bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathogens and Disease Play Havoc on the Host Epiproteome—The “First Line of Response” Role for Proteomic Changes Influenced by Disorder
Authors: Rikkerink Erik
Published: March 2018

Organisms face stress from multiple sources simultaneously and require mechanisms to respond to these scenarios if they are to survive in the long term. This overview focuses on a series of key points that illustrate how disorder and post-translational changes can combine to play a critical role in orchestrating the response of organisms to the stress of a changing environment. Increasingly, protein complexes are thought of as dynamic multi-component molecular machines able to adapt through compositional, conformational and/or post-translational modifications to control their largely metabolic outputs. These metabolites then feed into cellular physiological homeostasis or the production of secondary metabolites with novel anti-microbial properties. The control of adaptations to stress operates at multiple levels including the proteome and the dynamic nature of proteomic changes suggests a parallel with the equally dynamic epigenetic changes at the level of nucleic acids. Given their properties, I propose that some disordered protein platforms specifically enable organisms to sense and react rapidly as the first line of response to change. Using examples from the highly dynamic host-pathogen and host-stress response, I illustrate by example how disordered proteins are key to fulfilling the need for multiple levels of integration of response at different time scales to create robust control points.
Expression of Phospho-ELK1 and Its Prognostic Significance in Urothelial Carcinoma of the Upper Urinary Tract
Authors: Inoue Satoshi , Ide Hiroki , Fujita Kazutoshi , Mizushima Taichi , Jiang Guiyang , Kawahara Takashi , Yamaguchi Seiji , Fushimi Hiroaki , Nonomura Norio , Miyamoto Hiroshi
Published: March 2018

Using preclinical models, we have recently found that ELK1, a transcriptional factor that activates downstream targets, including c-fos proto-oncogene, induces bladder cancer outgrowth. Here, we immunohistochemically determined the expression status of phospho-ELK1, an activated form of ELK1, in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UUTUC). Overall, phospho-ELK1 was positive in 47 (47.5%; 37 weak (1+) and 10 moderate (2+)) of 99 UUTUCs, which was significantly (P = 0.002) higher than in benign urothelium (21 (25.3%) of 83; 17 1+ and 4 2+) and was also associated with androgen receptor expression (P = 0.001). Thirteen (35.1%) of 37 non-muscle-invasive versus 34 (54.8%) of 62 muscle-invasive UUTUCs (P = 0.065) were immunoreactive for phospho-ELK1. Lymphovascular invasion was significantly (P = 0.014) more often seen in phospho-ELK1(2+) tumors (80.0%) than in phospho-ELK1(0/1+) tumors (36.0%). There were no statistically significant associations between phospho-ELK1 expression and tumor grade, presence of concurrent carcinoma in situ or hydronephrosis, or pN status. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests revealed that patients with phospho-ELK1(2+) tumor had marginally and significantly higher risks of disease progression (P = 0.055) and cancer-specific mortality (P = 0.008), respectively, compared to those with phospho-ELK1(0/1+) tumor. The current results thus support our previous observations in bladder cancer and further suggest that phospho-ELK1 overexpression serves as a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with UUTUC.
Efficient Delivery of Scalable Video Using a Streaming Class Model
Authors: Quinlan Jason , Zahran Ahmed , Sreenan Cormac
Published: March 2018

When we couple the rise in video streaming with the growing number of portable devices (smart phones, tablets, laptops), we see an ever-increasing demand for high-definition video online while on the move. Wireless networks are inherently characterised by restricted shared bandwidth and relatively high error loss rates, thus presenting a challenge for the efficient delivery of high quality video. Additionally, mobile devices can support/demand a range of video resolutions and qualities. This demand for mobile streaming highlights the need for adaptive video streaming schemes that can adjust to available bandwidth and heterogeneity, and can provide a graceful changes in video quality, all while respecting viewing satisfaction. In this context, the use of well-known scalable/layered media streaming techniques, commonly known as scalable video coding (SVC), is an attractive solution. SVC encodes a number of video quality levels within a single media stream. This has been shown to be an especially effective and efficient solution, but it fares badly in the presence of datagram losses. While multiple description coding (MDC) can reduce the effects of packet loss on scalable video delivery, the increased delivery cost is counterproductive for constrained networks. This situation is accentuated in cases where only the lower quality level is required. In this paper, we assess these issues and propose a new approach called Streaming Classes (SC) through which we can define a key set of quality levels, each of which can be delivered in a self-contained manner. This facilitates efficient delivery, yielding reduced transmission byte-cost for devices requiring lower quality, relative to MDC and Adaptive Layer Distribution (ALD) (42% and 76% respective reduction for layer 2), while also maintaining high levels of consistent quality. We also illustrate how selective packetisation technique can further reduce the effects of packet loss on viewable quality by leveraging the increase in the number of frames per group of pictures (GOP), while offering a means of reducing overall error correction and by providing equality of data in every packet transmitted per GOP.
Electrospun F18 Bioactive Glass/PCL—Poly (ε-caprolactone)—Membrane for Guided Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Hidalgo Pitaluga Lucas , Trevelin Souza Marina , Dutra Zanotto Edgar , Santocildes Romero Martin , Hatton Paul
Published: March 2018

Barrier membranes that are used for guided tissue regeneration (GTR) therapy usually lack bioactivity and the capability to promote new bone tissue formation. However, the incorporation of an osteogenic agent into polymeric membranes seems to be the most assertive strategy to enhance their regenerative potential. Here, the manufacturing of composite electrospun membranes made of poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and particles of a novel bioactive glass composition (F18) is described. The membranes were mechanically and biologically tested with tensile strength tests and tissue culture with MG-63 osteoblast-like cell line, respectively. The PCL-F18 composite membranes demonstrated no increased cytotoxicity and an enhanced osteogenic potential when compared to pure PCL membranes. Moreover, the addition of the bioactive phase increased the membrane tensile strength. These preliminary results suggested that these new membranes can be a strong candidate for small bone injuries treatment by GTR technique.
The Formation Mechanism and Corrosion Resistance of a Composite Phosphate Conversion Film on AM60 Alloy
Authors: Chen Jun , Lan Xiangna , Wang Chao , Zhang Qinyong
Published: March 2018

Magnesium alloy AM60 has high duc and toughness, which is expected to increase in demand for automotive applications. However, it is too active, and coatings have been extensively studied to prevent corrosion. In this work, a Ba-containing composite phosphate film has been prepared on the surface of AM60. The composition and formation mechanism of the film have been investigated using a scanning electronic microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractometry tests. The corrosion resistance of the film has been measured by electrochemical and immersion tests. The results show that the deposition film has fully covered the substrate but there are some micro-cracks. The structure of the film is complex, and consists of MgHPO4·3H2O, MnHPO4·2.25H2O, BaHPO4·3H2O, BaMg2(PO4)2, Mg3(PO4)2·22H2O, Ca3(PO4)2·xH2O, and some amorphous phases. The composite phosphate film has better anticorrosion performance than the AM60 and can protect the bare alloy from corrosion for more than 12 h in 0.6 M NaCl.
Determination of the Three-Dimensional Rate of Cancer Cell Rotation in an Optically-Induced Electrokinetics Chip Using an Optical Flow Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Yuliang , Jia Dayu , Sha Xiaopeng , Zhang Guanglie , Li Wen
Published: March 2018

Our group has reported that Melan-A cells and lymphocytes undergo self-rotation in a homogeneous AC electric field, and found that the rotation velocity of these cells is a key indicator to characterize their physical properties. However, the determination of the rotation properties of a cell by human eyes is both gruesome and time consuming, and not always accurate. In this paper, a method is presented to more accurately determine the 3D cell rotation velocity and axis from a 2D image sequence captured by a single camera. Using the optical flow method, we obtained the 2D motion field data from the image sequence and back-project it onto a 3D sphere model, and then the rotation axis and velocity of the cell were calculated. After testing the algorithm on animated image sequences, experiments were also performed on image sequences of real rotating cells. All of these results indicate that this method is accurate, practical, and useful. Furthermore, the method presented there can also be used to determine the 3D rotation velocity of other types of spherical objects that are commonly used in microfluidic applications, such as beads and microparticles.
Multi-Target Anti-Alzheimer Activities of Four Prenylated Compounds from Psoralea Fructus
Authors: Xu Qing-Xia , Hu Ying , Li Gui-Yang , Xu Wei , Zhang Ying-Tao , Yang Xiu-Wei
Published: March 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disease that is mediated by multiple signaling pathways. In recent years, the components of Psoralea Fructus (PF) have demonstrated some anti-Alzheimer effects both in vitro and in vivo. To further reveal the active compounds of PF and their mechanisms regulating key targets of AD, in this study, we identified four prenylated compounds from the 70% ethanolic aqueous extract of PF, namely bavachin, bavachinin, bavachalcone, and isobavachalcone. Multi-target bioactivity analysis showed that these compounds could differentially inhibit neuroinflammation, oxidative damage, and key AD-related protein targets, such as amyloid β-peptide 42, β-secretase, glycogen synthase kinase 3β, and acetylcholinesterase. These compounds may generate beneficial effects in AD prevention and treatment.
Mediterranean Diet and Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Turati Federica , Carioli Greta , Bravi Francesca , Ferraroni Monica , Serraino Diego , Montella Maurizio , Giacosa Attilio , Toffolutti Federica , Negri Eva , Levi Fabio , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: March 2018

The Mediterranean diet has been related to a reduced risk of several common cancers but its role on breast cancer has not been quantified yet. We investigated the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and breast cancer risk by means of a hospital-based case-control study conducted in Italy and Switzerland. 3034 breast cancer cases and 3392 controls admitted to the same network of hospitals for acute, non-neoplastic and non-gynaecologic diseases were studied. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was quantitatively measured through a Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), summarizing the major characteristics of the Mediterranean dietary pattern and ranging from 0 (lowest adherence) to 9 (highest adherence). We estimated the odds ratios (ORs) of breast cancer for the MDS using multiple logistic regression models, adjusting for several covariates. Compared to a MDS of 0–3, the ORs for breast cancer were 0.86 (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.76–0.98) for a MDS of 4–5 and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.71–0.95) for a MDS of 6–9 (p for trend = 0.008). The exclusion of the ethanol component from the MDS did not materially modify the ORs (e.g., OR = 0.81, 95% CI, 0.70–0.95, for MDS ≥ 6). Results were similar in pre- and post-menopausal women. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduced breast cancer risk.
Mechanocatalytic Solvent-Free Esterification of Sugarcane Bagasse
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Zhang Xueqin , Zhu Ziyan , Zhang Aiping , Zhang Chunhui , Wang Xiaoying , Liu Chuanfu
Published: March 2018

Esterification is a versatile way to produce the derivatives of lignocellulose with developed properties. However, the traditional heterogeneous esterification of lignocellulose suffered from the drawbacks of low efficiency, additional reaction medium and heating. In the present study, an efficient method was developed to produce the functionalized sugarcane bagasse (SCB) by ball milling without any additional solvents and heating. The effects of pulverization time, rotation speed, the kind of linear chain anhydrides, the ratio of anhydrides to SCB, with or without pyridine catalyst and the dosage of catalyst were investigated on weight percent gain (WPG) of SCB esters. The results indicated that the high efficiency of this mechanocatalystic esterification was probably due to the destroyed crystalline structure and the promoted penetration of the esterifying reagent onto SCB bulk caused by ball milling. The maximum WPG of SCB acetate, propionate and butyrate reached 33.3%, 33.6% and 32.4%, respectively. The physicochemical structure of the esterified SCB was characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), solid state cross-polarized magic angle spinning 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (CP/MAS 13C-NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The direct evidence of the esterification occurrence was provided with FT-IR and solid-state CP/MAS 13C-NMR. The thermal stability of SCB increased upon the mechanocatalytic esterification. The results implied that the relatively homogeneous modification was achieved with this semi-homogeneous esterification method by ball milling.
Thermo-Responsive Fluorescent Polymers with Diverse LCSTs for Ratiometric Temperature Sensing through FRET
Authors: Ding Zhaoyang , Wang Chunfei , Feng Gang , Zhang Xuanjun
Published: March 2018

Temperature is a significant parameter to regulate biological reactions and functions inside cells. Sensing the intracellular temperature with a competent method is necessary to understand life science. In this work, an energy-transfer polymeric thermometer was designed for temperature sensing. The thermometer was prepared from two thermo-responsive polymers with different lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs) of 31.1 °C and 48.6 °C, coupling with blue and red fluorescent molecules, respectively, developed for ratiometric temperature sensing based on the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism. The polymers were synthesized from two monomers, N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) and N-isopropylmethacrylamide (NIPmA), which provided different temperature responses. The fluorescent intensity of each polymer (peaked at 436 and 628 nm, respectively) decreased upon the heating of the polymer aqueous solution. While these two polymer aqueous solutions were mixed, the fluorescent intensity decrease at 436 nm and substantial fluorescence enhancement at 628 nm was observed with the increasing temperature due to FRET effect. The cell imaging of HeLa cells by these thermo-responsive polymers was explored. The difference of LCSTs resulting in ratiometric fluorescence change would have a potential impact on the various biomedical applications.
Correlation between Solubility Parameters and Properties of Alkali Lignin/PVA Composites
Authors: Zhao Gaofeng , Ni Haiyue , Ren Shixue , Fang Guizhen
Published: March 2018

Although lignin blending with thermoplastic polymers has been widely studied, the usefulness of the lignin–polymer composites is limited by the poor compatibility of the two components. In the present study, alkali lignin/PVA composite membranes were prepared by incorporating 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% alkali lignin into the composites. The thermodynamic parameters of the composites were measured using inverse gas chromatography (IGC). Composite membranes with 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% alkali lignin had solubility parameters of 17.51, 18.70, 16.64 and 16.38 (J/cm3)0.5, respectively, indicating that the solubility parameter firstly increased, and then decreased, with increasing proportions of alkali lignin. When the alkali lignin content was 15%, the composites had the largest solubility parameters. The composite membrane with an alkali lignin content of 15% had a tensile strength of 18.86 MPa and a hydrophilic contact angle of 89°. We have shown that the solubility parameters of blends were related to mechanical and hydrophilic properties of the composites and the relationships have been verified experimentally and theoretically.
Radiometric Evaluation of SNPP VIIRS Band M11 via Sub-Kilometer Intercomparison with Aqua MODIS Band 7 over Snowy Scenes
Authors: Chu Mike , Sun Junqiang , Wang Menghua
Published: March 2018

A refined intersensor comparison study is carried out to evaluate the radiometric stability of the 2257 nm channel (M11) of the first Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) aboard the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) satellite. This study is initiated as part of the examination into the performance of key shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands for SNPP VIIRS ocean color data processing and applications, with Band M11 playing key role over turbid and inland waters. The evaluation utilizes simultaneous nadir overpasses (SNOs) to compare SNPP VIIRS Band M11 against Band 7 of the MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) in the Aqua satellite over concurrently observed scenes. The standard result of the radiance comparison is a seemingly uncontrolled and inconsistent time series unsuitable for further analyses, in great contrast to other matching band-pairs whose radiometric comparisons are typically stable around 1.0 within 1% variation. The mismatching relative spectral response (RSR) between the two respective bands, with SNPP VIIRS M11 at 2225 to 2275 nm and Aqua MODIS B7 at 2125 to 2175 nm, is demonstrated to be the cause of the large variation because of the different dependence of the spectral responses of the two bands over identical scenes. A consistent radiometric comparison time series, however, can be extracted from SNO events that occur over snowy surfaces. A customized selection and analysis procedure successfully identifies the snowy scenes within the SNO events and builds a stable comparison time series. Particularly instrumental for the success of the comparison is the use of the half-kilometer spatial resolution data of Aqua MODIS B7 that significantly enhances the statistics. The final refined time series of Aqua MODIS B7 radiance over the SNPP VIIRS M11 radiance is stable at around 0.39 within 2.5% showing no evidence of drift. The radiometric ratio near 0.39 suggests the strong presence of medium-grained snow of a mixed-snow condition in those SNO scenes leading to successful comparison. The multi-year stability indicates the correctness of the on-orbit RSB calibration of SNPP VIIRS M11 whose result does not suffer from long-term drift.
Data-Prefetching Scheme Based on Playback Delay and Positioning Satisfaction in Peer-To-Peer Video-On-Demand System
Authors: Wang Lei , Li Xiaorui , Liu Yaqiu , Gui Guan
Published: March 2018

As one of the most important applications in peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, the video-on-demand (VoD) system freely supports video cassette recorder (VCR) operation for users. However, the users may experience significant playback delay after frequent VCR operations in the VoD system, which will affect the quality of experience (QoE) of the users. Hence, selecting an appropriate data-prefetching strategy to support better VCR operation is an important approach to improve the QoE. This paper proposes a data-prefetching strategy (DSA) to determine the most suitable anchor interval by considering the playback delay and positioning satisfaction. According to the DSA, we use the multiple-attribute decision-making (MADM) theory to model the selection of intervals of prefetching data blocks (i.e., anchor interval) and the technique for ordering preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) algorithm to solve the MADM. The simulation results show that the DSA strategy obtains higher positioning satisfaction than the existing schemes, which is approximately 60% higher than the anchor points, popular parts of video, and user interests (API)-based method. Moreover, with the increase in network bandwidth, the DSA strategy can minimize the playback delay after VCR operation using relative few extra bandwidths.
Cyber and Physical Security Vulnerability Assessment for IoT-Based Smart Homes
Authors: Ali Bako , Awad Ali
Published: March 2018

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an emerging paradigm focusing on the connection of devices, objects, or “things” to each other, to the Internet, and to users. IoT technology is anticipated to become an essential requirement in the development of smart homes, as it offers convenience and efficiency to home residents so that they can achieve better quality of life. Application of the IoT model to smart homes, by connecting objects to the Internet, poses new security and privacy challenges in terms of the confidentiality, authenticity, and integrity of the data sensed, collected, and exchanged by the IoT objects. These challenges make smart homes extremely vulnerable to different types of security attacks, resulting in IoT-based smart homes being insecure. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the possible security risks to develop a complete picture of the security status of smart homes. This article applies the operationally critical threat, asset, and vulnerability evaluation (OCTAVE) methodology, known as OCTAVE Allegro, to assess the security risks of smart homes. The OCTAVE Allegro method focuses on information assets and considers different information containers such as databases, physical papers, and humans. The key goals of this study are to highlight the various security vulnerabilities of IoT-based smart homes, to present the risks on home inhabitants, and to propose approaches to mitigating the identified risks. The research findings can be used as a foundation for improving the security requirements of IoT-based smart homes.
Oil and Gas Rents and Civilian Violence in the Middle East and North Africa, 1990–2004: A Resource Curse, or Rentier Peace?
Authors: Costello Matthew
Published: March 2018

Acts of civilian violence have long plagued parts of the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region. Extant research debates whether countries that rely on natural resource revenue for economic solvency are more or less likely to experience such violent events. This analysis takes a novel approach to this issue, examining the unique effects of publicly and privately controlled oil and gas rents on civilian violence in the MENA region from 1990 to 2004. Data on civil violence events are drawn from the World Handbook of Political Indicators IV. Results indicate that publicly owned oil and gas rents reduce civilian violence, while privately owned oil and gas rents do not significantly affect such events. This lends support to the notion that oil and gas rents are not necessarily a curse, and can actually foster a “rentier peace.” More broadly, these results underscore the importance of delineating ownership structure when examining the relationship between natural resources and conflict.
Host and Cropping System Shape the Fusarium Population: 3ADON-Producers Are Ubiquitous in Wheat Whereas NIV-Producers Are More Prevalent in Rice
Authors: Yang Meixin , Zhang Hao , Kong Xiangjiu , Van der Lee Theo , Waalwijk Cees , Van Diepeningen Anne , Xu Jin , Xu Jingsheng , Chen Wanquan , Feng Jie
Published: March 2018

In recent years, Fusarium head blight (FHB) outbreaks have occurred much more frequently in China. The reduction of burning of the preceding crop residues is suggested to contribute to more severe epidemics as it may increase the initial inoculum. In this study, a large number of Fusarium isolates was collected from blighted wheat spikes as well as from rice stubble with perithecia originating from nine sampling sites in five provinces in Southern China. Fusarium asiaticum dominated both wheat and rice populations, although rice populations showed a higher species diversity. Chemotype analysis showed that rice is the preferred niche for NIV mycotoxin producers that were shown to be less virulent on wheat. In contrast, 3ADON producers are more prevalent on wheat and in wheat producing areas. The 3ADON producers were shown to be more virulent on wheat, revealing the selection pressure of wheat on 3ADON producers. For the first time, members of the Incarnatum-clade of Fusarium Incarnatum-Equiseti Species Complex (FIESC) were found to reproduce sexually on rice stubble. The pathogenicity of FIESC isolates on wheat proved very low and this may cause the apparent absence of this species in the main wheat producing provinces. This is the first report of the Fusarium population structure including rice stubble as well as a direct comparison with the population on wheat heads in the same fields. Our results confirm that the perithecia on rice stubble are the primary inoculum of FHB on wheat and that cropping systems affect the local Fusarium population.
An Ecological Land Cover Sampling Reclassification Model for Safety Estimation of Shoreline Systems from a Flood Defense Perspective Using Optical Satellite Remote Sensing Imaging
Authors: Wu Dongju , Xu Hui
Published: March 2018

The safety level of a shoreline is essential for flood control projects and policy formulation or modification from both economic and environmental perspectives. With the development of remote sensing (RS) techniques, high spatial-spectral resolution and quick-revolution satellite images are now available and widely used in environment monitoring and management. It is therefore possible to more efficiently and conveniently identify the components of, and extract information for, shoreline environments. However, the problem is that the shoreline is always a long curve with a relatively narrow width, which limits the application of RS technology. This paper presents a method of recognizing different types of shoreline and of conveniently extracting the geographical coordinates of potential shoreline defense by analyzing and processing ecological information from an optical satellite RS data interpretation of land cover on both side of the shoreline. An application of this model in a low-resolution image case proved that the model can be used in the primary survey of a shoreline monitoring service platform as the basic tile level. The classification model is designed such that the requirements of image resolution for efficiently extracting information from the shoreline are low and the limitations imposed by a narrow shoreline width are avoided.
The Influence of Climate Variability Effects on Groundwater Time Series in the Lower Central Plains of Thailand
Authors: Taweesin Korrakoch , Seeboonruang Uma , Saraphirom Phayom
Published: March 2018

This research studies the relationship between the climate index and the groundwater level of the lower Chao Phraya basin, in order to forecast the groundwater level in the studied area by using Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with Explanatory (ARIMAX). The combination of 6 climate indices—Dipole Mode Index, Indian Summer Monsoon Index, Multivariate ENSO Index, Sea Surface Temperature NINO4, Southern Oscillation Index and the Western North Pacific Monsoon Index—were used, along with the groundwater level data from 14 stations during the period 1980–2011 to develop the forecast model and verify it with the data of 2012.The first step was correlation of the ARIMA model with Autocorrelation Function and Partial Autocorrelation Function. The possible model was then selected using BIC statistics. Diagnostic Checking was done to consider the white noise characteristic of estimated residuals by using the statistics of Box and Ljung (Q-statistic). If the selected models were found to be proper, then the Granger Causality Test of the leading parameters or the climate index would be performed as the next step. The results show that there is a relationship between the groundwater level and the climate index. The model could be used to forecast effectively the average RMSE value at 0.6. The last step was to develop the MODFLOW for a conceptual model and synthesize groundwater levels in the study area, which covers around 43,000 km2 and has 8 layers of groundwater, with Bangkok clay on the top. All other boundary values were set to be steady. The calibration was done using the data of 325 observed wells. The normalized RMS value was 9.705%. The results were verified by the data using ARIMAX over the same time periods. To conclude, the simulated results of the monthly groundwater level in 2012 of the wells have a confidence interval of around 95%, which is near the result from the ARIMAX model. The advantages of the ARIMAX model include high accuracy, no requirement for a large amount of data and inexpensive implementation. It is one of the effective tools for the groundwater prediction.
Evaluation of a Weathered Rock Aquifer Using ERT Method in South Guangdong, China
Authors: Gao Qiang , Shang Yanjun , Hasan Muhammad , Jin Weijun , Yang Peng
Published: March 2018

In areas where weathering has hydrogeological significance, geophysical methods can assist to map the subsurface characteristics for groundwater occurrence. In this study, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) survey in combination with joint profile method (JPM), magnetic method and borehole data was conducted to investigate the aquifer potential in strongly weathered volcanic rocks. The aim was to assess the geological units related to the water-bearing formation of aquifer systems in South Guangdong, China. The resistivities were measured along four profiles each with a total of 81 electrodes, a spread length of 400 m and an electrode spacing of 5 m insuring continuous coverage. The data from a borehole survey revealed three different layers i.e., highly weathered layer, partly weathered layer and fresh basement rock, whose respective thickness were integrated into ERT images to get more useful results about the real resistivity ranges of the these layers (i.e., 22 Ωm–345 Ωm for highly weathered layer, 324 Ωm–926 Ωm for partly weathered and 913 Ωm–2579 Ωm for fresh bedrock). The electrical resistivity imaging including the surface topography provides spatial variations in electrical properties of the weathered/unweathered layers since resistivity depends on the properties of a material rather than its thickness. ERT sections were integrated with JPM and magnetic method to delineate the main faults (F1, F2 and F3). ERT sections show a geometric relationship between different layered boundaries, particularly those of the aquifers with fresh basement and surface topographies. These layers comprise an overburden of 50 m thickness revealed by ERT sections. The results show that weathered and partly weathered layers between the topographic surface and bed rock yield maximum aquifer potential in the study area. ERT imaging method provides promising input to groundwater evaluation in the areas of weathered environment with complex geology.
The Indian Firm G. M. Mohamedally & Co in Ethiopia (1886-1937) / La firme indienne G. M. Mohamedally & Co en Éthiopie (1886-1937)
Authors: Harre Dominique
Published: March 2018

La présence indienne en Éthiopie est absente de l’historiographie éthiopienne. Pourtant, les hommes d’affaires indiens furent aussi essentiels aux évolutions économiques de la fin du XIXe-début du XXe siècles qu’ils le furent à la même période en Afrique orientale britannique. Partie intégrante d’un projet de recherche plus large visant à combler cette lacune, cet article retrace la vie et les réalisations de Mohamedally Shaikh Sharafaly, fondateur de la plus grosse entreprise de commerce et d’industrie du pays dans les années 1930, G. M. Mohamedally & Co. L’article suit la narration d’une lettre inédite que l’homme d’affaires écrivit en 1940 à propos de sa trajectoire professionnelle. Depuis son arrivée à Harar vers 1893 jusqu’à l’expulsion de sa société en 1937, son récit éclaire d’abord le contexte politique local dans lequel les entreprises étrangères ont pu émerger, entre amitié des empereurs et protection diplomatique – en tant que sujets britanniques dans le cas des Indiens. M. Shaikh Sharafaly a mis en place une organisation complexe reposant sur un réseau dense de magasins sur le territoire éthiopien ainsi qu’un ensemble de filiales, tant en Éthiopie qu’à Djibouti, Aden, et Berbera, dirigés par des partenaires également Dawoodi Bohra, formant un consortium qu’il dirigea depuis Bombay à partir de 1905. G. M. Mohamedally & Co fut toutefois bien plus qu’une simple compagnie commerciale. Elle fut leader de la communauté indienne et engagea de nombreuses activités philanthropiques. Elle apporta également un soutien actif aux Éthiopiens durant l’occupation italienne et fournit à plusieurs occasions des renseignements aux puissances étrangères. Enfin, les conditions brutales de l’expulsion en 1937 révèlent, en creux, l’influence politique de la société et de son fondateur en Inde.
Profile of Aster Ayyana and Berqnäsh Käbbädä: Two Pioneer Nurses in the Third Kagnew during the Korean Peace Keeping Mission (1953-1954) / Portraits d’Aster Ayyana et Berqnäsh Käbbädä : deux infirmières pionnières dans le troisième Kagnew au cours de la mission de maintien de la paix en Corée (1953-1954)
Authors: Hassen Omar Ahmed
Published: March 2018

Cet article retrace l’itinéraire de deux infirmières éthiopiennes, Aster Ayyana et Berqnäsh Käbbäda, dont la carrière fut marquée par leur participation à la Guerre de Corée. Diplômées de l’École secondaire de l’Impératrice Mänän (école de filles), ces deux jeunes femmes ont embrassé la carrière d’infirmières en rejoignant la Croix -Rouge Éthiopienne en même temps que six autres camarades de promotion. Après avoir complété leur formation à la Croix -Rouge, elles furent sélectionnées pour rejoindre le 3e régiment « Kagnew » en Corée. Incorporées aux forces armées, elles furent élevées au rang de second lieutenant. La campagne de Corée se déroula dans le contexte des combats anticoloniaux et de la lutte pour l’indépendance des nations africaines et, à une époque où la demande en infirmières qualifiées était haute, le rôle significatif de ces deux infirmières éthiopiennes a servi à valoriser la profession d’infirmière et à affirmer la place des femmes dans la société.
Novel Grain Weight Loci Revealed in a Cross between Cultivated and Wild Sorghum
Authors: Tao Yongfu , Mace Emma , George‐Jaeggli Barbara , Hunt Colleen , Cruickshank Alan , Henzell Robert , Jordan David
Published: March 2018

Grain weight has increased during domestication of cereals. Together with grain number it determines yield, but the two are often negatively correlated. Understanding the genetic architecture of grain weight and its relationship with grain number is critical to enhance crop yield. Sorghum is an important food, feed, and biofuel crop well‐known for its adaptation to drought and heat. This study aimed to dissect the genetic basis of thousand grain weight (TGW) in a BC1F5 population between a domesticated sorghum accession and its wild progenitor, Sorghum bicolor subsp. verticilliflorum, and investigate its relationship with grain number. Thousand grain weight, grain number, and yield were measured in field trials in two successive years. A strong negative correlation between TGW and grain number was observed in both trials. In total, 17 TGW quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified, with 11 of them exhibiting an opposing effect on grain number, implying the correlation between TGW and grain number is due to pleiotropy. Nine grain size candidate genes were identified within 6 TGW QTL, and of these 5 showed signatures of selection during sorghum domestication. Large‐effect QTL in this study that have not been identified previously in cultivated sorghum were found to contain candidate genes with domestication signal, indicating that these QTL were affected during sorghum domestication. This study sheds new light on the genetic basis of TGW, its relationship with grain number, and sorghum domestication.
The Evolution of GX 339-4 in the Low-hard State as Seen by NuSTAR and Swift
Authors: Wang-Ji Jingyi , García Javier A. , Steiner James F. , Tomsick John A. , Harrison Fiona A. , Bambi Cosimo , Petrucci Pierre-Olivier , Ferreira Jonathan , Chakravorty Susmita , Clavel Maïca
Published: March 2018

We analyze 11 Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array and Swift observations of the black hole X-ray binary GX 339–4 in the hard state, 6 of which were taken during the end of the 2015 outburst and 5 during a failed outburst in 2013. These observations cover luminosities from 0.5% to 5% of the Eddington luminosity. Implementing the most recent version of the reflection model relxillCp, we perform simultaneous spectral fits on both data sets to track the evolution of the properties in the accretion disk, including the inner edge radius, the ionization, and the temperature of the thermal emission. We also constrain the photon index and electron temperature of the primary source (the “corona”). We observe a maximum truncation radius of 37 R

g
in the preferred fit for the 2013 data set, and a marginal correlation between the level of truncation and luminosity. We also explore a self-consistent model under the framework of coronal Comptonization, and find consistent results regarding the disk truncation in the 2015 data, providing a more physical preferred fit for the 2013 observations.
Candidate Water Vapor Lines to Locate the H2O Snowline through High-dispersion Spectroscopic Observations. III. Submillimeter H2
16O and H2
18O Lines
Authors: Notsu Shota , Nomura Hideko , Walsh Catherine , Honda Mitsuhiko , Hirota Tomoya , Akiyama Eiji , Millar T. J.
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we extend the results presented in our former papers on using ortho-

line profiles to constrain the location of the H2O snowline in T Tauri and Herbig Ae disks, to include submillimeter para-

and ortho- and para-

lines. Since the number densities of the ortho- and para-

molecules are about 560 times smaller than their 16O analogs, they trace deeper into the disk than the ortho-

lines (down to z = 0, i.e., the midplane). Thus these

lines are potentially better probes of the position of the H2O snowline at the disk midplane, depending on the dust optical depth. The values of the Einstein A coefficients of submillimeter candidate water lines tend to be lower (typically <10−4 s−1) than infrared candidate water lines. Thus in the submillimeter candidate water line cases, the local intensity from the outer optically thin region in the disk is around 104 times smaller than that in the infrared candidate water line cases. Therefore, in the submillimeter lines, especially

and para-

lines with relatively lower upper state energies (∼a few 100 K) can also locate the position of the H2O snowline. We also investigate the possibility of future observations with ALMA to identify the position of the water snowline. There are several candidate water lines that trace the hot water gas inside the H2O snowline in ALMA Bands 5–10.
A Pulsar Wind Nebula Model Applied to Short GRB 050724
Authors: Lin Wei-Li , Wang Ling-Jun , Dai Zi-Gao
Published: March 2018

A subset of short gamma-ray bursts (sGRBs) have been found to be characterized by near-infrared/optical bumps at ∼1 days, some of which exhibit almost concurrent X-ray flares. Although the near-infrared/optical bumps may be a signature of kilonovae, the X-ray flares are not consistent with kilonovae. It is widely believed that sGRBs are produced by the mergers of double compact objects, during which sub-relativistic ejecta are launched. In this paper, we propose that the above optical/X-ray features are indicative of the formation of long-lived magnetars following the mergers of double neutron stars. Observations and theoretical works imply that the spin-down power of the magnetars is injected into the ejecta as ultra-relativistic electron–positron pairs, i.e., pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe). Here, we suggest such a PWN model and find that the optical bump and X-ray flare observed in GRB 050724 can be well understood in this PWN model. We show that the optical bump and X-ray flare may have different origins. Our results strengthen the evidence for the formation of magnetars in double neutron star mergers and justify the validity of the PWN model.
The Cocoon Shocks of Cygnus A: Pressures and Their Implications for the Jets and Lobes
Authors: Snios Bradford , Nulsen Paul E. J. , Wise Michael W. , de Vries Martijn , Birkinshaw Mark , Worrall Diana M. , Duffy Ryan T. , Kraft Ralph P. , McNamara Brian R. , Carilli Chris , Croston Judith H. , Edge Alastair C. , Godfrey Leith E. H. , Hardcastle Martin J. , Harris Daniel E. , Laing Robert A. , Mathews William G. , McKean John P. , Perley Richard A. , Rafferty David A. , Young Andrew J.
Published: March 2018

We use 2.0 Msec of Chandra observations to investigate the cocoon shocks of Cygnus A and some implications for its lobes and jet. Measured shock Mach numbers vary in the range 1.18–1.66 around the cocoon. We estimate a total outburst energy of

, with an age of

. The average postshock pressure is found to be

, which agrees with the average pressure of the thin rim of compressed gas between the radio lobes and shocks, as determined from X-ray spectra. However, average rim pressures are found to be lower in the western lobe than in the eastern lobe by ≃20%. Pressure estimates for hotspots A and D from synchrotron self-Compton models imply that each jet exerts a ram pressure ≳3 times its static pressure, consistent with the positions of the hotspots moving about on the cocoon shock over time. A steady, one-dimensional flow model is used to estimate jet properties, finding mildly relativistic flow speeds within the allowed parameter range. Models in which the jet carries a negligible flux of rest mass are consistent with the observed properties of the jets and hotspots. This favors the jets being light, implying that the kinetic power and momentum flux are carried primarily by the internal energy of the jet plasma rather than by its rest mass.
The Atacama Cosmology Telescope: The Two-season ACTPol Sunyaev–Zel’dovich Effect Selected Cluster Catalog
Authors: Hilton Matt , Hasselfield Matthew , Sifón Cristóbal , Battaglia Nicholas , Aiola Simone , Bharadwaj V. , Bond J. Richard , Choi Steve K. , Crichton Devin , Datta Rahul , Devlin Mark J. , Dunkley Joanna , Dünner Rolando , Gallardo Patricio A. , Gralla Megan , Hincks Adam D. , Ho Shuay-Pwu P. , Hubmayr Johannes , Huffenberger Kevin M. , Hughes John P. , Koopman Brian J. , Kosowsky Arthur , Louis Thibaut , Madhavacheril Mathew S. , Marriage Tobias A. , Maurin Loïc , McMahon Jeff , Miyatake Hironao , Moodley Kavilan , Næss Sigurd , Nati Federico , Newburgh Laura , Niemack Michael D. , Oguri Masamune , Page Lyman A. , Partridge Bruce , Schmitt Benjamin L. , Sievers Jon , Spergel David N. , Staggs Suzanne T. , Trac Hy , Engelen Alexander van , Vavagiakis Eve M. , Wollack Edward J.
Published: March 2018

We present a catalog of 182 galaxy clusters detected through the Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (SZ) effect by the Atacama Cosmology Telescope in a contiguous 987.5 deg2 field. The clusters were detected as SZ decrements by applying a matched filter to 148 GHz maps that combine the original ACT equatorial survey with data from the first two observing seasons using the ACTPol receiver. Optical/IR confirmation and redshift measurements come from a combination of large public surveys and our own follow-up observations. Where necessary, we measured photometric redshifts for clusters using a pipeline that achieves accuracy Δz/(1 + z) = 0.015 when tested on Sloan Digital Sky Survey data. Under the assumption that clusters can be described by the so-called universal pressure profile (UPP) and its associated mass scaling law, the full signal-to-noise ratio > 4 sample spans the mass range

, with median

. The sample covers the redshift range 0.1 < z < 1.4 (median z = 0.49), and 28 clusters are new discoveries (median z = 0.80). We compare our catalog with other overlapping cluster samples selected using the SZ, optical, and X-ray wavelengths. We find that the ratio of the UPP-based SZ mass to richness-based weak-lensing mass is

. After applying this calibration, the mass distribution for clusters with M
500c > 4 × 1014
M
⊙ is consistent with the number of such clusters found in the South Pole Telescope SZ survey.
An Experimental Scattering Matrix for Lunar Regolith Simulant JSC-1A at Visible Wavelengths
Authors: Escobar-Cerezo J. , Muñoz O. , Moreno F. , Guirado D. , Gómez Martín J. C. , Goguen J. D. , Garboczi E. J. , Chiaramonti A. N. , Lafarge T. , West R. A.
Published: March 2018

We present the experimental scattering matrix as a function of the scattering angle of the lunar soil simulant JSC-1A. The measurements were performed at 488, 520, and 647 nm, covering the range of scattering angles from

to

. The effect of sub-micron-sized particles on the measured phase function and degree of linear polarization has been studied. After removing particles smaller than a 1 μm radius, the forward-scattering peak becomes steeper. Furthermore, the maximum of the degree of linear polarization increases, moving toward smaller scattering angles. Interestingly, the negative branch in the backward direction disappears as the small particles are removed from the sample. Because multiple scattering calculations with polarization included require single scattering matrices throughout the scattering range (from

to

), we computed the corresponding synthetic scattering matrix through an extrapolation method, considering theoretical boundary conditions. From the extrapolated results, the asymmetry parameter g and the back-scattering linear depolarization factor

were computed.
An Hα Imaging Survey of the Low-surface-brightness Galaxies Selected from the Fall Sky Region of the 40% ALFALFA H i Survey
Authors: Lei Feng-Jie , Wu Hong , Du Wei , Zhu Yi-Nan , Lam Man-I , Zhou Zhi-Min , He Min , Jin Jun-Jie , Cao Tian-Wen , Zhao Pin-Song , Yang Fan , Wu Chao-Jian , Li Hong-Bin , Ren Juan-Juan
Published: March 2018

We present the observed Hα flux and derived star formation rates (SFRs) for a fall sample of low-surface-brightness galaxies (LSBGs). The sample is selected from the fall sky region of the 40% ALFALFA H i Survey–SDSS DR7 photometric data, and all the Hα images were obtained using the 2.16 m telescope, operated by the National Astronomy Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences. A total of 111 LSBGs were observed and Hα flux was measured in 92 of them. Though almost all the LSBGs in our sample are H i-rich, their SFRs, derived from the extinction and filter-transmission-corrected Hα flux, are less than 1 M
☉ yr−1. LSBGs and star-forming galaxies have similar H i surface densities, but LSBGs have much lower SFRs and SFR surface densities than star-forming galaxies. Our results show that LSBGs deviate from the Kennicutt–Schmidt law significantly, which indicates that they have low star formation efficiency. The SFRs of LSBGs are close to average SFRs in Hubble time and support previous arguments that most of the LSBGs are stable systems and they tend to seldom contain strong interactions or major mergers in their star formation histories.