bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study of Aircraft Boarding Strategies Using Cellular Discrete Event Simulation
Authors: Jafer Shafagh , Mi Wei
Published: November 2017

Time is crucial in the airlines industry. Among all factors contributing to an aircraft turnaround time; passenger boarding delays is the most challenging one. Airlines do not have control over the behavior of passengers; thus, focusing their effort on reducing passenger boarding time through implementing efficient boarding strategies. In this work, we attempt to use cellular Discrete-Event System Specification (Cell-DEVS) modeling and simulation to provide a comprehensive evaluation of aircraft boarding strategies. We have developed a simulation benchmark consisting of eight boarding strategies including Back-to-Front; Window Middle Aisle; Random; Zone Rotate; Reverse Pyramid; Optimal; Optimal Practical; and Efficient. Our simulation models are scalable and adaptive; providing a powerful analysis apparatus for investigating any existing or yet to be discovered boarding strategy. We explain the details of our models and present the results both visually and numerically to evaluate the eight implemented boarding strategies. We also compare our results with other studies that have used different modeling techniques; reporting nearly identical performance results. The simulations revealed that Window Middle Aisle provides the least boarding delay; with a small fraction of time difference compared to the optimal strategy. The results of this work could highly benefit the commercial airlines industry by optimizing and reducing passenger boarding delays.
Breeding for Quality Protein Maize (QPM) Varieties: A Review
Authors: N. Tandzi Liliane , S. Mutengwa Charles , L. M. Ngonkeu Eddy , Woïn Noé , Gracen Vernon
Published: November 2017

The nutritional evaluation of quality protein maize (QPM) in feeding trials has proved its nutritional superiority over non-QPM varieties for human and livestock consumption. The present paper reviews some of the most recent achievements in development of QPM varieties using both conventional and molecular breeding under stressed and non-stressed environments. It is evident that numerous QPM varieties have been developed and released around the world over the past few decades. While the review points out some gaps in information or research efforts, challenges associated with adoption QPM varieties are highlighted and suggestions to overcome them are presented. The adoption of released varieties and challenges facing QPM production at the farmer level are also mentioned. Several breeding methods have been conventionally used to develop QPM varieties in stressed (drought, low soil nitrogen, resistance to grey leaf spot, Turcicum leaf blight, ear rot, and Striga) and non-stressed environments. At least three genetic loci have been found to be implicated in controlling the levels of a protein synthesis factor correlated with lysine. They have been mapped on chromosomes 2, 4, and 7. While the use of molecular approaches will improve the efficiency and speed of variety development, the cost implications might limit the use of these technologies in the developing world. More emphasis should be given to breeding QPM for tolerance to environmental stresses, such as low soil pH, heat, and combined heat and drought stress. The post-harvest attack of QPM grains should also be considered. The adoption of QPM genotypes by farmers has been found to be limited mainly due to the minimal collaboration between maize breeders, farmers, agricultural extension workers, and other relevant stakeholders, as well as the need for isolating QPM varieties from normal maize. Therefore, there is need to use participatory plant breeding (PPB) and/or participatory variety selection (PVS) to enhance and improve the adoption of QPM varieties.
Influence of Winkler-Pasternak Foundation on the Vibrational Behavior of Plates and Shells Reinforced by Agglomerated Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Banić Damjan , Bacciocchi Michele , Tornabene Francesco , Ferreira Antonio
Published: November 2017

This paper aims to investigate the effect of the Winkler-Pasternak elastic foundation on the natural frequencies of Carbon Nanotube (CNT)-reinforced laminated composite plates and shells. The micromechanics of reinforcing CNT particles are described by a two-parameter agglomeration model. CNTs are gradually distributed along the thickness direction according to various functionally graded laws. Elastic foundations are modeled according to the Winkler-Pasternak theory. The theoretical model considers several Higher-order Shear Deformation Theories (HSDTs) based on the so-called Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF). The theory behind CNTs is explained in detail. The theoretical model presented is solved numerically by means of the Generalized Differential Quadrature (GDQ) method. Several parametric studies are conducted, and their results are discussed.
Road Friction Virtual Sensing: A Review of Estimation Techniques with Emphasis on Low Excitation Approaches
Authors: Acosta Manuel , Kanarachos Stratis , Blundell Mike
Published: November 2017

In this paper, a review on road friction virtual sensing approaches is provided. In particular, this work attempts to address whether the road grip potential can be estimated accurately under regular driving conditions in which the vehicle responses remain within low longitudinal and lateral excitation levels. This review covers in detail the most relevant effect-based estimation methods; these are methods in which the road friction characteristics are inferred from the tyre responses: tyre slip, tyre vibration, and tyre noise. Slip-based approaches (longitudinal dynamics, lateral dynamics, and tyre self-alignment moment) are covered in the first part of the review, while low frequency and high frequency vibration-based works are presented in the following sections. Finally, a brief summary containing the main advantages and drawbacks derived from each estimation method and the future envisaged research lines are presented in the last sections of the paper.
On the Use of Voice Signals for Studying Sclerosis Disease
Authors: Vizza Patrizia , Tradigo Giuseppe , Mirarchi Domenico , Bossio Roberto , Veltri Pierangelo
Published: November 2017

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. One of its manifestations concerns impaired speech, also known as dysarthria. In many cases, a proper speech evaluation can play an important role in the diagnosis of MS. The identification of abnormal voice patterns can provide valid support for a physician in the diagnosing and monitoring of this neurological disease. In this paper, we present a method for vocal signal analysis in patients affected by MS. The goal is to identify the dysarthria in MS patients to perform an early diagnosis of the disease and to monitor its progress. The proposed method provides the acquisition and analysis of vocal signals, aiming to perform feature extraction and to identify relevant patterns useful to impaired speech associated with MS. This method integrates two well-known methodologies, acoustic analysis and vowel metric methodology, to better define pathological compared to healthy voices. As a result, this method provides patterns that could be useful indicators for physicians in identifying patients affected by MS. Moreover, the proposed procedure could be a valid support in early diagnosis as well as in monitoring treatment success, thus improving a patient’s life quality.
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) in Health and Disease
Authors: Haque Shahnaz , Harries Lorna
Published: November 2017

Splicing events do not always produce a linear transcript. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of RNA that are emerging as key new members of the gene regulatory milieu, which are produced by back-splicing events within genes. In circRNA formation, rather than being spliced in a linear fashion, exons can be circularised by use of the 3′ acceptor splice site of an upstream exon, leading to the formation of a circular RNA species. circRNAs have been demonstrated across species and have the potential to present genetic information in new orientations distinct from their parent transcript. The importance of these RNA players in gene regulation and normal cellular homeostasis is now beginning to be recognised. They have several potential modes of action, from serving as sponges for micro RNAs and RNA binding proteins, to acting as transcriptional regulators. In accordance with an important role in the normal biology of the cell, perturbations of circRNA expression are now being reported in association with disease. Furthermore, the inherent stability of circRNAs conferred by their circular structure and exonuclease resistance, and their expression in blood and other peripheral tissues in association with endosomes and microvesicles, renders them excellent candidates as disease biomarkers. In this review, we explore the state of knowledge on this exciting class of transcripts in regulating gene expression and discuss their emerging role in health and disease.
Recent Advances in Momordica charantia: Functional Components and Biological Activities
Authors: Jia Shuo , Shen Mingyue , Zhang Fan , Xie Jianhua
Published: November 2017

Momordica charantia L. (M. charantia), a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, and its fruit has been used as a vegetable for thousands of years. Phytochemicals including proteins, polysaccharides, flavonoids, triterpenes, saponins, ascorbic acid and steroids have been found in this plant. Various biological activities of M. charantia have been reported, such as antihyperglycemic, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, immunomodulation, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anthelmintic, antimutagenic, antiulcer, antilipolytic, antifertility, hepatoprotective, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. However, both in vitro and in vivo studies have also demonstrated that M. charantia may also exert toxic or adverse effects under different conditions. This review addresses the chemical constituents of M. charantia and discusses their pharmacological activities as well as their adverse effects, aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of the phytochemistry and biological activities of M. charantia.
The Parametric Study of Electroosmotically Driven Flow of Power-Law Fluid in a Cylindrical Microcapillary at High Zeta Potential
Authors: Deng Shuyan
Published: November 2017

Due to the increasingly wide application of electroosmotic flow in micromachines, this paper investigates the electroosmotic flow of the power-law fluid under high zeta potential in a cylindrical microcapillary for different dimensionless parameters. The electric potential distribution inside a cylindrical microcapillary is presented by the complete Poisson-Boltzmann equation applicable to an arbitrary zeta potential. By solving the Cauchy momentum equation of power-law fluids, the velocity profile, the volumetric flow rate, the average velocity, the shear stress distribution and dynamic viscosity of electroosmotic flow of power-law fluids in a cylindrical microcapillary are studied for different low/high zeta potential, flow behavior index, dimensionless electrokinetic width. The velocity profile gradually changes from parabolic to plug-like shape as the flow behavior index decreases or as the dimensionless electrokinetic width increases. For shear thinning fluids, the viscosity is greater in the center of the microchannel than that near the channel wall, the reverse is true for the shear thickening fluids. Greater volumetric rate and average velocity can be achieved by enhancing the dimensionless electrokinetic width, flow behavior index and zeta potential. It is noted that zeta potential and flow behavior index are important parameters to adjust electroosmotic flow behavior in a cylindrical microcapillary.
Coumarin Derivatives Solvent-Free Synthesis under Microwave Irradiation over Heterogeneous Solid Catalysts
Authors: Bouasla Souad , Amaro-Gahete Juan , Esquivel Dolores , López M. , Jiménez-Sanchidrián César , Teguiche Mabrouk , Romero-Salguero Francisco
Published: November 2017

A suitable methodology of synthesis of coumarin derivatives by Pechmann reaction over heterogeneous solid acid catalysts in a free solvent media under microwave irradiation is described. Resorcinol, phenol and ethyl acetoacetate were selected as model reactants in the Pechmann condensation. The catalytic activity of several materials—Amberlyst-15, zeolite β and sulfonic acid functionalized hybrid silica—in solvent-free microwave-assisted synthesis of the corresponding coumarin derivatives has been investigated in detail. 7-Hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin and 4-methylcoumarin were obtained in 97% and 43% yields, respectively, over Amberlyst-15. This was the most active catalyst in the Pechmann reaction under studied conditions.
An Isoxazole Chalcone Derivative Enhances Melanogenesis in B16 Melanoma Cells via the Akt/GSK3β/β-Catenin Signaling Pathways
Authors: Yin Li , Niu Chao , Liao Li-xin , Dou Jun , Habasi Maidina , Aisa Haji
Published: November 2017

Plants or plant-derived products have been routinely used in several traditional medicine systems for vitiligo treatment. It is well-known that melanogenesis can be promoted by certain flavonoid compounds isolated from the traditional Uyghur medicinal plant, Kaliziri. Therefore, Chalcones, one class of flavonoid compounds, has become an interesting target for the development of anti-vitiligo agents. A series of novel isoxazole chalcone derivatives have been designed, synthesized, and evaluated for biological activities by our group. Among them, derivative 1-(4-((3-phenylisoxazol-5-yl)methoxy)phenyl)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (PMPP) was identified as a potent tyrosinase activator with better activity and lower toxicity than the positive control 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) in this study. Further investigations revealed that Akt and GSK3β were the signaling pathways involved in the hyperpigmentation of PMPP. Overall, these studies may provide a convenient and novel approach for the further development of anti-vitiligo agents.
Identification of DNA–protein Binding Sites through Multi-Scale Local Average Blocks on Sequence Information
Authors: Shen Cong , Ding Yijie , Tang Jijun , Song Jian , Guo Fei
Published: November 2017

DNA–protein interactions appear as pivotal roles in diverse biological procedures and are paramount for cell metabolism, while identifying them with computational means is a kind of prudent scenario in depleting in vitro and in vivo experimental charging. A variety of state-of-the-art investigations have been elucidated to improve the accuracy of the DNA–protein binding sites prediction. Nevertheless, structure-based approaches are limited under the condition without 3D information, and the predictive validity is still refinable. In this essay, we address a kind of competitive method called Multi-scale Local Average Blocks (MLAB) algorithm to solve this issue. Different from structure-based routes, MLAB exploits a strategy that not only extracts local evolutionary information from primary sequences, but also using predicts solvent accessibility. Moreover, the construction about predictors of DNA–protein binding sites wields an ensemble weighted sparse representation model with random under-sampling. To evaluate the performance of MLAB, we conduct comprehensive experiments of DNA–protein binding sites prediction. MLAB gives M C C of 0.392 , 0.315 , 0.439 and 0.245 on PDNA-543, PDNA-41, PDNA-316 and PDNA-52 datasets, respectively. It shows that MLAB gains advantages by comparing with other outstanding methods. M C C for our method is increased by at least 0.053 , 0.015 and 0.064 on PDNA-543, PDNA-41 and PDNA-316 datasets, respectively.
Analytical Methods of Phytochemicals from the Genus Gentiana
Authors: Xu Yan , Li Ying , Maffucci Katherine , Huang Linfang , Zeng Rui
Published: November 2017

The genus Gentiana comprises approximately 400 species. Many species have a wide range of pharmacological activities and have been used therapeutically for thousands of years. To provide comprehensive guidance, utilization and quality control of Gentiana species, this review presents updated information concerning the recent application and progress of chemical analysis including phytochemical analysis, sample preparation and chemometrics. Detailed and comprehensive data including number of analytes, extraction/separation methods, analytical techniques and chemometrics are shown as corresponding tables. These data illustrate that the development of newly discovered compounds and therapeutic uses, understanding of the structure—activity relationship and establishment of harmonious and effective medicinal herb standards are the direction of advancement in future research.
Fluorinated Analogs of Organosulfur Compounds from Garlic (Allium sativum): Synthesis, Chemistry and Anti-Angiogenesis and Antithrombotic Studies
Authors: Block Eric , Bechand Benjamin , Gundala Sivaji , Vattekkatte Abith , Wang Kai , Mousa Shaymaa , Godugu Kavitha , Yalcin Murat , Mousa Shaker
Published: November 2017

We describe the synthesis, reactivity, and antithrombotic and anti-angiogenesis activity of difluoroallicin (S-(2-fluoroallyl) 2-fluoroprop-2-ene-1-sulfinothioate) and S-2-fluoro-2-propenyl-l-cysteine, both easily prepared from commercially available 3-chloro-2-fluoroprop-1-ene, as well as the synthesis of 1,2-bis(2-fluoroallyl)disulfane, 5-fluoro-3-(1-fluorovinyl)-3,4-dihydro-1,2-dithiin, trifluoroajoene ((E,Z)-1-(2-fluoro-3-((2-fluoroallyl)sulfinyl)prop-1-en-1-yl)-2-(2-fluoroallyl)disulfane), and a bis(2-fluoroallyl)polysulfane mixture. All tested organosulfur compounds demonstrated effective inhibition of either FGF or VEG-mediated angiogenesis (anti-angiogenesis activity) in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) or the mouse Matrigel® models. No embryo mortality was observed. Difluoroallicin demonstrated greater inhibition (p < 0.01) versus organosulfur compounds tested. Difluoroallicin demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of angiogenesis in the mouse Matrigel® model, with maximal inhibition at 0.01 mg/implant. Allicin and difluoroallicin showed an effective antiplatelet effect in suppressing platelet aggregation compared to other organosulfur compounds tested. In platelet/fibrin clotting (anti-coagulant activity), difluoroallicin showed concentration-dependent inhibition of clot strength compared to allicin and the other organosulfur compounds tested.
trans-Double Bond-Containing Liposomes as Potential Carriers for Drug Delivery
Authors: Giacometti Giorgia , Marini Marina , Papadopoulos Kyriakos , Ferreri Carla , Chatgilialoglu Chryssostomos
Published: November 2017

The use of liposomes has been crucial for investigations in biomimetic chemical biology as a membrane model and in medicinal chemistry for drug delivery. Liposomes are made of phospholipids whose biophysical characteristics strongly depend on the type of fatty acid moiety, where natural unsaturated lipids always have the double bond geometry in the cis configuration. The influence of lipid double bond configuration had not been considered so far with respect to the competence of liposomes in delivery. We were interested in evaluating possible changes in the molecular properties induced by the conversion of the double bond from cis to trans geometry. Here we report on the effects of the addition of trans-phospholipids supplied in different amounts to other liposome constituents (cholesterol, neutral phospholipids and cationic surfactants), on the size, ζ-potential and stability of liposomal formulations and on their ability to encapsulate two dyes such as rhodamine B and fluorescein. From a biotechnological point of view, trans-containing liposomes proved to have different characteristics from those containing the cis analogues, and to influence the incorporation and release of the dyes. These results open new perspectives in the use of the unnatural lipid geometry, for the purpose of changing liposome behavior and/or of obtaining molecular interferences, also in view of synergic effects of cell toxicity, especially in antitumoral strategies.
Effect of Shot Noise on Simultaneous Sensing in Frequency Division Multiplexed Diffuse Optical Tomographic Imaging Process
Authors: Jang Hansol , Lim Gukbin , Hong Keum-Shik , Cho Jaedu , Gulsen Gultekin , Kim Chang-Seok
Published: November 2017

Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) has been studied for use in the detection of breast cancer, cerebral oxygenation, and cognitive brain signals. As optical imaging studies have increased significantly, acquiring imaging data in real time has become increasingly important. We have developed frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) DOT systems to analyze their performance with respect to acquisition time and imaging quality, in comparison with the conventional time-division multiplexing (TDM) DOT. A large tomographic area of a cylindrical phantom 60 mm in diameter could be successfully reconstructed using both TDM DOT and FDM DOT systems. In our experiment with 6 source-detector (S-D) pairs, the TDM DOT and FDM DOT systems required 6.18 and 1 s, respectively, to obtain a single tomographic data set. While the absorption coefficient of the reconstruction image was underestimated in the case of the FDM DOT, we experimentally confirmed that the abnormal region can be clearly distinguished from the background phantom using both methods.
Molecular and Cytogenetic Characterization of the 5DS–5BS Chromosome Translocation Conditioning Soft Kernel Texture in Durum Wheat
Authors: Boehm Jeffrey D. , Zhang Mingyi , Cai Xiwen , Morris Craig F.
Published: November 2017

The durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum (Desf.) Husn.) cultivar Soft Svevo with a soft kernel texture was developed through a Ph1b‐mediated homoeologous 5DS–5BS chromosomal translocation. The soft kernel trait (Hardness locus) derived from chromosome 5D of the common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar Chinese Spring. Soft Svevo was used as the donor parent to create near‐isogenic soft durum germplasm. The size of the translocation, its estimated breakpoint, and the amount of chromosome 5BS translocated, if any, remain unknown. Four near‐isogenic pairs of hard and soft kernel durum genotypes, in addition to Soft Svevo and the Chinese Spring deletion line 5DS‐2, which lacks a distal 22% terminal segment of chromosome 5DS, were genotyped using Illumina's 90k wheat single nucleotide polymorphism array. Single nucleotide polymorphism results were processed in GenomeStudio and 164 polymorphic markers were identified between the near‐isogenic lines (NILs). Subsequent BLASTn results for two subsets of markers corresponding to the distal ends of chromosomes 5DS and 5BS indicated that the translocation event was nearly reciprocal, as a ∼24.36‐Mbp segment of chromosome 5DS was gained, whereas a ∼20.01‐Mbp segment of chromosome 5BS was lost. Genomic in situ hybridization images of the soft durum NILs agreed with these estimates and confirmed the absence of additional terminal or interstitial translocations. Soft durum represents the potential of a new wheat market class and these findings will assist durum wheat breeders in the development of new soft durum germplasm.
Very Low-mass Stars and Brown Dwarfs in Upper Scorpius Using Gaia DR1: Mass Function, Disks, and Kinematics
Authors: Cook Neil J. , Scholz Aleks , Jayawardhana Ray
Published: November 2017

Our understanding of the brown dwarf population in star-forming regions is dependent on knowing distances and proper motions and therefore will be improved through the Gaia space mission. In this paper, we select new samples of very low-mass objects (VLMOs) in Upper Scorpius using UKIDSS colors and optimized proper motions calculated using Gaia DR1. The scatter in proper motions from VLMOs in Upper Scorpius is now (for the first time) dominated by the kinematic spread of the region itself, not by the positional uncertainties. With age and mass estimates updated using Gaia parallaxes for early-type stars in the same region, we determine masses for all VLMOs. Our final most complete sample includes 453 VLMOs of which ∼125 are expected to be brown dwarfs. The cleanest sample is comprised of 131 VLMOs, with ∼105 brown dwarfs. We also compile a joint sample from the literature that includes 415 VLMOs, out of which 152 are likely brown dwarfs. The disk fraction among low-mass brown dwarfs (

) is substantially higher than in more massive objects, indicating that disks around low-mass brown dwarfs survive longer than in low-mass stars overall. The mass function for

is consistent with the Kroupa Initial Mass Function. We investigate the possibility that some “proper motion outliers” have undergone a dynamical ejection early in their evolution. Our analysis shows that the color–magnitude cuts used when selecting samples introduce strong bias into the population statistics due to varying levels of contamination and completeness.
A Molecular-line Study of the Interstellar Bullet Engine IRAS05506+2414
Authors: Sahai Raghvendra , Lee Chin-Fei , Contreras Carmen Sánchez , Patel Nimesh , R. Morris Mark , Claussen Mark
Published: November 2017

We present interferometric and single-dish molecular line observations of the interstellar bullet-outflow source IRAS 05506+2414, whose wide-angle bullet spray is similar to the Orion BN/KL explosive outflow and likely arises from an entirely different mechanism than the classical accretion-disk-driven bipolar flows in young stellar objects. The bullet-outflow source is associated with a large pseudo-disk and three molecular outflows—a high-velocity outflow (HVO), a medium-velocity outflow (MVO), and a slow, extended outflow (SEO). The size (mass) of the pseudo-disk is 10,350 au × 6400 au (0.64–0.17 M
⊙); from a model-fit assuming infall and rotation, we derive a central stellar mass of 8–19 M
⊙. The HVO (MVO) has an angular size ∼5180 (∼3330) au and a projected outflow velocity of ∼140 km s−1 (∼30 km s−1). The SEO size (outflow speed) is ∼0.9 pc (∼6 km s−1). The HVO’s axis is aligned with (orthogonal to) that of the SEO (pseudo-disk). The velocity structure of the MVO is unresolved. The scalar momenta in the HVO and SEO are very similar, suggesting that the SEO has resulted from the HVO interacting with ambient-cloud material. The bullet spray shares a common axis with the pseudo-disk and has an age comparable to that of MVO (few hundred years), suggesting that these three structures are intimately linked. We discuss several models for the outflows in IRAS 05506+2414 (including dynamical decay of a stellar cluster, chance encounter of a runaway star with a dense cloud, and close passage of two protostars), and conclude that second-epoch imaging to derive proper motions of the bullets and nearby stars can help to discriminate between them.
Investigating the Evolution of the Dual AGN System ESO 509-IG066
Authors: Kosec P. , Brightman M. , Stern D. , Müller-Sánchez F. , Koss M. , Oh K. , Assef R. J. , Gandhi P. , Harrison F. A. , Jun H. , Masini A. , Ricci C. , Walton D. J. , Treister E. , Comerford J. , Privon G.
Published: November 2017

We analyze the evolution of the dual active galactic nucleus (AGN) in ESO 509-IG066, a galaxy pair located at z = 0.034 whose nuclei are separated by 11 kpc. Previous observations with XMM-Newton on this dual AGN found evidence for two moderately obscured (

 ∼ 1022 cm−2) X-ray luminous (

 ∼ 1043 erg s−1) nuclear sources. We present an analysis of subsequent Chandra, NuSTAR, and Swift/XRT observations that show one source has dropped in flux by a factor of 10 between 2004 and 2011, which could be explained by either an increase in the absorbing column or an intrinsic fading of the central engine, possibly due to a decrease in mass accretion. Both of these scenarios are predicted by galaxy merger simulations. The source that has dropped in flux is not detected by NuSTAR, which argues against absorption, unless it is extreme. However, new Keck/LRIS optical spectroscopy reveals a previously unreported broad Hα line that is highly unlikely to be visible under the extreme absorption scenario. We therefore conclude that the black hole in this nucleus has undergone a dramatic drop in its accretion rate. From AO-assisted near-infrared integral-field spectroscopy of the other nucleus, we find evidence that the galaxy merger is having a direct effect on the kinematics of the gas close to the nucleus of the galaxy, providing a direct observational link between the galaxy merger and the mass accretion rate onto the black hole.
Observation of a Large-scale Quasi-circular Secondary Ribbon Associated with Successive Flares and a Halo CME
Authors: Lim Eun-Kyung , Yurchyshyn Vasyl , Kumar Pankaj , Cho Kyuhyoun , Jiang Chaowei , Kim Sujin , Yang Heesu , Chae Jongchul , Cho Kyung-Suk , Lee Jeongwoo
Published: November 2017

Solar flare ribbons provide an important clue to the magnetic reconnection process and associated magnetic field topology in the solar corona. We detected a large-scale secondary flare ribbon of a circular shape that developed in association with two successive M-class flares and one coronal mass ejection. The ribbon revealed interesting properties such as (1) a quasi-circular shape and enclosing the central active region (AR); (2) the size as large as 500″ by 650″; (3) successive brightenings in the clockwise direction at a speed of 160 km s−1 starting from the nearest position to the flaring sunspots; (4) radial contraction and expansion in the northern and the southern part, respectively, at speeds of ≤10 km s−1. Using multi-wavelength data from Solar Dynamics Observatory, RHESSI, XRT, and Nobeyama, along with magnetic field extrapolations, we found that: (1) the secondary ribbon location is consistent with those of the field line footpoints of a fan-shaped magnetic structure that connects the flaring region and the ambient decaying field; (2) the second M2.6 flare occurred when the expanding coronal loops driven by the first M2.0 flare encountered the background decayed field; (3) immediately after the second flare, the secondary ribbon developed along with dimming regions. Based on our findings, we suggest that interaction between the expanding sigmoid field and the overlying fan-shaped field triggered the secondary reconnection that resulted in the field opening and formation of the quasi-circular secondary ribbon. We thus conclude that interaction between the AR and the ambient large-scale fields should be taken into account to fully understand the entire eruption process.
Surges and Si iv Bursts in the Solar Atmosphere: Understanding IRIS and SST Observations through RMHD Experiments
Authors: Nóbrega-Siverio D. , Martínez-Sykora J. , Moreno-Insertis F. , Voort L. Rouppe van der
Published: November 2017

Surges often appear as a result of the emergence of magnetized plasma from the solar interior. Traditionally, they are observed in chromospheric lines such as Hα 6563

and Ca ii 8542

. However, whether there is a response to the surge appearance and evolution in the Si iv lines or, in fact, in many other transition region lines has not been studied. In this paper, we analyze a simultaneous episode of an Hα surge and a Si iv burst that occurred on 2016 September 03 in active region AR 12585. To that end, we use coordinated observations from the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph and the Swedish 1-m Solar Telescope. For the first time, we report emission of Si iv within the surge, finding profiles that are brighter and broader than the average. Furthermore, the brightest Si iv patches within the domain of the surge are located mainly near its footpoints. To understand the relation between the surges and the emission in transition region lines like Si iv, we have carried out 2.5D radiative MHD (RMHD) experiments of magnetic flux emergence episodes using the Bifrost code and including the nonequilibrium ionization of silicon. Through spectral synthesis, we explain several features of the observations. We show that the presence of Si iv emission patches within the surge, their location near the surge footpoints and various observed spectral features are a natural consequence of the emergence of magnetized plasma from the interior to the atmosphere and the ensuing reconnection processes.
Modeling The Most Luminous Supernova Associated with a Gamma-Ray Burst, SN 2011kl
Authors: Wang Shan-Qin , Cano Zach , Wang Ling-Jun , Zheng WeiKang , Dai Zi-Gao , Filippenko Alexei V. , Liu Liang-Duan
Published: November 2017

We study the most luminous known supernova (SN) associated with a gamma-ray burst (GRB), SN 2011kl. The photospheric velocity of SN 2011kl around peak brightness is 21,000 ± 7000 km s−1. Owing to different assumptions related to the light-curve (LC) evolution (broken or unbroken power-law function) of the optical afterglow of GRB 111209A, different techniques for the LC decomposition, and different methods (with or without a near-infrared contribution), three groups derived three different bolometric LCs for SN 2011kl. Previous studies have shown that the LCs without an early-time excess preferred a magnetar model, a magnetar+56Ni model, or a white dwarf tidal disruption event model rather than the radioactive heating model. On the other hand, the LC shows an early-time excess and dip that cannot be reproduced by the aforementioned models, and hence the blue-supergiant model was proposed to explain it. Here, we reinvestigate the energy sources powering SN 2011kl. We find that the two LCs without the early-time excess of SN 2011kl can be explained by the magnetar+56Ni model, and the LC showing the early excess can be explained by the magnetar+56Ni model taking into account the cooling emission from the shock-heated envelope of the SN progenitor, demonstrating that this SN might primarily be powered by a nascent magnetar.
The Konus-Wind Catalog of Gamma-Ray Bursts with Known Redshifts. I. Bursts Detected in the Triggered Mode
Authors: Tsvetkova A. , Frederiks D. , Golenetskii S. , Lysenko A. , Oleynik P. , Pal'shin V. , Svinkin D. , Ulanov M. , Cline T. , Hurley K. , Aptekar R.
Published: November 2017

In this catalog, we present the results of a systematic study of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) with reliable redshift estimates detected in the triggered mode of the Konus-Wind (KW) experiment during the period from 1997 February to 2016 June. The sample consists of 150 GRBs (including 12 short/hard bursts) and represents the largest set of cosmological GRBs studied to date over a broad energy band. From the temporal and spectral analyses of the sample, we provide the burst durations, the spectral lags, the results of spectral fits with two model functions, the total energy fluences, and the peak energy fluxes. Based on the GRB redshifts, which span the range

, we estimate the rest-frame, isotropic-equivalent energy, and peak luminosity. For 32 GRBs with reasonably constrained jet breaks, we provide the collimation-corrected values of the energetics. We consider the behavior of the rest-frame GRB parameters in the hardness–duration and hardness–intensity planes, and confirm the “Amati” and “Yonetoku” relations for Type II GRBs. The correction for the jet collimation does not improve these correlations for the KW sample. We discuss the influence of instrumental selection effects on the GRB parameter distributions and estimate the KW GRB detection horizon, which extends to

, stressing the importance of GRBs as probes of the early universe. Accounting for the instrumental bias, we estimate the KW GRB luminosity evolution, luminosity and isotropic-energy functions, and the evolution of the GRB formation rate, which are in general agreement with those obtained in previous studies.
Diffusive Cosmic-Ray Acceleration at Shock Waves of Arbitrary Speed with Magnetostatic Turbulence. I. General Theory and Correct Nonrelativistic Speed Limit
Authors: Schlickeiser R. , Oppotsch J.
Published: November 2017

The analytical theory of diffusive acceleration of cosmic rays at parallel stationary shock waves of arbitrary speed with magnetostatic turbulence is developed from first principles. The theory is based on the diffusion approximation to the gyrotropic cosmic-ray particle phase-space distribution functions in the respective rest frames of the up- and downstream medium. We derive the correct cosmic-ray jump conditions for the cosmic-ray current and density, and match the up- and downstream distribution functions at the position of the shock. It is essential to account for the different particle momentum coordinates in the up- and downstream media. Analytical expressions for the momentum spectra of shock-accelerated cosmic rays are calculated. These are valid for arbitrary shock speeds including relativistic shocks. The correctly taken limit for nonrelativistic shock speeds leads to a universal broken power-law momentum spectrum of accelerated particles with velocities well above the injection velocity threshold, where the universal power-law spectral index

is independent of the flow compression ratio r. For nonrelativistic shock speeds, we calculate for the first time the injection velocity threshold, settling the long-standing injection problem for nonrelativistic shock acceleration.
De la conception de l’enfant jusqu’à l’âge de 2 ans, les 1 000 premiers jours de vie sont une période clé en matière de prévention
Authors: des Tout-Petits Le Grand Forum , Salinier-Rolland Catherine , Simeoni Umberto
Published: November 2017

Les 1 000 premiers jours de vie sont reconnus aujourd’hui comme une « période d’importance critique » ( unicef , 2013) dans le développement humain et la construction du capital santé de chacun. Cette période allant de la conception aux 2 ans d’un enfant est une fenêtre particulièrement importante de sensibilité pendant laquelle « l’environnement » impacte, positivement ou négativement, la régulation de l’expression de son génome, en particulier par des mécanismes épigénétiques. Les études scientifiques récentes ont démontré que durant cette période les variations nutritionnelles (par défaut mais aussi par excès), les toxiques environnementaux, le mode de vie des futurs parents (manque d’activité physique, troubles du sommeil) et le stress psychosocial ont des effets non seulement à court terme, mais aussi la vie durant en influençant les trajectoires de santé à long terme de l’enfant et parfois même des générations suivantes. Ce constat est à mettre en regard de l’explosion de la fréquence de maladies chroniques, enjeu majeur pour la santé publique et pour l’économie en santé, qui doit nous pousser à repenser nos politiques de prévention de manière à enrayer cette pandémie. Des recommandations nutritionnelles pour cette période existent, cependant de nombreux écarts persistent encore entre ces recommandations et la réalité, et ce d’autant plus dans les familles en situation de précarité. C’est la raison pour laquelle l’association Le Grand Forum des Tout-Petits, en collaboration avec de nombreuses sociétés savantes médicales et des associations, a développé différentes actions de sensibilisation des pouvoirs publics pour un renforcement des politiques de prévention précoce, notamment dans la perspective du prochain pnns (Programme national nutrition et santé).
Exposition prénatale à l’alcool et troubles causés par l’alcoolisation fœtale
Authors: Germanaud David , Toutain Stéphanie
Published: November 2017

Le texte qui suit est extrait de l’expertise collective Inserm « Déficiences intellectuelles » (2016), le comité d’experts ayant souhaité que l’alcoolisation fœtale fasse l’objet d’une synthèse spécifique en tant que cause majeure de troubles du neurodéveloppement pouvant s’exprimer par une déficience intellectuelle. Il fournit des éléments de compréhension et de réflexion pour l’amélioration de la prise en charge de ce qui est encore aujourd’hui l’une des causes les plus fréquentes et paradoxalement les plus négligées de dysfonction cognitive et d’inadaptation dans notre pays. Le texte comporte trois parties. La première présente les effets de l’alcoolisation prénatale sur le développement. Elle décrit le syndrome d’alcoolisation fœtale, les troubles causés par l’alcoolisation fœtale et expose les critères diagnostiques. La deuxième partie, qui recense enquêtes épidémiologiques et sociologiques, révèle l’ampleur du problème et son coût sociétal. Elle montre que les troubles causés par l’alcoolisation fœtale sont mal connus aussi bien des professionnels que des familles et du grand public et elle envisage les actions de prévention possibles. La troisième partie concerne la prise en charge et comprend trois volets : suivi des enfants vulnérables, diagnostic et soin des personnes affectées.
Avec la pmi accompagner le développement de l’enfant dans son environnement
Authors: Gautier-Coiffard Yvette , Mayer Corinne , Suesser Pierre
Published: November 2017

En France, à l’issue de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, a été créé un dispositif de prévention concernant la santé des futurs parents, des femmes enceintes et des enfants de 0 à 6 ans. Ce dispositif universel est constitué d’un arsenal législatif destiné à lutter contre la mortalité et la morbidité infantiles, à prévenir les handicaps, à dépister, à diagnostiquer et à organiser les soins des troubles du développement précoce chez les jeunes enfants. Il concerne toutes les femmes enceintes, tous les enfants sans exclusive, sans stigmatisation. Tous les professionnels de la petite enfance quel que soit leur lieu d’exercice y participent. De plus, les services de pmi présents dans tous les départements (y compris les dom-tom ) organisent un maillage territorial de proximité par les centres médico-sociaux, dits parfois centres de pmi , ouverts à tous, bien connus des familles. Les professionnels de pmi sont donc des observateurs quotidiens de l’impact éventuel de l’environnement sur le développement précoce de l’enfant. Les auteurs, après avoir décrit le dispositif de pmi , illustrent par des exemples cliniques la problématique de cet impact. Quel que soit l’environnement, dans une optique de « prévention prévenante » non prédictive, le développement de l’enfant est soutenu, ses compétences sont valorisées et les capacités parentales reconnues par ces professionnels de première ligne.
Small Firm Acquisition: a Credible Pathway to Entrepreneurship for Young Business School Graduates
Authors: Sheldon Robert Charles
Published: November 2017

Les micro-entreprises peuvent devenirs tremplins d’innovation en introduisant de nouveaux produits et services ou même en ouvrant de nouveaux marchés. La reprise de micro entreprise constitue un projet bien adapté aux aptitudes et aspirations des jeunes diplômés d’école de commerce, car plusieurs éléments font de ce choix entrepreneurial une perspective moins risquée que la création ex nihilo . Les écoles de commerce, avec leur capacité à former les gestionnaires et les entrepreneurs, se trouvent bien placées pour proposer une formation spécifique aux personnes qui s’intéressent à la reprise de micro-entreprises.
Devenir auteur et acteur de sa vie en se libérant des croyances négatives
Authors: Toutain Olivier
Published: November 2017

Depuis deux ans, Olga Bourachnikova et Cécile Chapus mettent en œuvre une pédagogie basée sur le modèle d’accompagnement de la Team Academy 1 d’ apprentissage coopératif, en partenariat avec la Fondation Agir contre l’Exclusion (Face) et Alsace Digital. La formation cible des jeunes inscrits dans le Service Civique. Elle a pour but de les accompagner dans la prise de conscience de leur potentiel et la construction de leur projet. Entreprendre est ici considéré comme un moyen qui accompagne la transformation de la personne en l’aidant à devenir entrepreneur(e) de sa propre vie. Dix séances de trois heures chacune composent la formation.
Le programme ID de SKEMA Business School
Authors: Ciussi Mélanie , Vian Dominique
Published: November 2017

Nous inaugurons avec cet article une nouvelle rubrique baptisée « Pratiques pédagogiques innovantes ». L’idée est de faire circuler l’information sur les expérimentations en cours dans nos institutions autour des pédagogies entrepreneuriales, afin de faire réagir des collègues et de les inspirer pour qu’ils puissent expérimenter et documenter progressivement cette pratique dans d’autres contextes. Mélanie Ciussi et Dominique Vian, avec le programme ID de Skema Business School, sont les premiers à se lancer dans l’aventure.
Endoctriner les corps sous le régime de Vichy. le cas des chantiers de la jeunesse (1940-1944)
Authors: Pécout Christophe
Published: November 2017

Entre juillet 1940 et juin 1944, les Chantiers de la Jeunesse in¬carnent l’organisation de jeunesse emblématique du régime de Vichy. Instrument d’endoctrinement idéologique, ils s’inscrivent dans le projet eugéniste de régénération de la race française. Dans cette perspective, les Chantiers de la Jeunesse accordent une place prépondérante à la formation virile des jeunes. L’objectif est d’endurcir, de discipliner, d’encadrer et de redresser le corps de cette jeunesse mobilisée. Or, cette détermination des Chantiers à modeler une jeunesse sportive « maréchalisée », vitrine propagandiste du nouveau régime, se révélera, au final, un échec éducatif, témoignage de la faillite de la Révolution nationale.
La politique de certification tout au long de la vie : vers la labellisation des actifs ?
Authors: Maillard Fabienne
Published: November 2017

Résumé Pour rendre les individus « acteurs de leur carrière » et développer la flexisécurité professionnelle, plusieurs initiatives ont été successivement prises par les pouvoirs publics pour élever le niveau d’éducation de la population active et favoriser l’accès du plus grand nombre à un diplôme à « finalité professionnelle ». Ainsi, d’importantes réformes ont eu lieu dans le système éducatif et la formation « professionnelle tout au long de la vie », au nom d’une meilleure fluidité du marché du travail et d’une plus grande mobilité des actifs. Le primat désormais accordé à la certification des compétences et le projet de mise en adéquation des emplois et des certifications posent pourtant de nombreuses questions, qui ne se réduisent pas aux conditions de faisabilité des mesures promulguées ou envisagées. S’agit-il en effet de garantir l’employabilité et la mobilité des travailleurs ou bien de légitimer l’individualisation de la relation salariale et d’imposer à chacun de faire la preuve, tout au long de la vie, de son employabilité ?
Socialiser les risques de recrutement : la Préparation opérationnelle à l’emploi
Authors: Gräbener Josua
Published: November 2017

Résumé La formation des demandeurs d’emploi suscite de nombreux espoirs dans la lutte contre le chômage. Les partenariats entre Pôle emploi et des intermédiaires du marché du travail se sont donc multipliés ces dernières années. Le dispositif de la Préparation opérationnelle à l’emploi connaît un succès particulier et constitue à ce titre un bon révélateur des dynamiques en cours dans le champ de la formation continue. Des subventions publiques et des cotisations salariales sont utilisées pour que des employeurs n’aient pas à former leurs nouvelles recrues aux postes de travail à pourvoir, avec des garanties minimales pour les demandeurs d’emploi. Comment et sous quelles conditions une telle idée a-t-elle pu s’imposer, quels sont les avantages escomptés et effectifs pour les travailleurs, quelles en sont les implications politiques ? On verra d’abord que la POE émerge dans un contexte propice ; puis qu’elle s’est généralisée à la faveur d’un appui par des acteurs centraux ; et enfin qu’elle participe à entériner des évolutions idéologiques plus larges dégageant les employeurs de toute responsabilité.