Observation of the gamma-ray binary HESS J0632+057 with the HESS, MAGIC, and VERITAS telescopes

The results of gamma-ray observations of the binary system HESS J0632 + 057 collected during 450 hr over 15 yr, between 2004 and 2019, are presented. Data taken with the atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes H.E.S.S., MAGIC, and VERITAS at energies above 350 GeV were used together with observations at X-ray energies obtained with Swift-XRT, Chandra, XMM-Newton, NuSTAR, and Suzaku. Some of these observations were accompanied by measurements of the Hα emission line. A significant detection of the modulation of the very high-energy gamma-ray fluxes with a period of 316.7 ± 4.4 days is reported, consistent with the period of 317.3 ± 0.7 days obtained with a refined analysis of X-ray data. The analysis of data from four orbital cycles with dense observational coverage reveals short-timescale variability, with flux-decay timescales of less than 20 days at very high energies. Flux variations observed over a timescale of several years indicate orbit-to-orbit variability. The analysis confirms the previously reported correlation of X-ray and gamma-ray emission from the system at very high significance, but cannot find any correlation of optical Hα parameters with fluxes at X-ray or gamma-ray energies in simultaneous observations. The key finding is that the emission of HESS J0632 + 057 in the X-ray and gamma-ray energy bands is highly variable on different timescales. The ratio of gamma-ray to X-ray flux shows the equality or even dominance of the gamma-ray energy range. This wealth of new data is interpreted taking into account the insufficient knowledge of the ephemeris of the system, and discussed in the context of results reported on other gamma-ray binary systems.C. B. Adams, W. Benbow, A. Brill, J. H. Buckley, M. Capasso, A. J. Chromey ... et al

Recovered memories, satanic abuse, Dissociative Identity Disorder and false memories in the UK: a survey of Clinical Psychologists and Hypnotherapists

An online survey was conducted to examine psychological therapists’ experiences of, and beliefs about, cases of recovered memory, satanic / ritualistic abuse, Multiple Personality Disorder / Dissociative Identity Disorder, and false memory. Chartered Clinical Psychologists (n=183) and Hypnotherapists (n=119) responded. In terms of their experiences, Chartered Clinical Psychologists reported seeing more cases of satanic / ritualistic abuse compared to Hypnotherapists who, in turn, reported encountering more cases of childhood sexual abuse recovered for the first time in therapy, and more cases of suspected false memory. Chartered Clinical Psychologists were more likely to rate the essential accuracy of reports of satanic / ritualistic abuse as higher than Hypnotherapists. Belief in the accuracy of satanic / ritualistic abuse and Multiple Personality Disorder / Dissociative Identity Disorder reports correlated negatively with the belief that false memories were possible

Whole-genome sequencing reveals host factors underlying critical COVID-19

Critical COVID-19 is caused by immune-mediated inflammatory lung injury. Host genetic variation influences the development of illness requiring critical care1 or hospitalization2,3,4 after infection with SARS-CoV-2. The GenOMICC (Genetics of Mortality in Critical Care) study enables the comparison of genomes from individuals who are critically ill with those of population controls to find underlying disease mechanisms. Here we use whole-genome sequencing in 7,491 critically ill individuals compared with 48,400 controls to discover and replicate 23 independent variants that significantly predispose to critical COVID-19. We identify 16 new independent associations, including variants within genes that are involved in interferon signalling (IL10RB and PLSCR1), leucocyte differentiation (BCL11A) and blood-type antigen secretor status (FUT2). Using transcriptome-wide association and colocalization to infer the effect of gene expression on disease severity, we find evidence that implicates multiple genes—including reduced expression of a membrane flippase (ATP11A), and increased expression of a mucin (MUC1)—in critical disease. Mendelian randomization provides evidence in support of causal roles for myeloid cell adhesion molecules (SELE, ICAM5 and CD209) and the coagulation factor F8, all of which are potentially druggable targets. Our results are broadly consistent with a multi-component model of COVID-19 pathophysiology, in which at least two distinct mechanisms can predispose to life-threatening disease: failure to control viral replication; or an enhanced tendency towards pulmonary inflammation and intravascular coagulation. We show that comparison between cases of critical illness and population controls is highly efficient for the detection of therapeutically relevant mechanisms of disease

Developing distributed generation penetration scenarios

The growth of distributed generation requires analysis based on realistic forecasts of future scenarios. This paper presents an original methodology that has been employed to develop penetration scenarios to support further research. The methodology combines top-down and bottom-up approaches to produce robust scenarios. The top-down approach is based on forecasts of total distributed generation at a national level. The bottom-up approach exploits expert opinion to determine the most likely developments under different conditions. The two approaches are combined according to the objectives of the analysis to be supported. The methodology offers a useful tool for scenario development and supports ongoing research in distributed generation

Enhancing flexibility and transparency in the connection of dispersed generation

This paper proposes an approach to assessing generator connection requests that seeks to enhance flexibility and transparency by trading network reinforcement to accommodate generation against operational constraints on the generator that can reduce the required network reinforcement. The impact of dispersed generation and the passing on of costs to generators is briefly discussed. The trade-off concept is introduced and there is supplementary discussion of nondespatchable generation and the monitoring and control of generators. A method of evaluating generator connections is proposed and an example illustrates the resultant choice faced by generators. Finally, some conclusions are draw

Information requirements and methods for characterising distributed generation

Distributed generation (DG) poses new challenges in distribution network development and operation. Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) will face more active management of networks, new commercial arrangements, and new challenges in asset management. Resolving these will require new types of analysis that were previously unnecessary or very rare. Collecting and processing information to facilitate these analyses presents a significant new burden for DNOs. However, methods are available that may assist DNOs in the collection of information. Three such methods are discussed here: a structured approach to fundamental information requirements; standard formats; and generic device types or category descriptions. Examples are provided of how DNOs would use the information collected to analyse DG connection and operation. Effective management of information will enable DNOs to characterise DG and perform the analyses necessary to ensure that a reliable and high-quality electricity supply is maintained

Web services platform for power system development planning

This technical session presentation looks at web services platform for power system development plannin

Fundamental research challenges for active management of distribution networks with high levels of renewable generation

This paper is concerned with critically evaluating existing and emerging active management concepts and defining the contributions that ongoing and future research activities can bring in supporting the implementation of active management in distribution networks. These aims are achieved by defining and then extrapolating from current understanding of active network management. The key contributions from completed and ongoing projects in the field are clearly presented. In addition, the gap is assessed between what is achievable with existing and emerging active management solutions and what is required from active management if renewable energy targets are to be met within the current grid capability. Several specific recommendations are made in the paper that have relevance to power utilities, generators, plant manufacturers, network planners and monitoring and control equipment providers. These recommendations will facilitate concept validation and the implementation of future active management schemes

Improving electrical power quality using distributed generation : part 1 - assessing DG impact and capability

Part 1 of the paper on improving electrical power quality using distributed generation assesses DG impact and capabilit

Translating CIM XML power system data to a proprietary format for system simulation

The problem of exchanging data between two or more organizations in a format that is accessible and understandable by each is a universal problem. Furthermore, the problem of translating or accessing data in the correct format for applications using proprietary data formats is challenging. Legacy software applications may endure for some time given regulatory expenditure pressures on electricity system operators and these require data translators (importer/exporter) and access facilities. The basis of this paper is that the EPRI common information model (CIM) in extensible markup language (XML) represents the first stage in a revolution of data exchange and manipulation for power systems. This paper explores the problem of translating data in the CIM XML format to the required format for such legacy power system analysis applications. This paper discusses solutions to some of the challenges in data translation, and illustrates how these solutions can be implemented