bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxytocin Augmentation in Spontaneously Laboring, Nulliparous Women: Multilevel Assessment of Maternal BMI and Oxytocin Dose
Authors: Carlson Nicole S. , Corwin Elizabeth J. , Lowe Nancy K.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Synthetic oxytocin, the primary tool for labor augmentation, is less effective among obese women, leading to more unplanned cesarean deliveries for slow labor progress. It is not known if obese women require higher doses of oxytocin due to maternal, fetal, or labor factors related to maternal obesity.

Objectives:

This study had two main objectives: (1) examine the influence of maternal body mass index (BMI) on hourly doses of oxytocin from augmentation initiation until vaginal delivery in obese women; and (2) examine the influence of other maternal, fetal, and labor factors on hourly doses of oxytocin in obese women.

Study Design:

Longitudinal study of a cohort ( N = 136) of healthy, nulliparous, spontaneously laboring obese women (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) who received oxytocin augmentation and achieved vaginal delivery. We performed iterative multilevel analyses to examine the influence of maternal BMI and other factors on hourly oxytocin doses.

Results:

Maternal BMI explained 16.56% (95% confidence interval [CI] = [13.7, 20.04], p < .001) of the variance in hourly oxytocin doses received in a multilevel model controlling for influence of maternal, fetal, and labor characteristics. Maternal age, gestational age, status of amniotic membranes at hospital admission, and admission cervical dilation examination were not significant; however, neonatal birthweight and cervical dilation at oxytocin initiation were significant predictors of hourly oxytocin dose in these women ( p < .001).

Conclusions:

Even when parturition preparation has progressed adequately for spontaneous labor initiation, there still may be some obesity-related blunting of myometrial contractility and response to oxytocin used for augmentation.
Gi-gikinomaage-min (we are all teachers): using history to give voice to urban native American communities
Authors: Shell-Weiss Melanie , Bardwell Belinda
Published: March 2017

This article explores one developing model for framing ethical, mutually beneficial collaborations between a predominantly White, non-tribal serving university and urban Native American communities. Called Gi-gikinomaage-min (We are all teachers): Defend our History, Unlock Your Spirit, this oral history documentation initiative is informed by the developing literature on best practices for archiving Native American resources as well as by revolutionary critical pedagogy. Focusing on the impact of federal Urban Relocation Programs, the project is the first collaborative effort to focus on documenting experiences of Native Americans in the Grand Rapids, Michigan metropolitan area to create a publicly accessible archive of material that can be used for teaching, research, and other educational purposes. By reflecting on the work of this project to date, we aim for these efforts to become part of the larger, international conversation.
Vibration of infinite Timoshenko beam on Pasternak foundation under vehicular load
Authors: Luo Weili , Xia Yong
Published: March 2017

The vibration of beams on foundations under a vehicular load has attracted wide attention for decades. The problem has numerous applications in several fields such as highway structures. However, most of analytical or semi-analytical studies simplify the vehicular load as a concentrated point or distributed line load with the constant or harmonically varying amplitude, and neglect the presence of the vehicle and the road irregularity. This article carries out an analytical study of vibration on an infinite Pasternak-supported Timoshenko beam under vehicular load which is generated by the passage of a quarter car on a road with harmonic surface irregularity. The governing equations of motion are derived based on Hamilton’s principle and Timoshenko beam theory and then are solved in the frequency–wavenumber domain with a moving coordinate system. The analytical solutions are expressed in a general form of Cauchy’s residue theorem. The results are validated by the case of an Euler–Bernoulli beam on a Winkler foundation, which is a special case of the current system and has an explicit form of solution. Finally, a numerical example is employed to investigate the influence of properties of the beam (the radius of gyration and the shear rigidity) and the foundation (the shear viscosity, rocking, and normal stiffness) on the deflected shape, maximum displacement, critical frequency, and critical velocity of the system.
Designing novel multilayered nanocomposites for high-performance coating materials with online strain monitoring capability
Authors: Anwar Ali Hashina P , Radchenko Ihor , Zhou Jiahui , Qing Liu , Budiman Arief
Published: March 2017

Multilayered nanocomposites, known for its mechanical properties of very high flow strength, ultra-light weight and stable plastic flow to large strains, represent a class of novel composite nanomaterials in which there arises rare opportunities to design new materials from the ground up and to tailor their properties to suit exactly their performance requirements. These materials can withstand very high strains in the elastic regime without any inelastic relaxation due to plasticity or fracture compared to its bulk counterparts. This extended elastic regime opens up new possibilities for tuning the physical and chemical properties of materials as well as bringing novel functionalities, such as high performance coating materials with online strain monitoring capability. Our resistivity measurements during ex situ uniaxial micropillar compression in this article suggests basic feasibility of a Cu–Nb multilayered nanocomposite with 20 nm layer thickness having a novel functionality for online strain monitoring capability, in addition to its more known application as a high performance coating materials due to its extraordinary strength and deformability. A linear trend of resistivity with respect to true strain for strains in excess of 3.5% was observed and suggests a significant regime for use for strain sensor/detection/monitoring capability.
An experimental study on vortex-induced vibration response of marine riser with and without semi-submersible
Authors: Domala Vamshikrishna , Sharma Rajiv
Published: March 2017

This article presents an experimental study on ‘vortex-induced vibrations’ of marine riser that is mounted on a semi-submersible. The marine riser is considered as a flexible cylindrical member made of Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Hose that is fixed at both the ends. Our experimental conditions are carefully chosen to represent real world applications, and Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Hose riser acts as both the drilling and catenary riser. We report the experimental studies conducted in the current flume for three cases: Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Hose as drilling riser by tensioning, Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Hose as catenary riser, and Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Hose as catenary riser with semi-submersible. Our aspect ratio (length to diameter) of Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Hose drilling riser is 86 and Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Hose catenary riser is 157 (effective ratio till touchdown point), and Reynolds’s number is up to 5000. The experimental conditions are as follows: for Case 1 – tension of 43 N with empty pipe, with water, with drilling mud conditions and effective length decreased with water and increasing the tension up to 67 N with water; for Case 2 – catenary Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Hose with empty pipe condition and with water; for Case 3 – Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Hose catenary riser with semi-submersible at [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] current directions. The accelerometer signals are filtered and integrated to get the displacements, and the isolation of low frequencies obtained from semi-submersible is implemented to get the pure displacement of Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Hose. We report the results for transverse vibration and our results show that the maximum response for Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Hose drilling riser occurs at around reduced velocity of 6 and for Cases 2 and 3 at around reduced velocity of 9. Also, the Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Hose drilling riser with water shows higher response as compared to other cases (with and without drilling fluid), and increasing the tension results into increase of the natural frequency and decreased response when compared to other cases (with and without drilling fluid). Furthermore, for the same amplitude of vibration, Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Hose drilling riser with drilling fluid shows higher equivalent lift coefficients. The Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Hose catenary riser without fluid shows a minimum transverse response compared with fluid, and Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Hose’s response with semi-submersible is minimum compared with individual Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Hose riser with water. Finally, we show that the reported results offer meaningful deep insights into the vortex-induced vibration response of marine riser for real world applications.
Facilitating Empowerment and Self-Determination Through Participatory Action Research
Authors: Dudgeon Pat , Scrine Clair , Cox Adele , Walker Roz
Published: March 2017

The National Empowerment Project (NEP) is an innovative Aboriginal-led community-based project. Since 2012, it has been working with communities in 11 sites across Australia to develop a culturally appropriate health promotion and primary prevention intervention strategy to reduce the high rates of psychological distress and suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The NEP is built around the use of localized participatory action research (PAR) processes to support communities to identify key factors negatively impacting on their lives as well as strategies for promoting well-being and building resilience. This article details the application of the PAR approach by the NEP Aboriginal community-based researchers. It provides some unique insights into how PAR facilitated communities to have a voice and the ways in which it supported important change processes at both an individual and a community level.
Experimental investigation of wing flexibility on force generation of a hovering flapping wing micro air vehicle with double wing clap-and-fling effects
Authors: Nguyen Quoc V , Chan Woei L , Debiasi Marco
Published: March 2017

Experimental investigation of wing flexibility on vertical thrust generation and power consumption in hovering condition for a hovering Flapping-Wing Micro Air Vehicle, namely FlowerFly, weighing 14.5 g with a 3 g onboard battery and having four wings with double wing clap-and-fling effects, was conducted for several wing configurations with the same shape, area, and weight. A data acquisition system was set up to simultaneously record aerodynamic forces, electrical power consumption, and wing motions at various flapping frequencies. The forces and power consumption were measured with a loadcell and a custom-made shunt circuit, respectively, and the wing motion was captured by high-speed cameras. The results show a phase delay of the wing tip displacement observed for wings with high flexible leading edge at high frequency, resulting in less vertical thrust produced when compared with the wings with less leading edge flexibility at the same flapping frequency. Positive wing camber was observed during wing flapping motion by arranging the wing supporting ribs. Comparison of thrust-to-power ratios between the wing configurations was undertaken to figure out a wing configuration for high vertical thrust production but less power consumption.
Genomic Classifier Augments the Role of Pathological Features in Identifying Optimal Candidates for Adjuvant Radiation Therapy in Patients With Prostate Cancer: Development and Internal Validation of a Multivariable Prognostic Model
Authors: Dalela Deepansh , Santiago-Jiménez María , Yousefi Kasra , Karnes R. Jeffrey , Ross Ashley E. , Den Robert B. , Freedland Stephen J. , Schaeffer Edward M. , Dicker Adam P. , Menon Mani , Briganti Alberto , Davicioni Elai , Abdollah Firas
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Despite documented oncologic benefit, use of postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy (aRT) in patients with prostate cancer is still limited in the United States. We aimed to develop and internally validate a risk-stratification tool incorporating the Decipher score, along with routinely available clinicopathologic features, to identify patients who would benefit the most from aRT.

Patient and Methods

Our cohort included 512 patients with prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy at one of four US academic centers between 1990 and 2010. All patients had ≥ pT3a disease, positive surgical margins, and/or pathologic lymph node invasion. Multivariable Cox regression analysis tested the relationship between available predictors (including Decipher score) and clinical recurrence (CR), which were then used to develop a novel risk-stratification tool. Our study adhered to the Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis guidelines for development of prognostic models.

Results

Overall, 21.9% of patients received aRT. Median follow-up in censored patients was 8.3 years. The 10-year CR rate was 4.9% vs. 17.4% in patients treated with aRT versus initial observation ( P < .001). Pathologic T3b/T4 stage, Gleason score 8-10, lymph node invasion, and Decipher score > 0.6 were independent predictors of CR (all P < .01). The cumulative number of risk factors was 0, 1, 2, and 3 to 4 in 46.5%, 28.9%, 17.2%, and 7.4% of patients, respectively. aRT was associated with decreased CR rate in patients with two or more risk factors (10-year CR rate 10.1% in aRT v 42.1% in initial observation; P = .012), but not in those with fewer than two risk factors ( P = .18).

Conclusion

Using the new model to indicate aRT might reduce overtreatment, decrease unnecessary adverse effects, and reduce risk of CR in the subset of patients (approximately 25% of all patients with aggressive pathologic disease in our cohort) who benefit from this therapy.
Nuclear α-catenin mediates the DNA damage response via β-catenin and nuclear actin
Authors: Serebryannyy Leonid A. , Yemelyanov Alex , Gottardi Cara J. , de Lanerolle Primal
Published: March 2017

α-Catenin is an F-actin-binding protein widely recognized for its role in cell–cell adhesion. However, a growing body of literature indicates that α-catenin is also a nuclear protein. In this study, we show that α-catenin is able to modulate the sensitivity of cells to DNA damage and toxicity. Furthermore, nuclear α-catenin is actively recruited to sites of DNA damage. This recruitment occurs in a β-catenin-dependent manner and requires nuclear actin polymerization. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the WNT-mediated regulation of the DNA damage response and suggest a novel role for the α-catenin–β-catenin complex in the nucleus.
Model-assisted measurements of suspension-feeding flow velocities
Authors: Du Clos Kevin T. , Jones Ian T. , Carrier Tyler J. , Brady Damian C. , Jumars Peter A.
Published: March 2017

Benthic marine suspension feeders provide an important link between benthic and pelagic ecosystems. The strength of this link is determined by suspension-feeding rates. Many studies have measured suspension-feeding rates using indirect clearance-rate methods, which are based on the depletion of suspended particles. Direct methods that measure the flow of water itself are less common, but they can be more broadly applied because, unlike indirect methods, direct methods are not affected by properties of the cleared particles. We present pumping rates for three species of suspension feeders, the clams Mya arenaria and Mercenaria mercenaria and the tunicate Ciona intestinalis, measured using a direct method based on particle image velocimetry (PIV). Past uses of PIV in suspension-feeding studies have been limited by strong laser reflections that interfere with velocity measurements proximate to the siphon. We used a new approach based on fitting PIV-based velocity profile measurements to theoretical profiles from computational fluid dynamic (CFD) models, which allowed us to calculate inhalant siphon Reynolds numbers (Re). We used these inhalant Re and measurements of siphon diameters to calculate exhalant Re, pumping rates, and mean inlet and outlet velocities. For the three species studied, inhalant Re ranged from 8−520, and exhalant Re ranged from 15−1073. Volumetric pumping rates ranged from 1.7−7.4 l h−1 for Mya, 0.3−3.6 l h−1 for Mercenaria, and 0.07−0.97 l h−1 for Ciona. We also used CFD models based on measured pumping rates to calculate capture regions, which reveal the spatial extent of pumped water. Combining PIV data with CFD models may be a valuable approach for future suspension-feeding studies.
High-speed surface reconstruction of a flying bird using structured-light
Authors: Deetjen Marc E. , Biewener Andrew A. , Lentink David
Published: March 2017

Birds fly effectively and maneuver nimbly by dynamically changing the shape of their wings during each wingbeat. These shape changes have yet to be quantified automatically at high temporal and spatial resolution. Therefore, we developed a custom 3D surface reconstruction method, which uses a high-speed camera to identify spatially encoded binary striped patterns that are projected on a flying bird. This non-invasive structured-light method allows automated 3D reconstruction of each stand-alone frame and can be extended to multiple views. We demonstrate this new technique by automatically reconstructing the dorsal surface of a parrotlet wing at 3200 fps during flapping flight. From this shape we analyze key parameters such as wing twist and angle of attack distribution. While our binary ‘single-shot’ algorithm is demonstrated by quantifying dynamic shape changes of a flying bird, it is generally applicable to moving animals, plants and deforming objects.
Hearing on the fly: the effects of wing position on noctuid moth hearing
Authors: Gordon Shira D. , Klenschi Elizabeth , Windmill James F. C.
Published: March 2017

The ear of the noctuid moth has only two auditory neurons, A1 and A2, which function in detecting predatory bats. However, the noctuid's ears are located on the thorax behind the wings. Therefore, since these moths need to hear during flight, it was hypothesized that wing position may affect their hearing. The wing was fixed in three different positions: up, flat, and down. An additional subset of animals was measured with freely moving wings. In order to negate any possible acoustic shadowing or diffractive effects, all wings were snipped, leaving the proximal most portion and the wing hinge intact. Results revealed that wing position plays a factor in threshold sensitivity of the less sensitive auditory neuron A2, but not in the more sensitive neuron A1. Furthermore, when the wing was set in the down position, fewer A1 action potentials were generated prior to the initiation of A2 activity. Analyzing the motion of the tympanal membrane did not reveal differences in movement due to wing position. Therefore, these neural differences due to wing position are proposed to be due to other factors within the animal such as different muscle tensions.
Endoscopic cystic duct stent as primary treatment for intrahepatic gallbladder perforation with abscess formation
Authors: Williams P , French R , Paranandi B , Wilson C , Charnley R
Published: March 2017

Intrahepatic gallbladder perforation with abscess formation is an uncommon presentation of biliary disease. There is no consensus on how to treat this condition, with strategies varying from percutaneous drainage to open cholecystectomy and washout. We present a case of a novel, minimally invasive treatment, using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography to place a transcystic drain as a bridge to laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Reaching agreement in uncertain circumstances: the practice of evidence-based policy in the case of the Swedish National Guidelines for heart diseases
Authors: Eckard Nathalie , Nedlund Ann-Charlotte , Janzon Magnus , Levin Lars-Åke
Published: March 2017

This paper explores the practice of evidence-based policy in a Swedish healthcare context. The study focused on how policymakers in the specific working group, the Priority-Setting Group (PSG), handled the various forms of evidence and values and their competing rationalities, when producing the Swedish National Guidelines for heart diseases that are based on both clinical and economic evidence and are established to support explicit priority-setting in healthcare. The study contributes to the theoretical and practical debate on evidence-based policy (EBP) by illustrating how the practical tensions of coming to agreement were managed, to a large extent, through deliberation and by creativity.
A hidrelétrica de Nova Ponte-MG, Brasil, e a problemática dos deslocamentos compulsórios
Authors: Silva Vicente De Paulo da
Published: March 2017

Neste trabalho buscou-se apresentar a problemática dos deslocamentos compulsórios como efeitos da opção por grandes empreendimentos. O foco foi a cidade de Nova Ponte, no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, onde a construção de uma Usina Hidrelétrica promoveu a submersão de toda a área urbana da cidade e, consequentemente, a construção de uma cidade nova que também se chamou Nova Ponte. O objetivo é mostrar que reconstruir uma cidade não deve ser entendido apenas do ponto de vista da  reconstrução de prédios e ruas mas, acima de tudo, da reconstrução da vidacotidiana que vai ganhando densidade. https://doi.org/10.14195/1647-7723_24_8
Towards the Automatic Estimation of Time Delays of Gravitational Lenses
Authors: Hirv A. , Olspert N. , Pelt J.
Published: March 2017

Estimation of time delays from a noisy and gapped data is one of the simplest data analysis problems in astronomy by its formulation. But as history of real experiments show, the work with observed datasets can be quite complex and evolved. By analyzing in detail previous attempts to build delay estimation algorithms we try to develop an automatic and robust procedure to perform the task. To evaluate and compare different variants of the algorithms we use real observed datasets which have been objects of past controversies. In this way we hope to select the methods and procedures which have highest probability to succeed in complex situations. As a result of our investigations, we propose an estimation procedure which can be used as a method of choice in large photometric experiments. We cannot claim that the proposed methodology works with any reasonably well sampled input dataset. However we hope that the steps taken are in correct direction and the developed software will be useful for observational astronomers.
Grigori Kuzmin and Stellar Dynamics
Authors: Zeeuw P. Tim de , Ven Glenn van de
Published: March 2017

Grigori Kuzmin was a very gifted dynamicist and one of the towering figures in the distinguished history of the Tartu Observatory. He obtained a number of important results in relative isolation which were later rediscovered in the West. This work laid the foundation for further advances in the theory of stellar systems in dynamical equilibrium, thereby substantially increasing our understanding of galaxy dynamics.
Some Properties of Galaxy Structures
Authors: Flin Piotr , Biernacka Monika , Godłowski Włodzimierz , Panko Elena , Piwowarska Paulina
Published: March 2017

We analysed some properties of galaxies structures based on the PF catalog of galaxy structures (Panko & Flin 2006) and the Tully NBG catalog (Tully 1988). At first, we analyzed the orientation of galaxies in the 247 optically selected rich Abell clusters, having at least 100 members. The distribution of the position angles of galaxies as well as of two angles describing spatial orientation of the galaxy planes were tested for isotropy, applying three statistical tests. We found the relation between the anisotropy and the cluster richness. The relation between the galaxy alignment and the Bautz-Morgan morphological type of the parent cluster is not present. A statistically marginal relation between the velocity dispersion and cluster richness is observed. We also analyzed ellipticities for 6188 low redshift (z < 0.18) poor and rich galaxy structures which have been examined along with their evolution. Finally, we analyzed the Binggeli effect and found that the orientation of galaxy groups in the Local Supercluster (LSC), is strongly correlated with the distribution of neighbouring groups in the scale up to about 20 Mpc. Analysis of galaxy structures from the PF catalog shows quite different situation - the efect is observed only for more elongated structures (e ≤ 0.3). The effect is present in a distance range of about 60 h−1 Mpc.
Tadeusz Banachiewicz in Tartu (1915 to 1918)
Authors: Flin P. , Panko E.
Published: March 2017

Tadeusz Banachiewicz (1882-1954) was an outstanding Polish astronomer, mathematician and geodesist. He was a professor at the Jagiellonian University in Cracow and director of the Astronomical Observatory (1919-1954), and had a strong influence on Polish astronomy. His achievements led to honorary degrees at universities, fellowships in academies of sciences, and the prestige of high positions in international organizations, such as the International Astronomical Union and the Baltic Geodetic Commission. He is known from both his theoretical and observational studies, his famous motto being: “observo ergo sum”. Here we recall three years of his activity in Tartu, where Tadeusz Banachiewicz made the most important steps in his career. He arrived at Yuryev in October of 1915, employed as a young assistant. In March 1918 he became the extraordinary professor and director of the Astronomical Observatory.
Variability of Double-Peaked Emission Lines in AGNs as a Probe of the Broad-Line Region Structure
Authors: Flohic Hélène M. L. G.
Published: March 2017

We demonstrate that the disk-wind model for the broad-line region (BLR) can explain the variability from single-peaked to double-peaked emission line (DPEL) profiles observed in some active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and can produce realistic single-peaked line profiles if the inclination and size of the line-emitting region are restricted. The main drivers of differences in the line profile is the radial density distribution in the wind, which is likely related to the accretion rate of the AGN. We exploit the extreme case of AGNs with DPELs in order to test different models of perturbations in the accretion disk, and find evidences that the outer regions of the disk are likely unstable to self-gravity. Finally, we devise a new monitoring strategy in order to build a rich dataset in a short time.
The Starburst – AGN Connection: a Critical Review
Authors: Rafanelli P. , La Mura G. , Bindoni D. , Ciroi S. , Cracco V. , Di Mille F. , Vaona L.
Published: March 2017

Nuclear activity and star formation processes represent two key elements in the evolution of galaxies across the cosmic ages. In spite of very different physical backgrounds, several arguments suggest that they should be closely connected. On the basis of simple theoretical considerations, the transport of appreciable amounts of fuel to the AGN scale is very likely to trigger star formation in the gas. Young stellar populations, in their turn, are expected to affect the properties of the interstellar medium, leading to a complex balance of interactions among nuclear activity and star formation. This scenario is also supported by the observation of super-massive black holes and host galaxy properties, which strongly suggest a common evolutionary track. However, despite several years of extensive investigation, the relationship among the two processes still has to be properly explained. Here we provide a review of some of the most important observations, which are relevant to the issue of the connection among AGN and starburst events. Based on a wide sample of observations, we present an analysis of the spectral signatures connected with AGN and star formation activity. Expanding the concept of the distinction among star forming galaxies and the true active nuclei, we provide systematic evidence for a role of recent starburst events in the circum-nuclear regions of active galaxies and discuss the possibility of its influence onto the AGN environment. We also analyze the age, mass and metallicity properties of star-forming and active galaxies, illustrating that they are arranged in a sequence that is consistent with the identified relation.
Stark Broadening and White Dwarfs
Authors: Dimitrijević Milan S. , Kovačević Andjelka , Simić Zoran , Sahal-Bréchot Sylvie
Published: March 2017

White dwarf and pre-white dwarfs are the best types of stars for the application of Stark broadening research results in astrophysics, since in the atmospheres of these stars physical conditions are very favorable for this line broadening mechanism - in hot hydrogen-deficient white dwarfs and pre-white dwarfs Teff = 75 000–180 000 K and log g = 5.5–8 [cgs]. Even for much cooler DA and DB white dwarfs with the typical effective temperatures 10 000-20 000 K, Stark broadening is usually the dominant broadening mechanism. In this review, Stark broadening in white dwarf spectra is considered, and the attention is drawn to the STARK-B database (http://stark-b.obspm.fr/), containing the parameters needed for analysis and synthesis of white dwarf spectra, as well as for the collective efforts to develop the Virtual Atomic and Molecular Data Center.
VAMDC as a Resource for Atomic and Molecular Data and the New Release of VALD
Authors: Kupka F. , Dubernet M.-L.
Published: March 2017

The Virtual Atomic and Molecular Data Centre (VAMDC) is an EU-FP7 project devoted to build a common electronic infrastructure for the exchange and distribution of atomic and molecular data. Within VAMDC scientists from many different disciplines in atomic and molecular physics collaborate with users of their data and also with scientists and engineers from the information and communication technology community. In this presentation, an overview of the current status of VAMDC and its capabilities is provided. In the second part of the presentation I will focus on one of the databases which have become a part of the VAMDC platform, the Vienna Atomic Line Data Base (VALD). VALD has developed into a well-known resource of atomic data for spectroscopy, particularly in astrophysics. A new release, VALD-3, will provide numerous improvements over its predecessor. This particularly relates to the data contents where new sets of atomic data for both precision spectroscopy (i.e., with data for observed energy levels) as well as opacity calculations (i.e., with data involving predicted energy levels) have been included. Data for selected diatomic molecules have been added, and the new system for data distribution and data referencing provides more convenience in using the third release of VALD.
Ab Initio Determination of Atomic Structure and Stark Broadening Parameters: Pb IV and Recent Results
Authors: Hamdi R. , Nessib N. Ben , Dimitrijević M. S. , Sahal-Bréchot S.
Published: March 2017

We present a review of our previous ab initio calculations of Stark broadening parameters using semi-classical perturbation method for the calculation of Stark widths and shifts, and the SUPERSTRUCURE (SST) code for the determination of atomic structure. SST code takes into account the configuration interactions and relativistic effects. New results are also presented for some spectral lines of Pb IV. Energy levels and oscillator strengths are calculated using Hartree-Fock relativistic approach, and the Stark broadening parameters are determined using a semiclassical perturbation approach.
Spectroscopic Observations of the Recurrent Symbiotic Nova V407 Cyg During 2001 - 2009
Authors: Esipov V. F. , Kolotilov E. A. , Komissarova G. V. , Shenavrin V. I. , Tarasova T. N. , Tatarnikov A. M. , Tatarnikova A. A.
Published: March 2017

We analyze the results of our spectroscopic monitoring of V407 Cyg in 2001–2009. the slow decline in optical brightness connected with the evolution of a Z And-type outburst (maximum in 1998) was observed in 2001–2003. the system returned to quiescence in 2004, and its spectrum returned to nearly the same as in 1994. We estimated the hot component’s temperature from the equivalent width of He II 4686 Å to be ~63 000 K . During 2006–2007 there was no clear evidence of the hot component in the spectra. the equivalent width of Hα dropped to 5Å (in 2007). This passive state was similar to previous passive states observed during 2006–2007 and in 1991.
The Long-Term Spectroscopic Misadventures of AG Dra with a Nod Toward V407 Cyg: Degenerates Behaving Badly
Authors: Shore S. N. , Genovali K. , Wahlgren G. M.
Published: March 2017

We present some results of an ongoing study of the long-term spectroscopic variations of AG Dra, a prototypical eruptive symbiotic system. We discuss the effects of the environment and orbital modulation in this system and some of the physical processes revealed by a comparison with the nova outburst of the symbiotic-like recurrent nova V407 Cyg 2010.
Mass Transfer in Two Post-AGB Binaries with Dusty Disks
Authors: Gorlova N. , Van Winckel H. , Jorissen A.
Published: March 2017

We present a time series of high-resolution spectra for two poorly studied candidate post-AGB stars surrounded by dusty disks, BD+46 442 and IRAS 19135+3937. We find that both stars show radial velocity variations with periods of 130-140 days. IRAS 19135+3937 has been previously classified as a semi-regular variable based on the light variations with a similar period, but our spectra reveal an evolved star which is too warm to be on the AGB. the variability of BD+46 442 has not been studied till now. the stars reveal a number of spectroscopic peculiarities that resemble features in the interactive binaries including the S-type Symbiotics. Namely, H profile alternates between a double-peak emission and a P Cyg profile, which correlates with the radial velocity phase. A weak asymmetry is tentatively detected in the cross-correlation function that moves in anti-phase with the main component. In addition, strong photospheric lines reveal a narrow central absorption. We conclude that these peculiarities are consistent with a picture where the observed post-AGB stars orbit a much fainter companion at a sub-AU separation and transfer mass on it. the companion is surrounded by an accretion disk, possibly with some kind of an outflow. the SED shows that whole system is surrounded by stable dusty disk as well. It remains to be seen with more observations how much of the line asymmetry could be due to the contribution of low-amplitude pulsations.
Reconstructing Historical Light Curves of Symbiotic Stars and Novae
Authors: Jurdana-Šepić R. , Munari U.
Published: March 2017

We reconstructed photometric histories of symbiotic stars and novae from direct inspection and measurement of photographic plates preserved at historical archives. We have completed the digging of the rich Asiago archive, and have started working on the Harvard plate stack, while other plate collections should be added soon. For homogeneity, we use the same UBV RCIC photometric comparison sequences used in current CCD observations. This data harvest has permitted the discovery of past undetected outbursts and secular trends, or to derive previously unknown orbital periods and recurrence times, which are essential to constrain the nature of these capricious and variegated active binaries.
BF Cyg During its Current Outburst
Authors: Siviero A. , Tamajo E. , Lutz J. , Wallerstein G. , Ans Collaboration
Published: March 2017

We are intensively monitoring the current outburst on BF Cyg, both spectroscopically (high and low resolution modes) and photometrically (so far 450 BV RCIC measurements have been collected). the outburst is photometrically reminiscent of the major event BF Cyg experienced in 1890 when it rose by 4 mag in the blue. In this contribution we present the data and describe the plans to investigate this object.
VADMC: The Infrastructure
Authors: Le Sidaner Pierre , Ryabchikova Tatiana
Published: March 2017

The Virtual Atomic and Molecular Data Centre (VAMDC; http://www.vamdc.eu) is a European-Union-funded collaboration between several groups involved in the generation, evaluation, and use of atomic and molecular data. VAMDC aims at building a secure, documented, flexible and interoperable e-Science environment-based interface to existing atomic and molecular databases. The global infrastructure of this project uses technologies derived from the International Virtual Observatory Alliance (IVOA). The infrastructure, as well as the first database prototypes will be described.
Multiband Study of Radio Sources of the RCR Catalogue with Virtual Observatory Tools
Authors: Zhelenkova O. P. , Soboleva N. S. , Majorova E. K. , Temirova A. V.
Published: March 2017

We present early results of our multiband study of the RATAN Cold Revised (RCR) catalogue obtained from seven cycles of the “Cold” survey carried with the RATAN-600 radio telescope at 7.6 cm in 1980-1999, at the declination of the SS 433 source. We used the 2MASS and LAS UKIDSS infrared surveys, the DSS-II and SDSS DR7 optical surveys, as well as the USNO-B1 and GSC-II catalogues, the VLSS, TXS, NVSS, FIRST and GB6 radio surveys to accumulate information about the sources. For radio sources that have no detectable optical candidate in optical or infrared catalogues, we additionally looked through images in several bands from the SDSS, LAS UKIDSS, DPOSS, 2MASS surveys and also used co-added frames in different bands. We reliably identified 76% of radio sources of the RCR catalogue. We used the ALADIN and SAOImage DS9 scripting capabilities, interoperability services of ALADIN and TOPCAT, and also other Virtual Observatory (VO) tools and resources, such as CASJobs, NED, Vizier, and WSA, for effective data access, visualization and analysis. Without VO tools it would have been problematic to perform our study.
A forecasting performance comparison of dynamic factor models based on static and dynamic methods
Authors: Marra Fabio Della
Published: March 2017

We present a comparison of the forecasting performances of three Dynamic Factor Models on a large monthly data panel of macroeconomic and financial time series for the UE economy. The first model relies on static principal-component and was introduced by Stock and Watson (2002a, b). The second is based on generalized principal components and it was introduced by Forni, Hallin, Lippi and Reichlin (2000, 2005). The last model has been recently proposed by Forni, Hallin, Lippi and Zaffaroni (2015, 2016). The data panel is split into two parts: the calibration sample, from February 1986 to December 2000, is used to select the most performing specification for each class of models in a in- sample environment, and the proper sample, from January 2001 to November 2015, is used to compare the performances of the selected models in an out-of-sample environment. The metholodogical approach is analogous to Forni, Giovannelli, Lippi and Soccorsi (2016), but also the size of the rolling window is empirically estimated in the calibration process to achieve more robustness. We find that, on the proper sample, the last model is the most performing for the Inflation. However, mixed evidencies appear over the proper sample for the Industrial Production.
An approach to the transformation of periodic sequences
Authors: Chirskii Vladimir G. , Nesterenko Aleksey Yu.
Published: March 2017

We consider a periodic sequence

{

c
k

}

k
=
0

∞

$\{c_k\}_{k=0}^\infty$

and investigate a numerical properties of an irrational number

α
=

∑

k
=
0

∞

c
k

k
!

.

$\alpha = \sum_{k=0}^\infty \frac{c_k}{k!}.$

As an application of our results we present a simple transformation of periodic sequence

{

c
k

}

k
=
0

∞

$\{c_k\}_{k=0}^\infty$

into aperiodic sequence.
On the number of functions of k-valued logic which are polynomials modulo composite k
Authors: Selezneva Svetlana N.
Published: March 2017

A function of k-valued logic is called polynomial if it may be represented by a polynomial modulo k. For any composite number k we propose a uniquely defined canonical form of polynomials for polynomial functions of k-valued logic depending on an arbitrary number of variables. This canonical form is used to find, for any composite k, a formula for the number of n-place polynomial functions of k-valued logic. As a corollary, for any composite k we find the asymptotic behaviour of the logarithm of the number of n-place polynomial functions of k-valued logic.
Upper bounds for the size and the depth of formulae for MOD-functions
Authors: Sergeev Igor S.
Published: March 2017

We obtain new upper bounds for the size and the depth of formulae for some MOD-functions (that is, functions counting n bits modulo m). In particular, the depth of counting n bits modulo 3 is bounded by 2.8 log2
n + O(1) in the standard basis {Λ, V,—}; the size of counting modulo 5 is bounded by O(n
3.22) in the same basis; the depth of counting modulo 7 is bounded by 2.93 log2
n+O(1) in the basis of all binary Boolean functions.
Macroporous polymer beads derived from a novel coporogen of polyethylene/dichlorobenzene
Authors: Liang Kai , Li Gen , Peng Meixuan , Liu Qingquan
Published: March 2017

Macroporous poly(divinylbenzene) (PDVB) beads were prepared by traditional suspension polymerization in the presence of dichlorobenzene (DCB) and polyethylene (PE) as coporogen. Two types of PE with different molecular weights were used as polymer porogen, and the weight percent of PE in DCB varied from 0 to 8.0 wt%. Effects of PE concentration and PE molecular weight on the pore structure of PDVB beads were investigated. As expected, the highest surface area was achieved by the beads prepared with DCB as the sole porogen. Applying coporogen with PE with low molecular weight (LPE) content, the surface area of PDVB beads declined because of early phase separation induced by the cooperation of LPE and DCB. However, the value increased abruptly when 5 wt% LPE in DCB was used as coporogen. Subsequently, the values again decreased when LPE amount further increased. Overall, the molecular weight of PE and the concentration of PE in coporogen had a significant effect on the pore structure and surface morphology of PDVB beads.
Research Article. Towards a tidal loading model for the Argentine-German Geodetic Observatory (La Plata)
Authors: Richter A. , Müller L. , Marderwald E. , Mendoza L. , Kruse E. , Perdomo R. , Scheinert M. , Perdomo S.
Published: March 2017

We present a regionalized model of ocean tidal loading effects for the Argentine-German Geodetic Observatory in La Plata. It provides the amplitudes and phases of gravity variations and vertical deformation for nine tidal constituents to be applied as corrections to the observatory’s future geodetic observation data. This model combines a global ocean tide model with a model of the tides in the Río de la Plata estuary. A comparison with conventional predictions based only on the global ocean tide model reveals the importance of the incorporation of the regional tide model. Tidal loading at the observatory is dominated by the tides in the Atlantic Ocean. An additional contribution of local tidal loading in channels and groundwater is examined. The magnitude of the tidal loading is also reviewed in the context of the effects of solid earth tides, atmospheric loading and non-tidal loads.
Multimodal Construction Grammar issues are Construction Grammar issues
Authors: Schoonjans Steven
Published: March 2017

If multimodal work in terms of Construction Grammar is still rare nowadays, this is not just because the upsurge of multimodality in linguistics in general is rather recent. Attempts to include non-verbal layers of expression (especially gesture) in Construction Grammar have uncovered a number of theoretical issues that need to be reflected upon before any serious claims on the existence of multimodal constructions can be made. While some scholars take these issues as reasons for leaving the non-verbal outside of the scope of Construction Grammar, this paper shows that several of these issues are not actually related to multimodality, but rather hint at more general theoretical issues in Construction Grammar. Hence, it is argued that these issues should be seen as an incentive for rethinking and refining the notion of ‘construction’, rather than as a reason for leaving multimodality aside.
The “Negative-Assessment-Construction” – A multimodal pattern based on a recurrent gesture?
Authors: Bressem Jana , Müller Cornelia
Published: March 2017

This paper offers an analysis of a multimodal pattern of negative assessment, which takes as the starting point a particular recurrent gesture: the Throwing Away gesture. Recurrent gestures are characterized by a stabilized form-meaning pairing. In the case of the Throwing Away gesture, form and meaning are grounded in an “Away-Action-Scheme”: i. e., a socially shared, sedimented experience of removing unwanted objects at, on, or approaching a speaker’s body. Based on a cognitive-linguistic analysis of the gesture and its use in five different verbal contexts, we suggest that the Throwing Away gesture enters a verbo-kinesic construction that consists of the “Throwing Away Gesture + particles/negation/N/V/ADV”. The meaning of the verbo-kinesic construction is grounded in an embodied frame of experience in Fillmore’s sense: i. e., a schematized scene involving mundane actions, here ‘removals of unwanted objects’ (e. g., ‘Away-Action-Scenes’). Referring to Goldberg’s “Scene Encoding Hypothesis”, we propose that the “Negative-Assessment-Construction” designates scenes essential to human experience. With this focus, the paper puts forward a gesture-first account on verbo-kinesic constructions and suggests a possible candidate for such a multimodal pattern.
Do we really need a Multimodal Construction Grammar?
Authors: Ziem Alexander
Published: March 2017

A multimodal construction is said to be a conventional pairing of a complex form, comprising at least a verbal and a kinetic element, with a specific meaning or a specific function. Do we need a new constructional approach to account for such multimodal constructions? What are the challenges to account for multimodality? The aim of this contribution is to provide a precise notion ‘multimodal construction’ and, on this basis, to indicate possible pathways for future investigations. The paper opts for cautiously extending the scope of existing constructional approaches in order to include non-linguistic meaningful behavior. In particular, it is argued that even though Construction Grammar invites for treating multimodal on a par with linguistic constructions, there is a huge lack of substantial empirical support to arrive at a more detailed and data-based understanding of the nature of multimodal constructions.