bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
XUV Stigmatic Polychromators
Authors: Pouey M. 
Published: July 2016

In this paper we describe new STIGMATIC XUV POLYCHROMATORS specially designed for hot plasmas diagnostics. Fixed horizontal and vertical diffracted beam divergences, as well as ERECTED FLAT FIELD are allowed imorehower solutions occur for various grooves density.In ‘GRAZING INCIDENCE ULTIMATES POLYCHROMATORS’ (UGP), the focusing is achieved by a stigmatic toroidal mirror (unit magnification), and the dispersion of the radiation, by a simple rotation of a plane type V holographic grating WORKING AT MINUS ONE MAGNIFICATION. If the point sources used to record the hologram are located at the same distance from the grating pole STIGMATIC images are located on a circle centered on the grating pole. Erected FLAT FIELD may be then considered in so far as the corresponding broadening of the line spread function is less tha the pixel size.
Diagnostic Characterization of Laser-Irradiated dot Targets
Authors: Charatis G. , Busch G.E. , Young B.K.F. , Stewart R.E. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractWe have conducted a series of experiments at the KMS CHROMA facility using dot spectroscopy techniques to characterize uncertainties associated with spectral line ratio models commonly applied in determining electron temperatures and densities. Temperatures determined from the slope of the H-like free-bound continuum and densities via holographic interferometry, are compared to line ratio methods. Dot targets of (typically 100µmD Mg or Al) are irradiated with 2 to 40 × 1013W/cm2of 0.53µmlight. Time and spatial gradients are resolved using 4 diagnostics: a 4-frame holographic interferometer, an x-ray streak crystal spectrograph with a spatial imaging slit, a framing crystal x-ray spectrometer, and a conventional space-resolved time-integrating crystal spectrograph used for survey and calibration purposes. Preliminary results indicate the ionization distribution of these laser produced plasmas is not steady-state which plays an important role in measuring the temperature and and density. Electron temperatures derived from line-ratio techniques, assuming steady state conditions, disagree dramatically from simultaneous measurements using the slope of the H-like continuum. Electron densities using He-like triplet to singlet line ratios also differ from densities measured interferometrically.
Support System for the 1 m ESO Active Optics Experiment
Authors: Citterio O. , Conti G. , Mattaini E. , Franza F. 
Published: July 2016

The aim of this paper is to describe the support system which has been realized for the 1 m ESO active optics experiment. This experiment has been conceived in order to verify on a smaller scale the concept of the active optics, which is foreseen for the ESO NTT 3.5 m telescope. This concept has been widely discussed in references (1) (2) (3).For the purpose of completeness we will briefly summarize here the basic concept of the experiment, while we will describe in detail the support system and the characterization of the force actuator.
The Use of the MMT for Interferometric Imaging
Authors: Beckers Jacques M. , Hege E. Keith 
Published: July 2016

AbstractWe describe recent progress with interferometric imaging using the Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT). All six telescopes can now be phased over a wide field of view simultaneously resulting in a (u, v) plane coverage corresponding to that of a 686 cm aperture telescope. We describe the open-loop phasing control of the MMT for gravitational changes and we describe a concept of an internal cophasing/coalignment system for MMT type telescopes.
Pointing, Tracking, Guiding, and Dome Seeing at the AAT
Authors: Gillingham P.R. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT), though based on the design for the Kitt Peak and Cerro Tololo 4 metre telescopes, differs in many significant respects. E.g. its declination axis is offset from the polar axis and its polar axis structure is much stiffer. Also the computer was, from the outset, more closely integrated with the telescope drive and control than was previous practice. The sound structural design, good gearing, and accurate mirror supports, together with thorough computer calibration, allowed the AAT to set new standards in pointing by the time it was fully operational in 1975. Good pointing saves time in acquisition, greatly aids day time observing, and leads to good blind tracking. Currently, calibrations covering the whole observable sky give rms radial residuals very near 2 arc sec. Blind tracking errors are generally within ± 1 arc sec for 1 hour or more and natural frequency oscillations less than 0.1 arc sec peak to peak. Better tracking is, of course, available using the offset autoguiders, which employ image dissectors and function on stars to about 15m. Intensified SEC Videcon television cameras are used for acquisition and for guiding with light reflected from spectrograph slit jaws.Initially, the AAT seeing suffered from poor matching of inside and outside air temperatures because the intended active cooling of dome air was cut from the installation to save funds, leaving an inadequate capacity for forced ventilation. Correlation of observed seeing with dome temperature excess indicated degradation of about 1/2 arc sec/°C. In 1980 the forced ventilation was upgraded to change the dome air in less than 4 minutes, with optional flow direction, upwards (exhausting out the observing aperture) or downwards. Measurements of seeing within the dome, but with the dome open, now show degradations typically 0.4 and 0.6 arc sec diameter with upwards and downwards ventilation respectively. Stellar seeing measurements, including routine observations in which the ventilation direction was alternated nightly, have also indicated superiority of the upwards flow. Taking advantage of this, filters can now be installed on the air supply to keep the optics cleaner.
Rubicon - a New Diode Array Detector System
Authors: Schmidt-Kaler Th. , Rudolph R. , Tüg H. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractA photon-counting system with a 512-channel parallel output digital image tube is presented. Electronics developped separately for each detector channel as well as data aquisition are optimized for low power consumption and high count rates. This detector, characterized by wide dynamic range, very low noise and high photo-metric accuracy, is especially suitable for spectrophotometry and calibrations.
The Zero-Point of the Cepheid Luminosity Scale from a Calibration of the Luminosities of Early-Type Stars
Authors: Balona L. A. , Shobbrook R. R. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractA new calibration of the absolute magnitudes of early-type stars in terms of the (β, c0) photometric system is used to establish the distance moduli of clusters containing Cepheids. The zero points of the period – luminosity and period – luminosity – colour relations are calculated and compared to previous determinations.
On the Distance to the Open Cluster Lyngå 6
Authors: Anderson E. R. , Madore B. F. , Pedreros M. H. 
Published: July 2016

The determination of the membership of the Cepheid TW Normae to the galactic cluster Lyngå. 6 is important because TW Nor would then be the intrinsically brightest Cepheid associated with a cluster.A series of nine photographic exposures (three each in U,B and V) were obtained during open time at the Anglo-Australian Telescope. The plates were measured with an iris photometer and the data calibrated using the photoelectric standards of van den Bergh and Harris (1976). The data for 300 stars were then analysed using a new computerized method of main sequence fitting and cluster membership determination developed by Pedreros (1984). We found 41 member stars with a mean reddening E(B-V)=1.33±0.10 and a distance modulus of 11.1±0.4 magnitudes.
The Infrared Distance Scale: The Galaxy and the Magellanic Clouds
Authors: Welch D. L. , McAlary C. W. , McLaren R. A. , Madore B. F. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe advantages of using near-infrared photometry of Cepheids to determine distances to nearby galaxies are now well known. In this paper we summarize the current state of the infrared period-luminosity (P-L) relations for the Galaxy, the LMC, and the SMC and present composite P-L relations derived from all available photometry. We give distance moduli for the LMC and SMC based on these data and briefly report on the status of other work in progress.
Carbonaceous Compounds in Comets: Infrared Observations
Authors: Encrenaz T. , Knacke R. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe Comet Halley observations showed that carbon is a major component of the comet nucleus, with mass spectroscopic data giving near-cosmic C/O ratios. Gaseous and solid compounds were also observed with infrared spectroscopy, which gave detections of CO and CO2, probable detections or upper limits of H2CO and CH4, and a tentative detection of OCS. The CH4/CO ratio of less than unity in Comet Halley points to a CO-rich solar nebula; however, the ratio is higher than in interstellar clouds. A broad, complicated emission feature near 3.4μm is evidence for carbonaceous compounds containing C-Hgroups in gas or solid phases. Analysis of radiation mechanisms and abundance constraints suggests that thermal emission or transient heating by single photons can account for the 3.4-μm emission feature. The band resembles (but is not identical to) bands of carbonaceous chondrite organic material, synthetic materials, and interstellar carbonaceous bands. Direct connections among these materials are possible, but have not been established.
Recent Laboratory Photochemical Studies and Their Relationship to the Photochemical Formation of Cometary Radicals
Authors: Jackson William M. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractExperimental laboratory techniques used in studying the photochemistry of stable and unstable molecules are discussed. The laboratory evidence for the photochemical formation of C2from C2H, C3from C3H2, and NH from NH2is presented. Other recent results obtained in laboratory studies of H2O, H2S, NH3, and HCN are reported.
Nature and History of the Organic Compounds in Comets: an Astrophysical View
Authors: Delsemme A.H. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe chemical similarities between comets, carbonaceous chondrites, and interstellar molecules and grains are reviewed first. The evolution of frosty interstellar grains is then followed during the collapse of a molecular cloud fragment and the subsequent formation of the Solar System. The paradigm clarifies the probable origin of the two populations of comets of different symmetry (the Oort Cloud and the Kuiper Belt) and implies an exogenous origin for all carbon and water on Earth. This origin is explained by the orbital diffusion of planetesimals that is required by the growth of protoplanets.
Evidence for Physical Aging of Periodic Comets
Authors: Kresák L. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractObservational evidence for the aging processes in periodic comets is reviewed. This includes progressive changes of the comets’ absolute brightness, sudden destructive events (outbursts and splitting of cometary nuclei), temporary intermissions in activity, total disappearance, and existence of asteroidal objects moving in cometary orbits. Indirect statistical evidence is provided by the equilibrium between the aging rate and the net injection of comets into the inner planetary system. All of this information is consistent with typical active lifetimes of 200 to 500 revolutions at small perihelion distances (q < 3 AU). The active lifetimes are sometimes intermitted by dormant periods, which tend to occur especially during the latest phases of evolution. Splits and outbursts do not seem to have a decisive statistical effect on the survival time. Some periodic comets evolve into inactive asteroid-like objects, but the question of whether these still contain some supply of volatiles, and thus can renew their activity, remains open.
Wide Field Mapping of 5C12
Authors: Okopi J. E. , Bååth L. B. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe existing method of producing radio maps from interferometric data set is based on the assumption that there is a two dimensional fourier transform relationship between the sky brightness and the measured visibility. In mapping of a very wide field, this basic assumption breaks down due to various practical problems, e.g. bandwidth smearing. We present a wide-field mapping technique which is aimed at resolving some of these problems. This technique has been successfully applied to our MERLIN observations of the 5C12 region covering an area of 1800”×l800”.
Proton pump inhibitors protect mice from acute systemic inflammation and induce long-term cross-tolerance
Authors: Balza E , Piccioli P , Carta S , Lavieri R , Gattorno M , Semino C , Castellani P , Rubartelli A 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIncidence of sepsis is increasing, representing a tremendous burden for health-care systems. Death in acute sepsis is attributed to hyperinflammatory responses, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. We report here that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which block gastric acid secretion, selectively inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) secretion by Toll-like receptor (TLR)-activated human monocytes in vitro, in the absence of toxic effects. Remarkably, the oversecretion of IL-1β that represents a hallmark of monocytes from patients affected by cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome is also blocked. Based on these propaedeutic experiments, we tested the effects of high doses of PPIs in vivo in the mouse model of endotoxic shock. Our data show that a single administration of PPI protected mice from death (60% survival versus 5% of untreated mice) and decreased TNF-α and IL-1β systemic production. PPIs were efficacious even when administered after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. PPI-treated mice that survived developed a long-term cross-tolerance, becoming resistant to LPS- and zymosan-induced sepsis. In vitro, their macrophages displayed impaired TNF-α and IL-1β to different TLR ligands. PPIs also prevented sodium thioglycollate-induced peritoneal inflammation, indicating their efficacy also in a non-infectious setting independent of TLR stimulation. Lack of toxicity and therapeutic effectiveness make PPIs promising new drugs against sepsis and other severe inflammatory conditions.
Morning and night symptoms in primary care COPD patients: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study. An UNLOCK study from the IPCRG
Authors: Tsiligianni Ioanna , Metting Esther , van der Molen Thys , Chavannes Niels , Kocks Janwillem 
Published: July 2016

AbstractCOPD symptoms show a diurnal variability. However, morning and night variability has generally not been taken into consideration in disease management plans. The aims of this study were to cross-sectionally assess morning and night symptom prevalence and correlation with health status and disease severity in COPD, and to determine to what extent they could predict longitudinal outcomes, exacerbations and health status. A further aim is to explore whether the CCQ is able to depict this morning/night symptomatology. We included 2,269 primary care COPD patients (58% male, 49% current smokers, with a mean age of 65±11 years) from a Dutch Asthma/COPD service. Spirometry, patient history, the Clinical COPD Questionnaire(CCQ) and the Asthma Control Questionnaire(ACQ) were assessed; we used the latter to evaluate morning (question 2) and night symptoms (question 1). A total of 1159 (51.9%) patients reported morning symptoms (ACQ question 2>0) and 879 (39.4%) had night complaints (ACQ question 1>0). Patients with morning/night symptoms were mostly smokers and had on average poorer lung function, higher CCQ scores and used more rescue inhalers (P<0.0001). Patients using long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) had less night symptoms, showing a possible favourable effect. Only a small proportion of stable or slightly unstable patients (CCQ total scores <2) had severe morning symptoms (ACQ 2⩾4: n=19, 1.1%) or severe night symptoms (ACQ 1⩾4: n=11, 0.7%). Night symptoms seemed to predict future exacerbations; however, baseline exacerbations were the strongest predictors (n=346, OR:4.13, CI: 2.45−6.95, P<0.000). Morning symptoms increased the odds of poor health status at follow-up (n=346, OR:12.22, CI:4.76−31.39, P<0.000). Morning and night symptoms in COPD patients are common, and they are associated with poor health status and predicted future exacerbations. Our study showed that patients with morning/night symptoms have higher scores in CCQ, and therefore we do not really miss patients with high morning/night symptomatology when we only measure CCQ. Severe morning symptoms predicted worsening of COPD health status.
A novel, rapid method to compare the therapeutic windows of oral anticoagulants using the Hill coefficient
Authors: Chang Jeremy B. , Quinnies Kayla M. , Realubit Ronald , Karan Charles , Rand Jacob H. , Tatonetti Nicholas P. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractA central challenge in designing and administering effective anticoagulants is achieving the proper therapeutic window and dosage for each patient. The Hill coefficient,nH, which measures the steepness of a dose-response relationship, may be a useful gauge of this therapeutic window. We sought to measure the Hill coefficient of available anticoagulants to gain insight into their therapeutic windows. We used a simple fluorometricin vitroassay to determine clotting activity in platelet poor plasma after exposure to various concentrations of anticoagulants. The Hill coefficient for argatroban was the lowest, at 1.7 ± 0.2 (95% confidence interval, CI), and the Hill coefficient for fondaparinux was the highest, at 4.5 ± 1.3 (95% CI). Thus, doubling the dose of fondaparinux from its IC50 would decrease coagulation activity by nearly a half, whereas doubling the dose of argatroban from its IC50 would decrease coagulation activity by merely one quarter. These results show a significant variation among the Hill coefficients, suggesting a similar variation in therapeutic windows among anticoagulants in our assay.
Heterogeneous water supply affects growth and benefits of clonal integration between co-existing invasive and native Hydrocotyle species
Authors: Wang Yong-Jian , Bai Yun-Fei , Zeng Shi-Qi , Yao Bin , Wang Wen , Luo Fang-Li 
Published: July 2016

AbstractSpatial patchiness and temporal variability in water availability are common in nature under global climate change, which can remarkably influence adaptive responses of clonal plants, i.e. clonal integration (translocating resources between connected ramets). However, little is known about the effects of spatial patchiness and temporal heterogeneity in water on growth and clonal integration between congeneric invasive and nativeHydrocotylespecies. In a greenhouse experiment, we subjected severed or no severed (intact) fragments ofHydrocotyle vulgaris, a highly invasive species in China, and its co-existing, native congenerH. sibthorpioidesto different spatial patchiness (homogeneous and patchy) and temporal interval (low and high interval) in water supply. Clonal integration had significant positive effects on growth of both species. In the homogeneous water conditions, clonal integration greatly improved the growth in fragments of both species under low interval in water. However, in the patchy water conditions, clonal integration significantly increased growth in both ramets and fragments ofH. vulgarisunder high interval in water. Therefore, spatial patchiness and temporal interval in water altered the effects of clonal integration of both species, especially forH. vulgaris. The adaptation ofH. vulgarismight lead to invasive growth and potential spread under the global water variability.
Chromophore-Assisted Light Inactivation of Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain Complex II in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Wojtovich Andrew P. , Wei Alicia Y. , Sherman Teresa A. , Foster Thomas H. , Nehrke Keith 
Published: July 2016

AbstractMitochondria play critical roles in meeting cellular energy demand, in cell death, and in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and stress signaling. Most Caenorhabditis elegans loss-of-function (lf) mutants in nuclear-encoded components of the respiratory chain are non-viable, emphasizing the importance of respiratory function. Chromophore-Assisted Light Inactivation (CALI) using genetically-encoded photosensitizers provides an opportunity to determine how individual respiratory chain components contribute to physiology following acute lf. As proof-of-concept, we expressed the ‘singlet oxygen generator’ miniSOG as a fusion with the SDHC subunit of respiratory complex II, encoded by mev-1 in C. elegans, using Mos1-mediated Single Copy Insertion. The resulting mev-1::miniSOG transgene complemented mev-1 mutant phenotypes in kn1 missense and tm1081(lf) deletion mutants. Complex II activity was inactivated by blue light in mitochondria from strains expressing active miniSOG fusions, but not those from inactive fusions. Moreover, light-inducible phenotypes in vivo demonstrated that complex II activity is important under conditions of high energy demand, and that specific cell types are uniquely susceptible to loss of complex II. In conclusion, miniSOG-mediated CALI is a novel genetic platform for acute inactivation of respiratory chain components. Spatio-temporally controlled ROS generation will expand our understanding of how the respiratory chain and mitochondrial ROS influence whole organism physiology.
Physiological and transcriptomic analyses reveal mechanistic insight into the adaption of marine Bacillus subtilis C01 to alumina nanoparticles
Authors: Mu Dashuai , Yu Xiuxia , Xu Zhenxing , Du Zongjun , Chen Guanjun 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAn increasing number of studies have investigated the effects of nanoparticles (NPs) on microbial systems; however, few existing reports have focused on the defense mechanisms of bacteria against NPs. Whether secondary metabolism biosynthesis is a response to NP stress and contributes to the adaption of bacteria to NPs is unclear. Here, a significant induction in the surfactin production and biofilm formation were detected by adding Al2O3 NPs to the B. subtilis fermentation broth. Physiological analysis showed that Al2O3 NP stress could also affect the cell and colony morphogenesis and inhibit the motility and sporulation. Exogenously adding commercial surfactin restored the swarming motility. Additionally, a suite of toxicity assays analyzing membrane damage, cellular ROS generation, electron transport activity and membrane potential was used to determine the molecular mechanisms of toxicity of Al2O3 NPs. Furthermore, whole transcriptomic analysis was used to elucidate the mechanisms of B. subtilis adaption to Al2O3 NPs. These results revealed several mechanisms by which marine B. subtilis C01 adapt to Al2O3 NPs. Additionally, this study broadens the applications of nanomaterials and describes the important effects on secondary metabolism and multicellularity regulation by using Al2O3 NPs or other nano-products.