bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Orbital Angular Momentum Modes Supporting Fibers Based on the Photonic Crystal Fiber Structure
Authors: Zhang Hu , Zhang Xiaoguang , Li Hui , Deng Yifan , Xi Lixia , Tang Xianfeng , Zhang Wenbo
Published: October 2017

The orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light can be another physical dimension that we exploit to make multiplexing in the spatial domain. The design of the OAM mode supporting fiber attracts many attentions in the field of the space division multiplexing (SDM) system. This paper reviews the recent progresses in photonic crystal fiber (PCF) supporting OAM modes, and summarizes why a PCF structure can be used to support stable OAM transmission modes. The emphasis is on the circular PCFs, which possess many excellent features of transmission performance, such as good-quality OAM modes, enough separation of the effective indices, low confinement loss, flat dispersion, a large effective area, and a low nonlinear coefficient. We also compare the transmission properties between the circular PCF and the ring core fiber, as well as the properties between the OAM EDFA based on circular PCF and the OAM EDFA based on the ring core fiber. At last, the challenges and prospects of OAM fibers based on the PCF structure are also discussed.
Modulating Nucleation by Kosmotropes and Chaotropes: Testing the Waters
Authors: Rao Ashit , Gebauer Denis , Cölfen Helmut
Published: October 2017

Water is a fundamental solvent sustaining life, key to the conformations and equilibria associated with solute species. Emerging studies on nucleation and crystallization phenomena reveal that the dynamics of hydration associated with mineral precursors are critical in determining material formation and growth. With certain small molecules affecting the hydration and conformational stability of co-solutes, this study systematically explores the effects of these chaotropes and kosmotropes as well as certain sugar enantiomers on the early stages of calcium carbonate formation. These small molecules appear to modulate mineral nucleation in a class-dependent manner. The observed effects are finite in comparison to the established, strong interactions between charged polymers and intermediate mineral forms. Thus, perturbations to hydration dynamics of ion clusters by co-solute species can affect nucleation phenomena in a discernable manner.
Coarse-Graining and the Blackwell Order
Authors: Rauh Johannes , Banerjee Pradeep , Olbrich Eckehard , Jost Jürgen , Bertschinger Nils , Wolpert David
Published: October 2017

Suppose we have a pair of information channels, κ 1 , κ 2 , with a common input. The Blackwell order is a partial order over channels that compares κ 1 and κ 2 by the maximal expected utility an agent can obtain when decisions are based on the channel outputs. Equivalently, κ 1 is said to be Blackwell-inferior to κ 2 if and only if κ 1 can be constructed by garbling the output of κ 2 . A related partial order stipulates that κ 2 is more capable than κ 1 if the mutual information between the input and output is larger for κ 2 than for κ 1 for any distribution over inputs. A Blackwell-inferior channel is necessarily less capable. However, examples are known where κ 1 is less capable than κ 2 but not Blackwell-inferior. We show that this may even happen when κ 1 is constructed by coarse-graining the inputs of κ 2 . Such a coarse-graining is a special kind of “pre-garbling” of the channel inputs. This example directly establishes that the expected value of the shared utility function for the coarse-grained channel is larger than it is for the non-coarse-grained channel. This contradicts the intuition that coarse-graining can only destroy information and lead to inferior channels. We also discuss our results in the context of information decompositions.
Twenty-Two Years of Inflation Assessment and Forecasting Experience at the Bulletin of EU & US Inflation and Macroeconomic Analysis
Authors: Espasa Antoni , Senra Eva
Published: October 2017

The Bulletin of EU & US Inflation and Macroeconomic Analysis (BIAM) is a monthly publication that has been reporting real time analysis and forecasts for inflation and other macroeconomic aggregates for the Euro Area, the US and Spain since 1994. The BIAM inflation forecasting methodology stands on working with useful disaggregation schemes, using leading indicators when possible and applying outlier correction. The paper relates this methodology to corresponding topics in the literature and discusses the design of disaggregation schemes. It concludes that those schemes would be useful if they were formulated according to economic, institutional and statistical criteria aiming to end up with a set of components with very different statistical properties for which valid single-equation models could be built. The BIAM assessment, which derives from a new observation, is based on (a) an evaluation of the forecasting errors (innovations) at the components’ level. It provides information on which sectors they come from and allows, when required, for the appropriate correction in the specific models. (b) In updating the path forecast with its corresponding fan chart. Finally, we show that BIAM real time Euro Area inflation forecasts compare successfully with the consensus from the ECB Survey of Professional Forecasters, one and two years ahead.
Techniques for Reduction of the Cogging Torque in Claw Pole Machines with SMC Cores
Authors: Liu Chengcheng , Lu Jiawei , Wang Youhua , Lei Gang , Zhu Jianguo , Guo Youguang
Published: October 2017

As one of the main parasitic parameters in permanent magnet (PM) synchronous machines (PMSMs), cogging torque is the main component of the torque ripple, which has always been the handicap in the high-performance, low-speed drive systems. Over the last two decades, various methods have been proposed to decrease the cogging torque in both radial-flux and axial-flux PMSMs. Among these methods, stator slot skewing, stator tooth notching, permanent magnet (PM) skewing, PM shifting, and pole pairing are extensively investigated. However, little work has been done on reducing the cogging torque of the claw pole machine (CPM), whose cogging torque cannot be ignored. In this paper, the general methods that have been used to reduce the cogging torque in radial-flux and axial-flux PMSMs are developed and verified in a CPM with a soft magnetic composite (SMC) core. The 3-D finite element method (FEM) is used to calculate the cogging torque and PM flux linkage per turn. By comparing different cogging torque reduction technologies, it can be found that the magnet step skewing and unequal claw pole width are very suitable for CPM.
Modeling of HVDC System to Improve Estimation of Transient DC Current and Voltages for AC Line-to-Ground Fault—An Actual Case Study in Korea
Authors: Kwon Dohoon , Kim Youngjin , Moon Seungil , Kim Chanki
Published: October 2017

A new modeling method for high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems and associated controllers is presented for the power system simulator for engineering (PSS/E) simulation environment. The aim is to improve the estimation of the transient DC voltage and current in the event of an AC line-to-ground fault. The proposed method consists primary of three interconnected modules for (a) equation conversion; (b) control-mode selection; and (c) DC-line modeling. Simulation case studies were carried out using PSS/E and a power systems computer aided design/electromagnetic transients including DC (PSCAD/EMTDC) model of the Jeju– Haenam HVDC system in Korea. The simulation results are compared with actual operational data and the PSCAD/EMTDC simulation results for an HVDC system during single-phase and three-phase line-to-ground faults, respectively. These comparisons show that the proposed PSS/E modeling method results in the improved estimation of the dynamic variation in the DC voltage and current in the event of an AC network fault, with significant gains in computational efficiency, making it suitable for real-time analysis of HVDC systems.
Study of Anti-Sliding Stability of a Dam Foundation Based on the Fracture Flow Method with 3D Discrete Element Code
Authors: Shi Chong , Yang Wenkun , Chu Weijiang , Shen Junliang , Kong Yang
Published: October 2017

Fractured seepage is an important factor affecting the interface stability of rock mass. It is closely related to fracture properties and hydraulic conditions. In this study, the law of seepage in a single fracture surface based on modified cubic law is described, and the three-dimensional discrete element method is used to simulate the dam foundation structure of the Capulin San Pablo (Costa Rica) hydropower station. The effect of construction joints and developed structure on dam stability is studied, and its permeability law and sliding stability are also evaluated. It is found that the hydraulic-mechanical coupling with strength reduction method in DEM is more appropriate to use to study the seepage-related problems of fractured rock mass, which considers practical conditions, such as the roughness of and the width of fracture. The strength reduction method provides a more accurate safety factor of dam when considering the deformation coordination with bedrocks. It is an important method with which to study the stability of seepage conditions in complex structures. The discrete method also provided an effective and reasonable way of determining seepage control measures.
Complete Mitochondrial Genome Sequencing of a Burial from a Romano–Christian Cemetery in the Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt: Preliminary Indications
Authors: Molto J. Eldon , Loreille Odile , Mallott Elizabeth K. , Malhi Ripan S. , Fast Spence , Daniels-Higginbotham Jennifer , Marshall Charla , Parr Ryan
Published: October 2017

The curse of ancient Egyptian DNA was lifted by a recent study which sequenced the mitochondrial genomes (mtGenome) of 90 ancient Egyptians from the archaeological site of Abusir el-Meleq. Surprisingly, these ancient inhabitants were more closely related to those from the Near East than to contemporary Egyptians. It has been accepted that the timeless highway of the Nile River seeded Egypt with African genetic influence, well before pre-Dynastic times. Here we report on the successful recovery and analysis of the complete mtGenome from a burial recovered from a remote Romano–Christian cemetery, Kellis 2 (K2). K2 serviced the ancient municipality of Kellis, a village located in the Dakhleh Oasis in the southwest desert in Egypt. The data were obtained by high throughput sequencing (HTS) performed independently at two ancient DNA facilities (Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory, Dover, DE, USA and Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA). These efforts produced concordant haplotypes representing a U1a1a haplogroup lineage. This result indicates that Near Eastern maternal influence previously identified at Abusir el-Meleq was also present further south, in ancient Kellis during the Romano–Christian period.
Dietary Inflammatory Index and Cardiometabolic Risk Parameters in Overweight and Sedentary Subjects
Authors: Camargo-Ramos Claudia , Correa-Bautista Jorge , Correa-Rodríguez María , Ramírez-Vélez Robinson
Published: October 2017

Nutrition has been established as a relevant factor in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to investigate the relationship between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and cardiometabolic risk parameters in a cohort of 90 overweight and sedentary adults from Bogotá, Colombia. A 24-h dietary record was used to calculate the DII. Body composition variables, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), pulse wave velocity (PWV), lipid profile, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (Hb1Ac), and blood pressure were measured and a cardiometabolic risk score (MetScore) was calculated. A lower DII score (anti-inflammatory diet) was significantly associated with higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and FMD, and lower Hb1Ac and MetScore (p < 0.05). A lower DII score was inversely correlated with plasma triglyceride levels (r = −0.354, p < 0.05), glucose (r = −0.422, p < 0.05), MetScore (r = −0.228, p < 0.05), and PWV (r = −0.437, p < 0.05), and positively with FMD (r = 0.261, p < 0.05). In contrast, a higher DII score (pro-inflammatory diet) showed a positive relationship with MetScore (r = 0.410, p < 0.05) and a negative relationship with FMD (r = −0.233, p < 0.05). An increased inflammatory potential of diet was inversely associated with an improved cardiometabolic profile, suggesting the importance of promoting anti-inflammatory diets as an effective strategy for preventing CVD.
Contribution of Drinking Water Softeners to Daily Phosphate Intake in Slovenia
Authors: Jereb Gregor , Poljšak Borut , Eržen Ivan
Published: October 2017

The cumulative phosphate intake in a typical daily diet is high and, according to several studies, already exceeds recommended values. The exposure of the general population to phosphorus via drinking water is generally not known. One of the hidden sources of phosphorus in a daily diet is sodium polyphosphate, commonly used as a drinking water softener. In Slovenia, softening of drinking water is carried out exclusively within the internal (household) drinking water supply systems to prevent the accumulation of limescale. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of sodium phosphates in the drinking water in Slovenia in different types of buildings, to determine residents’ awareness of the presence of chemical softeners in their drinking water, and to provide an exposure assessment on the phosphorus intake from drinking water. In the current study, the presence of phosphates in the samples of drinking water was determined using a spectrophotometric method with ammonium molybdate. In nearly half of the samples, the presence of phosphates as water softeners was confirmed. The measured concentrations varied substantially from 0.2 mg PO4/L to 24.6 mg PO4/L. Nearly 70% of the respondents were not familiar with the exact data on water softening in their buildings. It follows that concentrations of added phosphates should be controlled and the consumers should be informed of the added chemicals in their drinking water. The health risks of using sodium polyphosphate as a drinking water softener have not been sufficiently investigated and assessed. It is highly recommended that proper guidelines and regulations are developed and introduced to protect human health from adverse effects of chemicals in water intended for human consumption.
A Novel and Native Microcystin-Degrading Bacterium of Sphingopyxis sp. Isolated from Lake Taihu
Authors: Zhang Juan , Lu Qingqing , Ding Qin , Yin Lihong , Pu Yuepu
Published: October 2017

A native, highly efficient microcystin-LR (MC-LR)-degrading bacterium named a7 was isolated from Lake Taihu and identified as Sphingopyxis sp. by 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The strain a7 could totally degrade MC-LR at a rate of 3.33 mg/(L•h), as detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The mlrA, mlrC, and mlrD genes were detected in the strain a7 by sequence analysis. Tetrapeptide and Adda—which are the middle metabolites of MC-LR—were analyzed via liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-TOF-MS) during degradation. These metabolites were degraded completely, which suggested that the native Sphingopyxis sp. a7 was highly efficient in MC-LR degradation under bench conditions. Thus, strain a7 exhibited a significant potential application for bioremediation in water bodies contaminated by MC-LR produced by harmful cyanobacterial blooms.
Unexpected High Intragenomic Variation in Two of Three Major Pest Thrips Species Does Not Affect Ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) Utility for Thrips Identification
Authors: Kumar Vivek , Dickey Aaron , Seal Dakshina , Shatters Robert , Osborne Lance , McKenzie Cindy
Published: October 2017

The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (mtCO1) and the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 region (ITS2) are among the most widely used molecular markers for insect taxonomic characterization. Three economically important species of thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis, Thrips palmi, and Frankliniella occidentalis were selected to examine the extent of intragenomic variation within these two marker regions in the family Thripidae, and determine if this variation would affect the utility of markers in thrips molecular diagnostics. For each species, intragenomic (within individual) variation and intergenomic (among individuals) variation was assessed by cloning and sequencing PCR-amplified copies. Intergenomic variation was generally higher than intragenomic variation except in cases where intergenomic variation was very low, as in mtCO1 from S. dorsalis and F. occidentalis. Intragenomic variation was detected in both markers in all three of the thrips species, however, 2–3 times more intragenomic variation was observed for ITS2 than mtCO1 in both S. dorsalis and T. palmi. Furthermore, levels of intragenomic variation were low for both of the genes in F. occidentalis. In all of the three thrips species, no sex-based clustering of haplotypes was observed in either marker. Unexpected high intragenomic variation in ITS2 for two of three thrips species did not interfere with thrips diagnostics. However, caution should be taken in applying ITS2 to certain studies of S. dorsalis and T. palmi when high levels of intragenomic variation could be problematic or confounding. In such studies, mtCO1 may be a preferable marker. Possible reasons for discrepancies in intragenomic variation among genomic regions are discussed.
Determiner Asymmetry in Mixed Nominal Constructions: The Role of Grammatical Factors in Data from Miami and Nicaragua
Authors: Blokzijl Jeffrey , Deuchar Margaret , Parafita Couto M. Carmen
Published: October 2017

This paper focuses on the factors influencing the language of determiners in nominal constructions in two sets of bilingual data: Spanish/English from Miami and Spanish/English creole from Nicaragua. Previous studies (Liceras et al. 2008; Moro Quintanilla 2014) have argued that Spanish determiners are preferred in mixed nominal constructions because of their grammaticised nature. However, those studies did not take the matrix language into account, even though Herring et al. (2010) found that the language of the determiner matched the matrix language. Therefore, we hypothesise that the matrix language is the main influence on the language of the determiner in both mixed and unmixed nominal constructions. The results are consistent with our hypothesis that the matrix language of the clause provides the language of the determiner in mixed and unmixed Determiner Phrases (DPs). Once the matrix language is controlled for, the Miami data show a greater tendency for Spanish determiners to appear in mixed DPs than English determiners. However, in the Nicaragua data, we found only mixed DPs with an English creole determiner. This suggests that bilingual communities do not always follow the same pattern, and that social rather than grammatical factors may be at play. We conclude that while the language of the determiner is influenced by clause-internal structure, that of its noun complement and the matrix language itself depends on extralinguistic considerations.
Hydrogen Separation by Natural Zeolite Composite Membranes: Single and Multicomponent Gas Transport
Authors: Farjoo Afrooz , Kuznicki Steve M. , Sadrzadeh Mohtada
Published: October 2017

Single and multicomponent gas permeation tests were used to evaluate the performance of metal-supported clinoptilolite membranes. The efficiency of hydrogen separation from lower hydrocarbons (methane, ethane, and ethylene) was studied within the temperature and pressure ranges of 25–600 °C and 110–160 kPa, respectively. The hydrogen separation factor was found to reduce noticeably in the gas mixture compared with single gas experiments at 25 °C. The difference between the single and multicomponent gas results decreased as the temperature increased to higher than 300 °C, which is when the competitive adsorption–diffusion mechanism was replaced by Knudsen diffusion or activated diffusion mechanisms. To evaluate the effect of gas adsorption, the zeolite surface isotherms of each gas in the mixture were obtained from 25 °C to 600 °C. The results indicated negligible adsorption of individual gases at temperatures higher than 300 °C. Increasing the feed pressure resulted in a higher separation efficiency for the individual gases compared with the multicomponent mixture, due to the governing effect of the adsorptive mechanism. This study provides valuable insight into the application of natural zeolites for the separation of hydrogen from a mixture of hydrocarbons.
Quantification of a Low-Cost Stretchable Conductive Sensor Using an Expansion/Contraction Simulator Machine: A Step towards Validation of a Noninvasive Cardiac and Respiration Monitoring Prototype
Authors: Varaki Elham Shabani , Breen Paul , Gargiulo Gaetano
Published: October 2017

The use of wearable sensors in health monitoring is increasing dramatically, largely due to their convenience and low-cost. Understanding the accuracy of any given sensor is paramount to avoid potential misdiagnosis. Commercially available electro-resistive band (ERB) sensors have been integrated into several newly developed wearable devices with a view to using these sensors to monitor a range of respiratory and cardiovascular metrics. Quantification of the ERBs is a necessary to step towards validation of these prototypes, as it provides valuable information, which could be exploited for compensation and ultimately, for improvement of their performance. Here, we present an analysis of the ERB sensors using an expansion/contraction simulator machine. Using the developed rig, the characteristics of four ERBs were compared with a linear displacement sensor (string potentiometer) during continuous use over the course of four-and-a-half days to investigate the error and nonlinearity of the ERBs. The analysis of the recorded data includes calculation and comparison of the total harmonic distortions of the two sensors to quantify ERB nonlinearity. Moreover, comparisons between the peak-to-peak voltages and signal-to-noise ratios of the ERB and string potentiometer demonstrate the effect nonlinearity on these factors. This paper demonstrates the nonlinearity of ERBs and highlights the implications for their use in practice.
Optimizing Gear Performance by Alloy Modification of Carburizing Steels
Authors: Tobie Thomas , Hippenstiel Frank , Mohrbacher Hardy
Published: October 2017

Both the tooth root and tooth flank load carrying capacity are characteristic parameters that decisively influence gear size, as well as gearbox design. The principal requirements towards all modern gearboxes are to comply with the steadily-increasing power density and to simultaneously offer a high reliability of their components. With increasing gear size, the load stresses at greater material depth increase. Thus, the material and particularly the strength properties also at greater material depth gain more importance. The present paper initially gives an overview of the main failure modes of case carburized gears resulting from material fatigue. Furthermore, the underlying load and stress mechanisms, under particular contemplation of the gear size, will be discussed, as these considerations principally define the required material properties. Subsequently, the principles of newly developed, as well as modified alloy concepts for optimized gear steels with high load carrying capacity are presented. In the experimental work, the load carrying capacity of the tooth root and tooth flank was determined using a pulsator, as well as an FZG back-to-back test rig. The results demonstrate the suitability of these innovative alloy concepts.
Effect of Y Addition on the Semi-Solid Microstructure Evolution and the Coarsening Kinetics of SIMA AZ80 Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Tang Qi , Sun Hao , Zhou Mingyang , Quan Gaofeng
Published: October 2017

Semi-solid feedstock of AZ80 magnesium alloy modified by trace rare-earth Y element (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 wt. %) was fabricated by strain-induced melting activation (SIMA) in the form of extrusion and partial remelting. The effect of Y addition on the microstructure evolution of the extruded and isothermally heat treated alloy was observed by using an optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and quantitative analysis. The results show that the Y addition can refine the microstructure and make the β-Mg17Al12 phases agglomerate. During the subsequent isothermal treatment at 570 °C, the average solid grain size, shape factor and liquid fractions increased with the prolonged soaking time. The smaller spheroidal solid grains and larger shape factor were obtained in the semi-solid microstructure due to Y addition. The coalescence and Ostwald ripening mechanism operated the coarsening process of solid grains simultaneously. The coarsening rate constants of AZ80M1 (0.2 wt. % Y addition) of 164.22 μm3 s−1 was approximately four times less than the un-modified AZ80 alloy of 689.44 μm3 s−1. In contrast, the desirable semi-solid structure featured, with fine and well globular solid grains, an appropriate liquid fraction, and shape factor was achieved in AZ80M1 alloy treated at 570 °C for 20–30 min.
The Thermodynamics of Selenium Minerals in Near-Surface Environments
Authors: Krivovichev Vladimir , Charykova Marina , Vishnevsky Andrey
Published: October 2017

Selenium compounds are relatively rare as minerals; there are presently only 118 known mineral species. This work is intended to codify and systematize the data of mineral systems and the thermodynamics of selenium minerals, which are unstable (selenides) or formed in near-surface environments (selenites), where the behavior of selenium is controlled by variations of the redox potential and the acidity of solutions at low temperatures and pressures. These parameters determine the migration of selenium and its precipitation as various solid phases. All selenium minerals are divided into four groups—native selenium, oxide, selenides, and oxysalts—anhydrous selenites (I) and hydrous selenites and selenates (II). Within each of the groups, minerals are codified according to the minimum number of independent elements necessary to define the composition of the mineral system. Eh–pH diagrams were calculated and plotted using the Geochemist’s Workbench (GMB 9.0) software package. The Eh–pH diagrams of the Me–Se–H2O systems (where Me = Co, Ni, Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Hg, Ag, Bi, As, Sb, Al and Ca) were plotted for the average contents of these elements in acidic waters in the oxidation zones of sulfide deposits. The possibility of the formation of Zn, Cd, Ag and Hg selenites under natural oxidation conditions in near surface environments is discussed.
A Theoretical Study of the N to O Linkage Photoisomerization Efficiency in a Series of Ruthenium Mononitrosyl Complexes
Authors: Sanz García Juan , Talotta Francesco , Alary Fabienne , Dixon Isabelle , Heully Jean-Louis , Boggio-Pasqua Martial
Published: October 2017

Ruthenium nitrosyl complexes are fascinating versatile photoactive molecules that can either undergo NO linkage photoisomerization or NO photorelease. The photochromic response of three ruthenium mononitrosyl complexes, trans-[RuCl(NO)(py)4]2+, trans-[RuBr(NO)(py)4]2+, and trans-(Cl,Cl)[RuCl2(NO)(tpy)]+, has been investigated using density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory. The N to O photoisomerization pathways and absorption properties of the various stable and metastable species have been computed, providing a simple rationalization of the photoconversion trend in this series of complexes. The dramatic decrease of the N to O photoisomerization efficiency going from the first to the last complex is mainly attributed to an increase of the photoproduct absorption at the irradiation wavelength, rather than a change in the photoisomerization pathways.
Potential Toxicity and Underlying Mechanisms Associated with Pulmonary Exposure to Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Conflicting Literature and Unclear Risk
Authors: Kornberg Tiffany , Stueckle Todd , Antonini James , Rojanasakul Yon , Castranova Vincent , Yang Yong , Wang Liying
Published: October 2017

Abstract: Fine/micron-sized iron oxide particulates are incidentally released from a number of industrial processes, including iron ore mining, steel processing, welding, and pyrite production. Some research suggests that occupational exposure to these particulates is linked to an increased risk of adverse respiratory outcomes, whereas other studies suggest that iron oxide is biologically benign. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), which are less than 100 nm in diameter, have recently surged in use as components of novel drug delivery systems, unique imaging protocols, as environmental catalysts, and for incorporation into thermoplastics. However, the adverse outcomes associated with occupational exposure to IONPs remain relatively unknown. Relevant in vivo studies suggest that pulmonary exposure to IONPs may induce inflammation, pulmonary fibrosis, genotoxicity, and extra-pulmonary effects. This correlates well with in vitro studies that utilize relevant dose, cell type(s), and meaningful end points. A majority of these adverse outcomes are attributed to increased oxidative stress, most likely caused by particle internalization, dissolution, release of free iron ions, and disruption of iron homeostasis. However, because the overall toxicity profile of IONPs is not well understood, it is difficult to set safe exposure limit recommendations that would be adequate for the protection of at-risk workers. This review article will focus on known risks following IONPs exposure supported by human, animal, and cell culture-based studies, the potential challenges intrinsic to IONPs toxicity assessment, and how these may contribute to the poorly characterized IONPs toxicity profile.
A Walnut-Enriched Diet Reduces Lipids in Healthy Caucasian Subjects, Independent of Recommended Macronutrient Replacement and Time Point of Consumption: a Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Bamberger Charlotte , Rossmeier Andreas , Lechner Katharina , Wu Liya , Waldmann Elisa , Stark Renée , Altenhofer Julia , Henze Kerstin , Parhofer Klaus
Published: October 2017

Studies indicate a positive association between walnut intake and improvements in plasma lipids. We evaluated the effect of an isocaloric replacement of macronutrients with walnuts and the time point of consumption on plasma lipids. We included 194 healthy subjects (134 females, age 63 ± 7 years, BMI 25.1 ± 4.0 kg/m2) in a randomized, controlled, prospective, cross-over study. Following a nut-free run-in period, subjects were randomized to two diet phases (8 weeks each). Ninety-six subjects first followed a walnut-enriched diet (43 g walnuts/day) and then switched to a nut-free diet. Ninety-eight subjects followed the diets in reverse order. Subjects were also randomized to either reduce carbohydrates (n = 62), fat (n = 65), or both (n = 67) during the walnut diet, and instructed to consume walnuts either as a meal or as a snack. The walnut diet resulted in a significant reduction in fasting cholesterol (walnut vs. control: −8.5 ± 37.2 vs. −1.1 ± 35.4 mg/dL; p = 0.002), non-HDL cholesterol (−10.3 ± 35.5 vs. −1.4 ± 33.1 mg/dL; p ≤ 0.001), LDL-cholesterol (−7.4 ± 32.4 vs. −1.7 ± 29.7 mg/dL; p = 0.029), triglycerides (−5.0 ± 47.5 vs. 3.7 ± 48.5 mg/dL; p = 0.015) and apoB (−6.7 ± 22.4 vs. −0.5 ± 37.7; p ≤ 0.001), while HDL-cholesterol and lipoprotein (a) did not change significantly. Neither macronutrient replacement nor time point of consumption significantly affected the effect of walnuts on lipids. Thus, 43 g walnuts/d improved the lipid profile independent of the recommended macronutrient replacement and the time point of consumption.
Changes in Dietary Patterns from Childhood to Adolescence and Associated Body Adiposity Status
Authors: Biazzi Leal Danielle , Altenburg de Assis Maria Alice , Hinnig Patrícia de Fragas , Schmitt Jeovani , Soares Lobo Adriana , Bellisle France , Di Pietro Patrícia , Vieira Francilene , De Moura Araujo Pedro Henrique , De Andrade Dalton
Published: October 2017

The aims of this study were to identify cross-sectional dietary patterns (DPs) in a representative sample of 7–10-year-old schoolchildren, to examine how scores for these DPs tracked over a time period of five years (from age 7–10 years to 12–15 years), and to investigate longitudinal associations between changes in DPs scores and changes in BMI (Body Mass Index) z-scores. Children aged 7–10-years were examined in 2007 (n = 1158) and a subset of the sample participated in a follow-up in 2012 (n = 458). Factor analysis (FA) was applied to derive DPs at baseline. The change in DP from childhood to adolescence was analyzed by comparing factor scores using the complete cases, in which factor loadings were the ones evaluated at baseline. Associations of BMI change with DP change were assessed by multivariate linear regression. At baseline, four DP were identified that explained 47.9% of the food intake variance. On average, the factor scores of “DP II” (salty snacks, French fries, fast-food, sugary beverages) decreased in follow-up, while no changes were observed for “DP I” (rice, cooked beans, beef/poultry, leafy vegetables), “DP III” (fruits, cooked and leafy vegetables, fruit juices, pasta, milk, cheese), and “DP IV” (milk, coffee with milk, cheese, breads/biscuits). No significant linear association was shown between changes in BMI z-scores and changes in DP scores from childhood to adolescence. In conclusion, three out of four DP scores identified at baseline tracked slightly in adolescence.
Cluster Formation of Polyphilic Molecules Solvated in a DPPC Bilayer
Authors: Guo Xiang-Yang , Peschel Christopher , Watermann Tobias , Rudorff Guido , Sebastiani Daniel
Published: October 2017

We analyse the initial stages of cluster formation of polyphilic additive molecules which are solvated in a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) lipid bilayer. Our polyphilic molecules comprise an aromatic (trans-bilayer) core domain with (out-of-bilayer) glycerol terminations, complemented with a fluorophilic and an alkyl side chain, both of which are confined within the aliphatic segment of the bilayer. Large-scale molecular dynamics simulations (1 μ s total duration) of a set of six of such polyphilic additives reveal the initial steps towards supramolecular aggregation induced by the specific philicity properties of the molecules. For our intermediate system size of six polyphiles, the transient but recurrent formation of a trimer is observed on a characteristic timescale of about 100 ns. The alkane/perfluoroalkane side chains show a very distinct conformational distribution inside the bilayer thanks to their different philicity, despite their identical anchoring in the trans-bilayer segment of the polyphile. The diffusive mobility of the polyphilic additives is about the same as that of the surrounding lipids, although it crosses both bilayer leaflets and tends to self-associate.
Micron-Sized Pored Membranes Based on Polyvinylidene Difluoride Hexafluoropropylene Prepared by Phase Inversion Techniques
Authors: Hofmann Andreas , Thißen Eva , Migeot Matthias , Bohn Nicole , Dietrich Stefan , Hanemann Thomas
Published: October 2017

In this study, micron-sized pored membranes, based on the co-polymer polyvinylidene difluoride hexafluoropropylene (PVdF-HFP) were prepared via phase inversion techniques. The aim of the approach was to find less harmful and less toxic solvents to fabricate such films. Therefore, the Hansen solubility approach was used to identify safer and less toxic organic solvents for the phase inversion process, relative to present solvent mixtures, based on acetone, dimethyl formamide, dimethyl acetamide or methanol. With this approach, it was possible to identify cyclopentanone, ethylene glycol and benzyl alcohol as suitable solvents for the membrane preparation process. Physicochemical and mechanical properties were analyzed and compared, which revealed a uniform membrane structure through the cross section. Differences were observed at the top surface, in dependence of both preparation approaches, which are described in detail.
Analyzing the Contributions of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and its Founder–Leader to Muslim Politics and Community in Sri Lanka
Authors: Yusoff Mohammad , Sarjoon Athambawa , Hussin Nordin , Ahmad Azhar
Published: October 2017

Historically, the politics of Sri Lankan Muslims has been identified as moderate and characterized by alliance-making with other major ethnic groups. Muslims rarely considered to form a strong political movement or party to increase their political influence, until the peak of the civil war in the 1980s. This occurrence helped the Muslim community to be facilitated socially and economically, but it also made them vulnerable in terms of rights and power accommodation in national politics. However, the establishment of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) and its distinct form of politics progressively revived the Muslim community and its politics. This study examines the contributions of SLMC and its founder–leader to Muslim politics and community in Sri Lanka. The findings of this study reveal that SLMC under its founder–leader uniquely colored Muslim politics, which in turn strengthened popular support and transformed the Muslim community into “queen-makers” in the national politics. Under its founder–leader Mohammed Hussain Mohammed Ashraff, the SLMC greatly contributed to the transformation of Muslim political culture, and to the uplift of the socio-cultural, economic, and political status of the Muslim community, while voicing Muslims’ grievances and fighting for their status, rights, powers, and privileges. By contrast, the party and its founder–leader faced considerable opposition and criticisms on communal and racial bases. Nonetheless, the qualities and contributions of its founder–leader continue to be remembered and still have a significant influence on Muslims politics in Sri Lanka.
From Words to Action: Incorporation of Sustainability in Architectural Education
Authors: Hassanpour Badiossadat , Alpar Atun Resmiye , Ghaderi Soheil
Published: October 2017

Schools of architecture play a major role in motivating and inspiring students to gain competencies in sustainability through pedagogical practices. However, at the operational level, the incorporation of sustainability within architectural programmes needs to be integrated into both the curricula and teaching methods. There are few studies on how architectural programmes’ curricula and pedagogical practices can be institutionally articulated, as well as on how the required coherency among components can be empowered operationally. Since the interrelation of the courses form the structure of the curricula and provide certain inputs for the students’ knowledge and skill, any operational risk can harm the quality assurance. Therefore, an operational framework aimed for a coordinated incorporation of sustainability in architectural programmes is required. In order to achieve this, scrutinising substantial equivalence programmes could provide constructive outcomes for the improvement of the existing programmes and future experiences for students. In order to determine the articulation of sustainability issues in architectural education, in this research, a recently accredited school in the Eastern Mediterranean region was chosen as a case study. The study includes an analysis of course descriptions, teaching methods, and teacher and student perceptions about the incorporation of sustainability into the courses. Also, jury sessions’ evaluation criteria are assessed as a pedagogical tool. Then, the horizontal and vertical articulation of courses within the curricula and their coordination were studied accordingly. The findings reveal that horizontal and vertical relations between different course types that share similar learning objectives are very important. However, this relation and continuum should be perceivable by students, tutors, and the relevant stakeholders; otherwise, any attempt would remain superficial. Accordingly, the association of sustainability with pre-defined evaluation criteria for grading is very important. The methodological tools and lessons from this study can assist young architecture programmes with the incorporation of sustainability into their programme without changing its spirit, through the coordination of courses within curricula and adopted pedagogical tools.
Combining Electromyography and Tactile Myography to Improve Hand and Wrist Activity Detection in Prostheses
Authors: Jaquier Noémie , Connan Mathilde , Castellini Claudio , Calinon Sylvain
Published: October 2017

Despite recent advances in prosthetics and assistive robotics in general, robust simultaneous and proportional control of dexterous prosthetic devices remains an unsolved problem, mainly because of inadequate sensorization. In this paper, we study the application of regression to muscle activity, detected using a flexible tactile sensor recording muscle bulging in the forearm (tactile myography—TMG). The sensor is made of 320 highly sensitive cells organized in an array forming a bracelet. We propose the use of Gaussian process regression to improve the prediction of wrist, hand and single-finger activation, using TMG, surface electromyography (sEMG; the traditional approach in the field), and a combination of the two. We prove the effectiveness of the approach for different levels of activations in a real-time goal-reaching experiment using tactile data. Furthermore, we performed a batch comparison between the different forms of sensorization, using a Gaussian process with different kernel distances.
Infection of Rodents by Orientia tsutsugamushi, the Agent of Scrub Typhus in Relation to Land Use in Thailand
Authors: Chaisiri Kittipong , Cosson Jean-François , Morand Serge
Published: October 2017

The relationship between land use structures and occurrence of scrub typhus agent, Orientia tsutsugamushi infection in small wild mammals was conducted in three provinces of Thailand: Buriram, Loei, and Nan. Orientia tsutsugamushi detection was performed using 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) amplicon sequencing approach using Miseq Illumina platform. In total, 387 animals (rodents and shrews) were examined for the bacterium infection. The 16S rDNA sequences of the bacterium were found in nine animals from Bandicota savilei, Berylmys bowersi, Leopoldamys edwardsi, Rattus exulans, R. tanezumi, and Rattus sp. phylogenetic clade 3, yielding 2.3% infection rate, with two new rodent species infected by the bacterium in Thailand: B. bowersi and L. edwardsi. Using a Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) and Random Forest analyses for investigating the association between human-land use and occurrence of the bacterium, forest habitat appeared as a strong explicative variable of rodent infection, meaning that O. tsutsugamushi-infected animals were more likely found in forest-covered habitats. In terms of public health implementation, our results suggest that heterogenous forested areas including forest-converted agricultural land, reforestation areas, or fallow are potential habitats for O. tsutsugamushi transmission. Further understanding of population dynamics of the vectors and their hosts in these habitats could be beneficial for the prevention of this neglected zoonotic disease.
The Bcl-2 Family in Host-Virus Interactions
Authors: Kvansakul Marc , Caria Sofia , Hinds Mark
Published: October 2017

Members of the B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family are pivotal arbiters of mitochondrially mediated apoptosis, a process of fundamental importance during tissue development, homeostasis, and disease. At the structural and mechanistic level, the mammalian members of the Bcl-2 family are increasingly well understood, with their interplay ultimately deciding the fate of a cell. Dysregulation of Bcl-2-mediated apoptosis underlies a plethora of diseases, and numerous viruses have acquired homologs of Bcl-2 to subvert host cell apoptosis and autophagy to prevent premature death of an infected cell. Here we review the structural biology, interactions, and mechanisms of action of virus-encoded Bcl-2 proteins, and how they impact on host-virus interactions to ultimately enable successful establishment and propagation of viral infections.
New Operating Concepts of the US Armed Forces and Perspectives of their Application
Authors: Spišák Ján
Published: October 2017

The article deals with the circumstances of the development and implementation of new operational concepts for the use of the United States Armed Forces. The first objective is to define theoretically the issue of the so-called Global Commons, taking into account the capability of troops in operations, to secure or prevent access to these areas. The second objective is to analyse the background of the AirSea Battle concept, to clarify the essence of its specific focus on China, as well as the countermeasures of this major power toward the United States. The third objective is to clarify the circumstances leading to the rapid replacement of this concept with a new concept, the Joint Concept for Access and Maneuver in the Global Commons, using a much wider range of capabilities of the United States Armed Forces. Finally, the article focuses on the implications of the new concept not only from the point of view of the United States but also of the Allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
The Requirements for Future Military Robots Supporting Mobility
Authors: Kopuletý Michal , Rolenec Ota
Published: October 2017

The paper deals with tasks related to engineer support for mobility, contemporary requirements for military robots and their possible future application for mobility support tasks. The result of this paper is an evaluation of requirements for engineer vehicles designated for the tasks of engineer mobility support and an analysis of the individual engineer tasks from the perspective of implementation by military robots in future operations. Knowledge obtained by studying scientific and professional literature was assessed by methods of analysis and deduction. Methods of induction and synthesis were used for exploring the possibilities of future application of military robots and for gathering partial conclusions. Information dealing with requirements for engineer means supporting mobility were gathered by the method of directed interviews with selected experts. The text provides a general insight into the issue of robotization of engineer tasks related to engineer support for mobility and requirements for military robots. Thus, it mediates a preview of the future performance of engineer mobility tasks and it can serve as a guidance for consideration of prospective investments into the Corps of Engineers.
Phèdre ou le roi infidèle à la république
Authors: Zeller Lisa
Published: October 2017

En nous référant à la métaphore du mariage politique du roi et de la république, nous avançons l’hypothèse que Phèdre représente la république et que son désir incestueux est une référence métaphorique à un modèle politique dans lequel le roi est lié à la république, conformément aux conceptions des théoriciens anti-absolutistes. Phèdre s’oppose à Thésée qui, délié de – et dès lors infidèle à – son épouse, renvoie pour sa part à un modèle absolutiste de la déliaison entre le pouvoir royal et la république. Il en résulte que son second corps produit une monstrueuse vie autonome : le monstre marin, que nous mettons en relation avec la conception de l’État dans le Léviathan de Hobbes.