bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indoor Air Pollution
Authors: Singh Kalpana
Published: November 2016

Indoor air pollution is a major problem in our daily life. Efficient corrective methods are urgently needed to combat the problem of Indoor air quality Virus Bacteria pollen grains, smoke, humidity, chemical substances and gases released in anthropogenic activity have adverse health effects in humans . Indoor air is dominant exposure for humans, more than half of the body’s intake during life time is air inhaled in the home. This article is a study based on the effect of indoor air pollutant and their control measures
Ignorance of bleeding cough-threat to life
Authors: Pandey K. K.
Published: November 2016

In our country, innumerable persons suffer from passing out blood during coughing. Due to the lack of awareness for the actual cause of cough with blood they unknowingly bear the risk of threat to life. This article presents various causes of coughing with blood and informs about the proper way to deal with them.
Does the 20-F Reconciliation Affect Investors' Perception of Comparability between Foreign Private Issuers (FPIs) and U.S. Firms?
Authors: Byard Donal , Mashruwala Shamin , Suh Jangwon
Published: November 2016

SYNOPSIS

Until recently, all Foreign Private Issuers (FPIs) listed on U.S. exchanges were required to reconcile their non-U.S. GAAP financial statements with U.S. GAAP in their annual Form 20-F filing. In November 2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) eliminated this requirement for FPIs reporting in IFRS. We use this rule change to provide evidence on whether the U.S. GAAP reconciliation affects investors' perception of the degree of comparability between FPIs and domestic U.S. firms reporting in U.S. GAAP. To do so, we test whether the SEC's rule change reduced information transfer from IFRS-reporting FPIs to comparable U.S. firms at the FPIs' earnings announcements. Consistent with the U.S. GAAP reconciliation increasing investors' perception of comparability between FPIs and U.S. firms, we find that information transfer from IFRS-reporting FPIs to comparable U.S. firms decreased significantly after the rule change, on average. We also find evidence consistent with a decrease in comparability for financial analysts forecasting earnings for comparable U.S. firms. In contrast, we find no evidence of a similar decrease in information transfer for FPIs not reporting in IFRS that are unaffected by the rule change.
When Do Differences in Credit Rating Methodologies Matter? Evidence from High Information Uncertainty Borrowers
Authors: Bonsall Samuel B , Koharki Kevin , Neamtiu Monica
Published: November 2016

This study investigates whether and when differences in the credit rating agencies' methodologies result in differences in rating properties. In particular, this study focuses on differences in information processing constraints between a rating agency that utilizes qualitative analysis and direct access to borrowers' management in its rating process (Standard & Poor's) compared to one that does not (Egan Jones Ratings Company) and how these differences affect rating quality. We find that as information uncertainty about borrowers increases, Egan Jones's rating accuracy, informativeness, and timeliness decrease relative to Standard & Poor's. Our findings suggest that Egan Jones's more restricted rating methodology can lead to limitations in information processing and, thus, reductions in Egan Jones's rating quality advantage for borrowers with greater information uncertainty.

JEL Classifications: G10; G24.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Is Prevalent in Women With Prior Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Independently Associated With Insulin Resistance and Waist Circumference
Authors: Foghsgaard Signe , Andreasen Camilla , Vedtofte Louise , Andersen Emilie S. , Bahne Emilie , Strandberg Charlotte , Buhl Thora , Holst Jens J. , Svare Jens A. , Clausen Tine D. , Mathiesen Elisabeth R. , Damm Peter , Gluud Lise L. , Knop Filip K. , Vilsbøll Tina
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is a potentially reversible condition but is also associated with progressive fibrosis and cirrhosis. Women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (pGDM) have a higher risk for NAFLD.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

One hundred women without diabetes who had pGDM (median [interquartile range]: age 38.6 [6.4] years; BMI 31.0 [6.2] kg/m2) and 11 healthy control subjects without NAFLD (age 37.9 [7.8] years; BMI 28.1 [0.8] kg/m2) underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), DXA whole-body scan, and ultrasonic evaluation of hepatic steatosis.

RESULTS

Twenty-four (24%) women with pGDM had NAFLD on the basis of the ultrasound scan. None had cirrhosis. Women with NAFLD had a higher BMI (P = 0.0002) and waist circumference (P = 0.0003), increased insulin resistance (P = 0.0004), and delayed suppression of glucagon after the OGTT (P < 0.0001), but NAFLD was not associated with the degree of glucose intolerance (P = 0.2196). Visceral fat mass differed among the three groups, with the NAFLD group having the highest amount of fat and the control subjects the lowest (P = 0.0003). By logistic regression analysis, insulin resistance (P = 0.0057) and waist circumference (P = 0.0109) were independently associated with NAFLD.

CONCLUSIONS

NAFLD was prevalent in this cohort of relatively young and nonseverely obese women with pGDM who are considered healthy apart from their increased risk for diabetes. Insulin resistance and a larger waist circumference were independently associated with the presence of NAFLD, whereas glucose intolerance was not.
Vielfältige Anwendungen genetischer Methoden im Wald
Authors: Holderegger Rolf
Published: November 2016

Diverse applications of genetic methods in forest ecosystems

Swiss forests are managed in a close-to-nature way, and they mainly get naturally rejuvenated. This leads to a forest situation most beneficial for the conservation of the genetic diversity of forest trees. If tree breeding and artificial planting are not main targets in Switzerland, why then using genetics in Swiss forests? In fact, the applications of genetic methods in forests are manifold. They can be used for the identification of connectivity and the evaluation of the success of connectivity measures, e.g., among total reserves, old-growth stands and habitat trees. With genetic methods, one may also study how native tree species and their genetic varieties can best be used for adaptation to climate change. Other applications comprise the investigation of biodiversity and ecology, e.g., the influence of forest management on soil biodiversity, or the diagnosis of invasive pests and pathogens and the search for agents of biological control. In the framework of multifunctional forest management, genetic applications can play an important role, if used in a sensible way.
Antidiabetogenic impact of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) and garlic (Allium sativum) on alloxan induced diabetic rabbit model
Authors: - Ambiara , Aziz Fahima Binthe , Hasan Md Mahmudul , Rahman Md Shajedur , Parvez Misrat Masuma , Roy Kishor Kumar , Haque Md Anowarul
Published: November 2016

The present study was undertaken to investigate the antidiabetic effect of the Bitter melon and Garlic on Alloxan induced diabetes in experimental rabbits. At 2 to 3 months of age, rabbits were assigned into five groups (A, B, C, D and E) and each group was remained 4 rabbits. Group A was kept for control, Group B was treated with Alloxanintramuscullarly at a dose of 75mg /kg body weight, Group C was treated with bitter melon 250gm/kg body weight orally, Group D was treated with garlic 750mg/kg body weight orally, Group E treated with combined at previous dose. After acclimatization, diabetes was induced in four groups of rabbits (B, C, D and E) by administering Alloxan injection in a dose of 75mg/kg body weight (b.wt.) intramuscularlly. There was significant decreased in blood glucose level in all treated group C, D, E compared to the B group and lowest glucose was recorded in E group when treated with combined medicinal herbs and body weight was increased in all treated group C, D, E compared to the B group and highest was recorded in Dgroup while treated with those.% of PCV level and Hb gm/dl concentration was the highest in group E which was treated with both garlic and bitter melon compare to the A group. ESR was highest in group B treated with Alloxan and lowest in group E. The present study reveals that combined treatment increases body weight and decreases glucose level without affecting health of rabbits.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. September 2016, 2(3): 402-408
Risk factors of hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke among hospitalized patients in Bangladesh - A case control study
Authors: Riaz Baizid Khoorshid , Chowdhury Shahabul Huda , Karim Nazmul , Feroz Salahuddin , Selim Shahjada , Rahman Ridwanur
Published: November 2016

The risk factor profiles, management and outcome have significant difference between stroke subsets. Aim of this study was to investigate the risk for the two most common subtypes of stroke in Bangladeshi population. Seventy cases of hemorrhagic stroke (HS) and 105 cases of confirmed ischemic stroke (IS) were recruited from the Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital (ShSMCH) and Dhaka Medical College Hospital between January-June 2011. Total 171 age, sex matched controls were selected from the hospitalized patients with history of no stroke ever. Average hemorrhagic stroke patients (60.4±12.3 years) were younger than both ischemic strokes (63.5±13 years). Family history of premature cardiovascular death was found more in HS patients (p=0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed, in IS model less fruit consumption (OR 4.6), table salt intake (OR 8.15), psychosocial stress (OR 3.5), abnormal ECG (OR 3.6) and Increased WHR (OR 6.9) appeared as significant predictors adjusted for all potential candidate confounders. In HS model less fruit consumption (OR 5.0), table salt intake (OR 9.9), Stress (OR 4.1), family history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) death (OR 11.3), hypertension (OR 43), aspirin intake (OR 4.5) and increased WHR (OR 3.7) remained as significant predictors.
Echocardiographic comparison of regional wall motion abnormality between patients with acute anteroseptal and acute extensive anteior ST segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Khan Tunaggina Afrin , Chowdhury Abdul Wadud , Khan HI Lutfur Rahman , Amin M. Guffar , Sabah Khandker Mohammed Nurus , Hossain Mofazzal
Published: November 2016

Post myocardial infarction (MI) short and long term clinical outcome is largely determined by the size of the infarcted area. It is generally assumed that as the lead involvement in electrocardiography (ECG) is less in anteroseptal ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (AS-STEMI), where ST segment elevation (STE) is limited to leads V1 to V3, myocardial damage is likely to be less; and in extensive anterior STEMI (EA-STEMI), as theSTE extends further upto V6, the myocardial damage is likely to be more. This study was intended to compare regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA) between acute anteroseptal STEMI and acute extensive anterior STEMI patients. 90 patients with AS-STEMI and 106 patients with EA-STEMI, admitted in between October 2012 and September 2013, were included. For each patient, a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) was performed within 24-48 hours of MI and was interpreted by an independent investigator blinded to the patient's ECG data. No differences were observed between the two groups in baseline characteristics; except AS-STEMI group had more patients with diabetes and EA-STEMI group had more patients with family history of coronary artery disease. Distribution, extent of wall motion abnormalities and mean number of total involved segments were similar between patients with AS-STEMI and those with EA-STEMI (p>0.05). Regarding regional dysfunction, the apical septal (99.1% vs. 92.2%, p<0.05) and apical (76.4% vs. 60.0%, p<0.05) segments were the only two segments that were affected significantly more in patients with EA-STEMI than in patients with AS-STEMI. So, the term AS-STEMI may be a misnomer, as it implies that only the anteroseptal segments of the left ventricle are involved. This study shows that regional dysfunction in patients with AS-STEMI extends beyond the anteroseptal region. So, any patients with anterior wall involvement, either anteroseptal or extensive anterior STEMI, should be treated with equal importance.
Stock Market and Sustainable Economic Growth in Nigeria
Authors: Owusu Erasmus
Published: November 2016

This paper examines the relationship between stock market evolution and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria. The study employs Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL)-bounds testing approach and a combined stock market indicators index to examine the relationship. The paper finds that, in the long run, stock markets have no positive and at best mixed effect on economic growth in Nigeria. This finding supports the numerous past studies, which have reported negative/mixed or inconclusive results on the effects of stock markets on economic growth. The paper, therefore, concludes that, there is the need for increasing financial deepening and the removal of bottlenecks in the financial sectors of the economy by providing further public and institutional education on the value of stock markets for economic development.
Grand Fir Nutrient Management in the Inland Northwestern USA
Authors: Parent Dennis , Coleman Mark
Published: November 2016

Grand fir (Abies grandis (Douglas ex D. Don) Lindley) is widely distributed in the moist forests of the Inland Northwest. It has high potential productivity, its growth being nearly equal to western white pine, the most productive species in the region. There are large standing volumes of grand fir in the region. Nutritionally, the species has higher foliage cation concentrations than associated conifers, especially potassium (K) and calcium (Ca). In contrast, it has lower nitrogen (N) foliage concentrations, which creates favorable nutrient balance on N-limited sites. Despite concentration differences, grand fir stores proportionally more nutrients per tree than associated species because of greater crown biomass. Although few fertilization trials have examined grand fir specifically, its response is inferred from its occurrence in many monitored mixed conifer stands. Fertilization trials including grand fir either as a major or minor component show that it has a strong diameter and height growth response ranging from 15% to 50% depending in part on site moisture availability and soil geology. Grand fir tends to have a longer response duration than other inland conifers. When executed concurrently with thinning, fertilization often increases the total response. Late rotation application of N provides solid investment returns in carefully selected stands. Although there are still challenges with the post-fertilization effects on tree mortality, grand fir will continue to be an important species with good economic values and beneficial responses to fertilization and nutrient management.
Effects of Di-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate on Lipid Metabolism by the JAK/STAT Pathway in Rats
Authors: Jia Yiyang , Liu Te , Zhou Liting , Zhu Jian , Wu Juan , Sun Di , Xu Jin , Wang Qi , Chen Huaiji , Xu Feng , Zhang Yuezhu , Zhang Tianrong , Liu Hongbo , Ye Lin
Published: November 2016

The most widely used plasticizer, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), is known to affect lipid metabolism and adipogenesis. We studied the effects of dietary DEHP exposure on metabolism in rats as well as the role of the JAK/STAT pathway in this process. Eighty rats were exposed to DEHP (0, 5, 50 and 500 mg/kg/d) through dietary intake for 4 weeks. We then collected blood samples, liver, and adipose tissues to detect modifications in the levels of serum lipids, leptin, adiponectin and insulin. JAK3, STAT5a and PPARγ expression were detected at both the gene and protein levels. The activation of JAK3 and STAT5a was also detected. The DEHP-exposed rats had increased body weight, serum lipid, insulin, and leptin levels. Moreover, the JAK3/STAT5a pathway was activated in the adipose tissue; however, this pathway was not activated in the liver. The mRNA of SREBP-1c in the liver was increased significantly among each of the groups, in contrast to the levels found in the mature SREBP-1c protein form. Furthermore, the expression of FABP4, Acox and FASn was decreased in the liver, but increased in adipose tissue. Thus, we conclude that exposure to DEHP reduces the hydrolysis of lipid and promotes triglyceride accumulation by oppositely regulating the activation state of JAK/STAT pathway in the liver and adipose tissue, resulting in the disorder of body lipid metabolism and obesity.
Controls on Nitrous Oxide Production in, and Fluxes from a Coastal Aquifer in Long Island, NY, USA
Authors: Young Caitlin , Martin Jonathan , Hanson Gilbert
Published: November 2016

Nitrous oxide (N2O) has 265 times greater greenhouse potential than carbon dioxide and its atmospheric concentration has increased by about 20% since industrialization; however, N2O production and emissions from aquatic systems are poorly constrained. To evaluate N2O fluxes associated with meteoric groundwater discharge to coastal zones, we measured N2O concentrations in May and October 2011 from two discharge points of the Upper Glacial aquifer on Long Island, NY, USA. One coastal zone contains only fresh water and the other contains an upper saline zone. N2O concentrations decreased by around 40% for the fresh water and a factor of two for the salt water from May to October, 2011. Fluxes were around 100 to 200 times greater from the freshwater (246 to 448 µmol/m shoreline/day) than saltwater aquifer (26.1 to 26.5 µmol/m shoreline/day). N2O concentrations correlate positively with NO3− and dissolved oxygen concentrations and negatively with salinity, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and N2 denitrification concentrations. The smaller saltwater N2O export resulted from DOC enrichment in the upper saline zone, which appears to have driven denitrification to completion, removed N2O, and increased N2 denitrification. DOC concentrations should be considered in global N2O flux estimates for coastal aquifers.
An Integrated Health Monitoring Method for Structural Fatigue Life Evaluation Using Limited Sensor Data
Authors: He Jingjing , Zhou Yibin , Guan Xuefei , Zhang Wei , Wang Yanrong , Zhang Weifang
Published: November 2016

A general framework for structural fatigue life evaluation under fatigue cyclic loading using limited sensor data is proposed in this paper. First, limited sensor data are measured from various sensors which are preset on the complex structure. Then the strain data at remote spots are used to obtain the strain responses at critical spots by the strain/stress reconstruction method based on empirical mode decomposition (REMD method). All the computations in this paper are directly performed in the time domain. After the local stress responses at critical spots are determined, fatigue life evaluation can be performed for structural health management and risk assessment. Fatigue life evaluation using the reconstructed stresses from remote strain gauge measurement data is also demonstrated with detailed error analysis. Following this, the proposed methodology is demonstrated using a three-dimensional frame structure and a simplified airfoil structure. Finally, several conclusions and future work are drawn based on the proposed study.
Structure–Activity Relationship Studies Using Natural and Synthetic Okadaic Acid/Dinophysistoxin Toxins
Authors: Twiner Michael , Doucette Gregory , Pang Yucheng , Fang Chao , Forsyth Craig , Miles Christopher
Published: November 2016

Okadaic acid (OA) and the closely related dinophysistoxins (DTXs) are algal toxins that accumulate in shellfish and are known serine/threonine protein phosphatase (ser/thr PP) inhibitors. Phosphatases are important modulators of enzyme activity and cell signaling pathways. However, the interactions between the OA/DTX toxins and phosphatases are not fully understood. This study sought to identify phosphatase targets and characterize their structure–activity relationships (SAR) with these algal toxins using a combination of phosphatase activity and cytotoxicity assays. Preliminary screening of 21 human and yeast phosphatases indicated that only three ser/thr PPs (PP2a, PP1, PP5) were inhibited by physiologically saturating concentrations of DTX2 (200 nM). SAR studies employed naturally-isolated OA, DTX1, and DTX2, which vary in degree and/or position of methylation, in addition to synthetic 2-epi-DTX2. OA/DTX analogs induced cytotoxicity and inhibited PP activity with a relatively conserved order of potency: OA = DTX1 ≥ DTX2 >> 2-epi-DTX. The PPs were also differentially inhibited with sensitivities of PP2a > PP5 > PP1. These findings demonstrate that small variations in OA/DTX toxin structures, particularly at the head region (i.e., C1/C2), result in significant changes in toxicological potency, whereas changes in methylation at C31 and C35 (tail region) only mildly affect potency. In addition to this being the first study to extensively test OA/DTX analogs’ activities towards PP5, these data will be helpful for accurately determining toxic equivalence factors (TEFs), facilitating molecular modeling efforts, and developing highly selective phosphatase inhibitors.
Review on the Research and Development of Ti-Based Bulk Metallic Glasses
Authors: Gong Pan , Deng Lei , Jin Junsong , Wang Sibo , Wang Xinyun , Yao Kefu
Published: November 2016

Ti-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) are very attractive for applications because of their excellent properties such as high specific strength and high corrosion resistance. In this paper, we briefly review the current status of the research and development of Ti-based bulk metallic glasses. Emphasis is laid on glass-forming ability, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility.
A Methodological Approach for Assessing Amplified Reflection Distributed Denial of Service on the Internet of Things
Authors: Costa Gondim João , De Oliveira Albuquerque Robson , Clayton Alves Nascimento Anderson , García Villalba Luis , Kim Tai-Hoon
Published: November 2016

Concerns about security on Internet of Things (IoT) cover data privacy and integrity, access control, and availability. IoT abuse in distributed denial of service attacks is a major issue, as typical IoT devices’ limited computing, communications, and power resources are prioritized in implementing functionality rather than security features. Incidents involving attacks have been reported, but without clear characterization and evaluation of threats and impacts. The main purpose of this work is to methodically assess the possible impacts of a specific class–amplified reflection distributed denial of service attacks (AR-DDoS)–against IoT. The novel approach used to empirically examine the threat represented by running the attack over a controlled environment, with IoT devices, considered the perspective of an attacker. The methodology used in tests includes that perspective, and actively prospects vulnerabilities in computer systems. This methodology defines standardized procedures for tool-independent vulnerability assessment based on strategy, and the decision flows during execution of penetration tests (pentests). After validation in different scenarios, the methodology was applied in amplified reflection distributed denial of service (AR-DDoS) attack threat assessment. Results show that, according to attack intensity, AR-DDoS saturates reflector infrastructure. Therefore, concerns about AR-DDoS are founded, but expected impact on abused IoT infrastructure and devices will be possibly as hard as on final victims.
MATE: Machine Learning for Adaptive Calibration Template Detection
Authors: Donné Simon , De Vylder Jonas , Goossens Bart , Philips Wilfried
Published: November 2016

The problem of camera calibration is two-fold. On the one hand, the parameters are estimated from known correspondences between the captured image and the real world. On the other, these correspondences themselves—typically in the form of chessboard corners—need to be found. Many distinct approaches for this feature template extraction are available, often of large computational and/or implementational complexity. We exploit the generalized nature of deep learning networks to detect checkerboard corners: our proposed method is a convolutional neural network (CNN) trained on a large set of example chessboard images, which generalizes several existing solutions. The network is trained explicitly against noisy inputs, as well as inputs with large degrees of lens distortion. The trained network that we evaluate is as accurate as existing techniques while offering improved execution time and increased adaptability to specific situations with little effort. The proposed method is not only robust against the types of degradation present in the training set (lens distortions, and large amounts of sensor noise), but also to perspective deformations, e.g., resulting from multi-camera set-ups.
Estrogen Receptor Ligands: A Review (2013–2015)
Authors: Farzaneh Shabnam , Zarghi Afshin
Published: November 2016

Estrogen receptors (ERs) are a group of compounds named for their importance in both menstrual and estrous reproductive cycles. They are involved in the regulation of various processes ranging from tissue growth maintenance to reproduction. Their action is mediated through ER nuclear receptors. Two subtypes of the estrogen receptor, ERα and ERβ, exist and exhibit distinct cellular and tissue distribution patterns. In humans, both receptor subtypes are expressed in many cells and tissues, and they control key physiological functions in various organ systems. Estrogens attract great attention due to their wide applications in female reproductive functions and treatment of some estrogen-dependent cancers and osteoporosis. This paper provides a general review of ER ligands published in international journals patented between 2013 and 2015. The broad physiological profile of estrogens has attracted the attention of many researchers to develop new estrogen ligands as therapeutic molecules for various clinical purposes. After the discovery of the ERβ receptor, subtype-selective ligands could be used to elicit beneficial estrogen-like activities and reduce adverse side effects, based on the different distributions and relative levels of the two ER subtypes in different estrogen target tissues. Therefore, recent literature has focused on selective estrogen ligands as highly promising agents for the treatment of some types of cancer, as well as for cardiovascular, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases. Estrogen receptors are nuclear transcription factors that are involved in the regulation of many complex physiological functions in humans. Selective estrogen ligands are highly promising targets for treatment of some types of cancer, as well as for cardiovascular, inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Extensive structure-activity relationship studies of ER ligands based on small molecules indicate that many different structural scaffolds may provide high-affinity compounds, provided that some basic structural requirements are present.
A Facile, Improved Synthesis of Sildenafil and Its Analogues
Authors: Raghava Reddy Ambati. , Srinivas Garaga , Takshinamoorthy Chandiran , Gupta Peruri Badarinadh , Naidu Andra
Published: November 2016

This paper describes the facile synthesis of sildenafil citrate (1) and its related compounds through an improved chlorosulfonation reaction using chlorosulfonic acid and thionyl chloride. This synthesis results in pure sildenafil with high yield. The structures of the compounds were determined with infrared (IR), 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopic methods, and high resolution mass spectroscopy (HRMS) analysis.
Formulation, Characterisation, and in Vitro Skin Diffusion of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Deoxyarbutin Compared to a Nanoemulsion and Conventional Cream
Authors: Tofani Rendra , Sumirtapura Yeyet , Darijanto Sasanti
Published: November 2016

The long-term use of topical hydroquinone as an anti-hyperpigmentation treatment has well-known, unwanted effects. Deoxyarbutin (4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]phenol) is a relatively new tyrosinase inhibitor, with stronger inhibitory potency than hydroquinone, that exhibited decreased cytotoxicity against melanocytes and other cells. This study developed novel nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for improved topical delivery of deoxyarbutin (dArb), leading to improved depigmenting efficacy. dArb is a hydrophobic substance, but it easily degrades in aqueous medium and is thermolabile. Screening and optimisation of the solid lipid, liquid lipid, surfactant, co-surfactant and production methods were performed to choose the optimum particle size and stability for NLCs. One percent dArb NLCs were obtained from a combination of cetyl palmitate (CP) and caprylic/capric tryglicerides (Myr) in 12% total lipids using poloxamer 188 (P-188) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 as a surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively, with a particle diameter of approximately 500 nm and a polydispersity index (PI) <0.4. These NLCs were produced using the simple method of high-shear homogenisation (10,000 rpm, 5 minutes) and ultrasonication (3.5 min). The compatibility between the substances in the formula was evaluated using Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The morphology of the NLCs was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In vitro penetration of dArb NLCs was evaluated and compared to the nanoemulsion (NE) and conventional emulsion (CR) delivery methods across Spangler’s membrane (SS). Delivery improvement was clearly observed, and after 8 h of application, dArb gel-NLCs showed the highest dArb penetration, followed by liquid NLCs, NE, and CR.
Development and characterization of microsatellite loci for Lindera glauca (Lauraceae)
Authors: Xiong Biao , Dong Shubin , Qi Ji , Zhang Limei , Ha Denglong , Ju Yuxi , Zhang Zhixiang
Published: November 2016

Premise of the study:

Microsatellite primers were developed to investigate population genetic structure in Lindera glauca (Lauraceae).

Methods and Results:

Twenty‐five microsatellite primers were developed and optimized for L. glauca using Illumina's Solexa sequencing technology. These novel primers were found to be polymorphic in nine wild L. glauca populations with 81 total alleles confirmed and genotyped via capillary gel electrophoresis. The total number of alleles, observed heterozygosity, and expected heterozygosity for each population ranged from one to four, from 0.00 to 0.90, and from 0.00 to 0.79, respectively. In addition, the 25 primers were tested in 10 additional individuals of the related species L. communis, and all but four markers showed good amplification results.

Conclusions:

This set of microsatellite primers is the first specifically developed for L. glauca and will facilitate studies of genetic diversity and evolution among populations of this species.
EINSTEIN@HOME DISCOVERY OF A DOUBLE NEUTRON STAR BINARY IN THE PALFA SURVEY
Authors: Lazarus P. , Freire P. C. C. , Allen B. , Aulbert C. , Bock O. , Bogdanov S. , Brazier A. , Camilo F. , Cardoso F. , Chatterjee S. , Cordes J. M. , Crawford F. , Deneva J. S. , Eggenstein H.-B. , Fehrmann H. , Ferdman R. , Hessels J. W. T. , Jenet F. A. , Karako-Argaman C. , Kaspi V. M. , Knispel B. , Lynch R. , Leeuwen J. van , Machenschalk B. , Madsen E. , McLaughlin M. A. , Patel C. , Ransom S. M. , Scholz P. , Seymour A. , Siemens X. , Spitler L. G. , Stairs I. H. , Stovall K. , Swiggum J. , Venkataraman A. , Zhu W. W.
Published: November 2016

We report here the Einstein@Home discovery of PSR J1913+1102, a 27.3 ms pulsar found in data from the ongoing Arecibo PALFA pulsar survey. The pulsar is in a 4.95 hr double neutron star (DNS) system with an eccentricity of 0.089. From radio timing with the Arecibo 305 m telescope, we measure the rate of advance of periastron to be

° yr−1. Assuming general relativity accurately models the orbital motion, this corresponds to a total system mass of M
tot =  2.875(14) 

, similar to the mass of the most massive DNS known to date, B1913+16, but with a much smaller eccentricity. The small eccentricity indicates that the second-formed neutron star (NS) (the companion of PSR J1913+1102) was born in a supernova with a very small associated kick and mass loss. In that case, this companion is likely, by analogy with other systems, to be a light (∼1.2

) NS; the system would then be highly asymmetric. A search for radio pulsations from the companion yielded no plausible detections, so we cannot yet confirm this mass asymmetry. By the end of 2016, timing observations should permit the detection of two additional post-Keplerian parameters: the Einstein delay (γ), which will enable precise mass measurements and a verification of the possible mass asymmetry of the system, and the orbital decay due to the emission of gravitational waves (

), which will allow another test of the radiative properties of gravity. The latter effect will cause the system to coalesce in ∼0.5 Gyr.
THE TRIPLE SYSTEM ZETA AQUARII*
Authors: Tokovinin Andrei
Published: November 2016

Zeta Aquarii is a bright and nearby (28 pc) triple star with a 26-year astrometric subsystem. Almost one-half of the outer 540-year visual orbit has been covered in 238 years of its observations. Both inner and outer orbits are revised here taking into account recent direct resolution of the inner pair Aa,Ab. The inner orbit has a high eccentricity of 0.87 and is inclined to the outer orbit by 140° ± 10°, suggesting that Kozai–Lidov cycles take place. The masses of the stars Aa, B, and Ab are 1.4, 1.4, and 0.6 solar. The age of the system is about 3 Gyr, and the two main components have just left the main sequence. Hypothetically, this system could have formed by a dynamical capture of the small star Ab in the twin binary Aa,B.
ABSORPTION-LINE SPECTROSCOPY OF GRAVITATIONALLY LENSED GALAXIES: FURTHER CONSTRAINTS ON THE ESCAPE FRACTION OF IONIZING PHOTONS AT HIGH REDSHIFT
Authors: Leethochawalit Nicha , Jones Tucker A. , Ellis Richard S. , Stark Daniel P. , Zitrin Adi
Published: November 2016

The fraction of ionizing photons escaping from high-redshift star-forming galaxies is a key obstacle in evaluating whether galaxies were the primary agents of cosmic reionization. We previously proposed using the covering fraction of low-ionization gas, measured via deep absorption-line spectroscopy, as a proxy. We now present a significant update, sampling seven gravitationally lensed sources at 4 < z < 5. We show that the absorbing gas in our sources is spatially inhomogeneous, with a median covering fraction of 66%. Correcting for reddening according to a dust-in-cloud model, this implies an estimated absolute escape fraction of ≃19% ± 6%. With possible biases and uncertainties, collectively we find that the average escape fraction could be reduced to no less than 11%, excluding the effect of spatial variations. For one of our lensed sources, we have sufficient signal-to-noise ratio to demonstrate the presence of such spatial variations and scatter in its dependence on the Lyα equivalent width, consistent with recent simulations. If this source is typical, our lower limit to the escape fraction could be reduced by a further factor ≃2. Across our sample, we find a modest anticorrelation between the inferred escape fraction and the local star formation rate, consistent with a time delay between a burst and leaking Lyman continuum photons. Our analysis demonstrates considerable variations in the escape fraction, consistent with being governed by the small-scale behavior of star-forming regions, whose activities fluctuate over short timescales. This supports the suggestion that the escape fraction may increase toward the reionization era when star formation becomes more energetic and burst-like.
A VLA SURVEY FOR FAINT COMPACT RADIO SOURCES IN THE ORION NEBULA CLUSTER
Authors: Sheehan Patrick D. , Eisner Josh A. , Mann Rita K. , Williams Jonathan P.
Published: November 2016

We present Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array 1.3, 3.6, and 6 cm continuum maps of compact radio sources in the Orion Nebular Cluster (ONC). We mosaicked 34 arcmin2 at 1.3 cm, 70 arcmin2 at 3.6 cm and 109 arcmin2 at 6 cm, containing 778 near-infrared detected young stellar objects and 190 Hubble Space Telescope-identified proplyds (with significant overlap between those characterizations). We detected radio emission from 175 compact radio sources in the ONC, including 26 sources that were detected for the first time at these wavelengths. For each detected source, we fitted a simple free–free and dust emission model to characterize the radio emission. We extrapolate the free–free emission spectrum model for each source to ALMA bands to illustrate how these measurements could be used to correctly measure protoplanetary disk dust masses from submillimeter flux measurements. Finally, we compare the fluxes measured in this survey with previously measured fluxes for our targets, as well as four separate epochs of 1.3 cm data, to search for and quantify the variability of our sources.
THE INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF OVERPRESSURED, MAGNETIZED, RELATIVISTIC JETS
Authors: Martí J. M. , Perucho M. , Gómez J. L.
Published: November 2016

This work presents the first characterization of the internal structure of overpressured, steady superfast-magnetosonic relativistic jets in connection with their dominant type of energy. To this aim, relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations of different jet models threaded by a helical magnetic field have been analyzed covering a wide region in the magnetosonic Mach number–specific internal energy plane. The merit of this plane is that models dominated by different types of energy (internal energy: hot jets; rest-mass energy: kinetically dominated jets; magnetic energy: Poynting-flux-dominated jets) occupy well-separated regions. The analyzed models also cover a wide range of magnetizations. Models dominated by the internal energy (i.e., hot models, or Poynting-flux-dominated jets with magnetizations larger than but close to one) have a rich internal structure characterized by a series of recollimation shocks and present the largest variations in the flow Lorentz factor (and internal energy density). Conversely, in kinetically dominated models, there is not much internal or magnetic energy to be converted into kinetic, and the jets are featureless with small variations in the flow Lorentz factor. The presence of a significant toroidal magnetic field threading the jet produces large gradients in the transversal profile of the internal energy density. Poynting-flux-dominated models with high magnetization (≈10 or larger) are prone to be unstable against magnetic pinch modes, which sets limits on the expected magnetization in parsec-scale active galactic nucleus jets or constrains their magnetic field configuration.
MASS MEASUREMENTS IN PROTOPLANETARY DISKS FROM HYDROGEN DEUTERIDE
Authors: McClure M. K. , Bergin E. A. , Cleeves L. I. , Dishoeck E. F. van , Blake G. A. , Evans II N. J. , Green J. D. , Henning Th. , Öberg K. I. , Pontoppidan K. M. , Salyk C.
Published: November 2016

The total gas mass of a protoplanetary disk is a fundamental, but poorly determined, quantity. A new technique has been demonstrated to assess directly the bulk molecular gas reservoir of molecular hydrogen using the HD J = 1–0 line at 112 μm. In this work we present a Herschel Space Observatory
10 survey of six additional T Tauri disks in the HD line. Line emission is detected at >3σ significance in two cases: DM Tau and GM Aur. For the other four disks, we establish upper limits to the line flux. Using detailed disk structure and ray-tracing models, we calculate the temperature structure and dust mass from modeling the observed spectral energy distributions, and we include the effect of UV gas heating to determine the amount of gas required to fit the HD line. The ranges of gas masses are 1.0–4.7 × 10−2 for DM Tau and 2.5–20.4 × 10−2 for GM Aur. These values are larger than those found using CO for GM Aur, while the CO-derived gas mass for DM Tau is consistent with the lower end of our mass range. This suggests a CO chemical depletion from the gas phase of up to a factor of five for DM Tau and up to two orders of magnitude for GM Aur. We discuss how future analysis can narrow the mass ranges further.
MINOR MERGERS OR PROGENITOR BIAS? THE STELLAR AGES OF SMALL AND LARGE QUENCHED GALAXIES
Authors: Fagioli Martina , Carollo C. Marcella , Renzini Alvio , Lilly Simon J. , Onodera Masato , Tacchella Sandro
Published: November 2016

We investigate the origin of the evolution of the population-averaged size of quenched galaxies (QGs) through a spectroscopic analysis of their stellar ages. This evolution has been claimed to arise from either the size growth of individual galaxies through a sequence of dry minor mergers, or the addition of larger, newly quenched galaxies to the pre-existing population (i.e., a progenitor bias effect). We use the 20k zCOSMOS-bright spectroscopic survey to select bona fide QGs at 0.2 < z < 0.8. We stack their spectra in bins of redshift, stellar mass, and size to compute stellar population parameters through fits to the rest-frame optical spectra and Lick indices. The size–age relation differs below and above ∼1011
M
⊙: at

, at all redshifts the stellar populations of the largest galaxies are younger than those of the smaller counterparts, indicating progenitor bias as the main driver of the average size evolution. In contrast, at higher masses, there is no clear size–age trend, supporting a substantial role of dry mergers in increasing with cosmic time the sizes of these most massive QGs. The [α/Fe] abundance ratios of QGs are (i) above-solar over the entire redshift range of our analysis, hinting at universally short timescales for the buildup of the stellar populations of QGs, and (ii) similar at all masses and sizes, suggesting similar (short) timescales for the whole QG population—and strengthening the role of mergers in the buildup of the most massive QGs in the universe.
THE LYMAN-CONTINUUM PHOTON PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY ξION OF z ∼ 4–5 GALAXIES FROM IRAC-BASED Hα MEASUREMENTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ESCAPE FRACTION AND COSMIC REIONIZATION
Authors: Bouwens R. J. , Smit R. , Labbé I. , Franx M. , Caruana J. , Oesch P. , Stefanon M. , Rasappu N.
Published: November 2016

Galaxies represent one of the preferred candidate sources to drive the reionization of the universe. Even as gains are made in mapping the galaxy UV luminosity density to

, significant uncertainties remain regarding the conversion to the implied ionizing emissivity. The relevant unknowns are the Lyman-continuum (LyC) photon production efficiency

and the escape fraction f
esc. As we show here, the first of these unknowns is directly measurable in z = 4–5 galaxies based on the impact the Hα line has on the observed IRAC fluxes. By computing a LyC photon production rate from the implied Hα luminosities for a broad selection of z = 4–5 galaxies and comparing this against the dust-corrected UV-continuum luminosities, we provide the first-ever direct estimates of the LyC photon production efficiency

for the

galaxy population. We find

to have a mean value of

and

for sub-L* z = 4–5 galaxies adopting Calzetti and SMC dust laws, respectively. Reassuringly, both derived values are consistent with the standard assumed

's in reionization models, with a slight preference for higher

's (by ∼0.1 dex) adopting the SMC dust law. High values of

(∼25.5–25.8 dex) are derived for the bluest galaxies (

) in our samples, independent of dust law and consistent with results for a z = 7.045 galaxy. Such elevated values of

would have important consequences, indicating that f
esc cannot be in excess of 13% for standard assumptions about the faint-end cut-off to the LF and the clumping factor.
GRB 090510: A GENUINE SHORT GRB FROM A BINARY NEUTRON STAR COALESCING INTO A KERR–NEWMAN BLACK HOLE
Authors: Ruffini R. , Muccino M. , Aimuratov Y. , Bianco C. L. , Cherubini C. , Enderli M. , Kovacevic M. , Moradi R. , Penacchioni A. V. , Pisani G. B. , Rueda J. A. , Wang Y.
Published: November 2016

In a new classification of merging binary neutron stars (NSs) we separate short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) into two subclasses. The ones with

erg coalesce to form a massive NS and are indicated as short gamma-ray flashes (S-GRFs). The hardest, with

erg, coalesce to form a black hole (BH) and are indicated as genuine short GRBs (S-GRBs). Within the fireshell model, S-GRBs exhibit three different components: the proper GRB (P-GRB) emission, observed at the transparency of a self-accelerating baryon-

plasma; the prompt emission, originating from the interaction of the accelerated baryons with the circumburst medium; and the high-energy (GeV) emission, observed after the P-GRB and indicating the formation of a BH. GRB 090510 gives the first evidence for the formation of a Kerr BH or, possibly, a Kerr–Newman BH. Its P-GRB spectrum can be fitted by a convolution of thermal spectra whose origin can be traced back to an axially symmetric dyadotorus. A large value of the angular momentum of the newborn BH is consistent with the large energetics of this S-GRB, which reach in the 1–10,000 keV range

erg and in the 0.1–100 GeV range

erg, the most energetic GeV emission ever observed in S-GRBs. The theoretical redshift

that we derive from the fireshell theory is consistent with the spectroscopic measurement

, showing the self-consistency of the theoretical approach. All S-GRBs exhibit GeV emission, when inside the Fermi-LAT field of view, unlike S-GRFs, which never evidence it. The GeV emission appears to be the discriminant for the formation of a BH in GRBs, confirmed by their observed overall energetics.
Big Data Analytics
Authors: Abdulrahman Muhammad D. , Subramanian Nachiappan , Chan Hing Kai , Ning Kun
Published: November 2016

This chapter discusses the scholarly views on big data analytics with respect to the challenges in terms of visualization and data driven research in smart cities and ports. The prominent challenges and emerging research on structuring data, data mining algorithms and visualization aspects are shared by academic experts based on their ongoing research experience. Scholars agreed that being able to analyze huge data at once is highly critical for the embracement and success of big data research and the utilization of its findings particularly for entities with highly dynamic and complex demands such as cities and ports. It was noted that developing robust ways of handling and clean qualitative social media data as well as getting well-trained and highly skilled human resources in all aspects of big data analysis and interpretation remains a major challenge.
How Smart Operations Help Better Planning and Replenishment?
Authors: Ramanathan Usha
Published: November 2016

This chapter discusses various roles of smart information in Supply Chains (SC) of digital age and tries to answer an important question - What types of collaborative arrangements facilitate smart operations to improve planning, production and timely replenishment? We have conducted longitudinal case studies with firms practicing SC collaborations and also using smart information for operations. Based on the case analysis, the companies are further classified as ‘smart planning' and ‘traditional planning'. Research findings show the importance of aligning SC partnerships based on smart information requirements. These findings are based on case studies of Indian firms with global SC collaboration. We also discuss the role of Big Data for the companies using smart planning.