bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unusual Rearrangements of Radical Cations: The Role of Vibronic Coupling
Authors: Bally Thomas
Published: March 2016

Radicalcations often undergo very unexpected rearrangements. Three examples of such rearrangements are given, and it is shown how vibronic coupling between the ground and low-lying excited states may cause certain bonds that are quite solid in the neutral molecules to become so weak that
they break spontaneously, even though the bond order does not change (or changes very little) on ionization. In radical cations where spin and charge are delocalized over two similar halves, vibronic coupling can lead to localization of spin and charge, which may greatly affect the reactivity.
Finally, it is shown how vibronic coupling can lead to avoidance of state crossings, a feature that appears very frequently in rearrangements of radical cations.
Reaction Rate Maxima at Large Distances between Reactants
Authors: Kuss-Petermann Martin , Wenger Oliver S.
Published: March 2016

One commonly thinks that two reactants need to come very close to one another in order for a chemical reaction to occur. This is true for most reaction types, but electron transfer is an exception in this regard. It is a well-documented fact that electron transfers can occur over long
distances (?15 Å), but it is much less well-known that theory predicts a regime in which electron transfer rates in crease with increasing distance between reactants. This contribution explains the physical origin of this counter-intuitive behavior, and it identifies a set of conditions that might facilitate its experimental observation.
Innovation Centre Peptide and Protein Technologies HES-SO Sion: Pioneer in an Emerging Market
Authors: Heinzelmann Elsbeth
Published: March 2016

Peptides are small proteins typically containing a chain of up to 100 amino acids. In our bodies, they are produced every day in vast quantities and perform highly specific biological activities. As there is an increased interest in peptides for pharmaceutical applications, the HES-SO
Valais-Wallis created a research group to focus on Peptide and Protein Technologies (P2T).
Human Thermal Comfort: Modeling the Impact of Different Cool Pavement Strategies
Authors: Li Hui , He Yuan , Harvey John
Published: March 2016

Cool pavement strategies could help mitigate the heat island effect and improve the outdoor thermal environment in hot climates. This study investigated the impact of cool pavement strategies on outdoor human thermal comfort. On the basis of the human body energy balance model and the thermal comfort model, the physiological equivalent temperature (PET) was selected to evaluate and compare the effects of different pavement strategies on the outdoor thermal environment for summer and winter in three climates (Sacramento and Los Angeles in California and Phoenix in Arizona). The pavement strategies evaluated included high reflectance, evaporation, high reflectance plus evaporation, and shading along with a baseline for control. The use of high-reflectance pavement reduced pavement surface temperature; however, increasing pavement reflectance increased mean radiant temperature, because of the increased reflected radiation hitting the human body, and consequently increased the risk of reducing human thermal comfort during hot periods by 3% to 8% in the three locations. Enhancing pavement evaporation and shading pavement with trees or other canopies were effective strategies for reducing pavement surface temperature and PET, helping improve human thermal comfort in hot periods by 3% to 28%. For some areas, such as Sacramento, where it is hot in summer and cold in winter, some cool pavement strategies (e.g., pavement evaporation or shading) used to improve the summer thermal environment might make the cold winter slightly colder. Therefore, strategies that can reduce summer hot temperatures but not reduce winter cold temperatures, such as enhancing evaporation or tree shading only in the hot summer, are desirable.
Safety Evaluation of Cosmetic Ingredients Regarding Their Skin Sensitization Potential
Authors: Steiling Winfried
Published: March 2016

Up to today, product safety evaluation in the EU is predominantly based on data/information on their individual ingredients. Consequently, the quality and reliability of individual ingredient data is of vital interest. In this context, the knowledge about skin sensitization potential is an explicit need for both hazard and risk assessment. Proper skin sensitization data of the individual chemicals is essential, especially when dermal contact is intended, like for cosmetics. In some cases, e.g., in the presence of irritating chemicals, the combination of individual ingredients may also need to be evaluated to cover possible mixture effects. Today, it seems unlikely or even impossible that skin sensitization in humans can be adequately described by a single test result or even by a simple combination of a few data points (in vivo or in vitro). It is becoming evident that a set of data (including human data and market data) and knowledge about the ingredient’s specific sensitizing potency needs to be taken into account to enable a reliable assessment of skin sensitization. A more in-depth understanding on mechanistic details of the Adverse-Outcome-Pathway of skin sensitization could contribute key data for a robust conclusion on skin sensitization.
Statistical Evidence Measured on a Properly Calibrated Scale for Multinomial Hypothesis Comparisons
Authors: Vieland Veronica , Seok Sang-Cheol
Published: March 2016

Measurement of the strength of statistical evidence is a primary objective of statistical analysis throughout the biological and social sciences. Various quantities have been proposed as definitions of statistical evidence, notably the likelihood ratio, the Bayes factor and the relative belief ratio. Each of these can be motivated by direct appeal to intuition. However, for an evidence measure to be reliably used for scientific purposes, it must be properly calibrated, so that one “degree” on the measurement scale always refers to the same amount of underlying evidence, and the calibration problem has not been resolved for these familiar evidential statistics. We have developed a methodology for addressing the calibration issue itself, and previously applied this methodology to derive a calibrated evidence measure E in application to a broad class of hypothesis contrasts in the setting of binomial (single-parameter) likelihoods. Here we substantially generalize previous results to include the m-dimensional multinomial (multiple-parameter) likelihood. In the process we further articulate our methodology for addressing the measurement calibration issue, and we show explicitly how the more familiar definitions of statistical evidence are patently not well behaved with respect to the underlying evidence. We also continue to see striking connections between the calculating equations for E and equations from thermodynamics as we move to more complicated forms of the likelihood.
Determination and Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Rivers, Sediments and Wastewater Effluents in Vhembe District, South Africa
Authors: Edokpayi Joshua , Odiyo John , Popoola Oluwaseun , Msagati Titus
Published: March 2016

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are very toxic and persistent environmental contaminants. This study was undertaken to assess the concentrations and possible sources of 16 PAHs (Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) classified by the United State Environmental Protection Agency as priority pollutants in water and sediments of the Mvudi and Nzhelele Rivers. Effluents from Thohoyandou wastewater treatment plant and Siloam waste stabilization ponds were also investigated. Diagnostic ratios were used to evaluate the possible sources of PAHs. PAHs in the water samples were extracted using 1:1 dichloromethane and n-hexane mixtures, while those in the sediment samples were extracted with 1:1 acetone and dichloromethane using an ultrasonication method. The extracts were purified using an SPE technique and reconstituted in n-hexane before analyses with a gas chromatograph time of flight—mass spectrometer. The results obtained indicate the prevalence of high molecular weight PAHs in all the samples. PAHs concentrations in water and sediment samples from all the sampling sites were in the range of 13.174–26.382 mg/L and 27.10–55.93 mg/kg, respectively. Combustion of biomass was identified as the major possible source of PAHs. Effluents from wastewater treatment facilities were also considered as major anthropogenic contributions to the levels of PAHs found in both river water and sediments. Mvudi and Nzhelele Rivers show moderate to high contamination level of PAHs.
Pyrethroid Pesticide Metabolite in Urine and Microelements in Hair of Children Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Domingues Valentina , Nasuti Cinzia , Piangerelli Marco , Correia-Sá Luísa , Ghezzo Alessandro , Marini Marina , Abruzzo Provvidenza , Visconti Paola , Giustozzi Marcello , Rossi Gerardo , Gabbianelli Rosita
Published: March 2016

The number of children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is dramatically increasing as well as the studies aimed at understanding the risk factors associated with the development of ASD. Since the etiology of ASD is partly genetic and partly environmental, factors (i.e., heavy metals, pesticides) as well as lifestyle seem to have a key role in the development of the disease. ASD and Control (CTR) children, aged 5–12 years, were compared. Gas chromatography coupled with trap mass detector was used to measure the level of 3-PBA, the main pyrethroid metabolite in urine in a group of ASD patients, while optical emission spectrometry analysis was employed to estimate the level of metals and microelements in hair in a different group of ASD children. The presence of 3-PBA in urine seems to be independent of age in ASD children, while a positive correlation between 3-PBA and age was observed in the control group of the same age range. Urine concentration of 3-BPA in ASD children had higher values than in the control group, which were marginally significant (p = 0.054). Mg results were significantly decreased in ASD with respect to controls, while V, S, Zn, and Ca/Mg were marginally increased, without reaching statistical significance. Results of Principal Component (PC) analysis of metals and microelements in hair were not associated with either age or health status. In conclusion, 3-PBA in urine and Mg in hair were changed in ASD children relative to control ones.
Childhood Reports of Food Neglect and Impulse Control Problems and Violence in Adulthood
Authors: Vaughn Michael , Salas-Wright Christopher , Naeger Sandra , Huang Jin , Piquero Alex
Published: March 2016

Food insecurity and hunger during childhood are associated with an array of developmental problems in multiple domains, including impulse control problems and violence. Unfortunately, extant research is based primarily on small convenience samples and an epidemiological assessment of the hunger-violence link is lacking. The current study employed data from Wave 1 (2001–2002) and Wave 2 (2004–2005) of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). The NESARC is a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized U.S. residents aged 18 years and older. Participants who experienced frequent hunger during childhood had significantly greater impulsivity, worse self-control, and greater involvement in several forms of interpersonal violence. These effects were stronger among whites, Hispanics, and males. The findings support general theoretical models implicating impulse control problems as a key correlate of crime and violence and add another facet to the importance of ameliorating food neglect in the United States.
The Expression Profile of Complement Components in Podocytes
Authors: Li Xuejuan , Ding Fangrui , Zhang Xiaoyan , Li Baihong , Ding Jie
Published: March 2016

Podocytes are critical for maintaining the glomerular filtration barrier and are injured in many renal diseases, especially proteinuric kidney diseases. Recently, reports suggested that podocytes are among the renal cells that synthesize complement components that mediate glomerular diseases. Nevertheless, the profile and extent of complement component expression in podocytes remain unclear. This study examined the expression profile of complement in podocytes under physiological conditions and in abnormal podocytes induced by multiple stimuli. In total, 23/32 complement component components were detected in podocyte by conventional RT-PCR. Both primary cultured podocytes and immortalized podocytes expressed the complement factors C1q, C1r, C2, C3, C7, MASP, CFI, DAF, CD59, C4bp, CD46, Protein S, CR2, C1qR, C3aR, C5aR, and Crry (17/32), whereas C4, CFB, CFD, C5, C6, C8, C9, MBL1, and MBL2 (9/32) complement factors were not expressed. C3, Crry, and C1q-binding protein were detected by tandem mass spectrometry. Podocyte complement gene expression was affected by several factors (puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN), angiotensin II (Ang II), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)). Representative complement components were detected using fluorescence confocal microscopy. In conclusion, primary podocytes express various complement components at the mRNA and protein levels. The complement gene expressions were affected by several podocyte injury factors.
Removal of 4-Chlorophenol from Contaminated Water Using Activated Carbon from Dried Date Pits: Equilibrium, Kinetics, and Thermodynamics Analyses
Authors: Allaboun Hussein , Abu Al-Rub Fahmi
Published: March 2016

Five different activated carbons (ACs) have been prepared from dried date pits using air and phosphoric acid as activating agents. The used phosphoric acid:date pit ratio dictated the characteristics of the prepared ACs; the equivalent BET-nitrogen surface area varied from 794 m2/g for a ratio of 5:1, to 1707 m2/g for a ratio of 2:1, whereas the micropore volume changed in value from 0.24 cm3/g for the 5:1 ratio to 0.59 cm3/g for the 2:1 ratio. The prepared ACs were tested to remove 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) from aqueous solutions by means of batch adsorption process. The prepared 2:1 AC exhibited the highest uptake with a maximum of 525 mg/g. Equilibrium pH studies showed that 4-CP removal was pH dependent; the maximum uptake occurred at an equilibrium pH value of 5.5. Dynamic studies showed that 4-CP uptake on 2:1 AC is rapid, with 80% of the maximum uptake achieved during the first 40 min. Both surface adsorption and intraparticle diffusion were identified to be effective adsorption mechanisms. Kinetic studies indicated a pseudo second-order reaction. Results of equilibrium adsorption experiments showed that the adsorption of the 4-CP on 2:1 AC is best described by the Langmuir model. The thermodynamics parameters of the adsorption (ΔG0, ΔH0, and ΔS0) were determined by studying the adsorption equilibrium at different temperatures. The values of these parameters indicated the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the adsorption phenomenon of 4-CP on the prepared ACs.
Fabrication and Compressive Properties of Low to Medium Porosity Closed-Cell Porous Aluminum Using PMMA Space Holder Technique
Authors: Jamal Nur , Tan Ai , Yusof Farazila , Katsuyoshi Kondoh , Hisashi Imai , Singh S. , Anuar Hazleen
Published: March 2016

In recent years, closed-cell porous Aluminum (Al) has drawn increasing attention, particularly in the applications requiring reduced weight and energy absorption capability such as in the automotive and aerospace industries. In the present work, porous Al with closed-cell structure was successfully fabricated by powder metallurgy technique using PMMA as a space holder. The effects of the amount of PMMA powder on the porosity, density, microstructure and compressive behaviors of the porous specimens were systematically evaluated. The results showed that closed-cell porous Al having different porosities (12%–32%) and densities (1.6478 g/cm3, 1.5125 g/cm3 and 1.305 g/cm3) could be produced by varying the amount of PMMA (20–30 wt %). Meanwhile, the compressive behavior results demonstrated that the plateau stress decreased and the energy absorption capacity increased with increasing amount of PMMA. However, the maximum energy absorption capacity was achieved in the closed-cell porous Al with the addition of 25 wt % PMMA. Therefore, fabrication of closed-cell porous Al using 25 wt % PMMA is considered as the optimal condition in the present study since the resultant closed-cell porous Al possessed good combinations of porosity, density and plateau stress, as well as energy absorption capacity.
Furostanol and Spirostanol Saponins from Tribulus terrestris
Authors: Wang Zhen-Fang , Wang Bing-Bing , Zhao Yang , Wang Fang-Xu , Sun Yan , Guo Rui-Jie , Song Xin-Bo , Xin Hai-Li , Sun Xin-Guang
Published: March 2016

Twelve new steroidal saponins, including eleven furostanol saponins, terrestrinin J–T (1–11), and one spirostanol saponin, terrestrinin U (12), together with seven known steroidal saponins 13–19 were isolated from T. terrestris. The structures of the new compounds were established on the basis of spectroscopic data, including 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS, and comparisons with published data.
Nanomaterials for Biosensing Applications
Authors: Hou Sichao , Zhang Aiying , Su Ming
Published: March 2016

Nanomaterials have shown tremendous potentials to impact the broad field of biological sensing. Nanomaterials, with extremely small sizes and appropriate surface modifications, allow intimate interaction with target biomolecules. [...]
Single-Photon Avalanche Diode with Enhanced NIR-Sensitivity for Automotive LIDAR Systems
Authors: Takai Isamu , Matsubara Hiroyuki , Soga Mineki , Ohta Mitsuhiko , Ogawa Masaru , Yamashita Tatsuya
Published: March 2016

A single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) with enhanced near-infrared (NIR) sensitivity has been developed, based on 0.18 μm CMOS technology, for use in future automotive light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems. The newly proposed SPAD operating in Geiger mode achieves a high NIR photon detection efficiency (PDE) without compromising the fill factor (FF) and a low breakdown voltage of approximately 20.5 V. These properties are obtained by employing two custom layers that are designed to provide a full-depletion layer with a high electric field profile. Experimental evaluation of the proposed SPAD reveals an FF of 33.1% and a PDE of 19.4% at 870 nm, which is the laser wavelength of our LIDAR system. The dark count rate (DCR) measurements shows that DCR levels of the proposed SPAD have a small effect on the ranging performance, even if the worst DCR (12.7 kcps) SPAD among the test samples is used. Furthermore, with an eye toward vehicle installations, the DCR is measured over a wide temperature range of 25–132 °C. The ranging experiment demonstrates that target distances are successfully measured in the distance range of 50–180 cm.
Persuasive Design for Products Leading to Health and Sustainability Using Case-Based Reasoning
Authors: Shih Li-hsing
Published: March 2016

This study proposes a novel method for facilitating product design that persuades users to have more bodily movements for both health and energy harvesting by using concepts of case-based reasoning. A domain knowledge model for case-based reasoning is proposed to explain how design and technology can help persuade users to perform target behavior. There are five groups of attributes in the model including target behavior, design principles, design techniques, applicable technology, and users’ motives and ability. With the model, knowledge from more than 98 cases are extracted to form a case library. To find better persuasive means for different user groups, significant users’ motives and ability are identified for different target users by using regression models which result from a questionnaire survey of local potential users. A case-based method with a six-step procedure is proposed to find some useful suggestions from retrieved cases by specifying target users and target behaviors. An illustrative example is presented to demonstrate the application potential of the proposed method.
Natural History of Aerosol Exposure with Marburg Virus in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Ewers Evan , Pratt William , Twenhafel Nancy , Shamblin Joshua , Donnelly Ginger , Esham Heather , Wlazlowski Carly , Johnson Joshua , Botto Miriam , Hensley Lisa , Goff Arthur
Published: March 2016

Marburg virus causes severe and often lethal viral disease in humans, and there are currently no Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medical countermeasures. The sporadic occurrence of Marburg outbreaks does not allow for evaluation of countermeasures in humans, so therapeutic and vaccine candidates can only be approved through the FDA animal rule—a mechanism requiring well-characterized animal models in which efficacy would be evaluated. Here, we describe a natural history study where rhesus macaques were surgically implanted with telemetry devices and central venous catheters prior to aerosol exposure with Marburg-Angola virus, enabling continuous physiologic monitoring and blood sampling without anesthesia. After a three to four day incubation period, all animals developed fever, viremia, and lymphopenia before developing tachycardia, tachypnea, elevated liver enzymes, decreased liver function, azotemia, elevated D-dimer levels and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines suggesting a systemic inflammatory response with organ failure. The final, terminal period began with the onset of sustained hypotension, dehydration progressed with signs of major organ hypoperfusion (hyperlactatemia, acute kidney injury, hypothermia), and ended with euthanasia or death. The most significant pathologic findings were marked infection of the respiratory lymphoid tissue with destruction of the tracheobronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes, and severe diffuse infection in the liver, and splenitis.
POSSIBLE SIGNATURES OF A COLD-FLOW DISK FROM MUSE USING A z ∼ 1 GALAXY–QUASAR PAIR TOWARD SDSS J1422−0001*
Authors: Bouché N. , Finley H. , Schroetter I. , Murphy M. T. , Richter P. , Bacon R. , Contini T. , Richard J. , Wendt M. , Kamann S. , Epinat B. , Cantalupo S. , Straka L. A. , Schaye J. , Martin C. L. , Péroux C. , Wisotzki L. , Soto K. , Lilly S. , Carollo C. M. , Brinchmann J. , Kollatschny W.
Published: March 2016

We use a background quasar to detect the presence of circumgalactic gas around a

low-mass star-forming galaxy. Data from the new Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) on the Very Large Telescope show that the galaxy has a dust-corrected star formation rate (SFR) of 4.7 ± 2.0 M
⊙ yr−1, with no companion down to 0.22 M
⊙ yr−1 (5σ) within 240

kpc (“30”). Using a high-resolution spectrum of the background quasar, which is fortuitously aligned with the galaxy major axis (with an azimuth angle α of only 15°), we find, in the gas kinematics traced by low-ionization lines, distinct signatures consistent with those expected for a “cold-flow disk” extending at least 12 kpc (

). We estimate the mass accretion rate

to be at least two to three times larger than the SFR, using the geometric constraints from the IFU data and the H i column density of log

/

≃ 20.4 obtained from a Hubble Space Telescope/COS near-UV spectrum. From a detailed analysis of the low-ionization lines (e.g., Zn ii, Cr ii, Ti ii, Mn ii, Si ii), the accreting material appears to be enriched to about 0.4

(albeit with large uncertainties:

), which is comparable to the galaxy metallicity (12 + log O/H = 8.7 ± 0.2), implying a large recycling fraction from past outflows. Blueshifted Mg ii and Fe ii absorptions in the galaxy spectrum from the MUSE data reveal the presence of an outflow. The Mg ii and Fe ii absorption line ratios indicate emission infilling due to scattering processes, but the MUSE data do not show any signs of fluorescent Fe ii* emission.
STEADY-STATE RELATIVISTIC STELLAR DYNAMICS AROUND A MASSIVE BLACK HOLE
Authors: Bar-Or Ben , Alexander Tal
Published: March 2016

A massive black hole (MBH) consumes stars whose orbits evolve into the small phase-space volume of unstable orbits, the “loss cone,” which take them into the MBH, or close enough to interact strongly with it. The resulting phenomena, e.g., tidal heating and disruption, binary capture and hyper-velocity star ejection, gravitational wave (GW) emission by inspiraling compact remnants, or hydrodynamical interactions with an accretion disk, can produce observable signatures and thereby reveal the MBH, affect its mass and spin evolution, test strong gravity, and probe stars and gas near the MBH. These continuous stellar loss and resupply processes shape the central stellar distribution. We investigate relativistic stellar dynamics near the loss cone of a non-spinning MBH in steady state, analytically and by Monte Carlo simulations of the diffusion of the orbital parameters. These take into account Newtonian mass precession due to enclosed stellar mass, in-plane precession due to general relativity, dissipation by GW, uncorrelated two-body relaxation, correlated resonant relaxation (RR), and adiabatic invariance due to secular precession, using a rigorously derived description of correlated post-Newtonian dynamics in the diffusion limit. We argue that general maximal entropy considerations strongly constrain the orbital diffusion in steady state, irrespective of the relaxation mechanism. We identify the exact phase-space separatrix between plunges and inspirals, and predict their steady-state rates. We derive the dependence of the rates on the mass of the MBH, show that the contribution of RR in steady state is small, and discuss special cases where unquenched RR in restricted volumes of phase-space may affect the steady state substantially.
ON THE ROLE OF THE ΩΓ LIMIT IN THE FORMATION OF POPULATION III MASSIVE STARS
Authors: Lee Hunchul , Yoon Sung-Chul
Published: March 2016

We explore the role of the modified Eddington limit due to rapid rotation (the so-called ΩΓ limit) in the formation of Population III stars. We performed one-dimensional stellar evolution simulations of zero-metallicity protostars accreting mass at a very high rate (

) and dealt with stellar rotation as a separate post-process. The protostar would reach the Keplerian rotation very soon after the onset of mass accretion, but mass accretion would continue as stellar angular momentum is transferred outward to the accretion disk by viscous stress. The envelope of the protostar expands rapidly when the stellar mass reaches ~5–7 M
⊙ and the Eddington factor increases sharply. This makes the protostar rotate critically at a rate that is significantly below the Keplerian value (i.e., the ΩΓ limit). The resultant positive gradient of the angular velocity in the boundary layer between the protostar and the Keplerian disk prohibits angular momentum transport from the star to the disk, and consequently further rapid mass accretion. This would prevent the protostar from growing significantly beyond 20–40 M
⊙. Another important consequence of the ΩΓ limit is that the protostar can remain fairly compact (R ≲ 50 R
⊙) and avoid a fluffy structure (R ≳ 500 R
⊙) that is usually found with a very high rate of mass accretion. This effect would make the protostar less prone to binary interactions during the protostar phase. Although our analysis is based on Population III protostar models, this role of the ΩΓ limit would be universal in the formation process of massive stars, regardless of metallicity.
STABLE AND UNSTABLE REGIMES OF MASS ACCRETION ONTO RW AUR A
Authors: Takami Michihiro , Wei Yu-Jie , Chou Mei-Yin , Karr Jennifer L. , Beck Tracy L. , Manset Nadine , Chen Wen-Ping , Kurosawa Ryuichi , Fukagawa Misato , White Marc , Galván-Madrid Roberto , Liu Hauyu Baobab , Pyo Tae-Soo , Donati Jean-Francois
Published: March 2016

We present monitoring observations of the active T Tauri star RW Aur, from 2010 October to 2015 January, using optical high-resolution (R ≥ 10,000) spectroscopy with Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope/ESPaDOnS. Optical photometry in the literature shows bright, stable fluxes over most of this period, with lower fluxes (by 2–3 mag) in 2010 and 2014. In the bright period our spectra show clear photospheric absorption, complicated variation in the Ca ii
λ8542 emission profile shapes, and a large variation in redshifted absorption in the O i
λλ7772 and 8446 and He i
λ5876 lines, suggesting unstable mass accretion during this period. In contrast, these line profiles are relatively uniform during the faint periods, suggesting stable mass accretion. During the faint periods, the photospheric absorption lines are absent or marginal, and the averaged Li i profile shows redshifted absorption due to an inflow. We discuss (1) occultation by circumstellar material or a companion and (2) changes in the activity of mass accretion to explain the above results, together with near-infrared and X-ray observations from 2011 to 2015. Neither scenario can simply explain all the observed trends, and more theoretical work is needed to further investigate their feasibilities.
STRONG LYα EMISSION IN THE PROXIMATE DAMPED LYα ABSORPTION TROUGH TOWARD THE QUASAR SDSS J095253.83+011422.0
Authors: Jiang Peng , Zhou Hongyan , Pan Xiang , Jiang Ning , Shu Xinwen , Wang Huiyuan , Gu Qiusheng , Li Zhenzhen , Wu Maochun , Shi Xiheng , Ji Tuo , Tian Qiguo , Zhang Shaohua
Published: March 2016

SDSS J095253.83+011422.0 (J0952+0114) was reported by Hall et al. as an exotic quasar at z
em = 3.020. In contrast to prominent broad metal-line emission with FWHM ∼ 9000 km s−1, only a narrow Lyα emission line is present with FWHM ∼ 1000 km s−1. The absence of a broad Lyα emission line has been a mystery for more than a decade. In this paper, we demonstrate that this absence is due to dark proximate damped Lyα absorption (PDLA) at z
abs = 3.010 by identifying associated Lyman absorption line series from the damped Lyβ up to Ly9, as well as the Lyman limit absorption edge. The PDLA cloud has a column density of

, a metallicity of [Zn/H] > −1.0, and a spatial extent exceeding the narrow emission line region (NELR) of the quasar. With a luminosity of

erg s−1, the residual Lyα emission superposed on the PDLA trough is two orders of magnitude stronger than found by previous reports. This is best explained as re-radiated photons arising from the quasar outflowing gas on a larger scale than in the NELR. The PDLA here, acting like a natural coronagraph, provides us with valuable insight into the illuminated gases in the vicinity of the quasar, which are usually hard to resolve due to their small size and the “seeing fuzz” of bright quasars. Notably, J0952+0114 analogs might be easily omitted in the spectroscopic surveys of DLAs and PDLAs because their damped Lyα troughs can be fully filled by additional strong Lyα emissions. Our preliminary survey shows that such systems are not very rare. They could potentially be a unique sample for probing strong quasar feedback phenomena in the early universe.
STRUCTURES OF THE VELA PULSAR AND THE GLITCH CRISIS FROM THE BRUECKNER THEORY
Authors: Li A. , Dong J. M. , Wang J. B. , Xu R. X.
Published: March 2016

Detailed structures of the Vela pulsar (PSR B0833-45, with a period of 89.33 ms) are predicted by adopting a recently constructed unified treatment of all parts of neutron stars: the outer crust, the inner crust, and the core based on modern microscopic Brueckner–Hartree–Fock calculations. Taking a pulsar mass in the range from 1.0 to 2.0 M
⊙, we calculate the central density, the core/crust radii, the core/crustal mass, the core/crustal thickness, the moment of inertia, and the crustal moment of inertia. Among them, the crustal moment of inertia could be effectively constrained from the accumulated glitch observations, which has been a great debate recently, known as the “glitch crisis.” Namely, superfluid neutrons contained in the inner crust, which are regarded as the origin of the glitch in the standard two-component model, could be largely entrained in the nuclei lattices, and then there may not be enough superfluid neutrons (∼4/5 less than the previous value) to trigger the large glitches (Δν/ν
0 ∼ 10−6) in the Vela pulsar. By confronting the glitch observations with the theoretical calculations for the crustal moment of inertia, we find that despite some recent opposition to the crisis argument, the glitch crisis is still present, which means that besides the crustal superfluid neutrons, core neutrons might be necessary for explaining the large glitches of the Vela pulsar.
THE MOST LUMINOUS SUPERNOVAE
Authors: Sukhbold Tuguldur , Woosley S. E.
Published: March 2016

Recent observations have revealed a stunning diversity of extremely luminous supernovae, seemingly increasing in radiant energy without bound. We consider simple approximate limits for what existing models can provide for the peak luminosity and total radiated energy for non-relativistic, isotropic stellar explosions. The brightest possible supernova is a Type I explosion powered by a sub-millisecond magnetar with field strength B ∼ few

G. In extreme cases, such models might reach a peak luminosity of

and radiate a total energy of up to

. Other less luminous models are also explored, including prompt hyper-energetic explosions in red supergiants, pulsational-pair instability supernovae, pair-instability supernovae, and colliding shells. Approximate analytic expressions and limits are given for each case. Excluding magnetars, the peak luminosity is near

for the brightest models and the corresponding limit on total radiated energy is

. Barring new physics, supernovae with a light output over

erg must be rotationally powered, either during the explosion itself or after, the most obvious candidate being a rapidly rotating magnetar. A magnetar-based model for the recent transient event, ASASSN-15lh is presented that strains, but does not exceed the limits of what the model can provide.
FIRST CONNECTION BETWEEN COLD GAS IN EMISSION AND ABSORPTION: CO EMISSION FROM A GALAXY–QUASAR PAIR
Authors: Neeleman Marcel , Prochaska J. Xavier , Zwaan Martin A. , Kanekar Nissim , Christensen Lise , Dessauges-Zavadsky Miroslava , Fynbo Johan P. U. , Kampen Eelco van , Møller Palle , Zafar Tayyaba
Published: March 2016

We present the first detection of molecular emission from a galaxy selected to be near a projected background quasar using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). The ALMA detection of CO(1−0) emission from the z = 0.101 galaxy toward quasar PKS 0439–433 is coincident with its stellar disk and yields a molecular gas mass of M
mol ≈ 4.2 × 109
M
⊙ (for a Galactic CO-to-H2 conversion factor), larger than the upper limit on its atomic gas mass. We resolve the CO velocity field, obtaining a rotational velocity of 134 ± 11 km s−1 and a resultant dynamical mass of ≥4 × 1010
M
⊙. Despite its high metallicity and large molecular mass, the z = 0.101 galaxy has a low star formation rate, implying a large gas consumption timescale, larger than that typical of late-type galaxies. Most of the molecular gas is hence likely to be in a diffuse extended phase, rather than in dense molecular clouds. By combining the results of emission and absorption studies, we find that the strongest molecular absorption component toward the quasar cannot arise from the molecular disk, but is likely to arise from diffuse gas in the galaxy’s circumgalactic medium. Our results emphasize the potential of combining molecular and stellar emission line studies with optical absorption line studies to achieve a more complete picture of the gas within and surrounding high-redshift galaxies.
Webquest-Based Role Play as a Way of Raising Students’ Motivation to Studying Foreign Languages
Authors: Sumtsova Olga , Azhel Yuliya , Buyankina Alina
Published: March 2016

Abstract – Teaching English as a foreign language using modern Internet technologies is considered in the paper. A special attention is paid to the Webquest–based role play organized by means of up-to-date Internet technologies as an approach to raise technical students’ motivation to studying foreign languages. Emphasis is upon applying this approach to organizing conference weeks at National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU). An overview of the Webquest–based role play activities is also given in the paper.
A Computer-Aided Analysis on Word Form Errors in College English Writing — A　Corpus-based Study
Authors: He Huaqing
Published: March 2016

Based on contrastive analysis and computer-aided error analysis, this paper uses qualitative and quantitative methods to explore word form errors committed by Chinese non-English majors in their writing, collected in Chinese Learner English Corpus (CLEC). The aim is to offer English learners some help in the methods to improve their English writing proficiency and yield some suggestions on English language teaching. The main findings are as follows: (1) the word form errors account for 29.42% of the total language errors; (2) there is a negative correlation between word form errors and writing quality; (3) there is a significant difference in word form errors committed by college learners of different writing ability. In the end, the reasons for word form errors are analyzed and some pedagogical suggestions are put forward.
Development and Application of Online Courseware for English Teaching
Authors: Huang Shansong
Published: March 2016

Since the second decade of the 21st century, the rapid development of computer information technology promoted the internet use throughout society. We are now in an era in which life and learning are closely intertwined with the internet. In Western Europe, the United States, and other developed countries, teaching activities by online multimedia and offline technology have been long implemented. However, local online automatic generation software is inflicted with many issues, particularly, with the inability to meet the most student needs. Hence, we developed a new online courseware generation system to address this problem. After testing, the system functioned effectively, and the educational effect enhanced significantly.
Yiwu: The Creation of a Global Market Town in China
Authors: Belguidoum Saïd , Pliez Olivier
Published: March 2016

Hundreds of thousands of African, Arab and Asian traders travel to the world’s largest wholesale market in small commodities in Yiwu (China). This town, both an industrial district and a cosmopolitan urban space, is very far from the model of a global city. Nevertheless, it is world renown. This article analyzes the development of this trading city in light of institutional decisions and transnational connections, its place in trade networks in the Arab world, particularly Algeria and Egypt, and the emblematic Exotic Street neighborhood to better understand the creation of marketplaces and grassroots globalization.
The Indian Auto Rickshaw in Egypt: An Ethnography of Transnational Trade Connections
Authors: Tastevin Yann Philippe
Published: March 2016

How did the introduction of the Indian auto rickshaw in Egypt lead to the establishment of a transnational supply chain in the urban margins of the Nile Delta? Following the trajectory of an Indian trader in Egypt, this article reveals unexpected continuities and connections between networks of people and places. Its primary aim is to open a discussion on the epistemological issues of a rupture that is difficult to grasp, that is, the shift from a ‘globalization from below’ – limited to a few regions of the world and led by pioneer migrant-entrepreneurs – to a general globalization of trade frameworks.
Secondary towns in globalization: Lessons from East Africa
Authors: Mainet Hélène , Racaud Sylvain
Published: March 2016

Through examples of small and medium-sized towns in East Africa mountain areas, in Uganda and Tanzania, the paper focuses on the changing role of secondary towns through their commercial functions, acting as nodes in wide trade networks (fieldwork conducted in urban and rural markets of the studied areas). The local productive systems have turned to market gardening to face the drastic decline of cash crops like coffee and new products and productions are now inundating local markets, like fruits and vegetables but also imported Chinese or second-hand clothes, shoes or kitchenware. Trade connections are more open and complex than before with strong processes of spatial and economic differentiation and specialisation. The position of secondary towns is at the same time challenged by new roads, new (often external) actors and new strategies, with visible bypassing effects (direct connections between rural and large cities), but also remains inconspicuously important for servicing rural areas. The paper presents the changing role of these secondary towns in globalisation, the stakeholder interplays (old and new, local and exogenous) in these new configurations, and finally the redistribution of market localisations, in response to new opportunities and challenges in globalised trading systems.
Hints for Rethinking Communities of Practice in Public Administration
Authors: Gairín Joaquín , Rodríguez-Gómez David , Barrera-Corominas Aleix
Published: March 2016

Communities of Practice (CoP) have become one of the most widely used strategies for promoting Knowledge Creation and Management (KCM) processes in Public Administration. This chapter is based on some of the practical research and consultancy carried out by the Organisational Development Team from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (http://edo.uab.cat) over the last 10 years, presenting some ideas to facilitate the introduction of improvements in the usual functioning of CoP in the public administration. Specifically, the purpose of this chapter is twofold: (1) to analyse the procedures of KCM by means of CoP in the public administration and through the intensive use of technology; and (2) to suggest elements which may allow us to rethink and improve CoP. The main results indicate that the most important factors in determining CoP participation are related in greater measure to personal processes (interest in change, curiosity, commitment to innovation, profile within the CoP) than to circumstances (professional category, age or seniority).
Reflections on the Roles of Community of Practice (CoP) in Engineering Education
Authors: Olakanmi Eyitayo Olatunde , Strydom Moses J.
Published: March 2016

Community of practice (CoP) encompasses shared approaches for carrying out tasks with a view to facilitating intellectual neighborliness among learners, educators and practicing professionals. Despite the popularity of the CoP approach within industries and the medical education, the practice of using it in engineering education is not widespread as most educators have limited knowledge of how to implement CoP into their classrooms. Moreover, it is not clear from the engineering education literature how the implementation of CoP has enhanced conceptual understanding and imparted employable skills to learners. To address these concerns, available literature detailing the implementation of CoP across professional disciplines and education sector over the past one and half decades were evaluated with a view to identifying and documenting evidences of current practices of CoP, and subsequently developed into a framework for re-designing an important aspect of engineering curricula: work integrated learning (WIL). This will have an objective to successfully enhance conceptual understanding and impart employable skills to learners.
Gesture tank: a gesture detection water vessel for foot movements
Authors: Gunawardena K. S. Lasith , Hirakawa Masahito
Published: March 2016

Computers have become ubiquitous and integrated into our day-to-day activities. Researchers have been exploring mechanisms for interacting with computers using natural means in natural environments. Water interaction is a perfect example. This paper presents our attempt to use foot gestures performed in water as an interaction mechanism. It is an extension of our previous study for detecting objects in a water vessel. An experiment was performed to determine which foot-based gestures are suitable for implementation, and we proceeded to recognize a selected set of gestures using machine-learning techniques. We present our findings regarding which algorithms provide the best recognition rates.
Case Study – Superlifting of Topsides for the Integration of Gumusut-Kakap Semi-Floating Production System FPS
Authors: Infante Johann Fruylan , Mansor Norzehan binti Hj , Hanafi Hisham bin M.
Published: March 2016

To present the methodologies and processes used during planning, fabrication and assembly of superlift systems; and execution of Topsides superlift as a pre-requisite for the integration of Gumusut-Kakap Semi-Floating Production System (FPS) Topsides and Hull structures.

Gumusut-Kakap FPS is divided into two (2) major structures namely: Hull (19,440 MT) and Topsides (20,920 MT). Both are fabricated and erected as two (2) separate structures and are to be integrated using Superlift and Skidding Systems.

Gumusut Topsides, composed of four (4) modules, were lifted simultaneously to a height of forty five (45) meters above ground level using Superlift System (composed of strand jacks in a vertical orientation as a lifting device and steel fabricated superstructures to bear all the loads of the lifting operation) to allow skidding of the Hull components which are to be shifted sequentially underneath the super lifted Topsides.

The methodology covers both the Topsides Superlift preparation and operation. Preparation involves fabrication and assembly of the steel fabricated superstructures composed of Lifting Towers, Jacking Legs and Carrier Beams; as well as pre-setting of these towers to ensure that Jacking Leg's fixed anchor points and lifting tower's Cathead will be on a permissible post-displacement location while subjected to lifting loads. A preset value is incorporated into superlift structural design to account for this operational deflection.

During pre-load test, strand wires were tensioned to lift the Carrier Beams until its knife-edge bearing (KEB) touches the Topsides' bearing plate while the lifting points loaded to 75% of the theoretical vertical load. Proof loading of the superlift system was done by subjecting each lifting point to 110% of the expected (theoretical) vertical load. This was achieved by lifting one point of the module at a time thereby reducing the module twist.

Super lifting of modules started by increasing the load at all lifting points to 90 % ~ 100% until all the modules were lifted from the supports until it reached a height of 45 meters. Water levels over KEB support points were used to monitor levelness of the Carrier Beams. Finally, Topside superlift operation was completed successfully and safely after seven (7) days (from pre-load to 45 meter lifting of topsides). The whole superlift process (until hull-topsides integration) took thirty four (34) days.

This is the first floating platform and heaviest ever constructed in Malaysia which involves an inland integration of Hull and Topsides. This presentation will be beneficial to other/future fabricators in this region during their evaluation/study of the suitability of this integration method to complete the assembly of similar structures.