, J., Nelson, R., Oren, W., Overton, R. B., Palacios-Serrano, G., Park, H. -K., Phillips, L., Philip, S., Pilat, F., Plawski, T., Poelker, M., Powers, P., Powers, T., Preble, J., Reilly, T., Rimmer, R., Reece, C., Robertson, H., Roblin, Y., Rode, C., Satogata, T., Seidman, D. J., Seryi, A., Shabalina, A., Shin, I., Slominski, R., Slominski, C., Spata, M., Spell, D., Spradlin, J., Stirbet, M., Stutzman, M. L., Suhring, S., Surles-Law, K., Suleiman, R., Tennant, C., Tian, H., Turner, D., Tiefenback, M., Trofimova, O., Valente, A. -M., Wang, H., Wang, Y., White, K., Whitlatch, C., Whitlatch, T., Wiseman, M., Wissman, M. J., Wu, G., Yang, S., Yunn, B., Zhang, S., and Zhang, Y.

Subjects
Physics - Accelerator Physics, Nuclear Experiment
Abstract

This review paper describes the energy-upgraded CEBAF accelerator. This superconducting linac has achieved 12 GeV beam energy by adding 11 new high-performance cryomodules containing eighty-eight superconducting cavities that have operated CW at an average accelerating gradient of 20 MV/m. After reviewing the attributes and performance of the previous 6 GeV CEBAF accelerator, we discuss the upgraded CEBAF accelerator system in detail with particular attention paid to the new beam acceleration systems. In addition to doubling the acceleration in each linac, the upgrade included improving the beam recirculation magnets, adding more helium cooling capacity to allow the newly installed modules to run cold, adding a new experimental hall, and improving numerous other accelerator components. We review several of the techniques deployed to operate and analyze the accelerator performance, and document system operating experience and performance. In the final portion of the document, we present much of the current planning regarding projects to improve accelerator performance and enhance operating margins, and our plans for ensuring CEBAF operates reliably into the future. For the benefit of potential users of CEBAF, the performance and quality measures for beam delivered to each of the experimental halls is summarized in the appendix., Comment: 66 pages, 73 figures, 21 tables

Published
2024
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4. Non-matching predictions from different models simulating the effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on the Amazon forest’s functional diversity

Author

Blanco, C.C., Rius, B.F., Darela-Filho, J.P., Cardeli, B., Aleixo, I., Scheiter, S., Langan, L., Joshi, J., Hofhansl, F., Singh, S., De Paula, M.D., Hickler, T., Ongole, S., Higgins, S., Fleischer, K., Rammig, A., Lichstein, J., Lapola, D.M., Blanco, C.C., Rius, B.F., Darela-Filho, J.P., Cardeli, B., Aleixo, I., Scheiter, S., Langan, L., Joshi, J., Hofhansl, F., Singh, S., De Paula, M.D., Hickler, T., Ongole, S., Higgins, S., Fleischer, K., Rammig, A., Lichstein, J., and Lapola, D.M.

Abstract

The continuous rising of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration is undoubtedly affecting the resilience of tropical forests worldwide. However, the magnitude of such effects is poorly known, limiting our capacity to assess the vulnerability of tropical forests and to improve their representation by models. Functional diversity (FD) is an important component of biodiversity enhancing ecosystem resilience, as high FD can provide higher response diversity and capacity to buffer against climate change. How FD is represented by different Dynamic Global Vegetation Models (DGVMs) may affect how such models predict the impacts of environmental changes on hyperdiverse ecosystems. We compared simulations of five trait-based DGVMs (i.e., with flexible, variable traits) constrained with data from the Amazon rainforest in the scope of the AmazonFACE project. Simulations were conducted considering initial high or low diversity scenarios under ambient and elevated CO2 (400 ppm and 600 ppm, respectively). We searched for correspondence between the functional identity of simulated plant strategies and their ecophysiological performances under elevated CO2. As models take different approaches to simulating functional trait distributions and they differ in their structure and in the trade-offs implemented, we found important intermodel differences in simulated results. Nevertheless, we took advantage of these differences in order to assess the most likely scenarios in terms of functional composition under elevated CO2, as well as to give feedback for better harmonization of model inputs and outputs and future model improvements. In the face of the pessimistic scenarios that project a continuous increase in CO2 levels, resolving the divergent responses among model predictions is critical, given the global importance of the Amazon rainforest's biodiversity and climate regulation, as well as the approximately 30 million people that directly or indirectly depend on the forest for

Published
2024
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5. Effects of asymmetric contacts on single molecule conductances of HS(CH2)nCOOH in nano-electrical junctions

Author

Martin, S., Manrique, D., Garcia-Suarez, V. M., Haiss, W., Higgins, S. J., Lambert, C. J., and Nichols, R. J.

Subjects
Condensed Matter - Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
Abstract

A scanning tunnelling microscope has been used to determine the conductance of single molecular wires with the configuration X-bridge-X, X-bridge-Y and Y-bridge-Y (X = thiol terminus and Y = COOH). We find that for molecular wires with mixed functional groups (X-bridge-Y) the single molecule conductance decreases with respect to the comparable symmetric molecules. These differences are confirmed by theoretical computations based on a combination of density functional theory and the non-equilibrium Green functions formalism. This study demonstrates that the apparent contact resistance, as well as being highly sensitive to the type of the anchoring group is also strongly influenced by contact-asymmetry of the single molecular junction which in this case decreases the transmission. This highlights that contact asymmetry is a significant factor to be considered when evaluating nano-electrical junctions incorporating single molecules.

Published
2015

7. Structures Produced by the Collision of Extragalactic Jets with Dense Clouds

Author

Higgins, S. W., O'Brien, T. J., and Dunlop, J. S.

Subjects
Astrophysics, Physics - Computational Physics, Physics - Fluid Dynamics
Abstract

We have investigated how several parameters can affect the results of a collision between an extragalactic jet and a dense, intergalactic cloud, through a series of hydrodynamic simulations. Such collisions are often suggested to explain the distorted structures of some radio jets. However, theoretical studies of this mechanism are in conflict over whether it can actually reproduce the observations. The parameters are the Mach number, and the relative densities of the jet and the cloud to the ambient medium. Using a simple prescription we have produced synthetic radio images for comparison with observations. These show that a variety of structures may be produced from simple jet-cloud collisions. We illustrate this with a few examples, and examine the details in one case. In most cases we do not see a clear, sustained deflection. Lighter jets are completely disrupted. The most powerful jets produce a hotspot at the impact which outshines any jet emission and erode the cloud too quickly to develop a deflected arm. It appears that moderate Mach numbers and density contrasts are needed to produce bends in the radio structure. This explains the apparent conflict between theoretical studies, as conclusions were based on different values of these parameters. Shocks are produced in the ambient medium that might plausibly reproduce the observed alignment of the extended emission line regions with the radio axis., Comment: 21 pages, 11 figures. Submitted to MNRAS. Also available in html version at http://www.doc.mmu.ac.uk/STAFF/S.Higgins/jcmnpaper/jc_mn.html

Published
1999
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15. A model intercomparison project to study the role of plant functional diversity in the response of tropical forests to drought

Author

Lichstein, J.W., Longo, M., Bereswill, S., Blanco, C.C., Bonal, D., Chave, J., Christoffersen, B.O'D, de Paula, M.D., Derroire, G., Fisher, R.A., Hickler, T., Higgins, S., Hiltner, U., Hofhansl, F., Hogan, J.A., Huth, A., Joshi, J., Knapp, N., Langan, L., Lapola, D., Marechaux, I., Martinez Cano, I., Ongole, S., Rau, E-P., Restrepo-Coupe, N., Sakschewski, B., Saleska, S., Scheiter, S., Stahl, C., Thonicke, K., Wirth, C., Lichstein, J.W., Longo, M., Bereswill, S., Blanco, C.C., Bonal, D., Chave, J., Christoffersen, B.O'D, de Paula, M.D., Derroire, G., Fisher, R.A., Hickler, T., Higgins, S., Hiltner, U., Hofhansl, F., Hogan, J.A., Huth, A., Joshi, J., Knapp, N., Langan, L., Lapola, D., Marechaux, I., Martinez Cano, I., Ongole, S., Rau, E-P., Restrepo-Coupe, N., Sakschewski, B., Saleska, S., Scheiter, S., Stahl, C., Thonicke, K., and Wirth, C.

Abstract

Uncertainty in how the land carbon (C) sink will change over time contributes to uncertainty in Earth system model (ESM) projections of climate change. Much of the land sink is thought to reside in old-growth tropical forests, but recent analyses suggest a diminishing C sink in these forests due to rising temperatures and drought. Thus, there is an urgent need to better understand tropical forest responses to drought and to incorporate this understanding into ESMs. Previous work with vegetation demographic models (VDMs) – which represent the dynamics of individuals or cohorts, along with hydrology and biogeochemistry − suggest that functional diversity can enhance tropical forest resilience to climate change. However, there is little understanding of how different approaches to representing trait diversity and demography affect model outcomes. To explore the potential for trait diversity to moderate tropical forest responses to drought, we explored the behavior of nine VDMs, ranging from models with detailed site-level parameterizations to more generalized land models designed as ESM components. The behavior of each model was studied using soil and meteorological data collected at each of two tropical forest sites: Paracou Research Station, French Guiana, and Tapajos National Forest, Brazil. Low and high trait-diversity scenarios were simulated for each model using historical meteorology, as well as reduced rainfall scenarios. Few models showed strong effects of trait diversity on drought resistance (short-term response of forest biomass to rainfall reduction), but most models showed positive effects of diversity on resilience (long-term recovery of forest biomass following the initial biomass loss due to rainfall reduction). Long-term recovery was always associated with shifts in community composition towards greater drought-tolerance. However, there were large differences among models in the degree and time-scale of recovery. These differences were unrelated to th

Published
2023

16. Need for harmonized long-term multi-lake monitoring of African Great Lakes

Author

Plisnier, P. D. Kayanda, R. MacIntyre, S. Obiero, K. Okello, W. Vodacek, A. Cocquyt, C. Abegaz, H. Achieng, A. Akonkwa, B. Albrecht, C. Balagizi, C. Barasa, J. Abel Bashonga, R. Bashonga Bishobibiri, A. Bootsma, H. Borges, A. V. Chavula, G. Dadi, T. De Keyzer, E. L. R. Doran, P. J. Gabagambi, N. Gatare, R. Gemmell, A. Getahun, A. Haambiya, L. H. Higgins, S. N. Hyangya, B. L. Irvine, K. Isumbisho, M. Jonasse, C. Katongo, C. Katsev, S. Keyombe, J. Kimirei, I. Kisekelwa, T. Kishe, M. Otoung A. Koding, S. Kolding, J. Kraemer, B. M. Limbu, P. Lomodei, E. Mahongo, S. B. Malala, J. Mbabazi, S. Masilya, P. M. McCandless, M. Medard, M. Migeni Ajode, Z. Mrosso, H. D. Mudakikwa, E. R. Mulimbwa, N. Mushagalusa, D. Muvundja, F. A. Nankabirwa, A. Nahimana, D. Ngatunga, B. P. Ngochera, M. Nicholson, S. Nshombo, M. Ntakimazi, G. Nyamweya, C. Ikwaput Nyeko, J. Olago, D. Olbamo, T. O'Reilly, C. M. Pasche, N. Phiri, H. Raasakka, N. Salyani, A. Sibomana, C. Silsbe, G. M. Smith, S. Sterner, R. W. Thiery, W. Tuyisenge, J. Van der Knaap, M. Van Steenberge, M. van Zwieten, P. A. M. Verheyen, E. Wakjira, M. Walakira, J. Ndeo Wembo, O. Lawrence, T. and Plisnier, P. D. Kayanda, R. MacIntyre, S. Obiero, K. Okello, W. Vodacek, A. Cocquyt, C. Abegaz, H. Achieng, A. Akonkwa, B. Albrecht, C. Balagizi, C. Barasa, J. Abel Bashonga, R. Bashonga Bishobibiri, A. Bootsma, H. Borges, A. V. Chavula, G. Dadi, T. De Keyzer, E. L. R. Doran, P. J. Gabagambi, N. Gatare, R. Gemmell, A. Getahun, A. Haambiya, L. H. Higgins, S. N. Hyangya, B. L. Irvine, K. Isumbisho, M. Jonasse, C. Katongo, C. Katsev, S. Keyombe, J. Kimirei, I. Kisekelwa, T. Kishe, M. Otoung A. Koding, S. Kolding, J. Kraemer, B. M. Limbu, P. Lomodei, E. Mahongo, S. B. Malala, J. Mbabazi, S. Masilya, P. M. McCandless, M. Medard, M. Migeni Ajode, Z. Mrosso, H. D. Mudakikwa, E. R. Mulimbwa, N. Mushagalusa, D. Muvundja, F. A. Nankabirwa, A. Nahimana, D. Ngatunga, B. P. Ngochera, M. Nicholson, S. Nshombo, M. Ntakimazi, G. Nyamweya, C. Ikwaput Nyeko, J. Olago, D. Olbamo, T. O'Reilly, C. M. Pasche, N. Phiri, H. Raasakka, N. Salyani, A. Sibomana, C. Silsbe, G. M. Smith, S. Sterner, R. W. Thiery, W. Tuyisenge, J. Van der Knaap, M. Van Steenberge, M. van Zwieten, P. A. M. Verheyen, E. Wakjira, M. Walakira, J. Ndeo Wembo, O. Lawrence, T.

Abstract

To ensure the long-term sustainable use of African Great Lakes (AGL), and to better understand the functioning of these ecosystems, authorities, managers and scientists need regularly collected scientific data and information of key environmental indicators over multi-years to make informed decisions. Monitoring is regularly conducted at some sites across AGL; while at others sites, it is rare or conducted irregularly in response to sporadic funding or short-term projects/studies. Managers and scientists working on the AGL thus often lack critical long-term data to evaluate and gauge ongoing changes. Hence, we propose a multi-lake approach to harmonize data collection modalities for better understanding of regional and global environmental impacts on AGL. Climate variability has had strong impacts on all AGL in the recent past. Although these lakes have specific characteristics, their limnological cycles show many similarities. Because different anthropogenic pressures take place at the different AGL, harmonized multi-lake monitoring will provide comparable data to address the main drivers of concern (climate versus regional anthropogenic impact). To realize harmonized long-term multi-lake monitoring, the approach will need: (1) support of a wide community of researchers and managers; (2) political goodwill towards a common goal for such monitoring; and (3) sufficient capacity (e.g., institutional, financial, human and logistic resources) for its implementation. This paper presents an assessment of the state of monitoring the AGL and possible approaches to realize a long-term, multi-lake harmonized monitoring strategy. Key parameters are proposed. The support of national and regional authorities is necessary as each AGL crosses international boundaries.

Published
2023
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19. Global data set of long-term summertime vertical temperature profiles in 153 lakes

Author

Pilla, R, Mette, E, Williamson, C, Adamovich, B, Adrian, R, Anneville, O, Balseiro, E, Ban, S, Chandra, S, Colom-Montero, W, Devlin, S, Dix, M, Dokulil, M, Feldsine, N, Feuchtmayr, H, Fogarty, N, Gaiser, E, Girdner, S, Gonzalez, M, Hambright, K, Hamilton, D, Havens, K, Hessen, D, Hetzenauer, H, Higgins, S, Huttula, T, Huuskonen, H, Isles, P, Joehnk, K, Keller, W, Klug, J, Knoll, L, Korhonen, J, Korovchinsky, N, Koster, O, Kraemer, B, Leavitt, P, Leoni, B, Lepori, F, Lepskaya, E, Lottig, N, Luger, M, Maberly, S, Macintyre, S, Mcbride, C, Mcintyre, P, Melles, S, Modenutti, B, Muller-Navarra, D, Pacholski, L, Paterson, A, Pierson, D, Pislegina, H, Plisnier, P, Richardson, D, Rimmer, A, Rogora, M, Rogozin, D, Rusak, J, Rusanovskaya, O, Sadro, S, Salmaso, N, Saros, J, Sarvala, J, Saulnier-Talbot, E, Schindler, D, Shimaraeva, S, Silow, E, Sitoki, L, Sommaruga, R, Straile, D, Strock, K, Swain, H, Tallant, J, Thiery, W, Timofeyev, M, Tolomeev, A, Tominaga, K, Vanni, M, Verburg, P, Vinebrooke, R, Wanzenbock, J, Weathers, K, Weyhenmeyer, G, Zadereev, E, Zhukova, T, Pilla R. M., Mette E. M., Williamson C. E., Adamovich B. V., Adrian R., Anneville O., Balseiro E., Ban S., Chandra S., Colom-Montero W., Devlin S. P., Dix M. A., Dokulil M. T., Feldsine N. A., Feuchtmayr H., Fogarty N. K., Gaiser E. E., Girdner S. F., Gonzalez M. J., Hambright K. D., Hamilton D. P., Havens K., Hessen D. O., Hetzenauer H., Higgins S. N., Huttula T. H., Huuskonen H., Isles P. D. F., Joehnk K. D., Keller W. B., Klug J., Knoll L. B., Korhonen J., Korovchinsky N. M., Koster O., Kraemer B. M., Leavitt P. R., Leoni B., Lepori F., Lepskaya E. V., Lottig N. R., Luger M. S., Maberly S. C., MacIntyre S., McBride C., McIntyre P., Melles S. J., Modenutti B., Muller-Navarra D. C., Pacholski L., Paterson A. M., Pierson D. C., Pislegina H. V., Plisnier P. -D., Richardson D. C., Rimmer A., Rogora M., Rogozin D. Y., Rusak J. A., Rusanovskaya O. O., Sadro S., Salmaso N., Saros J. E., Sarvala J., Saulnier-Talbot E., Schindler D. E., Shimaraeva S. V., Silow E. A., Sitoki L. M., Sommaruga R., Straile D., Strock K. E., Swain H., Tallant J. M., Thiery W., Timofeyev M. A., Tolomeev A. P., Tominaga K., Vanni M. J., Verburg P., Vinebrooke R. D., Wanzenbock J., Weathers K., Weyhenmeyer G. A., Zadereev E. S., Zhukova T. V., Pilla, R, Mette, E, Williamson, C, Adamovich, B, Adrian, R, Anneville, O, Balseiro, E, Ban, S, Chandra, S, Colom-Montero, W, Devlin, S, Dix, M, Dokulil, M, Feldsine, N, Feuchtmayr, H, Fogarty, N, Gaiser, E, Girdner, S, Gonzalez, M, Hambright, K, Hamilton, D, Havens, K, Hessen, D, Hetzenauer, H, Higgins, S, Huttula, T, Huuskonen, H, Isles, P, Joehnk, K, Keller, W, Klug, J, Knoll, L, Korhonen, J, Korovchinsky, N, Koster, O, Kraemer, B, Leavitt, P, Leoni, B, Lepori, F, Lepskaya, E, Lottig, N, Luger, M, Maberly, S, Macintyre, S, Mcbride, C, Mcintyre, P, Melles, S, Modenutti, B, Muller-Navarra, D, Pacholski, L, Paterson, A, Pierson, D, Pislegina, H, Plisnier, P, Richardson, D, Rimmer, A, Rogora, M, Rogozin, D, Rusak, J, Rusanovskaya, O, Sadro, S, Salmaso, N, Saros, J, Sarvala, J, Saulnier-Talbot, E, Schindler, D, Shimaraeva, S, Silow, E, Sitoki, L, Sommaruga, R, Straile, D, Strock, K, Swain, H, Tallant, J, Thiery, W, Timofeyev, M, Tolomeev, A, Tominaga, K, Vanni, M, Verburg, P, Vinebrooke, R, Wanzenbock, J, Weathers, K, Weyhenmeyer, G, Zadereev, E, Zhukova, T, Pilla R. M., Mette E. M., Williamson C. E., Adamovich B. V., Adrian R., Anneville O., Balseiro E., Ban S., Chandra S., Colom-Montero W., Devlin S. P., Dix M. A., Dokulil M. T., Feldsine N. A., Feuchtmayr H., Fogarty N. K., Gaiser E. E., Girdner S. F., Gonzalez M. J., Hambright K. D., Hamilton D. P., Havens K., Hessen D. O., Hetzenauer H., Higgins S. N., Huttula T. H., Huuskonen H., Isles P. D. F., Joehnk K. D., Keller W. B., Klug J., Knoll L. B., Korhonen J., Korovchinsky N. M., Koster O., Kraemer B. M., Leavitt P. R., Leoni B., Lepori F., Lepskaya E. V., Lottig N. R., Luger M. S., Maberly S. C., MacIntyre S., McBride C., McIntyre P., Melles S. J., Modenutti B., Muller-Navarra D. C., Pacholski L., Paterson A. M., Pierson D. C., Pislegina H. V., Plisnier P. -D., Richardson D. C., Rimmer A., Rogora M., Rogozin D. Y., Rusak J. A., Rusanovskaya O. O., Sadro S., Salmaso N., Saros J. E., Sarvala J., Saulnier-Talbot E., Schindler D. E., Shimaraeva S. V., Silow E. A., Sitoki L. M., Sommaruga R., Straile D., Strock K. E., Swain H., Tallant J. M., Thiery W., Timofeyev M. A., Tolomeev A. P., Tominaga K., Vanni M. J., Verburg P., Vinebrooke R. D., Wanzenbock J., Weathers K., Weyhenmeyer G. A., Zadereev E. S., and Zhukova T. V.

Abstract

Climate change and other anthropogenic stressors have led to long-term changes in the thermal structure, including surface temperatures, deepwater temperatures, and vertical thermal gradients, in many lakes around the world. Though many studies highlight warming of surface water temperatures in lakes worldwide, less is known about long-term trends in full vertical thermal structure and deepwater temperatures, which have been changing less consistently in both direction and magnitude. Here, we present a globally-expansive data set of summertime in-situ vertical temperature profiles from 153 lakes, with one time series beginning as early as 1894. We also compiled lake geographic, morphometric, and water quality variables that can influence vertical thermal structure through a variety of potential mechanisms in these lakes. These long-term time series of vertical temperature profiles and corresponding lake characteristics serve as valuable data to help understand changes and drivers of lake thermal structure in a time of rapid global and ecological change.

Published
2021

21. Tallo: A global tree allometry and crown architecture database

Author

Jucker, T., Fischer, F. J., Chave, J., Coomes, D. A., Caspersen, J., Ali, A., Loubota, Panzou, G. J., Feldpausch, T. R., Falster, D., Usoltsev, V. A., Adu-Bredu, S., Alves, L. F., Aminpour, M., Angoboy, I. B., Anten, N. P. R., Antin, C., Askari, Y., Muñoz, R., Ayyappan, N., Balvanera, P., Banin, L., Barbier, N., Battles, J. J., Beeckman, H., Bocko, Y. E., Bond-Lamberty, B., Bongers, F., Bowers, S., Brade, T., van, Breugel, M., Chantrain, A., Chaudhary, R., Dai, J., Dalponte, M., Dimobe, K., Domec, J. -C., Doucet, J. -L., Duursma, R. A., Enríquez, M., van, Ewijk, K. Y., Farfán-Rios, W., Fayolle, A., Forni, E., Forrester, D. I., Gilani, H., Godlee, J. L., Gourlet-Fleury, S., Haeni, M., Hall, J. S., He, J. -K., Hemp, A., Hernández-Stefanoni, J. L., Higgins, S. I., Holdaway, R. J., Hussain, K., Hutley, L. B., Ichie, T., Iida, Y., Jiang, H. -S., Joshi, P. R., Kaboli, H., Larsary, M. K., Kenzo, T., Kloeppel, B. D., Kohyama, T., Kunwar, S., Kuyah, S., Kvasnica, J., Lin, S., Lines, E. R., Liu, H., Lorimer, C., Loumeto, J. -J., Malhi, Y., Marshall, P. L., Mattsson, E., Matula, R., Meave, J. A., Mensah, S., Mi, X., Momo, S., Moncrieff, G. R., Mora, F., Nissanka, S. P., O'Hara, K. L., Pearce, S., Pelissier, R., Peri, P. L., Ploton, P., Poorter, L., Pour, M. J., Pourbabaei, H., Dupuy-Rada, J. M., Ribeiro, S. C., Ryan, C., Sanaei, A., Sanger, J., Schlund, M., Sellan, G., Shenkin, A., Sonké, B., Sterck, F. J., Svátek, M., Takagi, K., Trugman, A. T., Ullah, F., Vadeboncoeur, M. A., Valipour, A., Vanderwel, M. C., Vovides, A. G., Wang, W., Wang, L. -Q., Wirth, C., Woods, M., Xiang, W., Ximenes, F. D. A., Xu, Y., Yamada, T., Zavala, M. A., Jucker, T., Fischer, F. J., Chave, J., Coomes, D. A., Caspersen, J., Ali, A., Loubota, Panzou, G. J., Feldpausch, T. R., Falster, D., Usoltsev, V. A., Adu-Bredu, S., Alves, L. F., Aminpour, M., Angoboy, I. B., Anten, N. P. R., Antin, C., Askari, Y., Muñoz, R., Ayyappan, N., Balvanera, P., Banin, L., Barbier, N., Battles, J. J., Beeckman, H., Bocko, Y. E., Bond-Lamberty, B., Bongers, F., Bowers, S., Brade, T., van, Breugel, M., Chantrain, A., Chaudhary, R., Dai, J., Dalponte, M., Dimobe, K., Domec, J. -C., Doucet, J. -L., Duursma, R. A., Enríquez, M., van, Ewijk, K. Y., Farfán-Rios, W., Fayolle, A., Forni, E., Forrester, D. I., Gilani, H., Godlee, J. L., Gourlet-Fleury, S., Haeni, M., Hall, J. S., He, J. -K., Hemp, A., Hernández-Stefanoni, J. L., Higgins, S. I., Holdaway, R. J., Hussain, K., Hutley, L. B., Ichie, T., Iida, Y., Jiang, H. -S., Joshi, P. R., Kaboli, H., Larsary, M. K., Kenzo, T., Kloeppel, B. D., Kohyama, T., Kunwar, S., Kuyah, S., Kvasnica, J., Lin, S., Lines, E. R., Liu, H., Lorimer, C., Loumeto, J. -J., Malhi, Y., Marshall, P. L., Mattsson, E., Matula, R., Meave, J. A., Mensah, S., Mi, X., Momo, S., Moncrieff, G. R., Mora, F., Nissanka, S. P., O'Hara, K. L., Pearce, S., Pelissier, R., Peri, P. L., Ploton, P., Poorter, L., Pour, M. J., Pourbabaei, H., Dupuy-Rada, J. M., Ribeiro, S. C., Ryan, C., Sanaei, A., Sanger, J., Schlund, M., Sellan, G., Shenkin, A., Sonké, B., Sterck, F. J., Svátek, M., Takagi, K., Trugman, A. T., Ullah, F., Vadeboncoeur, M. A., Valipour, A., Vanderwel, M. C., Vovides, A. G., Wang, W., Wang, L. -Q., Wirth, C., Woods, M., Xiang, W., Ximenes, F. D. A., Xu, Y., Yamada, T., and Zavala, M. A.

Abstract

Data capturing multiple axes of tree size and shape, such as a tree's stem diameter, height and crown size, underpin a wide range of ecological research—from developing and testing theory on forest structure and dynamics, to estimating forest carbon stocks and their uncertainties, and integrating remote sensing imagery into forest monitoring programmes. However, these data can be surprisingly hard to come by, particularly for certain regions of the world and for specific taxonomic groups, posing a real barrier to progress in these fields. To overcome this challenge, we developed the Tallo database, a collection of 498,838 georeferenced and taxonomically standardized records of individual trees for which stem diameter, height and/or crown radius have been measured. These data were collected at 61,856 globally distributed sites, spanning all major forested and non-forested biomes. The majority of trees in the database are identified to species (88%), and collectively Tallo includes data for 5163 species distributed across 1453 genera and 187 plant families. The database is publicly archived under a CC-BY 4.0 licence and can be access from: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6637599. To demonstrate its value, here we present three case studies that highlight how the Tallo database can be used to address a range of theoretical and applied questions in ecology—from testing the predictions of metabolic scaling theory, to exploring the limits of tree allometric plasticity along environmental gradients and modelling global variation in maximum attainable tree height. In doing so, we provide a key resource for field ecologists, remote sensing researchers and the modelling community working together to better understand the role that trees play in regulating the terrestrial carbon cycle. © 2022 The Authors. Global Change Biology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Published
2022

22. Comparison of Nitrogen Fertiliser recommendations in different West European countries

Author

UCL - SST/ELI/ELIA - Agronomy, Jordan-Meille, L, Higgins, S., Dittert, K., Cugnon, Thibault, UCL - SST/ELI/ELIA - Agronomy, Jordan-Meille, L, Higgins, S., Dittert, K., and Cugnon, Thibault

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) budget at farm level is influenced by the fertilisation rates applied by farmers. At larger scales, it is closely linked to multiple environmental concerns relating to air, water and biodiversity. In this study, we analysed the way the N fertilisation recommendations are calculated in ten West European countries, in order to detect innovative algorithms, original calculations and references that could be shared among countries having equivalent crop practices. Our first result relates to published national official documents governing N fertilisation within each country. A detailed analysis of these documents reveals three categories of calculation methods: (i) ‘N mass balance’ (France, Italy, Spain), (ii) ‘Corrected standard’ (Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Luxembourg), and (iii) ‘Pre-parameterised calculation’, relying on a soil N supply typology (United Kingdom, Ireland) or on a model parameterisation (Belgium). Sixteen parameters were identified throughout the 10 national methods. The more complex algorithms use 10 parameters (Italy, France), while the simplest only rely on 3 (Luxembourg). The most common parameters considered include the direct effect of N concentration in manure, the total N uptake by crop and the N released by crop residues. At the opposite end, very few countries explicitly take N leaching, the residual mineral N in soil at harvest and atmospheric losses into consideration. In addition to the previous theoretical approach, we have tested the extent to which the different methods converge or not when practically used. We therefore applied the ten national methods to two contrasting crop scenarios chosen in order to erase as much as possible the cultural and pedoclimatic specificities between the ten countries. The two case studies display large discrepancies in their recommendations, ranging from no fertilisation to 135 kg N/ha, and from 111 to 210 kg N/ha for a wheat crop fertilisation grown in a livestock and polycultur

Published
2022

23. Global patterns and controls of nutrient immobilization on decomposing cellulose in riverine ecosystems

Author

Costello, D. M. (David M.), Tiegs, S. D. (Scott D.), Boyero, L. (Luz), Canhoto, C. (Cristina), Capps, K. A. (Krista A.), Danger, M. (Michael), Frost, P. C. (Paul C.), Gessner, M. O. (Mark O.), Griffiths, N. A. (Natalie A.), Halvorson, H. M. (Halvor M.), Kuehn, K. A. (Kevin A.), Marcarelli, A. M. (Amy M.), Royer, T. V. (Todd, V), Mathie, D. M. (Devan M.), Albarino, R. J. (Ricardo J.), Arango, C. P. (Clay P.), Aroviita, J. (Jukka), Baxter, C. V. (Colden, V), Bellinger, B. J. (Brent J.), Bruder, A. (Andreas), Burdon, F. J. (Francis J.), Callisto, M. (Marcos), Camacho, A. (Antonio), Colas, F. (Fanny), Cornut, J. (Julien), Crespo-Perez, V. (Veronica), Cross, W. F. (Wyatt F.), Derry, A. M. (Alison M.), Douglas, M. M. (Michael M.), Elosegi, A. (Arturo), Eyto, E. (Elvira), Ferreira, V. (Veronica), Ferriol, C. (Carmen), Fleituch, T. (Tadeusz), Shah, J. J. (Jennifer J. Follstad), Frainer, A. (Andre), Garcia, E. A. (Erica A.), Garcia, L. (Liliana), Garcia, P. E. (Pavel E.), Giling, D. P. (Darren P.), Gonzales-Pomar, R. K. (R. Karina), Graca, M. A. (Manuel A. S.), Grossart, H.-P. (Hans-Peter), Guerold, F. (Francois), Hepp, L. U. (Luiz U.), Higgins, S. N. (Scott N.), Hishi, T. (Takuo), Iniguez-Armijos, C. (Carlos), Iwata, T. (Tomoya), Kirkwood, A. E. (Andrea E.), Koning, A. A. (Aaron A.), Kosten, S. (Sarian), Laudon, H. (Hjalmar), Leavitt, P. R. (Peter R.), Lemes da Silva, A. L. (Aurea L.), Leroux, S. J. (Shawn J.), LeRoy, C. J. (Carri J.), Lisi, P. J. (Peter J.), Masese, F. O. (Frank O.), McIntyre, P. B. (Peter B.), McKie, B. G. (Brendan G.), Medeiros, A. O. (Adriana O.), Milisa, M. (Marko), Miyake, Y. (Yo), Mooney, R. J. (Robert J.), Muotka, T. (Timo), Nimptsch, J. (Jorge), Paavola, R. (Riku), Pardo, I. (Isabel), Parnikoza, I. Y. (Ivan Y.), Patrick, C. J. (Christopher J.), Peeters, E. T. (Edwin T. H. M.), Pozo, J. (Jesus), Reid, B. (Brian), Richardson, J. S. (John S.), Rincon, J. (Jose), Risnoveanu, G. (Geta), Robinson, C. T. (Christopher T.), Santamans, A. C. (Anna C.), Simiyu, G. M. (Gelas M.), Skuja, A. (Agnija), Smykla, J. (Jerzy), Sponseller, R. A. (Ryan A.), Teixeira-de Mello, F. (Franco), Vilbaste, S. (Sirje), Villanueva, V. D. (Veronica D.), Webster, J. R. (Jackson R.), Woelfl, S. (Stefan), Xenopoulos, M. A. (Marguerite A.), Yates, A. G. (Adam G.), Yule, C. M. (Catherine M.), Zhang, Y. (Yixin), Zwart, J. A. (Jacob A.), Costello, D. M. (David M.), Tiegs, S. D. (Scott D.), Boyero, L. (Luz), Canhoto, C. (Cristina), Capps, K. A. (Krista A.), Danger, M. (Michael), Frost, P. C. (Paul C.), Gessner, M. O. (Mark O.), Griffiths, N. A. (Natalie A.), Halvorson, H. M. (Halvor M.), Kuehn, K. A. (Kevin A.), Marcarelli, A. M. (Amy M.), Royer, T. V. (Todd, V), Mathie, D. M. (Devan M.), Albarino, R. J. (Ricardo J.), Arango, C. P. (Clay P.), Aroviita, J. (Jukka), Baxter, C. V. (Colden, V), Bellinger, B. J. (Brent J.), Bruder, A. (Andreas), Burdon, F. J. (Francis J.), Callisto, M. (Marcos), Camacho, A. (Antonio), Colas, F. (Fanny), Cornut, J. (Julien), Crespo-Perez, V. (Veronica), Cross, W. F. (Wyatt F.), Derry, A. M. (Alison M.), Douglas, M. M. (Michael M.), Elosegi, A. (Arturo), Eyto, E. (Elvira), Ferreira, V. (Veronica), Ferriol, C. (Carmen), Fleituch, T. (Tadeusz), Shah, J. J. (Jennifer J. Follstad), Frainer, A. (Andre), Garcia, E. A. (Erica A.), Garcia, L. (Liliana), Garcia, P. E. (Pavel E.), Giling, D. P. (Darren P.), Gonzales-Pomar, R. K. (R. Karina), Graca, M. A. (Manuel A. S.), Grossart, H.-P. (Hans-Peter), Guerold, F. (Francois), Hepp, L. U. (Luiz U.), Higgins, S. N. (Scott N.), Hishi, T. (Takuo), Iniguez-Armijos, C. (Carlos), Iwata, T. (Tomoya), Kirkwood, A. E. (Andrea E.), Koning, A. A. (Aaron A.), Kosten, S. (Sarian), Laudon, H. (Hjalmar), Leavitt, P. R. (Peter R.), Lemes da Silva, A. L. (Aurea L.), Leroux, S. J. (Shawn J.), LeRoy, C. J. (Carri J.), Lisi, P. J. (Peter J.), Masese, F. O. (Frank O.), McIntyre, P. B. (Peter B.), McKie, B. G. (Brendan G.), Medeiros, A. O. (Adriana O.), Milisa, M. (Marko), Miyake, Y. (Yo), Mooney, R. J. (Robert J.), Muotka, T. (Timo), Nimptsch, J. (Jorge), Paavola, R. (Riku), Pardo, I. (Isabel), Parnikoza, I. Y. (Ivan Y.), Patrick, C. J. (Christopher J.), Peeters, E. T. (Edwin T. H. M.), Pozo, J. (Jesus), Reid, B. (Brian), Richardson, J. S. (John S.), Rincon, J. (Jose), Risnoveanu, G. (Geta), Robinson, C. T. (Christopher T.), Santamans, A. C. (Anna C.), Simiyu, G. M. (Gelas M.), Skuja, A. (Agnija), Smykla, J. (Jerzy), Sponseller, R. A. (Ryan A.), Teixeira-de Mello, F. (Franco), Vilbaste, S. (Sirje), Villanueva, V. D. (Veronica D.), Webster, J. R. (Jackson R.), Woelfl, S. (Stefan), Xenopoulos, M. A. (Marguerite A.), Yates, A. G. (Adam G.), Yule, C. M. (Catherine M.), Zhang, Y. (Yixin), and Zwart, J. A. (Jacob A.)

Abstract

Microbes play a critical role in plant litter decomposition and influence the fate of carbon in rivers and riparian zones. When decomposing low-nutrient plant litter, microbes acquire nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from the environment (i.e., nutrient immobilization), and this process is potentially sensitive to nutrient loading and changing climate. Nonetheless, environmental controls on immobilization are poorly understood because rates are also influenced by plant litter chemistry, which is coupled to the same environmental factors. Here we used a standardized, low-nutrient organic matter substrate (cotton strips) to quantify nutrient immobilization at 100 paired stream and riparian sites representing 11 biomes worldwide. Immobilization rates varied by three orders of magnitude, were greater in rivers than riparian zones, and were strongly correlated to decomposition rates. In rivers, P immobilization rates were controlled by surface water phosphate concentrations, but N immobilization rates were not related to inorganic N. The N:P of immobilized nutrients was tightly constrained to a molar ratio of 10:1 despite wide variation in surface water N:P. Immobilization rates were temperature-dependent in riparian zones but not related to temperature in rivers. However, in rivers nutrient supply ultimately controlled whether microbes could achieve the maximum expected decomposition rate at a given temperature. Collectively, we demonstrated that exogenous nutrient supply and immobilization are critical control points for decomposition of organic matter.

Published
2022

25. Comparison of Nitrogen Fertiliser recommendations in different West European countries

Author

Jordan-Meille, L, Higgins, S., Dittert, K., Cugnon, Thibault, and UCL - SST/ELI/ELIA - Agronomy

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) budget at farm level is influenced by the fertilisation rates applied by farmers. At larger scales, it is closely linked to multiple environmental concerns relating to air, water and biodiversity. In this study, we analysed the way the N fertilisation recommendations are calculated in ten West European countries, in order to detect innovative algorithms, original calculations and references that could be shared among countries having equivalent crop practices. Our first result relates to published national official documents governing N fertilisation within each country. A detailed analysis of these documents reveals three categories of calculation methods: (i) ‘N mass balance’ (France, Italy, Spain), (ii) ‘Corrected standard’ (Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Luxembourg), and (iii) ‘Pre-parameterised calculation’, relying on a soil N supply typology (United Kingdom, Ireland) or on a model parameterisation (Belgium). Sixteen parameters were identified throughout the 10 national methods. The more complex algorithms use 10 parameters (Italy, France), while the simplest only rely on 3 (Luxembourg). The most common parameters considered include the direct effect of N concentration in manure, the total N uptake by crop and the N released by crop residues. At the opposite end, very few countries explicitly take N leaching, the residual mineral N in soil at harvest and atmospheric losses into consideration. In addition to the previous theoretical approach, we have tested the extent to which the different methods converge or not when practically used. We therefore applied the ten national methods to two contrasting crop scenarios chosen in order to erase as much as possible the cultural and pedoclimatic specificities between the ten countries. The two case studies display large discrepancies in their recommendations, ranging from no fertilisation to 135 kg N/ha, and from 111 to 210 kg N/ha for a wheat crop fertilisation grown in a livestock and polyculture-farm scenario, respectively. The differences in the recommended rate are not accounted for by the complexity of the equations used. For the same conclusions, we identified differences in the consideration of manure’s N availability, N uptake by crop (even for the same yield) and in the leaching of N calculation. The degree of regulatory status of the calculation methods was a more interesting parameter. Two countries exhibit original tools that we consider worth highlighting: parallel to a simplified field N mass balance, Germany performs a second compulsory mass-balance at the farm scale considered to be a safeguard against risks of excess N budget. Another effective tool, implemented by Belgium, consists of controlling the residual soil mineral N at harvest in comparison to regional references.

Published
2022

32. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the Discontinuation of Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use in Insomnia and Anxiety Disorders

Author

Chapoutot, M., Peter-Derex, L., Bastuji, H., Leslie, W., Schoendorff, B., Heinzer, R., Siclari, F., Nicolas, A., Lemoine, P., Higgins, S., Bourgeois, A., Vallet, G.T., Anders, R., Ounnoughene, M., Spencer, J., Meloni, F., and Putois, B.

Subjects
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Anxiety Disorders/drug therapy, Benzodiazepines/therapeutic use, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Humans, Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/drug therapy, Substance Withdrawal Syndrome/drug therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, benzodiazepine, benzodiazepine taper, cognitive behavioral therapy, drug withdrawal
Abstract

Benzodiazepines have proven to be highly effective for treating insomnia and anxiety. Although considered safe when taken for a short period of time, a major risk-benefit dilemma arises in the context of long-term use, relating to addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and potential side effects. For these reasons, benzodiazepines are not recommended for treating chronic sleep disorders, anxiety disorders, nor for people over the age of 65, and withdrawal among long-term users is a public health issue. Indeed, only 5% of patients manage to discontinue using these drugs on their own. Even with the help of a general practitioner, this rate does not exceed 25 to 30% of patients, of which approximately 7% manage to remain drug-free in the long term. Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT) offer a crucial solution to this problem, having been shown to increase abstinence success to 70-80%. This article examines traditional and novel CBT techniques in this regard, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which address both the underlying condition (insomnia/anxiety) and the substance-related disorder. The theoretical framework and evidence supporting the use of these approaches are reviewed. Finally, current research gaps are discussed, and key research perspectives are proposed.

Published
2021

35. Periodic limb movements during sleep:A narrative review

Author

Drakatos, P, Olaithe, M, Verma, D, Ilic, K, Cash, D, Fatima, Y, Higgins, S, Young, A H, Chaudhuri, K R, Steier, J, Skinner, Timothy, Bucks, R, Rosenzweig, I, Drakatos, P, Olaithe, M, Verma, D, Ilic, K, Cash, D, Fatima, Y, Higgins, S, Young, A H, Chaudhuri, K R, Steier, J, Skinner, Timothy, Bucks, R, and Rosenzweig, I

Abstract

Objective: Using narrative review techniques, this paper evaluates the evidence for separable underlying patho-mechanisms of periodic limb movements (PLMs) to separable PLM motor patterns and phenotypes, in order to elucidate potential new treatment modalities. Background: Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is estimated to occur in 5–8% of the paediatric population and 4–11% of the general adult population. Due to significant sleep fragmentation, PLMD can lead to functional impairment, including hyperactivity and delayed language development in children, and poor concentration and work performance in adults. Longitudinal data demonstrate that those with PLMD are at greater risk of depression and anxiety, and a 4-fold greater risk of developing dementia. PLMD has been extensively studied over the past two decades, and several key insights into the genetic, pathophysiological, and neural correlates have been proposed. Amongst these proposals is the concept of separable PLM phenotypes, proposed on the basis of nocturnal features such as the ratio of limb movements and distribution throughout the night. PLM phenotype and presentation, however, varies significantly depending on the scoring utilized and the nocturnal features examined, across age, and co-morbid clinical conditions. Furthermore, associations between these phenotypes with major neurologic and psychiatric disorders remain controversial. Methods: In order to elucidate potential divergent biological pathways that may help clarify important new treatment modalities, this paper utilizes narrative review and evaluates the evidence linking PLM motor patterns and phenotypes with hypothesised underlying patho-mechanisms. Distinctive, underlying patho-mechanisms include: a pure motor mechanism originating in the spinal cord, iron deficiency, dopamine system dysfunction, thalamic glutamatergic hyperactivity, and a more cortical-subcortical interplay. In support of the latter hypothesis, PLM rhyth

Published
2021

45. Coarse Grained Simulations Suggest the Epsin N-Terminal Homology Domain Can Sense Membrane Curvature Without its Terminal Amphipathic Helix

Author

Belessiotis-Richards, A, Higgins, S, Sansom, MSP, Alexander-Katz, A, Stevens, M, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Commission of the European Communities, and Wellcome Trust

Subjects
Technology, Science & Technology, Chemistry, Physical, PROTEINS, Chemistry, Multidisciplinary, ENDOCYTOSIS, Materials Science, INSERTION, Materials Science, Multidisciplinary, phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate, epsin N-terminal homology domain, PEPTIDES, molecular dynamics, MODEL, Chemistry, Physical Sciences, membrane curvature, BINDING, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, Science & Technology - Other Topics, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, coarse-grained simulations, DEPENDS, GENERATION
Abstract

Nanoscale membrane curvature is a common feature in cell biology required for functions such as endocytosis, exocytosis and cell migration. These processes require the cytoskeleton to exert forces on the membrane to deform it. Cytosolic proteins contain specific motifs which bind to the membrane, connecting it to the internal cytoskeletal machinery. These motifs often bind charged phosphatidylinositol phosphate lipids present in the cell membrane which play significant roles in signaling. These lipids are important for membrane deforming processes, such as endocytosis, but much remains unknown about their role in the sensing of membrane nanocurvature by protein domains. Using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the interaction of a model curvature active protein domain, the epsin N-terminal homology domain (ENTH), with curved lipid membranes. The combination of anionic lipids (phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and phosphatidylserine) within the membrane, protein backbone flexibility, and structural changes within the domain were found to affect the domain's ability to sense, bind, and localize with nanoscale precision at curved membrane regions. The findings suggest that the ENTH domain can sense membrane curvature without the presence of its terminal amphipathic α helix via another structural region we have denoted as H3, re-emphasizing the critical relationship between nanoscale membrane curvature and protein function.

Published
2020

46. Beyond peace education: Rethinking the pedagogical contributions of teachers to positive peace in conflict-affected Sierra Leone

Author

Higgins, S., Bonal, Xavier, Novelli, Mario, Lopes Cardozo, Mieke, and Governance and Inclusive Development (GID, AISSR, FMG)

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the contribution of teachers to building “positive peace” in conflict affected Sierra Leone. This term, drawn from the writing of Galtung, refers to a conceptualisation of peace promotion which address the structural social, political and economic drivers of conflict and may be distinguished from a negative peace in which conflict affected communities experience only an absence of physical violence. The title of the thesis foregrounds a key dimension of the approach taken which is to rethink and perhaps re-envision the pedagogical roles of teachers beyond that ascribed to them within peace education curriculum associated in particular with transforming the personal behaviours and attitudes of conflict affected populations. Findings demonstrate that the peace education, despite its benign reputation, might not be as positive, neutral or benign as usually projected. The core case study, focusing on a UNICEF developed peace education curriculum for Sierra Leonean teachers, Emerging Issues, promotes a form of pacification derived from a decontextualized curriculum that treats victims as guilty and in need of attitudinal and behavioural change, whilst avoiding engagement with the structural and geopolitical drivers that underpin many contemporary conflicts. Moreover, other case studies in the research demonstrated counter-examples of alternative ways of engaging teachers developed by local community based NGOs. These indicate how pedagogical practices and relationships may respond to the situated realities and daily struggles faced by pupils and their communities in conflict affected contexts as well as draw on the cultural resources and rituals linked to peace promotion ignored in the western centric curriculum of peace education.

Published
2020

50. Shotgun sequencing of the vaginal microbiome reveals both a species and functional potential signature of preterm birth

Author

Feehily, C, Crosby, D, Walsh, CJ, Lawton, EM, Higgins, S, McAuliffe, FM, Cotter, PD, Feehily, C, Crosby, D, Walsh, CJ, Lawton, EM, Higgins, S, McAuliffe, FM, and Cotter, PD

Abstract

An association between the vaginal microbiota and preterm birth (PTB) has been reported in several research studies. Population shifts from high proportions of lactobacilli to mixed species communities, as seen with bacterial vaginosis, have been linked to a twofold increased risk of PTB. Despite the increasing number of studies using next-generation sequencing technologies, primarily involving 16S rRNA-based approaches, to investigate the vaginal microbiota during pregnancy, no distinct microbial signature has been associated with PTB. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing offers a powerful tool to reveal community structures and their gene functions at a far greater resolution than amplicon sequencing. In this study, we employ shotgun metagenomic sequencing to compare the vaginal microbiota of women at high risk of preterm birth (n = 35) vs. a low-risk control group (n = 14). Although microbial diversity and richness did not differ between groups, there were significant differences in terms of individual species. In particular, Lactobacillus crispatus was associated with samples from a full-term pregnancy, whereas one community state-type was associated with samples from preterm pregnancies. Furthermore, by predicting gene functions, the functional potential of the preterm microbiota was different from that of full-term equivalent. Taken together, we observed a discrete structural and functional difference in the microbial composition of the vagina in women who deliver preterm. Importance: with an estimated 15 million cases annually, spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of death in infants under the age of five years. The ability to accurately identify pregnancies at risk of spontaneous PTB is therefore of utmost importance. However, no single cause is attributable. Microbial infection is a known risk factor, yet the role of vaginal microbes is poorly understood. Using high-resolution DNA-sequencing techniques, we investigate the microbial communities pre

Published
2020

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