bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Supplementing Traditional teaching with Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) Module Facilitates Understanding of Human Embryology in Medical Undergraduates? A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Bhatnagar Rajan , Tandon Aseem , Pokhrel Rishi
Published: May 2016

Background: In present scenario when lesser time is being devoted to basic medical sciences, and at the same time knowledge and concepts required to be mastered by medical undergraduates increasing exponentially, structured modules and softwares have a potential role to play. Embryology in particular can be a subject for such modules owing to its complex dynamics and even less proportion of time available to master it. This study evaluates if supplementing traditional methods with computer-aided instruction improve students' understanding of human embryology.

Methods: The study was conducted during revision sessions before university examinations. Subjects of study were first year medical undergraduates (n=128), divided into two equal groups by simple randomization. Demographic data and prior academic performance of students were collected from student profile register. Revision sessions for control group were conducted using traditional methods and for test group CAL module was used. Students were evaluated by pre and post-tests consisting of 50 multiple choice answers questions each and each question fetched 0.5 marks. Independent sample t test was used for comparison of means. Opinion of students and instructors were collected using anonymous questionnaire under heads of subject-interest, appropriateness of CAL module as teaching materials, overall satisfaction and its possible effectiveness as self-learning module.

Results: Two groups showed no statistical difference in terms of sex ratio, age and prior academic performance. Pre-test showed no significant difference in mean scores of two groups, mean post-test scores on the other hand were significantly greater in test group as compared to the control group. Most of the students and instructors involved in the study graded the CAL-module as ‘excellent’.

Conclusions: The study shows that traditional teaching methods supplemented with CAL module improves the understanding of developmental anatomy in medical undergraduates. Use of this module as a self-study material requires further evaluations.
Sucrose permeability: A simple non-invasive marker of gastro-duodenal damage in patients of dyspepsia
Authors: Bhattarai Arabinda Mohan , Saha Tapan Kumar
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Diagnosis of gastro-duodenal mucosal damage usually requires endoscopy, an invasive procedure. An attempt has been made to assess the clinical validity of sucrose permeability test as a non-invasive marker of gastro-duodenal damage.

Materials and Methods: The test was carried out in 65 patients of dyspepsia evaluated by endoscopy and 21 healthy controls. On endoscopy, gastro-duodenal epithelial damage was assessed in all patients of dyspepsia and grouped as: group 1 (normal gastro-duodenal mucosa, n=18), group 2 (Gastric ulcer, n=15), group 3 (Duodenal ulcer, n=10), group 4 (Gastritis, n=12) and group 5 (Duodenitis, n=10).

Results: The mean urinary sucrose excretions (mg) in 5 hours after 100g oral load was found to be significantly higher in patients of gastric ulcers (183.6 ±169.7, p value < 0.001), duodenal ulcers (151.7± 79.2, p value <0.001), gastritis (115.6±59.2, p value <0.001) and duodenitis (105.2± 122.2, p value <0.05) as compared to controls (35.2±17.2). However, the mean sucrose excretion in patients of dyspepsia with normal endoscopic findings (42.5±14.8 mg) was almost similar to the control group (p value >0.05). A ROC curve analysis taking endoscopic findings as gold standard was undertaken to find the optimum cut-off to detect gastro-duodenal epithelial damage.
 Conclusion: The cut-off value of 64.5 mg/5h for urinary sucrose excretion provided the best sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of both surgical (gastric and duodenal ulcer) and non-surgical (gastritis and duodenitis) gastro-duodenal mucosal damage. At this cutoff sucrose permeability test provided a sensitivity of 72 % and specificity of 92%. Similarly, a cut-off value of 66.5 mg/5h of urinary sucrose excretion provided the best sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of surgical gastro-duodenal mucosal damage with sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 97%.
Radiological and bronchoscopic findings for the better yield of tissue diagnosis in lung malignancy
Authors: Khunjeli Rabindra , Shrestha Sanjeet Krishna , Karki Manan , Srivastava Brajendra , Mohsin Ushab Rana
Published: May 2016

Introduction In flexible bronchoscopy, absence of endobronchial abnormality blinds thebronchoscopist towards the location of the lung lesion. Guided techniques for bronchoscopy are not available in Nepal. Hence, diagnostic yield is very low.There is need to find the factors to improve yield. This study evaluates the radiological and bronchoscopic findings that can help in histo-pathological yield.MethodThis retrospective study included 557 bronchoscopies done for the evaluation of lung malignancy. Radiological, bronchoscopic and histo-pathological abnormalities were classified and evaluated. The study aimed at finding the radiological and bronchoscopic factors commonly associated with positive yield in histopathology.Results  Among 557 subjects, 490 had abnormal chest X-ray. Mass lesion was seen in 252(45.24%), cavity in 19(3.41%), collapse in 93(16.69%), consolidation in 81(14.54%), pleural effusion in 28(5.02%) and fibrosis in 17(3.05%) subjects. Total of 314(56.37%) abnormal bronchoscopies included: endobronchial growth 200(35.9%), narrowing 66(11.84%), obstruction107(19.27%) and ulcer 16(2.8%). Histopathology was positive in 198(35.54%) including 179(32.13%) lung malignancies. The diagnostic yield for getting positive histopathology for the study population was 35.54%, for mass lesion was 40.47% and for abnormal bronchoscopy was 54.78%. Significant correlation was identified among mass lesion, endobronchial abnormality and positive histo-pathology. Central mass lesion, collapse and consolidation showed significant association with lung malignancy. Significant association was also identified between histo-pathology and endobronchial growth, obstruction andulcer.  ConclusionThe diagnostic yield increases with positive endobronchial abnormality. Presence of central lung lesion, collapse and consolidation favour positive yield of histo-pathology. Endobronchial growth, obstruction and ulcer are likely to yield malignant histopathology reports.
incidence of hypertension in the mission
Authors: Khatri Ratna
Published: May 2016

Hypertension is an important public health challenge in the developing and the developed world alike. However, hospital-based studies on cardiovascular diseases including hypertension in a developing country like Nepal have been limited.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to determine the incidence of hypertension in the troops selected for mission. This is a small scale prospective study.

Method:          We did medical check-up of 850 soldiers selected for UNIFIL mission from January 2014 to March 2014 at Shree Birendra Hospital Chhauni, Kathmandu. Age ranged from 29yrs to 55yrs was included in the group. Various parameters which were studied included: history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, smoking,alcohol, family history, measurement of blood pressure, body mass index, lipid profile and number of people who has to take antihypertensive medicines.

Results: Out of 850 military personnel 48 found to have high blood pressure.Maximum candidates belonged to young age group 29-35years of age. 22 were overweight and 6 were obese and having higher blood pressure levels. 66% were habituated to alcohol intake minimum 60 ml up to 160 ml. Most of them were occasional drinker. 31 candidates constituting 64.58% had to be put on antihypertensive that were newly diagnosed. 3 persons had past history of hypertension and were already on antihypertensive.

Conclusions:  The study highlights the prevalence of various risk factors for coronary artery disease in the army.Since majority of risk factors are modifiable, timely intervention can help in reducing morbidity and mortality.                        
Early Experiences with Studer’s Orthotopic Neobladder
Authors: Bhandari Bharat Bahadur , Thapa Bikash Bikram , Thapa Narayan , Hamal Bhairab Kumar
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion is the standard treatment option for muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma of urinary bladder. We analyzed the complications and functional outcome of 21 consecutive patients who underwent radical cystectomy and studer ileal neobladder substitution.Methods: This was a retrospective study from the review of chart and follow up details of 21 patients who underwent radical cystectomy and Studer ileal neobladder substitution from January 2009 to February 2014. Data obtained were the disease characteristics, both the early and late complications and urinary continence.Results: Total 21 patients were evaluated. 17 patients were available for follow up of one year or more. One patient died secondary to surgery related complications and 2 died due to exacerbation of comorbidities. And one patient lost follow up after one year. The rates of early and late morbidity were 33.3% (7) and 19% (4). Prolonged ileus developed in three patients and urinary tract infection was the most common among early and late complications (2, 8%). Two patients developed anastomotic stricture. Complete day time and night time continence was achieved in 82% (14) and 33.3% (7) respectively. The mean maximum neobladder capacity at end of one year was 345 ml.Conclusions: Outcome of studer’s ileal orhtotopic neobladder in our series is comparable with others. The result of our study is promising and encouraging to pursue it as a primary treatment option for muscle invasive and recurrent urothelial carcinoma of urinary bladder.
Outcome of Surgical Treatment of Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.
Authors: Thapa Bishnu Babu , Magar Sushil Rana , Chand Pankaj , KC Bachhu Ram
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Spinal stenosis mostly occur in lumbar spine and causes back pain, leg pain & neurogenic claudication. Although conservative treatment is mainstay, decompression with or without fusion (with or without instrumentation) can be considered in non-responsive cases. However, long term outcome of the surgery is controversial. The aim of our study was to analyze the outcome of surgery in lumbar spinal stenosis in terms of post-operative pain and claudication distance.Methods: A prospective analysis of patients who underwent decompression or decompression with fusion (with or without instrumentation), after failure of 3-6 months conservative treatment, for lumbar spinal stenosis were conducted. Only those who were operated and followed up for at least two years were included.Their preop and postop VAS score and walking distance compared.Results: Of 22 cases enrolled in this study, VAS score was improved in 21 patients and walking distance increased. Only one patient complained of increase in pain score at 24 months.Conclusion: Operative management is a good option for selected patients, 21 out of 22 have improved VAS and claudication distance in our study
Feasibility of a Natural Surfactant as a Stabilizer for Cosmetics with Liposome-Encapsulated Plant Stem Cells: Pre-Formulation and Formulation Through Stability Studies
Authors: Filipović Mila , Lukić Milica , Krstonošić Veljko , Đorđević Sanela , Pantelić Ivana , Gledović Ana , Vuleta Gordana , Savić Snežana
Published: May 2016

During the formulation of liposome-containing products different problems can occur and the selection of a suitable carrier remains the greatest challenge. To estimate feasibility of a novel alkyl polyglucoside surfactant (hydroxystearyl alcohol and hydroxystearyl glucoside) as an emulsifier for cosmetics with liposome-encapsulated plant stem cells, we performed a two-phase study. In the first, the pre-formulation phase, the emulsifier's critical micelle concentration (CMC) and liposome-encapsulated active-emulsifier interactions were determined. The second phase was carried out to develop and characterize a cosmetic emulsion suitable to serve as a carrier for liposomes. The investigated emulsifier, with the obtained CMC value of 0.0085 wt.%, could be classified as liposome-friendly and can be used to develop stable and aesthetically acceptable cosmetics or even prospective pharmaceutical liposome-containing emulsions.
Transition from Micelle to Vesicle of a Novel Sugar-Based Surfactant Containing Trisiloxane
Authors: Zhou Xiyang , Zhang Dianlong
Published: May 2016

Vesicles form spontaneously in aqueous solution of a novel sugar-based surfactant containing trisiloxane [Si(3)N-GHA]. The transition was monitored among the monomer, micelle and vesicle through the variation of surface tension, accompanied by surface tension measurements. The vesicles of a trisiloxane containing sugar-based surfactant have been characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and negative-stained transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The vesicle aggregation can be explained by the critical packing parameter derived from an analysis of chemical structure.
Wrought aluminium–magnesium alloys subjected to SPD processing
Authors: Snopiński Przemysław , Tański Tomasz , Labisz Krzysztof , Rusz Stanislav , Jonsta Petr , Król Mariusz
Published: May 2016

The article presents the influence of stationary plastic deformation, using the equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) method, on the structure and properties of an aluminium alloy with 3 % magnesium content. In order to investigate changes in the structure and substructure, light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used. The influence of plastic deformation was determined by hardness measurement using the Vickers method. The results of the investigation show that, even after one ECAP, it is possible to decrease grain size to a range of 30 – 70 nm, and increase the mechanical properties by nearly 90 %. It was also found that the additional twist angle of the die has a minor effect on the properties and structure of the investigated alloy.
Friction and wear of diamond-like carbon film deposited on CoCrMo alloy under different lubrication
Authors: Luo Yong , Yang Ting , Liu Qiuzhen
Published: May 2016

CoCrMo alloys are widely used as artificial joint implants due to their excellent mechanical properties, good wear resistance and outstanding corrosion resistance. However, the risks of release of cobalt and chromium ions urge researchers to improve the wear resistance of implants further by using surface modification technology. Diamond-like carbon film with 3.0 μm thickness was deposited on the surface of CoCrMo alloy using ion-source-assisted magnetron sputtering. The friction coefficients of the CoCrMo alloy decreased remarkably under different conditions after the formation of diamond-like carbon film. After the deposition of diamond-like carbon film the wear rates of the CoCrMo alloy decreased by 52.4 %, 47.1 % and 49.4 %, under dry friction, physiological saline, and bovine serum lubrication, respectively.
Small Molecule Docking Supports Broad and Narrow Spectrum Potential for the Inhibition of the Novel Antibiotic Target Bacterial Pth1
Authors: Ferguson Paul , Holloway W. , Setzer William , McFeeters Hana , McFeeters Robert
Published: May 2016

Peptidyl-tRNA hydrolases (Pths) play ancillary yet essential roles in protein biosynthesis by recycling peptidyl-tRNA. In E. coli, inhibition of bacterial Pth1 leads to accumulation of peptidyl-tRNA, depletion of aminoacyl-tRNA, and cell death. Eukaryotes have multiple Pths and Pth1 knock out was shown to have no effect on viability in yeast. Thereby, bacterial Pth1 is a promising target for novel antibiotic development. With the abundance of Pth1 structural data, molecular docking was used for virtual screening of existing, commercially available antibiotics to map potential interactions with Pth enzymes. Overall, 83 compounds were docked to eight different bacterial Pth1 and three different Pth2 structures. A variety of compounds demonstrated favorable docking with Pths. Whereas, some compounds interacted favorably with all Pths (potential broad spectrum inhibition), more selective interactions were observed for Pth1 or Pth2 and even specificity for individual Pth1s. While the correlation between computational docking and experimentation still remains unknown, these findings support broad spectrum inhibition, but also point to the possibility of narrow spectrum Pth1 inhibition. Also suggested is that Pth1 can be distinguished from Pth2 by small molecule inhibitors. The findings support continued development of Pth1 as an antibiotic target.
Resistance to Cry Intensive Sleep Intervention in Young Children: Are We Ignoring Children’s Cries or Parental Concerns?
Authors: Blunden Sarah , Etherton Hayley , Hauck Yvonne
Published: May 2016

The majority of behavioural sleep interventions for young children (defined as 5 years of age or less) involve extinction procedures where parents must ignore their child’s cries for a period. Many parents have difficulties implementing and maintaining these procedures, leading to attrition, non-compliance and treatment avoidance. Yet the reasons for these methods being difficult to implement for parents have not been well understood or addressed in the literature. In fact, they are being ignored. We discuss that understanding and addressing parental concerns may enable better targeted sleep interventions.
How the Starting Precursor Influences the Properties of Polycrystalline CuInGaSe2 Thin Films Prepared by Sputtering and Selenization
Authors: Rosa Greta , Bosio Alessio , Menossi Daniele , Romeo Nicola
Published: May 2016

Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS)/CdS thin-film solar cells have reached, at laboratory scale, an efficiency higher than 22.3%, which is one of the highest efficiencies ever obtained for thin-film solar cells. The research focus has now shifted onto fabrication processes, which have to be easily scalable at an industrial level. For this reason, a process is highlighted here which uses only the sputtering technique for both the absorber preparation and the deposition of all the other materials that make up the cell. Particular emphasis is placed on the comparison between different precursors obtained with either In2Se3 and Ga2Se3 or InSe and GaSe as starting materials. In both cases, the precursor does not require any heat treatment, and it is immediately ready to be selenized. The selenization is performed in a pure-selenium atmosphere and only lasts a few minutes at a temperature of about 803 K. Energy conversion efficiencies in the range of 15%–16% are reproducibly obtained on soda-lime glass (SLG) substrates. Similar results are achieved if commercial ceramic tiles are used as a substrate instead of glass. This result is especially useful for the so-called building integrated photovoltaic. Cu(In,Ga)Se2-based solar cells grown directly on ceramic tiles are ideal for the fabrication of ventilated façades in low impact buildings.
Perceptions of Self-Testing for Chlamydia: Understanding and Predicting Self-Test Use
Authors: Powell Rachael , Pattison Helen , Marriott John
Published: May 2016

Background: Self-testing technology allows people to test themselves for chlamydia without professional support. This may result in reassurance and wider access to chlamydia testing, but anxiety could occur on receipt of positive results. This study aimed to identify factors important in understanding self-testing for chlamydia outside formal screening contexts, to explore the potential impacts of self-testing on individuals, and to identify theoretical constructs to form a Framework for future research and intervention development. Methods: Eighteen university students participated in semi-structured interviews; eleven had self-tested for chlamydia. Data were analysed thematically usingaFrameworkapproach. Results: Perceivedbeneﬁtsofself-testingincludeditsbeingconvenient, anonymousandnotrequiringphysicalexamination. Therewasconcernabouttestaccuracyandsome participants lacked conﬁdence in using vulvo-vaginal swabs. While some participants expressed concern about the absence of professional support, all said they would seek help on receiving a positive result. Factors identiﬁed in Protection Motivation Theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour, such as response efﬁcacy and self-efﬁcacy, were found to be highly salient to participants in thinking about self-testing. Conclusions: These exploratory ﬁndings suggest that self-testing independentlyofformalhealthcaresystemsmaynomorenegativelyimpactpeoplethanbeingtested by health care professionals. Participants’ perceptions about self-testing behaviour were consistent with psychological theories. Findings suggest that interventions which increase conﬁdence in using self-tests and that provide reassurance of test accuracy may increase self-test intentions.
Numerical Simulation Study on the Flow Field Out of a Submerged Abrasive Water Jet Nozzle
Authors: Meng Junqing , Wei Qingen , Ma Yechao
Published: May 2016

In order to optimize the parameters of pre-mixed abrasive water jet cutting technology, make it more efficient in the coal mine gas environment and solve the problem of hard coal and the difficulty of rock drilling, FLUENT software was used to get the isothermal, incompressible, steady flow field out of a submerged abrasive water jet nozzle through numerical simulation, with different particle sizes and different confining pressures under submerged conditions. The results show that, under submerged conditions, the maximum velocity of the abrasive particle outside the pre-mixed abrasive water jet nozzle is about 6 mm far away from the nozzle; the abrasive particle diameter has little influence on the velocity outside the nozzle. The external confining pressure of the nozzle has an important influence on the velocity, which is that the jet velocity of the same position decreases with the increase of confining pressure and the relationship between the confining pressure of different distance from the nozzle exit and the abrasive velocity is exponential function. The results of the simulation laid the foundation for optimizing the nozzle structure, improving efficiency and developing the abrasive water jet nozzle.
Variant of Constants in Subgradient Optimization Method over Planar 3-Index Assignment Problems
Authors: Maneechai Sutitar
Published: May 2016

A planar 3-index assignment problem (P3AP) of size n is an NP-complete problem. Its global optimal solution can be determined by a branch and bound algorithm. The efficiency of the algorithm depends on the best lower and upper bound of the problem. The subgradient optimization method, an iterative method, can provide a good lower bound of the problem. This method can be applied to the root node or a leaf of the branch and bound tree. Some conditions used in this method may result in one of those becoming optimal. The formulas used in this method contain some constants that can be evaluated by computational experiments. In this paper, we show a variety of initial step length constants whose values have an effect on the lower bound of the problem. The results show that, for small problem sizes, when n < 20, the most suitable constants are best chosen in the interval [0.1, 1]. Meanwhile, the interval [0.05, 0.1] is the best interval chosen for the larger problem sizes, when n ≥ 20.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Friction Welding Joints with Dissimilar Titanium Alloys
Authors: Ji Yingping , Wu Sujun , Zhao Dalong
Published: May 2016

Titanium alloys, which are important in aerospace application, offer different properties via changing alloys. As design complexity and service demands increase, dissimilar welding of the titanium alloys becomes a particular interest. Linear friction welding (LFW) is a relatively novel bond technique and has been successfully applied for joining titanium alloys. In this paper, dissimilar joints with Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-5Al-2Sn-2Zr-4Mo-4Cr alloys were produced by LFW process. Microstructure was studied via optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the chemical composition across the welded samples was identified by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Mechanical tests were performed on welded samples to study the joint mechanical properties and fracture characteristics. SEM was carried out on the fracture surface to reveal their fracture modes. A significant microstructural change with fine re-crystallization grains in the weld zone (WZ) and small recrystallized grains in the thermo-mechanically affected zone on the Ti-6Al-4V side was discovered in the dissimilar joint. A characteristic asymmetrical microhardness profile with a maximum in the WZ was observed. Tensile properties of the dissimilar joint were comparable to the base metals, but the impact toughness exhibited a lower value.
Analysis of Subthreshold Current Reset Noise in Image Sensors
Authors: Teranishi Nobukazu
Published: May 2016

To discuss the reset noise generated by slow subthreshold currents in image sensors, intuitive and simple analytical forms are derived, in spite of the subthreshold current nonlinearity. These solutions characterize the time evolution of the reset noise during the reset operation. With soft reset, the reset noise tends to m k T / 2 C P D when t → ∞ , in full agreement with previously published results. In this equation, C P D is the photodiode (PD) capacitance and m is a constant. The noise has an asymptotic time dependence of t − 1 , even though the asymptotic time dependence of the average (deterministic) PD voltage is as slow as log t . The flush reset method is effective because the hard reset part eliminates image lag, and the soft reset part reduces the noise to soft reset level. The feedback reset with reverse taper control method shows both a fast convergence and a good reset noise reduction. When the feedback amplifier gain, A, is larger, even small value of capacitance, C P , between the input and output of the feedback amplifier will drastically decrease the reset noise. If the feedback is sufficiently fast, the reset noise limit when t → ∞ , becomes m k T ( C P D + C P 1 ) 2 2 q 2 A ( C P D + ( 1 + A ) C P ) in terms of the number of electron in the PD. According to this simple model, if CPD = 10 fF, CP/CPD = 0.01, and A = 2700 are assumed, deep sub-electron rms reset noise is possible.
A High-Performance Fluorescence Immunoassay Based on the Relaxation of Quenching, Exemplified by Detection of Cardiac Troponin I
Authors: Kim Seung-Wan , Cho Il-Hoon , Park Ji-Na , Seo Sung-Min , Paek Se-Hwan
Published: May 2016

The intramolecular fluorescence self-quenching phenomenon is a major drawback in developing high-performance fluorometric biosensors which use common fluorophores as signal generators. We propose two strategies involving liberation of the fluorescent molecules by means of enzymatic fragmentation of protein or dehybridization of double-stranded DNA. In the former, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was coupled with the fluorescent BODIPY dye (Red BSA), and then immobilized on a solid surface. When the insolubilized Red BSA was treated with proteinase K (10 units/mL) for 30 min, the fluorescent signal was significantly increased (3.5-fold) compared to the untreated control. In the second case, fluorophore-tagged DNA probes were linked to gold nanoparticles by hybridization with capture DNA strands densely immobilized on the surface. The quenched fluorescence signal was recovered (3.7-fold) by thermal dehybridization, which was induced with light of a specific wavelength (e.g., 530 nm) for less than 1 min. We next applied the Red BSA self-quenching relaxation technique employing enzymatic fragmentation to a high-performance immunoassay of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in a microtiter plate format. The detection limit was 0.19 ng/mL cTnI, and the fluorescent signal was enhanced approximately 4.1-fold compared with the conventional method of direct measurement of the fluorescent signal from a non-fragmented fluorophore-labeled antibody.
GHG Emissions, Economic Growth and Urbanization: A Spatial Approach
Authors: Li Li , Hong Xuefei , Tang Dengli , Na Ming
Published: May 2016

To gain a greater understanding of the spatial spillover effect of greenhouse gas emissions and their influencing factors, this paper provides a spatial analysis of four gas pollutants (CO2 emissions, SO2 emissions, NOx emissions, and dust emissions). Focusing on China, the paper also explores whether the four gas pollutants are influenced by the emissions of neighboring regions and other possible sources. The paper uses a global spatial autocorrelation analysis, local spatial association analysis and spatial lag model for empirical work. The results suggest that CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions show significant positive results for both the spatial correlation and space cluster effect in provincial space distribution.CO2 and NOx emissions have a significant positive spillover effect, while the SO2 emissions’ spatial spillover effect is positive but not significant. Economic growth and urbanization are the key determinants of CO2, dust, and NOx emissions, while energy efficiency and industrialization do not appear to play a role. This raises questions about the method of examining the spatial relationship between gas pollution, economic growth and urbanization in the future.
A COHERENT STUDY OF EMISSION LINES FROM BROADBAND PHOTOMETRY: SPECIFIC STAR FORMATION RATES AND [O iii]/Hβ RATIO AT 3 < z < 6
Authors: Faisst A. L. , Capak P. , Hsieh B. C. , Laigle C. , Salvato M. , Tasca L. , Cassata P. , Davidzon I. , Ilbert O. , Le Fèvre O. , Masters D. , McCracken H. J. , Steinhardt C. , Silverman J. D. , de Barros S. , Hasinger G. , Scoville N. Z.
Published: May 2016

We measure the Hα and [O iii] emission line properties as well as specific star formation rates (sSFRs) of spectroscopically confirmed 3 < z < 6 galaxies in COSMOS from their observed colors versus redshift evolution. Our model describes consistently the ensemble of galaxies including intrinsic properties (age, metallicity, star formation history), dust attenuation, and optical emission lines. We forward-model the measured Hα equivalent widths (EW) to obtain the sSFR out to z ∼ 6 without stellar mass fitting. We find a strongly increasing rest-frame Hα EW that is flattening off above z ∼ 2.5 with average EWs of 300–600 Å at z ∼ 6. The sSFR is increasing proportionally to

(
1
+
z
)

2.4

at z < 2.2 and to

(
1
+
z
)

1.5

at higher redshifts, indicative of a fast build-up of mass in high-z galaxies within e-folding times of 100–200 Myr at z ∼ 6. The redshift evolution at z > 3 cannot be fully explained in a picture of growth driven by cold accretion. We find a progressively increasing [O iii]λ5007/Hβ ratio out to z ∼ 6, consistent with the ratios in local galaxies selected by increasing Hα EW (i.e., sSFR). This demonstrates the potential of using “local high-z analogs” to investigate the spectroscopic properties and relations of galaxies in the re-ionization epoch.
THE DISTANCE DUALITY RELATION FROM STRONG GRAVITATIONAL LENSING
Authors: Liao Kai , Li Zhengxiang , Cao Shuo , Biesiada Marek , Zheng Xiaogang , Zhu Zong-Hong
Published: May 2016

Under very general assumptions of the metric theory of spacetime, photons traveling along null geodesics and photon number conservation, two observable concepts of cosmic distance, i.e., the angular diameter and the luminosity distances are related to each other by the so-called distance duality relation (DDR)

. Observational validation of this relation is quite important because any evidence of its violation could be a signal of new physics. In this paper we introduce a new method to test the DDR based on strong gravitational lensing systems and type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) under a flat universe. The method itself is worth attention because unlike previously proposed techniques, it does not depend on all other prior assumptions concerning the details of cosmological model. We tested it using a new compilation of strong lensing (SL) systems and JLA compilation of SNe Ia and found no evidence of DDR violation. For completeness, we also combined it with previous cluster data and showed its power on constraining the DDR. It could become a promising new probe in the future in light of forthcoming massive SL surveys and because of expected advances in galaxy cluster modeling.
REFLECTED LIGHT CURVES, SPHERICAL AND BOND ALBEDOS OF JUPITER- AND SATURN-LIKE EXOPLANETS*
Authors: Dyudina Ulyana , Zhang Xi , Li Liming , Kopparla Pushkar , Ingersoll Andrew P. , Dones Luke , Verbiscer Anne , Yung Yuk L.
Published: May 2016

Reflected light curves observed for exoplanets indicate that a few of them host bright clouds. We estimate how the light curve and total stellar heating of a planet depends on forward and backward scattering in the clouds based on Pioneer and Cassini spacecraft images of Jupiter and Saturn. We fit analytical functions to the local reflected brightnesses of Jupiter and Saturn depending on the planet’s phase. These observations cover broadbands at 0.59–0.72 and 0.39–0.5 μm, and narrowbands at 0.938 (atmospheric window), 0.889 (CH4 absorption band), and 0.24–0.28 μm. We simulate the images of the planets with a ray-tracing model, and disk-integrate them to produce the full-orbit light curves. For Jupiter, we also fit the modeled light curves to the observed full-disk brightness. We derive spherical albedos for Jupiter and Saturn, and for planets with Lambertian and Rayleigh-scattering atmospheres. Jupiter-like atmospheres can produce light curves that are a factor of two fainter at half-phase than the Lambertian planet, given the same geometric albedo at transit. The spherical albedo is typically lower than for a Lambertian planet by up to a factor of ∼1.5. The Lambertian assumption will underestimate the absorption of the stellar light and the equilibrium temperature of the planetary atmosphere. We also compare our light curves with the light curves of solid bodies: the moons Enceladus and Callisto. Their strong backscattering peak within a few degrees of opposition (secondary eclipse) can lead to an even stronger underestimate of the stellar heating.
ON THE ABSENCE OF EUV EMISSION FROM COMET C/2012 S1 (ISON)
Authors: Bryans Paul , Pesnell W. Dean
Published: May 2016

When the sungrazing comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) made its perihelion passage within two solar radii of the Sun’s surface, it was expected to be a bright emitter at extreme ultraviolet (EUV) wavelengths. However, despite solar EUV telescopes repointing to track the orbit of the comet, no emission was detected. This “null result” is interesting in its own right, offering the possibility of placing limits on the size and composition of the nucleus. We explain the lack of detection by considering the properties of the comet and the solar atmosphere that determine the intensity of EUV emission from sungrazing comets. By comparing these properties with those of sungrazing comet C/2011 W3 (Lovejoy), which did emit in the EUV, we conclude that the primary factor resulting in non-detectable EUV emission from C/2012 S1 (ISON) was an insufficiently large nucleus. We conclude that the radius of C/2012 S1 (ISON) was at least a factor of four less than that of C/2011 W3 (Lovejoy). This is consistent with white-light observations in the days before perihelion that suggested the comet was dramatically reducing in size on approach.
THE INTERMEDIATE-MASS STAR-FORMING REGION LYNDS 1340. AN OPTICAL VIEW
Authors: Kun Mária , Moór Attila , Szegedi-Elek Elza , Reipurth Bo
Published: May 2016

We have performed an optical spectroscopic and photometric search for young stellar objects associated with the molecular cloud Lynds 1340, and examined the structure of the cloud by constructing an extinction map, based on SDSS data. The new extinction map suggests a shallow, strongly fragmented cloud, having a mass of some 3700 M
☉. Longslit spectroscopic observations of the brightest stars over the area of L1340 revealed that the most massive star associated with L1340 is a B4-type, ∼5 M
☉ star. The new spectroscopic and photometric data of the intermediate-mass members led to a revised distance of

pc, and revealed seven members of the young stellar population with M ≳ 2 M
☉. Our search for Hα emission line stars, conducted with the Wide Field Grism Spectrograph 2 on the 2.2 m telescope of the University of Hawaii and covering a 30′ × 40′ area, resulted in the detection of 75 candidate low-mass pre-main sequence stars, 58 of which are new. We constructed spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of our target stars, based on SDSS, 2MASS, Spitzer, and WISE photometric data, derived their spectral types, extinctions, and luminosities from BVRIJ fluxes, estimated masses by means of pre-main sequence evolutionary models, and examined the disk properties utilizing the 2–24 μm interval of the SED. We measured the equivalent width of the Hα lines and derived accretion rates. The optically selected sample of pre-main sequence stars has a median effective temperature of 3970 K, a stellar mass of 0.7 M
☉, and an accretion rate of 7.6 × 10−9
M
☉ yr−1.
WHY ARE RAPIDLY ROTATING M DWARFS IN THE PLEIADES SO (INFRA)RED? NEW PERIOD MEASUREMENTS CONFIRM ROTATION-DEPENDENT COLOR OFFSETS FROM THE CLUSTER SEQUENCE
Authors: Covey Kevin R. , Agüeros Marcel A. , Law Nicholas M. , Liu Jiyu , Ahmadi Aida , Laher Russ , Levitan David , Sesar Branimir , Surace Jason
Published: May 2016

Stellar rotation periods (P
rot) measured in open clusters have proved to be extremely useful for studying stars’ angular momentum content and rotationally driven magnetic activity, which are both age- and mass-dependent processes. While P
rot measurements have been obtained for hundreds of solar-mass members of the Pleiades, measurements exist for only a few low-mass (<0.5 M
⊙) members of this key laboratory for stellar evolution theory. To fill this gap, we report P
rot for 132 low-mass Pleiades members (including nearly 100 with M ≤ 0.45 M
⊙), measured from photometric monitoring of the cluster conducted by the Palomar Transient Factory in late 2011 and early 2012. These periods extend the portrait of stellar rotation at 125 Myr to the lowest-mass stars and re-establish the Pleiades as a key benchmark for models of the transport and evolution of stellar angular momentum. Combining our new P
rot with precise BVIJHK photometry reported by Stauffer et al. and Kamai et al., we investigate known anomalies in the photometric properties of K and M Pleiades members. We confirm the correlation detected by Kamai et al. between a star's P
rot and position relative to the main sequence in the cluster's color–magnitude diagram. We find that rapid rotators have redder (V − K) colors than slower rotators at the same V, indicating that rapid and slow rotators have different binary frequencies and/or photospheric properties. We find no difference in the photometric amplitudes of rapid and slow rotators, indicating that asymmetries in the longitudinal distribution of starspots do not scale grossly with rotation rate.
INSTABILITY OF NON-UNIFORM TOROIDAL MAGNETIC FIELDS IN ACCRETION DISKS
Authors: Hirabayashi Kota , Hoshino Masahiro
Published: May 2016

We present a new type of instability that is expected to drive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence from a purely toroidal magnetic field in an accretion disk. It is already known that in a differentially rotating system, the uniform toroidal magnetic field is unstable due to magnetorotational instability (MRI) under a non-axisymmetric and vertical perturbation, while it is stable under a purely vertical perturbation. Contrary to the previous study, this paper proposes an unstable mode completely confined to the equatorial plane, driven by the expansive nature of the magnetic pressure gradient force under a non-uniform toroidal field. The basic nature of this growing eigenmode, which we name “magneto-gradient driven instability,” is studied using linear analysis, and the corresponding nonlinear evolution is then investigated using two-dimensional ideal MHD simulations. Although a single localized magnetic field channel alone cannot provide sufficient Maxwell stress to contribute significantly to the angular momentum transport, we find that the mode coupling between neighboring toroidal fields under multiple localized magnetic field channels drastically generates a highly turbulent state and leads to the enhanced transport of angular momentum, which is comparable to the efficiency seen in previous studies on MRIs. This horizontally confined mode may play an important role in the saturation of an MRI through complementray growth with the toroidal MRIs and coupling with magnetic reconnection.
STOCHASTIC PARTICLE ACCELERATION IN TURBULENCE GENERATED BY MAGNETOROTATIONAL INSTABILITY
Authors: Kimura Shigeo S. , Toma Kenji , Suzuki Takeru K. , Inutsuka Shu-ichiro
Published: May 2016

We investigate stochastic particle acceleration in accretion flows. It is believed that magnetorotational instability (MRI) generates turbulence inside accretion flows and that cosmic rays (CRs) are accelerated by the turbulence. We calculate equations of motion for CRs in the turbulent fields generated by MRI with the shearing box approximation and without back reaction to the field. Our results show that the CRs randomly gain or lose their energy through interaction with the turbulent fields. The CRs diffuse in the configuration space anisotropically: the diffusion coefficient in the direction of the unperturbed flow is about 20 times higher than the Bohm coefficient, while those in the other directions are only a few times higher than the Bohm. The momentum distribution is isotropic and its evolution can be described by the diffusion equation in momentum space where the diffusion coefficient is a power-law function of the CR momentum. We show that the shear acceleration works efficiently for energetic particles. We also cautiously note that in the shearing box approximation, particles that cross the simulation box many times along the radial direction undergo unphysical runaway acceleration by the Lorentz transformation, which needs to be taken into account with special care.
THE EFFECTS OF ANGULAR MOMENTUM ON HALO PROFILES
Authors: Lentz Erik W , Quinn Thomas R , Rosenberg Leslie J
Published: May 2016

The near universality of DM halo density profiles provided by N-body simulations proved to be robust against changes in total mass density, power spectrum, and some forms of initial velocity dispersion. Here we study the effects of coherently spinning up an isolated DM-only progenitor on halo structure. Halos with spins within several standard deviations of the simulated mean (λ ≲ 0.20) produce profiles with negligible deviations from the universal form. Only when the spin becomes quite large (λ ≳ 0.20) do departures become evident. The angular momentum distribution also exhibits a near universal form, which is also independent of halo spin up to λ ≲ 0.20. A correlation between these epidemic profiles and the presence of a strong bar in the virialized halo is also observed. These bar structures bear resemblance to the radial orbit instability in the rotationless limit.
GALAXY LUMINOSITY FUNCTION OF THE DYNAMICALLY YOUNG ABELL 119 CLUSTER: PROBING THE CLUSTER ASSEMBLY
Authors: Lee Youngdae , Rey Soo-Chang , Hilker Michael , Sheen Yun-Kyeong , Yi Sukyoung K.
Published: May 2016

We present the galaxy luminosity function (LF) of the Abell 119 cluster down to

mag based on deep images in the u, g, and r bands taken by using MOSAIC II CCD mounted on the Blanco 4 m telescope at the CTIO. The cluster membership was accurately determined based on the radial velocity information and on the color–magnitude relation for bright galaxies and the scaling relation for faint galaxies. The overall LF exhibits a bimodal behavior with a distinct dip at

mag (

mag), which is more appropriately described by a two-component function. The shape of the LF strongly depends on the clustercentric distance and on the local galaxy density. The LF of galaxies in the outer, low-density region exhibits a steeper slope and more prominent dip compared with that of counterparts in the inner, high-density region. We found evidence for a substructure in the projected galaxy distribution in which several overdense regions in the Abell 119 cluster appear to be closely associated with the surrounding, possible filamentary structure. The combined LF of the overdense regions exhibits a two-component function with a distinct dip, while the LF of the central region is well described by a single Schechter function. We suggest that, in the context of the hierarchical cluster formation scenario, the observed overdense regions are the relics of galaxy groups, retaining their two-component LFs with a dip, which acquired their shapes through a galaxy merging process in group environments, before they fall into a cluster.
THE POPULATION OF COMPACT RADIO SOURCES IN THE ORION NEBULA CLUSTER
Authors: Forbrich J. , Rivilla V. M. , Menten K. M. , Reid M. J. , Chandler C. J. , Rau U. , Bhatnagar S. , Wolk S. J. , Meingast S.
Published: May 2016

We present a deep centimeter-wavelength catalog of the Orion Nebula Cluster (ONC), based on a 30 hr single-pointing observation with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array in its high-resolution A-configuration using two 1 GHz bands centered at 4.7 and 7.3 GHz. A total of 556 compact sources were detected in a map with a nominal rms noise of 3 μJy bm−1, limited by complex source structure and the primary beam response. Compared to previous catalogs, our detections increase the sample of known compact radio sources in the ONC by more than a factor of seven. The new data show complex emission on a wide range of spatial scales. Following a preliminary correction for the wideband primary-beam response, we determine radio spectral indices for 170 sources whose index uncertainties are less than ±0.5. We compare the radio to the X-ray and near-infrared point-source populations, noting similarities and differences.
L’hégémonie politique à l’épreuve des musiques urbaines à Luanda, Angola
Authors: Buire Chloé
Published: May 2016

Fondé sur un travail d’immersion ethnographique à Luanda et sur une analyse de la culture populaire urbaine, cet article interroge la réception des musiques actuelles par la jeunesse luandaise. Il part d’un fait d’actualité : en juin 2015, quinze jeunes activistes qui débattaient des principes de résistance pacifique ont été arrêtés et accusés de préparer un coup d’État. L’article défend l’idée que ces arrestations sont emblématiques des mécanismes de domination du parti au pouvoir et surtout de leur ambivalence. Sans annoncer la fin du régime autoritaire en Angola, l’émergence d’une scène musicale underground , depuis la fin de la guerre civile, illustre en effet les contradictions d’un système hégémonique qui, pour entretenir le consentement populaire, ouvre malgré lui des espaces de contestation qui redéfinissent l’espace public angolais depuis la chute des prix du pétrole en 2014.