bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Judicial Self-Government and Judicial Independence: the Political Capture of the General Council of the Judiciary in Spain
Authors: Pérez Aida Torres
Published: March 2019

The General Council of the Judiciary is the main institution of judicial self-government in Spain. It was established to ensure the external independence of the judiciary, and in particular the independence of the judiciary vis-à-vis the executive branch of government. To what extent does the Judicial Council manage to fulfill its goal? First, the evolution of the Judicial Council will be presented in order to understand the principal reforms and reasons behind its creation. Next, the impact of the Judicial Council upon judicial independence, as well as accountability, transparency, and public confidence will be critically examined in order to assess its contribution to judicial legitimacy. In the end, it will be argued that the politicization of the Judicial Council has hindered it from protecting judicial independence from partisan interests, and has contributed to undermining public confidence in the judiciary.
Judicial Self Government in the Netherlands: Demarcating Autonomy
Authors: Mak Elaine
Published: March 2019

Based on which values and to what extent does a specific legal system endorse a model of self-government of the judiciary? How is such self-government shaped? Which lessons can be drawn from practical experiences relating to major organizational reforms? This article addresses these questions with the aim of analyzing the influence of reforms of judicial self-government in the Netherlands on the realization of the core values of independence, accountability, legitimacy, transparency of, and public confidence in the judiciary. Furthermore, this article assesses the influence of reforms of judicial self-government on the separation of powers and democracy as organizing principles for the Dutch legal system. The main focus of the article is on the interaction between rule-of-law values and New Public Management (NPM) values for judicial organization, taking into account the meaning and weight of these values over time in the evolving Dutch legal system. Furthermore, the analysis addresses both the legal framework for judicial government and tensions that have occurred between key actors, in particular judges and the Council for the Judiciary, in their experiences with this legal framework in practice. A red thread which runs through this analysis concerns the demarcation of spheres of autonomy for the different actors in the judicial system. The analysis of organizational reforms clarifies that a dynamic interaction has developed between judges, the bodies for judicial self-government in the Dutch system and the Minister of Justice and Security, revolving around claims of autonomy. The evolved framework of rule-of-law and NPM values for the judicial organization provides a theoretical “lens” for understanding this interaction and its outcomes.
Judicial Self Government and the Sui Generis Case of the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Çalı Başak , Cunningham Stewart
Published: March 2019

In this article we explore the operation of judicial self-government (JSG) at the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), paying particular attention to how JSG operates in the judicial selection procedures and in the administration of the court. We find that JSG at Strasbourg is highly variable with relatively weak levels of judicial influence on the selection of judges contrasted with a high degree of control over court administration. We go on to analyze how the dual nature of JSG at the ECtHR (strong post-election and weaker pre-election) promotes or hinders a range of values, namely, independence, accountability, transparency and legitimacy. We argue that the JSG practices at the ECtHR prioritize judicial independence at the expense of accountability. The picture with regard to transparency is mixed and while judicial decision making itself is fully transparent, wider JSG practices at Strasbourg are largely non-transparent. We note that legitimacy concerns were a key motivating factor in many of the key JSG reforms undertaken by the ECtHR in recent years and explore whether these have had the desired impact. We conclude by arguing that the differences in reach and form of JSG at the pre and post-election processes strike a careful balance in respecting the separation of powers and the democratic principle.
Self-Government at the Court of Justice of the European Union: A Bedrock for Institutional Success
Authors: Krenn Christoph
Published: March 2019

This contribution deals with a topic that has so far received scant attention: the administrative governance of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). Over the course of the last 65 years, the CJEU has developed its own particular version of judicial self-government. This article analyzes its genesis, its characteristic features and provides a comprehensive assessment. Three arguments are put forward: First, self-government at the CJEU can be associated with a number of positive effects for the Court as an institution. It contributes to keeping the Court out of the public limelight, to fostering its judicial authority vis-à-vis key compliance constituencies and to securing its judicial independence. Second, while strong forms of judicial self-government can lead to a lack of transparency and accountability, these problematic side effects have been largely avoided at the CJEU. This is, in many respects, due to the dialogic accountability relationship that has been established with the European Parliament in the context of the EU budgetary process. Nevertheless, third, as regards more recent developments, such as the establishment of an expert panel for selecting new CJEU members and the Court's legislative role in amending its own Statute, from the perspective of transparency, room for improvement exists.
The influence of May-Thurner syndrome on post-thrombotic syndrome in	young women
Authors: Kovač Ana , Janić Miodrag , Nuredini Dašmir , Kozak Matija
Published: March 2019

Summary. Background: The mechanism for post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), the most important long-term sequelae of deep venous thrombosis, is not entirely known. It is probably caused by venous hypertension due to venous insufficiency and venous obstruction. Venous hypertension could also be a consequence of the May-Thurner syndrome (MTS), i.e. the obstruction of the common iliac vein. The aim of the present study was to explore if women with untreated MTS and a history of proximal DVT develop PTS more frequently. Patients and methods: A cohort of 68 female patients with a history of proximal left-sided DVT in the past were evaluated. According to Villalta score, they were segregated in two groups – with and without PTS (Villalta score ≥ 5 or < 5 points, respectively). For the diagnosis of MTS, magnetic resonance venography was performed. Results: Out of 68 patients, 25 developed PTS (36.8 %). Recurrent DVT, older age, pre-existent chronic venous insufficiency, and shorter compression stockings wearing time were statistically related to PTS. Deep and superficial valve incompetence was also significantly related to PTS, while incomplete thrombus removal showed only a trend towards PTS development. On the other hand, MTS per se turned out not to be linked to PTS. Conclusions: Our study suggests that women with MTS might not develop PTS more often, which puts aggressive treatment of MTS under question. More clinical trials are warranted to further examine this yet not fully explained field.
Late Holocene Changes in Erosion Patterns in a Lacustrine Environment: Landscape Stabilization by Volcanic Activity Versus Human Activity
Authors: Lamair Laura , Hubert‐Ferrari Aurélia , El Ouahabi Meriam , Yamamoto Shinya , Schmidt Sabine , Vander Auwera Jacqueline , Lepoint Gilles , Boes Evelien , Fujiwara Osamu , Yokoyama Yusuke , De Batist Marc , Heyvaert Vanessa M. A.
Published: March 2019

The most recent eruption of Mount Fuji (Japan), the VEI 5 Hōei plinian eruption (CE 1707) heavily impacted Lake Yamanaka, a shallow lake located at the foot of Mount Fuji. Here we discuss the influence of the Hōei eruption on the lacustrine sedimentation of Lake Yamanaka using high‐resolution geophysical and geochemical measurements on gravity cores. Hōei scoria fallout had two major impacts on Lake Yamanaka: (i) reduction of the sedimentation rate (from ~0.16 to ~0.09 cm/year) and (ii) the increase of in situ lake productivity. Sedimentation rates after the eruption were relatively low due to the thick scoria layer, trapping underlying sediments in the catchment. The lacustrine system took more than ~170 years to begin to recover from the Hōei eruption: most recently sedimentation recovery has been accelerated by changes in land use. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, vegetated strips delimited cultivated parcels, trapping sediment and minimizing anthropogenic impacts on the sedimentation rate. Over the last decade, the decline of agriculture and the increase of other human activities has led to an increase in the sedimentation rate (~1 cm/year). This study highlights the effect of the grainsize of the volcanic ejecta on the sedimentation rate following a volcanic eruption. Coarse‐grained tephra are difficult to erode. Therefore, their erosion and remobilization is largely limited to intense typhoons when porous scoria deposits are saturated by heavy rains. Moreover, this study suggests that recent anthropogenic modifications of the catchment had a greater impact on the sedimentation rate than the Hōei eruption.
Quantifying Mass and Magnetic Flux Transport in Saturn's Magnetosphere
Authors: Neupane B. R. , Delamere P. A. , Wilson R. J. , Ma X.
Published: March 2019

Radial transport is an important dynamical process in Saturn's internally driven magnetosphere. Radial transport is presumed to occur by a centrifugally driven interchange instability, determined by the gradient of flux tube content and flux tube entropy. Plasma produced in the inner magnetosphere must be transported radially outward. The outward motion of the plasma stretches the magnetic field lines, leading to magnetic reconnection. Reconnection allows the mass to be transported radially while allowing the flux to circulate back to the inner magnetosphere. Both radial transport of mass and magnetic flux in Saturn's magnetosphere have been estimated based on Cassani Plasma Spectrometer data provided by Wilson et al. (2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JA024117) and suggesting the radial transport rate of plasma of around 55 kg/s. The net magnetic flux transport should be 0, but the data suggest a net outward magnetic flux transport indicating the existence of different possible transport mechanisms in Saturn's magnetodisc.
Medium‐Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances Induced by Typhoon Chan‐hom Over China
Authors: Song Qian , Ding Feng , Zhang Xiaoxin , Liu Haitao , Mao Tian , Zhao Xiukuan , Wang Yungang
Published: March 2019

This paper reports the ionospheric response to Typhoon Chan‐hom using Global Positioning System network data from China, combined with observations of an ionosonde chain. Two medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) were observed around the two landing times of Typhoon Chan‐hom. The MSTID with a phase fronts aligned in the north‐south direction was detected on the east coast of China at 16:50–18:40 UT on 11 July 2015 and moved westward with a mean horizontal phase velocity of 268 m/s and period of 56 min. Then the concentric MSTID appeared on the northeast of China at 01:50–05:10 UT on 13 July 2015 and propagated in the radial direction with average horizontal phase velocity of 143 m/s and period of 45 min. There may be some connections between the north‐south‐aligned MSTID and the electrodynamical coupling of the sporadic E layer and the F layer, while the concentric MSTID may be caused by the concentric gravity waves resulting from the bodyforces related with the typhoon.
The First Direct Observational Confirmation of Kinematic Collisionless Relaxation in Very Low Mach Number Shocks Near the Earth
Authors: Pope S. A. , Gedalin M. , Balikhin M. A.
Published: March 2019

Collisionless shocks are ubiquitous throughout the known universe. They mainly convert the energy of the directed ion flow into heating. Upon crossing the shock front, the ion distribution becomes nongyrotropic. Relaxation to gyrotropy then occurs mainly via kinematic collisionless gyrophase mixing and interaction with waves. The theory of collisionless relaxation predicts that the downstream pressure of each ion species varies quasi‐periodically with the distance from the shock transition layer and the amplitude of the variations gradually decrease. The oscillations due to each species have their own spatial period and damping scale. Pressure balance requires that the variations in the total plasma pressure should cause anticorrelating variations in the magnetic pressure. This process should occur at all Mach numbers, but its observation is difficult at moderate‐/high‐Mach numbers. In contrast, such magnetic oscillations have been observed at low Mach number cases of the Venusian bow shock and interplanetary shocks. In this paper, simultaneous in situ magnetic field and plasma measurements from the THEMIS‐B and THEMIS‐C spacecraft are used to study, for the first time, the anticorrelated total ion and magnetic pressure spatial variations at low‐Mach number shocks. It is found that kinematic collisionless relaxation is the dominant process in the formation of the downstream ion distribution and in shaping the downstream magnetic profile of the observed shocks, confirming fundamental theoretical results. Comparison with the results from numerical models allows the role of the different ion species to be investigated and confirms the role heavy ions play in forming the downstream magnetic profile.
Delayed Arrival of Energetic Solar Particles at MMS on 16 July 2017
Authors: Blake J. B. , Fennell J. F. , Turner D. L. , Cohen I. J. , Mauk B. H.
Published: March 2019

A shock in the solar wind was observed shortly after 05:00 by heliospheric spacecraft stationed at L1. Behind the shock, protons and electrons in the tens to hundreds of keV energy range were found to be enhanced several‐fold. The shock reached the Earth precisely at 06:00 and was detected by particle sensors aboard GOES and ARTEMIS, and by ground‐based magnetometers. In addition, the arrival of the shock was seen promptly by the magnetometer investigation aboard MMS, which at the time was located 16 RE down the geomagnetic tail. However, the arrival of the energetic particles at MMS was delayed for ~23 min, and first arrived moving earthward up the geomagnetic tail. Timing considerations between the solar wind speed and the energetic particles indicated that the solar particles first gained access to field lines connected to MMS around 115 RE downstream. Once the shock and its entrained solar particles passed the access region, the solar particles were no longer seen.
Recently Formed Crater Clusters on Mars
Authors: Daubar I. J. , Banks M. E. , Schmerr N. C. , Golombek M. P.
Published: March 2019

This study maps and measures assorted properties of new dated crater clusters that formed recently when impactors fragmented in the atmosphere of Mars. We report these statistics for 77 clusters: number of craters, size of cluster, dispersion of cluster, direction (azimuth) from which the impactor approached, and an estimate of the angle from vertical of the impact. Clusters range from a few to hundreds of craters, with most containing tens of craters. They are most commonly dispersed over hundreds of meters, with extents ranging from a few meters to a few kilometers. We find that dispersion generally does not correlate with topographic elevation. However, when the highest elevations are disregarded, clusters are more dispersed at lower elevations, as expected. Impact azimuths are randomly distributed and do not express a clear directionality of incoming meteoroids. Results suggest impacts occur closer to horizontal than expected, which could be due to observational effects. The characteristics we report here provide important constraints for future work in understanding atmospheric fragmentation processes; properties of the impactors themselves, such as density and orbital parameters; and the seismic detectability of impacts. These are critical aspects to understand, as approximately half of current impacts are observed to be clusters.
Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio as predictor for incident hypertension: a 9-year cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Jhuang Yi-Han , Kao Tung-Wei , Peng Tao-Chun , Chen Wei-Liang , Li Yen-Wei , Chang Pi-Kai , Wu Li-Wei
Published: March 2019

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has received much attention in recent decades and has been a novel inflammatory marker. NLR has been applied in predicting the prognosis of malignancies, mortality, and chronic diseases. Additionally, hypertension, defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mm Hg, a previous diagnosis of hypertension, and taking any antihypertensive drug, has been one of the most common chronic diseases in Asia and is currently the most important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases worldwide. Thus, we aimed to investigate the correlation between NLR and prevalent hypertension in the Taiwanese population. From the data of routine health checkups at the General Health Promotion Center in the Tri-Service General Hospital (TSGH), a total of 6278 participants were included. The NLR value was divided into tertiles. The Cox regression model revealed that the highest NLR group tended to be hypertensive (HR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.03–1.59) after adjustment. Individuals were also divided into age-specific, BMI-specific, or sex-specific groups; compared with the lowest NLR group, elderly individuals in the highest tertile of NLR were relatively likely to be hypertensive after covariate adjustment (HR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.19–2.96). Furthermore, a male group aged more than 60 years was reported to have a significant association with hypertension (HR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.06–3.18). However, there was no significant difference in the BMI-based stratified groups, even after adjustment. Our research revealed a significant association between the NLR and incident hypertension, especially in elderly or male Taiwanese individuals.
Future N deposition and precipitation changes will be beneficial for the growth of Haloxylon ammodendron in Gurbantunggut Desert, northwest China
Authors: Zhao Wen-Qin , Lv Xin-hua , Li Yong-guan , Wang Zhong-ke , Zhang Wei , Zhuang Li
Published: March 2019

Evaluation of precipitation and nitrogen (N) deposition in desert ecosystems helps to elucidate the reaction of desert ecosystems to future environmental changes. An in-situ field experiment was established to examine the influence of a long-term enhanced precipitation and N deposition on the photosynthetic traits and physiological characteristics of Haloxylon ammodendron in the Gurbantunggut Desert, northwest China, throughout the growing season in 2014–2016. Results showed a significant interaction between precipitation and N applications. Increased precipitation and N deposition and their coupling could significantly improve photosynthetic capacity, alter the variability in amplitude of water potential and change the content of substances regulating osmotic pressure in H. ammodendron. According to the comprehensive evaluation of H. ammodendron’s adaptability using six different water and N coupling models, a combination of a 30% increase in precipitation and a 30 kg N ha−1 yr−1 addition in nitrogen deposition, or the addition of N at a concentration of 60 kg N ha−1 yr−1 with natural precipitation were beneficial to H. ammodendron growth and development. Hence, changes in the future global environment can be anticipated to be beneficial to H. ammodendron growth.
Multi-state study of Enterobacteriaceae harboring extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and carbapenemase genes in U.S. drinking water
Authors: Tanner Windy D. , VanDerslice James A. , Goel Ramesh K. , Leecaster Molly K. , Fisher Mark A. , Olstadt Jeremy , Gurley Catherine M. , Morris Anderson G. , Seely Kathryn A. , Chapman Leslie , Korando Michelle , Shabazz Kalifa-Amira , Stadsholt Andrea , VanDeVelde Janice , Braun-Howland Ellen , Minihane Christine , Higgins Pamela J. , Deras Michelle , Jaber Othman , Jette Dee , Gundlapalli Adi V.
Published: March 2019

Community-associated acquisition of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- (ESBL) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae has significantly increased in recent years, necessitating greater inquiry into potential exposure routes, including food and water sources. In high-income countries, drinking water is often neglected as a possible source of community exposure to antibiotic-resistant organisms. We screened coliform-positive tap water samples (n = 483) from public and private water systems in six states of the United States for blaCTX-M, blaSHV, blaTEM, blaKPC, blaNDM, and blaOXA-48-type genes by multiplex PCR. Positive samples were subcultured to isolate organisms harboring ESBL or carbapenemase genes. Thirty-one samples (6.4%) were positive for blaCTX-M, ESBL-type blaSHV or blaTEM, or blaOXA-48-type carbapenemase genes, including at least one positive sample from each state. ESBL and blaOXA-48-type Enterobacteriaceae isolates included E. coli, Kluyvera, Providencia, Klebsiella, and Citrobacter species. The blaOXA-48-type genes were also found in non-fermenting Gram-negative species, including Shewanella, Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter. Multiple isolates were phenotypically non-susceptible to third-generation cephalosporin or carbapenem antibiotics. These findings suggest that tap water in high income countries could serve as an important source of community exposure to ESBL and carbapenemase genes, and that these genes may be disseminated by non-Enterobacteriaceae that are not detected as part of standard microbiological water quality testing.
Real-time quasi-distributed fiber optic sensor based on resonance frequency mapping
Authors: Kim Gyeong Hun , Park Sang Min , Park Chang Hyun , Jang Hansol , Kim Chang-Seok , Lee Hwi Don
Published: March 2019

Distributed optical fiber sensors (DOFS) based on Raman, Brillouin, and Rayleigh scattering have recently attracted considerable attention for various sensing applications, especially large-scale monitoring, owing to their capacity for measuring strain or temperature distributions. However, ultraweak backscatter signals within optical fibers constitute an inevitable problem for DOFS, thereby increasing the burden on the entire system in terms of limited spatial resolution, low measurement speed, high system complexity, or high cost. We propose a novel resonance frequency mapping for a real-time quasi-distributed fiber optic sensor based on identical weak fiber Bragg gratings (FBG), which has stronger reflection signals and high sensitivity to multiple sensing parameters. The resonance configuration, which amplifies optical signals during multiple round-trip propagations, can simply and efficiently address the intrinsic problems in conventional single round-trip measurements for identical weak FBG sensors, such as crosstalk and optical power depletion. Moreover, it is technically feasible to perform individual measurements for a large number of quasi-distributed identical weak FBGs with relatively high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), low crosstalk, and low optical power depletion. By mapping the resonance frequency spectrum, the dynamic response of each identical weak FBG is rapidly acquired in the order of kilohertz, and direct interrogation in real time is possible without time-consuming computation, such as fast Fourier transformation (FFT). This resonance frequency spectrum is obtained on the basis of an all-fiber electro-optic configuration that allows simultaneous measurement of quasi-distributed strain responses with high speed (>5 kHz), high stability (~2.4 με), and high linearity (R2 = 0.9999).
Early weaning increases anxiety via brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling in the mouse prefrontal cortex
Authors: Kikusui Takefumi , Kanbara Natsumi , Ozaki Mariya , Hirayama Nozomi , Ida Kumiko , Tokita Mika , Tanabe Naho , Mitsuyama Kuriko , Abe Hatsuki , Yoshida Miki , Nagasawa Miho , Mogi Kazutaka
Published: March 2019

Deprivation of maternal care during early development markedly affects emotional development, but the underlying neuromolecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In a mouse model of disrupted mother-infant relationship, early weaning causes long-term impacts on pups to exhibit increased corticosterone secretion, anxiety, and stress responses in their adulthood. Revealing the molecular mechanisms behind it would beneficial to ameliorating mental problems caused by abuse in childhood. We report that normalizing circulating corticosterone in early-weaned mice, either in adulthood or soon after weaning, ameliorated anxiety levels assessed in the plus maze test. Administering a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist into the prefrontal cortex (PFC) reversed the effects of early weaning, whereas administering corticosterone increased anxiety levels, suggesting that the PFC is corticosterone’s target brain region. In the PFCs of early-weaned mice, we observed prolonged reductions in the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and associated mRNAs. Anxiety in early-weaned mice was ameliorated by pretreatment with BDNF or a BDNF receptor agonist. In summary, early weaning increased anxiety levels by modulating glucocorticoid and BDNF signaling in the PFC.
Separation of gold and other rare materials from an ensemble of heterogeneous particles using a NdFeB magnetic circuit
Authors: Uyeda Chiaki , Hisayoshi Keiji , Terada Kentaro
Published: March 2019

Most solid particles, composed of diamagnetic or weak paramagnetic materials, cannot be extracted by a conventional magnetic separator. Here we report that an ensemble of heterogeneous particles, composed of bismuth, gold, graphite and rock forming minerals are separated into fractions of different materials by small NdFeB magnetic plates. It is based on a recent finding that acceleration of a translating particle, induced by magnetic volume force in an area of field gradient, is uniquely determined by intrinsic susceptibility of material; the acceleration is independent to particle mass. The setup will serve as an effective technique of pre-treatment in analysing mixture of heterogeneous particles; such a technique is desired in various research fields of science, and the magnetic separation may play a role of a “chromatography technique” conventionally used in the analysis of organic molecules. The portable and low-cost system could provide a breakthrough for on-site research in industrial and medical fields as well as in resource explorations in nature. Extraction of rare materials such as gold or platinum becomes possible in a hazardless manner.
Effects of vertical hydrodynamic mixing on photomineralization of dissolved organic carbon in arctic surface waters
Authors: Li Angang , Aubeneau Antoine F. , King Tyler , Cory Rose M. , Neilson Bethany T. , Bolster Diogo , Packman Aaron I.
Published: March 2019

Conceptual and numerical models were developed to assess the importance of vertical hydrodynamic mixing on depth-integrated photomineralization rates.
Stabilization of bis(chlorogermyliumylidene)s within bifunctional PNNP ligand frameworks and their reactivity studies
Authors: Sahoo Padmini , Raut Ravindra K. , Maurya Devesh , Kumar Vikas , Rani Pooja , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Majumdar Moumita
Published: March 2019

Bis(chlorogermyliumylidene)s stabilized within the PNNP frameworks show diverse reactivity with Lewis bases, depending on the coordinated ligand backbone.
Evolution and understanding of the d-block elements in the periodic table
Authors: Constable Edwin C.
Published: March 2019

The d-block elements have played a critical role in the development of the modern periodic table.
Energy alignment and recombination in perovskite solar cells: weighted influence on the open circuit voltage
Authors: Gelmetti Ilario , Montcada Núria F. , Pérez-Rodríguez Ana , Barrena Esther , Ocal Carmen , García-Benito Inés , Molina-Ontoria Agustín , Martín Nazario , Vidal-Ferran Anton , Palomares Emilio
Published: March 2019

In this work, we assess the possible reasons for the differences observed in open circuit voltage (VOC) in mixed cation perovskite solar cells when comparing four different hole transport materials (HTMs), namely TAE-1, TAE-3, TAE-4 and spiro-OMeTAD.
Freestanding film made by necklace-like N-doped hollow carbon with hierarchical pores for high-performance potassium-ion storage
Authors: Yang Wenxiu , Zhou Jinhui , Wang Shuo , Zhang Weiyu , Wang Zichen , Lv Fan , Wang Kai , Sun Qiang , Guo Shaojun
Published: March 2019

Necklace-like N-doped hollow carbon with hierarchical pores was utilized as a free-standing high-performance potassium-ion storage anode.
Formates plus triazabicyclodecene (TBD): an efficient platform for non-gaseous carbonylation and unexpected hydrogenation
Authors: Chen Dianpeng , Yao Jinzhong , Chen Linlin , Hu Linfeng , Li Xiaofang , Zhou Hongwei
Published: March 2019

A highly efficient palladium-catalyzed TBD–formate system for carbonylation/hydrogenation was reported.
Stepwise photosensitized C(sp3)–C(CO) bond cleavage and C–P bond formation of 1,3-dicarbonyls with arylphosphine oxides
Authors: Zhao Xiuli , Huang Mengmeng , Li Yabo , Zhang Jianye , Kim Jung Keun , Wu Yangjie
Published: March 2019

A visible-light-induced metal-free cascade radical reaction of chemoselective C–C bond cleavage with a C–P bond formation was discovered to obtain β-ketophosphine oxides.
Novel splicing variant c. 208+2T>C inBBS5segregates with Bardet–Biedl syndrome in an Iranian family by targeted exome sequencing
Authors: Imani Saber , Cheng Jingliang , Fu Jiewen , Mobasher-Jannat Abdolkarim , Wei Chunli , Mohazzab-Torabi Saman , Jadidi Khosrow , Khosravi Mohammad Hossein , Shasaltaneh Marzieh Dehghan , Yang Lisha , Khan Md. Asaduzzaman , Fu Junjiang
Published: March 2019

Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare genetically heterogeneous ciliopathy which accompanies retinitis pigmentosa (RP). However, the BBS5 mutation remains unclear in Iranians with BBS. The purpose of study is to evaluate genetic analyses of a BBS Iranian family using targetted exome sequencing (TES). A male 11-year-old proband and three related family members were recruited. Biochemical tests, electrocardiography and visual acuity testing, such as funduscopic, fundus photography (FP), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and standard electroretinography, were conducted. Molecular analysis and high-throughput DNA sequence analysis were performed. The proband was diagnosed with possible BBS based on the presence of three primary features and two secondary features. The TES analysis of the proband with BBS resulted in the identification of a novel, homozygous splicing variant c. 208+2T>C of the BBS5 gene (NM_152384.2) in this Iranian BBS family. This variant was confirmed and was completely co-segregated with the disease in this family by Sanger sequencing. Thus, we report a novel, homozygous splicing site variant c.208+2T>C in the BBS5 gene for the first time in the Iranian family.
Classroom-Based Services in an Urban Middle School: Strategies for Becoming Part of the Solution
Authors: Epstein Laura , Shah Prutha
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Low-performing middle schools are often urban, culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Classroom-based speech-language service delivery is a best practice in these schools. This article provides strategies that have enhanced service delivery in a diverse and low-income urban middle school located in the San Francisco Bay Area, through a partnership between the San Francisco State University, Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Nicholas J. Certo Communicative Disorders Clinic, and a small local San Francisco Bay Area public school.

Method

Service delivery at a low-performing school incorporated classroom-based services in order to optimize classroom time for middle school children served by the speech-language pathologist.

Results

The incorporation of classroom-based services resulted in several service delivery innovations.

Conclusion

Service delivery models must accommodate to the learning needs of children and the school community.
Optimisation and comprehensive evaluation of alternative energising paths for power system restoration
Authors: Li Shaoyan , Gu Xueping , Zhou Guangqi , Li Yang
Published: March 2019

Power system restoration after a major blackout is a complex process, in which selection of energising paths is a key issue to realise unit and load restoration safely and efficiently. In general, the energising path scheme made beforehand may not be executed successfully due to the possible faults on the related lines under the extreme system condition, so it is necessary to provide alternative path schemes for system restoration. In view of this, the energising path optimisation based on the minimum cost flow model is investigated, then an iterative searching method for alternative path schemes based on mixed integer linear programming is proposed. The iterative method for alternative path schemes could determine more than one scheme with minimal charging reactive power efficiently. In order to make a comprehensive evaluation of the alternative schemes, an evaluation index set is established, and the method based on similarity to ideal grey relational projection is introduced to achieve the final evaluation. The New England 10‐unit 39‐bus system and the southern Hebei power system of China are employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The proposed method can provide more efficient and comprehensive decision support for the dispatchers to select reasonable energising paths.
Review of technologies for DC grids – power conversion, flow control and protection
Authors: Adam Grain Philip , Vrana Til Kristian , Li Rui , Li Peng , Burt Graeme , Finney Stephen
Published: March 2019

This article reviews dc transmission technologies for future power grids. The article emphasises the attributes that each technology offers in terms of enhance controllability and stability, resiliency to ac and dc faults, and encourages increased exploitations of renewable energy resources (RERs) for electricity generation. Discussions of ac/dc and dc/dc converters reveal that the self‐commutated dc transmission technologies are critical for better utilisation of large RERs which tend to be dispersed over wide geographical areas, and offer much needed controllability for operation of centralised and decentralised power grids. It is concluded that the series power flow controllers have potential to restrict the expensive isolated dc/dc converters to few applications, in which the prevention of dc fault propagation is paramount. Cheaper non‐isolated dc/dc converters offer dc voltage tapping and matching and power regulation but they are unable to prevent pole‐shifting during pole‐to‐ground dc fault. To date hybrid dc circuit breakers target dc fault isolation times ranging from 3 to 5 ms; while the resonance‐based dc circuit breakers with forced current zeros target dc fault clearance times from 8 to 12.5 ms.
Massive runaway and walkaway stars
Authors: Renzo M. , Zapartas E. , de Mink S. E. , Götberg Y. , Justham S. , Farmer R. J. , Izzard R. G. , Toonen S. , Sana H.
Published: March 2019

We perform an extensive numerical study of the evolution of massive binary systems to predict the peculiar velocities that stars obtain when their companion collapses and disrupts the system. Our aim is to (i) identify which predictions are robust against model uncertainties and assess their implications, (ii) investigate which physical processes leave a clear imprint and may therefore be constrained observationally, and (iii) provide a suite of publicly available model predictions to allow for the use of kinematic constraints from the Gaia mission. We find that 22+26−8% of all massive binary systems merge prior to the first core-collapse in the system. Of the remainder, 86+11−9% become unbound because of the core-collapse. Remarkably, this rarely produces runaway stars (observationally defined as stars with velocities above 30 km s−1). These are outnumbered by more than an order of magnitude by slower unbound companions, or “walkaway stars”. This is a robust outcome of our simulations and is due to the reversal of the mass ratio prior to the explosion and widening of the orbit, as we show analytically and numerically. For stars more massive than 15 M⊙, we estimate that 10+5−8% are walkaways and only 0.5+1.0−0.4% are runaways, nearly all of which have accreted mass from their companion. Our findings are consistent with earlier studies; however, the low runaway fraction we find is in tension with observed fractions of about 10%. Thus, astrometric data on presently single massive stars can potentially constrain the physics of massive binary evolution. Finally, we show that the high end of the mass distributions of runaway stars is very sensitive to the assumed black hole natal kicks, and we propose this as a potentially stringent test for the explosion mechanism. We also discuss companions remaining bound that can evolve into X-ray and gravitational wave sources.
Exploring the role of X-ray reprocessing and irradiation in the anomalous bright optical outbursts of A0538−66
Authors: Ducci L. , Mereghetti S. , Hryniewicz K. , Santangelo A. , Romano P.
Published: March 2019

Context. In 1981, the Be/X-ray binary A0538−66 showed outbursts characterized by high peak luminosities in the X-ray (Lx ≈ 1039 erg s−1) and optical (Lopt ≈ 3 × 1038 erg s−1) bands. The bright optical outbursts were qualitatively explained as X-ray reprocessing in a gas cloud surrounding the binary system.

Aims. Since then, further important information about the properties of A0538−66 have been obtained, and sophisticated photoionization codes have been developed to calculate the radiation emerging from a gas nebula illuminated by a central X-ray source. In the light of the new information and tools available, we considered it was worth studying again the enhanced optical emission displayed by A0538−66 to understand the mechanisms responsible for these unique events among the class of Be/X-ray binaries.

Methods. We performed about 105 simulations of a gas envelope surrounding the binary system photoionized by an X-ray source. We assumed for the shape of the gas cloud either a sphere or a circumstellar disc observed edge-on. We studied the effects of varying the main properties of the envelope (shape, density, slope of the power law density profile, size) and the influence of different input X-ray spectra and X-ray luminosity on the optical/UV emission emerging from the photoionized cloud. We determined the properties of the cloud and the input X-ray emission by comparing the computed spectra with the IUE spectrum and photometric UBV measurements obtained during the outburst of 29 April 1981. We also explored the role played by the X-ray heating of the surface of the donor star and the accretion disc irradiated by the X-ray emission of the neutron star.

Results. We found that reprocessing in a spherical cloud with a shallow radial density distribution and size of about 3 × 1012 cm can reproduce the optical/UV emission observed on 29 April 1981. To our knowledge, this configuration has never been observed either in A0538−66 during other epochs or in other Be/X-ray binaries. We found, contrary to the case of most other Be/X-ray binaries, that the optical/UV radiation produced by the X-ray heating of the surface of the donor star irradiated by the neutron star is non-negligible, due to the particular orbital parameters of this system that bring the neutron star very close to its companion.
Hybrid modeling of cometary plasma environments
Authors: Alho M. , Wedlund C. S. , Nilsson H. , Kallio E. , Jarvinen R. , Pulkkinen T. I.
Published: March 2019

Context. The ESA Rosetta probe has not seen direct evidence of a fully formed bow shock at comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko (67P). Ion spectrometer measurements of cometary pickup ions measured in the vicinity of the nucleus of 67P are available and may contain signatures of the large-scale plasma environment.

Aims. The aim is to investigate the possibility of using pickup ion signatures to infer the existence or nonexistence of a bow shock-like structure and possibly other large-scale plasma environment features.

Methods. A numerical plasma model in the hybrid plasma description was used to model the plasma environment of a comet. Simulated pickup ion spectra were generated for different interplanetary magnetic field conditions. The results were interpreted through test particle tracing in the hybrid simulation solutions.

Results. Features of the observed pickup ion energy spectrum were reproduced, and the model was used to interpret the observation to be consistent with a shock-like structure. We identify (1) a spectral break related to the bow shock, (2) a mechanism for generating the spectral break, and (3) a dependency of the energy of the spectral break on the interplanetary magnetic field magnitude and bow shock standoff distance.
Searching for g modes
Authors: Appourchaux T. , Corbard T.
Published: March 2019

Context. The recent claims of g-mode detection have restarted the search for these potentially extremely important modes. The claimed detection of g modes was obtained from the analysis of the power spectrum of the time series of round-trip travel time of p modes.

Aims. The goal of this paper is to reproduce these results on which the claims are based for confirming or invalidating the detection of g modes with the method used to make the claims.

Methods. We computed the time series of round-trip travel time using the procedure given in Fossat et al. (2017, A&A, 604, A40), and used different variations of the times series for comparison. We used the recently calibrated GOLF data (published in Paper I) with different sampling, different photomultipliers, different length of data for reproducing the analysis. We also correlated the power spectrum with an asymptotic model of g-mode frequencies in a similar manner to Fossat and Schmider (2018, A&A, 612, L1). We devised a scheme for optimising the correlation both for pure noise and for the GOLF data.

Results. We confirm the analysis performed in Fossat et al. (2017) but draw different conclusions. Their claims of detection of g modes cannot be confirmed when changing parameters such as sampling interval, length of time series, or photomultipliers. Other instrument such as GONG and BiSON do not confirm their detection. We also confirm the analysis performed in Fossat and Schmider (2018), but again draw different conclusions. For GOLF, the correlation of the power spectrum with the asymptotic model of g-mode frequencies for l = 1 and l = 2 show a high correlation at lag=0 and at lag corresponding to the rotational splitting νl, but the same occurs for pure noise due to the large number of peaks present in the model. In addition, other very different parameters defining the asymptotic model also provide a high correlation at these lags. We conclude that the detection performed in Fossat and Schmider (2018) is an artefact of the methodology.
Application of observations of recent tectonic activity in the Świebodzice Depression (the Sudetes, SW Poland) in assessing seismic hazard in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline
Authors: Kaczorowski Marek , Kasza Damian , Zdunek Ryszard , Wronowski Roman
Published: March 2019

Tiltmeter observations with application of horizontal pendulums have been carried out for 40 years in the Geodynamic Laboratory in Książ. Long-term observations have not indicated any correlation of these data with meteorological or seasonal phenomena. Following an epoch of fast azimuth changes, a gradual compensation process took place, excluding the effect of gravitational creep of the rock massif. An assumption was made that the observed large changes of the equilibrium azimuths of the horizontal pendulums that result from tectonic tilt of the foundation blocks. Multiannual tiltmeter observations allowed to determine the temporal characteristics and amplitude tectonic effects. Intervals of strong tectonic activity in the rock massif of the Świebodzice Depression last from several days to over ten weeks and are separated by several tens of hours of low activity. Amplitude of the rock massif deformation reaches values from over ten to several tens of amplitudes of the tidal signal, i.e. up to several hundreds of micrometres. Water-tube tiltmeters (WT) launched in 2003 have confirmed the characteristics of tectonic effects and their incidental occurrence. Beside the tilt effects, WT have enabled to confirm vertical movement of the foundation blocks. Geological investigations in the Świebodzice Depression have indicated the presence of a numerous faults separating particular blocks in the rock massif. The presence of this fault system favours the dislocation of foundation blocks, which results in a quake-less relaxation of tectonic stresses and absence lack of seismic activity in the Świebodzice Depression. Foundation blocks separated by faults combined with the multiscale measurement system of WTs form a natural detector of regional tectonic activity, allowing to determine with micrometric resolution the representative function of tectonic activity in the rock massif of the Świebodzice Depression.
Analysis of tectonic activity of the North Anatolian Fault based on SBInSAR method
Authors: Owczarz Karolina
Published: March 2019

The North Anatolian Fault situated in Turkey is one of the longest and most active tectonic faults in the world. The paper presents an analysis of tectonic activity in its area based on the method of Small Baseline Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry. For this purpose 73 satellite SAR images and specialized software GMT5SAR were used with implement the SBAS algorithm. In addition, the most important aspects of data processing and their final products were presented, which determined the surface displacements occurring in the surveyed area from 1 January 2014 to 1 March 2017. The displacements of the SBAS surface area ranged from -10 cm to +10 cm. Based on the obtained results and their analysis, the author also assessed the suitability of SBInSAR technology for areas of land displacement.
Proposition of determination of displacements using the TDRA 6000 laser station
Authors: Sztubecki Jacek , Mrówczyńska Maria , Bujarkiewicz Adam
Published: March 2019

With modern measurement technologies, it is possible to achieve higher precision and solve complex measurement tasks. The tested device (TDRA 6000 laser station) features a direct drive technology ensuring a 3D point accuracy of 0.25 mm. TDRA 6000 combined with proper software is a perfect tool to monitor engineering objects. The article presents the measurement technique and the method of calculation of 3D displacements of control and measurement networks using the TDRA 6000 laser station from Leica. The values presented herein derive from periodic measurements carried out in control points stabilised at a ground the above-ground crossing between buildings located on the premises of the University of Science and Technology campus in Bydgoszcz.