bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Astronomy education in Morocco–a new project for implementing astronomy in high schools
Authors: Darhmaoui Hassane , Loudiyi K. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAstronomy education in Morocco, as in many developing countries, is not well developed and lacks the very basics in terms of resources, facilities and research. In 2004, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) signed an agreement of collaboration with Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI) to support the continued, long-term development of astronomy and astrophysics in Morocco. This is within the IAU programme Teaching for Astronomy Development (TAD). The initial focus of the programme concentrated exclusively on the University's Bachelor of Science degree programme. Within this programme, and during two years, we were successful in providing adequate astronomy training to our physics faculty and few of our engineering students. We also offered our students and community general astronomy background through courses, invited talks and extra-curricular activities. The project is now evolving towards a wider scope and seeks to promote astronomy education at the high school level. It is based on modules from the Hands on Universe (HOU) interactive astronomy programme. Moroccan students will engage in doing observational astronomy using their personal computers. They will have access to a worldwide network of telescopes and will interact with their peers abroad. Through implementing astronomy education at this lower age, we foresee an increasing interest among our youth not only in astronomy but also in physics, mathematics, and technology. The limited astronomy resources, the lack of teacher experience in the field and the language barrier are amongst the difficulties that we will be facing in achieving the objectives of this new programme.
Effect of altitude on aerosol optical properties
Authors: Bounhir Aziza , Benkhaldoun Zouhair , Siher El Arbi , Masmoudi L. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe ELT project is currently under way in Europe and North America. Astronomical sites depend critically on sky transparency and on aerosol loadings. A quantitative survey of aerosol optical properties at candidate ELT sites is an essential part of the site selection process. There are basically two methods to characterize aerosol properties: ground based measurements and satellite measurements. In this paper we will establish a full climatology of two sites very close to each other, but at a difference of 2300m in altitude: Izaña and Santa Cruz located in the Canary Islands. Both have sun photometers from the AERONET network. We also use the aerosol index determined from TOMS satellite data to determine how aerosol optical properties vary with altitude. We establish a correlation between the TOMS index and the aerosol optical thickness in both sites. Aerosol optical properties show very good correlation between Izaña and Santa Cruz. As a result we establish a set of relationships helpful to characterize sites at elevated altitude from data of neighbouring sites at low altitude.
Astronomy in Vietnam
Authors: Lan Nguyen Quynh , Huan Nguyen Dinh 
Published: August 2007

AbstractIn this paper we summarize the history and current state of astronomy in Vietnam. Future plans for the development of astronomy education and research in Vietnam are summarized and some avenues suggested. These include the construction of a planetarium in Hanoi, and the development of a curriculum for an undergraduate major and a Master's degree in astrophysics at some Universities, as well as the development and operation of an observatory in Hanoi.
Astronomy in the former Soviet Union 15 years after the breakup of the USSR
Authors: Bochkarev Nikolai G. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractDuring the immediate post-Soviet period, the main infrastructure of astronomy over the territory of the former Soviet Union (FSU) was saved, in spite of dramatic decreases in financial support. Overall the situation for FSU astronomy is now stable. In Latvia, the 32-m radio-dish is in working order. This allows it to participate in VLBI programmes. In Russia, all three 32-metre radio dishes of the QUASAR VLBI system are operational, as well as the 2-m telescope with a high-resolution spectrograph (up to resolution R≃ 500 000) and the horizontal solar telescope (R= 320 000) of the Russian-Ukrainian Observatory on Peak Terskol (Caucasus, altitude 3100 m). However the situation with the observatory itself is worrying, because of the regional authorities' attempt to privatize its infrastructure.The process of equipping a number of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) (including Russian) observatories with CCD-cameras is in progress. To solve staff problems, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have begun to prepare national specialists in astronomy, and the Baltic States, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, and Ukraine continue to prepare astronomers.Teaching of astronomy at schools is obligatory only in the Ukraine and partially in the Baltic states. To maintain a “common astronomical area”, the Eurasian Astronomical Society (EAAS) continues its programme of reduced-price subscription to Russian-language astronomical journals and magazines in the territory of FSU, the organization of international conferences and Olympiads for school students, and lectures for school teachers and planetarium lecturers, etc.Telescopes in Russia and other CIS territories permit to monitor an object more then 12 hours and can be used in global monitoring programmes. The Central Asian sites have some of the very best astro-climates in the world. They are similar to (or a little better than) the well known Chilean sites (median seeing 0.7′′, very high fraction of clear nights, no light pollution and no high wind). It is imperative that these sites be protected and intensively used by the international astronomical community.
Measurement of light pollution at the Iranian National Observatory
Authors: Hosseini S. Sona , Nasiri Sadollah 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe problem of light pollution became important mainly since 1960, by growth of urban development and using more artificial lights and lamps at the nighttimes. Optical telescopes share the same range of wavelengths as are used to provide illumination of roadways, buildings and automobiles. The light glow that emanates from man made pollution will scatter off the atmosphere and affects the images taken by the observatory instruments. A method of estimating the night sky brightness produced by a city of known population and distance is useful in site testing of the new observatories, as well as in studying the likely future deterioration of existing sites. Now with planning the Iranian National Observatory that will house a 2-metre telescope and on the way of the site selection project, studying the light pollution is propounded in Iran. Thus, we need a site with the least light pollution, beside other parameters, i.e. seeing, meteorological, geophysical and local parameters. The seeing parameter is being measured in our four preliminary selected sites at Qom, Kashan, Kerman and Birjand since two years ago using an out of focus Differential Image Motion Monitor. These sites are selected among 33 candidate sites by studying the meteorological data obtained from the local synoptic stations and the Meteosat. We measured and used the Walker's law to estimate the Sky brightness for three of these sitesThe data obtained using an 8-inch Meade telescope with a ST7 CCD camera for above sites are consistent with the estimated values of the light pollution mentioned above.
Graduate programme in astrophysics in Split
Authors: Krajnović Davor 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBeginning in the autumn of 2008, the first generation of astronomy master's students will start a two-year course in Astrophysics offered by the Physics Department of the University of Split, Croatia (http://fizika.pmfst.hr/astro/english/index.html). This unique master's course in south-eastern Europe, following the Bologna convention and given by astronomers from international institutions, offers a series of comprehensive lectures designed to greatly enhance students’ knowledge and skills in astrophysics, and prepare them for a scientific career. An equally important aim of the course is to recognize the areas in which astronomy and astrophysics can serve as a national asset and to use them to prepare young people for real life challenges, enabling graduates to enter the modern society as a skilled and attractive work-force. In this contribution, I present an example of a successful organization of international astrophysics studies in a developing country, which aims to become a leading graduate programme in astrophysics in the broader region. I will focus on the benefits of the project showing why and in what way astronomy can be interesting for third world countries, what are the benefits for the individual students, nation and region, but also research, science and the astronomical community in general.
International Schools for Young Astronomers (ISYA): a programme of the International Astronomical Union
Authors: Gerbaldi Michèle 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThis paper outlines the main features of the International Schools for Young Astronomers (ISYA), a programme developed by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 1967. The main goal of this programme is to support astronomy in developing countries by organizing a school lasting 3 weeks for students with typically a M.Sc. degree. The context in which the ISYA were developed has changed drastically over the past 10 years. We have moved from a time when access to any large telescope was difficult and mainly organized on a national basis, to the situation nowadays where data archives are established at the same time that any major telescope, ground-based or in space, is built, and these archives are accessible from everywhere. The concept of the virtual observatory reinforces this access. However, the rapid development of information and communications technologies and the increasing penetration of internet have not yet removed all barriers to data access. The role of the ISYA is addressed in this context.
Undergraduate and graduate programmes in astronomy for the developing world
Authors: Percy John R. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractIn this paper, I discuss some aspects of the design of undergraduate and graduate astronomy curricula, broadly defined, for developing countries. A fundamental requirement is to develop students' ability and desire to learn, both in university and beyond. I then discuss several aspects of the curriculum: (i) The programme of coursework in astronomy and related topics such as physics and mathematics; (ii) The associated practical and project work to develop skills as well as knowledge; (iii) Linking the coursework, effectively, to various aspects of research; (iv) Development of general academic and professional skills such as oral and written communication, teaching, planning and management, and the ability to function as part of an interdisciplinary team; and (v) Orientation to the culture of the university and to the science and the profession of astronomy.To accomplish all of these goals may seem daunting, especially as many of them are not achieved in the most affluent universities. But much can be gained by recognizing that there are well-established “best practices” in education, achieved through formal education research, reflection, and experience. Simple resources, effectively used, can be superior to the highest technology, used without careful thought. It is often best to do a few things well; “less can be more”. And effective partnership, both within the local university and with the outside astronomical community, can also contribute to success.
Teaching and research in astronomy using small aperture optical telescopes
Authors: Pandey Shiva 
Published: August 2007

AbstractSmall aperture (<1m, typically 20–50 cm) optical telescopes with adequate back-end instrumentation (e.g. photometer, CCD camera and CCD spectrograph) can be used for spreading the joy and excitement of observational astronomy among postgraduate and research students in colleges and universities. On the basis of our experience over a decade of observing with small optical telescopes it has been amply demonstrated that such a facility, which any university can hope to procure and maintain, can be effectively used for teaching and research. The Physics Department of Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University at Raipur, India offers Astronomy & Astrophysics as one of the specializations of its MSc program in Physics. A set of observational exercises has been incorporated with a view to provide training in observations, analysis and interpretation of astronomical data. Observing facilities available in the department include 8”–14” aperture telescopes equipped with a photometer, CCD camera and a CCD spectrograph. A facility of this kind is ideally suited for continuous monitoring of a variety of variable stars, and thus can provide valuable data for understanding the physics of stellar variability. This is especially true for a class of variable stars known as chromospherically active stars. The stars belonging to this class have variable light curves that change from year to year in a rather strange way. A large fraction of these active stars are bright; hence the importance of small aperture telescopes for collecting much-needed photometric data. For over a decade the research activity using the 14” optical telescope has focused on photometric monitoring of well known and suspected active stars. These data, together with X-ray and radio data from archives as well as spectroscopic data obtained at Indian observatories, has led to the identification of new chromosperically active stars. This paper is aimed at sharing our experiences with the colleagues from the developing world on the usage of small optical telescopes for teaching and research with the objective of spreading the joy of astronomy among young students.
Observing solar eclipses in the developing world
Authors: Pasachoff Jay M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAstronomers have opportunities at least twice a year to use partial, annular, or total eclipses of the Sun, or planetary transits, to interest the public in astronomy through their observations. It is important to provide accurate information about the pleasures and hazards of looking toward the Sun. The International Astronomical Union helps by providing knowledgeable information from experienced eclipse observers.
The COSPAR Capacity-Building Workshop Programme, 2000–2007
Authors: Arnaud Keith A. , Willmore A. Peter 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Capacity-Building Programme introduces astronomers in the developing world to the rich resource of space research online archives. The programme consists of a series of regional workshops which each bring together about 30 developing world astronomers with around 8 teaching faculty for lectures and hands-on projects. Five workshops have been held so far with another two planned for next year and a budget which enables on average one workshop each year. Proposals for future workshops are encouraged.
A series of technologies that advance the goal of data sharing
Authors: Lin Ganghua 
Published: August 2007

AbstractOne of the purposes of a Virtual Observatory is to facilitate data sharing. Data products from the Solar Multi-Channel Telescope and the Solar Radio Telescope at Huairou Solar Observing Station, Beijing, are not only used for solar research but also for solar activity and space environment predictions. To provide these services, we have exploited a number of technologies, which we discuss in this article. These include the setting up of a WWW server, a local area network, network security facility, data processing software, etc. We discuss the implementation of a Virtual Solar Observatory (VSO) and show how it meets various user requirements for unified international metadata. We also discuss future plans for further development of the system.
EFFECT OF TUMOUR‐ASSOCIATED MACROPHAGES ON THE GROWTH OF TUMOURS IN RATS
Authors: Inoue Y , Nelson DS 
Published: August 2007

SummaryTumours that had grown in syngeneic rats were depleted of macrophages in vitro. A comparison was made with non‐depleted tumours of their growth in the feet and spread to the popliteal lymph nodes in untreated, irradiated (500 rads) or carrageenan‐treated rats. A non‐metastasizing methylcholanthrene‐induced fibrosarcoma (D8) grew better in the feet of all three groups after macrophage depletion but metastasized more extensively only in irradiated rats; irradiation increased the growth of non‐depleted D8 in the feet. D8M, a metastatic variant of D8, grew less extensively in the feet of normal rats after macrophage depletion. Its metastatic spread was increased by macrophage depletion in carrageenan‐treated rats only. Non‐depleted D8M grew less well in the feet of irradiated or carrageenan‐treated rats than in normal rats. A metastasizing spontaneous adenocarcinoma (ST‐2) grew less well in normal rats after macrophage depletion. The non‐depleted tumour grew less well in irradiated rats but macrophage depletion had no further effect. Metastasis of ST‐2 to the popliteal node of normal rats was abolished by macrophage depletion. The nature of the host macrophage‐tumour relationship seems to differ from tumour to tumour.
MACROPHAGES BIND DIRECTLY TO SEMLIKI FOREST VIRUS‐INFECTED CELLS AND MEDIATE ANTIBODY‐DEPENDENT CELL‐MEDIATED CYTOTOXICITY
Authors: Macfarlan Roderick I , White David O 
Published: August 2007

SummaryMacrophages were found to bind directly to Semliki Forest virus (SFV)‐infected, but not uninfected, P815 cells. In the presence of anti‐H‐2d or anti‐BALB/c antibody, macrophages lysed SFV‐infected, but not uninfected, P815 cells. It is proposed that macrophage‐mediated antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) proceeds via two functionally distinguishable initial steps: (1) adhesion of effector to target cell, which may be mediated through antibody or through viral protein, as in the case of SFV‐infected target cells suboptimally sensitized with antibody; (2) antibody‐dependent initiation of cytolysis.
SUPPRESSOR T CELL MEMORY. INDUCTION AND RECALL OF HGG‐SPECIFIC MEMORY SUPPRESSOR T CELLS AND THEIR ROLE IN REGULATION OF ANTIBODY PRODUCTION
Authors: Loblay RH , Pritchard‐Briscoe H , Basten A 
Published: August 2007

SummaryRegulation of the antibody response to the hapten, dinitrophenyl (DNP), was studied using human gammaglobulin (HGG) as the carrier in an adoptive transfer system. CBA mice immunized at least 4 weeks previously to HGG or DNP served as the source of T helper cells and hapten‐primed. B cells, respectively. The addition of spleen cells from donors recently primed to HGG in immunogenic form (aHGG) suppressed the collaborative anti‐DNP PFC response as effectively as cells from tolerant donors. The suppressive effect was antigen‐specific and was mediated by a T cell with the same phenotype (Ly‐1−, Ly‐23+, Ia+) and induction kinetics as those previously identified in HGG‐tolerant animals. During the primary response to HGG an early burst of helper activity was detected initially, followed by a wave of suppression which peaked at day 7 and subsequently waned, allowing adoptive helper function to reappear during the third week. When previously immunized animals were boosted with soluble HGG after primary suppression had waned, the sequential appearance of helper and suppressor activity was accelerated, and the secondary suppressive effect was more profound and of longer duration than that observed during a primary response. Although helper activity was not apparent during the peak of secondary suppression, helper T cells (Th) had not been functionally deleted since treatment of the donor spleen cells with anti‐Ia and complement to deplete suppressor T cells (Ts) before adoptive transfer resulted in significant augmentation of the anti‐DNP response. The secondary suppressive effect was formally shown to be mediated by activated Ts effector cells bearing the same surface markers as the cells responsible for primary suppression The results suggest that the Ts population, like other lymphocyte subsets, contain memory cells capable of rapid re‐expression of effector function upon secondary exposure lo antigen. These cells are considered to be of major importance in maintenance of immune homeostasis.
ORGANOTIN IMPLICATIONS IN ANTICARCINOGENESIS. EFFECTS OF SEVERAL ORGANOTINS ON TUMOUR GROWTH RATE IN MICE
Authors: Cardarelli NF , Cardarelli BM , Libby EP , Dobbins E 
Published: August 2007

SummarySeveral cohorts of cancerous mice were continuously dosed with 2,2′‐bipyridyl dibutyltin dichloride, 1,10‐phenanthroline dibutyltin and histidine dibutyltin; presented at 1 ppm and 10 ppm in drinking water. Tumour growth rates were significantly reduced. Tributyltin fluoride (TBTF) applied dermally, using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the carrier, over the tumour site was ineffective. Variation in thymus and spleen weight between controls and tin‐exposed mice indicates a lymphatic involvement. Analysis of mouse tissue for total tin content showed high tin concentrations in the thymus and spleen.
MAMMARY GLAND FUNCTION DURING GRADUAL WEANING AND EARLY GESTATION IN WOMEN
Authors: Prosser CG , Saint L , Hartmann PE 
Published: August 2007

SummaryDaily changes in the composition of the milk of two lactating women were recorded from the time of the last menstrual period prior to conception throughout the first two months of gestation. The changes in the composition of the milk from these women were compared to the daily changes in the milk composition of two women during the period of gradual weaning.In the weaning subjects the concentration of sodium and total protein had increased 14‐ and 1·6‐fold, respectively, by the end of the study. The concentrations of potassium, glucose and lactose decreased 1·3‐, 149‐ and 3·6‐fold, respectively, from before weaning commenced to the end of the study. These changes were closely correlated to the decrease in the suckling frequency of the infant. The concentration of sodium and total protein in the milk from the unsuckled breast of two women was 11‐ and 2·8‐fold higher than in the milk from the normally suckled breast of the same woman. The concentrations of potassium, glucose and lactose were 1·1‐, 70‐ and 1·9‐fold lower, emphasizing the necessity of a regular suckling pattern on the maintenance of lactation.The concentrations of sodium and total protein similarly increased during pregnancy, being 8‐ and 3·8‐fold higher by the second month of gestation. The concentrations of potassium, glucose and lactose decreased 1·4‐, 73‐ and 4·4‐fold, respectively, over the same period of time. The changes in the milk composition showed no significant correlation to the infant's suckling frequency.The results indicate a progressive loss of secretory activity by the mammary gland during weaning and early gestation. During weaning this loss appears to be directly related to the decrease in the infant's suckling frequency, whereas during early gestation there would appear to be an inhibition of milk secretion which over‐rides the positive stimulus provided by the infant's suckling. The mechanisms regulating the secretion of milk during weaning and pregnancy are discussed in the light of the compositional changes observed.