bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ATC assessment and enhancement of integrated transmission and distribution system considering the impact of active distribution network
Authors: Shukla Devesh , Singh Shiv P. , Thakur Amit Kumar , Mohanty Soumya R.
Published: March 2020

Assessment and enhancement of transmission network capability have been one of the prime interests of power system monitoring, operation and control. Conventionally, the issue of available transfer capability (ATC) assessment has been tackled considering the transmission and distribution networks as segregated entities because they had little or no influence on each other's performance owing to the unidirectional flow of power from the transmission to distribution networks. Now, with increasing interest in smart transmission and distribution in amalgamation with a paradigm shift in sources of generation from centralised to decentralised even at distribution levels mandating the analysis of power grid while inculcating both the hierarchies simultaneously. In this study, a platform for quasi‐static operation of power transmission and distribution networks, employing a multi‐agent based system has been developed. The developed multi‐agent systembased system has been utilised for assessment of ATC considering active distribution network (ADN) whereby Modified IEEE 24 bus system at transmission and Modified IEEE 123 node system at distribution level has been considered as a test system. It has been observed that the presence of ADN considerably affects the ATC of the system.
Supercapacitor‐assisted LED (SCALED) technique for renewable energy systems: a very low frequency design approach with short‐term DC‐UPS capability eliminating battery banks
Authors: Jayananda Dilini , Kularatna Nihal , Steyn‐Ross David Alistair
Published: March 2020

The fluctuating nature of solar energy necessitates suitable energy storage systems. Compared to typical battery banks, supercapacitors offer longer cycle life eliminating the need to replace them regularly. However, compared to a typical maximum power point tracking controller, where the battery bank and resistive load fed by a switch‐mode DC–DC converter allows impedance matching for maximum power transfer, a supercapacitor bank's significantly large capacitive load does not permit the typical impedance matching for maximum power transfer. This study compares the theoretical difference between battery versus supercapacitor energy storage, and highlights of the supercapacitor‐assisted LED converter technique in achieving high‐efficiency renewable energy‐based DC‐microgrid systems.
Competing effect of wind braking and interior coupling in the rotational evolution of solar-like stars
Authors: Spada F. , Lanzafame A. C.
Published: March 2020

Solar-like stars (M ≲ 1.3 M⊙) lose angular momentum through their magnetized winds. The resulting evolution of the surface rotation period, which can be directly measured photometrically, has the potential to be an accurate indicator of stellar age, and is constrained by observations of rotation periods of coeval stars, such as members of Galactic open clusters. A prominent observational feature of the mass–rotation period diagrams of open clusters is a sequence of relatively slower rotators. The formation and persistence of this slow-rotator sequence across several billion years imply an approximately coherent spin-down of the stars that belong to it. In particular, the sequence is observed to evolve coherently toward longer periods in progressively older clusters. Recent observations of the ≈700 Myr Praesepe and the 1 Gyr NGC 6811 clusters, however, are not fully consistent with this general pattern. While the stars of 1 M⊙ on the slow-rotator sequence of the older NGC 6811 have longer periods than their counterparts in the younger Praesepe, as expected, the two sequences essentially merge at lower masses (≲0.8 M⊙). In other words, it seems that low-mass stars have not been spinning down in the intervening 300 Myr. Here we show that this behavior is a manifestation of the variable rotational coupling in solar-like stars. The resurfacing of angular momentum from the interior can temporarily compensate for that lost at the surface due to wind braking. In our model the internal redistribution of angular momentum has a steep mass dependence; as a result, the re-coupling occurs at different ages for stars of different masses. The semi-empirical mass dependence of the rotational coupling timescale included in our model produces an evolution of the slow-rotator sequence in very good agreement with the observations. Our model, in particular, explains the stalled surface spin-down of low-mass stars between Praesepe and NGC 6811, and predicts that the same behavior should be observable at other ages in other mass ranges.
The mass discrepancy in intermediate- and high-mass eclipsing binaries: The need for higher convective core masses
Authors: Tkachenko A. , Pavlovski K. , Johnston C. , Pedersen M. G. , Michielsen M. , Bowman D. M. , Southworth J. , Tsymbal V. , Aerts C.
Published: March 2020

Context. Eclipsing, spectroscopic double-lined binary star systems are excellent laboratories for calibrating theories of stellar interior structure and evolution. Their precise and accurate masses and radii measured from binary dynamics offer model-independent constraints and challenge current theories of stellar evolution.

Aims. We aim to investigate the mass discrepancy in binary stars. This is the significant difference between stellar components’ masses measured from binary dynamics and those inferred from models of stellar evolution via positions of the components in the Teff − log g Kiel diagram. We study the effect of near-core mixing on the mass of the convective core of the stars and interpret the results in the context of the mass discrepancy.

Methods. We fitted stellar isochrones computed from a grid of MESA stellar evolution models to a homogeneous sample of eleven high-mass binary systems. Two scenarios are considered where individual stellar components of a binary system are treated independent of each other and where they are forced to have the same age and initial chemical composition. We also study the effect of the microturbulent velocity and turbulent pressure on the atmosphere model structure and stellar spectral lines, and its link with the mass discrepancy.

Results. We find that the mass discrepancy is present in our sample and that it is anti-correlated with the surface gravity of the star. No correlations are found with other fundamental and atmospheric parameters, including the stellar mass. The mass discrepancy can be partially accounted for by increasing the amount of near-core mixing in stellar evolution models. We also find that ignoring the microturbulent velocity and turbulent pressure in stellar atmosphere models of hot evolved stars results in the overestimation of their effective temperature by up to 8%. Together with enhanced near-core mixing, this can almost entirely account for the ∼30% mass discrepancy found for the evolved primary component of V380 Cyg.

Conclusions. We find a strong link between the mass discrepancy and the convective core mass. The mass discrepancy can be solved by considering the combined effect of extra near-core boundary mixing and the consistent treatment in the spectrum analysis of hot evolved stars. Our binary modelling results in convective core masses between 17 and 35% of the stellar mass, which is in excellent agreement with the results from gravity-mode asteroseismology of single stars. This implies larger helium core masses near the end of the main sequence than have been anticipated so far.
Bipolar Plates: Different Materials and Processing Methods for Their Usage in Fuel Cells
Authors: Hickmann T , Zielinski O
Published: March 2020

Graphite composites based bipolar plates are a preferred material for stationary PEM fuel cell applications, because they are resistant against high temperatures and corrosive conditions. This chapter gives an overview about different material configurations as well as the most important parameters and characterization methods for graphite based bipolar plates. It describes the actual generation PPS based composite materials with improved long-term stability. It introduces the most common materials and gives an overview about interactions between other stack components, characterization and processing, great care should be taken in constructing the bipolar plates.
Advanced Control of a District Heating System with High Residential Domestic Hot Water Demand
Authors: Chicherin Stanislav , Junussova Lyazzat , Junussov Timur
Published: March 2020

Proper adjustment of domestic hot water (DHW) load structure can balance energy demand with the supply. Inefficiency in primary energy use prompted Omsk DH company to be a strong proponent of a flow controller at each substation. Here the return temperature is fixed to the lowest possible value and the supply temperature is solved. Thirty-five design scenarios are defined for each load deviation index with equally distributed outdoor temperature ranging from +8 for the start of a heating season towards extreme load at temperature of -26°C. All the calculation results are listed. If a flow controller is installed, the customers might find it suitable to switch to this type of DHW supply. Considering an option with direct hot water extraction as usual and a flow controller installed, the result indicates that the annual heat consumption will be lower once network temperatures during the fall or spring months are higher. The heat load profiles obtained here may be used as input for a simulation of a DH substation, including a heat pump and a tank for thermal energy storage. This design approach offers a quantitative way of sizing temperature levels in each DH system according to the listed methodology and the designer's preference.
Amplitude Enhancement of Flow-Induced Vibration for Energy Harnessing
Authors: Shao Ze , Zhou Tongming , Zhu Hongjun , Zang Zhipeng , Zhao Wenhua
Published: March 2020

In this paper, flow-induced vibrations of bluff bodies with four different cross-sectional geometries (circle, square, triangle and semi-circle) arranged both in single and tandem (gap ratio equals to 3 and 5) configurations are investigated in a wind tunnel. It is found that triangular and square cylinders have the higher amplitude than that of the semi-circular and the circular cylinders in the single configuration. When two cylinders are arranged in tandem, the circular cylinders have the highest amplitude among all tested cylinders. Furthermore, the semi-circular cylinder shows that its vibrating amplitude increases with the reduced velocity in the tandem system due to the galloping effect.
Design of a parabolic trough concentrated solar power plant in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Kouz Wael , Nayfeh Jamal , Boretti Alberto
Published: March 2020

The paper discusses the design options for a concentrated solar power plant in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The specific conditions, in terms of weather and sun irradiance, are considered, including sand and dust, humidity, temperature and proximity to the sea. Different real-world experiences are then considered, to understand the best design to adapt to the specific conditions. Concentrated solar power solar tower with thermal energy storage such as Crescent Dunes, or concentrated solar power solar tower without thermal energy storage but boost by natural gas combustion such as Ivanpah are disregarded for the higher costs, the performances well below the design, and the extra difficulties for the specific location such as temperatures, humidity and sand/dust that suggest the use of an enclosed trough. Concentrated solar power parabolic trough without thermal energy storage such as Genesis or Mojave, of drastically reduced cost and much better performances, do not provide however the added value of thermal energy storage and dispatchability that can make interesting Concentrated solar power vs. alternatives such as wind and solar photovoltaic. Thus, the concentrated solar power parabolic trough with thermal energy storage of Solana, of intermediate costs and best performances, albeit slightly lower than the design values, is selected. This design will have to be modified to enclosed trough and adopt a Seawater, Once-trough condenser. Being the development peculiar, a small scale pilot plant is suggested before a full-scale development.
Quasi-stationarity for one-dimensional renormalized Brownian motion
Authors: Ocafrain William
Published: March 2020

We are interested in the quasi-stationarity for the time-inhomogeneous Markov process$$X_t = \frac{B_t}{(t+1)^\kappa},$$

where (Bt)t≥0is a one-dimensional Brownian motion andκ∈ (0,∞). We first show that the law ofXtconditioned not to go out from (−1, 1) until timetconverges weakly towards the Dirac measureδ0whenκ>½, whentgoes to infinity. Then, we show that this conditional probability measure converges weakly towards the quasi-stationary distribution for an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process whenκ=½. Finally, whenκ<½, it is shown that the conditional probability measure converges towards the quasi-stationary distribution for a Brownian motion. We also prove the existence of aQ-process and a quasi-ergodic distribution forκ=½ andκ<½.
L’accident nucléaire de Fukushima : enjeux et contestations autour de la définition du zonage
Authors: Fassert C.
Published: March 2020

L’accident de la centrale nucléaire de Fukushima en 2011 a entraîné une crise de confiance des citoyens envers les autorités japonaises, et l’émergence d’une contre-expertise associative qui a questionné la légitimité des décisions prises. Dans cet article, nous nous centrons plus particulièrement sur la question du zonage comme outil de gestion des territoires contaminés (choix d’évacuation, seuil radiologique retenu, …) et sur les critiques qui ont émergé dans l’espace public, en montrant ainsi certains enjeux démocratiques et éthiques de la politique post-accidentelle. Les analyses présentées résultent en grande partie des 120 entretiens effectués avec des habitants dans le cadre du projet SHINRAI entre 2014 et 2018.
Monsters: interdisciplinary explorations in monstrosity
Authors: Erle Sibylle , Hendry Helen
Published: March 2020

There is a continued fascination with all things monster. This is partly due to the popular reception of Mary Shelley’s Monster, termed a ‘new species’ by its overreaching but admiringly determined maker Victor Frankenstein in the eponymous novel first published in 1818. The enduring impact of Shelley’s novel, which spans a plethora of subjects and genres in imagery and themes, raises questions of origin and identity, death, birth and family relationships, as well as the contradictory qualities of the monster. Monsters serve as metaphors for anxieties of aberration and innovation (Punter and Byron, 2004). Stephen Asma (2009) notes that monsters represent evil or moral transgression and each epoch, to speak with Michel Foucault (Abnormal: lectures at the Collège de France, 1975–75, 2003, p. 66), evidences a ‘particular type of monster’. Academic debates tend to explore how social and cultural threats come to be embodied in the figure of a monster and their actions literalise our deepest fears (Gilmore, 2009; Scott, 2007). Monsters in contemporary culture, however, have become more humane than ever before. Monsters are strong, resilient, creative and sly creatures. Through their playful and invigorating energy they can be seen to disrupt and unsettle. They still cater to the appetite for horror, but they also encourage us to feel empathy. The encounter with a monster can enable us to stop, wonder and change our attitudes towards technology, our body and each other. This commentary article considers the use of the concepts of ‘monsters’ or ‘monstrosity’ in literature, contemporary research, culture and teaching contexts at the intersection of the Humanities and the Social Sciences.
An effective speed controller and GPRS based data acquisition system design for DC motors
Authors: Cetinceviz Yucel , Uygun Durmus , Gungor Yakup
Published: March 2020

Parallel to the scientific and technological development, control over hardware used in industry and in daily life is being realized by using remote-controlled systems. Internet, mobile communications, and infrared and wireless control systems are often preferred. The control of a direct-current motor (DCM), which has become a part of our daily life, is achieved using a Pocket PC and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). An Internet-based human–machine interface constitutes an embedded Visual Studio, which includes Windows CE 5.0 software and Smartphone and Pocket PC applications. An application server protocol is created using basic principles of GPRS control or communication system control. Client software is developed, real-time torque, speed, power, and current of a DCM are monitored, and motor speed control is performed using a monitoring system written in the C# language without using any additional equipment. The proposed system offers the possibility of real-time monitoring in a cost-effective manner.
Tailored energy level alignment at MoOX/GaP interface for solar-driven redox flow battery application
Authors: Bae Dowon , Kanellos Gerasimos , Wedege Kristina , Dražević Emil , Bentien Anders , Smith Wilson A.
Published: March 2020

MoOX is commonly considered to be a high work-function semiconductor. From x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and photo-electrochemical analysis, it is shown that MoOX can be considered as an effective hole transfer layer for the GaP-based device. Specifically, in the absence of carbon contamination using an ion beam cleaning step, the oxygen vacancy derived defect band located inside the bandgap becomes the main charge transfer mechanism. We demonstrate, for the first time, a device with a MoOX/GaP junction that functions as an unbiased photo-charging cell for the redox flow battery system with AQS/AQSH2∥I−/I3− redox couples. This work has important implications toward enabling MoOX applications beyond the conventional solar cells, including electrochemical energy storage and chemical conversion systems.
Dislocations as channels for the fabrication of sub-surface porous GaN by electrochemical etching
Authors: Massabuau Fabien C.-P. , Griffin Peter H. , Springbett Helen P. , Liu Yingjun , Kumar R. Vasant , Zhu Tongtong , Oliver Rachel A.
Published: March 2020

Porosification of nitride semiconductors provides a new paradigm for advanced engineering of the properties of optoelectronic materials. Electrochemical etching creates porosity in doped layers while leaving undoped layers undamaged, allowing the realization of complex three-dimensional porous nanostructures, potentially offering a wide range of functionalities, such as in-distributed Bragg reflectors. Porous/non-porous multilayers can be formed by etching the whole, as-grown wafers uniformly in one simple process, without any additional processing steps. The etch penetrates from the top down through the undoped layers, leaving them almost untouched. Here, atomic-resolution electron microscopy is used to show that the etchant accesses the doped layers via nanometer-scale channels that form at dislocation cores and transport the etchant and etch products to and from the doped layer, respectively. Results on AlGaN and non-polar GaN multilayers indicate that the same mechanism is operating, suggesting that this approach may be applicable in a range of materials.
Influence of 3d, 4d, and 5d dopants on the oxygen evolution reaction at α-Fe2O3(0001) under dark and illumination conditions
Authors: Hajiyani Hamidreza , Pentcheva Rossitza
Published: March 2020

Using density functional theory+U (DFT+U) calculations, we explore the effect of dopants on the performance of α-Fe2O3(0001) as an anode material for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Systematic screening of 3d, 4d, and 5d transition metal dopants indicates general trends with dopant band filling and allows us to identify the most efficient dopants with respect to the overpotential and relate those to the solution energy and electronic properties. Different conditions (electrochemical vs photoelectrochemical) are accounted for by considering hydroxylated, hydrated, and oxygenated terminations. Based on the DFT+U results, we identify Rh as the most promising dopant that can reduce the overpotential both under dark and illumination conditions: from 0.56 V to 0.48 V for the hydroxylated surface and quite substantially from 1.12 V to 0.31 V for the hydrated termination and from 0.81 V to 0.56 V for the oxygenated surface. The origin of this improvement is attributed to the modification of the binding energy of chemisorbed species to the Fe2O3(0001) surface. Investigation of the spin density of intermediate steps during the OER shows that surface iron ions adopt a wide range of oxidation states (+2, +3, and +4) in pure hematite, depending on the termination and chemisorbed species on the surface, but a Fe+3 state is stabilized predominantly upon doping. While Rh is in the +3 state in the bulk, it transforms to +4 at the surface and acquires a finite magnetic moment in several intermediate steps.
Toward a unified interpretation of the “proper”/“smooth” orthogonal decompositions and “state variable”/“dynamic mode” decompositions with application to fluid dynamics
Authors: Khan Arham Amin , Kuehl Joseph , Chelidze David
Published: March 2020

A common interpretation is presented for four powerful modal decomposition techniques: “proper orthogonal decomposition,” “smooth orthogonal decomposition,” “state-variable decomposition,” and “dynamic mode decomposition.” It is shown that, in certain cases, each technique can be interpreted as an optimization problem and similarities between methods are highlighted. By interpreting each technique as an optimization problem, significant insight is gained toward the physical properties of the identified modes. This insight is strengthened by being consistent with cross-multiple decomposition techniques. To illustrate this, an inter-method comparison of synthetic hypersonic boundary layer stability data is presented.
Transition effects on flow characteristics around a static two-dimensional airfoil
Authors: Wang Rui , Xiao Zuoli
Published: March 2020

Flows past a static NACA0015 airfoil are numerically investigated via Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations at the Reynolds number 1.95 × 106, the Mach number 0.291, and the angle of attack (AoA) from 0° to 18°. Specifically, a one-equation local correlation-based transition model (γ model) coupled with Menter’s k–ω shear stress transport (SST) model (SST–γ model) is employed to approximate the unclosed Reynolds quantities in the governing equations. Distributions of mean velocity and Reynolds stresses as well as typical integral quantities, such as the drag coefficient, lift coefficient, and moment coefficient, are calculated and compared with previously reported experimental data and present numerical data based on Menter’s original k–ω SST model. It turns out that the SST–γ model enables the capture of a laminar separation bubble (LSB) near the leading edge of the airfoil and shows significant advantages over the traditional “fully turbulent” models for the prediction of static stall. As the AoA varies from 0° to 18°, the flow regime is affected by different processes, i.e., flow transition, flow separation, and interaction between the LSB and the trailing-edge separation bubble, which, respectively, correspond to the linear-lift stage, light-stall stage, and deep-stall stage.
On-wafer fabrication of etched-mirror UV-C laser diodes with the ALD-deposited DBR
Authors: Sakai Tadayoshi , Kushimoto Maki , Zhang Ziyi , Sugiyama Naoharu , Schowalter Leo J. , Honda Yoshio , Sasaoka Chiaki , Amano Hiroshi
Published: March 2020

We have demonstrated an on-wafer fabrication process for AlGaN-based UV-C laser diodes (LDs) with etched mirrors and have achieved lasing for 100 ns pulsed current injection at room temperature. A combined process of dry and wet etching was employed to achieve smooth and vertical AlGaN (11¯00) facets. These etched facets were then uniformly coated with a distributed Bragg reflector by atomic layer deposition. A remarkable reduction of the lasing threshold current density to 19.6 kA/cm2 was obtained owing to the high reflectivity of the etched and coated mirror facets. The entire laser diode fabrication process was carried out on a whole 2-in. wafer. We propose this mirror fabrication process as a viable low-cost AlGaN-based UV-C LD production method that is also compatible with highly integrated optoelectronics based on AlN substrates.
Choice of clear-sky model in solar forecasting
Authors: Yang Dazhi
Published: March 2020

This paper is concerned with the choice of clear-sky model in solar forecasting. This issue is discussed from three perspectives: (1) accessibility, (2) forecast performance, and (3) statistical properties. Accessibility refers to the time and effort involved in obtaining clear-sky irradiance through a clear-sky model. Forecast performance is analyzed through a new concept called “mean square error (MSE) scaling,” which allows one to decompose the MSE of reference irradiance forecasts into three terms, each carrying a notion of predictability. The decomposition, however, resides on the assumption that the clear-sky index time series is stationary. In this regard, the stationarity assumption is investigated using statistical hypotheses. It is found that even the best clear-sky models, such as the REST2 model, are not able to produce a stationary clear-sky index time series. Instead, the time series is only local stationary, which, in the present context, means that its statistical properties change slowly with the value of clear-sky irradiance. Contrary to the common belief that a better clear-sky model leads to better forecasts, no evidence suggests that the more intricate REST2 has an advantage over the simpler Ineichen–Perez model, in terms of forecast performance. In that, accessibility becomes the primary concern when opting a clear-sky model for forecasting purposes. At this point, the McClear model, available as a web service for worldwide locations at 1-, 15-, and 60-min resolutions, is highly recommended.
Genetic diversity of limonene synthase genes in Rongan kumquat (Fortunella crassifolia)
Authors: Liu Mengyu , Liu Xiaofeng , Hu Junhua , Xue Yang , Zhao Xiaochun
Published: March 2020

D-limonene is the main component of citrus essential oils. In the monoterpene biosynthetic pathway, geranyl diphosphate reacts with monoterpenes to form the prenyl-carbocation intermediate to produce d-limonene. In this study, d-limonene synthase (FcLS) genes were first isolated from Rongan kumquat (Fortunella crassifolia Swingle). Sequencing analysis revealed that the open reading frames of 18 FcLS genes contain 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms, which resulted in the variation of FcLS proteins, indicating that the limonene synthase genes are a large family in F. crassifolia. This phenomenon has not been reported in Citrus. The predicted FcLS proteins showed a high amino acid sequence identity with other Citrus limonene synthases and also had the typical structures of limonene synthase protein. FcLS1 was validated to be a functional d-limonene synthase by prokaryotic expression.
Face and cultural conceptualizations in German-Brazilian business exchanges
Authors: Mendes de Oliveira Milene
Published: March 2020

Following up on recent calls for studies dealing with first-order understandings of face (Arundale 2013;Haugh 2013), this paper presents arguments in favor of an empirical investigation of cultural conceptualizations (Sharifian 2011) underlying these first-order (or emic) models. The arguments are based on the findings of a study on business communication in international contexts (Mendes de Oliveira 2020). The study comprises the analysis of (a) interviews with business people from different sectors and (b) a compilation of e-mails exchanged by Brazilian and German employees of a healthcare company. I focus specifically on conceptualizations of ‘respect in business negotiations’ (Mendes de Oliveira 2017) as well as on their pragmatic instantiations in e-mails. For instance, the recurrent image schemavertical splittingin the Brazilian interview excerpts on the topic of respect in business negotiations is shown to be pragmatically instantiated in terms of how participants acknowledge ‘hierarchy’ in their construals of face in e-mail interactions. The image schemahorizontal splittingis shown to be related to how German participants construe ‘face’ as a transactional phenomenon in the e-mail exchanges. I conclude that cultural conceptualizations play an important role in the Brazilian and German emic models of face. Future studies can take the reflections presented in this paper into consideration in order to strengthen the arguments that favor the inclusion of culturally-based views on face into an overarching theoretical model of face (Arundale 2013).
Reported speech in earthquake narratives from six Tibeto-Burman languages
Authors: Gawne Lauren , Hildebrandt Kristine A.
Published: March 2020

This paper is an analysis of the use of reported speech in six Tibeto-Burman languages from two closely-related sub-branches (Tamangic and Tibetic). The data come from a set of interview narratives about people’s experiences of the 2015 earthquakes in Nepal. The analysis begins with an examination of the relationship between reported speech, overt subjects and ergativity. We also look at reported speech and evidentiality, including grammatical reported speech evidentials. Structural features discussed include hybrid reported speech and multiple clause relationality. Interactional features discussed include the use of deictic shift, prominent subordination, and the multiple functions of reported speech forms, as well as zero-marked reported speech events. This analysis highlights the benefits of studying linguistic features such as reported speech in narrative context. We conclude with the implications of this usage-based analysis in the coverage of reported speech in descriptive grammars.
A comparison of vowel harmony in Xinkan, Jicaquean, and Lencan
Authors: Rogers Christopher , Hamp Barrett
Published: March 2020

The Xinkan, Jicaquean, and Lencan language families are isolates. However, they show similarities in their vowel co-occurrence restrictions within morphemes. This paper compares and contrasts the harmonic patterns in each of these language families and concludes that similarities are likely due to contact between their speakers. This suggests that Xinkan, Jicaquean and Lencan speakers existed in a sort of micro-language area, a small-scale scenario of contact that shows unique indications of contact near or within the more dispersed scenarios of contact and borrowing acknowledged throughout Mesoamerica.
Adenoviral protein E4orf4 interacts with the polarity protein Par3 to induce nuclear rupture and tumor cell death
Authors: Dziengelewski Claire , Rodrigue Marc-Antoine , Caillier Alexia , Jacquet Kévin , Boulanger Marie-Chloé , Bergeman Jonathan , Fuchs Margit , Lambert Herman , Laprise Patrick , Richard Darren E. , Bordeleau François , Huot Marc-Étienne , Lavoie Josée N.
Published: March 2020

The tumor cell–selective killing activity of the adenovirus type 2 early region 4 ORF4 (E4orf4) protein is poorly defined at the molecular level. Here, we show that the tumoricidal effect of E4orf4 is typified by changes in nuclear dynamics that depend on its interaction with the polarity protein Par3 and actomyosin contractility. Mechanistically, E4orf4 induced a high incidence of nuclear bleb formation and repetitive nuclear ruptures, which promoted nuclear efflux of E4orf4 and loss of nuclear integrity. This process was regulated by nucleocytoskeletal connections, Par3 clustering proximal to nuclear lamina folds, and retrograde movement of actin bundles that correlated with nuclear ruptures. Significantly, Par3 also regulated the incidence of spontaneous nuclear ruptures facilitated by the downmodulation of lamins. This work uncovered a novel role for Par3 in controlling the actin-dependent forces acting on the nuclear envelope to remodel nuclear shape, which might be a defining feature of tumor cells that is harnessed by E4orf4.
Nek2 kinase displaces distal appendages from the mother centriole prior to mitosis
Authors: Viol Linda , Hata Shoji , Pastor-Peidro Ana , Neuner Annett , Murke Florian , Wuchter Patrick , Ho Anthony D. , Giebel Bernd , Pereira Gislene
Published: March 2020

Distal appendages (DAs) of the mother centriole are essential for the initial steps of ciliogenesis in G1/G0 phase of the cell cycle. DAs are released from centrosomes in mitosis by an undefined mechanism. Here, we show that specific DAs lose their centrosomal localization at the G2/M transition in a manner that relies upon Nek2 kinase activity to ensure low DA levels at mitotic centrosomes. Overexpression of active Nek2A, but not kinase-dead Nek2A, prematurely displaced DAs from the interphase centrosomes of immortalized retina pigment epithelial (RPE1) cells. This dramatic impact was also observed in mammary epithelial cells with constitutively high levels of Nek2. Conversely, Nek2 knockout led to incomplete dissociation of DAs and cilia in mitosis. As a consequence, we observed the presence of a cilia remnant that promoted the asymmetric inheritance of ciliary signaling components and supported cilium reassembly after cell division. Together, our data establish Nek2 as an important kinase that regulates DAs before mitosis.
Identification of novel synaptonemal complex components in C. elegans
Authors: Hurlock Matthew E. , Čavka Ivana , Kursel Lisa E. , Haversat Jocelyn , Wooten Matthew , Nizami Zehra , Turniansky Rashi , Hoess Philipp , Ries Jonas , Gall Joseph G. , Rog Ofer , Köhler Simone , Kim Yumi
Published: March 2020

The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a tripartite protein scaffold that forms between homologous chromosomes during meiosis. Although the SC is essential for stable homologue pairing and crossover recombination in diverse eukaryotes, it is unknown how individual components assemble into the highly conserved SC structure. Here we report the biochemical identification of two new SC components, SYP-5 and SYP-6, in Caenorhabditis elegans. SYP-5 and SYP-6 are paralogous to each other and play redundant roles in synapsis, providing an explanation for why these genes have evaded previous genetic screens. Superresolution microscopy reveals that they localize between the chromosome axes and span the width of the SC in a head-to-head manner, similar to the orientation of other known transverse filament proteins. Using genetic redundancy and structure–function analyses to truncate C-terminal tails of SYP-5/6, we provide evidence supporting the role of SC in both limiting and promoting crossover formation.
Effect of a diamond layer on the active electrode on the ozone generation of the dielectric barrier discharge in air
Authors: Pekárek Stanislav , Babchenko Oleg , Mikeš Jan , Kromka Alexander
Published: March 2020

We investigated the effect of a non-doped diamond layer deposition on the active electrode of the dielectric barrier discharge in the air on its electrical characteristics and ozone generation. We found that this new non-traditional application of diamond layers affects electrical parameters of the discharge and increases not only the concentration of ozone produced by the discharge but also ozone production yield by ∼70%. Considering obtained results together with the high corrosion resistivity and chemical inertness of the diamond layers, the application of these layers on the dielectric barrier discharge electrode can be an interesting alternative to the usage of photocatalysts for the enhancement of ozone generation by electrical discharges.
Normalization of multicenter CT radiomics by a generative adversarial network method
Authors: Li Yajun , Han Guoqiang , Wu Xiaomei , Li Zhen Hui , Zhao Ke , Zhang Zhiping , Liu Zaiyi , Liang Changhong
Published: March 2020

To reduce the variability of radiomics features caused by computed tomography (CT) imaging protocols through using a generative adversarial network (GAN) method. In this study, we defined a set of images acquired with a certain imaging protocol as a domain, and a total of four domains (A, B, C, and T [target]) from three different scanners was included. In data set#1, 60 patients for each domain were collected. Data sets#2 and #3 included 40 slices of spleen for each of the domains. In data set#4, the slices of three colorectal cancer groups (n = 28, 38 and 32) were separately retrieved from three different scanners, and each group contained short-term and long-term survivors. Seventy-seven features were extracted for evaluation by comparing the feature distributions. First, we trained the GAN model on data set#1 to learn how to normalize images from domains A, B and C to T. Next, by comparing feature distributions between normalized images of the different domains, we identified the appropriate model and assessed it, in data set#2 and data set#3, respectively. Finally, to investigate whether our proposed method could facilitate multicenter radiomics analysis, we built the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator classifier to distinguish short-term from long-term survivors based on a certain group in data set#4, and validate it in another two groups, which formed a cross-validation between groups in data set#4. After normalization, the percentage of aligned features between domains A versus T, B versus T, and C versus T increased from 10.4 %, 18.2% and 50.1% to 93.5%, 89.6% and 77.9%, respectively. In the cross-validation results, the average improvement of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve achieved 11% (3%–32%). Our proposed GAN-based normalization method could reduce the variability of radiomics features caused by different CT imaging protocols and facilitate multicenter radiomics analysis.
Development of a defect recognition algorithm for visual laser-induced damage detection
Authors: Somoskoi T , Vass Cs , Jojart P , Santha P , Osvay K
Published: March 2020

Laser-induced damage is defined as a permanent detrimental change in the characteristics of an optical element caused by a laser beam. This change can be observed by many different inspection techniques, of which optical and phase imaging microscopic techniques have superior sensitivity. However, such examinations conducted by human operators are relatively slow and subjective—so they cannot be used for online damage monitoring purposes, whereas automatic inspection systems have advantages in terms of sensitivity, reliability, and speed. In this paper we introduce a new method for the computer-aided recognition of damaged sites based on visual images taken from the sample surface by a CCD camera. The evaluation procedure is performed by a computer algorithm, which consists of exact, statistically established steps. It includes noise reduction by considering the statistical behavior of photon noise. Besides, it takes into account the spatial extent of a damage spot by nonlinear image filtering to separate damage-indicating intensity changes from random noise. This mimics the ability of the human eye to distinguish features from their surroundings. The evaluation algorithm is built of computationally less demanding mathematical operations to enable fast execution which is vital for monitoring at high repetition rates. The proposed method was tested on a sizeable dataset of images yielding 98.8% of damage detection efficiency. It was also compared to a generally used visual laser damage detection procedure, which has a success rate of 88.6%. This yields one order of magnitude reduction in the number of undetected damaged sites.
Sustainability assessment of activated carbon from residual biomass used for micropollutant removal at a full-scale wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Joseph Ben , Kaetzl Korbinian , Hensgen Frank , Schäfer Bernhard , Wachendorf Michael
Published: March 2020

Activated carbon (AC), used for removal of organic micropollutants in European wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), is usually produced from non-renewable resources that need to be transported over long distances. Utilising local residual biomass as a raw material may be advantageous in terms of sustainability. This study investigated the environmental and energy balances of using biowaste and biomass from landscape management for micropollutant removal at a commercial scale WWTP. Both residual biomasses were processed using the integrated generation of solid fuel and biogas from biomass (IFBB) technique to obtain a press cake that was used as feedstock for AC production. The results showed a lower global warming potential (GWP) and cumulative energy demand in comparison to a fossil-based conventional AC Differences in GWP between residual and fossil ACs were enhanced when the end-of-life incineration step was considered, and residual AC had a lower social risk associated with its production. Energy efficiency of AC production was substantially increased by utilising waste heat generated in the pyrolysis process of biochar production and by using electricity generated in a combined heat and power plant using biogas from the methanation of IFBB press fluids. Converting residual biomass into activated carbon using IFBB and a state-of-the-art pyrolysis and activation unit along with energy recovery would improve WWTP sustainability and self-sufficiency in terms of the raw materials required.
Changing risk factors that contribute to premature mortality from ambient air pollution between 2000 and 2015
Authors: Chowdhury Sourangsu , Pozzer Andrea , Dey Sagnik , Klingmueller Klaus , Lelieveld Jos
Published: March 2020

Exposure to ambient air pollution is a major global health risk factor. Using recently updated hazard ratio functions, we estimate that the global premature mortality burden attributable to ambient PM2.5 and O3 exposure increased by about 30% and 17%, respectively, from 2000 to 2015. We analyzed these trends in terms of tradeoffs between changes in baseline mortality, population size, age distribution and exposure. Global population growth alone increased the mortality burden by about 29% and 42% among adults and children, respectively. On the other hand, decreasing baseline mortality during the same period lowered the burden by about 18% and 55% among adults and children, respectively. In high-income countries, aging of the population contributed to increasing premature mortality, while in low-income countries, in Central and West Africa for example, the growing youth population reduced premature mortality. Our results show that improved air quality generally does not keep up with the increasing air pollution-associated disease burden in middle- and high-income countries. We conclude that improvements in health care that reduce baseline mortality along with air pollution mitigation strategies are needed to maximize benefits, and counter the growth and aging of the global population.
Adaptation time to magnified flood hazards underestimated when derived from tide gauge records
Authors: Lambert Erwin , Rohmer Jeremy , Le Cozannet Gonéri , van de Wal Roderik S W
Published: March 2020

Sea-level rise magnifies flood hazards, raising the question when adaptation measures need to be taken. Here, we quantify when the recurrence of extreme water level events will double due to projected sea-level rise. Reproducing the most common method based on extreme water levels observed with tide gauges, at least one third of the coastal locations are to expect a doubling of extremes within a decade. However, tide gauges are commonly placed in wave-sheltered harbours where the contribution of waves to water levels is much smaller than at nearby wave-exposed coastlines such as beaches and dikes. In this study, we quantify doubling times at a variety of idealised shorelines based on modelled tides, storm surges and waves. We apply an extreme value analysis that accounts for the joint probability of extreme storm surges and extreme waves. Our results indicate that doubling times at wave-exposed shorelines are longer than those in wave-sheltered harbours, allowing for more time to adapt to magnified flood hazards. The median doubling times of average water levels including parameterised wave set-up are 1.2 to 5 times longer than those of still water levels as observed with tide gauges. For instantaneous water levels including wave run-up, doubling times are an additional 30% to 100% longer. We conclude that tide gauge-based analyses underestimate adaptation times by underestimating the contribution of waves to extreme water levels, and provide a quantitative framework to guide adaptation policy at wave-exposed shorelines.
Capacity of the covariance perceptron
Authors: Dahmen David , Gilson Matthieu , Helias Moritz
Published: March 2020

The classical perceptron is a simple neural network that performs a binary classification by a linear mapping between static inputs and outputs and application of a threshold. For small inputs, neural networks in a stationary state also perform an effectively linear input–output transformation, but of an entire time series. Choosing the temporal mean of the time series as the feature for classification, the linear transformation of the network with subsequent thresholding is equivalent to the classical perceptron. Here we show that choosing covariances of time series as the feature for classification maps the neural network to what we call a ‘covariance perceptron’; a mapping between covariances that is bilinear in terms of weights. By extending Gardner’s theory of connections to this bilinear problem, using a replica symmetric mean-field theory, we compute the pattern and information capacities of the covariance perceptron in the infinite-size limit. Closed-form expressions reveal superior pattern capacity in the binary classification task compared to the classical perceptron in the case of a high-dimensional input and low-dimensional output. For less convergent networks, the mean perceptron classifies a larger number of stimuli. However, since covariances span a much larger input and output space than means, the amount of stored information in the covariance perceptron exceeds the classical counterpart. For strongly convergent connectivity it is superior by a factor equal to the number of input neurons. Theoretical calculations are validated numerically for finite size systems using a gradient-based optimization of a soft-margin, as well as numerical solvers for the NP hard quadratically constrained quadratic programming problem, to which training can be mapped.
Structural Vibration Control of the Spatial Suspended Mass Pendulum
Authors: Huang Chen , Huo Linsheng
Published: March 2020

Due to limitations of the simplified model of the suspended mass pendulum (SMP), a spatial model is proposed in the study. The kinetic equations of the host structure with a spatial SMP are established. The numerical analysis is conducted to analyze spatial vibrations of the SMP and their influence on the structural vibration. Comparing the simulation results, it is found that spatial vibrations of the SMP can be simulated better through the spatial model.