bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ivabradine Hydrochloride (S)-Mandelic Acid Co-Crystal: In Situ Preparation during Formulation
Authors: Sládková Veronika , Dammer Ondřej , Sedmak Gregor , Skořepová Eliška , Kratochvíl Bohumil
Published: January 2017

The pharmaceutical salt ivabradine hydrochloride is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of chronic stable angina pectoris and chronic heart failure. It exhibits extensive polymorphism and co-crystallization, which could be a way to provide an alternative solid form. We conducted a co-crystal screen, from which two hits were identified: with (S)-mandelic and (R)-mandelic acid. Both structures were determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data as co-crystals. The co-crystals were further characterized by common solid-state techniques, such as X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), solid-state NMR, IR and Raman spectroscopy, and dynamic vapor sorption (DVS). The co-crystal with (S)-mandelic acid was selected for further development; its physical and chemical stability was compared with two different polymorphs of the hydrochloride salt. The co-crystal exhibited a similar stability with the polymorph used in the original drug product and was, therefore, selected for formulation into the drug product. During the pre-formulation experiments, the in situ formation of the co-crystal was achieved during the wet granulation process. The following formulation experiments showed no influence of in situ prepared co-crystal on the overall stability of the bulk, when compared with pre-prepared co-crystal formulation.
Prioritizing the Risk Factors of Severe Early Childhood Caries
Authors: Kabil Noha , Eltawil Sherif
Published: January 2017

Severe early childhood caries remains the most common chronic disease affecting children. The multifactorial etiology of caries has established a controversy about which risk factors were more significant to its development. Therefore, our study aimed through meticulous statistical analysis to arrange the “well agreed upon” common risk factors in order of significance, to aid the clinician in tailoring an adequate preventive program. The study prioritized or reshuffled the risk factors contributing to severe early childhood caries and placed them in the order of their significance as follows: snacking of sugary food several times a day, increased number of siblings to three or more, night feeding, child self-employed brushing, mother’s caries experience, two siblings, on demand feeding, once/day sugary food, sharing utensils, one sibling, male gender, father’s education, late first dental visit, brushing time, mother’s education, no dental visit, decreased brushing frequency, and no night brushing.
Constructing a Measurement Method of Differences in Group Preferences Based on Relative Entropy
Authors: Zhang Shiyu , Liu Wenzhi , He Qin , Hao Xuguang
Published: January 2017

In the research and data analysis of the differences involved in group preferences, conventional statistical methods cannot reflect the integrity and preferences of human minds; in particular, it is difficult to exclude humans’ irrational factors. This paper introduces a preference amount model based on relative entropy theory. A related expansion is made based on the characteristics of the questionnaire data, and we also construct the parameters to measure differences in the data distribution of different groups on the whole. In this paper, this parameter is called the center distance, and it effectively reflects the preferences of human minds. Using the survey data of securities market participants as an example, this paper analyzes differences in market participants’ attitudes toward the effectiveness of securities regulation. Based on this method, differences between groups that were overlooked by analysis of variance are found, and certain aspects obscured by general data characteristics are also found.
Thermal Performance for Wet Cooling Tower with Different Layout Patterns of Fillings under Typical Crosswind Conditions
Authors: Gao Ming , Guo Chang , Ma Chaoqun , Shi Yuetao , Sun Fengzhong
Published: January 2017

A thermal-state model experimental study was performed in lab to investigate the thermal performance of a wet cooling tower with different kinds of filling layout patterns under windless and 0.4 m/s crosswind conditions. In this paper, the contrast analysis was focused on comparing a uniform layout pattern and one kind of optimal non-uniform layout pattern when the environmental crosswind speed is 0 m/s and 0.4 m/s. The experimental results proved that under windless conditions, the heat transfer coefficient and total heat rejection of circulating water for the optimal non-uniform layout pattern can enhance by approximately 40% and 28%, respectively, compared with the uniform layout pattern. It was also discovered that the optimal non-uniform pattern can dramatically relieve the influence of crosswind on the thermal performance of the tower when the crosswind speed is equal to 0.4 m/s. For the uniform layout pattern, the heat transfer coefficient under 0.4 m/s crosswind conditions decreased by 9.5% compared with the windless conditions, while that value lowered only by 2.0% for the optimal non-uniform layout pattern. It has been demonstrated that the optimal non-uniform layout pattern has the better thermal performance under 0.4 m/s crosswind condition.
Stromal Modulators of TGF-β in Cancer
Authors: Costanza Brunella , Umelo Ijeoma , Bellier Justine , Castronovo Vincent , Turtoi Andrei
Published: January 2017

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is an intriguing cytokine exhibiting dual activities in malignant disease. It is an important mediator of cancer invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis, on the one hand, while it exhibits anti-tumor functions on the other hand. Elucidating the precise role of TGF-β in malignant development and progression requires a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in its tumor suppressor to tumor promoter switch. One important aspect of TGF-β function is its interaction with proteins within the tumor microenvironment. Several stromal proteins have the natural ability to interact and modulate TGF-β function. Understanding the complex interplay between the TGF-β signaling network and these stromal proteins may provide greater insight into the development of novel therapeutic strategies that target the TGF-β axis. The present review highlights our present understanding of how stroma modulates TGF-β activity in human cancers.
Peach Flower Monitoring Using Aerial Multispectral Imaging
Authors: Horton Ryan , Cano Esteban , Bulanon Duke , Fallahi Esmaeil
Published: January 2017

One of the tools for optimal crop production is regular monitoring and assessment of crops. During the growing season of fruit trees, the bloom period has increased photosynthetic rates that correlate with the fruiting process. This paper presents the development of an image processing algorithm to detect peach blossoms on trees. Aerial images of peach (Prunus persica) trees were acquired from both experimental and commercial peach orchards in the southwestern part of Idaho using an off-the-shelf unmanned aerial system (UAS), equipped with a multispectral camera (near-infrared, green, blue). The image processing algorithm included contrast stretching of the three bands to enhance the image and thresholding segmentation method to detect the peach blossoms. Initial results showed that the image processing algorithm could detect peach blossoms with an average detection rate of 84.3% and demonstrated good potential as a monitoring tool for orchard management.
Trichophycin A, a Cytotoxic Linear Polyketide Isolated from a Trichodesmium thiebautii Bloom
Authors: Bertin Matthew , Wahome Paul , Zimba Paul , He Haiyin , Moeller Peter
Published: January 2017

In an effort to isolate and characterize bioactive secondary metabolites from Trichodesmium thiebautii blooms, collected cyanobacteria biomass was subjected to bioassay-guided extraction and fractionation using the human colon cancer cell line HCT-116, resulting in the isolation and subsequent structure characterization of a linear polyketide trichophycin A (1). The planar structure of 1 was completed using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS). Trichophycin A was moderately toxic against the murine neuroblastoma cell line Neuro-2A (EC50: 6.5 μM) and HCT-116 cells (EC50: 11.7 μM). Trichophycin A was significantly more cytotoxic than the previously isolated polyketides trichotoxin A and trichotoxin B. These cytotoxicity observations suggest that toxicity may be related to the polyol character of these polyketide compounds.
Effect of a Minor Sr Modifier on the Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of 7075 T6 Al Alloys
Authors: Ma Shaoming , Sun Youhong , Wang Huiyuan , Lü Xiaoshu , Qian Ming , Ma Yinlong , Zhang Chi , Liu Baochang
Published: January 2017

The influence of a minor strontium (Sr) modifier on the microstructures and mechanical properties of 7075 Al alloys was investigated in this paper. The grain size of cast 7075 Al alloys was refined from 157 μm to 115 μm, 108 μm, and 105 μm after adding 0.05 wt. %, 0.1 wt. %, and 0.2 wt. % Sr, respectively. The extruded 7075 Al alloys was refined with different degrees of Sr modifier. The mechanical properties were optimum when adding 0.1 wt. % Sr. The ultimate tensile strength (σb) increased from 573 to 598 MPa and the elongation-to-failure (δf) was raised from 19.5% to 24.9%. The microhardness increased from 182 to 195 Hv. The tensile fracture surface via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a transition from brittle fracture to ductile fracture as Sr increased from 0 wt. % to 0.2 wt. %. The result in this paper proved that the modifier can improve the properties of 7075 Al alloy.
Influence of Nitrogen Availability on Growth of Two Transgenic Birch Species Carrying the Pine GS1a Gene
Authors: Lebedev Vadim , Kovalenko Nina , Shestibratov Konstantin
Published: January 2017

An alternative way to increase plant productivity through the use of nitrogen fertilizers is to improve the efficiency of nitrogen utilization via genetic engineering. The effects of overexpression of pine glutamine synthetase (GS) gene and nitrogen availability on growth and leaf pigment levels of two Betula species were studied. Untransformed and transgenic plants of downy birch (B. pubescens) and silver birch (B. pendula) were grown under open-air conditions at three nitrogen regimes (0, 1, or 10 mM) for one growing season. The transfer of the GS1a gene led to a significant increase in the height of only two transgenic lines of nine B. pubescens, but three of five B. pendula transgenic lines were higher than the controls. In general, nitrogen supply reduced the positive effect of the GS gene on the growth of transgenic birch plants. No differences in leaf pigment levels between control and transgenic plants were found. Nitrogen fertilization increased leaf chlorophyll content in untransformed plants but its effect on most of the transgenic lines was insignificant. The results suggest that birch plants carrying the GS gene use nitrogen more efficiently, especially when growing in nitrogen deficient soil. Transgenic lines were less responsive to nitrogen supply in comparison to wild-type plants.
Preparation and Properties of Branched Polystyrene through Radical Suspension Polymerization
Authors: Huang Wenyan , Gu Weikai , Yang Hongjun , Xue Xiaoqiang , Jiang Bibiao , Zhang Dongliang , Fang Jianbo , Chen Jianhai , Yang Yang , Guo Jinlong
Published: January 2017

Radical solvent-free suspension polymerization of styrene with 3-mercapto hexyl-methacrylate (MHM) as the branching monomer has been carried out using 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator to prepare branched polymer beads of high purity. The molecular weight and branching structure of the polymers have been characterized by triple detection size exclusion chromatography (TD-SEC), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The glass transition temperature and rheological properties have been measured by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and rotational rheometry. At mole ratios of MHM to AIBN less than 1.0, gelation was successfully avoided and branched polystyrene beads were prepared in the absence of any solvent. Branched polystyrene has a relatively higher molecular weight and narrower polydispersity (Mw.MALLS = 1,036,000 g·mol−1, Mw/Mn = 7.76) than those obtained in solution polymerization. Compared with their linear analogues, lower glass transition temperature and decreased chain entanglement were observed in the presently obtained branched polystyrene because of the effects of branching.
Air-Coupled Low Frequency Ultrasonic Transducers and Arrays with PMN-32%PT Piezoelectric Crystals
Authors: Kazys Rymantas , Sliteris Reimondas , Sestoke Justina
Published: January 2017

Air-coupled ultrasonic techniques are being increasingly used for material characterization, non-destructive evaluation of composite materials using guided waves as well as for distance measurements. Application of those techniques is mainly limited by the big losses of ultrasonic signals due to attenuation and mismatch of the acoustic impedances of ultrasonic transducers and air. One of the ways to solve this problem is by application of novel more efficient piezoelectric materials like lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) type crystals. The objective of this research was the development and investigation of low frequency (<50 kHz) wide band air-coupled ultrasonic transducers and arrays with an improved performance using PMN-32%PT crystals. Results of finite element modelling and experimental investigations of the developed transducers and arrays are presented. For improvement of the performance strip-like matching elements made of low acoustic impedance, materials such as polystyrene foams were applied. It allowed to achieve transduction losses for one single element transducer −11.4 dB, what is better than of commercially available air-coupled ultrasonic transducers. Theoretical and experimental investigations of the acoustic fields radiated by the eight element ultrasonic array demonstrated not only a good performance of the array in a pulse mode, but also very good possibilities to electronically focus and steer the ultrasonic beam in space.
Two-UAV Intersection Localization System Based on the Airborne Optoelectronic Platform
Authors: Bai Guanbing , Liu Jinghong , Song Yueming , Zuo Yujia
Published: January 2017

To address the limitation of the existing UAV (unmanned aerial vehicles) photoelectric localization method used for moving objects, this paper proposes an improved two-UAV intersection localization system based on airborne optoelectronic platforms by using the crossed-angle localization method of photoelectric theodolites for reference. This paper introduces the makeup and operating principle of intersection localization system, creates auxiliary coordinate systems, transforms the LOS (line of sight, from the UAV to the target) vectors into homogeneous coordinates, and establishes a two-UAV intersection localization model. In this paper, the influence of the positional relationship between UAVs and the target on localization accuracy has been studied in detail to obtain an ideal measuring position and the optimal localization position where the optimal intersection angle is 72.6318°. The result shows that, given the optimal position, the localization root mean square error (RMS) will be 25.0235 m when the target is 5 km away from UAV baselines. Finally, the influence of modified adaptive Kalman filtering on localization results is analyzed, and an appropriate filtering model is established to reduce the localization RMS error to 15.7983 m. Finally, An outfield experiment was carried out and obtained the optimal results: σ B = 1.63 × 10 − 4 ( ° ) , σ L = 1.35 × 10 − 4 ( ° ) , σ H = 15.8 ( m ) , σ s u m = 27.6 ( m ) , where σ B represents the longitude error, σ L represents the latitude error, σ H represents the altitude error, and σ s u m represents the error radius.
Poorer Intermittent Sprints Performance in Ramadan-Fasted Muslim Footballers despite Controlling for Pre-Exercise Dietary Intake, Sleep and Training Load
Authors: Aziz Abdul , Che Muhamad Ahmad , Roslan Siti , Ghulam Mohamed Nazirah , Singh Rabindarjeet , Chia Michael
Published: January 2017

This study examines the effects of Ramadan fasting on sprint performance during prolonged intermittent exercise in trained Muslim footballers, under controlled pre-exercise conditions. A within-group, cross-over study design with two non-fasted or Control trials performed before (i.e., CON1) and after (CON2) the Ramadan month, and with the Ramadan-fasted (RAM) trials performed within the Ramadan month. After familiarization, 14 players completed a modified 60-min (4 × 15-min exercise blocks interspersed with 3-min intervals) of the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (mLIST) of fixed speeds of walking, jogging, running, but with all-out effort sprints. During the interval periods, capillary blood glucose and blood lactate measures were taken, rectal and skin temperatures were recorded and maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) of the dominant leg and hand-grip were performed to provide some indication to the cause(s) of ‘fatigue’ during exercise. Players were provided with standardized 24-h pre-packed meals prior to all trials. Sleep hours were objectively assessed and perceived training loads were monitored and these were equivalent between RAM and CON trials. Sprint times throughout mLIST were significantly faster in both CON1 and CON2 as compared to RAM trials (all P < 0.017; d = small to moderate), and this poorer performance in RAM was observed as early as during the first 15-min of the mLIST. Blood markers, MVIC and thermoregulatory results were not substantially different between both CON and RAM trials. In conclusion, despite similarities in dietary intake, sleeping hours and training loads between conditions, results still indicate that Ramadan fasting had an adverse effect on prolonged intermittent performance. Nocebo effects plays a dominant role during exercise in the Ramadan-fasted state.
Success in Transdisciplinary Sustainability Research
Authors: Luthe Tobias
Published: January 2017

The complexity of sustainable development and societal transitions require both analytical understandings of how coupled human-environment systems function and transdisciplinary science-to-practice approaches. The academic discourse has advanced in developing a framework for defining success in transdisciplinary research (TDR). Further empirical evidence is needed to validate the proposed concepts with TDR case studies. This paper applies a widely used TDR framework to test and critically evaluate its design principles and criteria of success with five TDR case studies the author is intimately familiar with. Overall, the design principles of the framework are validated for the five cases. Additional design principles are derived from the case analysis and proposed to complement the applied framework: (1) A project origin from society as opposed to with and for society; (2) Quickly available initiation funding; (3) Flexibility in time, objectives and methods throughout the research process; (4) Acceptance of process vs. project results; (5) Inclusion of public science communication; and (6) A demand-driven transition to a prolonged or new project partnership. The complementing principles are proposed for integration in the applied framework and are subject to further empirical testing. The reflexive empirical approach I have taken in this paper offers a key step towards removing institutional barriers for successful TDR, demonstrating how conceptual frameworks can be applied.
Bioactivity of Natural and Engineered Antimicrobial Peptides from Venom of the Scorpions Urodacus yaschenkoi and U. manicatus
Authors: Luna-Ramirez Karen , Tonk Miray , Rahnamaeian Mohammad , Vilcinskas Andreas
Published: January 2017

The spread of multidrug-resistant human pathogens has drawn attention towards antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are major players in the innate immune systems of many organisms, including vertebrates, invertebrates, plants and microbes. Scorpion venom is an abundant source of novel and potent AMPs. Here, we investigated natural and engineered AMPs from the scorpions Urodacus yaschenkoi and U. manicatus to determine their antimicrobial spectra as well as their hemolytic/cytotoxic activity. None of the AMPs were active against fungi, but many of them were active at low concentrations (0.25–30 µM) against seven different bacteria. Hemolytic and cytotoxic activities were determined using pig erythrocytes and baby hamster kidney cells, respectively. The amino acid substitutions in the engineered AMPs did not inhibit cytotoxicity, but reduced hemolysis and therefore increased the therapeutic indices. The phylogenetic analysis of scorpion AMPs revealed they are closely related and the GXK motif is highly conserved. The engineered scorpion AMPs offer a promising alternative for the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections and could be modified further to reduce their hemolytic/cytotoxic activity.
A Transdisciplinary Approach to Managing Emerging and Resurging Mosquito-Borne Diseases in the Western Pacific Region
Authors: Hardy Margaret , Barrington Dani
Published: January 2017

Mosquitoes transmit a number of harmful diseases that have an impact on local communities and visitors, and many pose a threat to neighboring countries. As federal monitoring budgets shrink across the world, the increasing importance of citizen scientists in monitoring and identifying invasive species, as well as acting to prevent these diseases, are discussed. Examples of past mosquito management programs are provided, and future directions are discussed with an emphasis on the Western Pacific Region.
miR-92a Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis by Regulating Methylenetetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase 2 (MTHFD2) Expression in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Gu Yueli , Si Jinchun , Xiao Xichun , Tian Ying , Yang Shuo
Published: January 2017

Aberrant expression of microRNA-92a (miR-92a) has been investigated in various cancers. However, the function and mechanism of miR-92a in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remain to be elucidated. Our data showed that miR-92a was evidently downregulated and methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase
2 (MTHFD2) was remarkably upregulated in AML cell lines HL-60 and THP-1. Dual luciferase reporter assay revealed that MTHFD2 was a direct target of miR-92a. Gain- and loss-of-function analysis demonstrated that MTHFD2 knockdown or miR-92a overexpression notably inhibited proliferation and
promoted apoptosis of AML cell lines. Restoration of MTHFD2 expression reversed proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction of AML cells triggered by miR-92a. Moreover, an implanted tumor model in mice indicated that miR-92a overexpression dramatically decreased tumor growth and MTHFD2
expression in vivo. Taken together, our results suggest that miR-92a inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis by directly regulating MTHFD2 expression in AML. miR-92a may act as a tumor suppressor in AML, providing a promising therapeutic target for AML patients.
Related allopolyploids display distinct floral pigment profiles and transgressive pigments
Authors: McCarthy Elizabeth W. , Berardi Andrea E. , Smith Stacey D. , Litt Amy
Published: January 2017

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Both polyploidy and shifts in floral color have marked angiosperm evolution. Here, we investigate the biochemical basis of the novel and diverse floral phenotypes seen in allopolyploids in Nicotiana (Solanaceae) and examine the extent to which the merging of distinct genomes alters flavonoid pigment production.

METHODS:

We analyzed flavonol and anthocyanin pigments from Nicotiana allopolyploids of different ages (N. tabacum, 0.2 million years old; several species from Nicotiana section Repandae, 4.5 million years old; and five lines of first‐generation synthetic N. tabacum) as well as their diploid progenitors.

KEY RESULTS:

Allopolyploid floral pigment profiles tend not to overlap with their progenitors or related allopolyploids, and allopolyploids produce transgressive pigments that are not present in either progenitor. Differences in floral color among N. tabacum accessions seems mainly to be due to variation in cyanidin concentration, but changes in flavonol concentrations among accessions are also present.

CONCLUSIONS:

Competition for substrates within the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway to make either flavonols or anthocyanins may drive the differences seen among related allopolyploids. Some of the pigment differences observed in allopolyploids may be associated with making flowers more visible to nocturnal pollinators.
Retrospective analysis of heavy metal contamination in Rhode Island based on old and new herbarium specimens
Authors: Rudin Sofia M. , Murray David W. , Whitfeld Timothy J. S.
Published: January 2017

Premise of the study:

Herbarium specimens may provide a record of past environmental conditions, including heavy metal pollution. To explore this potential, we compared concentrations of copper, lead, and zinc in historical and new collections from four sites in Rhode Island, USA.

Methods:

We compared historical specimens (1846 to 1916) to congener specimens collected in 2015 at three former industrial sites in Providence, Rhode Island, and one nonindustrial site on Block Island. Leaf material was prepared by UltraWAVE SRC Microwave Digestion, and heavy metal concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy.

Results:

Heavy metal concentrations in the historical and new specimens were measurable for all elements tested, and levels of copper and zinc were comparable in the historical and 2015 collections. By contrast, the concentration of lead declined at all sites over time. Significant variability in heavy metal concentration was observed between taxa, reflecting their varied potential for elemental accumulation.

Discussion:

It seems clear that herbarium specimens can be used to evaluate past levels of pollution and assess local environmental changes. With careful sampling effort, these specimens can be a valuable part of environmental science research. Broadening the possible applications for herbarium collections in this way increases their relevance in an era of reduced funding for collections‐based research.
Development of microsatellite markers in Garcinia paucinervis (Clusiaceae), an endangered species of karst habitats
Authors: Hu Gang , Zhang Zhong‐Hua , Yang Ping , Zhang Qi‐Wei , Yuan Chang‐An
Published: January 2017

Premise of the study:

Microsatellite markers were developed for Garcinia paucinervis (Clusiaceae), an endangered and endemic tree species of karst habitats, to analyze its genetic diversity and genetic structure.

Methods and Results:

Using shotgun sequencing on an Illumina MiSeq platform, a total of 22 microsatellite primer sets were characterized, of which 17 were identified as polymorphic. For these polymorphic loci, the total number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 12 across 54 individuals from three populations. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 1.000 and from 0.000 to 0.850, respectively. No pair of loci showed significant linkage disequilibrium. Three loci in one population deviated significantly from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.05). Seven loci (JSL3, JSL5, JSL22, JSL29, JSL32, JSL39, and JSL43) were successfully amplified in G. bracteata.

Conclusions:

These markers will be useful in studies on genetic diversity and population structure of G. paucinervis.
COMMON ENVELOPE EJECTION FOR A LUMINOUS RED NOVA IN M101
Authors: Blagorodnova N. , Kotak R. , Polshaw J. , Kasliwal M. M. , Cao Y. , Cody A. M. , Doran G. B. , Elias-Rosa N. , Fraser M. , Fremling C. , Gonzalez-Fernandez C. , Harmanen J. , Jencson J. , Kankare E. , Kudritzki R.-P. , Kulkarni S. R. , Magnier E. , Manulis I. , Masci F. J. , Mattila S. , Nugent P. , Ochner P. , Pastorello A. , Reynolds T. , Smith K. , Sollerman J. , Taddia F. , Terreran G. , Tomasella L. , Turatto M. , Vreeswijk P. M. , Wozniak P. , Zaggia S.
Published: January 2017

We present the results of optical, near-infrared, and mid-infrared observations of M101 OT2015-1 (PSN J14021678+5426205), a luminous red transient in the Pinwheel galaxy (M101), spanning a total of 16 years. The light curve showed two distinct peaks with absolute magnitudes

and

, on 2014 November 11 and 2015 February 17, respectively. The spectral energy distributions during the second maximum show a cool outburst temperature of

K and low expansion velocities (

km s−1) for the H i, Ca ii, Ba ii, and K i lines. From archival data spanning 15–8 years before the outburst, we find a single source consistent with the optically discovered transient, which we attribute to being the progenitor; it has properties consistent with being an F-type yellow supergiant with L ∼ 8.7 

L
⊙,

 K, and an estimated mass of

M
⊙. This star has likely just finished the H-burning phase in the core, started expanding, and is now crossing the Hertzsprung gap. Based on the combination of observed properties, we argue that the progenitor is a binary system, with the more evolved system overfilling the Roche lobe. Comparison with binary evolution models suggests that the outburst was an extremely rare phenomenon, likely associated with the ejection of the common envelope of a massive star. The initial mass of the primary fills the gap between the merger candidates V838 Mon (5−10 M
⊙) and NGC 4490-OT (30 M
⊙).
ISOPHOTE SHAPES OF EARLY-TYPE GALAXIES IN MASSIVE CLUSTERS AT z ∼ 1 AND 0
Authors: Mitsuda Kazuma , Doi Mamoru , Morokuma Tomoki , Suzuki Nao , Yasuda Naoki , Perlmutter Saul , Aldering Greg , Meyers Joshua
Published: January 2017

We compare the isophote shape parameter a
4 of early-type galaxies (ETGs) between z ∼ 1 and 0 as a proxy for dynamics to investigate the epoch at which the dynamical properties of ETGs are established, using cluster ETG samples with stellar masses of

which have spectroscopic redshifts. We have 130 ETGs from the Hubble Space Telescope Cluster Supernova Survey for z ∼ 1 and 355 ETGs from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey for z ∼ 0. We have developed an isophote shape analysis method, which can be used for high-redshift galaxies and has been carefully compared with published results. We have applied the same method for both the z ∼ 1 and 0 samples. We find similar dependence of the a
4 parameter on the mass and size at z ∼ 1 and 0; the main population of ETGs changes from disky to boxy at a critical stellar mass of

with the massive end dominated by boxy. The disky ETG fraction decreases with increasing stellar mass both at z ∼ 1 and 0, and is consistent between these redshifts in all stellar mass bins when the Eddington bias is taken into account. Although uncertainties are large, the results suggest that the isophote shapes and probably dynamical properties of ETGs in massive clusters are already in place at z > 1 and do not significantly evolve in z < 1, despite significant size evolution in the same galaxy population. The constant disky fraction favors less violent processes than mergers as the main cause of the size and morphological evolution of intermediate mass ETGs in z < 1.
SEARCHING FOR DARK MATTER ANNIHILATION IN RECENTLY DISCOVERED MILKY WAY SATELLITES WITH FERMI-LAT
Authors: Albert A. , Anderson B. , Bechtol K. , Drlica-Wagner A. , Meyer M. , Sánchez-Conde M. , Strigari L. , Wood M. , Abbott T. M. C. , Abdalla F. B. , Benoit-Lévy A. , Bernstein G. M. , Bernstein R. A. , Bertin E. , Brooks D. , Burke D. L. , Rosell A. Carnero , Kind M. Carrasco , Carretero J. , Crocce M. , Cunha C. E. , D’Andrea C. B. , da Costa L. N. , Desai S. , Diehl H. T. , Dietrich J. P. , Doel P. , Eifler T. F. , Evrard A. E. , Neto A. Fausti , Finley D. A. , Flaugher B. , Fosalba P. , Frieman J. , Gerdes D. W. , Goldstein D. A. , Gruen D. , Gruendl R. A. , Honscheid K. , James D. J. , Kent S. , Kuehn K. , Kuropatkin N. , Lahav O. , Li T. S. , Maia M. A. G. , March M. , Marshall J. L. , Martini P. , Miller C. J. , Miquel R. , Neilsen E. , Nord B. , Ogando R. , Plazas A. A. , Reil K. , Romer A. K. , Rykoff E. S. , Sanchez E. , Santiago B. , Schubnell M. , Sevilla-Noarbe I. , Smith R. C. , Soares-Santos M. , Sobreira F. , Suchyta E. , Swanson M. E. C. , Tarle G. , Vikram V. , Walker A. R. , Wechsler R. H. ,   (The Fermi-LAT and DES Collaborations)
Published: January 2017

We search for excess γ-ray emission coincident with the positions of confirmed and candidate Milky Way satellite galaxies using six years of data from the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT). Our sample of 45 stellar systems includes 28 kinematically confirmed dark-matter-dominated dwarf spheroidal galaxies (dSphs) and 17 recently discovered systems that have photometric characteristics consistent with the population of known dSphs. For each of these targets, the relative predicted γ-ray flux due to dark matter annihilation is taken from kinematic analysis if available, and estimated from a distance-based scaling relation otherwise, assuming that the stellar systems are DM-dominated dSphs. LAT data coincident with four of the newly discovered targets show a slight preference (each

2σ local) for γ-ray emission in excess of the background. However, the ensemble of derived γ-ray flux upper limits for individual targets is consistent with the expectation from analyzing random blank-sky regions, and a combined analysis of the population of stellar systems yields no globally significant excess (global significance

). Our analysis has increased sensitivity compared to the analysis of 15 confirmed dSphs by Ackermann et al. The observed constraints on the DM annihilation cross section are statistically consistent with the background expectation, improving by a factor of ∼2 for large DM masses (

and

) and weakening by a factor of ∼1.5 at lower masses relative to previously observed limits.
OPTICAL VARIABILITY OF AGNs IN THE PTF/iPTF SURVEY
Authors: Caplar Neven , Lilly Simon J. , Trakhtenbrot Benny
Published: January 2017

We characterize the optical variability of quasars in the Palomar Transient Factory and intermediate Palomar Transient Factory (PTF/iPTF) surveys. We re-calibrate the r-band light curves for ∼28,000 luminous, broad-line active galactic nuclei from the SDSS, producing a total of ∼2.4 million photometric data points. We utilize both the structure function (SF) and power spectrum density (PSD) formalisms to search for links between the optical variability and the physical parameters of the accreting supermassive black holes that power the quasars. The excess variance (SF2) of the quasar sample tends to zero at very short time separations, validating our re-calibration of the time-series data. We find that the the amplitude of variability at a given time-interval, or equivalently the timescale of variability to reach a certain amplitude, is most strongly correlated with luminosity with weak or no dependence on black hole mass and redshift. For a variability level of SF(τ) = 0.07 mag, the timescale has a dependency of

. This is broadly consistent with the expectation from a simple Keplerian accretion disk model, which provides

. The PSD analysis also reveals that many quasar light curves are steeper than a damped random walk. We find a correlation between the steepness of the PSD slopes, specifically the fraction of slopes steeper than 2.5, and black hole mass, although we cannot exclude the possibility that luminosity or Eddington ratio are the drivers of this effect. This effect is also seen in the SF analysis of the (i)PTF data, and in a PSD analysis of quasars in the SDSS Stripe 82.
Mohamed’s Corner
Authors: Larchet Nicolas
Published: January 2017

Les relations entre les commerçants étrangers et les habitants des quartiers populaires noirs américains ont rarement retenu l’attention des ethnographes, si ce n’est pour souligner la position de ces premiers comme « minorités intermédiaires » pris dans les conflits entre communautés blanche et noire. À partir de l’observation du quotidien d’un commerçant mauritanien établi dans le quartier de Central City à La Nouvelle‑Orléans, nous découvrirons comment celui‑ci est parvenu à accomplir un petit « miracle social » : entretenir des relations de confiance et de proximité avec sa clientèle malgré toute la distance sociale et culturelle qui l’en séparait.
Les marchands de couleurs au xix e siècle, artisans ou experts ? (Paris, Tours)
Authors: Sofio Séverine
Published: January 2017

Après un bref historique de la catégorie des marchands de couleurs, issue d’une branche de la corporation des épiciers et apparue en tant que telle à la fin du xviii siècle à Paris, on s’intéresse, dans cet article, à leurs rapports avec les artistes et les amateurs d’art de l’Empire jusqu’à la Troisième République à Paris. On propose ensuite une typologie de ces commerçants à la fois artisans et détaillants, en fonction des produits et services qu’ils proposent, et des clientèles qu’ils visent. Enfin, une étude cartographique de leurs différentes implantations à Paris et à Tours révèle les transformations de ce commerce dans la capitale et en province au cours du siècle.
Les marchés de plein vent
Authors: Navarro Aurore
Published: January 2017

En s’appuyant sur des enquêtes qualitatives réalisées dans la région Rhône‑Alpes, cet article s’intéresse à un groupe professionnel peu connu : les commerçants alimentaires des marchés de plein vent qui se rendent quotidiennement dans les villes pour reconduire des événements hebdomadaires et des lieux commerciaux éphémères. Leurs mobilités, sociales et géographiques, ainsi que les critères personnels qui dessinent leurs choix d’ancrage offrent un kaléidoscope éclairant les dynamiques en cours dans la fabrique de la ville.
Changer de ville, changer de vie
Authors: Rautenberg Michel
Published: January 2017

L’anthropologie de l’habiter peut trouver dans l’ethnographie des villes nouvelles un terrain propice à la redécouverte d’un champ de recherche un peu oublié depuis la disparition de Paul‑Henry Chombart de Lauwe. Notre article montre que l’attachement résidentiel s’élabore dans l’ajustement plus ou moins heureux des aspirations à mieux habiter à une réalité urbaine et architecturale qui s’est parfois éloignée des utopies fondatrices. En s’engageant pour défendre leurs nouveaux logements, les pionniers de la ville nouvelle ont écrit une page de son histoire qui marque encore les relations de voisinage.
Le masculin haut en couleurs
Authors: Damont Nicolas , Pégard Olivier
Published: January 2017

Reposant sur une immersion ethnographique menée par l’un des auteurs auprès des jeunes apprentis en majorité issus de familles migrantes (Maghreb, Afrique de l’Ouest, tom/dom ) du centre de formation du Paris‑Saint‑Germain, cet article montre que la fabrique du footballeur doit être envisagée tant sur le stade qu’en dehors. L’enquête révèle que le phénotype noir qui participe de l’apprentissage d’une masculinité footballistique n’est pas envisagé sous des aspects négatifs.
Ce Grand Paris qui advient. Leçons pour la planification métropolitaine
Authors: Desjardins Xavier
Published: January 2017

En Île-de-France, un nouveau projet régional d’aménagement partagé a émergé au cours des années 2005-2015. De la même manière qu’entre 1965 et 1970, ce sont mises en place les orientations fondamentales pour les quatre décennies suivantes (les villes nouvelles, les aéroports, le réseau RER, le développement d’un centre financier et du complexe militaro-industriel à Paris et sa banlieue Ouest), au cours des dernières années ont été arrêtées les grandes ambitions pour les décennies à venir (la création de grands pôles économiques spécialisés, une première couronne densifiée et multipolaire, un renforcement significatif des transports collectifs). Quelques lourds problèmes sont néanmoins laissés de côté : la régulation de la production de bureaux et de commerces et les déséquilibres socio-spatiaux. Cet article propose une lecture des dynamiques d’aménagement du Grand Paris et questionne les nouvelles modalités de la planification stratégique d’échelle métropolitaine.
Mobilisation des acteurs internes et prospective stratégique : cas d’expérimentation dans une PME d’ingénierie
Authors: Voyant Olivier , Bonnet Marc
Published: January 2017

Cet article vise à montrer que la mise en place d’une démarche de prospective est utile pour élaborer une stratégie proactive dans un environnement turbulent. Pour y par venir, la démarche prospective rassemble l’ensemble des catégories d’acteurs de l’organisation. L’article s’appuie sur une recherche longitudinale de six années conduite auprès d’une PME de haute technologie qui a souhaité faire évoluer ses pratiques stratégiques en les enrichissant par une approche prospective décentralisée et orchestrée.
Dépasser le plafond de verre : le cas des journalistes chez France Télévisions
Authors: Zannad Hédia , Galindo Géraldine
Published: January 2017

Une grande variété de facteurs est évoquée dans la littérature pour expliquer la persistance du phénomène du plafond de verre. L’objectif de cet article est à la fois d’approfondir l’étude de ces facteurs explicatifs dans le cadre particulier d’une grande entreprise de service public audiovisuel mais aussi de comprendre ceux qui, au contraire, facilitent l’ascension hiérarchique et la prise de responsabilités pour les femmes désireuses de progresser. Pour ce faire, des entretiens ont été conduits auprès de journalistes de France Télévisions ainsi qu’auprès de certains dirigeants, ce qui a permis d’identifier les freins, les accélérateurs de carrière mais aussi les éléments de maintien à des postes de pouvoir pour les femmes journalistes. Cette recherche met aussi à jour trois profils-types de trajectoires de carrière des femmes journalistes : les guerrières, les alternantes et les conciliatrices.
L’encastrement des relations économiques et sociales : une synergie créatrice de valeur au sein des chaînes logistiques
Authors: Fattam Nejib , Paché Gilles
Published: January 2017

L’analyse des chaînes logistiques tend à privilégier les relations économiques entretenues par des entreprises pour assurer la mise à disposition des produits au client final. Une abondante littérature académique est consacrée à ce sujet depuis une trentaine d’années. En revanche, très peu de choses ont été écrites sur le rôle que peuvent tenir les relations sociales entretenues entre des individus dans un fonctionnement plus efficace des chaînes logistiques. L’article s’interroge sur l’influence des relations sociales en termes de comportement organisationnel des décideurs. Il s’appuie sur une recherche de terrain conduite auprès de prestataires logistiques français qui conclut à un impact important des relations sociales sur le pilotage des flux et sa performance perçue.
La conversion, un élitisme
Authors: Taussig Sylvie
Published: January 2017

La conversion représente un mouvement à la fois physique et psychique qui permet au converti de se détourner d’un groupe pour entrer dans un autre qu’il pare de davantage de vertus – il serait plus proche de Dieu. Ainsi accède-t-il à une élite définie non par l’organisation sociale et politique centrale de sa société, sur la base de règles écrites ou non écrites, mais décrite par la théologie. Le propos de cet article est de voir si la conversion fonctionne bien dans le double sens du choix de telle communauté par l’aspirant et du choix par la communauté de répondre ou non à ce désir. Surtout, la valorisation actuelle de cet élitisme fonctionnerait-elle donc à la manière de celui d’une grande école par exemple ? Autrement dit, repose-elle sur une ambition de distinction par rapport à un milieu social d’origine peu mobile, et comporte-t-elle une dimension critique vis-à-vis des élites et surtout des mécanismes élitistes existants, présumés truqués. Le cas de la conversion à l’islam au Mexique et plus généralement en Occident servira de base de réflexion.
Une analyse régionale comparative de la géographie de l'innovation : le cas des Sfic en France et au Canada
Authors: Carrincazeaux Christophe , Doloreux David , Shearmur Richard
Published: January 2017

L'objectif de cet article est d'analyser les comportements d'innovation et d'expliquer les variations géographiques des stratégies d'innovation des entreprises de Services à Forte Intensité de Connaissance ( Sfic ) dans les régions en France et au Canada (Québec). Les résultats empiriques font émerger des similarités de part et d'autres de l'Atlantique, mais aussi une différence importante : les stratégies d'innovation, pourtant assez semblables dans les deux pays, se déploient dans des types de régions différents. Ces résultats exploratoires soulèvent des questions quant à la transférabilité des concepts associant géographie et innovation, et mettent en exergue à la fois la difficulté et la nécessité d'effectuer plus d'études strictement comparables (mêmes concepts, mêmes méthodes, mêmes données) entre contextes nationaux et continentaux différents.
Choroidal Thickness in Childhood Obesity
Authors: Bulus Ayse Derya , Can Mehmet Erol , Baytaroglu Ata , Can Gamze Dereli , Cakmak Hasan Basri , Andiran Nesibe
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the effects of obesity on choroidal thickness (CT) in childhood.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Forty-four patients with obesity (study group) and 42 healthy children (control group) were enrolled in the study. Subjects underwent a complete ocular examination. The mean CT was measured by enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated.

RESULTS:

Mean BMI value was 31.8 ± 1.9 in the study group and 19.8 ± 4.4 in the control group. The mean subfoveal CT value 385.77 µm ± 6.09 µm in the study group and 348.43 µm ± 73.21 µm in the control group. There was a significant difference between the study and control groups with regard to subfoveal CT (
P
= .017). Subfoveal CT and BMI were positively correlated (r = 0.288;
P
= .004).

CONCLUSIONS:

CT increases in childhood obesity. Findings revealed that adiposity causes a significant increase in CT, and it may be related to ocular complications.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2017;48:10–17.]
Vascular Features of Full-Thickness Macular Hole by OCT Angiography
Authors: Rizzo Stanislao , Savastano Alfonso , Bacherini Daniela , Savastano Maria Cristina
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To compare the features of cystoid cavities associated with full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) imaged with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and en face OCT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Prospective, observational, cross-sectional study. Clinical practice and observation. Thirteen patients (13 eyes) with FTMH were evaluated before vitrectomy. All eyes underwent OCTA or en face OCT imaging.

RESULTS:

There was a statistically significant positive correlation between groups for the total cavity area in both inner nuclear layer (
P
< .001; r
2
= 0.82) and outer plexiform and Henle fiber layer complex (
P
< .001; r
2
= 0.84).

CONCLUSIONS:

OCTA and en face image of cystoid cavities show very similar features and are complementary for the evaluation of the disease. The OCTA images show “vascular sliding” at the border of the cystoid cavities in FTMH, suggesting preservation of microvasculature surrounding the cystoid spaces during the disease process.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2017;48:62–68.]