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Apparent minimality violations solved by Nested Agree
No full textAlthough minimality is a well-established locality condition on syntactic dependencies, apparent minimality violations are attested across different domains and languages. One such phenomenon is auxiliary selection in Standard Italian: the choice of the perfect auxiliary depends on the features of lower arguments rather than those of the higher subject. I argue that such effects can be explained by Nested Agree , a configuration that arises from the interaction of (i) ordered probes on the same head, and (ii) a principle that maximizes feature matching. Under this approach, an already established dependency between two heads must be exploited by all the features located on those heads, and prior operations restrict the search domain of later ones. Apparent minimality violations emerge when higher elements are excluded from the search space due to prior operations. I show that this is precisely the case in Italian auxiliary selection. In addition, I present supporting evidence for Nested Agree in other domains: case and agreement alignments in ditransitive clauses, dative intervention in Icelandic, subject agreement in VOS clauses in Spanish, person agreement in Lak, and multiple wh-fronting in Bulgarian. The paper thus provides evidence for feature ordering as a crucial factor in syntactic locality, showing how apparent minimality violations can emerge when probes are hierarchically ordered.Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)Universität Leipzig (1039)Peer Reviewe
Leseförderung mit Medienverbund
No full textThe publication of this work was supported by the Open Access Publication Fund of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.
Zugl.: Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Kultur-, Sozial- und Bildungswissenschaftliche Fakultät, Dissertation, 2024, u. d. T.: Lesebereitschaft initiieren und stabilisieren durch IM-PALS.Etwa ein Viertel der Kinder und Jugendlichen in Deutschland erreicht nicht die Mindeststandards im Lesen. Das bestätigen IGLU- und PISA- Studien seit mehr als zwanzig Jahren. Dieses Wissen hat jedoch bislang nicht zu einer positiven Veränderung geführt. Marc Kudlowski hat in diesem Zusammenhang Umsetzungsprobleme identifiziert, eine mögliche methodische Lösung entwickelt und diese in der Praxis erprobt: das Intermediale Partnerlesen (IM-PALS). Es handelt sich dabei um eine Kombination aus Lesetandem und Intermedialer Lektüre. Neu daran ist die Nutzung kinderliterarischer Medienverbünde zum Zweck der Förderung von Leseflüssigkeit und Lesemotivation. Im Rahmen einer vignettengestützten Design-Studie zeigt Kudlowski am Beispiel eines Schülers, wie dessen Entwicklung sowie die der Methode verlaufen sind. Im Ergebnis formuliert er zudem Gelingensbedingungen für IM-PALS
Non-perturbative carrier mobility of strongly anharmonic materials from first principles
No full textIn dieser Arbeit wird ab initio Molekulardynamik mit dem Kubo-Greenwood-Formalismus kombiniert, um eine nicht-perturbative, stochastische Berechnung von Ladungsträgermobilitäten zu ermöglichen. Dieser Ansatz berücksichtigt inhärent alle Ordnungen der anharmonischen Phonon-Phonon- und Elektron-Phonon-Kopplung. Der Formalismus wurde im ab-initio-Paket FHI-aims implementiert, das Kern- und Valenzelektronen mit numerischen, atomzentrierten Orbitalen beschreibt. Zur Bewältigung der langsamen Konvergenz hinsichtlich elektronischer und nuklearer Freiheitsgrade in Festkörpern nutzen wir numerische Strategien, die Effizienz und Genauigkeit deutlich verbessern. Darüber hinaus verwenden wir zur qualitativen und quantitativen Analyse der temperaturabhängigen Mobilitäten elektronische Spektralfunktion, zu dessen nicht-perturbativer Berechnung wiederum alle Ordnungen von anharmonischer Phonon-Phonon und Elektron-Phonon Kopplung berücksichtigt werden. Hierfür wurde ein effizienter Ansatz zum „Entfalten“ elektronischer Bandstrukturen für nicht-orthogonale, lokale Basen entwickelt und in FHI-aims integriert. Die Leistungsfähigkeit des Formalismus demonstrieren wir anhand der temperaturabhängigen Elektronenmobilität der stark anharmonischen Perowskite SrTiO3 und BaTiO3. Im Vergleich zu perturbativen Methoden zeigt der Ansatz eine bessere Übereinstimmung mit Experimenten, insbesondere bei hohen Temperaturen, was die Bedeutung höherer anharmonischer Beiträge bestätigt. Die nicht-perturbativen Spektralfunktionen stützen diese Interpretation. Abschließend diskutieren wir die Grenzen der Implementierung am Beispiel des metastabilen Kaliumiodids in der kubisch-raumzentrierten Struktur.In this work, we combine ab initio molecular dynamics and the Kubo-Greenwood formalism to develop a non-perturbative, stochastic method for calculating carrier mobilities. This approach inherently accounts for all orders of anharmonicity and electron-vibrational couplings. We implemented the Kubo-Greenwood formalism in the all-electron, numeric atom-centered orbitals based ab initio materials simulation package FHI-aims. To address the notoriously slow convergence of the Kubo-Greenwood formalism for both electronic and nuclear degrees of freedom in crystalline solids, we employ several numerical strategies that significantly enhance computational efficiency and accuracy. Furthermore, to gain deeper insight into the underlying physics governing the temperature-dependent mobilities, we introduce a fully anharmonic, non-perturbative electronic spectral function. To achieve this, we developed an efficient and robust band unfolding approach for non-orthogonal linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) basis sets and implemented it within FHI-aims. The capability of the Kubo-Greenwood formalism is demonstrated through calculations of the temperature-dependent electron mobility of the strongly anharmonic oxide perovskites SrTiO3 and BaTiO3 across a broad temperature range. Compared to perturbative methods, our approach shows better agreement with experimental data, particularly at high temperatures, revealing that the temperature dependence of mobility in these materials is predominantly driven by anharmonic, higher-order coupling effects. We further rationalize these trends in terms of the non-perturbative electronic spectral functions. Additionally, we discuss limitations of the current implementation and outline future perspectives after examining its application to meta-stable body-centered cubic KI, a meta-stable polymorph
Turning the tide–why cities can be both drivers of climate change and biodiversity loss, and leaders in tackling them
No full textPreface. This perspective uses the key features of the “city” system to prevent the triad of climate, biodiversity and socio-economic inequality crises from worsening. In other words, global change key drivers know how to make things better. The perspective discusses the idea of cities as both a cause and a solution to planetary challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss and socio-environmental as well as health inequalities. Unlike many other articles on urbanisation as a driver of environmental problems, this article does not focus exclusively on this role. Instead, it links urbanisation to its tremendous potential to both cause and solve these environmental problems, drawing on the enormous innovative and communicative talent inherent in cities and urban societies. It offers a fresh, serious yet optimistic look at the role of cities in the global race to prevent critical tipping points for a broad urban-focused audience.Peer Reviewe
Heat stress causes economic and welfare disparities across agroecological zones in Burkina Faso
No full textIncreased warming due to climate change can induce heat stress in humans and adversely affect labour productivity due to heat-related morbidity. Here, we use a simulation model to examine the effects of heat stress, through declined labour capacity under +1.5 °C and 3.5 °C warming scenarios on agriculture and welfare across the three agroecological zones (Sudanian, Sudano-Sahelian, and Sahelian) in Burkina Faso. In the two scenarios, domestic production declines, with outdoor labour-intensive sectors such as cropping and mining being the most affected, reducing gross domestic product by 9% and 20%, respectively. All households lose welfare in all scenarios except non-poor households in the +1.5 °C scenario. Across zones, crop production declines strongest in the crop-producing Sudanian and Sudano-Sahelian zones. In contrast, relative welfare losses are strongest for households in the Sahelian zone. The study highlights the most vulnerable sectors, household groups, and zones requiring urgent attention in heat stress adaptation and mitigation policies.Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)https://doi.org/10.13039/501100001659Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, Inc.)https://doi.org/10.13039/100000009National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)https://doi.org/10.13039/100000104National Science Foundation (NSF)https://doi.org/10.13039/100000001Peer Reviewe
The Hungry Daemon: Does an Energy-Harvesting Active Particle Have to Obey the Second Law of Thermodynamics?
No full textThought experiments like Maxwell’s Demon or the Smoluchowski–Feynman Ratchet can help in pursuing the microscopic origin of the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Here we present a more sophisticated mechanical system than a ratchet, consisting of a Hamiltonian (non-Brownian) active particle which can harvest energy from an environment which may be in thermal equilibrium at a single temperature. We show that while a phenomenological description would seem to allow the system to operate as a Perpetual Motion Machine of the Second Kind, a full mechanical analysis confirms that this is impossible, and that perpetual energy harvesting within a mechanical system can only occur if the environment has an energetic population inversion similar to a lasing medium.This research was funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) through SFB/TR185 (OSCAR), Project No. 277625399.Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) through SFB/TR185 (OSCAR)Peer Reviewe
Reviving Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers in Diamond via Local Surface Modification
No full textSurface termination of semiconductors is important for their applications in electronics because it governs electrical properties at interfaces. For quantum sensors and qubits based on spins in solids, this is crucial when they are located a few nanometers below the crystal surface. In the case of diamond, oxygen termination is preferential for quantum sensing with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers. Here, we present local surface modification of a nonconductive diamond surface utilizing conductive atomic force microscopy under laser illumination. By applying this method, we demonstrate not only a removal of fluorescence background but also control over the charge state of single NV centers. The latter show an improvement of the optically detected magnetic resonance contrast from 1% up to 29% after the treatment. We assume that local surface oxidation is happening on the diamond, which has already been demonstrated for conducting hydrogenated surfaces, but its implementation to nonconductive surfaces remains challenging.Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft 10.13039/501100001659Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft 10.13039/501100001659Bundesministerium f??r Bildung und Forschung 10.13039/501100002347Bundesministerium f??r Bildung und Forschung 10.13039/501100002347Bundesministerium f??r Bildung und Forschung 10.13039/501100002347Bundesministerium f??r Bildung und Forschung 10.13039/501100002347Park Systems NAPeer Reviewe
Cognitive impairment in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
No full textIntroduction: Cognitive dysfunction has been repeatedly described as an aspect of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), but to which capacities this exactly refers and how it is embedded in the clinical phenotype of the condition remains unknown. Therefore, the detailed cognitive profiles of persons with and without CIDP were compared with each other and the disease-related results analyzed in view of main symptom complexes. Methods: 44 persons with CIDP were studied with respect to their cognitive performances in an extensive computer-based test battery and described clinically in terms of sensorimotor disability (R-ODS), fatigue (FSMC), and mood (DESC-I). The cognitive test results were compared to those of 33 age-matched healthy controls. Results: The overall cognitive performance of persons with CIDP was significantly worse than that of controls (composite score for CIDP: 33.34 ± 17.96; for Controls: 48.73 ± 18.31; U = 382, p < 0.001). Pronounced deficits prevailed in processing speed ( q = 0.018), executive function ( q = 0.018), memory (short-term: q = 0.020; long-term: q = 0.025) and visuoconstruction ( q = 0.018). Using a hierarchical regression model, the inclusion of the factor sensorimotor disability improved the prediction of overall cognitive performance in persons with CIDP ( p = 0.027). Conclusion: Cognitive impairment is an under-recognized aspect of CIDP, characterized by reduced processing speed, executive functioning, and memory performance. These cognitive deficits grow together with sensorimotor impairment. The findings show that CIDP goes along with functional changes beyond its classical lead symptoms.Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin (3093)Peer Reviewe
Sports Preparticipation Evaluation for Healthy Adults: A Consensus-Based German Guideline
No full textThe benefits of physical activity are undisputed. However, adverse events can occur in rare cases, particularly during high-intensity or prolonged exercise. During physical activity, at-risk patients can experience major cardiac events, whereas adverse events affecting the musculoskeletal system are more common but less severe. A sports preparticipation evaluation (PPE) for apparently healthy adults is designed to detect at-risk individuals and prevent potentially fatal events. This guideline for conducting PPEs was developed by consensus among 16 medical societies and sports associations and is based on previously published guidelines and consensus papers. Sports medicine physicians and potential participants were also surveyed to assess the recommendations’ content, feasibility, and implementation. On the basis of the 20 recommendations developed and agreed upon by the abovementioned entities, PPE comprises individuals’ personal, family, and sports histories, as well as a physical examination. The need for additional examinations (e.g., laboratory parameters, echocardiograms, or stress tests) is determined on the basis of the PPE findings. This approach’s feasibility in various regions, including resource-limited settings, and the extent to which it prevents adverse or potentially fatal events, should be examined in future research.Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln (DSHS) (3095)Peer Reviewe
Joint function in marmosets and tamarins: Insights from computational modeling of hip extensor muscles
No full textAnalyses of the musculoskeletal system of callitrichid primates contribute to the understanding of the specializations of an apparently highly conserved body plan exhibited by this radiation of New World primates. This pilot study provides data from computational modeling of muscle function of five hip extensor muscles in four species of Callitrichidae to identify potential adaptations to previously documented differential leaping behaviors. Based on microCT scans of fresh cadavers, we reconstructed the muscle topology to inform the modeling of instantaneous muscle moment arms (MMAs) contributing to hip extension and accompanying muscle strains. Generally, muscle properties of the four species were surprisingly similar despite documented differences in leaping behavior. However, all extensors of Goeldi's marmoset (except for the semimembranosus) had the longest instantaneous MMAs. This may result in a greater capacity to generate hip torques in these marmosets (assuming identical force provided by the muscles), beneficial to their specialization in long‐distance trunk‐to‐trunk leaps. The shorter instantaneous MMAs of the extensors of the three other studied species indicate specialization toward more rapid hip extension. Strain analysis showed that, in all four species, the two glutei optimally generate force during the entire extension of the hip from a strongly crouched leg position to take off with an almost entirely extended leg. For the other three muscles (biceps femoris, semimembranosus and semitendinosus), we found optimal strains for force generation only at 50°–140° hip extension. We tentatively conclude that a relatively generalized musculoskeletal system for hip extension, coupled with moderate biomechanical adaptations favoring either joint torque or rotational speed, enables callitrichids to achieve remarkable locomotor versatility within highly intricate arboreal environments.Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft 10.13039/501100001659Peer Reviewe