bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Forest Attribute Mapping Framework: A Pilot Study in a Northern Boreal Forest, Northwest Territories, Canada
Authors: Mahoney Craig , Hall Ron J. , Hopkinson Chris , Filiatrault Michelle , Beaudoin Andre , Chen Qi
Published: August 2018

A methods framework is presented that utilizes field plots, airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and spaceborne Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) data to estimate forest attributes over a 20 Mha area in Northern Canada. The framework was implemented to scale up forest attribute models from field data to intersecting airborne LiDAR data, and then to GLAS footprints. GLAS data were sequentially filtered and submitted to the k-nearest neighbour (k-NN) imputation algorithm to yield regional estimates of stand height and crown closure at a 30 m resolution. Resulting outputs were assessed against independent airborne LiDAR data to evaluate regional estimates of stand height (mean difference = −1 m, RMSE = 5 m) and crown closure (mean difference = −5%, RMSE = 9%). Additional assessments were performed as a function of dominant vegetation type and ecoregion to further evaluate regional products. These attributes form the primary descriptive structure attributes that are typical of forest inventory mapping programs, and provide insight into how they can be derived in northern boreal regions where field information and physical access is often limited.
Mapping Mangrove Forests Based on Multi-Tidal High-Resolution Satellite Imagery
Authors: Xia Qing , Qin Cheng-Zhi , Li He , Huang Chong , Su Fen-Zhen
Published: August 2018

Mangrove forests, which are essential for stabilizing coastal ecosystems, have been suffering from a dramatic decline over the past several decades. Mapping mangrove forests using satellite imagery is an efficient way to provide key data for mangrove forest conservation. Since mangrove forests are periodically submerged by tides, current methods of mapping mangrove forests, which are normally based on single-date, remote-sensing imagery, often underestimate the spatial distribution of mangrove forests, especially when the images used were recorded during high-tide periods. In this paper, we propose a new method of mapping mangrove forests based on multi-tide, high-resolution satellite imagery. In the proposed method, a submerged mangrove recognition index (SMRI), which is based on the differential spectral signature of mangroves under high and low tides from multi-tide, high-resolution satellite imagery, is designed to identify submerged mangrove forests. The proposed method applies the SMRI values, together with textural features extracted from high-resolution imagery and geographical features of mangrove forests, to an object-based support vector machine (SVM) to map mangrove forests. The proposed method was evaluated via a case study with GF-1 images (high-resolution satellites launched by China) in Yulin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. The results show that our proposed method achieves satisfactory performance, with a kappa coefficient of 0.86 and an overall accuracy of 94%, which is better than results obtained from object-based SVMs that use only single-date, remote sensing imagery.
Application of FRP Bolts in Monitoring the Internal Force of the Rocks Surrounding a Mine-Shield Tunnel
Authors: Liu Zhen , Zhou Cuiying , Lu Yiqi , Yang Xu , Liang Yanhao , Zhang Lihai
Published: August 2018

Monitoring the internal force of the rocks surrounding a mine-shield tunnel for the initial support of a mine-shield tunnel, in complex geological and hydrological environments, requires bolts with specific features such as high tensile strength, low shear strength, good insulation and resistance to corrosion. As such, internal force monitoring has become an important issue in safety monitoring for such tunneling projects. In this paper, the adaptability of a mine-shield tunnel project in a corrosive environment is investigated. A fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) bolt with high tensile strength, low shear strength, resistance to fatigue, non-conductivity and resistance to corrosion is used as a probe in tandem with an anchor-head dynamometer to monitor the internal force of the rocks surrounding a mine-shield tunnel for initial support. Additionally, solar energy collection technology is introduced to create a remote monitoring system. Using a 2.5 km long railway tunnel located in the northeast of the Pearl River Delta of China as a case study, the present study shows that, compared with a conventional steel bolt, the FRP bolt has advantages, such as avoidance of the risks associated with the shield machine, insulation and resistance to corrosion. As a probe, the response of the FRP bolt to events such as a blasting vibration and a construction disturbance that results in internal changes in the surrounding rock demonstrates a clear pattern that is appropriate for monitoring the internal force of the rocks surrounding a mine-shield tunnel in a corrosive environment. FRP bolt-based monitoring not only provides new technological support for controlling the risk involved in the initial support of a mine-shield tunnel but can also be widely deployed in projects with special requirements for disassembly, conductivity and corrosion.
Cable-Driven Parallel Robot with Reconfigurable End Effector Controlled with a Compliant Actuator
Authors: Rodriguez-Barroso Alejandro , Saltaren Roque , Portilla Gerardo A. , Cely Juan S. , Carpio Marco
Published: August 2018

Redundancy in cable-driven parallel robots provides additional degrees of freedom that can be used to achieve different objectives. In this robot, this degree of freedom is used to act on a reconfigurable end effector with one degree of freedom. A compliant actuator actuated by one motor exerts force on both bodies of the platform. Due to the high tension that appears in this cable in comparison with the rest of the cables, an elastic model was developed for solving the kinestostatic and wrench analysis. A linear sensor was used in one branch of this cable mechanism to provide the needed intermediate values. The position of one link of the platform was fixed in order to focus this analysis on the relationship between the cables and the platform’s internal movement. Position values of the reconfigurable end effector were calculated and measured as well as the tension at different regions of the compliant actuator. The theoretical values were compared with dynamic simulations and real prototype results.
Using Inertial Measurement Units and Electromyography to Quantify Movement during Action Research Arm Test Execution
Authors: Repnik Eva , Puh Urška , Goljar Nika , Munih Marko , Mihelj Matjaž
Published: August 2018

In patients after stroke, ability of the upper limb is commonly assessed with standardised clinical tests that provide a complete upper limb assessment. This paper presents quantification of upper limb movement during the execution of Action research arm test (ARAT) using a wearable system of inertial measurement units (IMU) for kinematic quantification and electromyography (EMG) sensors for muscle activity analysis. The test was executed with each arm by a group of healthy subjects and a group of patients after stroke allocated into subgroups based on their clinical scores. Tasks were segmented into movement and manipulation phases. Each movement phase was quantified with a set of five parameters: movement time, movement smoothness, hand trajectory similarity, trunk stability, and muscle activity for grasping. Parameters vary between subject groups, between tasks, and between task phases. Statistically significant differences were observed between patient groups that obtained different clinical scores, between healthy subjects and patients, and between the unaffected and the affected arm unless the affected arm shows normal performance. Movement quantification enables differentiation between different subject groups within movement phases as well as for the complete task. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient shows strong correlations between patient’s ARAT scores and movement time as well as movement smoothness. Weak to moderate correlations were observed for parameters that describe hand trajectory similarity and trunk stability. Muscle activity correlates well with grasping activity and the level of grasping force in all groups.
Measurement Method for Nonlinearity in Heterodyne Laser Interferometers Based on Double-Channel Quadrature Demodulation
Authors: Fu Haijin , Ji Ruidong , Hu Pengcheng , Wang Yue , Wu Guolong , Tan Jiubin
Published: August 2018

The phase quadrature measurement method is capable of measuring nonlinearity in heterodyne laser interferometers with picometer accuracy whereas it cannot be applied in the new kind of heterodyne interferometers with bidirectional Doppler frequency shift especially in the condition of non-uniform motion of the target. To solve this problem, a novel measurement method of nonlinearity is proposed in this paper. By employing double-channel quadrature demodulation and substituting the external reference signal with internal ones, this method is free from the type of heterodyne laser interferometer and the motion state of the target. For phase demodulation, the phase differential algorithm is utilized to improve the computing efficiency. Experimental verification is carried out and the results indicate that the proposed measurement method achieves accuracy better than 2 pm.
Sustainable Innovation Approach for Wood Quality Evaluation in Green Business
Authors: Potkány Marek , Gejdoš Miloš , Debnár Marek
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this paper is to propose a method for the optimization of raw wood for the timber construction industry that would meet the green business and sustainable development requirements within the concept of corporate social responsibility. The methodology conceptually applied the ImageJ software in the process of spruce-timber valuation using 100 log specimens according to the standard STN 480055. The impact of timber structure on the environment compared to silicate buildings was assessed via selected environmental criteria of life-cycle assessment. The methodology was applied according to the standards within the monitored phase of the life-cycle cradle to a gate based on the available environmental products declaration. The overall difference in the assortment value when using the ImageJ software as the evaluation method reached €426.68 (+6.7%). The individual construction elements creating the composition of perimeter walls of the evaluated alternatives showed a positive impact of the following indicators: global warning potential, primary energy input for production, ozone depletion potential, and photochemical ozone creation potential of the reference timber structure. The findings presented in this study clearly confirm the ecological approach toward building a wood-based structure while meeting the requirements of sustainable development.
Values, Memory, and the Role of Exploratory Methods for Policy-Design Processes and the Sustainable Redevelopment of Waterfront Contexts: The Case of Officine Piaggio (Italy)
Authors: Coscia Cristina , Lazzari Giulia , Rubino Irene
Published: August 2018

In the last few decades the renewal of waterfront contexts has been especially inspired by neoliberal approaches favoring the creation of residential units and entertainment facilities. However, sustainability frameworks suggest that the economic dimension should be interpreted in a way that goes beyond the profitability of the interventions and that takes into account non-monetary values as well. In light of the complex social value (CSV) theory—which considers as a fundamental value component the intrinsic values attributed by communities to environmental and cultural heritage resources—this article proposes the adoption of exploratory methods to firstly map and then integrate citizens’ points of view into the evaluation and design of redevelopment scenarios, selecting the ex-industrial complex of Officine Piaggio (Italy) as a case study. Survey results highlighted that discrepancies between the new functions advanced by official redevelopment proposals and citizens’ opinions were present, and that values such as memory and collective meaning need to be considered if multidimensional sustainability represents a goal. Coherent with these results, a new project scenario is then envisioned and implications related to the application of exploratory methods in the decision-making and policy-design processes are finally advanced.
Innovative Education in MOOC for Sustainability: Learnings and Motivations
Authors: Carrera Jeimmy , Ramírez-Hernández Darinka
Published: August 2018

This research project analyzes the motivation and learning perceived by the participants in four Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) that use innovative education strategies in order to train the community in Education for Sustainability. These MOOCs were delivered during 2017 and the study forms part of the subproject “Open, Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Innovation to Train in Energy Sustainability through MOOCs”, which was offered in the portal of the Binational Laboratory for Intelligent Energy Sustainability Management and Technology Training. The method utilized was mixed, with a triangulation design approach according to the convergence model. This method consisted of two phases: the first being quantitative, with an online survey designed by experts in a Likert type scale, and the second being qualitative, in which valuations of the users were collected through diverse instruments such as focus groups and observations. The results obtained demonstrate the advantages of designing MOOCs that make use of innovative tools, in order to engage the students as much as possible, and the collateral impact on the development of digital abilities and skills in addition to the learning acquired with respect to sustainability.
Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin: The Toxin Forms Highly Cation-Selective Channels in Lipid Bilayers
Authors: Benz Roland , Popoff Michel R.
Published: August 2018

One of the numerous toxins produced by Clostridium perfringens is Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE), a polypeptide with a molecular mass of 35.5 kDa exhibiting three different domains. Domain one is responsible for receptor binding, domain two is involved in hexamer formation and domain three has to do with channel formation in membranes. CPE is the major virulence factor of this bacterium and acts on the claudin-receptor containing tight junctions between epithelial cells resulting in various gastrointestinal diseases. The activity of CPE on Vero cells was demonstrated by the entry of propidium iodide (PI) in the cells. The entry of propidium iodide caused by CPE was well correlated with the loss of cell viability monitored by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. CPE formed ion-permeable channels in artificial lipid bilayer membranes with a single-channel conductance of 620 pS in 1 M KCl. The single-channel conductance was not a linear function of the bulk aqueous salt concentration indicating that point-negative charges at the CPE channel controlled ion transport. This resulted in the high cation selectivity of the CPE channels, which suggested that anions are presumably not permeable through the CPE channels. The possible role of cation transport by CPE channels in disease caused by C. perfringens is discussed.
Drag Effect of Water Consumption on Urbanization—A Case Study of the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2000 to 2015
Authors: An Min , Butsic Van , He Weijun , Zhang Zhaofang , Qin Teng , Huang Zhengwei , Yuan Liang
Published: August 2018

Urbanization is an engine of economic development, but this process is often constrained by increasingly scarce water resources. A model predicting the drag effect of water consumption on urbanization would be useful for future planning for sustainable water resource utilization and economic growth. Using panel data from 11 provinces in China’s Yangtze River economic belt (YREB) from 2000 to 2015, we apply Romer’s growth drag theory with spatial econometric models to quantitatively analyze the drag effect of water consumption on urbanization. The results show the following. (1) The drag effect of water consumption on urbanization has significant spatial correlation; the spatial Durbin model is the best model to calculate this spatial connection. (2) The spatial coefficient is 0.39 and the drag that is caused by water consumption on urbanization in the YREB is 0.574, which means that when spatial influences are considered, urbanization speed slows by 0.574% due to water consumption constraints. (3) Each region in the YREB has different water consumption patterns and structure; we further calculate each region’s water consumption drag on urbanization. We find that areas with high urbanization levels, like Shanghai (average 84.7%), have a lower water consumption drag effect (0.227), and they can avoid the “resource curse” of water resource constraints. However, some low-level urbanization provinces, like Anhui (average 39.3%), have a higher water consumption drag effect (1.352). (4) Our results indicate that the water drag effect is even greater than the drag effect of coal and land. Therefore, policies to increase urbanization should carefully consider the way that water constraints may limit growth. Likewise, our spatial model indicates that policy makers should work with neighboring provinces and construct an effective regional water cooperation mechanism.
Monthly Rainfall-Runoff Modeling at Watershed Scale: A Comparative Study of Data-Driven and Theory-Driven Approaches
Authors: Chang Won , Chen Xi
Published: August 2018

Data-driven machine learning approaches have been rapidly developed in the past 10 to 20 years and applied to various problems in the field of hydrology. To investigate the capability of data-driven approaches in rainfall-runoff modeling in comparison to theory-driven models, we conducted a comparative study of simulated monthly surface runoff at 203 watersheds across the contiguous USA using a conceptual model, the proportionality hydrologic model, and a data-driven Gaussian process regression model. With the same input variables of precipitation and mean monthly aridity index, the two models showed similar performance. We then introduced two more input variables in the data-driven model: potential evaporation and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), which were selected based on hydrologic knowledge. The modified data-driven model performed much better than either the conceptual or original data-driven model. A sensitivity analysis was conducted on all three models tested in this study, which showed that surface runoff responded positively to increased precipitation. However, a confounding effect on surface runoff sensitivity was found among mean monthly aridity index, potential evaporation, and NDVI. This confounding was caused by complex interconnections among energy supply, vegetation coverage, and climate seasonality of the watershed system. We also conducted an uncertainty analysis on the two data-driven models, which showed that both models had reasonable predictability within the 95% confidence interval. With the additional two input variables, the modified data-driven model had lower prediction uncertainty and higher prediction accuracy.
Ophiostomatoid fungi associated with the spruce bark beetle Ips typographus, including 11 new species from China
Authors: Chang R. , Duong T.A. , Taerum S.J. , Wingfield M.J. , Zhou X. , Yin M. , de Beer Z.W.
Published: August 2018

Ips typographus (Coleoptera, Scolytinae) is a spruce-infesting bark beetle that occurs throughout Europe and Asia. The beetle can cause considerable damage, especially when colonized trees are stressed and beetle populations increase. Although some studies have
shown that populations of I. typographus in Europe, China and Japan are genetically distinct, these populations are biologically similar, including a strong association with ophiostomatoid fungi. To date, only two Leptographium spp. have been reported from the beetle in China,
while 40 species have been reported from Europe and 13 from Japan. The aims of this study were to identify the ophiostomatoid fungal associates of I. typographus in north-eastern China, and to determine whether the fungal assemblages reflect the different geographical populations of
the beetle. Field surveys in Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces yielded a total of 1046 fungal isolates from 145 beetles and 178 galleries. Isolates were grouped based on morphology and representatives of each group were identified using DNA sequences of the ribosomal LSU, ITS, β-tubulin,
calmodulin and elongation factor 1-α gene regions. A total of 23 species of ophiostomatoid fungi were identified, including 12 previously described species and 11 novel species, all of which are described here. The dominant species were Ophiostoma bicolor, Leptographium taigense
and Grosmannia piceiperda D, representing 40.5 %, 27.8 % and 17.8 % of the isolates, respectively. Comparisons of species from China, Europe and Japan are complicated by the fact that some of the European and all the Japanese species were identified based only on morphology. However,
assuming that those identifications are correct, five species were shared between Europe, Japan and China, two species were shared between China and Japan, five between Europe and China, and two between Europe and Japan. Consequently, Ips typographus populations in these different geographic
areas have different fungal assemblages, suggesting that the majority of these beetle-associations are promiscuous. The results also suggested that the symbionts of the bark beetle do not reflect the population structures of the beetle. The use of fungal symbiont assemblages to infer population
structures and invasion history of its vectors should thus be interpreted with circumspection.
Memberships of the Open Cluster NGC 6405 Based on a Combined Method: Gaussian Mixture Model and Random Forest
Authors: Gao Xinhua
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a combined method of Gaussian mixture model and random forest to compute membership probabilities of stars by using large, high-dimensional data sets. A significant advantage of this method is that it allows us to easily identify likely cluster members in large data sets starting from small training samples. As a benchmark, we select 40318 stars in the field of the open cluster NGC 6405 from theGaiaData Release 2 (Gaia-DR2) by means of all five astrometric (positions, proper motions, and parallax) and photometric parameters. We use this combined method to determine likely cluster members in an eleven-dimensional parameter space. A total number of 518 high-probability (≥0.6) memberships are obtained, and the mean parallax and proper motion of the cluster are determined to be 2.171 ± 0.005 mas (461 ± 1 pc) and () = (−1.357 ± 0.023,−5.823 ± 0.020) mas yr−1, respectively. In addition, we quantitatively evaluate the relative importance of the parameters for membership determination and find that colors and magnitudes cannot be ignored in membership determination when using the RF method. Our results show that this combined method exhibits good performance in handling arbitrary high-dimensional and large data sets, such asGaia-DR2, and it can also be used to investigate other open clusters.
Young and Eccentric: The Quadruple System HD 86588
Authors: Tokovinin Andrei , Corbett Hank , Fors Octavi , Howard Ward , Law Nicholas M. , Moe Maxwell , Ratzloff Jeffrey , Walter Frederick M.
Published: August 2018

High-resolution spectroscopy and speckle interferometry reveal the young star HD 86588 as a quadruple system with a three-tier hierarchy. The 0.″3 resolved binary A,B with an estimated period around 300 years contains the 8-yr pair Aa,Abc (also potentially resolvable), where Ab,Ac is a double-lined binary with equal components, for which we compute the spectroscopic orbit. Despite the short period of 2.4058 days, the orbit of Ab,Ac is eccentric (e = 0.086 ± 0.003). It has a large inclination, but there are no eclipses; only a 4.4 mmag light modulation apparently caused by star spots on the components of this binary is detected with Evryscope. Assuming a moderate extinction of A

V
 = 0.5 mag and a parallax of 5.2 mas, we find that the stars are on or close to the main sequence (age >10 Myr) and their masses are from 1 to 1.3 solar. We measure the strength of the lithium line in the visual secondary B which, together with rotation, suggests that the system is younger than 150 Myr. This object is located behind the extension of the Chamaeleon I dark cloud (which explains extinction and interstellar sodium absorption), but apparently does not belong to it. We propose a scenario where the inner orbit has recently acquired its high eccentricity through dynamical interaction with the outer two components; it is now undergoing rapid tidal circularization on a timescale of ∼1 Myr. Alternatively, the eccentricity could be excited quasi-stationary by the outer component Aa.
Multiwavelength Observations of a New Redback Millisecond Pulsar Candidate: 3FGL J0954.8–3948
Authors: Li Kwan-Lok , Hou Xian , Strader Jay , Takata Jumpei , Kong Albert K. H. , Chomiuk Laura , Swihart Samuel J. , Hui Chung Yue , Cheng K. S.
Published: August 2018

We present a multiwavelength study of the unassociated Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) source, 3FGL J0954.8−3948, which is likely the γ-ray counterpart of a 9.3 hr binary in the field. With more than 9 years of Pass 8 LAT data, we updated the γ-ray spectral properties and the LAT localization of the γ-ray source. While the binary lies outside the cataloged 95% error ellipse, the optimized LAT ellipse is 0.°1 closer and encloses the binary. The system is likely spectrally hard in X-rays (photon index

) with orbital modulations detected in optical, ultraviolet, and possibly X-rays. A steep spectrum radio counterpart (spectral index α ≈ −1.6) is also found in the TIFR GMRT Sky Survey, implying that it is a pulsar system. We obtained a series of SOAR and Gemini spectroscopic observations in 2017/2018, which show a low-mass secondary orbiting in a close circular orbit with K
2 = 272 ± 4 km s−1 under strong irradiation by the primary compact object. All the observations as well as the modeling of the X/γ-ray high-energy emission suggest that 3FGL J0954.8−3948 is a redback millisecond pulsar in a rotation-powered state.
Double Dipping: A New Relation between Stellar Rotation and Starspot Activity
Authors: Basri Gibor , Nguyen Hieu T.
Published: August 2018

We report the discovery of a new relationship between a simple morphological characteristic of light curves produced by starspots and stellar rotation periods. The characteristic we examine is whether the light curve exhibits one dip or two during a single rotation. We analyze thousands of Kepler light curves of main-sequence stars with temperatures from 3200 to 6200 K. Almost all the stars exhibit segments of their light curve that contain either single- or double-dip segments (very few have more than two significant dips per rotation). We define a variable, the “single/double ratio” (SDR) that expresses the ratio of the time spent in single mode to the time spent in double mode. Unexpectedly, there is a strong relationship between the SDR and the stellar rotation period, in the sense that longer periods come with a larger fraction of double segments. Even more unexpectedly, the slopes of the SDR–period relations are a clear function of stellar temperature. We also show that the relationships of spot variability amplitude (R
var) to rotation period have similar levels of scatter, slopes, and dependence on temperature as the SDR–period relations. Finally, the median R
var of single segments tends to be about twice that of double segments in a given light curve. We offer some tentative interpretations of these new results in terms of starspot coverage and lifetimes. It will be fruitful to look further into this novel “rotation–activity” relation, and better understand what information these aspects of the morphology of light curves bring to our knowledge of stellar magnetic activity.
The True Luminosities of Planetary Nebulae in M31's Bulge: Massive Central Stars from an Old Stellar Population
Authors: Davis Brian D. , Ciardullo Robin , Jacoby George H. , Feldmeier John. J. , Indahl Briana L.
Published: August 2018

We measure the Balmer decrements of 23 of the brightest planetary nebulae (PNe) in the inner bulge (r ≲ 3′) of M31 and deredden the bright end of the region’s [O iii] λ5007 PN luminosity function. We show that the most luminous PNe produce ≳1200 L
⊙ of power in their [O iii] λ5007 line, implying central star luminosities of at least ∼11,000 L
⊙. Even with the most recent accelerated-evolution post-AGB models, such luminosities require central star masses in excess of 0.66 M
⊙ and main-sequence progenitors of at least ∼2.5 M
⊙. Since M31's bulge has very few intermediate-age stars, we conclude that conventional single-star evolution cannot be responsible for these extremely luminous objects. We also present the circumstellar extinctions for the region’s bright PNe and demonstrate that the distribution is similar to that found for PNe in the Large Magellanic Cloud, with a median value of A
5007 = 0.71. Finally, we compare our results to extinction measurements made for PNe in the E6 elliptical NGC 4697 and the interacting lenticular NGC 5128. We show that such extinctions are not unusual and that the existence of very high-mass PN central stars is a general feature of old stellar populations. Our results suggest that single-star population synthesis models significantly underestimate the maximum luminosities and total integrated light of AGB stars.
The Orbit of the Close Companion of Polaris: Hubble Space Telescope Imaging, 2007 to 2014*
Authors: Evans Nancy Remage , Karovska Margarita , Bond Howard E. , Schaefer Gail H. , Sahu Kailash C. , Mack Jennifer , Nelan Edmund P. , Gallenne Alexandre , Tingle Evan D.
Published: August 2018

As part of a program to determine the dynamical masses of Cepheids, we have imaged the nearest and brightest Cepheid, Polaris, with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 and Wide Field Camera 3. Observations were obtained at three epochs between 2007 and 2014. In these images, as in HST frames obtained in 2005 and 2006, which we discussed in a 2008 paper, we resolve the close companion Polaris Ab from the Cepheid Polaris Aa. Because of the small separation and large magnitude difference between Polaris Aa and Ab, we used point-spread function deconvolution techniques to carry out astrometry of the binary. Based on these new measurements, we have updated the elements for the 29.59 year orbit. Adopting the distance to the system from the recent Gaia Data Release 2, we find a dynamical mass of 3.45 ± 0.75 M
⊙ for the Cepheid, although this is preliminary and will be improved by CHARA measurements covering periastron. As is the case for the recently determined dynamical mass for the Cepheid V1334 Cyg, the mass of Polaris is significantly lower than the “evolutionary mass” predicted by fitting to evolutionary tracks in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram. We discuss several questions and implications raised by these measurements, including the pulsation mode, which instability-strip crossing the stars are in, and possible complications such as rotation, mass loss, and binary mergers. The distant third star in the system, Polaris B, appears to be older than the Cepheid, based on isochrone fitting. This may indicate that the Cepheid Polaris is relatively old and is the result of a binary merger, rather than being a young single star.
Repeated Imaging of Massive Black Hole Binary Orbits with Millimeter Interferometry: Measuring Black Hole Masses and the Hubble Constant
Authors: D’Orazio Daniel J. , Loeb Abraham
Published: August 2018

Very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) at millimeter (mm) wavelengths is being employed to resolve event horizon-scale structure of the environment surrounding the Milky Way black hole at an angular resolution of a few tens of microarcseconds. The same approach could also resolve the orbital separation of a population of massive black hole binaries (MBHBs). Modeling the inspiral of binaries due to gravitational-wave emission and gas and requiring binary orbital periods of less than 10 yr, we estimate that there may exist ∼100 resolvable MBHBs that are bright enough to be observed by mm-wavelength VLBI instruments over the entire sky at redshifts z ≲ 0.5. We propose to search for these resolvable MBHBs by identifying binaries with the required orbital separations from periodic quasar light curves identified in optical and near-IR surveys. These periodic-light-curve candidates can be followed up with radio observations to determine their promise for observation with VLBI at mm wavelengths. The VLBI observations over the timescale of a binary orbit can allow unprecedented precision in the measurement of the binary mass, to within 30%. In combination with an independent binary mass measurement, VLBI observation would allow a novel

measurement of the Hubble constant, independent from those currently proposed and employed.
A New Generation of Cool White Dwarf Atmosphere Models. I. Theoretical Framework and Applications to DZ Stars
Authors: Blouin S. , Dufour P. , Allard N. F.
Published: August 2018

The photospheres of the coolest helium-atmosphere white dwarfs are characterized by fluidlike densities. Under those conditions, standard approximations used in model atmosphere codes are no longer appropriate. Unfortunately, the majority of cool He-rich white dwarfs show no spectral features, giving us no opportunities to put more elaborate models to the test. In the few cases where spectral features are observed (such as in cool DQ or DZ stars), current models completely fail to reproduce the spectroscopic data, signaling shortcomings in our theoretical framework. In order to fully trust parameters derived solely from the energy distribution, it is thus important to at least succeed in reproducing the spectra of the few coolest stars exhibiting spectral features, especially since such stars possess even less extreme physical conditions due to the presence of heavy elements. In this paper, we revise every building block of our model atmosphere code in order to eliminate low-density approximations. Our updated white dwarf atmosphere code incorporates state-of-the-art constitutive physics suitable for the conditions found in cool helium-rich stars (DC and DZ white dwarfs). This includes new high-density metal-line profiles, nonideal continuum opacities, an accurate equation of state, and a detailed description of the ionization equilibrium. In particular, we present new ab initio calculations to assess the ionization equilibrium of heavy elements (C, Ca, Fe, Mg, and Na) in a dense helium medium and show how our improved models allow us to achieve better spectral fits for two cool DZ stars, Ross 640 and LP 658-2.
Violent Quenching: Molecular Gas Blown to 1000 km s−1 during a Major Merger
Authors: Geach J. E. , Tremonti C. , Diamond-Stanic A. M. , Sell P. H. , Kepley A. A. , Coil A. L. , Rudnick G. , Hickox R. C. , Moustakas J. , Yang Yujin
Published: August 2018

We present Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array observations of a massive (

) compact (

pc) merger remnant at z = 0.66 that is driving a 1000 km s−1 outflow of cool gas, with no observational trace of an active galactic nucleus (AGN). We resolve molecular gas on scales of approximately 1–2 kpc, and our main finding is the discovery of a wing of blueshifted CO J(2 → 1) emission out to −1000 km s−1 relative to the stars. We argue that this is the molecular component of a multiphase outflow, expelled from the central starburst within the past 5 Myr through stellar feedback, although we cannot rule out previous AGN activity as a launching mechanism. If the latter is true, then this is an example of a relic multiphase AGN outflow. We estimate a molecular mass outflow rate of approximately 300 M
⊙ yr−1, or about one third of the 10 Myr-averaged star formation rate. This system epitomizes the multiphase “blowout” episode following a dissipational major merger—a process that has violently quenched central star formation and supermassive black hole growth.
Comment l’histoire légitime-t-elle l’État-nation ?
Authors: Antichan Sylvain
Published: August 2018

Résumé À partir du cas du musée historique du château de Versailles sous la monarchie de Juillet, l’article interroge « comment » une politique de mémoire a pu participer à la légitimation d’un régime et à la naturalisation de l’État-nation. En reconstituant la fabrication de cette action publique dans les échanges entre des secteurs de l’État et des groupes familiaux ou professionnels, il montre que le musée constitue une offre de ralliement au régime à destination des élites. En retour, ces acteurs s’approprient le passé national en le valorisant dans des espaces sociaux et des interactions routinières, a priori , déliés de la nation et de son histoire. En ce sens, l’imaginaire civique et national se renforce par sa capacité à consolider d’autres groupes que l’État-nation lui-même.
Entre executive shift et gouvernement à distance
Authors: Gally Natacha
Published: August 2018

Résumé Cet article examine l’émergence de nouvelles formes de centralisation dans la conduite de l’action publique à partir d’une enquête sur les politiques « pour l’excellence » dans l’enseignement supérieur et la recherche en France. Discutant conjointement les thèses d’un renforcement du pouvoir exécutif et du « gouvernement à distance », nous montrons comment une élite programmatique sectorielle parvient à défendre une conception de l’« excellence » conforme à un agenda réformateur ancien de regroupement des établissements. Plus que d’un renversement radical du paradigme napoléonien, les politiques « pour l’excellence » semblent participer d’un mouvement graduel de rationalisation dans l’enseignement supérieur et la recherche, qui se caractérise par un renforcement des capacités ministérielles à gouverner le secteur.
Lightweight Mortars Based on Expanded Perlite
Authors: Pavlík Vladimír , Bisaha Juraj
Published: August 2018

Lightweight mortars composed from a lime-metakaolin binder or lime-cement binder and expanded perlite filler were prepared and tested. Mortar test samples were firstly cured in a humid atmosphere and subsequently in laboratory ambient conditions. Development of hardening processes was studied by X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis. Morphology and microstructure of mortars was observed by SEM. Compressive strength, bulk density, porosity, capillary water absorption and thermal conductivity of mortars were determined in predetermined time periods.
Study of Hydrophobic Modification of Ceramic Elements
Authors: Novák Vítězslav , Zach Jiří
Published: August 2018

The protection of building structures and elements from the effects of moisture is currently a topical and discussed topic and this issue is also related to development of hydrophobized ceramic masonry elements with reduced water absorption.The quality and efficiency of the hydrophobic treatment is assessed primarily by monitoring the capillary absorption of the hydrophobized ceramic body and reducing the capillary conductivity (reducing the capillary elevation of moisture).The paper focuses on the more detailed physical study of the hydrophobic treatment of ceramic masonry blocks using laboratory methods, in particular the measurement of the contact angle and surface energy. With these measurements, it is possible to precisely specify the surface properties of individual ceramic masonry elements treated by hydrophobic treatment and thus accurately express the quality of the surface treatment. Based on the results was determined the dependence between capillary absorption and surface energy.
Rehabilitation of Historical Drainage and Ventilation System in the Prague Castle Area
Authors: Burgetová Eva , Michalová Kristýna , Balík Lukáš
Published: August 2018

The paper deals with a structural survey of the historic drainage and ventilation system discovered recently in the Prague Castle area. Based on in-situ inspection the remedial works in the context of historic importance of the area are presented. The experimental testing is used for the assessment of the efficiency of remedial technologies, but also for a deeper investigation of moisture transport phenomena in heterogeneous materials. The data collected for the investigated aspects should allow foresight of the behavior of existing structures providing damage prediction models and help in the design of remedial measures.
Monitoring of Selected Physical and Thermal Properties of Lightweight Concrete Based on Recycled Foam Plastics
Authors: Daubnerová Andrea , Unčík Stanislav
Published: August 2018

This paper aims to verify the use of recycled foam plastics to produce lightweight concrete. Two types of recycled foam plastics (ethyl vinyl acetate and cable insulator) and their mixture in ratios 3:1, 1:1 and 1:3 were used as filler. An organic-based adhesive, Conipur 360, was used as a binder. The evaluation method included verify one of basic physical properties – bulk density. At the same time, thermal properties and strength characteristics of the samples were monitored.
Textile Concrete in Adverse Conditions
Authors: Bittner Tomáš , Kostelecká Michaela , Pokorný Petr , Vokáč Miroslav , Bouška Petr
Published: August 2018

Textile concrete (TRC) is a modern material that has been the subject of many scientific studies over the past two decades. It is a material based on a fine-grained cement-based matrix, fiber reinforced, fabric of acrylic-resistant glass, basalt or carbon reinforcement. The products from this material are thin-walled elements, which can be used, for example, for facade claddings elements, lost formwork, shell structures, garden architecture or for strengthening or repair of existing structural elements. This paper presents some examples of the behavior of glass reinforced textile concrete during exposure to road salts, under load of bending moment, at long-term loading at elevated temperatures, and assessment of glass fiber resistance during exposure simulating concrete pore solution.
The Classification of Cracks Recorded during the Cyclic Loading of the Reinforced Concrete Beam by Acoustic Emission Method
Authors: Topolář Libor , Pazdera Lubos , Hoduláková Michaela , Mikulášek Karel , Orolin Peter , Roth Oto
Published: August 2018

Non-destructive testing is a process of inspecting, testing, and evaluating materials, components or assemblies for discontinuities, or differences in characteristics without destroying the serviceability of a system or its part. The acoustic non-destructive methods are concerned with the state-of-the-art situation in the field of experimental studies of the physical properties of engineering materials. In this paper, the acoustic emission method was used for classification of cracks recorded during the cyclic loading of the reinforced concrete beam. Acoustic emission is a phenomenon of stress wave radiation caused by the dynamic reconstruction of material’s structure that accompanies processes of deformation and fracture. Crack propagation is one of the macroscopic sources of acoustic emission. Acoustic emission signals generated by different loading patterns can provide valuable information concerning the structural integrity of a material. Load levels that have been previously exerted on a material do not produce acoustic emission activity.
Online definition of comparable and searchable medical information
Authors: Orthuber Wolfgang
Published: August 2018

For decision support, a globally connected digital information system is desirable, which uses diagnostic findings and makes language independently statistical (anonymized) information from similar cases of all countries available. It can be realized efficiently in the following way: The definitions of all used diagnostics and measurement procedures are placed online. The defined data are called “Domain Vectors.” Doctors who use the online definitions get measurement results as Domain Vectors in comparable and searchable form. Anonymized selective statistics over patient groups with similar data can help to find the best treatment. Precondition for such distributed and simultaneously connected Domain Vectors are their global online definitions. Every Domain Vector only consists of a link to its definition (e.g., via URL or an abbreviated equivalent) plus numbers. This article explains details and concludes that introduction of the Domain Vectors with their online definitions would be an important step toward internationally connected medicine.
Three-dimensional visualization of the mouse renal connecting tubule
Authors: Deng Siqi , Gu Ling , Miao Junke , Liu Yujie , Lian Jie , Zhai Xiaoyue
Published: August 2018

Background and Objectives:

In this study, the spatial courses of the connecting tubule (CNT) of nephron from different depth of cortex and the collecting duct (CD) in mouse kidney was established with the aid of three-dimensional visualization technology.

Subjects and Methods:

Kidneys from three C57/BL/6J mice were removed after perfusion fixation. The tissue blocks were cut perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the kidney and embedded in Epon-812. A total of 2000, 2.5-μm-thick consecutive sections were obtained from the renal capsule to papilla. After acquiring the digitalized images and alignment, the CNT from 137 nephrons were traced with the custom-made programs. The spatial arrangement of the CNT was visualized, and the length was measured.

Results:

Each CD received CNT from 5 to 7 nephrons. The CNT from different level of cortex all drained into the CD at superficial cortex but took different path. The CNT from superficial cortical nephron joined CD directly, while the CNT from middle and juxtamedullary cortical nephron joined each other to form an arcade, and the latter drained into CD at superficial cortex. The length of the arcade ranged 400-800 μm.

Conclusions:

The CNT joined CD at superficial cortex, which means the fluid along the CD from the cortex would not be added from outside, contributing to stabilization of the hormone regulation in the transportation of solutes and water along the CD from cortex to medulla.
Accords et correspondances dans L’ombre douce et Sous le ciel qui brûle
Authors: Nguyen Hoai Huong
Published: August 2018

L’ombre douce (Viviane Hamy, 2013) and Sous le ciel qui brûle (Viviane Hamy, 2017) evoke the history of France and Vietnam between the start of the twentieth century and the 1970s through the exploration of the relationships between past and present, war and peace, harmony and disharmony. These novels seek a poetic accord and a relationship of correspondences not only between the Western and Far-Eastern imaginations, but also between words and things – a quest that, in Sous le ciel qui brûle, lies at the foundation of the poetic vocation of the novel’s hero, Tuan.

L’ombre douce (Viviane Hamy, 2013) et Sous le ciel qui brûle (Viviane Hamy, 2017) évoquent l’histoire de la France et du Vietnam entre le début du XXème siècle et les années 1970, en explorant les relations entre le passé et le présent, la guerre et la paix, l’harmonie et la dysharmonie. Ces romans sont à la recherche d’un accord poétique et d’une relation de correspondances, non seulement entre l’imaginaire occidental et l’imaginaire extrême-oriental, mais encore entre les mots et les choses – recherche qui se trouve au fondement de la vocation poétique de Tuân, le héros de Sous le ciel qui brûle.