bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clustering‐based optimisation for maximum wind energy extracting of large scale wind farm
Authors: Ma Shaokang , Geng Hua , Yang Geng , Xi Jiangbei
Published: January 2018

In wind farm, the upstream wind turbines (WTs) shadow the downstream WTs, which is known as the wake effect. As a result, that all WTs work at maximum power point tracking mode does not mean the whole wind farm captures maximum wind energy. WTs need to be coordinated for maximum wind power extracting. The coordination of WTs can be formulated as optimisation problems. However, in large scale wind farm, the number of WTs is numerous hence the dimension of the optimisation problem can be extremely high, i.e. dimension disaster. In this study, a clustering‐based optimisation method is proposed. The WTs are firstly clustered into several groups according to their wind profiles. Then, by dispatching the same control commands to WTs within the same group, each group could be further seen as one single re‐scaled WT. Hence, the dimension of the optimisation problem can be reduced and the optimisation problem can be significantly simplified. A case study is conducted to validate the method.
Research on user optimal aggregation based on demand response potential spectrum clustering analysis
Authors: Sun Yanping , Gao Yajing , Yang Wenhai , Wang Jingmin , Li Hong
Published: January 2018

Load aggregator (LA) needs to fully tap the demand response potential of the resources and aggregates the users with high response capacity and low electricity default rate. This can make LA to improve the market competitiveness and gain greater income. Firstly, the load data of resident users are analysed and compared. The summer typical daily response potential curves of users participating in time‐of‐use price are obtained. Secondly, the 24 h response values of the user's typical response curve are used as the data set of the spectral clustering based on dual‐scale similarities of distance and curve shape to classify the users, and the user's response levels are divided according to the clustering centre of each class. Next, the user optimisation aggregation model of LA considering risk is established. Finally, a practical case study is employed to verify the correctness and validity of the model.
Method to suppress sub‐synchronous oscillation of DFIG‐based wind farms based on virtual impedance
Authors: Ning Wei , Wu Xi , Guan Ya Jing , Chen Fan
Published: January 2018

This study proposes a novel method that can mitigate sub‐synchronous oscillation in the wind farm by adding virtual impedance controller to the rotor side converter (RSC) of doubly‐fed induction generator (DFIG). Firstly, the transfer function of RSC is obtained, taking into account the structure of outer voltage loop in RSC and virtual impedance controller. Then, the design procedure of virtual impedance controller is converted into an optimisation problem for maximising the absolute phase of this transfer function at the resonance frequency. Also genetic algorithm is utiliesd to obtain the optimal parameters of controller. Both the frequency‐domain analysis of this transfer function and time‐domain simulation have validated the effectiveness of this optimal parameters, and the superiority of virtual impedance controller is compared with virtual resistance controller finally.
Study on system commissioning test and project application of Lingzhou to Shaoxing UHVDC transmission project
Authors: Yang Wankai
Published: January 2018

Lingzhou to Shaoxing (LS) ± 800 kV ultra‐high voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission project is the first rectifier side access 750 kV power grids. 750 kV bus voltage fluctuation in Lingzhou side is bigger because the rectifier side supporting the power generator has not been put into production. The system commissioning test program was researched according to the above characteristics. The contents of the system commissioning test program include system test aim, the conditions of the alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) system, test contents and operation steps, the measurement signals, the test results acceptable criteria, and safety and stable precautions during the UHVDC project system test. Referring the Haminan to Zhengzhou (HZ) UHVDC transmission project system test and operation experience, the system commissioning test items were put forward and confirmed, addition test items included some control function verification tests. The system commissioning test program and measurement program that included the transformer DC magnetic bias current measurement, wind generator sub‐synchronous oscillation monitoring near Lingzhou side area was prepared based on the analysis results of the bus voltage strategy in the rectifier side, the system security and stability strategy in the rectifier and inverter side, and AC and DC line ground fault analysis in this study. The results of the system commissioning test indicated that the system commissioning test program met the demand of verifying LS project technical specification and guaranteed LS project to put into operation in time.
Harmonic transfer characteristics of MMC‐HVDC systems
Authors: Rong Li , Jun Wen , Ruoxi Liu , Han Yan , Kangsheng Cui
Published: January 2018

Modular multilevel converter (MMC) is considered as the most potential development of multilevel converter, the future of high‐voltage electric energy conversion, especially in the high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission since the very beginning because of its unmatched advantages such as high modularity, compact structure, high quality of output waveform, and common DC bus. However, due to the structural characteristics of the MMC itself, there will be circulating current that cannot be eliminated but suppressed in the arm, causing AC/DC‐side harmonic. Here, the authors first analyse the circuit topology, working principle, and characteristics of the MMC. The coupling relationship of MMC is studied by using the switching function method in the modulation theory, to facilitate rigorous analysis of the interrelationship between the harmonic and circulating current of MMC and the influencing factors of the harmonic from the analytical point of view. The influence of the harmonic generated by the MMC converter on the AC/DC side can be obtained by derivation. Moreover, the transfer mechanism of the background harmonic coming from AC system is further studied. Furthermore, the foregoing conclusions on harmonic transfer characteristics of MMC‐HVDC system are verified by using the simulation model built on PSCAD/EMTDC.
Three‐phase dynamic phasor model of HVDC systems
Authors: Luo Gang , Liu Chongru , Qian Feng , Yang Yinguo , Liu Junlei , Zhao Yunhao , Xu Wei
Published: January 2018

A three‐phase dynamic phasor (TPDP) model of high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) systems is proposed. The proposed TPDP model of HVDC systems can rapidly solve the dynamic characteristics of HVDC systems under the asymmetrical conditions of an alternating current system. The switch function model of the converter is enhanced according to commutation process analysis of the converter. Due to the frequency characteristics analysis results, the TPDP model of the HVDC systems including the converter, DC line, and controller are established through dynamic phasor theory. Simulation results show that the proposed model is effective and acceptable.
Research on power loss of distribution network with photovoltaic access
Authors: Han Rundong , Wang Qi , Wang Tianzheng , Zheng Yaxuan , Guan Shaoping
Published: January 2018

Grid‐connected photovoltaic power generation has been the main form of solar energy in use. By establishing the model of the distribution network with grid‐connected photovoltaic power generation, the relationship between power loss and the connected station, connect capacity, operation power factor of photovoltaic power was analysed, and the engineering modelling solutions of power loss in a distribution network with photovoltaic power were achieved in this study.
Design of a novel voltage regulating distribution transformer with a power electronic‐assisted booster system
Authors: Jin Guiyang , Yang Keji , Liu Jun
Published: January 2018

Distribution grid is facing challenges arising from more and more renewable power generation connected to distribution networks. Heavy embedded generation has led to frequent voltage fluctuations in the form of under‐voltage and over‐voltage. Voltage control using traditional voltage regulators are unable to cope with this situation which limits the power output from renewable power generation. A novel design of a main transformer combined with a second booster transformer is proposed which provides frequent voltage regulation no matter under‐voltage or over‐voltage of distribution networks. The modification in the voltage is produced by the second booster transformer which has taps developed through a combination of no‐load mechanical switches and hybrid switch. The hybrid switch consists of a mechanical switch and two bidirectional semiconductor switches. Mechanical switches ensure low steady‐state losses and the power electronic switches are used for arc‐free tap changing. The novel design of the transformer is cost‐effective, efficient, and can regulate voltage quickly and frequently.
Fault characteristics of full power inverted sources and its short‐circuit current calculation model
Authors: Zhang Chi , Zeng Jie , Zhao Wei , Zhong Guobin , Zhang Wei , Li Weiren , Dai Ming
Published: January 2018

With a growing number of large‐scale new energy sources integrating to grid in China, it is necessary to investigate the fault characteristics of the grid. Fault characteristics of an actual wind farm with full power inverted (FPI) sources inside were analysed based on its fault recorded data, with the current features of outgoing line and collector lines investigated, respectively. Next, fault current calculation model for FPI sources under low‐voltage ride through strategy was proposed, based on a comprehensive analysis of the control system of FPI sources, where the response of current loop and current limiter was explored. Finally, the model was verified with simulation in a variety of fault scenario. The proposed calculation model is proved to be precise enough to meet the demand of short‐circuit calculation.
Bi‐level two‐stage stochastic SCUC for ISO day‐ahead scheduling considering uncertain wind power and demand response
Authors: Gong Naiwei , Luo Xianjue , Chen Danyang
Published: January 2018

This study considers ISO day‐ahead (DA) scheduling under uncertain conditions with demand response (DR). Two kinds of DR, incentive‐based DR (IDR) and price‐based DR (PDR) are both incorporated according to their response characteristics. A bi‐level two‐stage stochastic security‐constrained unit commitment (SCUC) model is proposed for this programme to minimise the ISO cost considering uncertain wind power output and uncertain price elasticity. The upper level is a two‐stage stochastic programme. The first stage determines unit commitment and contract capacity of IDR programme while the second stage determines economic dispatch, wind power utilisation and actual dispatch power of IDR programme in the real‐time (RT). A chance‐constraint is used to ensure wind power utilisation. In the lower level, a priority method is used to select successful bidders based on the calculated contract capacity from the upper level. Results on the revised IEEE 118‐bus system show that, the ISO would avoid frequent rescheduling and economic loss with uncertain PDR incorporated into the model. Besides, with IDR flexibly mitigating uncertainty and volatility from wind power and PDR, the ISO would have lower cost and avoid frequent rescheduling of thermal units. Also, this model could ensure wind power utilisation, thus promoting wind power integration.
Research on five‐phase induction motor system control with third harmonic current injection
Authors: Zhu Peng , Qiao Mingzhong , Wei Yongqing , Xia Yihui
Published: January 2018

To enhance the power density of five‐phase induction motor system, the structure with concentrated full‐pitch windings is adopted, and then the five‐phase motor system is drove by a non‐sinusoidal power supply with third‐harmonic injection. By dual‐plane rotation transformation, the mathematic models in two orthogonal space planes, d 1–q 1 and d 3–q 3, were deduced. The magnetic fluxes in the fundamental and third‐harmonic space were oriented on the d 1 and d 3 axes, and the corresponding equations of rotor field‐oriented control were obtained. To satisfy the requirement of a quasi‐square air‐gap flux, the direct and quadrature current components in the third‐harmonic plane as non‐linear functions of the fundamental components are calculated. On the basis above, the field‐oriented vector control method for a five‐phase induction motor with the third‐harmonic current injection was proposed. Finally, simulation by MATLAB/Simulink and experiment is implanted on the five‐phase induction motor. The results indicate that the air‐gap magnetic field gets improved, and the power density of five‐phase induction motor is enhanced without any increase of power switch capacity and machine size.
Vibration of saturable reactor core used in HVDC converter valve system
Authors: Zhang Pengning , Li Lin
Published: January 2018

The vibration and noise of the saturable reactor used in A5000 converter valve are serious problems, and the main factor of the vibration is the magnetostrictive effect caused by AC harmonic currents. In order to study the vibration mechanism of the saturable reactor core, the magnetic field, circuit, and structure field are coupled based on finite element method (FEM) and the improved magnetostrictive model. The magnetic flux density, displacement, magnetostriction force, and Maxwell force of a single core are simulated when it is working < 200 Hz AC voltage of different amplitude. A single core of the saturable reactor vibration experiment platform is built to validate the simulation. The calculated vibration acceleration is consistent with the experimental data. The aim of the study is to predict the core's vibration level and build a basis for seeking new vibration reduction methods at the design stage of saturable reactor.
Genetic characterization of three mitochondrial gene sequences of goat/sheep-derived coenurus cerebralis and cysticercus tenuicollis isolates in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Zhang Yichi , Zhao Wei , Yang Di , Tian Yuan , Zhang Weizhe , Liu Aiqin
Published: January 2018

Taenia multiceps and Taenia hydatigena are widely distributed tapeworms of canids. Due to a lack of genetic information on these two parasites in China, in this study we analyzed six coenurus cerebralis and two cysticercus tenuicollis cysts from goats or sheep in Inner Mongolia, northern China by amplifying three mitochondrial genes (cox1, nad4, and cytb). Two haplotypes were obtained at each locus for either of the two Taenia cestode species, with ten nucleotide sequences being novel. The degrees of genetic variations were 1.18%, 0.61% and 0.52% for coenurus cerebralis, and 0.24%, 0.46% and 0.35% for cysticercus tenuicollis at the cox1, nad4 and cytb loci, respectively. This is the first molecular description of animal-derived metacestodes of T. multiceps and T. hydatigena in Inner Mongolia, China. Novel nucleotide sequences might reflect endemic genetic characterization of the two cestodes. The present data are useful to explore the biological and epidemiological significance of intra-specific variations within both Taenia cestodes.
Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration: Emergence as a Treatment for Gastric Varices and Medically Refractory Hepatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Chen Ronnie , Lee Edward , Cho Sung
Published: January 2018

Gastric or esophageal variceal bleeding is a major complication of portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis. Currently, liver transplant is still considered a gold standard treatment for gastric or esophageal variceal bleeding. What about varices associated with splenic vein thrombosis? In the United States and Europe, endoscopic treatment and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) have been considered as effective treatment options for these variceal bleeding. However, in South Korea and Japan, balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) has been considered as a well-accepted treatment option for the gastric variceal bleeding. In recent years, based on favorable outcomes of BRTO in Asia and unfavorable outcomes/complications of TIPS, BRTO has emerged as an alternative therapy for gastric varices in the Western world. In this review, we describe the indications/contraindications, techniques, and outcomes of BRTO.
Pregnant Women's Knowledge and Beliefs about the Safety and Outcomes of Delivery at Various Gestational Ages
Authors: Baldwin Melody , Swamy Geeta , Wheeler Sarahn
Published: January 2018

Objectives Despite the morbidity associated with late preterm and early-term births, there is limited data on pregnant women's perception of neonatal risk based on gestational age (GA). Therefore, our objective was to determine pregnant women's perception of neonatal risks at varying GAs.

Method Through an anonymous 24-question survey, pregnant women were asked to designate the GA at delivery that is desirable, safe, and defined as full term. Responses were compared based on race, history of preterm birth, and medical comorbidities.

Results Among the 233 survey respondents, the majority (62.9%) desired delivery at 36 to 39 weeks' gestation. Black women were more likely to desire delivery at 28 to 35 weeks compared with other racial/ethnic groups (p = 0.005). Women with a history of preterm birth or medical complications were less likely to desire delivery at 40 weeks. More than 40% of respondents thought delivery at 8 months of pregnancy was safe and 40.3% responded that 37 weeks' gestation is considered term.

Conclusion Misconceptions surrounding the definition of a term pregnancy are pervasive and vary by race, obstetric history, and medical comorbidities. Our findings highlight the need for patient education about appropriate gestational length, especially in minority and high-risk populations.
Leben mit einem lokal begrenzten Prostatakarzinom – Entscheidungsfindung und Krankheitsverarbeitung
Authors: Kendel Friederike , Otto Isabella , Engler Jennifer , Schrader Mark , Holmberg Christine
Published: January 2018

Einleitung Männer, die die Diagnose „lokal begrenztes Prostatakarzinom“ erhalten, müssen eine Entscheidung zwischen Behandlungsstrategien treffen, die sich in ihren Nebenwirkungen erheblich unterscheiden und langfristig sehr unterschiedliche Anforderungen an die Krankheitsbewältigung stellen. Ziel dieser Studie war zu beschreiben, wie Männer ihre Therapieentscheidung im Nachhinein wahrnehmen und welche Bewältigungsstrategien sie einsetzen.

Material & Methoden Fünfzehn Männer (Alter M=67,13±9,38 Jahre) mit der Diagnose lokal begrenztes Prostatakarzinom nahmen an drei Fokusgruppen teil, die nach Behandlungsstrategie (radikale Prostatektomie, Radiotherapie, aktive Überwachung) zusammengestellt wurden. Ein Interviewleitfaden strukturierte die Fokusgruppendiskussionen. In Analogie zu dem Leitfaden wurde das Material in einem ersten Schritt deduktiv sortiert; in einem zweiten Schritt wurden Unterkategorien induktiv aus dem Material heraus entwickelt.

Ergebnisse Die Inhaltsanalyse ergab vier Kernthemen: (1) Die Diagnosemitteilung und die damit verbundenen Reaktionen. (2) Der Prozess der Entscheidungsfindung, bei dem der wahrgenommene Zeitdruck besonders herausgestellt wurde. (3) Die Bewältigungsstrategien im Umgang mit der Erkrankung, die ein breites Spektrum zeigten: hier waren Ablenkung, Informationssuche und Lebensstiländerungen zentral. (4) Die Wahrnehmung der Erkrankung über die Zeit. Männer unter aktiver Überwachung hoben die Bedeutung der Entschleunigung für ihre Entscheidungsfindung sowie die Rolle von Lebensstiländerungen besonders hervor.

Diskussion Die Art und Weise der Aufklärung ist auch lange Zeit nach der Diagnosemitteilung noch sehr präsent. Möglicherweise würden sich durch eine Abnahme des Zeitdrucks und eine Entschleunigung mehr Männer für ein abwartendes Vorgehen entscheiden. Lebensstiländerungen könnten insbesondere Männern, die sich für aktive Überwachung entscheiden, helfen, das Gefühl des „Nichts-Tuns“ zu überwinden und ein Gefühl der Kontrolle zu erhalten.

Schlussfolgerung Angesichts der Vielfalt der möglichen Behandlungsstrategien wird eine Handlungsethik benötigt, die dem Bedürfnis nach einer individuellen und präferenzsensitiven Entscheidung gerecht wird.
Point-of-care testing in the early diagnosis of acute pesticide intoxication: The example of paraquat
Authors: Wei Ting-Yen , Yen Tzung-Hai , Cheng Chao-Min
Published: January 2018

Acute pesticide intoxication is a common method of suicide globally. This article reviews current diagnostic methods and makes suggestions for future development. In the case of paraquat intoxication, it is characterized by multi-organ failure, causing substantial mortality and morbidity. Early diagnosis may save the life of a paraquat intoxication patient. Conventional paraquat intoxication diagnostic methods, such as symptom review and urine sodium dithionite assay, are time-consuming and impractical in resource-scarce areas where most intoxication cases occur. Several experimental and clinical studies have shown the potential of portable Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS), paper-based devices, and machine learning for paraquat intoxication diagnosis. Portable SERS and new SERS substrates maintain the sensitivity of SERS while being less costly and more convenient than conventional SERS. Paper-based devices provide the advantages of price and portability. Machine learning algorithms can be implemented as a mobile phone application and facilitate diagnosis in resource-limited areas. Although these methods have not yet met all features of an ideal diagnostic method, the combination and development of these methods offer much promise.
A flexible piezoresistive carbon black network in silicone rubber for wide range deformation and strain sensing
Authors: Zhu Jianxiong , Wang Hai , Zhu Yali
Published: January 2018

This work presents the design, fabrication, and measurement of a piezoresistive device with a carbon black (CB) particle network in a highly flexible silicone rubber for large deformation and wide range strain sensing. The piezoresistive composite film was fabricated with a mixture of silicone rubber and CB filler particles. The test results showed that the CB particle network in the silicone rubber strongly affected the resistance of the device during the process of drawing and its recovery. We found that the 50% volume ratio of CB filler particles showed a lower relative resistance than the 33.3% volume ratio of CB filler particles, but with an advantage of good resistance recovery stability and a smaller perturbation error (smaller changed resistance) during the periodic back and forth linear motor test. With both having a 50% volume ratio of CB filler particles and a 33.3% volume ratio of CB filler particles, one can reach up to 200% strain with resistances 18 kΩ and 110 kΩ, respectively. We also found that the relative resistance increased in an approximately linear relationship corresponding to the value of step-increased instantaneous length for the reported device. Moreover, an application test through hand drawing was used to demonstrate the piezoresistive performance of the device, which showed that the reported device was capable of measuring the instantaneous length with large deformation.
Doping effects on structural and magnetic properties of Heusler alloys Fe2Cr1-xCoxSi
Authors: Liu Yifan , Ren Lizhu , Zheng Yuhong , He Shikun , Liu Yang , Yang Ping , Yang Hyunsoo , Teo Kie Leong
Published: January 2018

In this work, 30nm Fe2Cr1-xCoxSi (FCCS) magnetic films were deposited on Cr buffered MgO (100) substrates by sputtering. Fe2Cr0.5Co0.5Si exhibits the largest magnetization and optimal ordered L21 cubic structure at in-situ annealing temperature (Tia) of 450°C. The Co composition dependence of crystalline structures, surface morphology, defects, lattice distortions and their correlation with the magnetic properties are analyzed in detail. The Co-doped samples show in-plane M-H loops with magnetic squareness ratio of 1 and increasing anisotropy energy density with Co composition. Appropriate Co doping composition promotes L21 phase but higher Co composition converts L21 to B2 phase. Doping effect and lattice mismatch both are proved to increase the defect density. In addition, distortions of the FCCS lattice are found to be approximately linear with Co composition. The largest lattice distortion (c/a) is 0.969 for Fe2Cr0.25Co0.75Si and the smallest is 0.983 for Fe2CrSi. Our analyses suggest that these tetragonal distortions mainly induced by an elastic stress from Cr buffer account for the large in-plane anisotropy energy. This work paves the way for further tailoring the magnetic and structural properties of quaternary Heusler alloys.
A parallel input composite transimpedance amplifier
Authors: Kim D. J. , Kim C.
Published: January 2018

A new approach to high performance current to voltage preamplifier design is presented. The design using multiple operational amplifiers (op-amps) has a parasitic capacitance compensation network and a composite amplifier topology for fast, precision, and low noise performance. The input stage consisting of a parallel linked JFET op-amps and a high-speed bipolar junction transistor (BJT) gain stage driving the output in the composite amplifier topology, cooperating with the capacitance compensation feedback network, ensures wide bandwidth stability in the presence of input capacitance above 40 nF. The design is ideal for any two-probe measurement, including high impedance transport and scanning tunneling microscopy measurements.
Machine learning identifies flow patterns faster and better with a combined analysis approach
Authors: Majors J. H.
Published: January 2018

Combining principle component analysis with machine learning and high-speed imaging, increases both accuracy and speed of identification in nanofluid gas-liquid two-phase flow.
Fluorine-donating electrolytes enable highly reversible 5-V-class Li metal batteries
Authors: Suo Liumin , Xue Weijiang , Gobet Mallory , Greenbaum Steve G. , Wang Chao , Chen Yuming , Yang Wanlu , Li Yangxing , Li Ju
Published: January 2018

Significance

Rechargeable lithium metal battery (RLMB) is the holy grail of high-energy-density batteries. If lithium metal anode (LMA) could be combined with 5-V LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4cathode, energy density could exceed 600 Wh/kg based on the cathode and anode electrode mass. Despite such promises, 5-V RLMB is still a vacant research space so far due to the unavailability of electrolytes which simultaneously satisfy a wide enough electrochemical stability window, good compatibility with LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4, and superior reversibility of LMA. In this work, a class of full-fluoride (FF) electrolyte is invented for 5-V RLMB which not only has good compatibility with cathode and a wide stability window but also possesses the capability to make LMA more stable and reversible.
Investigating the role of speaker attitudes in koinéisation in Hohhot, China
Authors: Wang Xuan
Published: January 2018

This paper explores the correlation between speakers’ social attitudes and their linguistic production in a contact-induced dialect mixture in Hohhot, a Chinese immigrant city. In Hohhot, the contact between the community speaking the local Jìn dialect and migrants from all parts of the country has led to the formation of a new vernacular. Thirty-five speakers across three generations from the migrant community were recorded, and their social attitudes in different dimensions were measured through questionnaires. A significant correlation between the speakers’ attitudinal scores and their adoption of a local Jìn feature was found by mixed-effects modelling, and the effects of attitude remained even when speakers’ social contact with Jìn speakers was considered. The findings demonstrate the role of attitudes in contact-induced linguistic change and suggest that speakers’ overt attitudes recorded in questionnaires are also likely to predict their linguistic production.
Possibility of semantic involvement in the L1-L2 congruency effect in the processing of L2 collocations
Authors: Yamashita Junko
Published: January 2018

A growing body of second language (L2) research has identified the congruency effect in the processing of L2 collocations (L2 collocations that have word-for-word translation equivalents in learners’ first language [L1] are processed more quickly and accurately than those that have no such forms in L1). However, the locus of this effect has yet to be fully understood. This study explored the possibility of semantic involvement in this phenomenon by categorizing congruent and incongruent items used in the past studies according to the semantic transparency of collocations. Results showed a clear dominance of transparent items in the congruent category and that of opaque items in the incongruent category, suggesting the possibility of semantic involvement in the congruency effect. However, considerations of other factors observed in the pertinent studies led to the conclusion that there is something more in the congruency effect beyond semantic transparency.
Using eye tracking to investigate what bilinguals notice about
linguistic landscape images
Authors: Vingron Naomi , Gullifer Jason W. , Hamill Julia , Leimgruber Jakob , Titone Debra
Published: January 2018

In daily life, we experience dynamic visual input referred to as the “linguistic
landscape” (LL), comprised of images and text, for example, signs, and
billboards (Gorter, 2013; Landry & Bourhis, 1997; Shohamy, Ben-Rafael and Barni 2010). While much is known about LLs descriptively, less is known about what
people notice when viewing LLs. Building upon the bilingual eye movement reading
literature (e.g., Whitford, Pivneva, & Titone, 2016) and the scene viewing
literature (e.g., Henderson & Ferreira,
2004), we report a preliminary study of French-English bilinguals’
eye movements as they viewed LL images from Montréal. These preliminary data
suggest that eye tracking is a promising new method for investigating how people
with different language backgrounds process real-world LL images.
Conflicts in comparison
Authors: Mattfeldt Anna
Published: January 2018

In a globalised world, national discourses are also perceived and commented on in other countries and languages. This paper focuses on newspaper coverage of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum in both Scotland and Germany, comparing two print media corpora in two languages. The linguistic depiction of the arguments and conflicts in Scottish newspapers is compared to the discussion of Scottish independence in German newspapers. In order to find conflictive ‘hotspots’ in both corpora, adversative and concessive connectors of both languages are taken as a starting point for a comparative conflict-oriented discourse analysis in seven steps. Differences and similarities of the most important conflicting concepts as well as the role of stereotypes and language difference are then compared and discussed.
“Well would you believe it, I have failed the exam again”
Authors: Speyer Augustin , Fetzer Anita
Published: January 2018

This paper compares the linguistic realization of coordinating and subordinating
discourse relations in English and German short personal narratives, paying
particular attention to the context-dependence of (1) their overt marking with
discourse connectives, and (2) their adjacent and non-adjacent positioning. The
analysis is based on 20 written texts collected from university students.

The use of discourse connectives with adjacently and non-adjacently positioned
discourse relations is more frequent in the English data. Considering the
sentence as the unit of investigation, the coordinating relations of Contrast
and Result and the subordinating relation of Explanation are marked overtly
throughout the English data, while coordinating Narration and Background, and
subordinating Elaboration and Comment relations are marked overtly less
frequently. The picture is roughly similar with clauses as units of
investigation. In the German data, the use of discourse connectives is also more
frequent irrespective of adjacently or non-adjacently positioned discourse
relations.
Order in disorder
Authors: Ledoux Sarah , Bull Peter
Published: January 2018

Recent research has established that Japanese political oratory and audience behaviour (Bull & Feldman 2011;Feldman & Bull 2012) are fundamentally different to those found in British political speeches (Heritage & Greatbatch 1986). To further develop these cross-cultural analyses of political rhetoric, speaker-audience interaction was analysed in ten speeches by the two second-round candidates in the 2012 French presidential elections (François Hollande; Nicolas Sarkozy). Analogous to British speeches, French speeches were characterised by “implicit” affiliative response invitations and asynchronous speaker-audience interaction, in contrast to Japanese “explicit” invitations and synchrony. These results were interpreted in terms ofHofstede’s (2001)individualism-collectivism cultural dimensions. Dissimilarities in audience responses between the two candidates were also identified and discussed. The analysis of cross-cultural differences continues to reveal the intricate differences between societies, and ensures academic understanding on rhetoric is not boxed into crude universal rules.
Automatic extraction of specialized verbal units
Authors: Ghazzawi Nizar , Robichaud Benoît , Drouin Patrick , Sadat Fatiha
Published: January 2018

This paper presents a methodology for the automatic extraction of specialized
Arabic, English and French verbs of the field of computing. Since nominal terms
are predominant in terminology, our interest is to explore to what extent verbs
can also be part of a terminological analysis. Hence, our objective is to verify
how an existing extraction tool will perform when it comes to specialized verbs
in a given specialized domain. Furthermore, we want to investigate any
particularities that a language can represent regarding verbal terms from the
automatic extraction perspective. Our choice to operate on three different
languages reflects our desire to see whether the chosen tool can perform better
on one language compared to the others. Moreover, given that Arabic is a
morphologically rich and complex language, we consider investigating the results
yielded by the extraction tool. The extractor used for our experiment is
TermoStat (Drouin 2003). So far, our
results show that the extraction of verbs of computing represents certain
differences in terms of quality and particularities of these units in this
specialized domain between the languages under question.
From writing to sign
Authors: Wurm Svenja
Published: January 2018

This article investigates the roles that text modalities play in translation from written text into recorded signed language. While written literacy practices have a long history, practices involving recorded signed texts are only beginning to develop. In addition, the specific characteristics of source and target modes offer different potentials and limitations, causing challenges for translation between written and signed language. Drawing on an ideological model of literacy and a social-semiotic multimodality approach, this article presents findings of a qualitative case study analyzing one practitioner’s strategies translating an academic text from written English into British Sign Language. Data generated through interviews and text analysis reveal an event influenced by the affordances of the media and the translator’s consideration of source and target literacy practices.
Impact of uncertainties on biomass to biofuel systems.
Authors: Verma S. K. , Fenila F. , Soren A. , Shastri Y.
Published: January 2018

Among the various sources of biomass, the lignocellulosic sources such as agricultural residue, dedicated energy grasses, forestry residue and short rotation woody biomass are expected to satisfy a significant fraction of the total future demand. However, while technologically feasible, the production of biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass is not techno-economically feasible. The presence of various uncertainties creates a number of challenges in overcoming these hurdles. The biomass to biofuel system is impacted by variability, both natural as well as anthropogenic, at almost all stages. This includes variability in feedstock production on a seasonal basis, variability in feedstock composition, variability in process efficiencies and variability in prices of raw material and products. This makes the optimization of the complete system extremely challenging. This article highlights the presence of these uncertainties and their impact on the operations of the biomass to biofuel systems. A detailed classification of uncertainties in biomass to biofuel systems, methods of incorporating uncertainties in process optimization and supply chain design are reviewed and explained. The paper will also review the work done to address these uncertainties using systematic methods.
Properties of ultrafine-grained Mg-based composites modified by addition of silver and hydroxyapatite
Authors: Kowalski Kamil , Jurczyk Mieczyslawa U. , Wirstlein Przemyslaw K. , Jakubowicz Jaroslaw , Jurczyk Mieczyslaw
Published: January 2018

In this study, hydroxyapatite and silver were added to Mg–1Zn–1Mn–0.3Zr alloy to fabricate ultrafine-grained metal matrix composites. Grain sizes of approximately 85 nm were recorded by atomic force microscopy for the Mg–1Zn–1Mn–0.3Zr–5 wt-% HA–1 wt-% Ag composite. The contact angles in water and simulated body fluid on the ultrafine-grained Mg–1Zn–1Mn–0.3Zr-based composites were determined. Following a hydrofluoric acid treatment, the surface wettability changed from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity. The electrochemical test showed that the corrosion resistance of the fluoride-treated specimens was higher, when compared with the untreated samples. The Mg–1Zn–1Mn–0.3Zr–5 wt-% HA and Mg–1Zn–1Mn–0.3Zr–5 wt-% of HA–1 wt-% Ag composites modified with MgF2 have a higher degree of biocompatibility, which makes them potential candidates for medical applications
Spatiotemporal organization of exocytosis emerges during neuronal shape change
Authors: Urbina Fabio L. , Gomez Shawn M. , Gupton Stephanie L.
Published: January 2018

Neurite elongation and branching in developing neurons requires plasmalemma expansion, hypothesized to occur primarily via exocytosis. We posited that exocytosis in developing neurons and nonneuronal cells would exhibit distinct spatiotemporal organization. We exploited total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to image vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP)–pHluorin—mediated exocytosis in mouse embryonic cortical neurons and interphase melanoma cells, and developed computer-vision software and statistical tools to uncover spatiotemporal aspects of exocytosis. Vesicle fusion behavior differed between vesicle types, cell types, developmental stages, and extracellular environments. Experiment-based mathematical calculations indicated that VAMP2-mediated vesicle fusion supplied excess material for the plasma membrane expansion that occurred early in neuronal morphogenesis, which was balanced by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Spatial statistics uncovered distinct spatiotemporal regulation of exocytosis in the soma and neurites of developing neurons that was modulated by developmental stage, exposure to the guidance cue netrin-1, and the brain-enriched ubiquitin ligase tripartite motif 9. In melanoma cells, exocytosis occurred less frequently, with distinct spatial clustering patterns.
Sea pens in the Mediterranean Sea: habitat suitability and opportunities for ecosystem recovery
Authors: Bastari Azzurra , Pica Daniela , Ferretti Francesco , Micheli Fiorenza , Cerrano Carlo
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study is to synthesize available information on sea pens in the Mediterranean Sea and fill existing knowledge gaps through modelling of suitable habitat, with the overarching goal of informing strategies for protecting sea pen habitats from trawling impacts and facilitating their recovery. A review spanning the last 30 years was conducted to map the distribution of Mediterranean sea pen species. In the Adriatic Sea, presence–absence data were modelled with generalized additive models (GAMs) to identify potentially suitable habitats for Funiculina quadrangularis, Virgularia mirabilis, and Pennatula spp. Results show that sea pen distribution in the Mediterranean is mainly limited to continental northern shelves. Six species have been recorded throughout the Adriatic basin, where habitat suitability models confirm that its soft bottoms yield favourable conditions for sea pen assemblages. This information can help guide strategies for diminishing and reversing the impacts of bottom trawling on these vulnerable habitats.
The virial mass distribution of ultradiffuse galaxies in clusters and groups
Authors: Amorisco N C
Published: January 2018

We use the observed abundances of ultradiffuse galaxies (UDGs) in clusters and groups and Λ cold dark matter subhalo mass functions to put constraints on the distribution of present-day halo masses of satellite UDGs. If all of the most massive subhaloes in the cluster host a UDG, UDGs occupy all subhaloes with log Msub/M⊙ ≳ 11. For a model in which the efficiency of UDG formation is higher around some characteristic halo mass, higher fractions of massive UDGs require larger spreads in the UDG mass distribution. In a cluster with a virial mass of 1015 M⊙, the 90 per cent upper limit for the fraction of UDGs with log Msub/M⊙ > 12 is 7 per cent, occupying 70 per cent of all cluster subhaloes above the same mass. To reproduce the observed abundances, however, the mass distribution of satellite UDGs has to be broad, with > 30 per cent having log Msub/M⊙ < 10.9. This strongly supports that UDGs are part of a continuous distribution in which a majority are hosted by low-mass haloes. The abundance of satellite UDGs may fall short of the linear relation with the cluster/group mass Mhost in low-mass hosts, log Mhost/M⊙ ∼ 12. Characterizing these deviations – or the lack thereof – will allow for stringent constraints on the UDG virial mass distribution.
Does Performing Preplacement Workplace Hair Drug Testing Influence US Department of Transportation Random and Postaccident Urine Drug Test Positivity Rates?
Authors: Price James W.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Does performing pre-employment hair drug testing subsequently affect the prevalence of positive random and postaccident urine drug tests?

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of positive postaccident and random workplace urine drug tests for companies that perform pre-employment hair and urine drug testing to companies that only perform pre-employment urine drug testing.

Results:

Fisher exact test of independence indicated no significant difference between pre-employment hair drug testing and overall US Department of Transportation random and postaccident urine drug test positivity rates.

Conclusions:

The analysis failed to reject the null hypothesis, suggesting that pre-employment hair drug testing had no effect upon random and postaccident urine drug test positivity rates.
Cardiopulmonary Aerobic Fitness Assessment During Maximal and Submaximal Exercise Testing in Pediatric Oncology Patients After Chemotherapy
Authors: Powell Adam W. , Nagarajan Rajaram , Mays Wayne A. , Chin Clifford , Knilans Timothy K. , Knecht Sandra K. , Amos Michelle A. , Gerdes Yvette M. , Ryan Thomas D.
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

The cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is a valuable tool to assess cardiopulmonary exercise capacity in pediatric oncology patients after chemotherapy. In addition, few studies on the utility of submaximal testing have been performed, which could be important as some patients are unable to complete a maximal effort test secondary to deconditioning by both disease and treatment.

Materials and Methods:

We performed a retrospective chart review of pediatric cancer patients exposed to chemotherapy from 1992 to 2013 who underwent CPET with cycle ergometry (n=27). The study patients were compared with age-matched, sex-matched, and size-matched normal controls. The submaximal measure recorded was the oxygen consumption (VO2)@respiratory exchange ratio (RER) 1.0 during a maximal effort test.

Results:

The chemotherapy group demonstrated significantly lower exercise time (9.2±3.6 vs. 11.4±3.8; P=0.008), total work capacity (4914.4±3290.3 vs. 7664.4±4289.5; P=0.004), systolic blood pressure at peak exercise (162.9±23.2 vs. 177.3±23.8; P=0.01), indexed peak VO2 (33.9±6.9 vs. 40.0±6.3; P=0.001), and indexed peak oxygen pulse (6.1±1.3 vs. 7.0±1.5; P=0.004)). For the submaximal outcome measured, 11/27 of the chemotherapy patients had VO2@RER 1.0 values <−2 SD from the mean compared with 0/27 control patients.

Conclusions:

Pediatric patients exposed to chemotherapy have impaired cardiopulmonary exercise capacity. The VO2@RER 1.0 in chemotherapy patients suggests that this may be a reliable submaximal measure in this population.

Implications for Cancer Survivors:

This study demonstrates that the CPET can be used in pediatric cancer survivors with prior exposure to chemotherapy to demonstrate impaired cardiopulmonary exercise tolerance, which is demonstrated on submaximal and maximal effort testing.
An Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Pathway for Microvascular Breast Reconstruction Is Safe and Effective
Authors: Astanehe Arezoo , Temple-Oberle Claire , Nielsen Markus , de Haas William , Lindsay Robert , Matthews Jennifer , McKenzie David C , Yeung Justin , Schrag Christiaan
Published: January 2018

Background:

The aim of this study was to develop, implement, and evaluate a standardized perioperative enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) clinical care pathway in microsurgical abdominal-based breast reconstruction.

Methods:

Development of a clinical care pathway was informed by the latest ERAS guideline for breast reconstruction. Key features included shortened preoperative fasting, judicious fluids, multimodal analgesics, early oral nutrition, early Foley catheter removal, and early ambulation. There were 3 groups of women in this cohort study: (1) traditional historical control; (2) transition group with partial implementation; and (3) ERAS. Narcotic use, patient-reported pain scores, antiemetic use, time to regular diet, time to first walk, hospital length of stay, and 30-day postoperative complications were compared between the groups.

Results:

After implementation of the pathway, the use of parenteral narcotics was reduced by 88% (traditional, 112 mg; transition, 58 mg; ERAS, 13 mg; P < 0.0001), with no consequent increase in patient-reported pain. Patients in the ERAS cohort used less antiemetics (7.0, 5.3, 2.2 doses, P < 0.0001), returned to normal diet 19 hours earlier (46, 39, 27 hours, P < 0.0001), and walked 25 hours sooner (75, 70, 50 hours, P < 0.0001). Overall, hospital length of stay was reduced by 2 days in the ERAS cohort (6.6, 5.6, 4.8 days, P < 0.0001), without an increase in rates of major complications (9.5%, 10.1%, 8.3%, P = 0.9).

Conclusions:

A clinical care pathway in microsurgical breast reconstruction using the ERAS Society guideline promotes successful early recovery.