bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pointing, Tracking, Guiding, and Dome Seeing at the AAT
Authors: Gillingham P.R.
Published: July 2016

The Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT), though based on the design for the Kitt Peak and Cerro Tololo 4 metre telescopes, differs in many significant respects. E.g. its declination axis is offset from the polar axis and its polar axis structure is much stiffer. Also the computer was, from the outset, more closely integrated with the telescope drive and control than was previous practice. The sound structural design, good gearing, and accurate mirror supports, together with thorough computer calibration, allowed the AAT to set new standards in pointing by the time it was fully operational in 1975. Good pointing saves time in acquisition, greatly aids day time observing, and leads to good blind tracking. Currently, calibrations covering the whole observable sky give rms radial residuals very near 2 arc sec. Blind tracking errors are generally within ± 1 arc sec for 1 hour or more and natural frequency oscillations less than 0.1 arc sec peak to peak. Better tracking is, of course, available using the offset autoguiders, which employ image dissectors and function on stars to about 15m. Intensified SEC Videcon television cameras are used for acquisition and for guiding with light reflected from spectrograph slit jaws.

Initially, the AAT seeing suffered from poor matching of inside and outside air temperatures because the intended active cooling of dome air was cut from the installation to save funds, leaving an inadequate capacity for forced ventilation. Correlation of observed seeing with dome temperature excess indicated degradation of about 1/2 arc sec/°C. In 1980 the forced ventilation was upgraded to change the dome air in less than 4 minutes, with optional flow direction, upwards (exhausting out the observing aperture) or downwards. Measurements of seeing within the dome, but with the dome open, now show degradations typically 0.4 and 0.6 arc sec diameter with upwards and downwards ventilation respectively. Stellar seeing measurements, including routine observations in which the ventilation direction was alternated nightly, have also indicated superiority of the upwards flow. Taking advantage of this, filters can now be installed on the air supply to keep the optics cleaner.
ESO 16 Metre Very Large Telescope - Instrument Matching in Spectroscopy and Direct Imaging
Authors: Enard Daniel
Published: July 2016

Preliminary feasibility studies have been carried out in the framework of the ESO VLT project which have permitted the evaluation of several possible approaches to the instrument matching problem. This paper briefly discusses the detector long term perspective, recalls the main scaling laws and attempt to provide some quantitative analysis of spatial performance of instrumentation in a few typical cases. Field slicing technique is proposed as a potential solution to solve detector matching problems.
High-Resolution Fourier Transform Spectroscopy with a VLT
Authors: Hall Donald N.B.
Published: July 2016

The major advantages of the FTS technique are (1) multiplexing, (2) throughput, (3) instrumental profile, (4) stability of frequency calibration, and (5) spectrophotometry accuracy. The multiplex advantage is realized only if one is detector noise limited for the signal within an individual spectral-resolution element. At optical and thermal infrared wavelengths, this is only the case at high spectral resolution (≥ 50000) for modern detectors. By the time the VLT is operating one expects this to also be the case in the 1- to 2.5-micron region. At resolutions ≥ 50000 there are severe problems matching dispersive spectrographs to the VLT aperture, whereas existing FTS instruments already have adequate through-put to match to fields of a few arcsec with a VLT. When the other advantages are considered, the FTS is the instrument of choice for high-resolution (≥ 50000) spectroscopy of absorption features with a VLT. Foreseeable astrophysical applications include observations of interstellar and circumstellar features and of fully resolved profiles of photospheric and planetary lines.
The New Coudé Échelle Spectrograph for the Anglo Australian Telescope
Authors: Walker David D. , Diego Francisco
Published: July 2016

During 1983, the advisory committee for instrumentation at the Anglo Australian Telescope (AAT) recommended that, as a matter of high priority, an échelle spectrograph should be procured for the f/36 coudé focus. The aim was to satisfy the high spectral-resolution needs of the community which, hereto, have been neglected. We at University College London (UCL) were invited to consider the design and our proposal was subsequently accepted by the Board. We are now at an advanced stage in optimizing the optical system, and mechanical design is proceeding. We plan to test the complete system in the laboratory at UCL prior to installation and commissioning at the AAT which we anticipate will be during 1987.
Imaging Spectroscopy on Very Large Telescopes
Authors: Atherton Paul
Published: July 2016

Imaging Spectroscopy is a technique in which a spectrum is obtained for each spatial resolution element across a wide field. The data is essentially 3-D, and may be viewed as a series of monochromatic images, or as a two dimensional array of spectra. A device generating such data may be called an imaging spectrometer. In a previous paper (Atherton, 1983 SPIE 445, 535) three different imaging spectrometers - based on grating, Fabry-Perot and Fourier Transform devices - were compared in terms of their ability to obtain spectral and spatial information over a wide field and broad band, to the same spectral resolution and S/N ratio, using the same detector array. From such a study it is clear that interferometer based devices are significantly faster than conventional grating spectrographs.
Rubicon - a New Diode Array Detector System
Authors: Schmidt-Kaler Th. , Rudolph R. , Tüg H.
Published: July 2016

A photon-counting system with a 512-channel parallel output digital image tube is presented. Electronics developped separately for each detector channel as well as data aquisition are optimized for low power consumption and high count rates. This detector, characterized by wide dynamic range, very low noise and high photo-metric accuracy, is especially suitable for spectrophotometry and calibrations.
Cepheid Temperatures Derived from Energy Distributions
Authors: Teays T. J. , Schmidt E. G.
Published: July 2016

A number of previous studies of the relation between observed colors and temperatures of Cephelds have been done (Kraft 1961; Johnson 1966; Parsons 1971; Bohm-Vitense 1972; Schmidt 1972; Pel 1978). It was the discrepancies between these various temperature scales, especially at the cooler end, that led us to undertake the present recalibration. We felt some improvement on the previous work would result from our access to better scan data, reddening information, and model atmospheres. The results presented here are preliminary, as they represent only a sample of the data we have obtained.
The Zero-Point of the Cepheid Luminosity Scale from a Calibration of the Luminosities of Early-Type Stars
Authors: Balona L. A. , Shobbrook R. R.
Published: July 2016

A new calibration of the absolute magnitudes of early-type stars in terms of the (β, c0) photometric system is used to establish the distance moduli of clusters containing Cepheids. The zero points of the period – luminosity and period – luminosity – colour relations are calculated and compared to previous determinations.
On the Distance to the Open Cluster Lyngå 6
Authors: Anderson E. R. , Madore B. F. , Pedreros M. H.
Published: July 2016

The determination of the membership of the Cepheid TW Normae to the galactic cluster Lyngå. 6 is important because TW Nor would then be the intrinsically brightest Cepheid associated with a cluster.

A series of nine photographic exposures (three each in U,B and V) were obtained during open time at the Anglo-Australian Telescope. The plates were measured with an iris photometer and the data calibrated using the photoelectric standards of van den Bergh and Harris (1976). The data for 300 stars were then analysed using a new computerized method of main sequence fitting and cluster membership determination developed by Pedreros (1984). We found 41 member stars with a mean reddening E(B-V)=1.33±0.10 and a distance modulus of 11.1±0.4 magnitudes.
The Infrared Distance Scale: The Galaxy and the Magellanic Clouds
Authors: Welch D. L. , McAlary C. W. , McLaren R. A. , Madore B. F.
Published: July 2016

The advantages of using near-infrared photometry of Cepheids to determine distances to nearby galaxies are now well known. In this paper we summarize the current state of the infrared period-luminosity (P-L) relations for the Galaxy, the LMC, and the SMC and present composite P-L relations derived from all available photometry. We give distance moduli for the LMC and SMC based on these data and briefly report on the status of other work in progress.
The Distance to M33 Based on BVRI CCD Observations of Cepheids
Authors: Freedman Wendy L.
Published: July 2016

As part of a long-term program to study the distance and stellar content of M33, CCD frames of a number of fields centered on known Cepheids in this galaxy (Hubble 1926, Sandage and Carlson 1983) have been obtained, in collaboration with Madore, McAlary, and Davis. The observations were made at the prime focus of the Kitt Peak 4m telescope, and reduced using the Kitt Peak RICHFLD profile fitting programs. These data are still preliminary, but quite sufficient to illustrate the power in the application of our method.
Theoretical Models of W Virginis Variables
Authors: Bridger Alan
Published: July 2016

W Virginis variables are the population II counterparts of the classical cepheids, although they do not show quite the same trends as are seen in the latter. Theoretical studies of the population II cepheids have not been very extensive until recent studies of the shorter period variables (BL Herculis variables, with periods between 1 and 10 days). The variables with periods above 10 days (up to about 50 days) have only been studied by a few authors, modelling the prototype star (W Vir) (.g. Christy 1966; Davis 1974). Although these models qualitatively reproduced the observations they were not very successful, and were based on a stellar mass (0.88 Mʘ) that now seems likely to be too high.
A New Possible Resonance for Population II Cepheids
Authors: Cox A. N. , Kidman R. B.
Published: July 2016

Light and velocity curves of some radial mode variable stars seem to indicate a resonance where the second overtone has a period exactly half that of the fundamental mode. The two classes of stars that show this resonance by bumps in their light curves are the classical Cepheids and the population II BL Her variables. We here propose that there is another resonance for the population II W Vir variables where the ratio of the first overtone to the fundamental periods is 0.5.
Carbonaceous Compounds in Comets: Infrared Observations
Authors: Encrenaz T. , Knacke R.
Published: July 2016

The Comet Halley observations showed that carbon is a major component of the comet nucleus, with mass spectroscopic data giving near-cosmic C/O ratios. Gaseous and solid compounds were also observed with infrared spectroscopy, which gave detections of CO and CO2, probable detections or upper limits of H2CO and CH4, and a tentative detection of OCS. The CH4/CO ratio of less than unity in Comet Halley points to a CO-rich solar nebula; however, the ratio is higher than in interstellar clouds. A broad, complicated emission feature near 3.4μm is evidence for carbonaceous compounds containing C-Hgroups in gas or solid phases. Analysis of radiation mechanisms and abundance constraints suggests that thermal emission or transient heating by single photons can account for the 3.4-μm emission feature. The band resembles (but is not identical to) bands of carbonaceous chondrite organic material, synthetic materials, and interstellar carbonaceous bands. Direct connections among these materials are possible, but have not been established.
Recent Laboratory Photochemical Studies and Their Relationship to the Photochemical Formation of Cometary Radicals
Authors: Jackson William M.
Published: July 2016

Experimental laboratory techniques used in studying the photochemistry of stable and unstable molecules are discussed. The laboratory evidence for the photochemical formation of C2from C2H, C3from C3H2, and NH from NH2is presented. Other recent results obtained in laboratory studies of H2O, H2S, NH3, and HCN are reported.
Nature and History of the Organic Compounds in Comets: an Astrophysical View
Authors: Delsemme A.H.
Published: July 2016

The chemical similarities between comets, carbonaceous chondrites, and interstellar molecules and grains are reviewed first. The evolution of frosty interstellar grains is then followed during the collapse of a molecular cloud fragment and the subsequent formation of the Solar System. The paradigm clarifies the probable origin of the two populations of comets of different symmetry (the Oort Cloud and the Kuiper Belt) and implies an exogenous origin for all carbon and water on Earth. This origin is explained by the orbital diffusion of planetesimals that is required by the growth of protoplanets.
Evidence for Physical Aging of Periodic Comets
Authors: Kresák L.
Published: July 2016

Observational evidence for the aging processes in periodic comets is reviewed. This includes progressive changes of the comets’ absolute brightness, sudden destructive events (outbursts and splitting of cometary nuclei), temporary intermissions in activity, total disappearance, and existence of asteroidal objects moving in cometary orbits. Indirect statistical evidence is provided by the equilibrium between the aging rate and the net injection of comets into the inner planetary system. All of this information is consistent with typical active lifetimes of 200 to 500 revolutions at small perihelion distances (q < 3 AU). The active lifetimes are sometimes intermitted by dormant periods, which tend to occur especially during the latest phases of evolution. Splits and outbursts do not seem to have a decisive statistical effect on the survival time. Some periodic comets evolve into inactive asteroid-like objects, but the question of whether these still contain some supply of volatiles, and thus can renew their activity, remains open.
Wide Field Mapping of 5C12
Authors: Okopi J. E. , Bååth L. B.
Published: July 2016

The existing method of producing radio maps from interferometric data set is based on the assumption that there is a two dimensional fourier transform relationship between the sky brightness and the measured visibility. In mapping of a very wide field, this basic assumption breaks down due to various practical problems, e.g. bandwidth smearing. We present a wide-field mapping technique which is aimed at resolving some of these problems. This technique has been successfully applied to our MERLIN observations of the 5C12 region covering an area of 1800”×l800”.
ON THE ALGEBRAIC PROPERTIES OF THE HUMAN ABO-BLOOD GROUP INHERITANCE PATTERN
Authors: CASAS J. M. , LADRA M. , OMIROV B. A. , TURDIBAEV R.
Published: July 2016

We generate an algebra on blood phenotypes with multiplication based on the human ABO-blood group inheritance pattern. We assume that gametes are not chosen randomly during meiosis. We investigate some of the properties of this algebra, namely, the set of idempotents, lattice of ideals and the associative enveloping algebra.
Proton pump inhibitors protect mice from acute systemic inflammation and induce long-term cross-tolerance
Authors: Balza E , Piccioli P , Carta S , Lavieri R , Gattorno M , Semino C , Castellani P , Rubartelli A
Published: July 2016

Incidence of sepsis is increasing, representing a tremendous burden for health-care systems. Death in acute sepsis is attributed to hyperinflammatory responses, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. We report here that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which block gastric acid secretion, selectively inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) secretion by Toll-like receptor (TLR)-activated human monocytes in vitro, in the absence of toxic effects. Remarkably, the oversecretion of IL-1β that represents a hallmark of monocytes from patients affected by cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome is also blocked. Based on these propaedeutic experiments, we tested the effects of high doses of PPIs in vivo in the mouse model of endotoxic shock. Our data show that a single administration of PPI protected mice from death (60% survival versus 5% of untreated mice) and decreased TNF-α and IL-1β systemic production. PPIs were efficacious even when administered after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. PPI-treated mice that survived developed a long-term cross-tolerance, becoming resistant to LPS- and zymosan-induced sepsis. In vitro, their macrophages displayed impaired TNF-α and IL-1β to different TLR ligands. PPIs also prevented sodium thioglycollate-induced peritoneal inflammation, indicating their efficacy also in a non-infectious setting independent of TLR stimulation. Lack of toxicity and therapeutic effectiveness make PPIs promising new drugs against sepsis and other severe inflammatory conditions.
Morning and night symptoms in primary care COPD patients: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study. An UNLOCK study from the IPCRG
Authors: Tsiligianni Ioanna , Metting Esther , van der Molen Thys , Chavannes Niels , Kocks Janwillem
Published: July 2016

COPD symptoms show a diurnal variability. However, morning and night variability has generally not been taken into consideration in disease management plans. The aims of this study were to cross-sectionally assess morning and night symptom prevalence and correlation with health status and disease severity in COPD, and to determine to what extent they could predict longitudinal outcomes, exacerbations and health status. A further aim is to explore whether the CCQ is able to depict this morning/night symptomatology. We included 2,269 primary care COPD patients (58% male, 49% current smokers, with a mean age of 65±11 years) from a Dutch Asthma/COPD service. Spirometry, patient history, the Clinical COPD Questionnaire(CCQ) and the Asthma Control Questionnaire(ACQ) were assessed; we used the latter to evaluate morning (question 2) and night symptoms (question 1). A total of 1159 (51.9%) patients reported morning symptoms (ACQ question 2>0) and 879 (39.4%) had night complaints (ACQ question 1>0). Patients with morning/night symptoms were mostly smokers and had on average poorer lung function, higher CCQ scores and used more rescue inhalers (P<0.0001). Patients using long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) had less night symptoms, showing a possible favourable effect. Only a small proportion of stable or slightly unstable patients (CCQ total scores <2) had severe morning symptoms (ACQ 2⩾4: n=19, 1.1%) or severe night symptoms (ACQ 1⩾4: n=11, 0.7%). Night symptoms seemed to predict future exacerbations; however, baseline exacerbations were the strongest predictors (n=346, OR:4.13, CI: 2.45−6.95, P<0.000). Morning symptoms increased the odds of poor health status at follow-up (n=346, OR:12.22, CI:4.76−31.39, P<0.000). Morning and night symptoms in COPD patients are common, and they are associated with poor health status and predicted future exacerbations. Our study showed that patients with morning/night symptoms have higher scores in CCQ, and therefore we do not really miss patients with high morning/night symptomatology when we only measure CCQ. Severe morning symptoms predicted worsening of COPD health status.
A novel, rapid method to compare the therapeutic windows of oral anticoagulants using the Hill coefficient
Authors: Chang Jeremy B. , Quinnies Kayla M. , Realubit Ronald , Karan Charles , Rand Jacob H. , Tatonetti Nicholas P.
Published: July 2016

A central challenge in designing and administering effective anticoagulants is achieving the proper therapeutic window and dosage for each patient. The Hill coefficient,nH, which measures the steepness of a dose-response relationship, may be a useful gauge of this therapeutic window. We sought to measure the Hill coefficient of available anticoagulants to gain insight into their therapeutic windows. We used a simple fluorometricin vitroassay to determine clotting activity in platelet poor plasma after exposure to various concentrations of anticoagulants. The Hill coefficient for argatroban was the lowest, at 1.7 ± 0.2 (95% confidence interval, CI), and the Hill coefficient for fondaparinux was the highest, at 4.5 ± 1.3 (95% CI). Thus, doubling the dose of fondaparinux from its IC50 would decrease coagulation activity by nearly a half, whereas doubling the dose of argatroban from its IC50 would decrease coagulation activity by merely one quarter. These results show a significant variation among the Hill coefficients, suggesting a similar variation in therapeutic windows among anticoagulants in our assay.
Heterogeneous water supply affects growth and benefits of clonal integration between co-existing invasive and native Hydrocotyle species
Authors: Wang Yong-Jian , Bai Yun-Fei , Zeng Shi-Qi , Yao Bin , Wang Wen , Luo Fang-Li
Published: July 2016

Spatial patchiness and temporal variability in water availability are common in nature under global climate change, which can remarkably influence adaptive responses of clonal plants, i.e. clonal integration (translocating resources between connected ramets). However, little is known about the effects of spatial patchiness and temporal heterogeneity in water on growth and clonal integration between congeneric invasive and nativeHydrocotylespecies. In a greenhouse experiment, we subjected severed or no severed (intact) fragments ofHydrocotyle vulgaris, a highly invasive species in China, and its co-existing, native congenerH. sibthorpioidesto different spatial patchiness (homogeneous and patchy) and temporal interval (low and high interval) in water supply. Clonal integration had significant positive effects on growth of both species. In the homogeneous water conditions, clonal integration greatly improved the growth in fragments of both species under low interval in water. However, in the patchy water conditions, clonal integration significantly increased growth in both ramets and fragments ofH. vulgarisunder high interval in water. Therefore, spatial patchiness and temporal interval in water altered the effects of clonal integration of both species, especially forH. vulgaris. The adaptation ofH. vulgarismight lead to invasive growth and potential spread under the global water variability.
Chromophore-Assisted Light Inactivation of Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain Complex II in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Wojtovich Andrew P. , Wei Alicia Y. , Sherman Teresa A. , Foster Thomas H. , Nehrke Keith
Published: July 2016

Mitochondria play critical roles in meeting cellular energy demand, in cell death, and in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and stress signaling. Most Caenorhabditis elegans loss-of-function (lf) mutants in nuclear-encoded components of the respiratory chain are non-viable, emphasizing the importance of respiratory function. Chromophore-Assisted Light Inactivation (CALI) using genetically-encoded photosensitizers provides an opportunity to determine how individual respiratory chain components contribute to physiology following acute lf. As proof-of-concept, we expressed the ‘singlet oxygen generator’ miniSOG as a fusion with the SDHC subunit of respiratory complex II, encoded by mev-1 in C. elegans, using Mos1-mediated Single Copy Insertion. The resulting mev-1::miniSOG transgene complemented mev-1 mutant phenotypes in kn1 missense and tm1081(lf) deletion mutants. Complex II activity was inactivated by blue light in mitochondria from strains expressing active miniSOG fusions, but not those from inactive fusions. Moreover, light-inducible phenotypes in vivo demonstrated that complex II activity is important under conditions of high energy demand, and that specific cell types are uniquely susceptible to loss of complex II. In conclusion, miniSOG-mediated CALI is a novel genetic platform for acute inactivation of respiratory chain components. Spatio-temporally controlled ROS generation will expand our understanding of how the respiratory chain and mitochondrial ROS influence whole organism physiology.
Physiological and transcriptomic analyses reveal mechanistic insight into the adaption of marine Bacillus subtilis C01 to alumina nanoparticles
Authors: Mu Dashuai , Yu Xiuxia , Xu Zhenxing , Du Zongjun , Chen Guanjun
Published: July 2016

An increasing number of studies have investigated the effects of nanoparticles (NPs) on microbial systems; however, few existing reports have focused on the defense mechanisms of bacteria against NPs. Whether secondary metabolism biosynthesis is a response to NP stress and contributes to the adaption of bacteria to NPs is unclear. Here, a significant induction in the surfactin production and biofilm formation were detected by adding Al2O3 NPs to the B. subtilis fermentation broth. Physiological analysis showed that Al2O3 NP stress could also affect the cell and colony morphogenesis and inhibit the motility and sporulation. Exogenously adding commercial surfactin restored the swarming motility. Additionally, a suite of toxicity assays analyzing membrane damage, cellular ROS generation, electron transport activity and membrane potential was used to determine the molecular mechanisms of toxicity of Al2O3 NPs. Furthermore, whole transcriptomic analysis was used to elucidate the mechanisms of B. subtilis adaption to Al2O3 NPs. These results revealed several mechanisms by which marine B. subtilis C01 adapt to Al2O3 NPs. Additionally, this study broadens the applications of nanomaterials and describes the important effects on secondary metabolism and multicellularity regulation by using Al2O3 NPs or other nano-products.
TALE-directed local modulation of H3K9 methylation shapes exon recognition
Authors: Bieberstein Nicole I. , Kozáková Eva , Huranová Martina , Thakur Prasoon K. , Krchňáková Zuzana , Krausová Michaela , Oesterreich Fernando Carrillo , Staněk David
Published: July 2016

In search for the function of local chromatin environment on pre-mRNA processing we established a new tool, which allows for the modification of chromatin using a targeted approach. Using Transcription Activator-Like Effector domains fused to histone modifying enzymes (TALE-HME), we show locally restricted alteration of histone methylation modulates the splicing of target exons. We provide evidence that a local increase in H3K9 di- and trimethylation promotes inclusion of the target alternative exon, while demethylation by JMJD2D leads to exon skipping. We further demonstrate that H3K9me3 is localized on internal exons genome-wide suggesting a general role in splicing. Consistently, targeting of the H3K9 demethylase to a weak constitutive exon reduced co-transcriptional splicing. Together our data show H3K9 methylation within the gene body is a factor influencing recognition of both constitutive and alternative exons.
Targeting of the circadian clock via CK1δ/ε to improve glucose homeostasis in obesity
Authors: Cunningham Peter S. , Ahern Siobhán A. , Smith Laura C. , da Silva Santos Carla S. , Wager Travis T. , Bechtold David A.
Published: July 2016

Growing evidence indicates that disruption of our internal timing system contributes to the incidence and severity of metabolic diseases, including obesity and type 2 diabetes. This is perhaps not surprising since components of the circadian clockwork are tightly coupled to metabolic processes across the body. In the current study, we assessed the impact of obesity on the circadian system in mice at a behavioural and molecular level and determined whether pharmacological targeting of casein kinase 1δ and ε (CK1δ/ε), key regulators of the circadian clock, can confer metabolic benefit. We demonstrate that although behavioural rhythmicity was maintained in diet-induced obesity (DIO), gene expression profiling revealed tissue-specific alteration to the phase and amplitude of the molecular clockwork. Clock function was most significantly attenuated in visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) of DIO mice and was coincident with elevated tissue inflammation and dysregulation of clock-coupled metabolic regulators PPARα/γ. Further, we show that daily administration of a CK1δ/ε inhibitor (PF-5006739) improved glucose tolerance in both DIO and genetic (ob/ob) models of obesity. These data further implicate circadian clock disruption in obesity and associated metabolic disturbance and suggest that targeting of the clock represents a therapeutic avenue for the treatment of metabolic disorders.
General existence of locally distinguishable maximally entangled states only with two-way classical communication
Authors: Tian Guojing , Wu Xia , Cao Ya , Gao Fei , Wen Qiaoyan
Published: July 2016

It is known that there exist two locally operational settings, local operations with one-way and two-way classical communication. And recently, some sets of maximally entangled states have been built in specific dimensional quantum systems, which can be locally distinguished only with two-way classical communication. In this paper, we show the existence of such sets is general, through constructing such sets in all the remaining quantum systems. Specifically, such sets including p or n maximally entangled states will be built in the quantum system of (np − 1) ⊗ (np − 1) with n ≥ 3 and p being a prime number, which completes the picture that such sets do exist in every possible dimensional quantum system.
All-optical modulation in Mid-Wavelength Infrared using porous Si membranes
Authors: Park Sung Jin , Zakar Ammar , Zerova Vera L. , Chekulaev Dimitri , Canham Leigh T. , Kaplan Andre
Published: July 2016

We demonstrate for the first time the possibility of all-optical modulation of self-standing porous Silicon (pSi) membrane in the Mid-Wavelength Infrared (MWIR) range using femtosecond pump-probe techniques. To study optical modulation, we used pulses of an 800 nm, 60 femtosecond for pump and a MWIR tunable probe in the spectral range between 3.5 and 4.4 μm. We show that pSi possesses a natural transparency window centred around 4 μm. Yet, about 55% of modulation contrast can be achieved by means of optical excitation at the pump power of 60 mW (4.8 mJ/cm2). Our analysis shows that the main mechanism of the modulation is interaction of the MWIR signal with the free charge carrier excited by the pump. The time-resolved measurements showed a sub-picosecond rise time and a recovery time of about 66 ps, which suggests a modulation speed performance of ~15 GHz. This optical modulation of pSi membrane in MWIR can be applied to a variety of applications such as thermal imaging and free space communications.
A photochemical approach to aromatic extension of the corannulene nucleus
Authors: Rajeshkumar Venkatachalam , Stuparu Mihaiela C.
Published: July 2016

Conjugated aromatic units of choice can be fused to corannulene in an efficient manner through a photo-induced oxidative cyclization process.
Solid-state NMR characterization of the structure and thermal stability of hybrid organic–inorganic compounds based on a HLaNb2O7 Dion–Jacobson layered perovskite
Authors: Cattaneo Alice S. , Ferrara Chiara , Marculescu Adriana Mossuto , Giannici Francesco , Martorana Antonino , Mustarelli Piercarlo , Tealdi Cristina
Published: July 2016

Hybrids obtained via intercalation of alkylamines or propanol show peculiar structure and thermal stability, which are influenced by the nature and the amount of the intercalated chains.
Potentiation of luteolin cytotoxicity by flavonols fisetin and quercetin in human chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell lines
Authors: Sak Katrin , Kasemaa Kristi , Everaus Hele
Published: July 2016

Natural flavonoids exhibit cytotoxicity in human CLL cell lines with luteolin as the most active agent. The presence of flavonols fisetin and quercetin can even sensitize the cells to luteolin.
Protective effects of glycyrrhizic acid from edible botanical glycyrrhiza glabra against non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice
Authors: Wang Changyuan , Duan Xingping , Sun Xue , Liu Zhihao , Sun Pengyuan , Yang Xiaobo , Sun Huijun , Liu Kexin , Meng Qiang
Published: July 2016

Glycyrrhizic acid protects against non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice.
Human lysosomal acid lipase inhibitor lalistat impairs Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth by targeting bacterial hydrolases
Authors: Lehmann J. , Vomacka J. , Esser K. , Nodwell M. , Kolbe K. , Rämer P. , Protzer U. , Reiling N. , Sieber S. A.
Published: July 2016

Lalistat inhibits growth ofMycobacterium tuberculosisin bacterial culture as well as in infected macrophages.
Design and microwave assisted synthesis of novel 2-phenyl/2-phenylethynyl-3-aroyl thiophenes as potent antiproliferative agents
Authors: Gill Rupinder Kaur , Kaur Ramandeep , Kumar Virender , Gupta Vivek , Singh Gagandeep , Bariwal Jitender
Published: July 2016

In the present study, 2-phenyl/2-phenylethynyl-3-aroyl thiophenes have been designed and evaluated as antiproliferative agents. The significant antiproliferative potential of compounds12jand14hwere might be attributed to their potential to induce cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase.
Ravynic acid, an antibiotic polyeneyne tetramic acid from Penicillium sp. elucidated through synthesis
Authors: Myrtle J. D. , Beekman A. M. , Barrow R. A.
Published: July 2016

Ravynic acid, an unsaturated tetramic acid possessing antibiotic activity, has been isolated from the fungusPenicilliumsp. and identified through synthesis.
Hydrogen-terminated mesoporous silicon monoliths with huge surface area as alternative Si-based visible light-active photocatalysts
Authors: Li Ting , Li Jun , Zhang Qiang , Blazeby Emma , Shang Congxiao , Xu Hualong , Zhang Xixiang , Chao Yimin
Published: July 2016

Mesoporous silicon structures classified into two structural models show photocatalytic potentials with hydrides as one of the two pathways.
Theoretical investigations toward TMEDA-catalyzed [2 + 4] annulation of allenoate with 1-aza-1,3-diene: mechanism, regioselectivity, and role of the catalyst
Authors: Qiao Yan , Yang Wanjing , Wei Donghui , Chang Junbiao
Published: July 2016

A computational study on the reaction between allenoate and 1-aza-1,3-diene catalyzed by TMEDA has been performed using the DFT method.
Role of ZDC/S ratio for pervaporative separation of organic liquids through modified EPDM membranes: rational mechanistic study of vulcanization
Authors: Mahapatra Manas , Karmakar Mrinmoy , Mondal Biplab , Singha Nayan Ranjan
Published: July 2016

Variations in crosslink densities and crystallinity due to mono-, di- and poly-sulphide linkages in EPDM vulcanization are achieved using different sulfur/accelerator weight ratios and therefore the separation factor and membrane selectivity of toluene.
Distribution, source apportionment and ecological risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the surface sediments of coal mining subsidence waters
Authors: Ouyang Zhuozhi , Gao Liangmin , Chen Xiaoqing , Yao Suping , Deng Shihui
Published: July 2016

PAHs with three or four rings dominate in Yangzhuang coal mining subsidence waters of China. The pollution level of PAHs is quite low. Most of them come from combustion or oil sources and are proved to have no potential ecological risk.
Bisanthra-thianthrene: synthesis, structure and oxidation properties
Authors: Yamashita Masataka , Hayashi Hironobu , Suzuki Mitsuharu , Kuzuhara Daiki , Yuasa Junpei , Kawai Tsuyoshi , Aratani Naoki , Yamada Hiroko
Published: July 2016

A bis(tetracene radical cation) connected by a dithiin-ring is obtained by two-electron oxidation of bisanthra-thianthrene, instead of the dithianonacene dication.
Effect of morphology on the oxygen evolution reaction for La0.8Sr0.2Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δelectrochemical catalyst in alkaline media
Authors: Wang Zhuang , Li Mian , Liang Chenghao , Fan Liquan , Han Jianan , Xiong Yueping
Published: July 2016

A series of perovskite oxides La0.8Sr0.2Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δwith different morphologies have been synthesized as oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts by an electrospinning technique.
Microsolvation of NO3−: structural exploration and bonding analysis
Authors: Flórez Elizabeth , Acelas Nancy , Ibargüen César , Mondal Sukanta , Cabellos José Luis , Merino Gabriel , Restrepo Albeiro
Published: July 2016

A rich and complex structural diversity is uncovered in the microsolvation of the nitrate anion.
Photocatalyst size controls electron and energy transfer: selectable E/Z isomer synthesis via C–F alkenylation
Authors: Singh A. , Fennell C. J. , Weaver J. D.
Published: July 2016

This work highlights the role of photocatalyst volume in controlling photoquenching events and is exploited to control the reaction outcomes.
Resolving the α-glycosidic linkage of arginine-rhamnosylated translation elongation factor P triggers generation of the first ArgRha specific antibody
Authors: Li Xiang , Krafczyk Ralph , Macošek Jakub , Li Yu-Lei , Zou Yan , Simon Bernd , Pan Xing , Wu Qiu-Ye , Yan Fang , Li Shan , Hennig Janosch , Jung Kirsten , Lassak Jürgen , Hu Hong-Gang
Published: July 2016

Here we describe a potent tool to investigate arginine rhamnosylation and develop novel antibiotics.
Lead aggravates the diabetic-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats
Authors: Reddy K. Pratap , Narayana Rao Madamsetti , Murthy J. S. R. , Reddy P. Sreenivasula
Published: July 2016

Diabetes, an unresolved metabolic disorder, and lead contamination are prevalent problems in contemporary society.
An In0.5Ga0.5N nanowire photoanode for harvesting deep visible light photons
Authors: Fan S. , Woo S. Y. , Vanka S. , Botton G. A. , Mi Z.
Published: July 2016

III-nitride semiconductors hold tremendous promise for realizing high efficiency photoelectrodes. However, previously reported InGaN photoelectrodes generally exhibit very low photocurrent densities, due to the presence of extensive defects, dislocations, and indium phase separation. Here, we show that In0.5Ga0.5N nanowires with nearly homogeneous indium distribution can be achieved by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Under AM1.5G one sun illumination, the InGaN nanowire photoanode exhibits a photocurrent density of 7.3 mA/cm2 at 1.2 V (vs. NHE) in 1M HBr. The incident-photon-to-current efficiency is above 10% at 650 nm, which is significantly higher than previously reported values of metal oxide photoelectrodes.
On the nature of striations in n-type silicon solar cells
Authors: Le Donne Alessia , Binetti Simona , Folegatti Valerio , Coletti Gianluca
Published: July 2016

In n-type Czochralski silicon (Cz-Si) wafer, swirl shaped regions with low lifetime (known as striations) can cause degradation up to 1% absolute or even more in homojunction industrial solar cells. Nevertheless, the nature of the defects responsible for the occurrence of these striations is still unclear. In this work, n-type Cz-Si solar cell precursors cut from industrial size ingots with different feedstock quality and oxygen content were analyzed by microwave photo-conductance decay and photoluminescence in order to investigate the nature of such defects. The results demonstrate that the defects responsible for the occurrence of striations are oxide nanoprecipitates formed during the high temperature steps for the solar cell realization, due to the presence of grown-in oxygen nuclei.
Emergence of nontrivial magnetic excitations in a spin-liquid state of kagomé volborthite
Authors: Watanabe Daiki , Sugii Kaori , Shimozawa Masaaki , Suzuki Yoshitaka , Yajima Takeshi , Ishikawa Hajime , Hiroi Zenji , Shibauchi Takasada , Matsuda Yuji , Yamashita Minoru
Published: July 2016

Significance

The Hall effect is due to the nature of the charge carriers in a conductor, which experience the Lorentz force in the presence of magnetic field. In antiferromagnetic insulators with geometrical frustrations, charge carries are absent, but the spin degrees of freedom form disordered liquid-like states with unusual excitations that can carry heat. Here, we report the observation of the thermal version of the Hall effect in a spin-liquid state of a quantum magnet with frustrated two-dimensional kagomé structure. Our finding implies the emergence of nontrivial excitations in a spin-liquid state that experience the fictitious Lorentz force, possibly related to the geometrical phase of the quantum-mechanical wave function in many-body systems.
Quality of Life and the Complex Needs of Recovery Home Residents
Authors: Mericle Amy A. , Miles Jennifer
Published: July 2016

Background

Having a stable and safe place to live is integral to recovery from addiction. Recovery residences represent an important component in the substance use continuum of care, but research on them has been limited to certain types of recovery residences and has yet to examine quality of life among those who live in them.

Methods

This study presents data on the characteristics of residents ( N = 104) living in a stratified random sample of recovery homes in Philadelphia ( N = 13) as well as data from a random subsample of residents ( N = 27) who participated in 3-month follow-up interviews.

Results

Residents in these homes reported deficits in a variety of aspects of their lives critical to helping them initiate and sustain their recovery; many (20%) reported living in a shelter or on the streets prior to moving in, 37% had less than a high school education, and only 26% reported currently working for pay. Although the majority of residents rated their quality of life as good or very good (74%), average physical health, social relationship, and environment domain scores measured by the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-Bref were generally lower than scores found among community samples. At follow-up, all residents were housed and rates of substance use (7%), criminal justice involvement (0%), and employment (44%) in the past 30 days were encouraging. Quality of life domain scores were unchanged, with the exception of psychological health, which decreased.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the complex needs of residents living in Philadelphia recovery homes and the role that these homes play in maintaining residents in their early recovery. Studies with larger samples of residents followed up over longer periods of time are needed to assess the role that these homes may play in promoting long-term recovery and improving the well-being of the vulnerable population of individuals who live in them.
Alcoholics Anonymous and other Mutual Help Organizations: Impact of a 45-Minute Didactic for Primary Care and Categorical Internal Medicine Residents
Authors: Marcovitz David , Cristello Julie V. , Kelly John F.
Published: July 2016

Background: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are highly prevalent among primary care patients. One evidence-based, cost-effective referral option is ubiquitous mutual help organizations (MHOs) such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and SMART Recovery; however, little is known about how to effectively increase trainee knowledge and confidence with these referrals. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether a single 45-minute combined lecture and role play–based didactic for primary care residents could enhance knowledge, improve attitudes, and bolster confidence in referring patients with addictions to community MHOs. Methods: The authors developed a 45-minute lecture and role play addressing the evidence for MHOs, their respective background/content, and how to make effective referrals. Participants were administered a brief survey of their MHO-related knowledge, attitudes, and confidence before and after the session to evaluate the didactic impact. Results: Participants were 55 primary care and categorical internal medicine residents divided among postgraduate year 1 (PGY1; 27.3%), PGY2 (38.2%), and PGY3 (34.5%). They had a mean age of 29 (SD = 2.62); 49% were female, 69% were Caucasian, and 78% reported some religious affiliation. Participants’ subjective knowledge about MHOs increased significantly ( P < .001), as did their confidence in making referrals ( P < .001). Changes in participants’ attitudes about the importance of MHOs in aiding successful addiction recovery approached significance ( P = .058). The proportion of participants with correct responses to each of 4 knowledge-based questions increased substantially. Conclusions: Primary care and internal medicine residents reported variable baseline knowledge of MHOs and confidence in making referrals, both of which were improved in response to a 45-minute didactic. Role play may be a useful supplementary tool in enhancing residents’ knowledge and skill in treating patients with SUD.
Application of polydimethylsiloxane-based optical system for measuring optical density of microbial culture
Authors: Takahashi Yurika
Published: July 2016

The performance of recently developed polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based optical system was tested for measuring optical density of microbial culture. The data showed that PDMS-based spectrometer is superior to “one drop” spectrometers in the accuracy, and has an advantage over conventional spectrometers in measuring dense culture without dilution.
Abl suppresses cell extrusion and intercalation during epithelium folding
Authors: Jodoin Jeanne N. , Martin Adam C.
Published: July 2016

Tissue morphogenesis requires control over cell shape changes and rearrangements. In the Drosophila mesoderm, linked epithelial cells apically constrict, without cell extrusion or intercalation, to fold the epithelium into a tube that will then undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Apical constriction drives tissue folding or cell extrusion in different contexts, but the mechanisms that dictate the specific outcomes are poorly understood. Using live imaging, we found that Abelson (Abl) tyrosine kinase depletion causes apically constricting cells to undergo aberrant basal cell extrusion and cell intercalation. abl depletion disrupted apical–basal polarity and adherens junction organization in mesoderm cells, suggesting that extruding cells undergo premature EMT. The polarity loss was associated with abnormal basolateral contractile actomyosin and Enabled (Ena) accumulation. Depletion of the Abl effector Enabled (Ena) in abl-depleted embryos suppressed the abl phenotype, consistent with cell extrusion resulting from misregulated ena. Our work provides new insight into how Abl loss and Ena misregulation promote cell extrusion and EMT.
ABA flow modelling in Ricinus communis exposed to salt stress and variable nutrition
Authors: Peuke Andreas D
Published: July 2016

In a series of experiments with Ricinus communis, abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations in tissues and transport saps, its de novo biosynthesis, long-distance transport, and metabolism (degradation) were affected by nutritional conditions, nitrogen (N) source, and nutrient limitation, or salt stress. In the present study these data were statistically re-evaluated, and new correlations presented that underpin the importance of this universal phytohormone. The biggest differences in ABA concentration were observed in xylem sap. N source had the strongest effect; however, nutrient limitation (particularly phosphorus limitation) and salt also had significant effects. ABA was found in greater concentration in phloem sap compared with xylem sap; however, the effect of treatment on ABA concentration in phloem was lower. In the leaves, ABA concentration was most variable compared with the other tissues. This variation was only affected by the N source. In roots, ABA was significantly decreased by nutrient limitation. Of the compartments in which ABA was quantified, xylem sap ABA concentration was most significantly correlated with leaf stomatal conductance and leaf growth. Additionally, ABA concentration in xylem was significantly correlated to that in phloem, indicating a 6-fold concentration increase from xylem to phloem. The ABA flow model showed that biosynthesis of ABA in roots affected the xylem flow of ABA. Moreover, ABA concentration in xylem affected the degradation of the phytohormone in shoots and also its export from shoots via phloem. The role of phloem transport is discussed since it stimulates ABA metabolism in roots.