bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraction of the Polyurethane Layer in Textile Composites for Textronics Applications Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Gocławski Jarosław , Korzeniewska Ewa , Sekulska-Nalewajko Joanna , Sankowski Dominik , Pawlak Ryszard
Published: April 2018

This article presents a new method for the extraction and measurement of the polyurethane layer of Cordura textile composites using optical coherence tomography. The knowledge of coating layer properties in these composites is very important, as it affects mechanical parameters such as stiffness and bending rigidity. Unlike microscopic measurements, which require cross-section samples of the material, the proposed approach is non-invasive. The method is based on detecting the top and bottom boundaries of the polyurethane layer in Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images using image processing methods, namely edge enhancement filtering, thresholding and spline smoothing. The cover layer measurement results obtained from a three-dimensional OCT image of the composite fabric are presented as the thickness maps. The average values of the layer thicknesses measured with the OCT method for four types of Cordura showed a high correlation with the results obtained from microscopic measurements (Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.9844 ), which confirms the accuracy of the OCT method.
Special Issue: Microbial Community Modeling: Prediction of Microbial Interactions and Community Dynamics
Authors: Song Hyun-Seob
Published: April 2018

n/a
ADAR Mediated RNA Editing Modulates MicroRNA Targeting in Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Roberts Justin T. , Patterson Dillon G. , King Valeria M. , Amin Shivam V. , Polska Caroline J. , Houserova Dominika , Crucello Aline , Barnhill Emmaline C. , Miller Molly M. , Sherman Timothy D. , Borchert Glen M.
Published: April 2018

RNA editing by RNA specific adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) is increasingly being found to alter microRNA (miRNA) regulation. Editing of miRNA transcripts can affect their processing, as well as which messenger RNAs (mRNAs) they target. Further, editing of target mRNAs can also affect their complementarity to miRNAs. Notably, ADAR editing is often increased in malignancy with the effect of these RNA changes being largely unclear. In addition, numerous reports have now identified an array of miRNAs that directly contribute to various malignancies although the majority of their targets remain largely undefined. Here we propose that modulating the targets of miRNAs via mRNA editing is a frequent occurrence in cancer and an underappreciated participant in pathology. In order to more accurately characterize the relationship between these two regulatory processes, this study examined RNA editing events within mRNA sequences of two breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and determined whether or not these edits could modulate miRNA associations. Computational analyses of RNA-Seq data from these two cell lines identified over 50,000 recurrent editing sites within human mRNAs, and many of these were located in 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs). When these locations were screened against the list of currently-annotated miRNAs we discovered that editing caused a subset (~9%) to have significant alterations to mRNA complementarity. One miRNA in particular, miR-140-3p, is known to be misexpressed in many breast cancers, and we found that mRNA editing allowed this miRNA to directly target the apoptosis inducing gene DFFA in MCF-7, but not in MDA-MB-231 cells. As these two cell lines are known to have distinct characteristics in terms of morphology, invasiveness and physiological responses, we hypothesized that the differential RNA editing of DFFA in these two cell lines could contribute to their phenotypic differences. Indeed, we confirmed through western blotting that inhibiting miR-140-3p increases expression of the DFFA protein product in MCF-7, but not MDA-MB-231, and further that inhibition of miR-140-3p also increases cellular growth in MCF-7, but not MDA-MB-231. Broadly, these results suggest that the creation of miRNA targets may be an underappreciated function of ADAR and may help further elucidate the role of RNA editing in tumor pathogenicity.
Recovery of Filtered Graphene Oxide Residue Using Elastic Gel Packed in a Column by Cross Flow
Authors: Takaoka Yuji , Miyoshi Manoka , Sakaguchi Koichi , Morisada Shintaro , Ohto Keisuke , Kawakita Hidetaka
Published: April 2018

To recover the filtered residues on a gel layer in a column, the method using the elasticity of the gel layer and flowing water in a cross-flow manner is proposed. Polymerized spherical gel (40 μm) was packed in a column to a set height of 0.7 cm. The suspensions of graphene oxide at various sizes and shapes were injected on the top of the gel layer and then water was flowed at a flow rate of 1000 mL·h−1 until 0.10 MPa. By releasing the applied pressure, the elastic gel layer rose up, and the filtered graphene oxide also rose above the layer. This rise of the gel layer is due to the difference of pressure between the gel layer, including the filtered graphene oxide, and the open bottom of the column, using the flow of water. The cross flow of water through the column carried away the larger-sized filtered graphene oxide floating above the gel layer. The elasticity of the gel layer and cross flow through the column has the potential to recover the filtered particles.
A Proteomic View of Salmonella Typhimurium in Response to Phosphate Limitation
Authors: Jiang Jiezhang , Yu Kaiwen , Qi Linlu , Liu Yanhua , Cheng Sen , Wu Mei , Wang Zhen , Fu Jiaqi , Liu Xiaoyun
Published: April 2018

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium), an important foodborne pathogen, often encounters phosphate (Pi) shortage both in the environment and inside host cells. To gain a global view on its physiological responses to Pi starvation, we performed proteomic profiling of S. Typhimurium upon the shift from Pi-rich to Pi-low conditions. In addition to the Pho regulon, many metabolic processes were up-regulated, such as glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, pyrimidine degradation, glycogen, and trehalose metabolism, allowing us to chart an overview of S. Typhimurium carbon metabolism under Pi starvation. Furthermore, proteomic analysis of a mutant lacking phoB (that encodes a key regulator of Pi shortage response) suggested that only a small subset of the altered proteins upon Pi limitation was PhoB-dependent. Importantly, we present evidence that S. Typhimurium N-acetylglucosamine catabolism was induced under Pi-limiting conditions in a PhoB-dependent manner. Immunoblotting and β-galactosidase assays demonstrated that PhoB was required for the full activation of NagB, a key enzyme of this pathway, in response to low Pi. Thus, our study reveals that N-acetylglucosamine catabolism may represent an additional PhoB-regulated pathway to tackle bacterial Pi shortage.
Registration for Optical Multimodal Remote Sensing Images Based on FAST Detection, Window Selection, and Histogram Specification
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyang , Zhang Jian , Yang Chenghai , Song Huaibo , Shi Yeyin , Zhou Xingen , Zhang Dongyan , Zhang Guozhong
Published: April 2018

In recent years, digital frame cameras have been increasingly used for remote sensing applications. However, it is always a challenge to align or register images captured with different cameras or different imaging sensor units. In this research, a novel registration method was proposed. Coarse registration was first applied to approximately align the sensed and reference images. Window selection was then used to reduce the search space and a histogram specification was applied to optimize the grayscale similarity between the images. After comparisons with other commonly-used detectors, the fast corner detector, FAST (Features from Accelerated Segment Test), was selected to extract the feature points. The matching point pairs were then detected between the images, the outliers were eliminated, and geometric transformation was performed. The appropriate window size was searched and set to one-tenth of the image width. The images that were acquired by a two-camera system, a camera with five imaging sensors, and a camera with replaceable filters mounted on a manned aircraft, an unmanned aerial vehicle, and a ground-based platform, respectively, were used to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The image analysis results showed that, through the appropriate window selection and histogram specification, the number of correctly matched point pairs had increased by 11.30 times, and that the correct matching rate had increased by 36%, compared with the results based on FAST alone. The root mean square error (RMSE) in the x and y directions was generally within 0.5 pixels. In comparison with the binary robust invariant scalable keypoints (BRISK), curvature scale space (CSS), Harris, speed up robust features (SURF), and commercial software ERDAS and ENVI, this method resulted in larger numbers of correct matching pairs and smaller, more consistent RMSE. Furthermore, it was not necessary to choose any tie control points manually before registration. The results from this study indicate that the proposed method can be effective for registering optical multimodal remote sensing images that have been captured with different imaging sensors.
The Combined ASTER MODIS Emissivity over Land (CAMEL) Part 2: Uncertainty and Validation
Authors: Feltz Michelle , Borbas Eva , Knuteson Robert , Hulley Glynn , Hook Simon
Published: April 2018

Under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Making Earth System Data Records for Use in Research Environments (MEaSUREs) Land Surface Temperature and Emissivity project, a new global land surface emissivity dataset has been produced by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Space Science and Engineering Center and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). This new dataset termed the Combined ASTER MODIS Emissivity over Land (CAMEL), is created by the merging of the UW–Madison MODIS baseline-fit emissivity dataset (UWIREMIS) and JPL’s ASTER Global Emissivity Dataset v4 (GEDv4). CAMEL consists of a monthly, 0.05° resolution emissivity for 13 hinge points within the 3.6–14.3 µm region and is extended to 417 infrared spectral channels using a principal component regression approach. An uncertainty product is provided for the 13 hinge point emissivities by combining temporal, spatial, and algorithm variability as part of a total uncertainty estimate. Part 1 of this paper series describes the methodology for creating the CAMEL emissivity product and the corresponding high spectral resolution algorithm. This paper, Part 2 of the series, details the methodology of the CAMEL uncertainty calculation and provides an assessment of the CAMEL emissivity product through comparisons with (1) ground site lab measurements; (2) a long-term Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) emissivity dataset derived from 8 years of data; and (3) forward-modeled IASI brightness temperatures using the Radiative Transfer for TOVS (RTTOV) radiative transfer model. Global monthly results are shown for different seasons and International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme land classifications, and case study examples are shown for locations with different land surface types.
Agroecology Development in Eastern Europe—Cases in Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia
Authors: Moudrý Jan , Bernas Jaroslav , Moudrý Jan , Konvalina Petr , Ujj Apolka , Manolov Ivan , Stoeva Atanaska , Rembiałkowska Ewa , Stalenga Jarosław , Toncea Ion , Fitiu Avram , Bucur Daniel , Lacko-Bartošová Magdalena , Macák Milan
Published: April 2018

Agroecology is a discipline of science that is based on several disciplines, primarily ecology and agronomy. Although the first mention of agroecology was more than 100 years ago, it has recently been more intensely developed throughout Eastern European countries, beginning in the 1990s. Basically, such interest developed due to the intensification of agriculture in the second half of the 20th century, which was based on the premise of agricultural research, and related specifically to production. Agroecology is also strongly associated with sustainable agricultural activities, especially organic farming, which began to develop in Eastern European countries around 1990. Due to the unique environment of Eastern European countries, and a combination of several disciplines within them as well as other factors, agroecology in these differing countries can be perceived as somewhat different from one another. This overview focuses on the current state of agroecology in the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, and Slovakia.
Detection and Quantification of Genetically Modified Soybean in Some Food and Feed Products. A Case Study on Products Available on Romanian Market
Authors: Rosculete Elena , Bonciu Elena , Rosculete Catalin Aurelian , Teleanu Elena
Published: April 2018

The aim of this paper is to trace genetically modified soybean in food and feed products present on the Romanian market by using molecular extraction, identification and quantification methodologies. Nine samples (3 food samples, 5 soybean samples and 1 soybean meal) were analysed using the classical and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. DNA-genetically modified organism (GMO) was not detected in two of the three analysed samples (food products). However, it could be found in four samples ranging below the limit of 0.9%, and in three samples, above the limit of 0.9%. The results obtained through real-time PCR quantification show that DNA-RRS was detectable in different amounts in different samples: ranging between 0.27% and 9.36% in soy beans, and reaching 50.98% in soybean meal. The current research focuses on how products containing GMO above the limit (it is common knowledge that it is necessary to label the products containing more than 0.9% Genetically Modified DNA) are differentiated on the market with a view to labeling food and feed products in terms of the accidental presence of approved genetically modified plants. The benefits brought by genetic engineering in obtaining genetically modified organisms can be balanced with their public acceptance and with certain known or unknown risks that they can bring.
Management Implications for the Most Attractive Scenic Sites along the Andalusia Coast (SW Spain)
Authors: Mooser Alexis , Anfuso Giorgio , Mestanza Carlos , Williams Allan Thomas
Published: April 2018

A coastal scenery assessment was carried out at 50 sites along the 910 km long Andalusia coast (SW Spain) using a checklist of 26 natural and human parameters, parameter weighting matrices, and fuzzy logic. A scenic classification was utilised that can rate sites as Class I (natural areas of great scenic beauty) to Class V (urbanised areas of poor scenic interest), but, for this study, only natural sites of great scenic value were investigated; 41 sites were included in Class I, 9 in Class II and, apart from four, all of the sites were under some feature of protection—managed by the Andalusia Environmental Agency (RENPA, in Spanish). Sites belong to the Natural Park Cabo de Gata-Nijar (24% of sites), the Natural Park of Gibraltar Strait (18%), the Natural Place Acantilado de Maro-Cerro Gordo (12%), and the Natural and National parks of Doñana (8%). Results obtained by means of scenic evaluation constitute a sound scientific basis for any envisaged management plan for investigated coastal areas preservation/conservation and responsible future developments, especially for natural protected areas, which represent the most attractive coastal tourist destinations. With respect to natural parameters, excellent scenic values appeared to be linked to the geological setting and the presence of mountainous landscapes related to the Betic Chain. Human parameters usually show good scores because null or extremely reduced human impacts are recorded, but, at places, conflicts arose between conservation and recreational activities because visitors are often interested in beach activities more so than ecotourism. Low scores of human parameters were often related to litter presence or the unsuitable emplacement of utilities, such as informative panels, litter bins, etc.
Flowchart on Choosing Optimal Method of Observing Transverse Dispersion Coefficient for Solute Transport in Open Channel Flow
Authors: Baek Kyong Oh
Published: April 2018

There are a number of methods for observing and estimating the transverse dispersion coefficient in an analysis of the solute transport in open channel flow. It may be difficult to select an optimal method to calculate dispersion coefficients from tracer data among numerous methodologies. A flowchart was proposed in this study to select an appropriate method under the transport situation of either time-variant or steady condition. When making the flowchart, the strengths and limitations of the methods were evaluated based on its derivation procedure which was conducted under specific assumptions. Additionally, application examples of these methods on experimental data were illustrated using previous works. Furthermore, the observed dispersion coefficients in a laboratory channel were validated by using transport numerical modeling, and the simulation results were compared with the experimental results from tracer tests. This flowchart may assist in choosing the better methods for determining the transverse dispersion coefficient in various river mixing situations.
Comparative Study on the Optimization Path of Industrial Value Chain in China’s Resource-Based Cities
Authors: Xing Menglin , Luo Fuzhou
Published: April 2018

China’s resource-based cities have currently entered a period of comprehensive transformation. The differences in the economic and technical environment and significant policy orientation make it unique to some extent. This study applied value chain theory to analyze the industrial value chain of China’s resource-based cities, and three important types of optimization paths that have been applied differently by different cities were proposed. Grey relational analysis was used to compare the comprehensive value creation capacity of the three paths and its relationship with the comparative advantage of local industry. We found that a circular economy system has significant capacity to optimize economic and social value and favorable prospects for environmental value. However, this may have obvious instability in early periods of transition. This disadvantage can be remedied by cultivating related industries that have significantly comprehensive advantages in the early period. In the long term, the other two paths need to be combined with cultivating emerging industries. Finally, we found that the value creation capacity of China’s resource-based cities has roots in optimization of the industrial value chain rather than enhancement of the industrial comparative advantage. The reason for this is that value creation capacity has not yet been transformed into a source of industrial comparative advantage.
Design and Analysis of Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Radar System Based on RF Single-Link Technology
Authors: Yu He , Yang Guohui , Li Yingsong , Meng Fanyi
Published: April 2018

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar is playing an important role in military and civilian fields. However, radio frequency (RF) multi-links have a large data-processing capacity and the system is bulky and complex. Therefore, a single-link RF MIMO has been the subject of heated discussed in recent years. Single-link technology shares the same regularity with that of the multi-link MIMO system, which makes the MIMO system simpler in structure without affecting its performance. In this study, a 2 × 2 array single RF link MIMO radar at X band was designed by combining MIMO radar with the concept of a single RF link in the communication field, and a simulation platform for studying its properties was established using SystemVue software. The whole system is controlled by the exclusive OR (XOR) operation results of two transmission signals, and one signal can control the antenna-switching signal to form a variety of orthogonal bases. The received two original signals are demodulated and the control signals enter the corresponding matched filters. The signal is processed by fast Fourier transformation (FFT) and the cell-averaging constant false alarm rate algorithm (CA-CFAR) is used to judge the signal. For multiple measurements, the Monte Carlo method was adopted to obtain its mean value as the final result. Compared with the traditional MIMO radar performance in acquiring the target position, speed, and detection probability, the results show that the computation time can be greatly reduced (due to decrease in the number of links in MIMO radar system) without any deterioration in the MIMO radar performance. The single RF link technology provides a broad prospect for the miniaturization of small radar applications.
Embodied Energy Optimization of Prestressed Concrete Slab Bridge Decks
Authors: Alcalá Julián , González-Vidosa Fernando , Yepes Víctor , Martí José V.
Published: April 2018

This paper presents one approach to the analysis and design of post-tensioned cast-in-place concrete slab bridge decks. A Simulated Annealing algorithm is applied to two objective functions: (i) the economic cost; and (ii) the embodied energy at different stages of production materials, transport, and construction. The problem involved 33 discrete design variables: five geometrical ones dealing with the thickness of the slab, the inner and exterior web width, and two flange thicknesses; concrete type; prestressing cables, and 26 variables for the reinforcement set-up. The comparison of the results obtained shows two different optimum families, which indicates that the traditional criteria of economic optimization leads to inefficient designs considering the embodied energy. The results indicate that the objectives are not competing functions, and that optimum energy designs are close to the optimum cost designs. The analysis also showed that the savings of each kW h of energy consumed carries an extra cost of 0.49€. The best cost solution presents 5.3% more embodied energy. The best energy solution is 9.7% more expensive than that of minor cost. In addition, the results have showed that the best cost solutions are not the best energy solutions.
The Sequence of Two Bacteriophages with Hypermodified Bases Reveals Novel Phage-Host Interactions
Authors: Kropinski Andrew M. , Turner Dann , Nash John H. E. , Ackermann Hans-Wolfgang , Lingohr Erika J. , Warren Richard A. , Ehrlich Kenneth C. , Ehrlich Melanie
Published: April 2018

Bacteriophages SP-15 and ΦW-14 are members of the Myoviridae infecting Bacillus subtilis and Delftia (formerly Pseudomonas) acidovorans, respectively. What links them is that in both cases, approximately 50% of the thymine residues are replaced by hypermodified bases. The consequence of this is that the physico-chemical properties of the DNA are radically altered (melting temperature (Tm), buoyant density and susceptibility to restriction endonucleases). Using 454 pyrosequencing technology, we sequenced the genomes of both viruses. Phage ΦW-14 possesses a 157-kb genome (56.3% GC) specifying 236 proteins, while SP-15 is larger at 222 kb (38.6 mol % G + C) and encodes 318 proteins. In both cases, the phages can be considered genomic singletons since they do not possess BLASTn homologs. While no obvious genes were identified as being responsible for the modified base in ΦW-14, SP-15 contains a cluster of genes obviously involved in carbohydrate metabolism.
Within-Host Recombination in the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Genome
Authors: Ferretti Luca , Di Nardo Antonello , Singer Benjamin , Lasecka-Dykes Lidia , Logan Grace , Wright Caroline F. , Pérez-Martín Eva , King Donald P. , Tuthill Tobias J. , Ribeca Paolo
Published: April 2018

Recombination is one of the determinants of genetic diversity in the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). FMDV sequences have a mosaic structure caused by extensive intra- and inter-serotype recombination, with the exception of the capsid-encoding region. While these genome-wide patterns of broad-scale recombination are well studied, not much is known about the patterns of recombination that may exist within infected hosts. In addition, detection of recombination among viruses evolving at the within-host level is challenging due to the similarity of the sequences and the limitations in differentiating recombination from point mutations. Here, we present the first analysis of recombination events between closely related FMDV sequences occurring within buffalo hosts. The detection of these events was made possible by the occurrence of co-infection of two viral swarms with about 1% nucleotide divergence. We found more than 15 recombination events, unequally distributed across eight samples from different animals. The distribution of these events along the FMDV genome was neither uniform nor related to the phylogenetic distribution of recombination breakpoints, suggesting a mismatch between within-host evolutionary pressures and long-term selection for infectivity and transmissibility.
Rebuild by Design in Hoboken: A Design Competition as a Means for Achieving Flood Resilience of Urban Areas through the Implementation of Green Infrastructure
Authors: Šakić Trogrlić Robert , Rijke Jeroen , Dolman Nanco , Zevenbergen Chris
Published: April 2018

The Rebuild by Design (RBD) competition was launched after the devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy, and the winning designs have put a significant emphasis on green infrastructure (GI) as a means of achieving flood resilience in urban areas. Previous research in the field of urban stormwater management indicates that wide-spread implementation of GI remains a challenge, largely due to a lack of understanding of the required governance approaches. Therefore, by using a case study of Hoboken, for which the winning design was developed, this paper explores whether RBD provides governance structures and processes needed for the uptake of GI. Semi-structured interviews and desk study provided the data for an analysis of the presence of factors for supporting the transformative governance needed to facilitate the uptake of innovative solutions. Results indicate that RBD brought a greater change in terms of governance processes when compared to governance structures. In Hoboken, RBD created a narrative for long-term change, put GI as a preferred solution for tackling multiple challenges, and strengthened the local political buy-in. However, pitfalls were observed, such as limited funding provision, lack of regulatory compliance, economic justification and large investments required from public and private parties. The absence of these factors can hinder the overall uptake of the GI solution. Even though the design competition presents a novel approach to the field of resilience development, further steps should be made in understanding how the RBD methodology can be adjusted to provide results of equal quality in different settings (e.g., less developed regions, different governance contexts).
Topography-Related Glacier Area Changes in Central Tianshan from 1989 to 2015 Derived from Landsat Images and ASTER GDEM Data
Authors: Wang Xianwei , Chen Huijiao , Chen Yaning
Published: April 2018

Studies have investigated the glacier projected area (2D Area) on a horizontal plane, which is much smaller than the glacier topographic surface extent (3D Area) in steep terrains. This study maps the glacier outline in Central Tianshan using Landsat images from four periods, i.e., 1989, 2002, 2007 and 2015, by an object-based classification approach, and analyzes the glacier 2D and 3D area changes related to topographic factors based on Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) Global DEM data. This approach shows an accuracy of 90.8% for clean ice mapping. The derived clean ice outlines are in good agreement with the 2nd Chinese Glacier Inventory (CGI2) and the Global Land Ice Measurements from Space (GLIMS). The fields with a northern aspect receive the least surface solar radiation, leading to dominant existing glaciers. Glaciers are near evenly distributed in slope zones of 0° to 50° and have a mean slope angle of 28.8°, resulting in a 30.3% larger 3D area than the 2D area in 2015 in Central Tianshan. The glacier 2D area decreased by 404 km2 (−8.1%) between 1989 and 2015, while the 3D area declined by 516 km2 (−7.9%). The glacier 2D area showed a reduction of −1.8% between 1989 and 2002, −3.8% between 2002 and 2007, and −2.7% between 2007 and 2015, and these retreating rates closely responded to the variations of regional mean air temperature and precipitation. Topographically, most reductions occurred in elevation bands of 3000–4000 m and in slope zones of 10–20° and 40–50°, and in the eastern aspect fields. The northern Tekes River catchment had the largest shrinking rate of −17.0% (2D area), followed by the southern Karasu River (−14.2%) and Muzart River (−7.7%) catchments. In contrast, glaciers in the Kumerik/Aksu and Tailan River catchments in the Tuomuer region showed little change (−2%).
Searching for Cool Dust. II. Infrared Imaging of The OH/IR Supergiants, NML Cyg, VX Sgr, S Per, and the Normal Red Supergiants RS Per and T Per∗
Authors: Gordon Michael S. , Humphreys Roberta M. , Jones Terry J. , Shenoy Dinesh , Gehrz Robert D. , Helton L. Andrew , Marengo Massimo , Hinz Philip M. , Hoffmann William F.
Published: April 2018

New MMT/MIRAC (9–11 μm), SOFIA/FORCAST (11–37 μm), and Herschel/PACS (70 and 160 μm) infrared (IR) imaging and photometry is presented for three famous OH/IR red supergiants (NML Cyg, VX Sgr, and S Per) and two normal red supergiants (RS Per and T Per). We model the observed spectral energy distributions (SEDs) using radiative-transfer code DUSTY. Azimuthal average profiles from the SOFIA/FORCAST imaging, in addition to dust mass distribution profiles from DUSTY, constrain the mass-loss histories of these supergiants. For all of our observed supergiants, the DUSTY models suggest that constant mass-loss rates do not produce enough dust to explain the observed infrared emission in the stars’ SEDs. Combining our results with Shenoy et al. (Paper I), we find mixed results with some red supergiants showing evidence for variable and high mass-loss events while others have constant mass loss over the past few thousand years.
OGLE-2017-BLG-0482Lb: A Microlensing Super-Earth Orbiting a Low-mass Host Star
Authors: Han C. , Hirao Y. , Udalski A. , Lee C.-U. , Bozza V. , Gould A. ,   and, Abe F. , Barry R. , Bond I. A. , Bennett D. P. , Bhattacharya A. , Donachie M. , Evans P. , Fukui A. , Itow Y. , Kawasaki K. , Koshimoto N. , Li M. C. A. , Ling C. H. , Matsubara Y. , Miyazaki S. , Munakata H. , Muraki Y. , Nagakane M. , Ohnishi K. , Ranc C. , Rattenbury N. , Saito T. , Sharan A. , Sullivan D. J. , Sumi T. , Suzuki D. , Tristram P. J. , Yamada T. , Yonehara A. ,   (The MOA Collaboration), Mróz P. , Poleski R. , Kozłowski S. , Soszyński I. , Pietrukowicz P. , Skowron J. , Szymański M. K. , Ulaczyk K. , Pawlak M. , Rybicki K. , Iwanek P. ,   (The OGLE Collaboration), Albrow M. D. , Chung S.-J. , Hwang K.-H. , Jung Y. K. , Kim D. , Kim W.-T. , Kim H.-W. , Ryu Y.-H. , Shin I.-G. , Shvartzvald Y. , Yee J. C. , Zhu W. , Cha S.-M. , Kim S.-L. , Kim D.-J. , Lee D.-J. , Lee Y. , Park B.-G. , Pogge R. W. ,   (The KMTNet Collaboration)
Published: April 2018

We report the discovery of a planetary system in which a super-Earth orbits a late M-dwarf host. The planetary system was found from the analysis of the microlensing event OGLE-2017-BLG-0482, wherein the planet signal appears as a short-term anomaly to the smooth lensing light curve produced by the host. Despite its weak signal and short duration, the planetary signal was firmly detected from the dense and continuous coverage by three microlensing surveys. We find a planet/host mass ratio of q ∼ 1.4 × 10−4. We measure the microlens parallax

from the long-term deviation in the observed lensing light curve, but the angular Einstein radius

cannot be measured because the source trajectory did not cross the planet-induced caustic. Using the measured event timescale and the microlens parallax, we find that the masses of the planet and the host are

and

, respectively, and the projected separation between them is

au. The estimated distance to the lens is

kpc. The discovery of the planetary system demonstrates that microlensing provides an important method to detect low-mass planets orbiting low-mass stars.
Kepler’s Earth-like Planets Should Not Be Confirmed without Independent Detection: The Case of Kepler-452b
Authors: Mullally Fergal , Thompson Susan E. , Coughlin Jeffrey L. , Burke Christopher J. , Rowe Jason F.
Published: April 2018

We show that the claimed confirmed planet Kepler-452b (a.k.a., K07016.01, KIC 8311864) cannot be confirmed using a purely statistical validation approach. Kepler detects many more periodic signals from instrumental effects than it does from transits, and it is likely impossible to confidently distinguish the two types of events at low signal-to-noise. As a result, the scenario that the observed signal is due to an instrumental artifact cannot be ruled out with 99% confidence, and the system must still be considered a candidate planet. We discuss the implications for other confirmed planets in or near the habitable zone.
A Search for Technosignatures from 14 Planetary Systems in the Kepler Field with the Green Bank Telescope at 1.15–1.73 GHz
Authors: Margot Jean-Luc , Greenberg Adam H. , Pinchuk Pavlo , Shinde Akshay , Alladi Yashaswi , MN Srinivas Prasad , Bowman M. Oliver , Fisher Callum , Gyalay Szilard , McKibbin Willow , Miles Brittany , Nguyen Donald , Power Conor , Ramani Namrata , Raviprasad Rashmi , Santana Jesse , Lynch Ryan S.
Published: April 2018

Analysis of Kepler mission data suggests that the Milky Way includes billions of Earth-sized planets in the habitable zone of their host stars. Current technology enables the detection of technosignatures emitted from a large fraction of the Galaxy. We describe a search for technosignatures that is sensitive to Arecibo-class transmitters located within ∼420 ly of Earth and transmitters that are 1000 times more effective than Arecibo within ∼13000 ly of Earth. Our observations focused on 14 planetary systems in the Kepler field and used the L-band receiver (1.15–1.73 GHz) of the 100 m diameter Green Bank Telescope. Each source was observed for a total integration time of 5 minutes. We obtained power spectra at a frequency resolution of 3 Hz and examined narrowband signals with Doppler drift rates between ±9 Hz s−1. We flagged any detection with a signal-to-noise ratio in excess of 10 as a candidate signal and identified approximately 850,000 candidates. Most (99%) of these candidate signals were automatically classified as human-generated radio-frequency interference (RFI). A large fraction (>99%) of the remaining candidate signals were also flagged as anthropogenic RFI because they have frequencies that overlap those used by global navigation satellite systems, satellite downlinks, or other interferers detected in heavily polluted regions of the spectrum. All 19 remaining candidate signals were scrutinized and none were attributable to an extraterrestrial source.
A Case Study of On-the-fly Wide-field Radio Imaging Applied to the Gravitational Wave Event GW151226
Authors: Mooley K. P. , Frail D. A. , Myers S. T. , Kulkarni S. R. , Hotokezaka K. , Singer L. P. , Horesh A. , Kasliwal M. M. , Cenko S. B. , Hallinan G.
Published: April 2018

We apply a newly developed on-the-fly mosaicing technique on the Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) at 3 GHz in order to carry out a sensitive search for an afterglow from the Advanced LIGO binary black hole merger event GW151226. In three epochs between 1.5 and 6 months post-merger, we observed a 100 deg2 region, with more than 80% of the survey region having an rms sensitivity of better than 150 μJy/beam, in the northern hemisphere with a merger containment probability of 10%. The data were processed in near real time and analyzed to search for transients and variables. No transients were found but we have demonstrated the ability to conduct blind searches in a time-frequency phase space where the predicted afterglow signals are strongest. If the gravitational wave event is contained within our survey region, the upper limit on any late-time radio afterglow from the merger event at an assumed mean distance of 440 Mpc is about 1029 erg s−1 Hz−1. Approximately 1.5% of the radio sources in the field showed variability at a level of 30%, and can be attributed to normal activity from active galactic nuclei. The low rate of false positives in the radio sky suggests that wide-field imaging searches at a few Gigahertz can be an efficient and competitive search strategy. We discuss our search method in the context of the recent afterglow detection from GW170817 and radio follow-up in future gravitational wave observing runs.
The Kepler Light Curves of AGN: A Detailed Analysis
Authors: Smith Krista Lynne , Mushotzky Richard F. , Boyd Patricia T. , Malkan Matt , Howell Steve B. , Gelino Dawn M.
Published: April 2018

We present a comprehensive analysis of 21 light curves of Type 1 active galactic nuclei (AGN) from the Kepler spacecraft. First, we describe the necessity and development of a customized pipeline for treating Kepler data of stochastically variable sources like AGN. We then present the light curves, power spectral density functions (PSDs), and flux histograms. The light curves display an astonishing variety of behaviors, many of which would not be detected in ground-based studies, including switching between distinct flux levels. Six objects exhibit PSD flattening at characteristic timescales that roughly correlate with black hole mass. These timescales are consistent with orbital timescales or free-fall accretion timescales. We check for correlations of variability and high-frequency PSD slope with accretion rate, black hole mass, redshift, and luminosity. We find that bolometric luminosity is anticorrelated with both variability and steepness of the PSD slope. We do not find evidence of the linear rms–flux relationships or lognormal flux distributions found in X-ray AGN light curves, indicating that reprocessing is not a significant contributor to optical variability at the 0.1%–10% level.
A Solar-flux Line-broadening Analysis
Authors: Gray David F.
Published: April 2018

The Fourier technique of extracting rotation rates and macroturbulence-velocity dispersions from the shapes and broadening of stellar spectral lines is applied to the solar-flux spectrum. Lines with equivalent widths less than ∼0.055 Å are shown to have the advantage over stronger lines by allowing the residual transform to be followed to higher frequencies. The standard radial-tangential macroturbulence formulation fits the observations well and yields an equatorial velocity that is within a few percent of the correct rate.
On the Full-range β Dependence of Ion-scale Spectral Break in the Solar Wind Turbulence
Authors: Wang Xin , Tu Chuanyi , He Jiansen , Wang Linghua
Published: April 2018

The power spectrum of magnetic fluctuations has a break at the high-frequency end of the inertial range. Beyond this break, the spectrum becomes steeper than the Kolmogorov law f
−5/3. The break frequency was found to be associated with plasma beta (β). However, the full-range β dependence of the ion-scale spectral break has not been presented before in observational studies. Here we show the continuous variation of the break frequency on full-range β in the solar wind turbulence. By using measurements from the WIND and Ulysses spacecraft, we show the break frequency (f

b
) normalized, respectively, by the frequencies corresponding to ion inertial length (f

di
), ion gyroradius (

), and cyclotron resonance scale (f

ri
) as a function of β for 1306 intervals. Their β values spread from 0.005 to 20, which nearly covers the full β range of the observed solar wind turbulence. It is found that

(

) generally decreases (increases) with β, while

is nearly a constant. We perform a linear fit on the statistical result, and obtain the empirical formulas

,

, and

to describe the relation between f

b
and β. We also compare our observations with a numerical simulation and the prediction by ion cyclotron resonance theory. Our result favors the idea that the cyclotron resonance is an important mechanism for energy dissipation at the spectral break. When β ≪ 1 and β ≫ 1, the break at f

di
and

may also be associated with other processes.
The Spin Evolution of Fast-rotating, Magnetized Super-Chandrasekhar White Dwarfs in the Aftermath of White Dwarf Mergers
Authors: Becerra L. , Rueda J. A. , Lorén-Aguilar P. , García-Berro E.
Published: April 2018

The evolution of the remnant of the merger of two white dwarfs is still an open problem. Furthermore, few studies have addressed the case in which the remnant is a magnetic white dwarf with a mass larger than the Chandrasekhar limiting mass. Angular momentum losses might bring the remnant of the merger to the physical conditions suitable for developing a thermonuclear explosion. Alternatively, the remnant may be prone to gravitational or rotational instabilities, depending on the initial conditions reached after the coalescence. Dipole magnetic braking is one of the mechanisms that can drive such losses of angular momentum. However, the timescale on which these losses occur depends on several parameters, like the strength of the magnetic field. In addition, the coalescence leaves a surrounding Keplerian disk that can be accreted by the newly formed white dwarf. Here we compute the post-merger evolution of a super-Chandrasekhar magnetized white dwarf taking into account all the relevant physical processes. These include magnetic torques acting on the star, accretion from the Keplerian disk, the threading of the magnetic field lines through the disk, and the thermal evolution of the white dwarf core. We find that the central remnant can reach the conditions suitable to develop a thermonuclear explosion before other instabilities (such as the inverse beta-decay instability or the secular axisymmetric instability) are reached, which would instead lead to gravitational collapse of the magnetized remnant.
La capacité d’absorption : une nouvelle conceptualisation à travers l’intelligence économique
Authors: Slama Boulbeba , Ammar Oussama
Published: April 2018

Les recherches antérieures en système d’ information soulignent que l’information et la connaissance jouent un rôle essentiel dans la performance des entreprises. En même temps, la littérature sur l’innovation a montré que l’accès et l’intégration des connaissances provenant des sources qui résident en dehors de l’entreprise, tels que les clients, la concurrence, les universités ou les cabinets de conseil, sont essentiels à la réussite des innovations des entreprises. Dans cet article, nous nous basons sur l’approche par la connaissance pour étudier la capacité d’une entreprise à absorber les informations pertinentes en provenance des sources externes et son exploitation par ses activités. Ce travail vise aussi à améliorer notre compréhension sur la formation de la capacité d’absorption à travers l’intelligence économique. Notre modèle est testé à partir de 145 salariés de PME françaises. Nous utilisons la méthode d’équations structurelles pour la validation empirique. Les résultats montrent que l’intelligence économique a une influence positive sur l’amélioration de la capacité d’absorption des PME françaises.
Le rôle de l’aéroport international sur l’expérience de la destination touristique pour les primo-visiteurs : un effet d’amorçage positif sur les évaluations du pays
Authors: Petr Christine , Al Rachkidi Nour Hanna
Published: April 2018

Cet article étudie les effets de l’expérience vécue à l’aéroport international sur la perception de la destination touristique et sur les intentions de revisite du pays. Une étude longitudinale de 303 primo-touristes interrogés à l’aéroport international, à l’arrivée puis à la sortie du pays, confirme des effets d’amorçage expérientiel.
Apports de l’application mobile aux connaissances et à l’évasion mentale induites par l’expérience muséale : rôle de l’attention focalisée et de la distorsion du temps
Authors: Ben Nasr Imed , Hallem Yousra , De Carli Amélie
Published: April 2018

Cette recherche questionne les apports de l’utilisation d’une application mobile dédiée à l’expérience muséale du visiteur. Plus précisément, nous cherchons à mesurer l’effet des attributs d’ergonomie d’une application mobile sur les bénéfices de la visite du musée notamment l’évasion mentale et les connaissances acquises. Une étude empirique a été menée auprès des visiteurs de la Galerie nationale de Londres. Les résultats montrent que le contenu et l’attractivité visuelle de l’application mobile renforcent l’attention du visiteur et créent une distorsion du temps perçu. Ces deux propriétés psychologiques jouent le rôle de médiateur. C’est par leur médiation que les propriétés de l’application suscitent l’évasion mentale du visiteur et influencent les connaissances qu’il retire d’une telle expérience.
Chronique des constatations du Comité des droits de l’homme, année 2017
Authors: Duclaux de L’Estoille Marie
Published: April 2018

Durant l’année 2017, le Comité des droits de l’homme a examiné une centaine de communications individuelles relatives à la mise en œuvre du Pacte international relatif aux droits civils et politiques. Deux thèmes sont quantitativement majoritaires : la question du non-refoulement appliquée au système de Dublin dans l’Union européenne et celle des disparitions forcées. Outre ces questions caractéristiques des droits civils et politiques, le Comité s’est penché sur des questions relatives aux droits des femmes et à l’identité de genre.
The Effects of Globalization on the CIS and Eurasia
Authors: Christiansen Bryan
Published: April 2018

Globalization today is basically accepted as the process which dismisses geographical boundaries and enables the economic integration and interdependence of national economies into the international economy through trade, foreign direct investment (FDI), migration, and capital flows. Each year the World Economic Forum (WEF) ranks 144 countries in terms of a global competitiveness index (GCI) which captures the fundamentals of an economy on a scale that ranges from 1 to 7. The GCI uses statistical data such as government debt and life expectancy obtained from a variety of internationally recognized agencies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to rank nations in terms of ability to compete on a global scale. The most recent GCI ranking for the current 11 states of the CIS show a declining or only marginal improvement over previous years with the exceptions of Ajerbaijan and the Russian Federation. This chapter examines the long-term effects contemporary globalization currently has on the region and provides some recommendations for future use.
Are the Commonwealth of Independent States and Eurasian Union Able to Enhance Economic and Political Cooperation in the Post-Soviet Space?
Authors: Kojobekova Aijarkyn
Published: April 2018

This chapter aims to analyze the efficiency of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Eurasian Union from Kyrgyzstan's perspective. Two main concepts of the relations of the CIS countries are applied initially. One of them proceeds from the expediency of the formation of close integration ties, creating favorable partnerships, taking into account changes of a geopolitical nature, and the need for a coordinated restructuring of the regional economy. The second concept focuses on the economic restructuring and isolation of Russia. This is contrasted with the much more pressing impact of the EEU on the economy of one member of the CIS, Kyrgyzstan. The arguments in favor of closer union hinge on such economic considerations. However, currently in some CIS/EEU countries there are opponents of such a close interaction with Russia, which is seen as seeking to impose its conditions on export, extending its market as well as its political influence. The latest is reflected in so called nationalistic discourse in Kyrgyzstan.