bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation, identification and characterization of bacterial flora from the respiratory tract of apparently healthy sheep
Authors: Sarker Chandan Kumar , Hossen Anowar , Yousuf Md Abu , Uddin Md Ala , Akter Most Sumona , Rahman Mostafizur , Rahman Md Bahanur
Published: February 2016

Sheep is the common name for a group of grazing mammals that may be either wild or domesticated; the domesticated varieties are amongst the most widely distributed types of domestic animal, found in nearly all countries. Bangladesh is a densely populated developing country and its economy is primarily based on agriculture. The current study was designed for isolation, identification and characterization of bacterial flora from the upper respiratory tract of sheep. Thirty (30) apparently healthy sheep were selected at the adjacent areas of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) for this experiment. Swab samples were collected from nasal swabs (10), lung swabs (10) and tracheal swabs (10). All samples were subjected into inoculated on to bacteriological media (nutrient broth, nutrient agar, Salmonella-Shigella agar, MacConkey agar, blood agar, brilliant green agar). Furthermore, all of the bacterial isolates were characterized by Grams staining, biochemical tests (sugar fermentation tests, catalase test, coagulase test, indole test, MR-VP test), antibiotics sensitivity tests and pathogenicity tests. None of the isolated Bacillus, E. coli and Staphylococcus spp. was found to be pathogenic. Isolated Pasteurella spp. were found to be pathogenic as observed in different experimental models and showed a degree of variation in antibiotic drug sensitivity test. Ciprofloxacillin was sensitive to all of the isolated bacteria. Through the bacteria that were isolated from various organs of apparently healthy sheep is normal micro flora, however these may act as primary pathogen and may produce diseases when the sheep are immunologically suppressed due to severe stress conditions.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 677-685
Effect of different types of organic manure on biomass yield, morphological characteristics and nutritive value of BLRI Napier-4 in Baghabari milk shed area, Sirajgonj
Authors: Rahman Md Zillur , Ali Md Yousuf , Sarker Nathu Ram , Afroz Most Farhana , Rahman Md Obayed Al , Karim Md Rezaul , Talukder Md Azharul Islam
Published: February 2016

The trial was conducted at Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) regional station, Baghabari, Shajadpur, Sirajgonj to determine the biomass yield, morphological characteristics and nutritive value with the effect of different sources of organic manure such as biogas slurry, broiler litter and layer litter for fodder production. Significant (P<0.05) difference was observed in biomass yield among different treatment group. Biomass yield (t/ha) was in order of biogas slurry (26.80)> fertilizer (26.56)> broiler litter (22.34)>layer litter (22.20). This study also showed that DM yield and survival percentage were also significantly (P?0.05) differed among the treatments. The DM% in all groups was mostly similar but DM yield (t/ha) was the highest (3.94) in biogas slurry and the lowest (3.13) in layer litter. The cost (Tk/ha) was significant (P<0.01) difference among the treatment group. The highest cost (15856Tk/ha) was observed in fertilizer group and the lowest (5705 Tk/ha) was biogas slurry group. There was no significant (p>0.01) effect of different organic manures on nutritive value of BLRI Napier-4. It may be suggested that biogas slurry may be used as sources of fertilizer for fodder cultivation.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 690-692
The Contribution of Equitation Science to Minimising Horse-Related Risks to Humans
Authors: Starling Melissa , McLean Andrew , McGreevy Paul
Published: February 2016

Equitation science is an evidence-based approach to horse training and riding that focuses on a thorough understanding of both equine ethology and learning theory. This combination leads to more effective horse training, but also plays a role in keeping horse riders and trainers safe around horses. Equitation science underpins ethical equitation, and recognises the limits of the horse’s cognitive and physical abilities. Equitation is an ancient practice that has benefited from a rich tradition that sees it flourishing in contemporary sporting pursuits. Despite its history, horse-riding is an activity for which neither horses nor humans evolved, and it brings with it significant risks to the safety of both species. This review outlines the reasons horses may behave in ways that endanger humans and how training choices can exacerbate this. It then discusses the recently introduced 10 Principles of Equitation Science and explains how following these principles can minimise horse-related risk to humans and enhance horse welfare.
Comfort and Functional Properties of Far-Infrared/Anion-Releasing Warp-Knitted Elastic Composite Fabrics Using Bamboo Charcoal, Copper, and Phase Change Materials
Authors: Li Ting-Ting , Pan Yi-Jun , Hsieh Chien-Teng , Lou Ching-Wen , Chuang Yu-chun , Huang Yu-Tien , Lin Jia-Horng
Published: February 2016

Elastic warp-knitted composite fabrics with far-infrared emissivity and an anion-releasing property were prepared using bamboo charcoal (BC), copper (Cu), and phase-change material (PCM). The functional composite fabric, which was composed of self-made complex yarns with various twisting degrees and material composition, were created using a rotor twister and ring-spinning technique. The fabric structure was diversified by the feeding modes of weft yarn into a crochet-knitting machine. The twist number of complex yarns was optimized by tensile tenacity, twist contraction, and hairiness, and analysis showed that twisting at 12 twists per inch produced the highest tensile tenacity and appropriate twist contraction and hairiness. Comfort evaluation showed that the elastic composite fabrics with BC weft yarns exhibited higher water–vapor transmission rate and air permeability, reaching 876 g/m2∙ day and 73.2 cm3/s/cm2, respectively. Three structures of composite fabric with various weft yarns had >0.85 ε far-infrared emissivity and 350–420 counts/cm3 anion amount. The prepared elastic warp-knitted fabrics can provide a comfortable, dry, and breathable environment to the wearer and can thus be applied as health-care textiles in the future.
New Lagrange Multipliers for the Blind Adaptive Deconvolution Problem Applicable for the Noisy Case
Authors: Pinchas Monika
Published: February 2016

Recently, a new blind adaptive deconvolution algorithm was proposed based on a new closed-form approximated expression for the conditional expectation (the expectation of the source input given the equalized or deconvolutional output) where the output and input probability density function (pdf) of the deconvolutional process were approximated with the maximum entropy density approximation technique. The Lagrange multipliers for the output pdf were set to those used for the input pdf. Although this new blind adaptive deconvolution method has been shown to have improved equalization performance compared to the maximum entropy blind adaptive deconvolution algorithm recently proposed by the same author, it is not applicable for the very noisy case. In this paper, we derive new Lagrange multipliers for the output and input pdfs, where the Lagrange multipliers related to the output pdf are a function of the channel noise power. Simulation results indicate that the newly obtained blind adaptive deconvolution algorithm using these new Lagrange multipliers is robust to signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), unlike the previously proposed method, and is applicable for the whole range of SNR down to 7 dB. In addition, we also obtain new closed-form approximated expressions for the conditional expectation and mean square error (MSE).
On Variable Reverse Power Flow-Part I: Active-Reactive Optimal Power Flow with Reactive Power of Wind Stations
Authors: Gabash Aouss , Li Pu
Published: February 2016

It has recently been shown that using battery storage systems (BSSs) to provide reactive power provision in a medium-voltage (MV) active distribution network (ADN) with embedded wind stations (WSs) can lead to a huge amount of reverse power to an upstream transmission network (TN). However, unity power factors (PFs) of WSs were assumed in those studies to analyze the potential of BSSs. Therefore, in this paper (Part-I), we aim to further explore the pure reactive power potential of WSs (i.e., without BSSs) by investigating the issue of variable reverse power flow under different limits on PFs in an electricity market model. The main contributions of this work are summarized as follows: (1) Introducing the reactive power capability of WSs in the optimization model of the active-reactive optimal power flow (A-R-OPF) and highlighting the benefits/impacts under different limits on PFs. (2) Investigating the impacts of different agreements for variable reverse power flow on the operation of an ADN under different demand scenarios. (3) Derivation of the function of reactive energy losses in the grid with an equivalent-π circuit and comparing its value with active energy losses. (4) Balancing the energy curtailment of wind generation, active-reactive energy losses in the grid and active-reactive energy import-export by a meter-based method. In Part-II, the potential of the developed model is studied through analyzing an electricity market model and a 41-bus network with different locations of WSs.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Essential Oils and Combination of Copper and Lactic Acid on the Growth of E. coli O157:H7 in Laboratory Medium
Authors: Bor Tarik , Gyawali Rabin , Ibrahim Salam
Published: February 2016

In this study, we compared the effectiveness of armoise and clove bud essential oils (EOs) and the combination of low concentrations of copper (Cu) and lactic acid (LA) against E. coli O157:H7 in a laboratory medium. Three strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ATCC700599, ATCC51659, and ATCC43895) were used in this study. Antibacterial activity was determined by measuring the turbidity of a broth medium and by determination of bacterial populations. Our results showed that armoise (0.15% v/v), clove bud (0.1% v/v) EOs, or Cu (50 ppm) in combination with LA (0.2% v/v) caused a minimum 5.0 log reduction of E. coli O157:H7 in the laboratory medium. Cu in combination with LA may thus be preferable to EOs in food in order to control the growth of foodborne pathogens. In addition, the combination treatment of Cu and LA could provide the food industry with a practical approach to reducing the risk of foodborne pathogens.
Comparison between Snow Albedo Obtained from Landsat TM, ETM+ Imagery and the SPOT VEGETATION Albedo Product in a Mediterranean Mountainous Site
Authors: Pimentel Rafael , Aguilar Cristina , Herrero Javier , Pérez-Palazón María , Polo María
Published: February 2016

Albedo plays an important role in snow evolution modeling quantifying the amount of solar radiation absorbed and reflected by the snowpack, especially in mid-latitude regions with semiarid conditions. Satellite remote sensing is the most extensive technique to determine the variability of snow albedo over medium to large areas; however, scale effects from the pixel size of the sensor source may affect the results of snow models, with different impacts depending on the spatial resolution. This work presents the evaluation of snow albedo values retrieved from (1) Landsat images, L (16-day frequency with 30 × 30 m pixel size) and (2) SPOT VEGETATION albedo products, SV (10-day frequency with 1 × 1 km pixel size) in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in South Spain, a Mediterranean site representative of highly heterogeneous conditions. Daily snow albedo map series were derived from both sources, and used as input for the snow module in the WiMMed (Watershed Integrated Management in Mediterranean Environment) hydrological model, which was operational at the study area for snow monitoring for two hydrological years, 2011–2012 and 2012–2013, in the Guadalfeo river basin in Sierra Nevada. The results showed similar albedo trends in both data sources, but with different values, the shift between both sources being distributed in space according to the altitude. This difference resulted in lower snow cover fraction values in the SV-simulations that affected the rest of snow variables included in the simulation. This underestimation, mainly due to the effects of mixed pixels composed by both snow and snow-free areas, produced higher divergences from both sources during the melting periods when the evapo-sublimation and melting fluxes are more relevant. Therefore, the selection of the albedo data source in these areas, where snow evapo-sublimation plays a very important role and the presence of snow-free patches is very frequent, can condition the final accuracy of the simulations of operational models; Landsat is the recommended source if the monitoring of the snowpack is the final goal of the modeling, whereas the SV product may be advantageous when water resource planning in the medium and long term is intended. Applications of large pixel size albedo sources need further assessment for short-term operational objectives.
Marine World Heritage and the Quest for Sustainability
Authors: Zervaki Antonia
Published: February 2016

This paper discusses the contribution of marine sites of outstanding universal value, enlisted as natural and mixed sites in the World Heritage List, to the sustainability of marine resources and protection schemes. Departing from the strict application of the Convention’s criteria, the management requirements and good practices will be discussed, with emphasis on the dissemination of the latter in other (non)protected areas as well as its contribution, in terms of the integrity principle to be met, to the expansion of this approach in areas beyond national jurisdiction through the development of synergies with existing and emerging marine environment protection regimes.
Selective Photophysical Modification on Light-Emitting Polymer Films for Micro- and Nano-Patterning
Authors: Zhang Xinping , Liu Feifei , Li Hongwei
Published: February 2016

Laser-induced cross-linking in polymeric semiconductors was utilized to achieve micro- and nano-structuring in thin films. Single- and two-photon cross-linking processes led to the reduction in both the refractive index and thickness of the polymer films. The resultant photonic structures combine the features of both relief- and phase-gratings. Selective cross-linking in polymer blend films based on different optical response of different molecular phases enabled “solidification” of the phase-separation scheme, providing a stable template for further photonic structuring. Dielectric and metallic structures are demonstrated for the fabrication methods using cross-linking in polymer films. Selective cross-linking enables direct patterning into polymer films without introducing additional fabrication procedures or additional materials. The diffraction processes of the emission of the patterned polymeric semiconductors may provide enhanced output coupling for light-emitting diodes or distributed feedback for lasers.
Temperature Effects on the Tensile Properties of Precipitation-Hardened Al-Mg-Cu-Si Alloys
Authors: Ferguson J.B. , Lopez Hugo , Cho Kyu , Kim Chang-Soo
Published: February 2016

Because the mechanical performance of precipitation-hardened alloys can be significantly altered with temperature changes, understanding and predicting the effects of temperatures on various mechanical properties for these alloys are important. In the present work, an analytical model has been developed to predict the elastic modulus, the yield stress, the failure stress, and the failure strain taking into consideration the effect of temperatures for precipitation-hardenable Al-Mg-Cu-Si Alloys (Al-A319 alloys). In addition, other important mechanical properties of Al-A319 alloys including the strain hardening exponent, the strength coefficient, and the ductility parameter can be estimated using the current model. It is demonstrated that the prediction results based on the proposed model are in good agreement with those obtained experimentally in Al-A319 alloys in the as-cast condition and after W and T7 heat treatments.
A Double-Hybridization Approach for the Transcription- and Amplification-Free Detection of Specific mRNA on a Microarray
Authors: Haider Michaela , Haselgrübler Thomas , Sonnleitner Alois , Aberger Fritz , Hesse Jan
Published: February 2016

A double-hybridization approach was developed for the enzyme-free detection of specific mRNA of a housekeeping gene. Targeted mRNA was immobilized by hybridization to complementary DNA capture probes spotted onto a microarray. A second hybridization step of Cy5-conjugated label DNA to another section of the mRNA enabled specific labeling of the target. Thus, enzymatic artifacts could be avoided by omitting transcription and amplification steps. This manuscript describes the development of capture probe molecules used in the transcription- and amplification-free analysis of RPLP0 mRNA in isolated total RNA. An increase in specific signal was found with increasing length of the target-specific section of capture probes. Unspecific signal comprising spot autofluorescence and unspecific label binding did not correlate with the capture length. An additional spacer between the specific part of the capture probe and the substrate attachment site increased the signal significantly only on a short capture probe of approximately 30 nt length.
Protective Effect of Gallotannin-Enriched Extract Isolated from Galla Rhois against CCl4-Induced Hepatotoxicity in ICR Mice
Authors: Go Jun , Kim Ji , Koh Eun , Song Sung , Sung Ji , Lee Hyun , Lee Young , Lim Yong , Hong Jin , Hwang Dae
Published: February 2016

To investigate the toxicity, protective effects, and action mechanism of gallotannin-enriched extracts isolated from Galla Rhois (GEGR) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in Institute for Cancer Research (ICR) mice, alterations in serum biochemical indicators, histopathological structure, antioxidative status, hepatic apoptosis-related proteins, and liver fibrosis regulating factors were measured in mice pretreated with GEGR for five days before CCl4 injection. The GEGR/CCl4 treated group showed decreased levels of three serum marker enzymes (ALP, AST, and ALT) representing liver toxicity, although LDH levels remained constant. Necrotic area indicating hepatic cell death significantly inhibited, while malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression were dramatically recovered in the GEGR preadministrated group. In mechanism analyses of GEGR, the formation of active caspase-3 and enhancement of Bax/Bcl-2 expression was effectively inhibited in the GEGR/CCl4 treated group. The level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-6, as well as the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK in the TNF-α downstream signaling pathway was rapidly recovered in the GEGR/CCl4 treated group, while anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) increased slightly in the same group. Furthermore, the GEGR/CCl4 treated group showed a significant decrease in collagen accumulation results from alleviation of MMP-2 expression, TGF-β1 secretion and the phosphorylation of Smad2/3. Taken together, these results suggest that GEGR may induce remarkable protective effects against hepatic injury induced by CCl4 treatment through upregulation of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant system.
Improved Stability of Emulsions in Preparation of Uniform Small-Sized Konjac Glucomanna (KGM) Microspheres with Epoxy-Based Polymer Membrane by Premix Membrane Emulsification
Authors: Mi Yace , Li Juan , Zhou Weiqing , Zhang Rongyue , Ma Guanghui , Su Zhiguo
Published: February 2016

Uniform small-sized (<10 μm) Konjac glucomanna (KGM) microspheres have great application prospects in bio-separation, drug delivery and controlled release. Premix membrane emulsification is an effective method to prepare uniform small-sized KGM microspheres. However, since KGM solution bears strong alkalinity, it requires the membrane to have a hydrophobic surface resistant to alkali. In this study, uniform small-sized KGM microspheres were prepared with epoxy-based polymer membrane (EP) we developed by premix membrane emulsification. It was found that emulsion coalescence and flocculation occurred frequently due to the high interface energy and sedimentation velocity of KGM emulsions. Emulsion stability had a significant influence on the uniformity and dispersity of the final KGM microspheres. To improve the stability of the emulsions, the effects of the concentration of the emulsifier, the viscosity of the KGM solution, the oil phase composition and the feeding method of epoxy chloropropane (EC) on the preparation results were studied. Under optimal preparation conditions (emulsifier 5 wt % PO-5s, KGM III (145.6 mPa·s), weight ratio of liquid paraffin (LP) to petroleum ether (PE) 11:1), uniform and stable KGM emulsions (d = 7.47 μm, CV = 15.35%) were obtained and crosslinked without emulsion-instable phenomena.
Evaluation of Electrospun PCL-PIBMD Meshes Modified with Plasmid Complexes in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Feng Yakai , Liu Wen , Ren Xiangkui , Lu Wei , Guo Mengyang , Behl Marc , Lendlein Andreas , Zhang Wencheng
Published: February 2016

Functional artificial vascular meshes from biodegradable polymers have been widely explored for certain tissue engineered meshes. Still, the foreign body reaction and limitation in endothelialization are challenges for such devices. Here, degradable meshes from phase-segregated multiblock copolymers consisting of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and polydepsipeptide segments are successfully prepared by electrospinning and electrospraying techniques. The pEGFP-ZNF580 plasmid microparticles (MPs-pZNF580) were loaded into the electrospun meshes to enhance endothelialization. These functional meshes were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The adhesion and proliferation of endothelial cells on the meshes were enhanced in loaded mesh groups. Moreover, the hemocompatibility and the tissue response of the meshes were further tested. The complete tests showed that the vascular meshes modified with MPs-pZNF580 possessed satisfactory performance with an average fiber diameter of 550 ± 160 nm, tensile strength of 27 ± 3 MPa, Young’s modulus of 1. 9 ± 0.2 MPa, water contact angle of 95° ± 2°, relative cell number of 122% ± 1% after 7 days of culture, and low blood platelet adhesion as well as weak inflammatory reactions compared to control groups.
Radiometric Inter-Calibration between Himawari-8 AHI and S-NPP VIIRS for the Solar Reflective Bands
Authors: Yu Fangfang , Wu Xiangqian
Published: February 2016

The Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI) on-board Himawari-8, which was launched on 7 October 2014, is the first geostationary instrument housed with a solar diffuser to provide accurate onboard calibrated data for the visible and near-infrared (VNIR) bands. In this study, the Ray-matching and collocated Deep Convective Cloud (DCC) methods, both of which are based on incidently collocated homogeneous pairs between AHI and Suomi NPP (S-NPP) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), are used to evaluate the calibration difference between these two instruments. While the Ray-matching method is used to examine the reflectance difference over the all-sky collocations with similar viewing and illumination geometries, the near lambertian collocated DCC pxiels are used to examine the difference for the median or high reflectance scenes. Strong linear relationships between AHI and VIIRS can be found at all the paired AHI and VIIRS bands. Results of both methods indicate that AHI radiometric calibration accuracy agrees well with VIIRS data within 5% for B1-4 and B6 at mid and high reflectance scenes, while AHI B5 is generally brighter than VIIRS by ~6%–8%. No apparent East-West viewing angle dependent calibration difference can be found at all the VNIR bands. Compared to the Ray-matching method, the collocated DCC method provides less uncertainty of inter-calibration results at near-infrared (NIR) bands. As AHI has similar optics and calibration designs to the GOES-R Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI), which is currently scheduled to launch in fall 2016, the on-orbit AHI data provides a unique opportunity to develop, test and examine the cal/val tools developed for ABI.
First Experience with Sentinel-2 Data for Crop and Tree Species Classifications in Central Europe
Authors: Immitzer Markus , Vuolo Francesco , Atzberger Clement
Published: February 2016

The study presents the preliminary results of two classification exercises assessing the capabilities of pre-operational (August 2015) Sentinel-2 (S2) data for mapping crop types and tree species. In the first case study, an S2 image was used to map six summer crop species in Lower Austria as well as winter crops/bare soil. Crop type maps are needed to account for crop-specific water use and for agricultural statistics. Crop type information is also useful to parametrize crop growth models for yield estimation, as well as for the retrieval of vegetation biophysical variables using radiative transfer models. The second case study aimed to map seven different deciduous and coniferous tree species in Germany. Detailed information about tree species distribution is important for forest management and to assess potential impacts of climate change. In our S2 data assessment, crop and tree species maps were produced at 10 m spatial resolution by combining the ten S2 spectral channels with 10 and 20 m pixel size. A supervised Random Forest classifier (RF) was deployed and trained with appropriate ground truth. In both case studies, S2 data confirmed its expected capabilities to produce reliable land cover maps. Cross-validated overall accuracies ranged between 65% (tree species) and 76% (crop types). The study confirmed the high value of the red-edge and shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands for vegetation mapping. Also, the blue band was important in both study sites. The S2-bands in the near infrared were amongst the least important channels. The object based image analysis (OBIA) and the classical pixel-based classification achieved comparable results, mainly for the cropland. As only single date acquisitions were available for this study, the full potential of S2 data could not be assessed. In the future, the two twin S2 satellites will offer global coverage every five days and therefore permit to concurrently exploit unprecedented spectral and temporal information with high spatial resolution.
An Attachable Electromagnetic Energy Harvester Driven Wireless Sensing System Demonstrating Milling-Processes and Cutter-Wear/Breakage-Condition Monitoring
Authors: Chung Tien-Kan , Yeh Po-Chen , Lee Hao , Lin Cheng-Mao , Tseng Chia-Yung , Lo Wen-Tuan , Wang Chieh-Min , Wang Wen-Chin , Tu Chi-Jen , Tasi Pei-Yuan , Chang Jui-Wen
Published: February 2016

An attachable electromagnetic-energy-harvester driven wireless vibration-sensing system for monitoring milling-processes and cutter-wear/breakage-conditions is demonstrated. The system includes an electromagnetic energy harvester, three single-axis Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometers, a wireless chip module, and corresponding circuits. The harvester consisting of magnets with a coil uses electromagnetic induction to harness mechanical energy produced by the rotating spindle in milling processes and consequently convert the harnessed energy to electrical output. The electrical output is rectified by the rectification circuit to power the accelerometers and wireless chip module. The harvester, circuits, accelerometer, and wireless chip are integrated as an energy-harvester driven wireless vibration-sensing system. Therefore, this completes a self-powered wireless vibration sensing system. For system testing, a numerical-controlled machining tool with various milling processes is used. According to the test results, the system is fully self-powered and able to successfully sense vibration in the milling processes. Furthermore, by analyzing the vibration signals (i.e., through analyzing the electrical outputs of the accelerometers), criteria are successfully established for the system for real-time accurate simulations of the milling-processes and cutter-conditions (such as cutter-wear conditions and cutter-breaking occurrence). Due to these results, our approach can be applied to most milling and other machining machines in factories to realize more smart machining technologies.
Taken for Granted: Material Relations Between Disability and Codes/Guidelines
Authors: Rieger Janice , Strickfaden Megan
Published: February 2016

This paper provides a critical examination of the taken for granted nature of the codes/guidelines used towards the creation of designed spaces, their social relations with designers, and their agency in designing for people with disabilities. We conducted case studies at three national museums in Canada where we began by questioning societal representations of disability within and through material culture through the potential of actor-network theory where non-human actors have considerable agency. Specifically, our exploration looks into how representations of disability for designing, are interpreted through mediums such as codes, standards and guidelines. We accomplish this through: deep analyses of the museums’ built environments (outdoors and indoors); interviewed curators, architects and designers involved in the creation of the spaces/displays; completed dialoguing while in motion interviews with people who have disabilities within the spaces; and analyzed available documents relating to the creation of the museums. Through analyses of our rich data set involving the mapping of codes/guidelines in their “representation” of disability and their contributions in “fixing” disability, this paper takes an alternative approach to designing for/with disability by aiming to question societal representations of disability within and through material culture.
Quantum Yang–Mills Dark Energy
Authors: Pasechnik Roman
Published: February 2016

In this short review, I discuss basic qualitative characteristics of quantum non-Abelian gauge dynamics in the non-stationary background of the expanding Universe in the framework of the standard Einstein–Yang–Mills formulation. A brief outlook of existing studies of cosmological Yang–Mills fields and their properties will be given. Quantum effects have a profound impact on the gauge field-driven cosmological evolution. In particular, a dynamical formation of the spatially-homogeneous and isotropic gauge field condensate may be responsible for both early and late-time acceleration, as well as for dynamical compensation of non-perturbative quantum vacua contributions to the ground state of the Universe. The main properties of such a condensate in the effective QCD theory at the flat Friedmann–Lemaítre–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) background will be discussed within and beyond perturbation theory. Finally, a phenomenologically consistent dark energy can be induced dynamically as a remnant of the QCD vacua compensation arising from leading-order graviton-mediated corrections to the QCD ground state.
Study on the synthesis of the cyclopenta[f]indole core of raputindole A
Authors: Marsch Nils , Kock Mario , Lindel Thomas
Published: February 2016

The raputindoles from the rutaceous tree Raputia simulans share a cyclopenta[f]indole partial structure the synthesis of which is subject of this investigation. An efficient route to a series of 1,5-di(indol-6-yl)pentenones was developed via Mo/Au-catalyzed Meyer–Schuster rearrangement of tertiary propargylic alcohol precursors. However, none of the enones underwent the desired Nazarov cyclization to a cyclopenta[f]indole. More suitable were 6-hydroxyallylated indolines which gave good yields of cyclopenta[f]indolines after treatment with SnCl4, as soon as sterically demanding β-cyclocitral adducts were reacted. Most successful were Pt(II) and Au(I)-catalyzed cyclizations of N-TIPS-protected indolin-6-yl-substituted propargylacetates which provided the hydrogenated tricyclic cyclopenta[f]indole core system in high yield.
ENSEMBLE EMPIRICAL MODE DECOMPOSITION OF THE MAGNETIC FIELD OF THE SUN AS A STAR
Authors: Xiang N. B. , Qu Z. N.
Published: February 2016

The ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) analysis is utilized to extract the intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) of the solar mean magnetic field (SMMF) observed at the Wilcox Solar Observatory of Stanford University from 1975 to 2014, and then we analyze the periods of these IMFs as well as the relation of IMFs (SMMF) with some solar activity indices. The two special rotation cycles of 26.6 and 28.5 days should be derived from different magnetic flux elements in the SMMF. The rotation cycle of the weak magnetic flux element in the SMMF is 26.6 days, while the rotation cycle of the strong magnetic flux element in the SMMF is 28.5 days. The two rotation periods of the structure of the interplanetary magnetic field near the ecliptic plane are essentially related to weak and strong magnetic flux elements in the SMMF, respectively. The rotation cycle of weak magnetic flux in the SMMF did not vary over the last 40 years because the weak magnetic flux element derived from the weak magnetic activity on the full disk is not influenced by latitudinal migration. Neither the internal rotation of the Sun nor the solar magnetic activity on the disk (including the solar polar fields) causes the annual variation of SMMF. The variation of SMMF at timescales of a solar cycle is more related to weak magnetic activity on the full solar disk.
TIME-SERIES SPECTROSCOPY OF THE PULSATING ECLIPSING BINARY XX CEPHEI
Authors: Koo Jae-Rim , Lee Jae Woo , Hong Kyeongsoo , Kim Seung-Lee , Lee Chung-Uk
Published: February 2016

Oscillating Algol-type eclipsing binaries (oEA) are very interesting objects that have three observational features of eclipse, pulsation, and mass transfer. Direct measurement of their masses and radii from the double-lined radial velocity data and photometric light curves would be the most essential for understanding their evolutionary process and for performing the asteroseismological study. We present the physical properties of the oEA star XX Cep from high-resolution time-series spectroscopic data. The effective temperature of the primary star was determined to be 7946 ± 240 K by comparing the observed spectra and the Kurucz models. We detected the absorption lines of the secondary star, which had never been detected in previous studies, and obtained the radial velocities for both components. With the published BVRI light curves, we determined the absolute parameters for the binary via Wilson–Devinney modeling. The masses and radii are

,

,

, and

, respectively. The primary star is about

more massive and

larger than the zero-age main sequence stars with the same effective temperature. It is probably because XX Cep has experienced a very different evolutionary process due to mass transfer, contrasting with the normal main sequence stars. The primary star is located inside the theoretical instability strip of δ Sct-type stars on the HR diagram. We demonstrated that XX Cep is an oEA star, consisting of a δ Sct-type pulsating primary component and an evolved secondary companion.
OPTICAL THERMONUCLEAR TRANSIENTS FROM TIDAL COMPRESSION OF WHITE DWARFS AS TRACERS OF THE LOW END OF THE MASSIVE BLACK HOLE MASS FUNCTION
Authors: MacLeod Morgan , Guillochon James , Ramirez-Ruiz Enrico , Kasen Daniel , Rosswog Stephan
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we model the observable signatures of tidal disruptions of white dwarf (WD) stars using massive black holes (MBHs) of moderate mass, ≈103–105 M
⊙. When the WD passes deep enough within the MBH’s tidal field, these signatures include thermonuclear transients from burning during maximum compression. We combine a hydrodynamic simulation that includes nuclear burning of the disruption of a 0.6 M
⊙ C/O WD with a Monte Carlo radiative transfer calculation to synthesize the properties of a representative transient. The transient’s emission emerges in the optical, with light curves and spectra reminiscent of Type I supernovae. The properties are strongly viewing angle dependent, and key spectral signatures are ≈10,000 km s−1 doppler shifts, due to the orbital motion of the unbound ejecta. Disruptions of He WDs likely produce large quantities of intermediate-mass elements, offering a possible production mechanism for Ca-rich transients. Accompanying multi-wavelength transients are fueled by accretion and arise from the nascent accretion disk and relativistic jet. If MBHs of moderate mass exist with number densities similar to those of supermassive BHs, both high-energy wide-field monitors and upcoming optical surveys should detect tens to hundreds of WD tidal disruptions per year. The current best strategy for their detection may therefore be deep optical follow-up of high-energy transients of unusually long duration. The detection rate or the nondetection of these transients by current and upcoming surveys can thus be used to place meaningful constraints on the extrapolation of the MBH mass function to moderate masses.
THE IMPORTANCE OF WIDE-FIELD FOREGROUND REMOVAL FOR 21 cm COSMOLOGY: A DEMONSTRATION WITH EARLY MWA EPOCH OF REIONIZATION OBSERVATIONS
Authors: Pober J. C. , Hazelton B. J. , Beardsley A. P. , Barry N. A. , Martinot Z. E. , Sullivan I. S. , Morales M. F. , Bell M. E. , Bernardi G. , Bhat N. D. R. , Bowman J. D. , Briggs F. , Cappallo R. J. , Carroll P. , Corey B. E. , de Oliveira-Costa A. , Deshpande A. A. , Dillon Joshua. S. , Emrich D. , Ewall-Wice A. M. , Feng L. , Goeke R. , Greenhill L. J. , Hewitt J. N. , Hindson L. , Hurley-Walker N. , Jacobs D. C. , Johnston-Hollitt M. , Kaplan D. L. , Kasper J. C. , Kim Han-Seek , Kittiwisit P. , Kratzenberg E. , Kudryavtseva N. , Lenc E. , Line J. , Loeb A. , Lonsdale C. J. , Lynch M. J. , McKinley B. , McWhirter S. R. , Mitchell D. A. , Morgan E. , Neben A. R. , Oberoi D. , Offringa A. R. , Ord S. M. , Paul Sourabh , Pindor B. , Prabu T. , Procopio P. , Riding J. , Rogers A. E. E. , Roshi A. , Sethi Shiv K. , Shankar N. Udaya , Srivani K. S. , Subrahmanyan R. , Tegmark M. , Thyagarajan Nithyanandan , Tingay S. J. , Trott C. M. , Waterson M. , Wayth R. B. , Webster R. L. , Whitney A. R. , Williams A. , Williams C. L. , Wyithe J. S. B.
Published: February 2016

In this paper we present observations, simulations, and analysis demonstrating the direct connection between the location of foreground emission on the sky and its location in cosmological power spectra from interferometric redshifted 21 cm experiments. We begin with a heuristic formalism for understanding the mapping of sky coordinates into the cylindrically averaged power spectra measurements used by 21 cm experiments, with a focus on the effects of the instrument beam response and the associated sidelobes. We then demonstrate this mapping by analyzing power spectra with both simulated and observed data from the Murchison Widefield Array. We find that removing a foreground model that includes sources in both the main field of view and the first sidelobes reduces the contamination in high k
∥ modes by several per cent relative to a model that only includes sources in the main field of view, with the completeness of the foreground model setting the principal limitation on the amount of power removed. While small, a percent-level amount of foreground power is in itself more than enough to prevent recovery of any Epoch of Reionization signal from these modes. This result demonstrates that foreground subtraction for redshifted 21 cm experiments is truly a wide-field problem, and algorithms and simulations must extend beyond the instrument’s main field of view to potentially recover the full 21 cm power spectrum.
THE INNER STRUCTURE OF THE TW HYA DISK AS REVEALED IN SCATTERED LIGHT*
Authors: Debes John H. , Jang-Condell Hannah , Schneider Glenn
Published: February 2016

We observe a significant change in the TW Hya disk interior to 40 au via archival unpolarized multi-wavelength Hubble Space Telescope/STIS and NICMOS images with an inner working angle of 0.″4 (22 au). Our images show the outer edge of a clearing at every wavelength with similar behavior, demonstrating that the feature is structural, rather than due to some property of polarized light in the disk. We compare our observations to those taken by Akiyama et al. and Rapson et al., and discuss the spectral evolution of the disk interior to 80 au. We construct a model with two gaps: one at 30 au and one at 80 au that fit the observed surface brightness profile but overpredicts the absolute brightness of the disk. Our models require an additional dimming to be consistent with observations, which we tentatively ascribe to shadowing. The gap structures seen in scattered light are spatially coincident with sub-millimeter detections of CO and N2H+, and are near expected condensation fronts of these molecular species, providing tentative evidence that the structures seen in scattered light may be correlated with chemical changes in the disk.
CLUSTERS OF SMALL CLUMPS CAN EXPLAIN THE PECULIAR PROPERTIES OF GIANT CLUMPS IN HIGH-REDSHIFT GALAXIES
Authors: Behrendt M. , Burkert A. , Schartmann M.
Published: February 2016

Giant clumps are a characteristic feature of observed high-redshift disk galaxies. We propose that these kiloparsec-sized clumps have a complex substructure and are the result of many smaller clumps self-organizing themselves into clump clusters (CCs). This bottom-up scenario is in contrast to the common top-down view that these giant clumps form first and then sub-fragment. Using a high-resolution hydrodynamical simulation of an isolated, fragmented massive gas disk and mimicking the observations from Genzel et al. at z ∼ 2, we find remarkable agreement in many details. The CCs appear as single entities of sizes

0.9–1.4 kpc and masses ∼(1.5–3)

, representative of high-z observations. They are organized in a ring around the center of the galaxy. The origin of the observed clumps’ high intrinsic velocity dispersion

50–100

is fully explained by the internal irregular motions of their substructure in our simulation. No additional energy input, e.g., via stellar feedback, is necessary. Furthermore, in agreement with observations, we find a small velocity gradient

8–27

along the CCs in the beam-smeared velocity residual maps, which corresponds to net prograde and retrograde rotation with respect to the rotation of the galactic disk. The CC scenario could have strong implications for the internal evolution, lifetimes, and the migration timescales of the observed giant clumps, bulge growth, and active galactic nucleus activity, stellar feedback, and the chemical enrichment history of galactic disks.
EVIDENCE FOR NON-STELLAR REST-FRAME NEAR-IR EMISSION ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED STAR FORMATION IN GALAXIES AT z ∼ 1
Authors: Lange Johannes U. , van Dokkum Pieter G. , Momcheva Ivelina G. , Nelson Erica J. , Leja Joel , Brammer Gabriel , Whitaker Katherine E. , Franx Marijn
Published: February 2016

We explore the presence of non-stellar rest-frame near-IR (2–5 μm) emission in galaxies at z ∼ 1. Previous studies identified this excess in relatively small samples and suggested that such non-stellar emission, which could be linked to the 3.3 μm polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons feature or hot dust emission, is associated with an increased star formation rate (SFR). In this Letter, we confirm and quantify the presence of an IR excess in a significant fraction of galaxies in the 3D-HST GOODS catalogs. By constructing a matched sample of galaxies with and without strong non-stellar near-IR emission, we find that galaxies with such emission are predominantly star-forming galaxies. Moreover, star-forming galaxies with an excess show increased mid- and far-IR and Hα emission compared to other star-forming galaxies without. While galaxies with a near-IR excess show a larger fraction of individually detected X-ray active galactic nuclei (AGNs), an X-ray stacking analysis, together with the IR-colors and Hα profiles, shows that AGNs are unlikely to be the dominant source of excess in the majority of galaxies. Our results suggest that non-stellar near-IR emission is linked to increased SFRs and is ubiquitous among star-forming galaxies. As such, the near-IR emission might be a powerful tool to measure SFRs in the era of the James Webb Space Telescope.
DEJA VU ALL OVER AGAIN: THE REAPPEARANCE OF SUPERNOVA REFSDAL
Authors: Kelly P. L. , Rodney S. A. , Treu T. , Strolger L.-G. , Foley R. J. , Jha S. W. , Selsing J. , Brammer G. , Bradač M. , Cenko S. B. , Graur O. , Filippenko A. V. , Hjorth J. , McCully C. , Molino A. , Nonino M. , Riess A. G. , Schmidt K. B. , Tucker B. , Linden A. von der , Weiner B. J. , Zitrin A.
Published: February 2016

In Hubble Space Telescope (HST) imaging taken on 2014 November 10, four images of supernova (SN) “Refsdal” (redshift z = 1.49) appeared in an Einstein-cross-like configuration (images S1–S4) around an early-type galaxy in the cluster MACS J1149.5+2223 (z = 0.54). Almost all lens models of the cluster have predicted that the SN should reappear within a year in a second host-galaxy image created by the cluster’s potential. In HST observations taken on 2015 December 11, we find a new source at the predicted position of the new image of SN Refsdal approximately

from the previous images S1–S4. This marks the first time the appearance of a SN at a particular time and location in the sky was successfully predicted in advance! We use these data and the light curve from the first four observed images of SN Refsdal to place constraints on the relative time delay and magnification of the new image (SX) compared to images S1–S4. This enables us, for the first time, to test “blind” lens model predictions of both magnifications and time delays for a lensed SN. We find that the timing and brightness of the new image are consistent with the blind predictions of a fraction of the models. The reappearance illustrates the discriminatory power of this blind test and its utility to uncover sources of systematic uncertainty. From planned HST photometry, we expect to reach a precision of 1%–2% on the time delay between S1–S4 and SX.
An Empirical Study of College Students’ Learning Satisfaction and Continuance Intention to Stick with a Blended e-Learning Environment
Authors: Lin Yi-Chien , Chung Pansy , Yeh Ron Chuen , Chen Yi-Cheng
Published: February 2016

Based upon the expectation-confirmation theory (ECT), this study propose a theoretical model that examines the impacts of the critical antecedents on college student English learning satisfaction and continuance intention to stick with a blended e-learning environment. The model was validated using a questionnaire survey of 313 college students. The researchers applied the partial least squares (PLS) method to validate the measurement properties and proposed hypotheses of the proposed research model. The findings indicate that, in general, college students are satisfactory with and show positive continuance intention to stick with the blended e-learning system for their English learning. Our results can provide insight for the practices regarding planning and implementing a blended e-learning system to improve college students’ learning satisfaction and facilitate their continuance intention to stick with a BEL environment.
Study on Improving English Reading Ability of the Electrical Automation Specialty Students in Multimedia-assisted Self-learning
Authors: Zhang Ruirui
Published: February 2016

For students majoring in Electrical Automation, reading is of vital importance in English learning process. In this paper, the author carries out tests, questionnaires and interviews and finally comes to the conclusion that multimedia-assisted self-learning has an effective impact upon students’ English reading ability. It makes students to be the key role of the learning procedure and makes them more active and more independent in English learning and is effective in improving their English reading ability.