bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral blood stem cells collection on spectra optia apheresis system using the continuous mononuclear cell collection protocol: A single center report of 39 procedures
Authors: Sanderson F. , Poullin P. , Smith R. , Nicolino‐Brunet C. , Philip P. , Chaib A. , Costello R.
Published: July 2016

Background

The aim of the study was to assess the performance of the new Continuous Mononuclear Cell Collection (CMNC) protocol on the Spectra Optia Apheresis System for collecting autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (PBSC) in adult patients with respect to collection variables, CD34+ cells harvest prediction and engraftment data. In this retrospective study, 39 CMNC procedures on 23 mobilized patients with multiple myeloma and lymphoma were analyzed. CD34+ cells and blood cells yields, collection efficiencies (CE1 and CE2), cell losses were calculated. Engraftment data of 17 autologous transplantations were collected.

Results

Apheresis duration was 239 min for a product volume of 220 mL. Cell product haematocrit, MNC and platelets counts were acceptable (respectively 2.4%, 65%, 834 x 109/L). Median platelet loss was 27.3%. Median CD34+ CE1 and CE2 were 64.6% and 48.5% respectively. We harvested 2.92 × 106CD34+ cells/kg, with a CD34 dose ≥ 2 × 106/kg for 67% of the procedures. Linear correlation between preapheresis CD34 count and the CP CD34 dose/kg allowed a prediction model with a decrease trend for high WBC precount. Procedures were well tolerated. For 17 autologous transplantations, median time to neutrophils and platelets reconstitutions were 12 and 13 days respectively.

Conclusions

Spectra Optia CMNC protocol successfully collected CD34+ cells with yields permitting the harvest of sufficient enriched grafts for autologous transplantation. The CD34+ cell yield prediction was excellent. PBSC collection with CMNC protocol had advantages of high processing rate, low product volume, and acceptable contamination by platelets. J. Clin. Apheresis 32:182–190, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extracorporeal photopheresis practice patterns: An international survey by the ASFA ECP subcommittee
Authors: Dunbar Nancy M. , Raval Jay S. , Johnson Andrew , Abikoff Cori M. , Adamski Jill , Cooling Laura L. , Grossman Brenda , Kim Haewon C. , Marques Marisa B. , Morgan Shanna , Schmidt Amy E. , Sloan Steven R. , Su Leon L. , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew M. , West F. Bernadette , Wong Edward , Schneiderman Jennifer
Published: July 2016

Background

Although many apheresis centers offer extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP), little is known about current treatment practices.

Methods

An electronic survey was distributed to assess ECP practice internationally.

Results

Of 251 responses, 137 met criteria for analysis. Most respondents were from North America (80%). Nurses perform ECP at most centers (84%) and the majority of centers treat adults only (52%). Most centers treat fewer than 50 patients/year (83%) and perform fewer than 300 procedures/year (70%). Closed system devices (XTS and/or Cellex) are used to perform ECP at most centers (96%). The most common indications for ECP are acute/chronic skin graft versus host disease (89%) and cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (63%). The typical wait time for ECP treatment is less than 2 weeks (91%). Most centers do not routinely perform quality control assessment of the collected product (66%). There are device‐specific differences in treatment parameters. For example, XTS users more frequently have a minimum weight limit (P = 0.003) and use laboratory parameters to determine eligibility for treatment (P = 0.03). Regardless of device used, the majority of centers assess the clinical status of the patient before each procedure. Greater than 50% of respondents would defer treatment for hemodynamic instability due to active sepsis or heart failure, positive blood culture in the past 24 h or current fever.

Conclusion

This survey based study describes current ECP practices. Further research to provide evidence for optimal standardization of patient qualifications, procedure parameters and product quality assessment is recommended.
Effects of fingolimod administration in a genetic model of cognitive deficits
Authors: Becker‐Krail D. , Farrand A.Q. , Boger H.A. , Lavin A.
Published: July 2016

Notwithstanding recent advances, cognitive impairments are among the most difficult‐to‐treat symptoms in neuropsychiatric disorders. Deficits in information processing contributing to memory and sociability impairments are found across neuropsychiatric‐related disorders. Previously, we have shown that mutations in the DTNBP1 gene (encoding dystrobrevin‐binding protein 1 [dysbindin‐1]) lead to abnormalities in synaptic glutamate release in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus and to cognitive deficits; glutamatergic transmission is important for cortical recurrent excitation that allows information processing in the PFC. To investigate possible means of restoring glutamate release and improving cognitive impairments, we assess the effects of increasing endogenous levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in a dysbindin‐1‐deficient mouse model. Increasing endogenous levels of BDNF may aid in remediating cognitive deficits, given the roles of BDNF in synaptic transmission, plasticity, and neuroprotection. To increase BDNF, we use a novel strategy, repeated intraperitoneal injections of fingolimod (Gilenya). Sphingolipids have recently been shown to have therapeutic value in several neurology‐related disorders. Both wild‐type (WT) and mutant (MUT) genotypes were tested for sociability and recognition memory, followed by measuring endogenous BDNF levels and presynaptic [Ca2+]i within the PFC. Both genotypes were treated for 1 week with either saline or fingolimod. Relative to WT mice, MUT mice demonstrated impairments in sociability and recognition memory and lower presynaptic calcium. After fingolimod treatment, MUT mice exhibited significant improvements in sociability and recognition memory and increases in presynaptic calcium and endogenous concentrations of BDNF. These results show promise for counteracting the cognitive impairments seen in neuropsychiatric disorders and may shed light on the role of dysbindin‐1. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reflective full‐color LCD using low‐temperature polysilicon TFTs in low‐frequency driving: Analysis of image persistence and flicker with scientific CMOS camera
Authors: Yamaguchi Hajime , Kawata Yasushi , Matsuura Yuki , Akiyoshi Muneharu , Takebayashi Kisako , Sano Takumi , Murayama Akio , Fukunaga Yoko , Tamaki Masaya , Mitsui Masashi , Takasaki Naoyuki , Nakamura Takashi , Aoki Yoshiro , Hayashi Hirotaka
Published: July 2016

Image persistence and flicker are major issues for low‐frequency driving of LCDs. Detailed investigation of the mechanisms that produce these phenomena, using image analysis with a scientific CMOS camera, enabled us to reduce it to acceptable levels. We successfully developed a 7.0‐in. WUXGA (1200 × RGBW × 1920) reflective color LCD driven by low‐temperature polysilicon TFTs at 1 Hz.
Oxidative Cleavage of S–S Bond During the Reduction of Tris(pyridine‐2‐carboxylato)manganese(III) by Dithionite in Sodium Picolinate–Picolinic Acid Buffer Medium
Authors: Sen Gupta Kalyan K. , Bhattacharjee Nandini , Pal Biswajit
Published: July 2016

The reduction of tris(pyridine‐2‐carboxylato)manganese(III) by dithionite has been investigated within the temperature window 288–303 K and at pH range 5.22–6.10 in sodium picolinate–picolinic acid buffer medium. The reaction obeys the following stoichiometry:

urn:x-wiley:05388066:media:kin21022:kin21022-math-0001

The reaction is described in terms of a mechanism that involves an initial complex formation between S2O42− and [MnIII(C5H4NCO2)3] followed by S–S bond cleavage to give 2HSO3− and [MnII(C5H4NCO2)2(H2O)2] as the products via the formation of SO2●− radical anion. Kinetics and spectrophotometric evidences are cited in favor of the suggested mechanism. Thermodynamic parameters associated with the equilibrium step and the activation parameters with the rate‐determining step have been computed.
Transformation plasticity and kinetic during bainite transformation on a 22MnB5 steel grade
Authors: Schicchi D. S. , Hunkel M.
Published: July 2016

The use of press hardening components has widely increased in the last decades in the automotive industry due to the possibility to obtain high strength parts with ductile zones for energy absorption. Conventional and partial press hardening are used depending on the needed properties of the final components. Quenching, and thus phase transformation, are performed within the tool under an applied load, making plausible to assume for the transformation plasticity effect to play a main role, leading to a minimized spring‐back effect. The influence of stresses, especially larger than austenite yield strength (high stresses), and pre‐strain on the bainite transformation kinetics are discussed for a 22MnB5 steel grade. Experimental evidence of the strong nonlinearity of the transformation plasticity of bainite regarding the applied stresses and differences between tensile and compression cases are here introduced.
Lifestyle modification interventions differing in intensity and dietary stringency improve insulin resistance through changes in lipoprotein profiles
Authors: Ellsworth D. L. , Costantino N. S. , Blackburn H. L. , Engler R. J. M. , Kashani M. , Vernalis M. N.
Published: July 2016

Objective

Metabolic dysfunction characterized by insulin resistance (IR) is an important risk factor for type‐2 diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to determine if clinical lifestyle interventions differing in scope and intensity improve IR, defined by the lipoprotein IR (LPIR) score, in individuals differing in the severity of metabolic dysfunction.

Methods

Subjects with diagnosed type‐2 diabetes, CAD or significant risk factors participated in one of two clinical lifestyle modification interventions: (i) intensive non‐randomized programme with a strict vegetarian diet (n = 90 participants, 90 matched controls) or (ii) moderate randomized trial following a Mediterranean‐style diet (n = 89 subjects, 58 controls). On‐treatment and intention‐to‐treat analyses assessed changes over 1 year in LPIR, lipoprotein profiles and metabolic risk factors in intervention participants and controls in both programmes.

Results

In the on‐treatment analysis, both interventions led to weight loss: [−8.9% (95% CI, −10.3 to −7.4), intensive programme; −2.8% (95% CI, −3.8 to −1.9), moderate programme; adjusted P < 0.001] and a decrease in the LPIR score [−13.3% (95% CI, −18.2 to −8.3), intensive; −8.8% (95% CI, −12.9 to −4.7), moderate; adjusted P < 0.01] compared with respective controls. Of the six lipoprotein parameters comprising LPIR, only large very‐low‐density lipoprotein particle concentrations decreased significantly in participants compared with controls in both programmes [−26.3% (95% CI, −43.0 to −9.6), intensive; −14.2% (95% CI, −27.4 to −1.0), moderate; P < 0.05]. Intention‐to‐treat analysis confirmed and strengthened the primary results.

Conclusion

A stringent lifestyle modification intervention with a vegetarian diet and a moderate lifestyle modification intervention following a Mediterranean diet were both effective for improving IR defined by the LPIR score.
Indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole‐based poly(arylene vinylene)s. The influence of substitution position on spectroscopic and electrochemical properties
Authors: Negru Oana Iuliana , Solonaru Ana Maria , Grigoras Mircea
Published: July 2016

Three novel soluble poly(arylene vinylene)s containing indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole moiety inserted in the polymer chain at 2,8‐, 3,9‐ and 6,12‐positions were synthesized and used to study the influence of the linking topology on the optical and electronic properties. The new polymers were obtained through a palladium‐catalysed cross‐coupling Stille reaction between bis‐bromine[3,2‐b]indolocarbazoles and trans‐1,2‐bis(tributylstannyl)ethane in toluene. Polymers were soluble in chlorinated, aromatic and aprotic polar solvents. The structures of polymers were investigated using Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopies. The number‐average molecular weights determined using gel permeation chromatography are in the range (6.3–9.4) × 103 g mol−1 while thermogravimetric analysis showed the polymers to possess high thermal stability. UV‐visible and emission spectroscopy evidenced a bathochromic shift of λmax for indolocarbazole linking topology in the polymer backbone, in the order: 6,12 < 2,8 < 3,9. Electrochemical properties were investigated by cyclic voltammetry using thin films cast on platinum disc working electrodes and highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels were determined. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Information Production and Social Value for Public Policy: A Conceptual Modeling Perspective
Authors: Viscusi Gianluigi , Batini Carlo
Published: July 2016

The article investigates the potential role of conceptual modeling for policymaking. It argues that the use of conceptual schemas may provide an effective understanding of public sector information assets, and how they might be used to satisfy the needs of constituencies, thus having a public as well as social value. The article first defines the information assets of public administration, and goes on to consider the role of conceptual modeling for eliciting social value with regard to open data, using as a case study open data concerning hospitals in the United States, Canada, and Italy. An interpretive framework is outlined to support public managers for choosing the data sets to be “opened,” thereby exploiting public sector information assets under a social value perspective.
Bias and variance reduction in nonparametric estimation of time‐dependent accuracy measures
Authors: Chiang Chin‐Tsang , Huang Ming‐Yueh , Wang Shao‐Hsuan
Published: July 2016

A new nonparametric approach is developed to estimate the time‐dependent accuracy measure curves, which are defined on the cumulative cases and dynamic controls, for censored survival data. Based on an estimable survival process, the main intention of this study is to reduce the finite‐sample biases of nearest neighbor estimators. The asymptotic variances of some retrospective accuracy measure estimators are further reduced by applying a smoothing technique to the underlying process of a marker. Meanwhile, practically feasible and theoretically valid procedures are proposed for bandwidth selection in the presented estimators. In addition, the proposed methodology can be reasonably extended to accommodate stratified survival data and survival data with multiple markers. As shown in the simulations, our new estimators outperform the nearest neighbor and inverse censoring weighted estimators. Data from the AIDS Clinical Trials Group study 175 and an angiographic coronary artery disease study are also used to illustrate the proposed methodology. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Encapsulated Conjugated Oligomer Nanoparticles for Real‐Time Photoacoustic Sentinel Lymph Node Imaging and Targeted Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Cai Xiaolei , Liu Xiaofeng , Liao Lun‐De , Bandla Aishwarya , Ling Ji Min , Liu Yu‐Hang , Thakor Nitish , Bazan Guillermo C. , Liu Bin
Published: July 2016

Noninvasive and nonionizing imaging of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) is highly desirable for the detection of breast cancer metastasis through sentinel lymph node biopsy. Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is an emerging imaging technique that can serve as a suitable approach for SLN imaging. Herein, novel conjugated oligomer based nanoparticles (NPs) with strong NIR absorption, good biocompatibility, excellent PA contrast, and good photothermal conversion efficiency are reported. Real‐time PA imaging of SLN reveals high resolution of the NPs via injection from the left forepaw pad. In addition, the surface functionalized NPs can target breast cancer cells and kill them efficiently and specifically through photothermal therapy upon 808 nm laser irradiation. This work shows great potential of the nanoparticle PA contrast agent to serve as a multifunctional probe for photothermal therapy at SLNs to achieve the inhibition of cancer cell metastasis in the near future.
Mechanism for the Cellular Uptake of Targeted Gold Nanorods of Defined Aspect Ratios
Authors: Yang Hongrong , Chen Zhong , Zhang Lei , Yung Wing‐Yin , Leung Ken Cham‐Fai , Chan Ho Yin Edwin , Choi Chung Hang Jonathan
Published: July 2016

Biomedical applications of non‐spherical nanoparticles such as photothermal therapy and molecular imaging require their efficient intracellular delivery, yet reported details on their interactions with the cell remain inconsistent. Here, the effects of nanoparticle geometry and receptor targeting on the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking are systematically explored by using C166 (mouse endothelial) cells and gold nanoparticles of four different aspect ratios (ARs) from 1 to 7. When coated with poly(ethylene glycol) strands, the cellular uptake of untargeted nanoparticles monotonically decreases with AR. Next, gold nanoparticles are functionalized with DNA oligonucleotides to target Class A scavenger receptors expressed by C166 cells. Intriguingly, cellular uptake is maximized at a particular AR: shorter nanorods (AR = 2) enter C166 cells more than nanospheres (AR = 1) and longer nanorods (AR = 4 or 7). Strikingly, long targeted nanorods align to the cell membrane in a near‐parallel manner followed by rotating by ≈90° to enter the cell via a caveolae‐mediated pathway. Upon cellular entry, targeted nanorods of all ARs predominantly traffic to the late endosome without progressing to the lysosome. The studies yield important materials design rules for drug delivery carriers based on targeted, anisotropic nanoparticles.
TORSION GALOIS REPRESENTATIONS OVER CM FIELDS AND HECKE ALGEBRAS IN THE DERIVED CATEGORY
Authors: NEWTON JAMES , THORNE JACK A.
Published: July 2016

We construct algebras of endomorphisms in the derived category of the cohomology of arithmetic manifolds, which are generated by Hecke operators. We construct Galois representations with coefficients in these Hecke algebras and apply this technique to sharpen recent results of P. Scholze.
XXIX.—On the Application of Graphic Methods to the Determination of the Efficiency of Machinery
Authors: Jenkin Fleeming
Published: July 2016

§ 31. In a previous paragraph (29) the loaded dynamic frame (fig. 38) for one position of a direct-acting horizontal steam-engine has been described, and the mode of drawing that frame explained, on the assumption that the loads La, Lb, Lc, Ld, are known: it was stated that these loads had been calculated for one particular engine. The present paper gives the varying effort which this engine is capable of exerting at each part of its stroke with given pressures (both constant and varying) in the cylinder, and given constant velocities of the crank-axle. The same calculations show the efficiency of the engine at each part of the stroke, and its total efficiency under the same circumstances. This problem has, it is believed, never hitherto been solved so as to take into account all the circumstances of mass, weight, and friction.

§ 32. No pains has been taken in the choice of the particular example. The object of the paper is not so much to draw general conclusions as to all steam-engines—which, indeed, differ too much in arrangement to make this feasible—as to show how, by a method of no great complexity, full information can be obtained as to any particular engine or class of engines.
XXXIII.—Colour, in Practical Astronomy, Spectroscopically Examined
Authors: Smyth Piazzi
Published: July 2016

Colours and colour sensations are much referred to still by double-star observers, who make use of a most extensive range of names, and differ widely from each other, in describing the many different tints which they claim to recognise by simple eye-observation in those interesting objects.

Material coloured shades, generally in glass, are also of daily use in both terrestrial and nautical astronomy, in decreasing or qualifying the intensity of sun's, moon's, and other rays; while special varieties of such media are still being inquired after for acting, if possible, with improvement of, rather than detriment to, the nicest definition of the optical instruments concerned.

And again coloured glasses have been latterly demanded, which should allow only the strictest mono-chromatic light to pass through them in one or another particular grade of the spectrum,—so as to allow, as one example only, the solar red-prominences to be plainly and broadly observed, without the usual spectroscopic draw-back of having to look at them through the narrowest of slits.
XII.—On the Solid Fatty Acids of Coco-Nut Oil
Authors: Robinson G. Carr
Published: July 2016

Most common oils and fats are mixtures of ethereal salts, termed glycerides or glyceric ethers, formed from glycerine and acids of the fatty, the oleic, and other allied series.

Of the methods employed for the decomposition of oils and fats, the following are the most usual:—

1.

Distillation of the oil or fat; those which yield volatile acids, such as the acetins, butyrins, &c., may be more or less distilled without decomposition; but those which yield fixed acids, e.g., palmitin, olein, &c., are almost wholly decomposed by a heat of 300° C., yielding acrolein, numerous hydrocarbons, &c.

2.

Distillation with dilute sulphuric acid, by which the volatile acids are separated from the non-volatile.

3.

Distillation in a current of superheated steam, when the glycerides are decomposed, the fatty acids being liberated.

4.

Saponification; oils and fats are decomposed by caustic alkalies into glycerine and a soap, the soap, when boiled with dilute sulphuric or hydrochloric acid, being decomposed into a sulphate or chloride of the alkali employed and the fatty acid set free.
XIII.—On the Tabulation of all Fractions having their Values between Two Prescribed Limits
Authors: Sang Edward
Published: July 2016

The object sought to be gained by this tabulation may be best seen by considering a specific case. When we wish to produce, by help of toothed wheels, a certain ratio between the rotations of two axes, we must have that ratio represented by integer numbers, and these numbers must contain no prime factors exceeding the limit of the number of teeth which can conveniently be cut in any wheel. If, for example, we wish to represent the mean motions of the planets, we have to express the ratios of their periodic times by decomposable numbers; and as this, in general, can only be done approximately, we have to prescribe some limit of error on either side, and have to seek for all fractions between those limits, and then among these to search for those that are suitable.

In my treatise on wheel-teeth a solution of this problem is given, complete so far as the discovery of the fractions is concerned, but imperfect in this, that it does not place those fractions in the order of their magnitudes. I propose now to supply this deficiency by explaining an exceedingly simple process, which enables us to make a complete list, arranged in the order of their values, of all irreducible fractions whose denominators shall not exceed some specified number; and also to take up and interpolate any portion of the list. This process is founded on a general theorem flowing directly from the doctrine of continued fractions, but of which the following simple demonstration may be given.
XXVII.—On a New General Method of Preparing the Primary Monamines, &c.
Authors: Morrison R. Milner
Published: July 2016

Having occasion at one time to require a quantity of methylamine, I tried a number of the best methods given in text-books and books of reference, but the smallness of the yield and the great trouble involved in the processes drew my attention to the fact that there was room for a good method of preparing the primary monamines. Hofman's method, viz., heating the iodides of the alcoholic radicals with ammonia, is of little use, as the trouble of separating the diamines and triamines formed at the same time is so great as to make the process practically useless if the primary monamines alone are required.

Keeping this fact before me, I tried for some years, in the intervals of more systematic work, to find the solution of this problem, and I think I have now found a process which, at the same time simple and inexpensive, gives a large yield of the primary monamines. This result has not been arrived at without several failures, and as I think that even negative results are often useful, I shall briefly refer to them. In the first place, together with Professor E. A. Letts, I tried to obtain methylamine from oxamate of methyl. As oxamate of methyl has the following constitutional formula, viz.—
VI.—Least Roots of Equations
Authors: Dickson J. Douglas Hamilton
Published: July 2016

(I.) Let F(x) = 10 + b1x + … + bnxn = 0 be an equation whose roots are all real and different; then

where ϕ(x) = 1 + a1x + … + amxm and Σ indicates summation for all the roots of F(x) = 0: of which r is a root.

Let also

then

and equating coefficients of like power of x,

whence

the suffix number indicating the order of the determinant.
XI—On the Curves produced by Reflection from a Polished Revolving Straight Wire
Authors: Sang Edward
Published: July 2016

If light, emanating from a fixed source, be reflected to the eye, also fixed, from the surface of a polished cylinder, which cylinder changes its position in some definite manner, the point of reflection moves in some curve or locus whose nature may be made the subject of investigation.

In the present paper I propose to examine that case in which an indefinitely thin cylinder is restricted to pass through a fixed point. The locus of the point of reflection is then a curved surface, For the present I shall still farther restrict the polished line to the plane passing through the vertex, the source of light, and the eye ; the locus being then a plane curve.

Let then a fine polished straight line, extended indefinitely both ways, turn on the vertex O, while light emanating from the source A is reflected to the eye at B; it is required to investigate the locus of the point C at which the reflection takes place.

The reflection is only possible while the polished line passes outside of the angle AOB. When the wire lies along AO, the point of reflection is at A ; when along OB, at B; and when it is equally inclined, outwards, to OA and OB, the reflection occurs at O, wherefore the curve must pass through the three points O, A, and B.
A Renewal of Astronomy Edcuation in Vietnam
Authors: Wentzel Donat G.
Published: July 2016

Vietnam was scientifically completely isolated for almost 30 years. With French help, several lecture courses have introduced modern astrophysics to Vietnamese physicists, and four students are studying abroad. The IAU program “Teaching for Astronomy Development” (TAD) has concentrated on modernizing the on-going astronomy course for students in the third year of the pedagogical universities. Three one-to-two week “Teachers’ Workshops” have served to introduce selected up-to-date astronomical topics and a few modern teaching methods. The TAD program has also provided appropriate journals, books, a PC and educational software. A new text, Astrophysics, in Vietnamese and English on facing pages and with color pictures – apparently a first for any textbook in Vietnam – will first be used starting in September 2000.

Future additional activities: collaboration to plan a new astronomy course in the twelfth grade of the natural science branch of the secondary schools; collaboration so that the 41-cm telescope and astronomers in Hanoi can produce some simple quality science; helping the only planetarium in Vietnam to acquire a wider range of offerings; helping to create a set of B.Sc.-level astrophysics courses for three universities; and supporting the Vietnamese Astronomical Society in effective public outreach.
Using Television for Astronomy Teaching
Authors: Fierro Julieta
Published: July 2016

The full potential of television for education has not been used in developing nations. It is relatively inexpensive to produce astronomy programs that can be broadcast taking advantage of satellite transmissions.

We suggest that these programs should have the following elements in order to be efficient:

1

Be in the local language.

2

Be short enough so that the teacher has a chance to comment on them during a one-hour lecture.

3

Show experiments specially if they are meant for schools that do not have laboratory facilities.

4

Be produced for several educational levels, including programs aimed for teacher training.

Inexpensive books should be edited in the local language in order to serve as an educational complement to the television series.
Astronomy Educational Activity in Jordan
Authors: Baggaley Jack
Published: July 2016

Throughout the last three millennia the area of Jordan, as part of the Arab World, has a rich history in the foundation and development of astronomy. Jordan today is pro-active in developing community programmes of education. I will describe the outreach programmes and community participation that I experienced during my attendence in Jordan at a conference timed to coincide with the Leonid Meteor Storm of November 1999.
Summer Schools for European Teachers
Authors: Ros Rosa M.
Published: July 2016

The Summer Schools have been organised by the European Association for Astronomy Education (EAAE) for European teachers. The first was organised in La Seu d’Urgell, Spain, the second was organised in 1998 in Pregene, Italy and the third in 1999, during the week of the eclipse in Briey, Prance, on the line of total darkness. We had a cloudy eclipse, but fortunately we could observe it. The fourth one was held in July 2000 in Tavira, Portugal. About 50 participants are involved in each Summer School. In the last, participants came from 14 countries. The activities are organised in General Lectures, Working Groups and Workshops for reduced groups and day and night Observations. To increase communication, each Summer School has three official languages: the language of the host country, English and another well-known by the participants. The proceedings are published beforehand with all the contents to facilitate participation. Each paper appears in English and another language.
The Leonids Observation Project by High-School Students all over the World
Authors: Suzuki B.
Published: July 2016

We organized the Leonids observing network that comprised of 276 observation teams consisting of about 3,000 senior high-school students in Japan on Nov. 17 1998. We counted the visible meteors with our naked eyes. It was a simple method, but the many data enabled us to discuss the structure of the dust trail. However, the base-line is so short that we could not discuss the structure in full detail. In 1999, we organized a worldwide network of senior high-school students. The network is comprised of 307 teams from 23 countries. The base-line of our new project is the size of the Earth. We succeeded in making 20 hours continuous observations with this network. One of the observational teams in Tanzania encountered the Leonid meteor storm. We report on the scientific results and the educational aspects of these projects. (Web site: www.leonids.net/) (Leonids ‘98-’99 staff – co-authors – are A. Miyashita, M. Okyudo, H. Agata, T. Mizuno, T. Hamane K. Watanabe of Japan, C. Pennypaker, A. Gould, K. McCarron, G. Reagan and K. Meredith, of the U.S.A.)
The Egyptain 1.88-m Telescope
Authors: Osman Anas M. I.
Published: July 2016

The Kottamia 1.88-m reflecting telescope in Egypt is the largest in the Middle East and North Africa. An extensive upgrading programe has been undertaken for this telescope to increase its efficiency. A new Zerodur optical system has been delivered by Carl Zeiss, Germany, and a new CCD system including an acquisition Camera Tek 1024 x 1024 pixels, with pixel size 24 x 24 micron and LN cooling, and an offset guiding camera Kodak 1080 x 1024 pixels with pixel size 16 xl6 micron and thermoelectric cooling. This CCD system has been attached to the Newtonian focus for direct imaging with scale 22.5 arcsec mm-1. The aluminizing plant has also been refurbished by Balzer, the new pumping system can accommodate mirrors up to 2m. The unit is supplied with a microprocessor, which controls and checks all recoating steps, closes all valves and stops the operation in any emergency. A Cassegrain spectrograph (donation from Okayama Astrophysical Observatory, Japan) will be attached to the telescope, after modification, for use with a CCD camera instead of the image-intensifier used before. This spectrograph will be used to obtain medium-dispersion and low dispersion spectra for faint stars and galaxies down to 15th magnitude.
Astronomical Research and Education in Tajikistan
Authors: Babadzhanov Pulat B.
Published: July 2016

Astronomical researches in Tajikistan are carried out by the Institute of Astrophysics, Tajik Academy of Sciences. The main scientific fields of investigation are physics and dynamics of asteroids, comets and meteors, variable stars and observations of artificial Earth satellites. The Institute has three observational stations: the Gissar observatory (at an altitude 730 m above sea-level) with photographic fireball and meteor patrols, a 70-cm reflector, a 40-cm Zeiss astrograph, a high-precision astronomical telescope (D=1 m, F=0.75 m), etc.; the Sanglokh observatory (at an altitude 2300 m above sea-level) with a Ritchey-Chretien 1-m telescope and 0.6-m reflector by Carl Zeiss; the Pamir observatory (at an altitude 4350 m above sea-level) with a 70-cm reflector. In 1999 the Department of Astronomy was restored in the Tajik State National University and the first students were admitted to this university for the astronomical profession.
Astronomy in the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Mijatovic Mijat
Published: July 2016

Astronomy in the territory of today’s Republic of Macedonia has a century-long history. This history is presented in the essay, begining with M. Trpkovic’s suggestions to reform the orthodox calendar in 1900s, through the foundation of the first faculty of Macedonian language in Skopje in 1946, until today’s situation in astronomy.

In second half of the twentieth century, the development of astronomy in the Republic of Macedonia is divided in two different periods: before and after the big earthquake in Skopje in 1963. The first period is characterized by hope and enthusiasm, and a little observatory was started to be built, but it was destroyed in the earthquake. The last ten years a new upsurge is seen in Astronomy in the Republic of Macedonia, which is founded on Balkan and international collaboration.
Internet Resources for Astronomers Worldwide
Authors: Helou George
Published: July 2016

On today’s Internet, resources for astronomical research abound, and are available from wherever a connection is available. These are mostly in the form of freely accessible databases, ranging from literature services to space-mission archives. They offer instant access to the latest published data and papers, and unique opportunities for archival and innovative research. A sampling of such services will be listed, with notes on accessibility from far-flung points on the planet.
Astronomy Research via the Internet
Authors: Ratnatunga Kavan U.
Published: July 2016

Small developing countries may not have a dark site with good seeing for an astronomical observatory or be able to afford the financial commitment to set up and support such a facility. Much of astronomical research today is however done with remote observations, such as from telescopes in space, or obtained by service observing at large facilities on the ground. Cutting-edge astronomical research can now be done with low-cost computers, with a good Internet connection to get on-line access to astronomical observations, journals and most recent preprints. E-mail allows fast easy collaboration between research scientists around the world. An international program with some short-term collaborative visits, could mine data and publish results from available astronomical observations for a fraction of the investment and cost of running even a small local observatory. Students who have been trained in the use of computers and software by such a program would also be more employable in the current job market. The Internet can reach you wherever you like to be and give you direct access to whatever you need for astronomical research.
The Role of Astronomical Catalogues in Modern Theory and Observation
Authors: Malkov Oleg Yu. , Tutukov Alexander V. , Kovaleva Dana A.
Published: July 2016

Astronomical catalogues are powerful tools for carrying out modern theoretical and observational studies. Analysis of catalogue data enables important information to be obtained and does not require modern expensive observational techniques to reach reliable scientific results. In this paper we give some examples of such approaches and present some results of successful work with catalogues.
Small Radio Telescopes for Education
Authors: Maeda Koitiro , Tokimasa Noritaka
Published: July 2016

We present small radio telescopes consisting of commercial instruments for satellite TV reception. With these radio telescopes we can observe the 12 GHz emissions from the quiet sun and solar flares. Since microwaves occurring in our environment, e.g., those from a building and a fluorescent lamp, are also detectable, such radio telescopes are useful not only for radio astronomy education but also for physics education.
The Four College Automated Photoelectric Telescope
Authors: Adelman Saul J.
Published: July 2016

For the past decade, astronomers from The Citadel, The College of Charleston, the University of Nevada Las Vegas, and Villanova University have operated in Southern Arizona a 0.75-m automated telescope to obtain differential Strömgren uvby, Johnson BV, and Cousins RI photometry of a wide variety of stars. Each school averages the equivalent of about 40 nights/year of high quality photometry at a cost less than using observers. By mixing our programs we obtained observations of certain important stars on nearly every clear night they can be observed. Usually we request a star be observed only once per night. Still continuous coverage can be obtained. The stars are given priorities and scheduled using ATIS. The telescope selects targets from the groups with the highest priority by choosing the one closest to the western edge of the observing window. Some data has been analyzed by undergraduate and graduate students. We use internet to send requests for observations and to retrieve data. We believe our experiences are germane to others interested in automated photometric telescopes. We are open to the possibility of collaborations with other astronomers who are obtaining photometric and spectroscopic data. (Coauthors are: L. Boyd, R.J. Dukes Jr, E.F. Guinan, G.M. McCook and D.M. Pyper, all of the U.S.A..)
Practical Aid to Libraries in Developing Countries
Authors: Hingley Peter D.
Published: July 2016

The problems and rewards of shipping astronomical books to libraries in developing countries are discussed, with particular reference to the author’s own experience from his base at the Royal Astronomical Society.
ALA: Astronomy in Latin America
Authors: Eenens Philippe
Published: July 2016

An electronic newsletter was launched in Latin America with the purpose of fostering communication and collaboration between the national astronomical communities. The unique characteristics of this newsletter are presented, together with the first results and plans for the future.
Pollution-Free Road Lighting
Authors: Schreuder Duco A.
Published: July 2016

The beneficial effects of road lighting are often seen as very important. They relate to reducing road accidents and some forms of crime but also enhance the social safety of residents and pedestrians and the amenity for residents. Road traffic in developing countries is much more hazardous than in industrialized countries. Accident rates in ‘low’ income countries may be as much as 35 times higher than in ‘high’ income countries. Thus, it might be much more cost-effective to light roads in the developing world than in the industrialized world. Fighting light pollution is more pressing in developing countries as most of the major high-class astronomical observatories are there. Astronomical observations are disturbed by light from outdoor lighting installations, part of which is scattered in the atmosphere to form ‘sky glow’. The International Lighting Commission CIE has published a Technical Report giving general guidance for lighting designers and policy makers on the reduction of the sky glow.
Division I: Fundamental Astronomy: (Astronomie Fondamentale)
Authors: Seidelmann P. Kenneth , Standish E. Myles , Froeschle Claude , Schwan Heiner , McCarthy Dennis , Schilbach Elena , Fukushima Toshio
Published: July 2016

The last three years have been marked by changes, highlights and progress. Organizationally, commission 7 has joined Division I and plans proceed for commissions 8 and 24 to merge in 2000. They have had a common vice president during this triennium. Sadly, the Royal Greenwich Observatory was closed after over 200 years, but Her Majesty’s Nautical Almanac Office has continued at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. In St Petersburg, Russia, the Institute of Theoretical Astronomy was abolished, with some of the personnel relocated to the Institute of Applied Astronomy and Pulkova Observatory. In Paris, France, the Bureau des Longitudes was reorganized as the Institute of Celestial Mechanics-Bureau des Longitudes as part of the Paris Observatory.
Commission 8: Positional Astronomy: (Astronomie de Position)
Authors: Schwan H. , Jin Wenjing , Corbin T.E. , Kovalevsky J. , Lopez J.A. , Morrison L.V. , Noel F. , Pinigin G. , Polojentsev D. , Stone R. , Xu J.
Published: July 2016

The present triennial commission report embraces mainly activities in wide angle, optical astrometry. With the successful development and application of new techniques from Earth (e.g. optical interferometry, CCD’s) and space (Hipparcos mission and new projects) the sub-division between Commissions 8 (Positional Astrometry) and 24 (Photographic Astrometry) has become questionable. During the GA at Kyoto in 1997 all steps for a merger of both commissions have been taken. The final merging will take place at the forthcoming GA in Manchester. For a more complete overview on astrometrical work done in the past triennium the reader should also take notice of the report of Commission 24.
Commission 10: Solar Activity: (Activite Solaire)
Authors: Ai G. , Benz A. , Dere K. P. , Engvold O. , Gopalswamy N. , Hammer R. , Hood A. , Jackson B. V. , Kim I. , Marten P. C. , Poletto G. , Rozelot J. P. , Sanchez A. J. , Shibata K. , van Driel-Geztelyi L.
Published: July 2016

The Sun’s activity has been evolving in the ascending phase of Solar Cycle 23 since 1996. Similarly, the research on solar activity is also in the ascending phase of a new active period. Numerous new results have been obtained from a large amount of space and ground observations covering a wide spectral range. In particular, observations with YOHKOH, SOHO, and TRACE have revealed a multitude of phenomena and processes in the solar atmosphere which provide us a new picture of the Sun.
Commission 12: Solar Radiation and Structure (Radiation et Structure Solaires)
Authors: Foukal Peter , Solanki Sami , Mariska J. , Baliunas S. , Dravins D. , Duvall T. , Fang C. , Gaizauskas V. , Heinzel P. , Kononovich E. , Koutchmy S. , Melrose D. , Stix M. , Suematsu Y. , Deubner F.
Published: July 2016

The focus of Commission 12 is on the solar interior, on global phenomena of the quiet Sun, and on the Sun’s radiative outputs, both spectral and total. These are the topics treated below in our discussion of Scientific Highlights. The many topics having to do with solar activity at photospheric to coronal levels, are dealt with in the report by Commission 10, while the report of Commission 49 describes research on the solar wind and interplanetary medium.
Working Group on Hot Massive Stars (Groupe De Travail Sur Les Etoiles Massives Chaudes)
Authors: Eenens Philippe , Cassinelli Joseph , Conti Peter , Garmany Catharine , van der Hucht Karel , Kudritzki Rolf , Lamers Henny , Maeder André , Moffat Anthony , Owocki Stanley
Published: July 2016

The Working Group on Hot Massive Stars has been officially recognized by the IAU Executive Committee during the XXIII General Assembly in August 1997. Its origins are the Hot Star Newsletter, launched in 1994, and a long tradition of interaction and collaborative research strengthened by a series of meetings on hot beaches. It gathers over 500 researchers working on OB stars, Luminous Blue Variables, Wolf-Rayet stars, and in general all topics related to the evolution of massive stars and to the physics and consequences of winds from hot stars. The very successful recent symposium on “Wolf-Rayet phenomena in massive stars and starburst galaxies” is an indicator of the increasing interest of the extragalactic community in the study of these extraordinary stars.
Division V: Variable Stars: (Etoiles Variables)
Authors: Jerzykiewicz M. , Baiona L.A. , Guinan E.F. , Kondo Y. , Kurtz D.W. , Rodono M. , Sahade J.
Published: July 2016

This report covers the period July 1, 1996 (the closing date of the reports in the IAU Trans. 23A) through August 31, 1999. Since the reports of Commissions 27 and 42 that follow highlight the research made in the triennium, we limit ourselves here to organizational activities of the Division. The first three sections are devoted to the General Catalogue of Variable Stars (GCVS), the Information Bulletin on Variable Stars (IBVS), and the Archives of Unpublished Observations of Variable Stars, the important projects that serve us all. I am indebted to the authors, listed in the sections headings, for providing these summaries. The problems of naming and classifying variable stars, implicit in Sect. 2, are taken up in Sect. 5. The last section lists meetings sponsored by the Division.
Commission 28: Galaxies: (Galaxies)
Authors: Bertola F. , Okamura S. , Balkowski C. , Burstein D. , Chakrabarti S. , de Zeeuw P. , Feast M. , Huchra J. , Trimble V. , Wielebinsky R. , Zasov A. , Zou Z.-L.
Published: July 2016

This report covers the period July 1996 to June 1999. It has been prepared by the President of the Commission with contributions from the members of the Organizing Committee and Dr. E.M. Corsini. As discussed in Kyoto and decided by the Organizing Committee, the report is meant to be in the “short” version.
Commission 46: Teaching of Astronomy: (Enseignement de L’astronomie)
Authors: Fierro Julieta , Isobe Syuzo , Jones B. , Batten A. , Arellano A. , Gervaldi M. , Guinan E. , Tush W. , Hoff D. , Martinez P. , McNally D. , Norton A. , Narlikar J. , Pasachoff J. , Percy J. , Wentzel D.
Published: July 2016

Commission 46 is dedicated to Teaching of Astronomy. Commission 46 can be seen as an
extension of the IAU Executive Committee in the sense that each adhering country has
appointed a national representative to the Commission. National Representatives maintain
liaison between the Commission and the home country, and write national triennial reports
on development of astronomy on their nations. Other IAU astronomers, with special interest in education, can become regular individual members of the Commission. Non-IAU
members can be invited by the Commission to serve for one triennial term. Commission
46 considers that one of its major duties is to contribute to enhance astronomy education
in developing countries. The Newsletter, the International School for Young Astronomers,
the Visiting Lecturer Program and the Travelling Telescope are examples of such activities administered by the Commission. The strength of Commission 46 comes from the hard
work that its members do in order to promote astronomy education worldwide.