bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic Portfolio Encouraging Active and Reflective Learning
Authors: Venkatesh Vivek , Bures Eva , Davidson Ann-Louise , Wade C. Anne , Lysenko Larysa , Abrami Philip C.
Published: February 2013

At the Centre for the Study of Learning and Performance (CSLP) in Montréal, the authors have developed, tested, and disseminated to schools in the Canadian provinces of Québec and Alberta, without charge, an Electronic Portfolio Encouraging Active and Reflective Learning (ePEARL). ePEARL is designed to be faithful to predominant models of self-regulated learning (SRL; e.g., Zimmerman, 2008; Zimmerman & Schunk, 2011), scaffolding and supporting learners and their educators from grade one through grade twelve and beyond. In a series of empirical studies, the authors have explored the impact of ePEARL on the development of students’ SRL skills and their literacy skills, also researching classroom implementation fidelity and teacher professional development. The case study presented herein briefly explains the development of ePEARL, the authors’ research program, and issues in the scalability and sustainability of knowledge tools in secondary schools. Using triangulated data sources from teachers and learners, this case study presents three vignettes and discusses the design and implementation of ePEARL in scholastic settings across the Canadian provinces of Québec and Alberta. The discussion case provides in-depth analysis of learners’ portfolios in ePEARL, as well as teacher perceptions related to integration of electronic portfolios in classrooms.
Towards Behaviour Recognition with Unlabelled Sensor Data
Authors: Chua Sook-Ling , Marsland Stephen , Guesgen Hans W.
Published: February 2013

The problem of behaviour recognition based on data from sensors is essentially an inverse problem: given a set of sensor observations, identify the sequence of behaviours that gave rise to them. In a smart home, the behaviours are likely to be the standard human behaviours of living, and the observations will depend upon the sensors that the house is equipped with. There are two main approaches to identifying behaviours from the sensor stream. One is to use a symbolic approach, which explicitly models the recognition process. Another is to use a sub-symbolic approach to behaviour recognition, which is the focus in this chapter, using data mining and machine learning methods. While there have been many machine learning methods of identifying behaviours from the sensor stream, they have generally relied upon a labelled dataset, where a person has manually identified their behaviour at each time. This is particularly tedious to do, resulting in relatively small datasets, and is also prone to significant errors as people do not pinpoint the end of one behaviour and commencement of the next correctly. In this chapter, the authors consider methods to deal with unlabelled sensor data for behaviour recognition, and investigate their use. They then consider whether they are best used in isolation, or should be used as preprocessing to provide a training set for a supervised method.
Study of the Catalytic Activity of Zr(HPO4)2 in the Synthesis of Hexahydroquinoline Derivatives under Solvent-free Conditions
Authors: Abdolmohammadi Shahrzad
Published: February 2013

2-Amino-7,7-dimethyl-5-oxo-1,4-diaryl-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline-3-carbonitrile derivatives were synthesized by the one-pot four-component reaction of aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile, dimedone and arylamines in the presence of Zr(HPO4)2·H2O (α-ZrP) as an effective and recyclable solid acid catalyst, in high yields.
Syntheses, Structures and Electrochemical Properties of Two New Copper(II) Complexes Based on Isomeric Bis(pyridylformyl)piperazine Ligands and Rigid=Flexible Organic Dicarboxylates
Authors: Lin Hong-Yan , Liu Peng , Wang Xiu-Li , Xu Chuang , Liu Guo-Cheng
Published: February 2013

Two new copper(II) complexes, [Cu2(3-bpfp)(2,6-PDA)2(H2O)2] (1) and [Cu(4-bpfp)0:5 (glu)]·H2O (2), have been hydrothermally synthesized by self-assembly of isomeric bis(pyridylformyl)piperazine ligands [3-bpfp=bis(3-pyridylformyl)piperazine, 4-bpfp=bis(4- pyridylformyl)piperazine], rigid pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (2,6-H2PDA) or flexible glutaric acid (H2glu), and copper(II) chloride. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that two adjacent CuII ions are connected by the 3-bpfp ligand to build a dinuclear unit in complex 1, in which 2,6-PDA serves as a terminal chelating ligand. Adjacent dinuclear units are further linked by hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions to form a three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular network. Complex 2 is a 3D coordination polymeric framework based on a layer polymer [Cu(glu)]n and bridging 4-bpfp ligands with 6-connected (44.610.8) topology. In 1 and 2, the ligands 3-bpfp and 4-bpfp adopt a μ2-bridging coordination mode (via ligation of pyridyl nitrogen atoms). The thermal stability and the electrochemical properties of the title complexes have been studied.
Intergenerational effects of in utero exposure to Ramadan in Tunisia
Authors: Alwasel S.H. , Harrath A. , Aljarallah J.S. , Abotalib Z. , Osmond C. , Al Omar S.Y. , Khaled I. , Barker D.J.P.
Published: February 2013

Objectives

We have reported that changes in the lifestyle of pregnant women during Ramadan affect more than one generation. In a series of newborn babies in Saudi Arabia, those whose mothers had been in utero during Ramadan differed from those whose mothers had not been in utero during Ramadan. These were unexpected findings and require replication.

Methods

We examined body size at birth in 1,321 babies (682 boys and 639 girls) born in Gafsa, a small city in Tunisia.

Results

Babies whose mothers had been in utero during Ramadan were smaller and thinner, and had smaller placentas, than those whose mothers had not been in utero during Ramadan. After adjustment for sex, the babies were 93 g lighter (95% confidence interval, 32–153, P=0.003) than those whose mother had not been in utero during Ramadan, their mean ponderal index was 0.52 kg/m3 lower (0.24–0.79, P<0.001) and their placental weight was 21 g lower (5–37, P=0.01). The findings did not differ by trimester of maternal exposure to Ramadan. They were similar in boys and girls and in primiparous and multiparous mothers

Conclusion

This study provides further evidence that changes in lifestyle during Ramadan have intergenerational effects. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:341–343, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gesture Use by Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): Differences Between Sexes in Inter‐ and Intra‐Sexual Interactions
Authors: SCOTT NICOLE M.
Published: February 2013

Communication and social relationships are two of the most important aspects of primate life, but few studies have focused on linking these aspects in apes. There are some shared social pressures between the two sexes (e.g., kin selection, alliance formation, and protection against attack), but there are also differences (e.g., mate selection, dispersal, and social ranking systems). The aim of this study was to identify the communication strategies of the sexes with respect to their particular communication partner. I hypothesized the sexes use different strategies in their gestural communication based on their different social pressures. Specifically, males should have more positive intra‐sexual relationships than females because of high focus on male–male alliance formation and maintaining high social rank, both of which directly affect their mating opportunities and relationships with all other members of the group. On the other hand, females should have more positive inter‐sexual relationships due to the abuse they could receive from insubordination to males and because there is less focus on maintaining multiple, positive relationships with other females. Furthermore, because of differences in social pressures, males should have higher incidence of reassurance in same‐sex interactions than females because it should be more important for males to mitigate negative interactions. I analyzed the characteristics of the gesture repertoire and frequency of gesture use for each sex in each of four contexts: (1) aggression, (2) submission, (3) greeting, and (4) reassurance. I looked at intra‐sexual and inter‐sexual interactions, separately. I found that, indeed, males and females utilize different strategies of gestural communication. I also found that females, but not males, have a distinct gesture strategy for communicating with the opposite sex than for the same sex. This study shows there are distinct strategies utilized by the two sexes and these differences may be explained by their differing social pressures. Am. J. Primatol. 75:555‐567, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Alternative Metals for Homogeneous Catalyzed Hydroformylation Reactions
Authors: Pospech Jola , Fleischer Ivana , Franke Robert , Buchholz Stefan , Beller Matthias
Published: February 2013

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed hydroformylation reactions constitute one of the most powerful tools for CC bond formation in organic synthesis and represent an outstanding example of the application of homogeneous catalysis on an industrial scale. This process allows for the straightforward conversion of inexpensive chemical feedstock into broadly applicable aldehydes, which serve as major building blocks for numerous chemical products. These products are highly valuable for the chemical industry and used as plasticizers, detergents, and surfactants on a million ton scale. Moreover, aldehydes serve as versatile chemical intermediates for the production of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Currently, most of the bulk hydroformylation processes rely on rhodium‐based catalysts. The increasing demand and resulting high cost of this precious metal has resulted in alternative transition‐metal catalysts becoming highly desirable. The following Review summarizes the progress achieved utilizing Ru, Ir, Pd, Pt, and Fe catalysts in hydroformylation reactions.
Rural schools, social capital and the Big Society: a theoretical and empirical exposition
Authors: Bagley Carl , Hillyard Sam
Published: February 2013

The paper commences with a theoretical exposition of the current UK government's policy commitment to the idealised notion of the Big Society and the social capital currency underpinning its formation. The paper positions this debate in relation to the rural and adopts an ethnographically‐informed methodological approach to provide an in‐depth look at two contrasting English rural primary schools and their relationship with their village communities. The empirical investigation seeks to explore the extent to which the potential for building social capital is evidenced in current rural school–community relations within these two locales. The findings reveal a highly differentiated countryside in which any attempt to essentialise the abilities of rural schools to generate social capital in order to build the Big Society should be avoided.
A novel nonwoven hybrid bioreactor (NWHBR) for enhancing simultaneous nitrification and denitrification
Authors: Meng Fangang , Wang Yuan , Huang Li‐Nan , Li Jie , Jiang Feng , Li Shiyu , Chen Guang‐Hao
Published: February 2013

This study proposed a nonwoven hybrid bioreactor (NWHBR) in which the nonwoven fabric played dual roles as a biofilm carrier and membrane‐like separation of the flocculent sludge in the reactor. The results of long‐term monitoring demonstrated that the NWHBR could achieve simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND), with nearly complete ammonium removal and 80% removal of total nitrogen. The biofilm attached to the nonwoven fabric removed 27% of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 36% of the nitrate in the reactor, an enhanced elimination of nutrients that was attributed to the increased mass transfer within the biofilm due to permeate drag. The results of batch experiments showed that the flocculent sludge played a more dominant role in nitrification and denitrification (79% and 61%, respectively) than the biofilm (21% and 36%, respectively). The batch experiments also revealed that the enforced mass transfer, with an effluent recirculation rate of 4.3 L/m2h (which was the same as the flux during the reactor's long‐term operation), improved the denitrification rate by 58% (i.e., from 9.0 to 14.2 mg‐NO‐N/h). Pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene amplification revealed a high microbial diversity in both the flocculent sludge and biofilm, with Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Chloroflexi as the dominant groups. A phylogenetic (P) test indicated that the NWHBR contained phylogenetically distinct microbial communities: those in the biofilm differed from those in the flocculent sludge. However, the communities on the exterior and interior of the biofilm were more similar to each other. Due to its good SND performance, low physical back‐washing frequency and low air‐to‐water ratio, the NWHBR represents an attractive alternative for the wider application of either low‐cost membrane bioreactors or biofilm reactors. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1903–1912. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of Cu‐ZSM‐5 Zeolites and Cu‐MOF‐505 Metal‐Organic Frameworks as Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Mukaiyama Aldol Reaction: A DFT Mechanistic Study
Authors: Yadnum Sudarat , Choomwattana Saowapak , Khongpracha Pipat , Sirijaraensre Jakkapan , Limtrakul Jumras
Published: February 2013

The density functional theory (DFT) model ONIOM(M06L/6‐311++G(2df,2p):UFF was employed to reveal the catalytic activity of CuII in the paddle‐wheel unit of the metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐505 material in the Mukaiyama aldol reaction compared with the activity of Cu‐ZSM‐5 zeolites. The aldol reaction between a silyl enol ether and formaldehyde catalyzed by the Lewis acidic site of both materials takes place through a concerted pathway, in which the formation of the CC bond and the transfer of the silyl group occurs in a single step. MOF‐505 and Cu‐ZSM‐5 are predicted to be efficient catalysts for this reaction as they strongly activate the formaldehyde carbonyl carbon electrophile, which leads to a considerably lower reaction barrier compared with the gas‐phase system. Both MOF‐505 and Cu‐ZSM‐5 catalysts stabilize the reacting species along the reaction coordinate, thereby lowering the activation energy, compared to the gas‐phase system. The activation barriers for the MOF‐505, Cu‐ZSM‐5, and gas‐phase system are 48, 21, and 61 kJ mol−1, respectively. Our results show the importance of the enveloping framework by stabilizing the reacting species and promoting the reaction.
MODELING TOXIC STRESS BY ATRAZINE IN A MARINE CONSUMER-RESOURCE SYSTEM
Authors: De Hoop Lisette , De Troch Marleen , Hendriks A. Jan , De Laender Frederik
Published: February 2013

The present study combines short-term experiments with food chain modeling to explore the long-term effects of the herbicide atrazine on consumer-resource dynamics in a marine intertidal ecosystem. Short-term (28 d) lab experiments indicated that the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and carrying capacity (K) of the marine diatom Seminavis robusta decreased with increasing atrazine exposure. This decrease did not show the concave shape expected from the lifetime productivity for nonexposed diatoms and from single-species toxicity data in the literature but instead was described best by a linear model. These experimentally observed atrazine-induced decreases of r and K were used to parameterize a Rosenzweig-MacArthur model representing a simple food chain including the tested diatom and its grazer, the harpacticoid copepod Delavalia palustris var. palustris. Stable oscillation zoo-phytobenthos systems were produced at diatom exposures of 0, 100, and 150 µg/L atrazine. An atrazine concentration of 150 µg/L contributed to a 15% increase of the oscillation periods of both diatoms and copepods as well as a 52% reduction of oscillation amplitudes compared with the control situation. Although the amplitudes of copepods increased only 7% at 150 µg/L atrazine, the maximum and minimum copepod densities at that concentration were reduced by 61 and 63%, respectively. The effects of atrazine on periodicity and amplitudes were robust to 20% changes in the food-chain model parameters that represented allometric relationships. The simulations in the present study suggest food chain–mediated indirect effects on zoobenthos populations, indicating a reduced diatom and copepod availability throughout the year. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:1088–1095. © 2013 SETAC
Estimating source regions for snowmelt runoff in a Rocky Mountain basin: tests of a data‐based conceptual modeling approach
Authors: Kampf Stephanie K. , Richer Eric E.
Published: February 2013

In many mountain basins, river discharge measurements are located far away from runoff source areas. This study tests whether a basic snowmelt runoff conceptual model can be used to estimate relative contributions of different elevation zones to basin‐scale discharge in the Cache la Poudre, a snowmelt‐dominated Rocky Mountain river. Model tests evaluate scenarios that vary model configuration, input variables, and parameter values to determine how these factors affect discharge simulation and the distribution of runoff generation with elevation. Results show that the model simulates basin discharge well (NSCE and R >0.90) when input precipitation and temperature are distributed with different lapse rates, with a rain‐snow threshold parameter between 0 and 3.3 °C, and with a melt rate parameter between 2 and 4 mm °C−1 d−1 because these variables and parameters can have compensating interactions with each other and with the runoff coefficient parameter. Only the hydrograph recession parameter can be uniquely defined with this model structure. These non‐unique model scenarios with different configurations, input variables, and parameter values all indicate that the majority of basin discharge comes from elevations above 2900 m, or less than 25% of the basin total area, with a steep increase in runoff generation above 2600 m. However, the simulations produce unrealistically low runoff ratios for elevations above 3000 m, highlighting the need for additional measurements of snow and discharge at under‐sampled elevations to evaluate the accuracy of simulated snow and runoff patterns. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of the radiochemical purity of 99mTc medronate injection by thin layer chromatography on iTLC‐SG: effect of medronate concentration on the value measured
Authors: Cunnane Caroline M. , O'Brien Lesley M. , Waight Lynn A. , Millar Alistair M.
Published: February 2013

Background

When using iTLC‐SG thin layer chromatography plates to measure radiochemical impurities in 99mTc medronate, falsely high values were obtained for 99mTc pertechnetate impurity. Preliminary investigations indicated that the mass of 99mTc medronate applied to the plate influences the value.

Aim

The goal of this study was to determine if the concentration of medronate influences the value obtained for 99mTc pertechnetate impurity.

Experimental

99mTc medronate was prepared at two concentrations: 4 mg/mL and 0.2 mg/mL. Impurity levels were measured using three stationary phases: dried and undried iTLC‐SG and 54SFC paper. Two mobile phases were used: methyl ethyl ketone to detect 99mTc pertechnetate and sodium acetate 136 g/L to detect hydrolysed and colloidal 99mTc. Sample spot drying and volume were also investigated.

Results

With 4 mg/mL samples, the three stationary phases measured similar impurity levels (p > 0.05). With the 0.2 mg/mL samples, higher levels of 99mTc pertechnetate were measured with iTLC‐SG than with paper (p < 0.05). Neither sample spot drying nor volume was found to affect impurity levels measured.

Conclusions

When using iTLC‐SG to measure the radiochemical purity of 99mTc medronate, an artefactually high level of 99mTc pertechnetate impurity is measured when the medronate concentration in the sample is low. The iTLC‐SG stationary phase may be unsatisfactory for measuring the radiochemical purity of 99mTc medronate. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of processing conditions on the orientation and properties of polyethylene blown film
Authors: Gilbert Marianne , Hemsley Derek A. , Patel Suresh R.
Published: February 2013

The amorphous and crystallite orientation in a number of films produced from characterised grades of high density polyethylene has been examined and some tensile properties measured. The films were produced under commercial production conditions with various blow ratios, freeze line heights and thicknesses.

Orientation was assessed using optical and X‐ray methods. The relative contributions of the crystallite and amorphous components were calculated for a limited number of the films produced.

Amongst the properties measured the ultimate tensile strength and elongation at break appeared to be the most variable. Birefringence was more affected by variation in blow ratio and film thickness than by freeze height changes.

Attempts have been made to correlate these variations with crystallite and amorphous orientation as well as the individual behaviour of the polyethylene grades. In carrying out this correlation it became clear that the films could not generally be described by established low or high stress models of crystallite orientation. For these films produced on full‐scale commercial equipment it appears that transcrystallisation behaviour is frequently observed, with a tendency towards the low stress model.
Construction of ploidy series of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by the plasmid YCplac33-GHK
Authors: Hou Lihua , Li Xiaoyang , Wang Cong , Cao Xiaohong , Wang Haiyong
Published: February 2013

An effective approach, using the plasmid YCplac33-GHK, is developed to construct a ploidy series of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. YCplac33-GHK harbors the HO gene under the control of galactose-inducible promoter and KanMX4 as the selective marker. The simple method can solve the problem of industrial applications of strains with resistance genes.
Older adults' perceptions of age-friendly communities in Canada: a photovoice study
Authors: NOVEK SHEILA , MENEC VERENA H.
Published: February 2013

The concept of age-friendly communities has garnered international attention among researchers, policy makers and community organisations since the World Health Organization launched its Global Age-friendly Cities Project in 2006. Despite the growth of the age-friendly communities movement, few studies have examined age-friendly characteristics within different community contexts. The goal of the present study was to use a participatory methodology to explore older adults’ perceptions of age-friendliness. The study employed the photovoice technique with 30 community-based older adults in one urban community and three rural communities in the province of Manitoba, Canada. Participants were provided with cameras and took photographs to illustrate the relative age-friendliness of their communities and to generate discussion in interviews and focus groups. Themes from photographs, interviews and focus groups were organised into three broad categories: age-friendly features, contextual factors and cross-cutting themes. The age-friendly features we identified in this study generally correspond to the World Health Organization domains of age-friendliness. In addition, we identified three contextual factors that impact the experiences of older adults within their community environment: community history and identity, ageing in urban, rural and remote communities, and environmental conditions. Finally, independence, affordability and accessibility were identified as cross-cutting themes that intersect with various community features and contextual factors.
TAIL INDEX OF AN AR(1) MODEL WITH ARCH(1) ERRORS
Authors: Chan Ngai Hang , Li Deyuan , Peng Liang , Zhang Rongmao
Published: February 2013

Relevant sample quantities such as the sample autocorrelation function and extremes contain useful information about autoregressive time series with heteroskedastic errors. As these quantities usually depend on the tail index of the underlying heteroskedastic time series, estimating the tail index becomes an important task. Since the tail index of such a model is determined by a moment equation, one can estimate the underlying tail index by solving the sample moment equation with the unknown parameters being replaced by their quasi-maximum likelihood estimates. To construct a confidence interval for the tail index, one needs to estimate the complicated asymptotic variance of the tail index estimator, however. In this paper the asymptotic normality of the tail index estimator is first derived, and a profile empirical likelihood method to construct a confidence interval for the tail index is then proposed. A simulation study shows that the proposed empirical likelihood method works better than the bootstrap method in terms of coverage accuracy, especially when the process is nearly nonstationary.
Forest dynamics of a subtropical monsoon forest in Dinghushan, China: recruitment, mortality and the pace of community change
Authors: Shen Yong , Santiago Louis S. , Ma Lei , Lin Guo-Jun , Lian Ju-Yu , Cao Hong-Lin , Ye Wan-Hui
Published: February 2013

Structure and demographics in many tropical forests is changing, but the causes of these changes remain unclear. We studied 5 y (2005–2010) of species turnover, recruitment, mortality and population change data from a 20-ha subtropical forest plot in Dinghushan, China, to identify trends in forest change, and to test whether tree mortality is associated with intraspecific or interspecific competition. We found the Dinghushan forest to be more dynamic than one temperate and two tropical forests in a comparison of large, long-term forest dynamics plots. Within Dinghushan, size-class distributions were bell-shaped only for the three most dominant species and reverse J-shaped for other species. Bell-shaped population distributions can indicate a population in decline, but our data suggest that these large and long-lived species are not in decline because the pattern is driven by increasing probabilities of transition to larger size class with increasing size and fast growth in saplings. Spatially aggregated tree species distributions were common for surviving and dead individuals. Competitive associations were more frequently intraspecific than interspecific. The competition that induced tree mortality was more associated with intraspecific than interspecific interactions. Intraspecific competitive exclusion and density-dependence appear to play important roles in tree mortality in this subtropical forest.
Insights into the biology and phylogeny of Chloromonas polyptera (Chlorophyta), an alga causing orange snow in Maritime Antarctica
Authors: Remias Daniel , Wastian Hans , Lütz Cornelius , Leya Thomas
Published: February 2013

In Antarctica, mass accumulations of psychrophilic algae cause striking phenomena like green, orange, or red snow. This occurs during summer, when coastal snowfields start to melt, become waterlogged and photoautotrophs can thrive. Chloromonas polyptera (Fritsch) Hoham, Mullet & Roemer is a unicellular species that causes orange snow in the vicinity of penguin rockeries. It has been recognized for many decades because of the distinct habitat and the characteristic morphology of cysts with elongated flanges on the outer cell wall. However, closer investigations concerning the ecology or physiology have been sparse so far. Field material was collected from two sites on the Antarctic Peninsula to find out more about metabolic and cellular strategies. The results were compared with a closely related species from high alpine locations, Chloromonas nivalis (Chodat) Hoham & Mullet. Despite the geographical distance, C. polyptera shares several physiological strategies with the alpine relative, such as the formation of cyst stages, saccharose and glycerol as main soluble carbohydrates and the abundant accumulation of the carotenoid astaxanthin. Moreover, photosynthesis is adapted to temperatures of about 1°C. The molecular phylogeny confirmed a close relationship of C. polyptera to other Chloromonas species isolated from snow. Chloromonas polyptera seems to be exclusive to coastal Antarctic ecosystems influenced by animal nutrient input.
NOTES ON THE NAMES OF TWO SPECIES OF CAMPANULA (CAMPANULACEAE) VALIDATED BY R. H. BEDDOME
Authors: Turner I. M.
Published: February 2013

In 1907, R. H. Beddome published a list of the Campanula species found in cultivation. Until recently it has been overlooked that Beddome validated two species names in this publication. Campanula lacei Duthie ex Bedd. is a species from the Himalayas of North-West India. It is lectotypified here and shown to be a synonym of Adenophora himalayana Feer. One of the syntypes of this species was collected from the far west of Nepal, but Adenophora has been overlooked in recent enumerations of the flora of Nepal. Campanula pelia Haussk. ex Bedd. is a species from Thessaly, Greece, and is the correct name for the taxon variously referred to as Campanula andrewsii var. pelia Halácsy or Campanula thessala Maire.
BDNF parabrachio-amygdaloid pathway in morphine-induced analgesia
Authors: Sarhan Maysa , Pawlowski Sophie Anne , Barthas Florent , Yalcin Ipek , Kaufling Jennifer , Dardente Hugues , Zachariou Venetia , DiLeone Ralph Joseph , Barrot Michel , Veinante Pierre
Published: February 2013

In addition to its neurotrophic role, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in a wide array of functions, including anxiety and pain. The central amygdaloid nucleus (CeA) contains a high concentration of BDNF in terminals, originating from the pontine parabrachial nucleus. Since the spino-parabrachio-amygdaloid neural pathway is known to convey nociceptive information, we hypothesized a possible involvement of BDNF in supraspinal pain-related processes. To test this hypothesis, we generated localized deletion of BDNF in the parabrachial nucleus using local bilateral injections of adeno-associated viruses in adult floxed-BDNF mice. Basal thresholds of thermal and mechanical nociceptive responses were not altered by BDNF loss and no behavioural deficit was noticed in anxiety and motor tests. However, BDNF-deleted animals displayed a major decrease in the analgesic effect of morphine. In addition, intra-CeA injections of the BDNF scavenger TrkB-Fc in control mice also decreased morphine-induced analgesia. Finally, the number of c-Fos immunoreactive nuclei after acute morphine injection was decreased by 45% in the extended amygdala of BDNF-deleted animals. The absence of BDNF in the parabrachial nucleus thus altered the parabrachio-amygdaloid pathway. Overall, our study provides evidence that BDNF produced in the parabrachial nucleus modulates the functions of the parabrachio-amygdaloid pathway in opiate analgesia.
The aperiodic variability of the Ultraluminous X-ray source in NGC 5408
Authors: Caballero-Garcia M. D. , Motta S. E. , Belloni T. M. , Wolter A.
Published: February 2013

Ultra-Luminous X-ray sources are accreting black holes that might represent strong evidence of the Intermediate Mass Black Holes (IMBH), proposed to exist by theoretical studies but with no firm detection (as a class) so far. We analyze the best X-ray timing and spectral data from the ULX in NGC 5408 provided by XMM-Newton. The main goal is to study the broad-band noise variability of the source. We found an anti-correlation of the fractional root-mean square variability versus the intensity of the source, similar to black-hole binaries during hard states.
Coupling of the accretion disk and corona around black holes
Authors: Liu B. F.
Published: February 2013

The interaction between a hot corona and a cold thin disk can drive cold gas evaporating into the corona or hot gas condensing into the thin disk. The evaporation is caused by heat conduction downwards to the disk; while condensation is caused by overcooling of corona gas through inverse Compton scattering. Evaporation occurs at low accretion rates when the corona cannot efficiently radiate the viscous heat, thereby part of which is conducted down and heats up gas. Condensation occurs at high accretion rates when the Compton cooling of disk photons is strong enough to efficiently cool the corona gas. An important consequence of the evaporation is complete removal of the disk at a certain distances. In contrast, condensation can lead to a weak corona or complete collapse of the corona. This causes the observed transitions between various spectral states, at which the accretion flows are dominated respectively by ADAF, disk+ corona, and thin disk from low to high accretion rates, providing a natural explanation to the low, intermediate and high spectral states in BHXRBs, as well as their transitions. The same process can also be applied to accretion around supermassive black holes.
Constraining neutron star masses and radii using thermonuclear X-ray bursts
Authors: Miller M. Coleman , Boutloukos Stratos , Lo Ka Ho , Lamb Frederick K.
Published: February 2013

Precisely measured neutron star masses and especially radii would provide unique constraints on the properties of cold matter at several times nuclear density. Observations using the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer suggest that such measurements might be possible using thermonuclear X-ray bursts. Here we discuss the prospects for mass and radius constraints, with a particular focus on potential systematic errors.
Modelling the Late-time Hubble Space Telescope Imaging of the Outburst of the Recurrent Nova RS Ophiuchi (2006)
Authors: Ribeiro Valério A. R. M. , Bode Michael F. , Williams Robert
Published: February 2013

The nebular remnant of RS Ophiuchi was modelled using combined HST/ACS imaging and ground-based spectroscopy on day 155 after outburst as a two component bipolar expansion with a low velocity innermost hour-glass over density and a more extended high velocity dumbbell structure. The model was evolved to a much later date, day 455 after outburst, when second epoch HST images were secured. However, due to the lack of simultaneous ground-based spectroscopy the evolved model was much harder to constrain. One suggestion put forward was that the dumbbell structure expanded linearly while the inner hour-glass showed signs of deceleration. Archival data in the form of ground-based spectroscopy on day 415 were subsequently obtained. These new data suggest indeed that a non-linear expansion of the system occurred.
AGN Feedback Driven Molecular Outflow in NGC 1266
Authors: Alatalo K. , Nyland K. E. , Graves G. , Deustua S. , Wrobel J. , Young L. M. , Davis T. A. , Bureau M. , Bayet E. , Blitz L. , Bois M. , Bournaud F. , Cappellari M. , Davies R. L. , de Zeeuw P. T. , Emsellem E. , Khochfar S. , Krajnovic D. , Kuntschner H. , Martín S. , McDermid R. M. , Morganti R. , Naab T. , Sarzi M. , Scott N. , Serra P. , Weijmans A.
Published: February 2013

NGC 1266 is a nearby field galaxy observed as part of the ATLAS3D survey (Cappellari et al. 2011). NGC 1266 has been shown to host a compact (< 200 pc) molecular disk and a mass-loaded molecular outflow driven by the AGN (Alatalo et al. 2011). Very Long Basline Array (VLBA) observations at 1.65 GHz revealed a compact (diameter < 1.2 pc), high brightness temperature continuum source most consistent with a low-level AGN origin. The VLBA continuum source is positioned at the center of the molecular disk and may be responsible for the expulsion of molecular gas in NGC 1266. Thus, the candidate AGN-driven molecular outflow in NGC 1266 supports the picture in which AGNs do play a significant role in the quenching of star formation and ultimately the evolution of the red sequence of galaxies.
Modelling the structure of the hot components in symbiotic binaries during outbursts
Authors: Cariková Zuzana , Skopal Augustin
Published: February 2013

During outbursts in symbiotic binaries a neutral medium in the form of a flared disk develops around their hot stars. The appearance of the disks is most probably connected with the enhanced wind from the hot star. The wind is compressed towards the equatorial plane of the hot star due to its rotation. To test this idea we calculated the ionization boundaries in the enhanced wind and thus confirmed the possibility of the formation of the neutral disk-like zones around the hot stars in symbiotic binaries during outbursts.
Probing the stellar wind geometry in Vela X-1 with infrared interferometry
Authors: Choquet Élodie , Kervella Pierre , Le Bouquin Jean-Baptiste , Mérand Antoine , Haubois Xavier , Berger Jean-Philippe , Perrin Guy , Petrucci Pierre-Olivier , Lazareff Bernard , Millan-Gabet Rafael
Published: February 2013

High-mass X-ray Binaries (HMXBs) are keys to study stellar remnants that are otherwise extremely faint and difficult to observe when isolated. Vela X-1 is a well-known eclipsing HMXB composed of a very massive neutron star orbiting a B0.5I supergiant with a period of 9 days. The supergiant wind is the main feeding material for the accreting neutron star, and its properties are of prime interest to understand the physics at stakes in the accretion process.

In order to characterize the geometry and physical properties of the dense wind at a scale of a few stellar radii, we obtained infrared interferometric observations of Vela X-1 in 2010 using the VLTI/AMBER instrument in the K band (2.2 μm), and in 2012 using the VLTI/PIONIER instrument in the H band (1.6 μm).

Although the apparent disk of the supergiant and the orbital separation of the two objects are beyond the present resolution limit of the VLTI, the K-band observations partially resolve the wind envelope on the two longest baselines. We were able to measure the radius of 265±82 R⊙ for the circumstellar wind at a temperature of 1300 K, assuming a distance of 1.9 kpc. The H-band observations do not resolve the system, and we were able to set an upper limit of 112 R⊙ for the envelope radius at a temperature of 1800 K.
Jet-linked X-ray emission in radio-loud broad absorption line (BAL) quasars
Authors: Kunert-Bajraszewska M. , Katarzyński K. , Janiuk A. , Cegłowski M.
Published: February 2013

We have applied theoretical models to explain spectral energy distribution (SED) of three radio-loud broad absorption line (BAL) quasars: an extended hybrid object PG 1004+130 and two compact sources 1045+352 and 3C270.1. We calculate the emission from the very inner part of the sources which accounts for more than 90% of the observed X-ray radiation. In our analysis we consider a scenario in which the observed X-ray emission comes from the inverse-Compton (IC) scattering inside a jet and from the accretion disk corona. The compact objects 1045+352 and 3C270.1 are high-redshift quasars (z = 1.604 and 1.532 respectively), with strong radio cores. We argue that in the case of these two sources a non-thermal, inverse-Compton emission from the innermost parts of the jet can explain a large fraction of the observed X-ray emission. The large scale object PG 1004+130 with a peculiar radio morphology is a low-redshift (z = 0.24), lobe-dominated BAL quasar with a weak radio core. In this case simulated inverse-Compton X-ray emission of the jet is relatively low. However, the corona emission appears strong enough to explain the observed X-ray spectrum of this object.
The Evolution of Cataclysmic Variables
Authors: Li Lifang , Zhang Fenghui , Han Zhanwen
Published: February 2013

Using Eggletons code the evolution of cataclysmic variables (CVs) is investigated. CVs might suffer the loss of mass and angular momentum during their evolution, we present the models of CVs with mass loss and angular momentum loss (AML) due to gravitation wave radiation (GR) and/or magnetic braking (MB). It is found that the loss of mass and angular momentum has significant influence on the evolution of CVs, and that the change of the star structure or their atmosphere properties is a possible mechanism which underlies a sudden change in the rate of AML owing to MB.
The energy source of the most energetic giant outbursts in MS 0735 + 7421
Authors: Li Shuang-Liang
Published: February 2013

In this work, we investigate the power source of the most energetic giant outbursts in MS 0735 + 7421, which released ~ 1062 erg of energy. Due to the very high mean jet power in the cavities (Pjet/LEdd ~ 0.02), we produce several jet formation models based on a relativistic thin disk model, i.e., general BP + BZ mechanisms (model A), Livio's (model B) and Meier's (model C) model, to explain the giant outbursts in AGNs. It is found that the energy provided by both model B and model C are inadequate for an initial black hole spin a0 ~ 0.1, only model A can explain the most violent outbursts in MS 0735 + 7421. But if the initial black hole spin a0 ~ 0.95, model B can also blow up the cavity. The final spin of the black hole is found to be very high in spite of the initial spin.
VLBA Polarimetry of GPS Quasar OQ172
Authors: Liu Y. , Jiang D. R. , Gu M. F.
Published: February 2013

We present a study of the VLBA polarimetry of GHz-Peaked Spectrum (GPS) quasar OQ172. GPS quasar OQ172 is one of the source with the extremely highest rest-frame rotation measure (RM > 20,000 rad/m2). By analyzed our of VLBA polarimetry observation, we found the Rotation Measure on C & X band would be well fitted by linear relationship of the square of λ2. Combined other evidences of physical environment in the core of OQ172, we suggest that this source might be a young AGN.
Statistical study of isolated and non-isolated AGNs in the Local Universe
Authors: Pulatova Nadiia , Vavilova Irina , Berczik Peter
Published: February 2013

We present the main results of statistical study of general properties of isolated AGN hosts and AGN hosts in pairs at z<0.05 as concerns with the environmental influence on the nuclear galaxy activity. With this aim we compiled the sample of 61 isolated AGNs selected from 2MIG Catalog and Catalog Veron+2010, and the sample of 109 AGNs in pairs selected from NED database.

We found a significant excess content of Sy 2 type galaxies in comparison with Sy 1 type galaxies in both samples (44% and 11% among isolated AGNs, 48% and 6% among AGNs in pairs, respectively). Isolated AGN hosts of all spectral types are located, in average, at the more far distances and have a more complicated structure than AGNs in pairs as well as they are mostly of late morphological types. Our statistical analysis shows that the observed nuclear activity of isolated 2MIG AGNs during last 3 billions years and more, first of all, is connected with the internal galaxy parameters (relative mass/size, dark/visible matter content, multi-wavelength properties of gas-dust medium in accretion disks, tor's structure, central black hole mass etc.).
The structure and emission of an inner disk and a corona in the low/hard state
Authors: Qiao Erlin , Liu Bifang
Published: February 2013

Recent observations reveal that a cool disk may survive in the innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO) for some black hole X-ray binaries in the low/hard state. The spectrum is characterized by a power law with a photon index Γ ~ 1.5-2.1 in the range of 2-10 keV and a weak disk component with temperature of ~ 0.2 keV. The formation of such a cool disk in the most inner region of black hole X-ray binaries at the low/hard state is investigated within the framework of disk accretion fed by condensation of hot corona. We also calculate the emergent spectra of the inner disk and corona. It's found that our model can very well explain the spectral features of GX 339-4 and Cyg X-1, in which the thin disk may exist at ISCO in the low/hard state.
Jet-cloud Interaction in the Nuclear Region of NGC 1068
Authors: Wang J. f.
Published: February 2013

We examine the innermost 100 parsec scale region of the Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 1068 using a high spatial resolution X-ray image obtained with the Chandra X-ray Observatory, which allows comparison between X-ray emission clumps, optical narrow line ([OIII]) clouds and sub-arcsecond scale radio jet. Based on the combined X-ray, [OIII], and radio continuum morphology, we identify the locations of intense radio jet-cloud interaction. The [OIII] to soft X-ray ratios show that some of these clouds are strongly affected by shock heating. We estimate that the kinematic luminosity of the jet-driven shocks is 6 × 1038 erg s−1.
Luminosity Distribution of Gamma-ray Burst Optical Afterglows
Authors: Wang X. G. , Liang E. W. , Li L. , Wei J. J. , Zhang B.
Published: February 2013

We derive the optical afterglow luminosity distributions at different epoches for gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) from a sample of 146 GRBs that have a well-sampled optical afterglow lightcurve, then explore the luminosity function of GRB optical afterglows using the Monte Carlo simulation. We show that an intrinsic broken power-law luminosity function can well reproduced the observed magnitude distributions.
The radio jet of ultra-high-energy peaked BL Lac objects(UHBLs)
Authors: Wu Zhongzu , Jiang Dongrong , Gu Minfeng
Published: February 2013

By using our one-epoch EVN+Merlin data and some archived VLBA data, we present the radio properties of 9 ultra-high-energy synchrotron peak BL Lacs (UHBLs) selected as all BL Lacs with log (νpeak/Hz)>20 from Nieppola et al. . Our results support that UHBLs might be the less Doppler beamed versions of HBLs with similar jet power.
Progenitors of Magnetars and Hyperaccreting Magnetized Disks
Authors: Xie Y. , Zhang S. N.
Published: February 2013

We propose that a magnetar could be formed during the core collapse of massive stars or coalescence of two normal neutron stars, through collecting and inheriting the magnetic fields magnified by hyperaccreting disk. After the magnetar is born, its dipole magnetic fields in turn have a major influence on the following accretion. The decay of its toroidal field can fuel the persistent X-ray luminosity of either an SGR or AXP; however the decay of only the poloidal field is insufficient to do so.
Dispersal in microbes: fungi in indoor air are dominated by outdoor air and show dispersal limitation at short distances
Authors: Adams Rachel I , Miletto Marzia , Taylor John W , Bruns Thomas D
Published: February 2013

The indoor microbiome is a complex system that is thought to depend on dispersal from the outdoor biome and the occupants’ microbiome combined with selective pressures imposed by the occupants’ behaviors and the building itself. We set out to determine the pattern of fungal diversity and composition in indoor air on a local scale and to identify processes behind that pattern. We surveyed airborne fungal assemblages within 1-month time periods at two seasons, with high replication, indoors and outdoors, within and across standardized residences at a university housing facility. Fungal assemblages indoors were diverse and strongly determined by dispersal from outdoors, and no fungal taxa were found as indicators of indoor air. There was a seasonal effect on the fungi found in both indoor and outdoor air, and quantitatively more fungal biomass was detected outdoors than indoors. A strong signal of isolation by distance existed in both outdoor and indoor airborne fungal assemblages, despite the small geographic scale in which this study was undertaken (<500 m). Moreover, room and occupant behavior had no detectable effect on the fungi found in indoor air. These results show that at the local level, outdoor air fungi dominate the patterning of indoor air. More broadly, they provide additional support for the growing evidence that dispersal limitation, even on small geographic scales, is a key process in structuring the often-observed distance–decay biogeographic pattern in microbial communities.