bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical processes for the origin of globular clusters with multiple stellar populations
Authors: Bekki Kenji
Published: March 2015

We numerically investigate the formation processes of globular clusters (GCs) in gas-rich dwarf galaxies at high redshifts. Our particular focus is on how the first and second generations of stars can be formed from high-density gas clouds in dwarf galaxies. We find that massive stellar clumps first form from massive gas clumps that are developed from local gravitational instability in gas-rich dwarfs. These stellar clumps with masses larger than ~ 2 × 106 M⊙ can finally become the first generation of stars in GCs. After supernova explosion expels the remaining gas in the clumps, stars can form from eject of AGB stars that is accreted onto the central regions of the clumps (i.e., first generation of stars). The compact clusters of these stars have much higher densities and a significant amount of internal rotation (~ 5 km s−1) in comparison with the first generation and thus correspond to the second generation.
The Galactic halo: stellar populations and their chemical properties
Authors: Norris John E.
Published: March 2015

Below [Fe/H] = −3.0, there is an enormous range in [C/Fe]. We discuss the properties of C-rich ([C/Fe] > +0.7) and C-normal ([C/Fe] ≤ +0.7) stars in this regime, and suggest that there existed two different gas cooling channels in the very early Universe.
Special Session 2: Cosmic Evolution of Groups and Clusters
Authors: Vrtilek J. M. , David L. P.
Published: March 2015

During the past decade observations across the electromagnetic spectrum have led to broad progress in the understanding of galaxy clusters and their far more abundant smaller siblings, groups. From the X-rays, where Chandra and XMM have illuminated old phenomena such as cooling cores and discovered new ones such as shocks, cold fronts, bubbles and cavities, through rich collections of optical data (including vast and growing arrays of redshifts), to the imaging of AGN outbursts of various ages through radio observations, our access to cluster and group measurements has leaped forward, while parallel advances in theory and modeling have kept pace.

This Special Session offered a survey of progress to this point, an assessment of outstanding problems, and a multiwavelength overview of the uses of the next generation of observatories. Holding the symposium in conjuction with the XXVIIIth General Assembly provided the significant advantage of involving not only a specialist audience, but also interacting with a broad cross-section of the world astronomical community.
Bar properties as seen in the Spitzer Survey of Stellar Structure in Galaxies
Authors: Sheth Kartik ,   The Spitzer Survey for Stellar Structure in Galaxies (S4G) Team
Published: March 2015

Bars serve a crucial signpost in galaxy evolution because they form quickly once a disk is sufficiently massive and dynamically cold. Although the bar fraction in the local Universe is well-established since the mid-60s, a variety of studies have concluded varying bar fractions due to different definitions of bars, use of low quality data or different sample selection. The Spitzer Survey of Stellar Structure in Galaxies (S4G) offers us the ideal data set for resolving this outstanding issue once and for all. S4G consists of over 2000 nearby galaxies chosen based on optical brightness, distance, galactic latitude and size in a 40 Mpc volume. With a 4 minute integration time per pixel over >1.5 × D25 diameter for each galaxy, the data provide the deepest, homogenous, mid-infrared (3.6 and 4.5 microns) data on the nearby Universe. The data are so deep that we are tracing stellar surface densities << 1 solar mass per square parsec. With these data we can confidently constrain the bar fraction and thus shed important light on the evolutionary state of galaxies as a function of mass, environment and other galaxy host properties.
NIRS0S: Observations of early-type galaxy secular evolution spanning the Sa/S0/disky-E boundaries
Authors: Laurikainen Eija , Salo Heikki , Buta Ronald , Knapen Johan
Published: March 2015

NIRS0S (Near-IR S0 galaxy Survey), is a K-band survey of ~ 200 early-type disk galaxies, mainly S0s, 2-3 mag deeper than the 2Micron All Sky Survey. In depth morphological analysis was done, in which multi-component structural decompositions played an important role. Possible implications to internal dynamical galaxy evolution were discussed. S0s were suggested to be former spirals in which star formation has ceased, forming a parallel sequence with spirals (see Fig. 1). If that evolution is faster among the brighter galaxies, the observed magnitude difference between the barred and non-barred S0s could be understood. Bars are suggested to play a critical role in such evolution. For example, the inner lenses in the bright non-barred S0s can be explained as former barlenses (inner parts of bars), in which the elongated bar component has dissolved. We suggest that the last destructive merger event happened at a fairly large redshift.
The role of external gas accretion on galaxy transformations, and evidence of such accretion
Authors: Combes Françoise
Published: March 2015

Continuously accreting matter from cosmic filaments is one of the main way to assemble mass for galaxies (Keres et al.2005, Dekel et al.2009). This external accretion accelerates secular processes, and maintain star formation, but also bar and spiral formation (Bournaud & Combes 2002), and consequent radial migration. Secular evolution may alleviate the problem of too massive bulge formation in the standard LCDM hierarchical scenario. Inside out formation of galaxies may account for the evolution of the size-mass relation and evolution with redshift. I will show how gas accretion from the inter galactic medium can mimick perturbations due to galaxy interactions (cf Figure 1), and I will describe evidence of such accretion, through warps, polar rings or damped Lyman-α systems.
Role of massive stars in the evolution of primitive galaxies
Authors: Heap Sara
Published: March 2015

An important factor controlling galaxy evolution is feedback from massive stars. It is believed that the nature and intensity of stellar feedback changes as a function of galaxy mass and metallicity. At low mass and metallicity, feedback from massive stars is mainly in the form of photoionizing radiation. At higher mass and metallicity, it is in stellar winds. I Zw 18 is a local blue, compact dwarf galaxy that meets the requirements for a primitive galaxy: low halo mass <109M⊙, strong photoionizing radiation, no galactic outflow, and very low metallicity, log(O/H)+12=7.2. We will describe the properties of massive stars and their role in the evolution of I Zw 18, based on analysis of ultraviolet images and spectra obtained with HST.
Bars in a cosmological context
Authors: Martig Marie , Kraljic Katarina , Bournaud Frédéric
Published: March 2015

We study the properties of bars in a series of zoom cosmological simulations (Martig et al.2012, Kraljic et al.2012). We find that bars are almost absent from galaxies at z>1, and if they form they tend to be quickly destroyed by mergers and instabilities. On the contrary, at z<1 bars are long-lived, and the fraction of barred galaxies rises steadily. Bars are eventually found in ~ 80% of z=0 spiral galaxies. This redshift evolution is quantitatively consistent with existing data from the COSMOS survey (Sheth et al.2008), although the detectability of bars is presently limited to z<0.8 because of band-shifting and resolution effects. We predict later bar formation in lower-mass galaxies, also in agreement with existing data (e.g., Sheth et al.2012). We actually find that the characteristic epoch of bar formation is the epoch of massive thin disk formation, corresponding to the transition between an early violent phase at z > 1 and a later secular phase. Bar formation thus traces the emergence of the disk-dominated morphology of today's spirals.
Hydrodynamical simulations of the barred spiral galaxy NGC 1097
Authors: Lin Lien-Hsuan , Wang Hsiang-Hsu , Hsieh Pei-Ying , Taam Ronald E. , Yang Chao-Chin , Yen David C. C.
Published: March 2015

NGC 1097 is a nearby barred spiral galaxy believed to be interacting with the elliptical galaxy NGC 1097A located to its northwest. It hosts a Seyfert 1 nucleus surrounded by a circumnuclear starburst ring. Two straight dust lanes connected to the ring extend almost continuously out to the bar. The other ends of the dust lanes attach to two main spiral arms. To provide a physical understanding of its structural and kinematical properties, two-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations have been carried out. Numerical calculations reveal that many features of the gas morphology and kinematics can be reproduced provided that the gas flow is governed by a gravitational potential associated with a slowly rotating strong bar. By including the self-gravity of the gas disk in our calculation, we have found the starburst ring to be gravitationally unstable which is consistent with the observation in Hsieh et al. (2011). Our simulations also show that gas can flow into the region within the starburst ring even after its formation, leading to the coexistence of both a nuclear ring and a circumnuclear disk.
Characterizing the correlation between column density structure and magnetic fields
Authors: Soler J. D. , Hennebelle P. , Martin P. G. , Miville-Deschenes M. A. , Netterfield B. ,   The BLASTpol Collaboration
Published: March 2015

We present a statistical tool to characterize correlation between the column density structure and the polarized emission from a molecular cloud. This tool uses the gradient as an estimator of the directionality of the structure in order to systematically relate the orientation of filaments and cores to the orientation of the magnetic field inferred from the polarization vectors.
Probing Magnetic Fields With SNRs
Authors: Kothes Roland
Published: March 2015

As supernova remnants (SNRs) expand, their shock waves freeze in and compress magnetic field lines they encounter; consequently we can use SNRs as magnifying glasses for interstellar magnetic fields. A simple model is used to derive polarization and rotation measure (RM) signatures of SNRs. This model is exploited to gain knowledge about the large-scale magnetic field in the Milky Way. Three examples are given which indicate a magnetic anomaly, an azimuthal large-scale magnetic field towards the anti-centre, and a chimney that releases magnetic energy from the plane into the halo.
Detection of Linear Polarization from SNR Cassiopeia A at Low Radio Frequencies
Authors: Raja Wasim , Deshpande Avinash A.
Published: March 2015

We report detection of the weak but significant linear polarization from the Supernova Remnant Cas A at low radio frequencies (327 MHz) using the GMRT. The spectro-polarimetric data (16 MHz bandwidth with 256 spectral channels) was analyzed using the technique of Faraday Tomography. Ascertaining association of this weak polarization to the source is non-trivial in the presence of the remnant instrumental polarization (<1% in our case) – the expected anti-correlation ρlp,x, between the linear polarized intensity and the soft X-ray counts gets masked by the correlation between the Stokes-I dependent instrumental leakage and the X-radiation that is spatially correlated with Stokes-I, if ρlp,x is computed naively. Hence, we compute ρlp,x using pixels within ultra narrow bins of Stokes-I within which the instrumental leakage is expected to remain constant, and establish the anti-correlation as well as the correspondence of this correlation with the mean X-ray profile (Figure 1). Given the angular and RM-resolution in our data, the observed depolarization relative to that at higher frequencies, implies that the mixing of thermal and non-thermal plasma within the source might be occurring on spatial scales ~ 1000 AU, assuming random superposition of polarization states.
Whom should we call? Data policy for immediate impactors announcements
Authors: Milani Andrea , Valsecchi Giovanni B.
Published: March 2015

After the PR disaster of 1997 XF11 (March 1998), we started a crash research program on impact predictions. The difficulty was the chaotic motion of Earth-crossing asteroids (orbit uncertainty increases exponentially with time); it can be solved by replacing a real asteroid with a swarm of Virtual Asteroids. In 1999 we introduced Geometric Sampling to replace Monte-Carlo methods (see Milani, Chesley & Valsecchi, A&A 346, 1999). In November 1999 the first Impact Monitoring system CLOMON was operational. From 2002 the second generation systems CLOMON2 at Pisa and SENTRY at JPL are operational: critical cases are scanned for possible impacts in the next 90–100 years.
A space mission to detect imminent Earth impactors
Authors: Valsecchi G. B. , Perozzi E. , Rossi A.
Published: March 2015

One of the goals of NEO surveys is to discover Earth impactors before they hit. How much warning time is desirable depends on the size of the impactors: for the larger ones more time is needed to mount effective mitigation measures. Initially, NEO surveys were aimed at large impactors, that can have significant global effects; however, their typical time scale is orders of magnitude larger than human lifetime. At the other extreme, monthly and annual events, liberating energies of the order of 1 to 10 kilotons, are immaterial as a threat to mankind, not justifying substantial expenditure on them. Intermediate events are of more concern: in the megatons range, timescales are of the order of centuries, and the damage can be substantial. A classical example is the Tunguska event, in which a body with a diameter of about 30 to 50 m liberated about 5 megatons in the atmosphere, devastating 2 000 square kilometers of Siberian forest.
The population of bright NEAs
Authors: Valsecchi G. B. , Gronchi G. F.
Published: March 2015

Our understanding of the orbital distribution of NEAs is influenced by discovery selection effects, so that it is likely that the orbital distribution of known NEAs differs from the true distribution. In fact, our ability to reconstruct the true distribution critically depends on the removal of discovery biases from the known population.
Guideline Principles for Designing Astronomy Activities
Authors: Strubbe Linda
Published: March 2015

We astronomy outreachers are passionate about sharing astronomy widely—but many astronomy outreach activities are designed more by how we hope things will work than in a careful intentional way. We also rarely evaluate how well our activities are achieving our goals. As a result, many educational activities must be significantly less effective than they could be. Fortunately, there is a large body of education research on how people learn. If we are serious about sharing astronomy widely and effectively, we must treat our teaching like research: (1) Have clear goals for our outreach, evaluate how well we are achieving our goals, and revise our strategies in light of what we learn; and (2) Use appropriate teaching techniques supported by education research wherever possible.
The GTTP Movement: Engaging young minds to the beauty of science and space exploration
Authors: Doran Rosa
Published: March 2015

The Galileo Teacher Training Program (GTTP) is a living legacy of IYA2009. As a cornerstone of this important moment in the history of Astronomy, GTTP has managed to name representatives in over 100 nations and reached over 15000 teachers at a global level. The model used so far ensures sustainability and a fast growing support network. The task at hand is to engage educators in the use of modern tools for science teaching. Building the classroom of tomorrow is a promising path to engage young minds to the beauty of science and space exploration.
The ‘Astronomy for the Public’ Task Force
Authors: Ödman-Govender Carolina J. , Robson Ian E.
Published: March 2015

One of the ways in which astronomy can stimulate development is by raising awareness of our place in the universe among the general public. This contributes to inspiring people and brings the scientific community and scientific thinking closer to everyone. The IAU OAD has set up one task force dedicated to ‘Astronomy for the Public’. Proposed activities of the task force range from low-tech astronomy outreach to citizen science. We will present the task force, its objectives and potential developmental impacts for the first few years of operation.
Global Astronomy Month - An Annual Celebration of the Universe
Authors: Heenatigala Thilina , Simmons Mike
Published: March 2015

One of the most successful global outreach efforts in history was the International Year of Astronomy 2009. With the momentum created by this year long program, it was important to take the efforts to coming years. The Astronomers Without Borders organization captured the energy of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 and refocused it as an ongoing annual celebration of the Universe by organizing Global Astronomy Month, a worldwide celebration of astronomy in all its forms, every April. In 2010, the program saw professionals and amateur astronomers, educators and astronomy enthusiasts from around the globe participating together in the spirit of International Year of Astronomy 2009 and provided a global stage for established programs and a framework for partnerships. The 2011 version of the program saw much bigger participation with several global partner organizations joining in creating more than 40 global level programs throughout the month. Within a short period of two years, Global Astronomy Month has evolved to a much needed global platform after International Year of Astronomy 2009.
Amateur Astronomy Network Development in Indonesia
Authors: Yamani Avivah , Malasan Hakim L.
Published: March 2015

Indonesia is a very big country with over 238 million people. And we only have one higher learning institution on astronomy, so how do we reach and convey astronomical information effectively to the whole country? The answer lies in Astronomy Clubs who play an increasingly important role to communicate and educate the public. As part of South East Asia, Indonesia is actively involved in the region to develop astronomy.
Astronomy development in Serbia in view of the IAU Strategic Plan
Authors: Atanacković Olga
Published: March 2015

An overview of astronomy development in Serbia in view of the goals envisaged by the IAU Strategic Plan is given. Due attention is paid to the recent reform of education at all levels. In the primary schools several extra topics in astronomy are introduced in the physics course. Attempts are made to reintroduce astronomy as a separate subject in the secondary schools. Special emphasis is put to the role and activities of the Petnica Science Center the biggest center for informal education in SE Europe, and to a successful participation of the Serbian team in International astronomy olympiads. Astronomy topics are taught at all five state universities in Serbia. At the University of Belgrade and Novi Sad students can enroll in astronomy from the first study year. The students have the training at the Ondrejov Observatory (Czech Republic) and at the astronomical station on the mountain Vidojevica in southern Serbia. Astronomy research in Serbia is performed at the Astronomical Observatory, Belgrade and the Department of Astronomy, Faculty of Mathematics, University of Belgrade. There are about 70 researchers in astronomy in Serbia (and about as many abroad) who participate in eight projects financed by the Ministry of Education and Science and in several international cooperations and projects: SREAC, VAMDC, Belissima (recruitment of experienced expatriate researchers), Astromundus (a 2-year joint master program with other four European universities), LSST. One of the goals in near future is twinning between universities in the SEE region and worldwide. The ever-increasing activities of 20 amateur astronomical societies are also given.
Strategic Plan of Development of Astromomy in DPRK
Authors: Jong Sok
Published: March 2015

I would like to outline briefly, at first, an introduction to the Pyongyang Astronomical Observatory(PAO) and the present status of PAO. Next, I will mention about its future strategic plan for the development of astronomy research and education as well as the public outreach in DPRK, and the ways and means for its achievement, mainly emphasizing the international cooperation and support by the IAU such as via ROAD and cooperation programs.
Armenia as a Regional Centre for Astronomy for Development activities
Authors: Mickaelian A.
Published: March 2015

The Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO, Armenia, http://www.bao.am) are among the candidate IAU Regional Nodes for Astronomy for Development activities. It is one of the main astronomical centers of the former Soviet Union and the Middle East region. At present there are 48 qualified researchers at BAO, including six Doctors of Science and 30 PhDs. Five important observational instruments are installed at BAO, the larger ones being 2.6m Cassegrain (ZTA-2.6) and 1m Schmidt (the one that provided the famous Markarian survey). BAO is regarded as a national scientific-educational center, where a number of activities are being organized, such as: international conferences (4 IAU symposia and 1 IAU colloquium, JENAM-2007, etc.), small workshops and discussions, international summer schools (1987, 2006, 2008 and 2010), and Olympiads. BAO collaborates with scientists from many countries. The Armenian Astronomical Society (ArAS, http://www.aras.am/) is an NGO founded in 2001; it has 93 members and it is rather active in the organization of educational, amateur, popular, promotional and other matters. The Armenian Virtual Observatory (ArVO, http://www.aras.am/Arvo/arvo.htm) is one of the 17 national VO projects forming the International Virtual Observatories Alliance (IVOA) and is the only VO project in the region serving also for educational purposes. A number of activities are planned, such as management, coordination and evaluation of the IAU programs in the area of development and education, establishment of the new IAU endowed lectureship program and organization of seminars and public lectures, coordination and initiation of fundraising activities for astronomy development, organization of regional scientific symposia, conferences and workshops, support to Galileo Teacher Training Program (GTTP), production/publication of educational and promotional materials, etc.
Astronomy in Mozambique
Authors: Ribeiro Valério A. R. M. , Paulo Cláudio M.
Published: March 2015

We present the state of Astronomy in Mozambique and how it has evolved since 2009 following the International Year of Astronomy. Activities have been lead by staff at University Eduardo Mondlane and several outreach activities have also flourished. In 2010 the University introduced its first astronomy module, Introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics, for the second year students in the Department of Physics. The course has now produced the first students who will be graduating in late 2012 with some astronomy content. Some of these students will now be looking for further studies and those who have been keen in astronomy have been recommended to pursue this as a career. At the university level we have also discussed on the possibility to introduce a whole astronomy course by 2016 which falls well within the HCD that the university is now investing in. With the announcement that the SKA will be split between South Africa with its partner countries (including Mozambique), and Australia we have been working closely with the Ministry of Science and Technology to make astronomy a priority on its agenda. In this respect, an old telecommunications antenna is being converted by the South Africa SKA Project Office, and donated to Mozambique for educational purposes. It will be situated in Maluana, Mozambique.
Some thoughts about the IAU Strategic Plan in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Torres-Peimbert Silvia
Published: March 2015

The distribution of overall education and culture among the population in Latin America and the Caribbean has a very wide range; this is also the case for astronomical engagement. The route to follow in the strategic plan needs to address this situation, for the different levels of development. In particular, guidelines should be established for the regional node(s) where achievable goals should be set up and evaluated periodically. I present a set of ideas on this subject.
Molecular cloud structure and star formation in the W43 complex
Authors: Carlhoff P. , Schilke P. , Motte F. , Luong Q. Nguyen
Published: March 2015

The W43 region is one of the most massive star forming regions in our Galaxy. It is subject to a large IRAM 30m project that observes high spectral resolution maps of the complete complex in the 13CO (2–1) and C18O (2–1) lines. We find a variety of different sources of which we calculate excitation temperature, H2 column density and mass. We find the total mass of dense clouds in the complex to be 1.2×106 M⊙.
Physics and chemistry of UV illuminated gas: the Horsehead case
Authors: Guzmán V. , Pety J. , Gratier P. , Goicoechea J. R. , Gerin M. , Roueff E. , Teyssier D.
Published: March 2015

Molecular lines are used to trace the physical conditions of the gas in different environments, from high-z galaxies to proto-planetary disks. To fully benefit from the diagnostic power of the molecular lines, the formation and destruction paths of the molecules must be quantitatively understood. This is challenging because the physical conditions are extreme and the dynamic plays an important role. In this context the PDR of the Horsehead mane is a particularly interesting case because the geometry is simple (almost 1D, viewed edge-on; Abergel et al.2003), the density profile is well constrained and we are making several efforts to constrain the thermal profile. The combination of small distance to Earth (at 400 pc, 1″ corresponds to 0.002 pc), low illumination (χ = 60) and high density (nH ~ 105 cm−3) implies that all the interesting physical and chemical processes can be probed in a field-of-view of less than 50″ (with typical spatial scales ranging between 1″ and 10″). Hence, the Horsehead PDR is a good source to benchmark the physics and chemistry of UV illuminated neutral gas.

In our recent work on the ISM physics and chemistry in the Horsehead we have shown the importance of the interplay between the solid and gas phase chemistry in the formation of (complex) organic molecules, like H2CO, CH3OH and CH3CN, which reveal that photo-desorption of ices is an efficient mechanism to release molecules into the gas phase (Guzmán et al.2011, Gratier et al. in prep, Guzman et al. in prep)}. We have also provided new diagnostics of the UV illuminated matter. For example, we detected CF+ and resolved its hyperfine structure (Guzman et al.2012b). We propose that CF+, which is observable from the ground, can be used as a proxy of C+ (Guzman et al.2012). Finally, we reported the first detection of the small hydrocarbon C3H+, which sheds light on the formation pathways of other observed small hydrocarbons, like C3H and C3H2 ((Pety et al. 2012). Part of these results were possible thanks to a complete an unbiased line survey at 1, 2 and 3 mm performed with the IRAM-30m telescope (Horsehead WHISPER), where approximately 30 species (plus their isotopologues) are detected.
Chemical enrichment of the ISM by stellar ejecta
Authors: Kwok Sun
Published: March 2015

The family of unidentified infrared emission features, consisting of discrete and plateau features in the mid-infrared, are now observed in distant galaxies. A significant fraction of the total energy output of some infrared galaxies is emitted in these features. Comparisons of these features with those observed in the circumstellar and interstellar media suggest that these organic species are synthesized and ejected by evolved stars. Models of possible chemical structures of the carrier of these features are discussed.
Communicating the science of the 11-year sunspot cycle to the general public
Authors: Choudhuri A. R.
Published: March 2015

Astrophysics is one branch of science which excites the imagination of the general public. Pioneer science popularizers like George Gamow and Fred Hoyle wrote on different aspects of astrophysics. However, of late, we see a trend which I find disturbing. While it has become extremely fashionable to write popular science books on cosmology, other areas of astrophysics are grossly neglected.
Communicating ALMA with the Public in Japan
Authors: Hiramatsu M.
Published: March 2015

I present the strategy and activities of the public outreach and communication of ALMA in Japan. Since most of the public is not familiar with the radio astronomy, we present the human side of ALMA to attract the public interest, as well as by showing the science results. To evoke the public interest on the radio astronomy, it is also effective to show the radio astronomy research topics on the planets, the Sun, and bright stars so that they can connect the daily night sky with the radio universe explored by ALMA.
A Review on Carbon-rich Molecules in Space
Authors: Cataldo Franco , García-Hernández D. Aníbal , Manchado Arturo
Published: March 2015

We present and discuss carbon-rich compounds of astrochemical interest such as polyynes, acetylenic carbon chains and the related derivative known as monocyanopolyynes and dicyanopolyynes. Fullerenes are now known to be abundant in space, while fulleranes - the hydrogenated fullerenes - and other carbon-rich compounds such as very large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy petroleum fractions are suspected to be present in space. We review the synthesis, the infrared spectra as well as the electronic absorption spectra of these four classes of carbon-rich molecules. The existence or possible existence in space of the latter molecules is reported and discussed.
Losing the Dark: A Planetarium PSA about Light Pollution
Authors: Petersen Carolyn Collins , Walker Constance
Published: March 2015

Losing the Dark is a six-minute PSA video created for fulldome theaters by Loch Ness Productions, the International Dark Sky Association Education Committee headed by Dr. Constance Walker of the National Optical Astronomy Observatories, Dome3, Adler Planetarium, and Babak Tafreshi (The World at Night). It explains light pollution, its effects, and ways to implement “wise lighting“ practices to mitigate light pollution. The show is also made in flat-screen HD format for classical planetariums, non-dome theaters, and for presentatons by IDA speakers.
Espinho Planetarium's Public Outreach on Light Pollution
Authors: Canas Lina , Silva Pedro B. , Pedrosa Antonio
Published: March 2015

Navegar Foundation has dedicated the past twelve years to astronomy public outreach by engaging the community in activities provided by the planetarium and observatory. The activities developed range from exhibitions to telescope observing sessions and planetarium shows. Whether partnering with local entities or with a variety of joint national and international activities, Navegar always had a proactive policy on raising awareness of light pollution issues. The outcomes of these activities are discussed.
TV shows on Light Pollution Education for the Public
Authors: Grigore Valentin
Published: March 2015

TV shows have the biggest impact for the public, so we can use them to inform and educate the public about light pollution and the importance of the dark sky for humanity and for the contemporary society. Some examples used in the TV show Us and the Sky at Columna TV, Romania, are presented.
GLOBE at Night in China
Authors: Guo Hongfeng
Published: March 2015

The GLOBE at Night citizen-science campaign was introduced in China in 2010. Observations and works made by students are presented. The students were guided to participate in this meaningful international activity by 1) taking light pollution observations of the night sky at different locations, 2) becoming aware of the severity of the effects of light pollution, and 3) making the whole society aware of the importance to save energy by reducing light pollution.
SKYMONITOR: A Global Network for Night Sky Brightness Measurements
Authors: McKenna Dan , Davis Donald , Boley Paul
Published: March 2015

We have deployed a network of autonomous photometers that continuously measures the night sky brightness in the visual region at two sky positions simultaneously, typically near the zenith and the second at an elevation angle of 20 degrees. The Photometers are calibrated as a network to better than 5.
Protection of Northern Chile as an ICOMOS/IAU “Window to the Universe”
Authors: Smith Malcolm G.
Published: March 2015

Over the last two decades, La Serena's population has increased by about 70 percent. A site description of the AURA Observatory in Chile as a “Window to the Universe“ is now available on the recently-launched UNESCO-IAU Astronomical Heritage Web Portal, www.astronomicalheritage.net This can serve as an example of possible material for the Chilean authorities, should they wish to propose the dark skies over much of northern Chile for protection as a World Scientific Heritage site. Some of the steps involved are discussed briefly here.
SAAO small telescopes, capabilities and Challenges
Authors: Sefako Ramotholo
Published: March 2015

The SAAO is at a geographically crucial site in the southern hemisphere between South America and Australasia. SAAO has a long history of involvement in infrared and optical astronomy that dates back almost two hundred years. The observatory expects to continue contributing to astronomical research for many years to come, using its small (0.5m, 0.75m, 1.0m and 1.9m) telescopes and their various instruments (ranging from spectroscopy to polarimetry and high-speed photometry), together with the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) and other hosted international telescopes. In this paper, I discuss the capabilities and uses of the SAAO small telescopes, and the challenges that threaten astronomical research at the observatory, including light pollution and other emerging threats to the usually dust-free and dark-night-sky site at Sutherland. This is mitigated by the legislation called the Astronomy Geographic Advantage (AGA) Act of 2007 that protects the observatory from these threats.
Enhancing spoof surface-plasmons with gradient metasurfaces
Authors: Kong Ling-Bao , Huang Cheng-Ping , Du Chao-Hai , Liu Pu-Kun , Yin Xiao-Gang
Published: March 2015

The coupling between surface plasmons and free electrons may be used to amplify waves or accelerate particles. Nonetheless, such an interaction is usually weak due to the small interaction length or velocity mismatching. Here a mechanism for enhancing the coupling between plasmonic fields and relativistic electrons is proposed. By using a weakly gradient meta-surface that supports the spoof surface-plasmons (SSP), the phase velocity of SSP mode can be manipulated and quasi-velocity-matching between SSP and electrons may be achieved. The dynamic coupling equations suggest that, due to the strong coupling, the energy can be extracted continuously from the relativistic electrons. The sustained increase of SSP in a narrow frequency band has been demonstrated by the particle-in-cell simulations, where the output power of SSP attains 65 W at 1 THz (with 28 mm interaction length) and the coupling efficiency is enhanced by two orders of magnitude. The results may find potential applications for designing new compact and efficient THz wave sources.
Mechanism of Action of Thalassospiramides, A New Class of Calpain Inhibitors
Authors: Lu Liang , Meehan Michael J. , Gu Shuo , Chen Zhilong , Zhang Weipeng , Zhang Gen , Liu Lingli , Huang Xuhui , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Xu Ying , Moore Bradley S. , Qian Pei-Yuan
Published: March 2015

Thalassospiramides comprise a large family of lipopeptide natural products produced by Thalassospira and Tistrella marine bacteria. Here we provide further evidence of their nanomolar inhibitory activity against the human calpain 1 protease. Analysis of structure-activity relationship data supported our hypothesis that the rigid 12-membered ring containing an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl moiety is the pharmacologically active functional group, in contrast to classic electrophilic “warheads” in known calpain inhibitors. Using a combination of chemical modifications, mass spectrometric techniques, site-directed mutagenesis and molecular modeling, we show the covalent binding of thalassospiramide's α,β-unsaturated carbonyl moiety to the thiol group of calpain's catalytic Cys115 residue by a Michael 1,4-addition reaction. As nanomolar calpain inhibitors with promising selectivity and low toxicity from natural sources are rare, we consider thalassospiramides as promising drug leads.
Pathway and kinetics of cyhalothrin biodegradation by Bacillus thuringiensis strain ZS-19
Authors: Chen Shaohua , Deng Yinyue , Chang Changqing , Lee Jasmine , Cheng Yingying , Cui Zining , Zhou Jianuan , He Fei , Hu Meiying , Zhang Lian-Hui
Published: March 2015

Cyhalothrin is a common environmental pollutant which poses increased risks to non-target organisms including human beings. This study reported for the first time a newly isolated strain, Bacillus thuringiensis ZS-19 completely degraded cyhalothrin in minimal medium within 72 h. The bacterium transformed cyhalothrin by cleavage of both the ester linkage and diaryl bond to yield six intermediate products. Moreover, a novel degradation pathway of cyhalothrin in strain ZS-19 was proposed on the basis of the identified metabolites. In addition to degradation of cyhalothrin, this strain was found to be capable of degrading 3-phenoxybenzoic acid, a common metabolite of pyrethroids. Furthermore, strain ZS-19 participated in efficient degradation of a wide range of pyrethroids including cyhalothrin, fenpropathrinn, deltamethrin, beta-cypermethrin, cyfluthrin and bifenthrin. Taken together, our results provide insights into the mechanism of cyhalothrin degradation and also highlight the promising potentials of B.thuringiensis ZS-19 in bioremediation of pyrethroid-contaminated environment. This is the first report of (i) degradation of cyhalothrin and other pyrethroids by B.thuringiensis, (ii) identification of 3-phenoxyphenyl acetonitrile and N-(2-isoproxy-phenyl)-4-phenoxy-benzamide as the metabolites in the degradation pathway of pyrethroids and (iii) a pathway of degradation of cyhalothrin by cleavage of both the ester linkage and diaryl bond in a microorganism.
Autoimmunity conferred by chs3-2D relies on CSA1, its adjacent TNL-encoding neighbour
Authors: Xu Fang , Zhu Chipan , Cevik Volkan , Johnson Kaeli , Liu Yanan , Sohn Kee , Jones Jonathan D. , Holub Eric B. , Li Xin
Published: March 2015

Plant innate immunity depends on the function of a large number of intracellular immune receptor proteins, the majority of which are structurally similar to mammalian nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) proteins. CHILLING SENSITIVE 3 (CHS3) encodes an atypical Toll/Interleukin 1 Receptor (TIR)-type NLR protein with an additional Lin-11, Isl-1 and Mec-3 (LIM) domain at its C-terminus. The gain-of-function mutant allele chs3-2D exhibits severe dwarfism and constitutively activated defense responses, including enhanced resistance to virulent pathogens, high defence marker gene expression and salicylic acid accumulation. To search for novel regulators involved in CHS3-mediated immune signaling, we conducted suppressor screens in the chs3-2D and chs3-2D pad4-1 genetic backgrounds. Alleles of sag101 and eds1-90 were isolated as complete suppressors of chs3-2D and alleles of sgt1b were isolated as partial suppressors of chs3-2D pad4-1. These mutants suggest that SAG101, EDS1-90 and SGT1b are all positive regulators of CHS3-mediated defense signaling. Additionally, the TIR-type NLR-encoding CSA1 locus located genomically adjacent to CHS3 was found to be fully required for chs3-2D-mediated autoimmunity. CSA1 is located 3.9 kb upstream of CHS3 and is transcribed in the opposite direction. Altogether, these data illustrate the distinct genetic requirements for CHS3-mediated defense signaling.
FOXK2 Transcription Factor Suppresses ERα-positive Breast Cancer Cell Growth Through Down-Regulating the Stability of ERα via mechanism involving BRCA1/BARD1
Authors: Liu Ying , Ao Xiang , Jia Zhaojun , Bai Xiao-Yan , Xu Zhaowei , Hu Gaolei , Jiang Xiao , Chen Min , Wu Huijian
Published: March 2015

Estrogen receptors (ERs) are critical regulators of breast cancer development. Identification of molecules that regulate the function of ERs may facilitate the development of more effective breast cancer treatment strategies. In this study, we showed that the forkhead transcription factor FOXK2 interacted with ERα and inhibited ERα-regulated transcriptional activities by enhancing the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of ERα. This process involved the interaction between FOXK2 and BRCA1/BARD1, the E3 ubiquitin ligase of ERα. FOXK2 interacted with BARD1 and acted as a scaffold protein for BRCA1/BARD1 and ERα, leading to enhanced degradation of ERα, which eventually accounted for its decreased transcriptional activity. Consistent with these observations, overexpression of FOXK2 inhibited the transcriptional activity of ERα, decreased the transcription of ERα target genes and suppressed the proliferation of ERα-positive breast cancer cells. In contract, knockdown of FOXK2 in MCF-7 cells promoted cell proliferation. However, when ERα was also knocked down, knockdown of FOXK2 had no effect on cell proliferation. These findings suggested that FOXK2 might act as a negative regulator of ERα and its association with both ERα and BRCA1/BARD1 could lead to the down-regulation of ERα transcriptional activity, effectively regulating the function of ERα.
Observation of excited state proton transfer reactions in 2-phenylphenol and 2-phenyl-1-naphthol and formation of quinone methide species
Authors: Ma Jiani , Zhang Xiting , Basarić Nikola , Wan Peter , Phillips David Lee
Published: March 2015

Excited state intramolecular proton transfer from a phenol (naphthol) to a carbon atom of the adjacent aromatic ring and formation of quinone methides was studied by femtosecond time-resolved transient absorption.
Pdots, a new type of nanoparticle, bind to mTHPC via their lipid modified surface and exhibit very high FRET efficiency between the core and the sensitizer
Authors: Haupt Sara , Lazar Itay , Weitman Hana , Senge Mathias O. , Ehrenberg Benjamin
Published: March 2015

Pdots are a new type of nanoparticle which exhibit strong potential for future applications in biophysics and cell biology.
One pot synthesis of Fe3O4/MnO2core–shell structured nanocomposites and their application as microwave absorbers
Authors: Liu Xianguo , Wu Niandu , Cui Caiyun , Bi Nannan , Sun Yuping
Published: March 2015

Fe3O4/MnO2core–shell structured nanocomposites have been synthesized by a one-pot approach at ambient temperature and pressure.
Enhanced transparent conducting performance of c-axis oriented Ca3Co4O9 thin films
Authors: Fu Guangsheng , Yan Guoying , Sun Liqing , Zhang Hongrui , Guo Haizhong , Wang Jianglong , Wang Shufang
Published: March 2015

c-axis oriented Ca3Co4O9 p-type transparent conducting thin films with high figure of merit.
Nanocrystalline ZSM-5 based bi-functional catalyst for two step and three step tandem reactions
Authors: Srivastava Rajendra , Sarmah Bhaskar , Satpati Biswarup
Published: March 2015

Pd/Nano-ZSM-5 bi-functional catalyst was prepared for one-pot tandem reactions for the synthesis of 1,3-diphenyl-3-(phenylamino)propan-1-one, (E)-chalcone, and 2,3-dihydro-1,5-benzothiazepine.
Hierarchical three-dimensional NiCo2O4 nanoneedle arrays supported on Ni foam for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Wu Jian , Mi Rui , Li Shaomin , Guo Pan , Mei Jun , Liu Hao , Lau Woon-Ming , Liu Li-Min
Published: March 2015

A novel NiCo2O4 nanoneedle arrays with bottom crosslinked nanosheets grew on Ni foam as advanced binder-free electrodes via a facile one-step hydrothermal method followed by annealing in air, which exhibited high electrochemical performance.
Improved hydrogen storage in Ca-decorated boron heterofullerenes: a theoretical study
Authors: Er Süleyman , de Wijs Gilles A. , Brocks Geert
Published: March 2015

Using first principles calculations we predicted new molecular based hydrogen storage systems, which are composed of abundant elements, with interesting thermodynamics.
Ratiometric detection of oligonucleotide stoichiometry on multifunctional gold nanoparticles by whispering gallery mode biosensing
Authors: Wu F. C. , Wu Y. , Niu Z. , Vollmer F.
Published: March 2015

Multifunctional gold nanoparticles are analyzed on a whispering-gallery-mode biosensor by determining the stoichiometric ratio of the attached DNA strands.
Ni-Catalyzed direct 1,4-difunctionalization of [60]fullerene with benzyl bromides
Authors: Si Weili , Zhang Xuan , Asao Naoki , Yamamoto Yoshinori , Jin Tienan
Published: March 2015

A new Ni-catalyzed direct 1,4-difunctionalization of [60]fullerene with various benzyl bromides has been developed, leading to the 1,4-bisadducts in good to high yields and high 1,4-selectivities.
Crystallization and disorder of the polytypic α1 and α2 polymorphs of piroxicam
Authors: Upadhyay Pratik P. , Bond Andrew D.
Published: March 2015

The polytypic α1 and α2 polymorphs of piroxicam are described and it is shown that they can be crystallized controllably.
A CH2Cl2 complex of a [Rh(pincer)]+ cation
Authors: Adams Gemma M. , Chadwick F. Mark , Pike Sebastian D. , Weller Andrew S.
Published: March 2015

The CH2Cl2 adduct of a Rh-PONOP-pincer complex is reported, that is also a latent low coordinate synthon for the synthesis of other species.
Mitsunobu mischief: neighbor-directed histidine N(τ)-alkylation provides access to peptides containing selectively functionalized imidazolium heterocycles
Authors: Qian Wen-Jian , Burke Terrence R.
Published: March 2015

Selective on-resin histidine N(τ)-alkylation under Mitsunobu conditions is achieved by the coordinated participation of a proximal acidic residue.
Functionalized O-carboxymethyl-chitosan/polyethylenimine based novel dual pH-responsive nanocarriers for controlled co-delivery of DOX and genes
Authors: Wang Mingfang , Liu Tingxian , Han Leiqiang , Gao Wenwen , Yang Shaomei , Zhang Na
Published: March 2015

Dual pH-sensitive CDPD sequentially dissociates the outermost layer, CPN, and shows pH-triggered programmable release of DOX and genes.
Optically isotropic liquid crystal media formulated by doping star-shaped cyclic oligosiloxane liquid crystal surfactants in twin nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Kim Namil , Kim Dae-Yoon , Park Minwook , Choi Yu-Jin , Kim Soeun , Lee Seung Hee , Jeong Kwang-Un
Published: March 2015

The formation of an optically isotropic liquid crystal (LC) medium by doping the star-shaped LC molecular surfactant in a nematic LC medium may allow us to develop new electro-optical LC devices.
Solution-processed boron subphthalocyanine derivatives as acceptors for organic bulk-heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Ebenhoch Bernd , Prasetya Nor B. A. , Rotello Vincent M. , Cooke Graeme , Samuel Ifor D. W.
Published: March 2015

We present solution-processed organic solar cells based on subphthalocyanine acceptors with strong light harvesting in the visible region and an efficiency up to 3.5%.