bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Credit Rating as a Mechanism for Capital Structure Optimization: Empirical Evidence from Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Sajjad Faiza , Zakaria Muhammad
Published: January 2018

This paper empirically examines the significance of credit ratings for optimal capital structure decisions. Non-financial Asian listed companies, evaluated by Standard and Poor’s, are selected from 2000 to 2016. Panel data analysis with pooled ordinary least square (OLS), fixed effect (FE), and generalized method of moment (GMM) estimation techniques are employed to test the effect of each credit rating scale on capital structure choices. For the problem of heteroskedasticity in OLS, the heteroskedastic white consistent variance is used for the best fit of the model. Findings of all estimation techniques show that the relationship between credit rating scales and leverage ratio is a non-linear inverted U shape. High- and low-rated companies have a low level of leverage, whereas mid-rated companies have a high level of leverage. It is evident that costs and benefits of each rating scale have a substantial effect on the behavior of a company’s choices for optimal capital structure. The study suggests that policymakers, investors, and financial officers should consider credit rating as an important measure of financing decisions.
Mitochondrial BK Channel Openers CGS7181 and CGS7184 Exhibit Cytotoxic Properties
Authors: Augustynek Bartłomiej , Koprowski Piotr , Rotko Daria , Kunz Wolfram , Szewczyk Adam , Kulawiak Bogusz
Published: January 2018

Potassium channel openers (KCOs) have been shown to play a role in cytoprotection through the activation of mitochondrial potassium channels. Recently, in several reports, a number of data has been described as off-target actions for KCOs. In the present study, we investigated the effects of BKCa channel openers CGS7181, CGS7184, NS1619, and NS004 in neuronal cells. For the purpose of this research, we used a rat brain, the mouse hippocampal HT22 cells, and the human astrocytoma U-87 MG cell line. We showed that CGS7184 activated the mitochondrial BKCa (mitoBKCa) channel in single-channel recordings performed on astrocytoma mitoplasts. Moreover, when applied to the rat brain homogenate or isolated rat brain mitochondria, CGS7184 increased the oxygen consumption rate, and can thus be considered a potentially cytoprotective agent. However, experiments on intact neuronal HT22 cells revealed that both CGS7181 and CGS7184 induced HT22 cell death in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. By contrast, we did not observe cell death when NS1619 or NS004 was applied. CGS7184 toxicity was not abolished by BKCa channel inhibitors, suggesting that the observed effects were independent of a BKCa-type channel activity. CGS7184 treatment resulted in an increase of cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration that likely involved efflux from internal calcium stores and the activation of calpains (calcium-dependent proteases). The cytotoxic effect of the channel opener was partially reversed by a calpain inhibitor. Our data show that KCOs under study not only activate mitoBKCa channels from brain tissue, but also induce cell death when used in cellular models.
Innovative Clinical Perspectives for CIK Cells in Cancer Patients
Authors: Introna Martino , Correnti Fabio
Published: January 2018

Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells are T lymphocytes that have acquired, in vitro, following extensive manipulation by Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), OKT3 and Interleukin 2 (IL-2) addition, the expression of several Natural Killer (NK) cell-surface markers. CIK cells have a dual “nature”, due to the presence of functional TCR as well as NK molecules, even if the antitumoral activity can be traced back only to the NK-like structures (DNAM-1, NKG2D, NKp30 and CD56). In addition to antineoplastic activity in vitro and in several in-vivo models, CIK cells show very limited, if any, GvHD toxicity as well as a strong intratumoral homing. For all such reasons, CIK cells have been proposed and tested in many clinical trials in cancer patients both in autologous and allogeneic combinations, up to haploidentical mismatching. Indeed, genetic modification of CIK cells as well as the possibility of combining them with specific monoclonal antibodies will further expand the possibility of their clinical utilization.
Internet of Tangible Things (IoTT): Challenges and Opportunities for Tangible Interaction with IoT
Authors: Angelini Leonardo , Mugellini Elena , Abou Khaled Omar , Couture Nadine
Published: January 2018

In the Internet of Things era, an increasing number of everyday objects are able to offer innovative services to the user. However, most of these devices provide only smartphone or web user interfaces. As a result, the interaction is disconnected from the physical world, decreasing the user experience and increasing the risk of user alienation from the physical world. We argue that tangible interaction can counteract this trend and this article discusses the potential benefits and the still open challenges of tangible interaction applied to the Internet of Things. After an analysis of open challenges for Human-Computer Interaction in IoT, we summarize current trends in tangible interaction and extrapolate eight tangible interaction properties that could be exploited for designing novel interactions with IoT objects. Through a systematic review of tangible interaction applied to IoT, we show what has been already explored in the systems that pioneered the field and the future explorations that still have to be conducted. In order to guide future work in this field, we propose a design card set for supporting the generation of tangible interfaces for IoT objects. The card set has been evaluated during a workshop with 21 people and the results are discussed.
Sterically Bulky NHC Adducts of GaMe3 and InMe3 for H2 Activation and Lactide Polymerization
Authors: Bolley Anaëlle , Schnee Gilles , Thévenin Lucas , Jacques Béatrice , Dagorne Samuel
Published: January 2018

The sterically bulky Ga(III) and In(III) (IPr*)MMe3 adducts (1 and 2) and (SItBu)MMe3 adducts (3 and 4) (M = Ga, In; IPr* = 1,3-bis{2,6-bis(diphenylmethyl)-4-methylphenyl}-1,3-dihydro- imidazol-2-ylidene; SItBu = 1,3-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-imidazolidin-2-ylidene) were prepared and structurally characterized, allowing an estimation of the steric hindrance of such Lewis pairs (yields in 1–4: 92%, 90%, 73%, and 42%, respectively). While the IPr* adducts 1 and 2 are robust species, the more severely congested SItBu adducts 3 and 4 are more reactive and exhibit a limited stability in solution. Adduct (SItBu)GaMe3 (3) reacts quickly with H2 at room temperature to afford the corresponding aminal product, 1,3-di-tert-butylimidazolidine (5), along with free GaMe3. Such Frustrated Lewis Pair (FLP) reactivity constitutes the first instance of a H2 activation involving a simple trialkyl GaR3 species. Adduct 3 also mediates the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of rac-lactide at room temperature to afford cyclic polylactide (PLA).
Inexpensive Piezoelectric Elements for Nozzle Contact Detection and Build Platform Leveling in FFF 3D Printers
Authors: Simpson Michael , Khoury Simon
Published: January 2018

Inexpensive piezoelectric diaphragms can be used as sensors to facilitate both nozzle height setting and build platform leveling in Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printers. Tests simulating nozzle contact are conducted to establish the available output and an output of greater than 8 Volts found at 20 °C, a value which is readily detectable by simple electronic circuits. Tests are also conducted at a temperature of 80 °C and, despite a reduction of greater than 80% in output voltage, this is still detectable. The reliability of piezoelectric diaphragms is investigated by mechanically stressing samples over 100,000 cycles at both 20 and 80 °C, and little loss of output over the test duration is found. The development of a nozzle contact sensor using a single piezoelectric diaphragm is described.
Novel Spreadsheet Direct Method for Optimal Control Problems
Authors: Ghaddar Chahid
Published: January 2018

We devise a simple yet highly effective technique for solving general optimal control problems in Excel spreadsheets. The technique exploits Excel’s native nonlinear programming (NLP) Solver Command, in conjunction with two calculus worksheet functions, namely, an initial value problem solver and a discrete data integrator, in a direct solution paradigm adapted to the spreadsheet. The technique is tested on several highly nonlinear constrained multivariable control problems with remarkable results in terms of reliability, consistency with pseudo-spectral reported answers, and computing times in the order of seconds. The technique requires no more than defining a few analogous formulas to the problem mathematical equations using basic spreadsheet operations, and no programming skills are needed. It introduces an alternative, simpler tool for solving optimal control problems in social and natural science disciplines.
Estimation of Fracture Loads in AL7075-T651 Notched Specimens Using the Equivalent Material Concept Combined with the Strain Energy Density Criterion and with the Theory of Critical Distances
Authors: Fuentes Juan , Cicero Sergio , Berto Filippo , Torabi Ali , Madrazo Virginia , Azizi Payman
Published: January 2018

The main goal of this paper is the application of the Strain Energy Density (SED) criterion and the Theory of Critical Distances (TCD), both of them in combination with the Equivalent Material Concept (EMC), to predict the fracture loads of aluminum alloy Al7075-T651 Compact Tension (CT) specimens containing U-shaped notches. For this purpose, 45 fracture tests were performed combining two rolling orientations (transverse and longitudinal) and 6 notch radii, which cover from crack-type defects (0 mm) up to 2 mm-notch radius. Crack-type specimens are used to define the fracture properties of the material and the rest of the tests are used to check and compare the experimental fracture loads with the loads predicted using the different aforementioned criteria: SED, EMC-SED and EMC-TCD. The theoretical results of the fracture load predictions for the virtual brittle material obtained employing the EMC are in good agreement with the experimental results reported for real samples.
Microstructure Evolution of a Ti-45Al-8.5Nb-0.2W-0.2B-0.02Y Alloy during Massive Transformation and Subsequent Annealing
Authors: Song Lin , Wang Chunqing , Xue Xiangyi , Xu Yong , Zhang Tiebang , Li Jinshan
Published: January 2018

It has been widely reported that the microstructure refinement of TiAl alloys can be achieved by massive transformation and subsequent annealing in α2 + γ two phase field. To achieve this goal, several heat treatment parameters must be adjusted, including the heat treatment temperature around single α phase field, the annealing temperature, and the annealing time for the precipitation of α2 phase. Thus, a systematic study is needed for each alloy with different compositions. In this study, the heat treatment parameters for grain refinement via massive transformation of a high Nb-containing TiAl are investigated. Precipitation of α2 phase during annealing is observed by transmission electron microscopy. It is found that 30 min at single α phase field is appropriate for the massive transformation; a full, massively transformed microstructure cannot be obtained by oil or water quenching. A short annealing time can result in a refined microstructure, whereas the sizes of the precipitated α2 phase increases with the increase of annealing time. The α2 phase can form at the interface of twin boundaries of the γ phase, following the Blackburn orientation relationship with both sides. The Vickers hardness is measured for the annealed samples, which remains relatively stable for different annealing times.
Pyrite Decay of Large Fossils: The Case Study of the Hall of Palms in Padova, Italy
Authors: Becherini Francesca , Del Favero Letizia , Fornasiero Mariagabriella , Guastoni Alessandro , Bernardi Adriana
Published: January 2018

Pyrite decay is arguably the major problem in geological and palaeontological conservation, as it can cause total destruction in valuable specimens. Various methods have been devised since the 19th century to treat and prevent it with different degrees of success. Nevertheless, the conservation of large fossils at risk of pyrite decay remains an unsolved issue, because a feasible method for maintaining them in a controlled microclimate that is suitable for specimens on public display has remained elusive. This paper describes the study carried out to investigate the alterations that developed in a large fossil palm of the collection of the Museum of Geology and Palaeontology in Padova (Italy), already treated for pyrite decay several years before. Results of X-ray powder diffraction and Raman spectroscopy performed on samples collected from that fossil palm confirmed that the alterations were due to pyrite decay. The microclimate indoors (inside showcases and in the Hall itself) and outdoors was monitored for one year to investigate its possible relation with the damage observed. The measured thermo-hygrometric conditions exceeded the recommended thresholds for the prevention of pyrite oxidation and indicated the fossils were at high risk of damage from that process. This study demonstrates that treatment alone is not sufficient for the conservation of fossils at risk of pyrite decay and that it can be ineffective without a proper management of the microclimatic conditions under which the fossils are preserved.
Recent Advances in Nanoporous Membranes for Water Purification
Authors: Wang Zhuqing , Wu Aiguo , Colombi Ciacchi Lucio , Wei Gang
Published: January 2018

Nanoporous materials exhibit wide applications in the fields of electrocatalysis, nanodevice fabrication, energy, and environmental science, as well as analytical science. In this review, we present a summary of recent studies on nanoporous membranes for water purification application. The types and fabrication strategies of various nanoporous membranes are first introduced, and then the fabricated nanoporous membranes for removing various water pollutants, such as salt, metallic ions, anions, nanoparticles, organic chemicals, and biological substrates, are demonstrated and discussed. This work will be valuable for readers to understand the design and fabrication of various nanoporous membranes, and their potential purification mechanisms towards different water pollutants. In addition, it will be helpful for developing new nanoporous materials for quick, economic, and high-performance water purification.
What Constitutes Traditional and Modern Eating? The Case of Japan
Authors: Sproesser Gudrun , Imada Sumio , Furumitsu Isato , Rozin Paul , Ruby Matthew , Arbit Naomi , Fischler Claude , Schupp Harald , Renner Britta
Published: January 2018

Traditional Japanese dietary culture might be a factor contributing to the high life expectancy in Japan. As little is known about what constitutes traditional and modern eating in Japan, the aims of the current study were to (1) comprehensively compile and systematize the various facets of traditional and modern eating; and (2) investigate whether these facets also apply to traditional and modern eating in Japan. In Study 1, an extensive international literature review was performed. Forty-five facets of traditional and modern eating were compiled and systematized into the dimensions of what and how people eat, and into eleven separate subdimensions. In Study 2, 340 adults from Japan answered a questionnaire. Results showed that traditional and modern eating in Japan is reflected in both what and how people eat. Within these two dimensions, ten subdimensions were found: the ingredients, processing, temporal origin, spatial origin, and variety of consumed foods, as well as temporal, spatial, and social aspects, appreciation, and concerns when eating. This study provides a broad compilation of facets of traditional and modern eating in Japan. Future research should investigate how these facets are related to life expectancy and health.
Effects of Glutamine and Alanine Supplementation on Central Fatigue Markers in Rats Submitted to Resistance Training
Authors: Coqueiro Audrey , Raizel Raquel , Bonvini Andrea , Hypólito Thaís , Godois Allan , Pereira Jéssica , Garcia Amanda , Lara Rafael , Rogero Marcelo , Tirapegui Julio
Published: January 2018

Recent evidence suggests that increased brain serotonin synthesis impairs performance in high-intensity intermittent exercise and specific amino acids may modulate this condition, delaying fatigue. This study investigated the effects of glutamine and alanine supplementation on central fatigue markers in rats submitted to resistance training (RT). Wistar rats were distributed in: sedentary (SED), trained (CON), trained and supplemented with alanine (ALA), glutamine and alanine in their free form (G + A), or as dipeptide (DIP). Trained groups underwent a ladder-climbing exercise for eight weeks, with progressive loads. In the last 21 days, supplementations were offered in water with a 4% concentration. Albeit without statistically significance difference, RT decreased liver glycogen, and enhanced the concentrations of plasma glucose, free fatty acids (FFA), hypothalamic serotonin, and ammonia in muscle and the liver. Amino acids affected fatigue parameters depending on the supplementation form. G + A prevented the muscle ammonia increase by RT, whereas ALA and DIP augmented ammonia and glycogen concentrations in muscle. DIP also increased liver ammonia. ALA and G + A reduced plasma FFA, whereas DIP increased this parameter, free tryptophan/total tryptophan ratio, hypothalamic serotonin, and the serotonin/dopamine ratio. The supplementations did not affect physical performance. In conclusion, glutamine and alanine may improve or impair central fatigue markers depending on their supplementation form.
Food Acquisition through Private and Public Social Networks and Its Relationship with Household Food Security among Various Socioeconomic Statuses in South Korea
Authors: Park Sohyun , Kim Kirang
Published: January 2018

This study was conducted to understand food acquisition practices from social networks and its relationship with household food security. In-depth interviews and a survey on food security were conducted with twenty-nine mothers and one father in metropolitan areas of South Korea. Many families acquired food from their extended families, mainly participants’ mothers. Between low-income and non-low-income households, there was a pattern of more active sharing of food through private networks among non-low-income households. Most of the low-income households received food support from public social networks, such as government and charity institutions. Despite the assistance, most of them perceived food insecurity. We hypothesized that the lack of private social support may exacerbate the food security status of low-income households, despite formal food assistance from government and social welfare institutions. Interviews revealed that certain food items were perceived as lacking, such as animal-based protein sources and fresh produce, which are relatively expensive in this setting. Future programs should consider what would alleviate food insecurity among low-income households and determine the right instruments and mode of resolving the unmet needs. Future research could evaluate the quantitative relationship between private resources and food insecurity in households with various income statuses.
Recent Achievements of Self-Healing Graphene/Polymer Composites
Authors: Du Yongxu , Li Dong , Liu Libin , Gai Guangjie
Published: January 2018

Self-healing materials have attracted much attention because that they possess the ability to increase the lifetime of materials and reduce the total cost of systems during the process of long-term use; incorporation of functional material enlarges their applications. Graphene, as a promising additive, has received great attention due to its large specific surface area, ultrahigh conductivity, strong antioxidant characteristics, thermal stability, high thermal conductivity, and good mechanical properties. In this brief review, graphene-containing polymer composites with self-healing properties are summarized including their preparations, self-healing conditions, properties, and applications. In addition, future perspectives of graphene/polymer composites are briefly discussed.
Religionization of Public Space: Symbolic Struggles and Beyond—The Case of Ex-Yugoslav Societies
Authors: Gavrilovic Danijela , Đorđević Dragoljub
Published: January 2018

The relationship between religious communities and states in the former Yugoslavia is burdened with socialist heritage, but also with conflicts that ensued after the downfall of the socialist regimes. Although the majority of these countries are defined as secular, the struggles have not abated. Following the war conflicts, these struggles moved to the political and symbolic level. The formal and informal influence of religious institutions on the secular state and society continues. Since these countries are formally defined as secular and they strive to join the EU, which supports the separation between church(es) and religious communities and the state, with cooperation based on mutual independence and respect, legal solutions are biased towards acknowledging these principles. Nevertheless, the public sphere has become a battlefield in which public space is being occupied, and a particular way of life and values is imposed. The dynamics of symbolic and other struggles in former Yugoslav countries differ as a consequence of different powers and the relationships between specific religious communities within a state. This paper aims to examine the present religionization of public space that has been taking place, despite the fact that the states in question have been declared as secular (Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia).
Inter-Comparison and Evaluation of Remote Sensing Precipitation Products over China from 2005 to 2013
Authors: Zeng Qiaolin , Wang Yongqian , Chen Liangfu , Wang Zifeng , Zhu Hao , Li Bin
Published: January 2018

Precipitation is a key aspect of the climate system. In this paper, the dependability of five satellite precipitation products (TRMM [Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission] 3BV42, PERSIANN [Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks] CDR, GSMaP [Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation] RENALYSIS, CMORPH [Climate Prediction Center’s morphing technique] BLD and CMORPH_RAW) were compared with in situ measurements over China for the period of 2005 to 2013. To completely evaluate these precipitation products, the annual, seasonal and monthly precipitation averages were calculated. Overall, the Huaihe River and Qinlin mountains are shown to have heavy precipitation to the southeast and lighter precipitation to the northwest. The comparison results indicate that Gauge correction (CMORPH_BLD) improves the quality of the original satellite products (CMORPH_RAW), resulting in the higher correlation coefficient (CC), the low relative bias (BIAS) and root mean square error (RMSE). Over China, the GSMaP_RENALYSIS outperforms other products and shows the highest CC (0.91) and lowest RMSE (0.85 mm/day) and all products except for PERSIANN_CDR exhibit underestimation. GSMaP_RENALYSIS gives the highest of probability of detection (81%), critical success index (63%) and lowest false alarm ratio (36%) while TRMM3BV42 gives the highest of frequency bias index (1.00). Over Tibetan Plateau, CMORPH_RAW demonstrates the poorest performance with the biggest BIAS (4.2 mm/month) and lowest CC (0.22) in December 2013. GSMaP_RENALYSIS displays quite consistent with in situ measurements in summer. However, GSMaP_RENALYSIS and CMORPH_RAW underestimate precipitation over South China. CMORPH_BLD and TRMM3BV42 show consistent with high CC (>0.8) but relatively large RMSE in summer.
Development of Low Parasitic Light Sensitivity and Low Dark Current 2.8 μm Global Shutter Pixel
Authors: Yokoyama Toshifumi , Tsutsui Masafumi , Suzuki Masakatsu , Nishi Yoshiaki , Mizuno Ikuo , Lahav Assaf
Published: January 2018

We developed a low parasitic light sensitivity (PLS) and low dark current 2.8 μm global shutter pixel. We propose a new inner lens design concept to realize both low PLS and high quantum efficiency (QE). 1/PLS is 7700 and QE is 62% at a wavelength of 530 nm. We also propose a new storage-gate based memory node for low dark current. P-type implants and negative gate biasing are introduced to suppress dark current at the surface of the memory node. This memory node structure shows the world smallest dark current of 9.5 e−/s at 60 °C.
Behavior Drift Detection Based on Anomalies Identification in Home Living Quantitative Indicators
Authors: Veronese Fabio , Masciadri Andrea , Comai Sara , Matteucci Matteo , Salice Fabio
Published: January 2018

Home Automation and Smart Homes diffusion are providing an interesting opportunity to implement elderly monitoring. This is a new valid technological support to allow in-place aging of seniors by means of a detection system to notify potential anomalies. Monitoring has been implemented by means of Complex Event Processing on live streams of home automation data: this allows the analysis of the behavior of the house inhabitant through quantitative indicators. Different kinds of quantitative indicators for monitoring and behavior drift detection have been identified and implemented using the Esper complex event processing engine. The chosen solution permits us not only to exploit the queries when run “online”, but enables also “offline” (re-)execution for testing and a posteriori analysis. Indicators were developed on both real world data and on realistic simulations. Tests were made on a dataset of 180 days: the obtained results prove that it is possible to evidence behavior changes for an evaluation of a person’s condition.
Vision Rehabilitation is Part of AMD Care
Authors: Colenbrander August
Published: January 2018

AMD does not just affect the retina. It severely affects people’s lives. Paying attention to this aspect will only become more important as the population ages and more otherwise healthy individuals become affected. This paper will discuss the need for teamwork to overcome the difference between medical care, which addresses the causes of AMD, and rehabilitative care, which addresses the consequences. Different aspects and different degrees of vision loss ask for different interventions. Loss of detailed vision can be addressed by a wide variety of magnification devices. The means to address this aspect are well recognized. Surround vision is largely processed pre-attentively. Its loss cannot be remediated by devices, but must be addressed through patient education to bring previously subconscious reactions to conscious awareness. Loss of contrast vision is an aspect that is not sufficiently studied. It is important for early detection, and for the safety of the patient. When the eye condition cannot be modified, environmental modifications provide the most effective remediation.
Le Grand Genève vu du Reculet ou du Salève. Causes et processus de production de paysages différenciés
Authors: Tranda-Pittion Michèle
Published: January 2018

Seen from the summit of the Reculet or the Salève, the "Great Geneva" is perceived as a coherent geographical whole. But the more the gaze arises and refines, the more nuances appear, allowing even to guess the frontier here and there. This article attempts to decipher the links between the perceptible landscape – in all its nuances – and the diversified production processes of the city and the rural space.
Isotopic and Chemical Evidence for Primitive Aqueous Alteration in the Tagish Lake Meteorite
Authors: Sakuma Keisuke , Hidaka Hiroshi , Yoneda Shigekazu
Published: January 2018

Aqueous alteration is one of the primitive activities that occurred on meteorite parent bodies in the early solar system. The Tagish Lake meteorite is known to show an intense parent body aqueous alteration signature. In this study, quantitative analyses of the alkaline elements and isotopic analyses of Sr and Ba from acid leachates of TL (C2-ungrouped) were performed to investigate effects of aqueous alteration. The main purpose of this study is to search for isotopic evidence of extinct 135Cs from the Ba isotopic analyses in the chemical separates from the Tagish Lake meteorite. Barium isotopic data from the leachates show variable 135Ba isotopic anomalies (ε = −2.6 ∼ +3.6) which correlatewith 137Ba and 138Ba suggesting a heterogeneous distribution of s- and r-rich nucleosynthetic components in the early solar system. The 87Rb–87Sr and 135Cs–135Ba decay systems on TL in this study do not provide any chronological information. The disturbance of the TL chronometers is likely a reflection of the selective dissolution of Cs and Rb given the relatively higher mobility of Cs and Rb compared to Ba and Sr, respectively, during fluid mineral interactions.
On the Dispersal of Young Stellar Hierarchies
Authors: Elmegreen Bruce G.
Published: January 2018

Hierarchical structure in young star fields has been demonstrated in a variety of ways, including two-point correlation functions (TPCFs) that are power laws for spatial scales up to at least several hundred parsecs. As the stars age, this power law decreases in slope until it becomes nearly flat at ∼100 Myr, at which point the hierarchical structure has disappeared. The fact that the TPCF remains nearly a power law during this time implies that the dispersal mechanism is somewhat independent of scale. This rules out dispersal by random stellar motions at either the local gas turbulent speed or a constant speed, because in both cases the hierarchy would disappear at small scales first, causing the TPCF to bend over. Destruction by shear has the right property, as the shear rate in a galaxy is independent of scale for kiloparsec-size regions, but shear converts the hierarchy into an azimuthal stream, which still has a power-law TPCF. What does explain the observation is the overlapping of several independent hierarchies from successive generations of star formation in the same region. If stellar age is determined from magnitude intervals on the main sequence of a color–magnitude diagram, or if cluster ages are grouped together logarithmically into bins, then multiple generations will overlap more and more as the grouped populations age, and this overlap will lower the spatial correlations between group members. Models of these processes illustrate their relative roles in removing the appearance of young stellar hierarchies.
The HST Large Programme on ω Centauri. II. Internal Kinematics
Authors: Bellini Andrea , Libralato Mattia , Bedin Luigi R. , Milone Antonino P. , Marel Roeland P. van der , Anderson Jay , Apai Dániel , Burgasser Adam J. , Marino Anna F. , Rees Jon M.
Published: January 2018

In this second installment of the series, we look at the internal kinematics of the multiple stellar populations of the globular cluster ω Centauri in one of the parallel Hubble Space Telescope (HST) fields, located at about 3.5 half-light radii from the center of the cluster. Thanks to the over 15 yr long baseline and the exquisite astrometric precision of the HST cameras, well-measured stars in our proper-motion catalog have errors as low as ∼10 μas yr−1, and the catalog itself extends to near the hydrogen-burning limit of the cluster. We show that second-generation (2G) stars are significantly more radially anisotropic than first-generation (1G) stars. The latter are instead consistent with an isotropic velocity distribution. In addition, 1G stars have excess systemic rotation in the plane of the sky with respect to 2G stars. We show that the six populations below the main-sequence (MS) knee identified in our first paper are associated with the five main population groups recently isolated on the upper MS in the core of cluster. Furthermore, we find both 1G and 2G stars in the field to be far from being in energy equipartition, with

for the former and

for the latter, where η is defined so that the velocity dispersion

scales with stellar mass as

. The kinematical differences reported here can help constrain the formation mechanisms for the multiple stellar populations in ω Centauri and other globular clusters. We make our astro-photometric catalog publicly available.
The Star–Planet Connection. I. Using Stellar Composition to Observationally Constrain Planetary Mineralogy for the 10 Closest Stars*
Authors: Hinkel Natalie R. , Unterborn Cayman T.
Published: January 2018

The compositions of stars and planets are connected, but the definition of “habitability” and the “habitable zone” only take into account the physical relationship between the star and planet. Planets, however, are made truly habitable by both chemical and physical processes that regulate climatic and geochemical cycling between atmosphere, surface, and interior reservoirs. Despite this, an “Earth-like” planet is often defined as a planet made of a mixture of rock and Fe that is roughly 1 Earth-density. To understand the interior of a terrestrial planet, the stellar abundances of planet-building elements (e.g., Mg, Si, and Fe) can be used as a proxy for the planet’s composition. We explore the planetary mineralogy and structure for fictive planets around the 10 stars closest to the Sun using stellar abundances from the Hypatia Catalog. Although our sample contains stars that are both sub- and super-solar in their abundances, we find that the mineralogies are very similar for all 10 planets—since the error or spread in the stellar abundances create significant degeneracy in the models. We show that abundance uncertainties need to be on the order of [Fe/H] < 0.02 dex, [Si/H] < 0.01 dex, [Al/H] < 0.002 dex, while [Mg/H] and [Ca/H] < 0.001 dex in order to distinguish two unique planetary populations in our sample of 10 stars. While these precisions are high, we believe that they are possible given certain abundance techniques, in addition to methodological transparency, that have recently been demonstrated in the literature. However, without these precisions, the uncertainty in planetary structures will be so high that we will be unable to confidently state that a planet is like the Earth, or unlike anything we have ever seen.
The Dusty Galactic Center as Seen by SCUBA-2
Authors: Parsons H. , Dempsey J. T. , Thomas H. S. , Berry D. , Currie M. J. , Friberg P. , Wouterloot J. G. A. , Chrysostomou A. , Graves S. , Tilanus R. P. J. , Bell G. S. , Rawlings M. G.
Published: January 2018

We present new JCMT SCUBA-2 observations of the Galactic Center region from

and

, covering 10 × 2 square degrees along the Galactic Plane to a depth of 43 mJy beam−1 at 850 μm and 360 mJy beam−1 at 450 μm. We describe the mapping strategy and reduction method used. We present 12CO(3-2) observations of selected regions in the field. We derive the molecular-line conversion factors (mJy beam−1 per K km s−1) at 850 and 450 μm, which are then used to obtain the amount of contamination in the continuum maps due to 12CO(3-2) emission in the 850 μm band. Toward the fields where the CO contamination has been accounted for, we present an 850 μm CO-corrected compact source catalog. Finally, we look for possible physical trends in the CO contamination with respect to column density, mass, and concentration. No trends were seen in the data despite the recognition of three contributors to CO contamination: opacity, shocks, and temperature, which would be expected to relate to physical conditions. These SCUBA-2 Galactic Center data and catalog are available via https://doi.org/10.11570/17.0009.
The WISE AGN Catalog
Authors: Assef R. J. , Stern D. , Noirot G. , Jun H. D. , Cutri R. M. , Eisenhardt P. R. M.
Published: January 2018

We present two large catalogs of active galactic nucleus (AGN) candidates identified across 30,093 deg2 of extragalactic sky from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer’s AllWISE Data Release. Both catalogs are selected purely using the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) W1 and W2 bands. The R90 catalog consists of 4,543,530 AGN candidates with 90% reliability, while the C75 catalog consists of 20,907,127 AGN candidates with 75% completeness. These reliability and completeness figures were determined from a detailed analysis of UV- to near-IR spectral energy distributions of

sources in the 9 deg2 Boötes field. The AGN selection criteria are based on those of Assef et al. (2013) recalibrated to the AllWISE data release. We provide a detailed discussion of potential artifacts and excise portions of the sky close to the Galactic Center, Galactic Plane, nearby galaxies, and other expected contaminating sources. These catalogs are expected to enable a broad range of science, and we present a few illustrative cases. From the R90 sample, we identify 45 highly variable AGNs lacking radio counterparts in the FIRST survey. One of these sources, WISEA J142846.71+172353.1, is a changing-look quasar at z = 0.104, which has changed from having broad Hα to being a narrow-lined AGN. We characterize our catalogs by comparing them to large, wide-area AGN catalogs in the literature. We identify four ROSAT X-ray sources that are each matched to three WISE-selected AGNs in the R90 sample within 30″. Spectroscopy reveals that one of these systems, 2RXS J150158.6+691029, consists of a triplet of quasars at z = 1.133 ± 0.004, suggestive of a rich group or forming galaxy cluster.
The Impact of Nuclear Reaction Rate Uncertainties on the Evolution of Core-collapse Supernova Progenitors
Authors: Fields C. E. , Timmes F. X. , Farmer R. , Petermann I. , Wolf William M. , Couch S. M.
Published: January 2018

We explore properties of core-collapse supernova progenitors with respect to the composite uncertainties in the thermonuclear reaction rates by coupling the probability density functions of the reaction rates provided by the STARLIB reaction rate library with MESA stellar models. We evolve 1000 models of 15

from the pre-main sequence to core O-depletion at solar and subsolar metallicities for a total of 2000 Monte Carlo stellar models. For each stellar model, we independently and simultaneously sample 665 thermonuclear reaction rates and use them in a MESA in situ reaction network that follows 127 isotopes from 1H to 64Zn. With this framework we survey the core mass, burning lifetime, composition, and structural properties at five different evolutionary epochs. At each epoch we measure the probability distribution function of the variations of each property and calculate Spearman rank-order correlation coefficients for each sampled reaction rate to identify which reaction rate has the largest impact on the variations on each property. We find that uncertainties in the reaction rates of

, triple-α,

, 12C(12C,p)23Na, 12C(16O, p)27Al, 16O(16O,n)31S, 16O(16O, p)31P, and 16O(16O,α)28Si dominate the variations of the properties surveyed. We find that variations induced by uncertainties in nuclear reaction rates grow with each passing phase of evolution, and at core H-, He-depletion they are of comparable magnitude to the variations induced by choices of mass resolution and network resolution. However, at core C-, Ne-, and O-depletion, the reaction rate uncertainties can dominate the variation, causing uncertainty in various properties of the stellar model in the evolution toward iron core-collapse.
The GALEX/S4G Surface Brightness and Color Profiles Catalog. I. Surface Photometry and Color Gradients of Galaxies
Authors: Bouquin Alexandre Y. K. , Gil de Paz Armando , Muñoz-Mateos Juan Carlos , Boissier Samuel , Sheth Kartik , Zaritsky Dennis , Peletier Reynier F. , Knapen Johan H. , Gallego Jesús
Published: January 2018

We present new spatially resolved surface photometry in the far-ultraviolet (FUV) and near-ultraviolet (NUV) from images obtained by the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) and IRAC1 (3.6 μm) photometry from the Spitzer Survey of Stellar Structure in Galaxies (S4G). We analyze the radial surface brightness profiles μ
FUV, μ
NUV, and μ
[3.6], as well as the radial profiles of (FUV − NUV), (NUV − [3.6]), and (FUV − [3.6]) colors in 1931 nearby galaxies (z < 0.01). The analysis of the 3.6 μm surface brightness profiles also allows us to separate the bulge and disk components in a quasi-automatic way and to compare their light and color distribution with those predicted by the chemo-spectrophotometric models for the evolution of galaxy disks of Boissier & Prantzos. The exponential disk component is best isolated by setting an inner radial cutoff and an upper surface brightness limit in stellar mass surface density. The best-fitting models to the measured scale length and central surface brightness values yield distributions of spin and circular velocity within a factor of two of those obtained via direct kinematic measurements. We find that at a surface brightness fainter than μ
[3.6] = 20.89 mag arcsec−2, or below 3 × 108
M
⊙ kpc−2 in stellar mass surface density, the average specific star formation rate (sSFR) for star-forming and quiescent galaxies remains relatively flat with radius. However, a large fraction of GALEX Green Valley galaxies show a radial decrease in sSFR. This behavior suggests that an outside-in damping mechanism, possibly related to environmental effects, could be testimony of an early evolution of galaxies from the blue sequence of star-forming galaxies toward the red sequence of quiescent galaxies.
Vitiligo in Children: A Better Understanding of the Disease
Authors: Gianfaldoni Serena , Tchernev Georgi , Wollina Uwe , Lotti Jacopo , Satolli Francesca , França Katlein , Rovesti Miriam , Lotti Torello
Published: January 2018

Vitiligo is an important skin disease of childhood. The authors briefly discuss the etiopathobiology, clinics and comorbidities of the disease.
Integrative Dermatology – The Use of Herbals and Nutritional Supplements to Treat Dermatological Conditions
Authors: Tirant Michael , Lotti Torello , Gianfaldoni Serena , Tchernev Georgi , Wollina Uwe , Bayer Philip
Published: January 2018

From humble beginnings at the dawn of time to it's advanced and successful status today, this essay traces the history of natural medicine and the development of integrated dermatology to what it is today. Some of the most well-known natural (international and Australian) products with an application in dermatology are discussed. The history and functions of the Psoriasis Eczema Clinic and the products developed by its founder, Prof. Michael Tirant, are explained.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Sensitivity of a Hyaluronic Acid PEG Cross-Linked to Bovine Testes Hyaluronidase
Authors: Zerbinati Nicola , Lotti Torello , Monticelli Damiano , Martina Virginia , Cipolla Giovanna , D'Este Edoardo , Calligaro Alberto , Mocchi Roberto , Maccario Cristina , Sommatis Sabrina , Lotti Jacopo , Wollina Uwe , Tchernev Georgi , França Katlein
Published: January 2018

Neauvia Intense is biocompatible, injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) filler PEG cross-linked for facial soft-tissue augmentation that provides volume to tissues. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the sensitivity of Neauvia Intense in hyaluronidase from bovine testes in a time-course analysis. The test is based on the colourimetric determination of the N-acetyl – D - glucosamine (NAG) released by the hyaluronidase in standardised conditions. The in vitro conditions involve the treatment of Neauvia Intense with a known concentration of the enzyme (6080U/ml). The NAG content was determined at different times to assess the kinetics of the degradation (1h, 3h, 6h, 24h, 48h, 72h, 120h, and 168h); the Ehrlich’s reagent was used for the colourimetric quantification, by the method described by Reissing and colleagues. The intensity of the violet colour developed after the chemical reaction was proportional to the NAG present in each sample. A microplate reader at 585 nm read the absorbance. The amount of NAG released by the product was proportional to the time of incubation with bovine hyaluronidase, reaching a plateau after 168 hours.
Automatic Artificial Hair Implant: Safety and Efficacy in Androgenetic Alopecia. A Prospective Study with a Highly Biocompatible Fiber
Authors: Rateb Said Amr Abdel - Hakim , Albzour Bogdan Morad , Santiago Mariangela , Agrawal Manjul , Rovesti Miriam , Satolli Francesca , Wollina Uwe , Tchernev Georgi , Lotti Jacopo , Lotti Torello
Published: January 2018

AIM: A multi - centre two years the long prospective open clinical study was conducted in five countries located in four different continents from May 2015 to evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of Automatic Biofibre hair implant in male and female androgenetic alopecia. Biofibre®is a CE/TGA certified medical grade polyamide fibre suitable for implantation.MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 213 patients were enrolled in the study. Patients were assessed pre -operatively by Hamilton scale grading and the percentage of scalp covered by hair. All the patients underwent Biofibre hair implantation by a standardised surgical technique followed by adequate post-operative care. Efficacy of the implant was evaluated by surgeons and patients bimonthly for the first year and trimonthly during the second year. Any adverse effects were recorded during these visits.RESULTS: At the completion of the study period, a total of 194 patients concluded the trial and the results were statistically evaluated. Both Hamilton scale grading and covered area percent improved at the end of the study, and subjective and objective evaluations revealed satisfactory results. Side effects were reported in only 18 cases (9.27%) which were easily controlled by either topical or systemic treatment in 8 to 10 days.CONCLUSION: Overall a successful result was noticed in 97.94% of patients with great psychological satisfaction.
Once in a Blue Moon … Rare Adnexal Tumor: From the Clinical and Videodermoscopical Aspects to the Mohs Surgery and the Histological Diagnosis
Authors: Rovesti Miriam , Satolli Francesca , Ricci Roberto , Manuguerra Roberta , Zucchi Alfredo , Gandolfi Marco , Gianfaldoni Serena , Claudio Feliciani , Wollina Uwe , Tchernev Georgi , Lotti Torello
Published: January 2018

The adnexal tumours are a very heterogeneous group of lesions, more and more studied in the literature. The squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma (SEDC) is a rare malignant variant that combines ductal structures with squamous differentiation.We report a case of dermoscopic and histological diagnosis of SEDC, treated with Mohs Surgery and with no recurrence of a tumour after 12 months of follow up.
Health and Illness in History, Science and Society
Authors: Rovesti Miriam , Fioranelli Massimo , Petrelli Paola , Satolli Francesca , Roccia Maria Grazia , Gianfaldoni Serena , Tchernev Georgi , Wollina Uwe , Lotti Jacopo , Feliciani Claudio , Lotti Torello
Published: January 2018

Health is a fundamental human right. The World Health Organization defines it as a "state of complete physical, psychological and social well - being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity". The health of individuals, however, is also linked to the environment in which they live and especially to their ability to adapt and integrate into their life context. The relationship with the environment is extremely important because it is that interaction that outlines the concept of normality compared to pathology. Such normality needs to be contextualised by gender, geographical origin and by the individuals’ living conditions: as a matter of fact, what is normal for a young person may differ from what is normal for a senior one. That is to say, the concept of health is indeed relative and it is the result of an interesting evolution of the concept of illness. From the first approaches - dealing with the mere treatment of the symptoms - to the promise of a free-from-pain society, science and economics have played a significant role in redefining the dualism health/ illness. The article reflects on these two concepts, health and illness, in history and nowadays, and discusses the future of the medical science.