bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L-methionine uptake, incorporation and effects on proliferative activity and protein synthesis in bovine claw tissue explants in vitro
Authors: HEPBURN N. L. , KNIGHT C. H. , WILDE C. J. , HENDRY K. A. K. , GALBRAITH H.
Published: August 2007

L-methionine is a sulphur-containing nutritionally essential amino acid. It has a number of important roles in epidermal and dermal tissues of the integument of animals. Failure of normal function of these tissues in the hoof (claw) is a cause of lameness in cattle. Little is known about quantitative relationships between post-absorptive concentrations of nutrients including sulphur-containing amino acids and uptake and utilization by epidermis and dermis of the bovine claw. These parameters were studied at the tissue level by use of an established in vitro claw explant system using tissue from cattle of beef or dairy origin and L-[35S]-labelled methionine as tracer. The results showed that uptake of L-methionine by freshly prepared solear explants in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium/F-12 Nutrient Mix (DMEM/F12) (1:1) medium containing 1·0 mmol L-methionine/litre was concentrative after 5–8 min, essentially linear for up to 10 min and became curvilinear thereafter. Maximum uptake and steady state conditions were obtained at approximately 30 min. Further measurements were made following 21 h incubation in culture medium. Under conditions of varying concentrations of L-methionine and measurement of uptake after 30 min, the presence of a saturable curve, that obeyed Michaelis–Menten kinetics, was demonstrated. Values of 3·61 mmol/litre and 5·84 mmol/kg intracellular water/30 min were obtained for KM and Vmax, respectively. Uptake was not influenced by L-cysteine and L-cystine concentrations in the culture media.

Similar culture and incubation conditions were used in subsequent studies of DNA and protein synthesis. These showed that rates of incorporation of L-methionine into protein fractions and stimulation of DNA synthesis measured by methyl-thymidine incorporation were dependent on L-methionine concentrations in the medium. Maximal rates occurred at approximately 50 μmol/litre, which is in the normal physiological range, and at 1% of maximum uptake capacity. Examination of histological sections by autoradiography showed localization of L-[35S]-labelled methionine in basal and suprabasal epidermal cells with limited retention in dermis. Measurement, by a range of histological, immunohistochemical, electrophoretic, western blotting and autoradiographic techniques, provided further evidence of L-methionine-dependent regulation of proliferation, differentiation and synthesis of proteins under physiological concentrations, by epidermal horn-forming cells.

A key role for L-methionine is suggested in the production of horn in bovine claw. The extrapolation of these in vitro data provides guidance for strategies to optimize methionine supply to claw tissues in vivo. Such extrapolation suggests the appropriateness of delivery of systemic concentrations of 50 μmol L-methionine/litre to maximize proliferative and protein depositional activity in solear epidermis and dermis in vivo.
Anti-proliferative effect of the essential oil ofCymbopogon citratus(DC) Stapf (lemongrass) on intracellular amastigotes, bloodstream trypomastigotes and culture epimastigotes ofTrypanosoma cruzi(Protozoa: Kinetoplastida)
Authors: SANTORO G. F. , CARDOSO M. G. , GUIMARÃES L. G. L. , FREIRE J. M. , SOARES M. J.
Published: August 2007

This study analyses the anti-proliferative effect of lemongrass essential oil and its main constituent (citral) on all 3 evolutive forms ofTrypanosoma cruzi. Steam distillation was used to obtain lemongrass essential oil, with chemical composition determined by gas chromatography (GC) and GC coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The IC50/24 h (concentration that reduced the parasite population by 50%) of the oil and of citral uponT. cruziwas determined by cell counting in a Neubauer chamber, while morphological alterations were visualized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Treatment with the essential oil resulted in epimastigote growth inhibition with IC50=126·5 μg/ml, while the IC50for trypomastigote lysis was 15·5 μg/ml. The IC50/48 h for the Association Index (% macrophage infection×number of amastigotes per cell) was 5·1 μg/ml, with a strong inhibition of intracellular amastigote proliferation. Ultrastructural analysis demonstrated cytoplasmic and nuclear extraction, while the plasma membrane remained morphologically preserved. Our data show that lemongrass essential oil is effective againstT. cruzitrypomastigotes and amastigotes, and that its main component, citral, is responsible for the trypanocidal activity. These results indicate that essential oils can be promising anti-parasitic agents, opening perspectives to the discovery of more effective drugs of vegetal origin for treatment of parasitic diseases. However, additional cytotoxicity experiments on different cell lines and tests in aT. cruzi-mouse model are needed to support these data.
Neospora caninuminfection in birds: experimental infections in chicken and embryonated eggs
Authors: FURUTA P. I. , MINEO T. W. P. , CARRASCO A. O. T. , GODOY G. S. , PINTO A. A. , MACHADO R. Z.
Published: August 2007

Neospora caninumcauses economical impact in cattle-raising farms since it is implicated as the major cause of bovine abortions. Although infection by the parasite has been widely described in mammals, the role of birds in its life-cycle is still obscure. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the infection byN. caninumin different chicken models. Experimental infections were conducted in 7-day-old chicks, laying hens and embryonated eggs, where samples were analysed for parasite burden, IgG antibodies and lesions promoted. Chickens demonstrated an asymptomatic infection, although with seroconversion and systemic replication of the parasite. In laying hens, no signs of vertical transmission were observed. However, embryonated eggs inoculated by the allantoic cavity route demonstrated susceptibility to infection, with mortality rates around 50% independent of the inoculum dose. Additionally, dogs became infected after ingestion of different amounts of inoculated eggs, producing either oocysts or specific IgG antibodies. The results herein presented demonstrate that chickens may be intermediate hosts ofN. caninumand that embryonated eggs could be a useful model to study the parasite's biology.
A Multi-Sensor Navigation Filter for High Accuracy Positioning in all Environments
Authors: Hide Chris , Moore Terry , Hill Chris
Published: August 2007

The aim of the SPACE project is to develop a mobile test bed that can position to within centimetres in all conditions and environments. To achieve this goal, a number of different positioning technologies have to be integrated together including GNSS, INS, pseudolites and other technologies such as Ultra Wideband and Bluetooth ranging. The integration of these sensors is achieved by the development of a ‘plug and play’ filter that will optimally combine measurements from each sensor to form an accurate position solution. The filter has been designed so that the sensors are integrated at the measurement level wherever possible, so partial measurements from different systems can be used together.

This paper describes the development of the plug and play filter, focussing in particular on how the states are defined, how the measurements are used, and how a generic filter can be developed that can integrate all types of positioning sensor. Some early results from the filter are shown integrating GPS, INS and simulated measurements from an Ultra Wideband system. A prototype version of the mobile test bed is also described.
Diverse Signals Combinations for High-Sensitivity GNSS
Authors: Ioannides Rigas T. , Aguado L. Enrique , Brodin Gary
Published: August 2007

Indoor positioning imposes demanding requirements on the design of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) sensors for both the acquisition and tracking functions. Although different combinations of coherent and non-coherent integration periods of a GNSS signal can be used to achieve reliable acquisition of the GNSS signals and indoors positioning, there are limitations to the extent that the integration period of the signal energy can be increased set by the receiver and satellite dynamics and the stability of the local oscillator. Assisting networks for GNSS applications (AGNSS) provide users with the capability of using long integration periods, enabling them to acquire indoor signals at low Carrier to Noise Ratio (CNR) values, where CNR is defined as the ratio of the received signal power over the noise density in units of dB-Hz. In this work we propose and evaluate the potential of a new method that will provide the user with an additional signal energy margin for accurate and reliable indoor positioning, with or without relying on assisted GNSS-type algorithms. The technique proposed here is based on the coherent and non-coherent combination of the energy of signals transmitted from the same GNSS satellite on different frequencies using the multiple open service signals that are to be provided by the Galileo system and under the GPS modernisation. This paper shows the improvement to the receiver acquisition and tracking performance using the proposed technique of combining energies at the L1, L2 and L5 bands for both data and pilot signals.
GPS Receiver Demonstration on a Galileo Test Bed Satellite
Authors: Ebinuma Takuji , Unwin Martin
Published: August 2007

GPS receivers have been used successfully on low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite missions for several years. The use of a GPS receiver at altitudes higher than LEO, however, is non-trivial as the receiver will be outside the main lobe of the GPS broadcast signals, and it will have to track signals from GPS satellites transmitting from the other side of the Earth. This paper will review the special hardware and software adaptations required for GPS receiver operations on a medium Earth orbit or geostationary satellite, along with preliminary results from simulations and an in-orbit experiment.
A common, symptom-based case definition for gastroenteritis
Authors: MAJOWICZ S. E. , HALL G. , SCALLAN E. , ADAK G. K. , GAUCI C. , JONES T. F. , O'BRIEN S. , HENAO O. , SOCKETT P. N.
Published: August 2007

National studies determining the burden of gastroenteritis have defined gastroenteritis by its clinical picture, using symptoms to classify cases and non-cases. The use of different case definitions has complicated inter-country comparisons. We selected four case definitions from the literature, applied these to population data from Australia, Canada, Ireland, Malta and the United States, and evaluated how the epidemiology of illness varied. Based on the results, we developed a standard case definition. The choice of case definition impacted on the observed incidence of gastroenteritis, with a 1·5–2·1 times difference between definitions in a given country. The proportion of cases with bloody diarrhoea, fever, and the proportion who sought medical care and submitted a stool sample also varied. The mean age of cases varied by <5 years under the four definitions. To ensure comparability of results between studies, we recommend a standard symptom-based case definition, and minimum set of results to be reported.
Predictors of Clostridium difficile colitis infections in hospitals
Authors: RICCIARDI R. , HARRIMAN K. , BAXTER N. N. , HARTMAN L. K. , TOWN R. J. , VIRNIG B. A.
Published: August 2007

Hospital-level predictors of high rates of ‘Clostridium difficile-associated disease’ (CDAD) were evaluated in over 2300 hospitals across California, Arizona, and Minnesota. American Hospital Association data were used to determine hospital characteristics associated with high rates of CDAD. Significant correlations were found between hospital rates of CDAD, common infections and other identified pathogens. Hospitals in urban areas had higher average rates of CDAD; yet, irrespective of geographic location, hospital rates of CDAD were associated with other infections. In addition, hospitals with ‘high CDAD’ rates had slower turnover of beds and were more likely to offer transplant services. These results reveal large differences in rates of CDAD across regions. Hospitals with high rates of CDAD have high rates of other common infections, suggesting a need for broad infection control policies.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expression by directionally selective ganglion cells
Authors: STRANG CHRISTIANNE E. , RENNA JORDAN M. , AMTHOR FRANKLIN R. , KEYSER KENT T.
Published: August 2007

Acetylcholine (ACh) enhances the preferred direction responses of directionally selective ganglion cells (DS GCs; Ariel & Daw, 1982; Ariel & Adolph, 1985) through the activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs; Ariel & Daw, 1982; Massey et al., 1997; Kittila & Massey, 1997). DS GCs appear to express at least two types of nAChRs, those that are sensitive to the partially subtype-specific antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA), and those that are MLA-insensitive (Reed et al., 2002). Our purpose was to confirm the expression of α7 nAChRs by DS GCs and to assess the contributions of other nAChR subtypes to DS GC responses. Using choline as a nAChR partially subtype-specific agonist, we found that the majority of DS GCs demonstrated responses to choline while under synaptic blockade. The blockade or reduction of choline-induced responses by bath application of nanomolar (nM) concentrations of MLA provided direct evidence that the choline responses were mediated by α7 nAChRs. Because choline is a partial agonist for α3β4 nAChRs (Alkondon et al., 1997), the residual choline responses are consistent with mediation by α3β4 nAChRs. Additionally, a subset of DS GCs responded to nicotine but not to choline, indicating the expression of a third nAChR subtype. The pharmacological results were supported by single cell reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry experiments. The expression of α7 and specific non-α7 nAChR subtypes was correlated with the preferred direction. This indicates the possibility of differential responses to ACh depending on the direction of movement. This is the first description of differential expression of multiple nAChR subtypes by DS GCs.
Vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1/VR1) co-localizes with fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) in retinal amacrine cells
Authors: ZIMOV SARAH , YAZULLA STEPHEN
Published: August 2007

Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is the degradative enzyme for anandamide (AEA), an endogenous ligand for the vanilloid receptor (TRPV1) and cannabinoid receptor 1. As FAAH and TRPV1 are integral membrane proteins, FAAH activity could modulate the availability of AEA for TRPV1 activation. Previous studies in this laboratory reported an extensive endocannabinoid system in goldfish retina. Immunocytochemistry was used to determine the relative distributions of FAAH-immunoreactivity (IR) and TRPV1-IR in goldfish retina. Here, we show the first example in an intact neural system in which TRPV1-IR co-localizes in subpopulations of FAAH-immunoreactive neurons, in this case amacrine cells. These cells are rare and consist of three subtypes: 1. ovoid cell with granular-type dendrites restricted to sublamina a, 2. pyriform cell with smooth processes in sublamina b, and 3. fusiform cell with smooth processes that project to sublaminae a and b. The varied appearances of reaction product in the dendrites suggest different subcellular localization of TRPV1, and hence function of FAAH activity regarding TRPV1 stimulation among the cell types. Ovoid and pyriform amacrine cells, but not fusiform cells, labeled with GAD-IR and constituted subsets of GABAergic amacrine cells. TRPV1 amacrine cells, though rare, are represented in the ON, OFF and ON/OFF pathways of the retina. As TRPV1 stimulation increases intracellular calcium with numerous downstream effects, co-localization of TRPV1 and FAAH suggests an autoregulatory function for anandamide. Due to the rarity of these cells, the three vanilloid amacrine cell types may be involved in global effects rather than feature extraction, for example: sampling of ambient light or maintaining homeostasis.
Pathologies in Narrative Structures
Authors: Gallagher Shaun
Published: August 2007

Per Aage Brandt, commenting on a passage from Merlin Donald, suggests that there is ‘a narrative aesthetics built into our mind.’ In Donald, one can find an evolutionary account of this narrative aesthetics. If there is something like an innate narrative disposition, it is also surely the case that there is a process of development involved in narrative practice. In this paper I will assume something closer to the developmental account provided by Jerome Bruner in various works, and Dan Hutto's account of how we learn narrative practices, and I'll refer to this narrative aesthetics as a narrative competency that we come to have through a developmental process. I will take narrative in a wide sense, to include oral and written communications and self-reports on experience. In this regard narrative is more basic than story, and not necessarily characterized by the formal plot structure of a story. A story may be told in many different ways, but always via narrative discourse. Also, having narrative competency includes not just abilities for understanding narratives, but also for narrative understanding, which allows us to form narratives about things, events and other people. To be capable of narrative understanding means to be capable of seeing events in a narrative framework.
What about the children? The experience of families involved in an adult-focused diabetes intervention
Authors: Laroche Helena H , Davis Matthew M , Forman Jane , Palmisano Gloria , Heisler Michele
Published: August 2007

Objective

Among adults with diabetes attempting to change their own diets, we explored how these adults approached providing food for their children and how their children reacted to dietary changes in the household.

Design

The research design used semi-structured parallel individual interviews of adults and a child (aged 10–17 years) in their home. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed, coded and analysed for themes.

Subjects

Subjects included families in which one inner-city African American or Latino adult with diabetes had completed a diabetes intervention promoting healthy dietary behaviours.

Results

We completed 29 interviews (14 adult–child pairs and one child). Adults approached making dietary changes for themselves and also providing food for their family in different ways, ranging from expecting everyone to eat the same thing to preparing two separate meals. Many children resisted dietary changes while fewer acquiesced. Among children who went along with changes, some reported resisting initially then adjusting, while others did not resist because the food still tasted good or they could obtain preferred foods outside the house. The intersection of adults’ meal strategies and children’s reactions to the changes can be used to categorise families into different patterns. These patterns highlight the tension between an adult who must make dietary changes to control diabetes and a child who is not necessarily motivated to change.

Conclusion

From this framework we suggest hypotheses about how these patterns might influence dietary behaviour in adults and children. Understanding these patterns could guide interventions to assist parents in successfully including children in their dietary changes.
Mediterranean diet in relation to body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio
Authors: Rossi Marta , Negri Eva , Bosetti Cristina , Dal Maso Luigino , Talamini Renato , Giacosa Attilio , Montella Maurizio , Franceschi Silvia , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: August 2007

Objective

The Mediterranean diet is rich in fat and starch, and hence may be related to overweight. We therefore investigated the relationship between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR).

Design and setting

Data were obtained from the control group of a network of case–control studies on cancer conducted in major teaching and general hospitals in four Italian areas between 1991 and 2002. An interviewer-administered validated 78-item food-frequency questionnaire was used to obtain information on the subjects’ habitual diet. Information on socio-economic factors, lifestyle habits and anthropometric measures was also collected. A Mediterranean diet score (MDS) was derived on the basis of eight characteristics of the Mediterranean diet.

Subjects

Subjects were 6619 patients (3090 men, 3529 women) admitted to hospital for a wide spectrum of acute, non-neoplastic conditions, unrelated to known risk factors for cancer and long-term modifications of diet.

Results

In multiple linear regression models adjusted for age, study centre, education, tobacco smoking, occupational physical activity and total energy intake, the MDS was not related to BMI (β = 0.05 for men and −0.04 for women) or WHR (β = 0.000 and 0.001, respectively) in both sexes.

Conclusions

Adherence to the major characteristics of the Mediterranean diet is unrelated to BMI and WHR, confirming previous data from Greece and Spain.
Validity of photographs for food portion estimation in a rural West African setting
Authors: Huybregts L , Roberfroid D , Lachat C , Van Camp J , Kolsteren P
Published: August 2007

Objective

To validate food photographs for food portion size estimation of frequently consumed dishes, to be used in a 24-hour recall food consumption study of pregnant women in a rural environment in Burkina Faso. This food intake study is part of an intervention evaluating the efficacy of prenatal micronutrient supplementation on birth outcomes.

Subjects

Women of childbearing age (15–45 years).

Design

A food photograph album containing four photographs of food portions per food item was compiled for eight selected food items. Subjects were presented two food items each in the morning and two in the afternoon. These foods were weighed to the exact weight of a food depicted in one of the photographs and were in the same receptacles. The next day another fieldworker presented the food photographs to the subjects to test their ability to choose the correct photograph.

Results

The correct photograph out of the four proposed was chosen in 55% of 1028 estimations. For each food, proportions of underestimating and overestimating participants were balanced, except for rice and couscous. On a group level, mean differences between served and estimated portion sizes were between −8.4% and 6.3%. Subjects who attended school were almost twice as likely to choose the correct photograph. The portion size served (small vs. largest sizes) had a significant influence on the portion estimation ability.

Conclusions

The results from this study indicate that in a West African rural setting, food photographs can be a valuable tool for the quantification of food portion size on group level.
Maternal anthropometry as a predictor of birth weight
Authors: Nahar Shamsun , Mascie-Taylor C G N , Begum Housne Ara
Published: August 2007

Objective

To determine whether maternal anthropometry predicted birth weight, and if so, to identify which cut-offs provided the best prediction of low birth weight (LBW) in a field situation.

Design

Community-based longitudinal study.

Setting

A rural union of Bhaluka Upazila, Mymensingh, located 110 km north-west of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.

Participants

A total of 1104 normotensive, non-smoking pregnant women who attended community nutrition centres were studied from first presentation at the centre until delivery of their child.

Results

Most of the pregnant mothers were between 20 and 34 years of age. Over one-third of the women were nulliparous, while 12.8% were multiparous (parity ≥ 4). Most (93%) mothers registered between the 3rd and 5th month of pregnancy. The frequency of LBW ( < 2500 g) was 17%. Polynomial regression analyses showed that the best predictors of birth weight (based on adjustedR2values) were in general weight at registration and weight at month 9, with adjustedR2ranging from 2.5% to nearly 20%. Sequential regression analyses with height and weight showed that there was a significant effect of height after removing the weight variables, and adjustedR2increased in all analyses. Weight and height at registration month continued to be the best predictors of LBW. Sensitivity and specificity curves were drawn for each registration month, body mass index and different weight gain groups, and using different weight and height combinations. The results showed that, for registration month 3–5, a combination of weight ( ≤ 45 kg) and height ( ≤ 150 cm) gave the highest sensitivity, which was 50%. However, maternal weight ≤ 43 kg in pregnancy month 3–5 alone gave the highest sensitivity of 80%.

Conclusion

The best predictor of birth weight as a continuous variable was maternal weight at registration, each 1 kg increase in weight at registration being associated with an increase in birth weight of about 260 g. Maternal weight ≤ 43 kg in pregnancy month 3–5 alone gave the highest sensitivity of 80%. A combination of initial weight and height of the mother was not as good a predictor of LBW as weight alone.
Laboratory simulation of UV irradiation from the Sun on amino acids. II. Irradiation of phenylalanine and tryptophan
Authors: Scappini F. , Capobianco M.L. , Casadei F. , Zamboni R. , Giorgianni P.
Published: August 2007

The effects of near ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on water solutions of phenylalanine and tryptophan have been investigated using a broad-band xenon lamp in the region 200–800 nm. This is a step in the laboratory simulation of the effects of Solar radiation on the building blocks of life, specifically α-amino acids, with regards to the origin of life. Results are presented showing the photodegradation of phenylalanine and tryptophan against different UV doses. Some of the degradation products are still protein amino acids. An analysis of the irradiated solutions is carried out by spectroscopic and analytic techniques. The laboratory simulations are discussed in the wake of a life emerging scenario on the primitive Earth.
Orbital Period Variation in the Chromospherically Active Binary FF UMa (2RE J0933+624)
Authors: Gálvez M.C. , Montes D. , Fernández-Figueroa M.J. , De Castro E. , Cornide M.
Published: August 2007

We present here a detailed study of FF UMa (2RE J0933+624), a recently discovered, X-ray/EUV selected, active binary system with strong Hα emission. By using high-resolution echelle spectroscopic observations taken during five observing runs from 1998 to 2004, we derived precise radial velocities that allowed us to determine the orbital solution of the system at different epochs. Analyzing these orbital solutions, together with a previous one determined in 1993 by other authors, we have found a change in the heliocentric Julian date on conjunction (Tconj) that can be explained by a change with time in the orbital period of the system. The relative amplitude of the orbital period variation derived from these data was dP/P ≈ 5 x 10−4, which is larger than the variations found in other similar chromospherically active binaries like AR Lac and HR 1099. This orbital period variation can be related (Applegate 1992; Lanza 1998, 2006) with the modulation of the gravitational quadrupole-moment of its magnetically active secondary star produced by angular momentum exchanges within its convective envelope. In addition, using these observations, we have determined the stellar parameters of the components and we have carried out a study of the chromospheric activity using all the optical indicators from Ca ii H&K to Ca ii IRT lines.
Only Binary Stars Can Help Us Actually SEE a Stellar Chromosphere
Authors: Griffin R. Elizabeth
Published: August 2007

Binary stars of the ζ Aurigae type (eclipsing systems containing a cool giant plus a hot main-sequence star) offer a unique and highly effective method of probing a stellar chromosphere. Close to occultation the main-sequence star acts as a light probe behind the giant's chromosphere, enabling an observer to detect changing conditions in that chromosphere along the line of sight. The technique is powerful, the effects dramatic. However, presently known eclipsing systems number only about 10, and a much greater sample is required for meaningful statistics of the properties of stellar chromospheres. New surveys of fainter binaries should be investigated for eclipses in order to gain more information on chromospheres in general. Such information is vital for modelling stellar photospheres, from which abundances are derived. This paper describes the very different behaviour of chromospheric material in three 3rd-magnitude giants.
New Trends in Disentangling the Spectra of Multiple Stars
Authors: Hadrava Petr
Published: August 2007

The method of spectra disentangling has been applied in many studies on different stellar systems up to the distance of Andromeda Galaxy. In some of these applications the underlying assumptions are not precisely satisfied. This is why new generalizations of the method are needed. Ways to overcome these problems are discussed here.
Discovery of a New Dwarf Nova, TSS J022216.4+412259.9: a WZ Sge-type Dwarf Nova Breaking the Shortest Superhump Period Record
Authors: Imada Akira , Kubota Kaori , Kato Taichi , Nogami Daisaku , Maehara Hiroyuki , Nakajima Kazuhiro , Uemura Makoto , Ishioka Ryoko
Published: August 2007

We report on time-resolved CCD photometry of the newly-discovered dwarf nova, TSS J022216.4+412259.9 during its outburst in 2005 November–December. The best-estimated superhump period was 0.0554 days, which is the shortest superhump period among WZ Sge-type dwarf novae ever known. Double-peaked humps were also detected with a period of 0.05487 days in the early stage of the outburst. A rebrightening exhibited after the end of the plateau phase. All of these observations indicate the WZ Sge nature of the system. We mainly discuss the rebrightening stage of the superoutburst, compared with other WZ Sge-type dwarf novae.
Wulff Dieter Heintz (1930-2006)
Authors: Augensen Harry J. , Mason Brian D. , Hartkopf William I.
Published: August 2007

Wulff Dieter Heintz, Professor Emeritus of Astronomy at Swarthmore College, passed away at his home on 10 June 2006, following a two-year battle with lung cancer. He had just turned 76 a week earlier. Wulff was one of the leading authorities on visual double stars, and was also a chess master. A prominent educator, researcher, and scholar, Wulff was noted for being both succinct and meticulous in everything he did. Wulff Heintz was born on 3 June 1930 in Würzburg (Bavaria), Germany. Naturally left-handed, the young Wulff's elementary school teachers forced him to learn to write “correctly” using his right hand, and so he became ambidextrous. During the 1930s, Wulff's family saw the rise of Adolph Hitler and lived under the repressive Nazi regime. Conditions were austere, and it was often difficult to find fuel to keep the house warm. As a teenager during World War II, Wulff listened to his family radio for any news from the outside world. He used to say that he loved the blackouts during the bombing runs because it made it much easier to see the stars. One night, an incendiary bomb landed on the roof of his family home, and Wulff climbed up to the roof and extinguished it. The next morning, he saw that his high school had been completely leveled by Allied bombs. As Germany continued to suffer massive losses on the Russian Front, primarily due to unexpectedly severe winters, teenage boys were inducted into the military and sent off to replenish the troops. To avoid an uncertain fate, Wulff hid out in a farmhouse in the countryside outside Munich. When the Allied troops invaded Germany in 1945, the young Wulff volunteered to translate information from the American and British soldiers to the local villagers. During this time, the soldiers taught Wulff how to smoke cigarettes, a habit which he continued until his final days, even after having been diagnosed with lung cancer.
V379 Cep: a System of Two Binaries
Authors: Mayer P. , Harmanec P. , Božić H. , Eenens P. , Guinan E.F. , McCook G. , Koubský P. , Ruždjak D. , Sudar D. , Šlechta M. , Wolf M. , Yang S.
Published: August 2007

We obtained new series of electronic spectra and UBV photometry of V379 Cep and analyzed them in an effort to check whether the conclusion about its anomalous masses is not premature. We found that the second system of spectral lines seen in the spectra of V379 Cep does not belong to the secondary but to the primary of another binary Ba+Bb (orbital period of 159d0) which constitutes a quadruple system with the narrow-lined 99d76 eclipsing binary Aa+Ab (for which we report probable detection of the secondary and derive improved period and orbital elements). The mutual motion of the two binaries A+B around the common centre of gravity is also observable and the probable orbital period is some 7878 days. Our result shows that the components Aa and Ba are somewhat evolved but removes the reported discrepancy of anomalously small masses. We find that V379 Cep is an astrophysically interesting quadruple system for which a future combination of interferometry, spectroscopy and photometry can provide individual masses of all four bodies.
A Mass Estimate in a Sample of Double Stars
Authors: Ninković S. , Cvetković Z.
Published: August 2007

The total masses of binaries are calculated on the basis of their orbital elements from the Sixth Catalog of Orbits of Visual Binary Stars. They are then compared with the values resulted from the mass-luminosity relation for the Main Sequence where as the input data are used: trigonometric parallax, total apparent magnitude of the pair (source Hipparcos Catalogue) and magnitude difference (source Hipparcos Catalogue and Photometric Magnitude Difference Catalog). It seems that for the pairs indicated as having qualitative orbital elements the agreement between the total-mass values obtained in these two ways is satisfactory.
Comparison of Selected Methods for Radial Velocity Measurements
Authors: Parimucha Štefan , Škoda Petr
Published: August 2007

We present a comparison of selected methods for measuring radial velocities in stellar spectra. We compare cross-correlation, line-profile fitting with Gauss, Lorentz and Voigt functions and a less-known mirroring method. We discuss their applicability and precision and indicate their advantages and disadvantages. The mirroring method proved to be useful for the analysis of Be stars, but is not implemented in any major astronomical packages.
Interferometric Investigations of Eclipsing Binaries as a Key to an Improved Distance Scale
Authors: Shabun K. , Richichi A. , Munari U. , Siviero A. , Pacsysnki B.
Published: August 2007

Binary and multiple systems constitute one of the main tools for obtaining fundamental stellar parameters, such as masses, radii, effective temperatures and distances. One especially fortunate, and at the same time rare, occurrence is that of double-lined eclipsing binaries with well-detached components. In this special case, it is possible to obtain a full solution of all orbital and stellar parameters, with the exception of the effective temperature of one star, which is normally estimated from spectral type or derived from atmospheric analysis of the spectrum. Long-baseline interferometry at facilities such as the ESO VLTI is beginning to have the capability to measure directly the angular separation and the angular diameter of some selected eclipsing binary systems, and we have proposed such observations with the AMBER instrument. In particular, we aim at deriving directly the effective temperature of at least one of the components in the proposed system, thereby avoiding any assumptions in the global solution through the Wilson–Devinney method. We will also obtain an independent check of the results of this latter method for the distance to the system. This represents the first step towards a global calibration of eclipsing binaries as distance indicators. Our results will also contribute to the effective temperature scale for hot stars. The extension of this approach to a wider sample of eclipsing binaries could provide an independent method to assess the distance to the LMC. The observations will extend accurate empirical calibration to spectral type O9 – B0.
Confronting Stellar Evolution Models for Active and Inactive Solar-Type Stars: The Triple System V1061 Cygni
Authors: Torres Guillermo , Lacy Claud H. Sandberg , Marschall Laurence A. , Sheets Holly A. , Mader Jeff A.
Published: August 2007

We present spectroscopic and photometric observations of the chromospherically active (X-ray strong) eclipsing binary V1061 Cyg (P = 2.35 days) showing that it is in reality a hierarchical triple system. We combine these observations with Hipparcos intermediate data (abscissa residuals) to derive the outer orbit with a period of 15.8 yr. We determine accurate values for the masses, radii, and effective temperatures of the eclipsing binary components, as well as for the mass and temperature of the third star. For the primary we obtain M = 1.282 ± 0.015 M⊙, R = 1.615 ± 0.017 R⊙, Teff = 6180 ± 100 K, for the secondary M = 0.9315 ± 0.0068 M⊙, R = 0.974 ± 0.020 R⊙, Teff = 5300 ± 150 K, and for the tertiary M = 0.925 ± 0.036 M⊙ and Teff = 5670 ± 100 K. Current stellar evolution models agree well with the properties of the primary star, but show a large discrepancy in the radius of the secondary in the sense that the observed value is about 10% larger than predicted (a 5σ effect). We also find the secondary temperature to be ∼200 K cooler than indicated by the models. These discrepancies are quite remarkable considering that the secondary is only 7% less massive than the Sun, which is the calibration point of all stellar models. Similar differences with theory have been seen before for lower mass stars. We identify chromospheric activity as the likely cause of the effect. Inactive stars agree very well with the models, while active ones such as the secondary of V1061 Cyg appear systematically too large and too cool. Both of these differences are understood in terms of the effects of magnetic fields commonly associated with chromospheric activity.
A survey of published astronomical outputs of countries from 1976 to 2005 and the dependence of output on population, number of IAU members and gross domestic product
Authors: Hearnshaw John
Published: August 2007

In this paper I report the results of a survey of the astronomical outputs of all 63 IAU member countries as well as several non-member countries, based on an analysis of the affiliations of the authors given for nearly 900 thousand astronomical papers appearing in ADS between the years 1976 and 2005. The results show a roughly three-fold increase in the number of published papers per year over this 30-year interval. This increase is seen both in developed and also in most developing countries. The number of publications per IAU member correlates strongly with gross domestic product. It is over 2 papers per IAU member per year in the countries with the strongest economies but less than 0.5 in the countries with low GDP per capita. Since 2001 there has been a dramatic increase in the number of multi-author multinational papers published. This increase is especially noticeable for authors in developing countries, indicating that astronomers in these countries are increasingly participating in international collaborations for their research activities.
Promoting astronomy in developing countries: an historical perspective
Authors: Kochhar Rajesh
Published: August 2007

Any international effort to promote astronomy world wide today must necessarily take into account its cultural and historical component. The past few decades have ushered in an age, which we may call the Age of Cultural Copernicanism. In analogy with the cosmological principle that the universe has no preferred location or direction, Cultural Copernicanism would imply that no cultural or geographical area, or ethnic or social group, can be deemed to constitute a superior entity or a benchmark for judging or evaluating others.

In this framework, astronomy (as well as science in general) is perceived as a multi-stage civilizational cumulus where each stage builds on the knowledge gained in the previous stages and in turn leads to the next. This framework however is a recent development. The 19th century historiography consciously projected modern science as a characteristic product of the Western civilization decoupled from and superior to its antecedents, with the implication that all material and ideological benefits arising from modern science were reserved for the West.

As a reaction to this, the orientalized East has often tended to view modern science as “their” science, distance itself from its intellectual aspects, and seek to defend, protect and reinvent “our” science and the alleged (anti-science) Eastern mode of thought. This defensive mind-set works against the propagation of modern astronomy in most of the non-Western countries. There is thus a need to construct a history of world astronomy that is truly universal and unselfconscious.

Similarly, the planetarium programs, for use the world over, should be culturally sensitive. The IAU can help produce cultural-specific modules. Equipped with this paradigmatic background, we can now address the question of actual means to be adopted for the task at hand. Astronomical activity requires a certain minimum level of industrial activity support. Long-term maintenance of astronomical equipment is not a trivial task. There are any number of examples of an expensive facility falling victim to AIDS: Astronomical Instrument Deficiency Syndrome. The facilities planned in different parts of the world should be commensurate with the absorbing power of the acceptor rather than the level of the gifter.
Astronomy–the Caribbean view from the ground up
Authors: Haque Shirin
Published: August 2007

The historical development of astronomy in the Caribbean is reviewed within its cultural and environmental framework. The present status of astronomy in education, research and at the popular level is presented also with the focus being on its development in the island of Trinidad and Tobago in particular. We review what works in small developing islands versus larger developed or developing countries and the peculiar trials and tribulations of our circumstances as well as the rewards of such efforts. The critical role of students and volunteer effort will be highlighted. The psychological and cultural aspect and its role in the development of astronomy in the Caribbean is also explored. The outlook for the next decade will be highlighted with a brief proposal of having a node for TWAN (Third World Astronomy Network) in Trinidad in the Caribbean.
Developing astronomy in Cuba
Authors: Taboada Ramón E. Rodríguez
Published: August 2007

The development process of astronomy in Cuba is analysed from the point of view of a person actually working in astrophysics. It is concluded that the key word for astronomy development is “engagement” between a mature partner and the new developing group. It can not be forgotten that only astronomers do astronomy and that should be the main goal: to develop people working in astronomy.
New facilities for astronomy education and popularization in Guanajuato, Mexico
Authors: Bravo–Alfaro Hector
Published: August 2007

With relatively low funds, the Departamento de Astronomía de la Universidad de Guanajuato, in Mexico, has successfully carried out the modernization of a rustic astronomical observatory. At this site, once it is fully refurbished, it is planned to hold not only public observations, but also to have an ambitious programme of science popularization devoted to scholars.
Observing programmes of the Observatorio Astronómico Los Molinos, Uruguay
Authors: Tancredi Gonzalo , Roland S. , Salvo R. , Benitez F. , Bruzzone S. , Ceretta A. , Acosta E.
Published: August 2007

The Observatorio Astronómico Los Molinos (OALM) is the only professional observatory in Uruguay. Its research activity is dedicated to the study of Small Bodies of the Solar System, i.e. comets and asteroids. It is one of the few observatories in the southern hemisphere dedicated to this topic. The observational programmes that we are conducting at present are described, putting especial emphasis in the results obtained last year.
Astronomical extinction over the ELT Moroccan sites from aerosol satellite data
Authors: Siher El Arbi , Benkhaldoun Zouhair , Bounhir Aziza
Published: August 2007

Two Moroccan sites have been selected to be characterized for the ELT telescopes. Those sites are in the Atlas, between Oukaïmeden (where the national observatory is situated) and the Canary Islands. For this preliminary study, we have used the Nimbus-7 TOMS aerosol index to derive the astronomical extinction. This work builds on the findings of an earlier study which established the link between these two parameters over the Canary Islands.
Astronomy in Thailand
Authors: Kramer Busaba
Published: August 2007

During the last few years, Thailand has seen a significant change in the way astronomical research and education is pursued in the country. The government has approved the establishment of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) which aims to develop not only astronomical research but also astronomy education at all levels, both in formal and informal education. A framework of national key projects exists which includes national facilities, national collaborative research networks, teacher training and public outreach programmes. Examples of these programmes will be presented in this paper.
Collaboration and development of radio-astronomy in Australasia and the South-Pacific region: New Zealand perspectives
Authors: Gulyaev Sergei A. , Natusch Tim J.
Published: August 2007

As a result of collective efforts of an Australian–New Zealand VLBI team, the first New Zealand VLBI system was developed, and a series of test observations between New Zealand and Australia conducted. The equipment and techniques used to conduct New Zealand's first VLBI observations are discussed and results of work in Australia and New Zealand to obtain fringes and the image of the source (PKS1921-231) are presented. The road map for New Zealand radio-astronomy as well as New Zealand involvement in the SKA is discussed.
The astronomical observatory “Khurel Togoot” of Mongolia
Authors: Batmunkh Damdin
Published: August 2007

In this paper the basic researches, telescopes and devices of the Khurel Togoot astronomical observatory, which was founded during the International Geophysical Year, are briefly described. Our astronomical observatory is located on Bogd Mountain near the capital city Ulaanbaatar. Almost 50 years of scientific work has been carried out there. In particular, astrometric researches, GPS, solar researches and observations of minor planets are conducted. Now these scientific researches basically are maintained and extended, with the introduction of modern technology. As an example of the data received by our solar telescope ‘Coronagraph’, some solar images will be shown. Recently we equipped this telescope with a CCD camera. Because of the transformation of the economy in Mongolia, there are at present difficulties with the preparation of young professional astronomers and with the purchase of new astronomical equipment.