bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Popular Authorship Reconfigured: Stephen King’s Authorial Personae from Print to Digital Environments
Authors: Feleki Despoina
Published: July 2016

The convergence of literary practices with computer information technologies (ICTs) has immensely affected writing processes and theories of authorship. This paper aims to foreground contemporary sociocultural conditions which have reconfigured authorship in relation to the materiality of the product through the example of Stephen King’s writing and marketing choices. An investigation of selected printed and digital works, including Misery, Lisey’s Story, Duma’s Key, and UR, showcases King’s concern for the future of authorship in the digital age and the position of the writer in the book and entertainment industries. This article seeks to trace the trajectory of the concept of the author who is seen moving from print to digital environments and being entangled in new forms of communication with the reader. In particular, King, who leaves control of the narrative story to experts in digital mediation, takes advantage of the new medium’s immediacy, comes closer to the recipients of his works, and manages to re-invent his authorial image while his name turns into a brand.
Reading (and Not Reading) Anonymity: Daniel Defoe, An Essay on the Regulation of the Press and A Vindication of the Press
Authors: Vareschi Mark
Published: July 2016

In this essay I take up the anonymous An Essay on the Regulation of the Press (1704) and A Vindication of the Press (1718), both regularly attributed to Daniel Defoe. While the pamphlets themselves consider anonymity essential to a work being read and interpreted, paradoxically, twentieth- and twenty-first century critics insist on correct attribution as the starting point for interpretation. The consequences and benefits of authorial attribution to these, and other, minor works are not insignificant. The attribution of authorship to a known author ensures that a work will survive; it may even ensure that a work is subject to study and analysis. However, authorial attribution may also foreclose study and analysis because the attributed work, if it is to be by the named author, must be made to cohere within a larger body of work.
An “imperfect” Model of Authorship in Dorothy Wordsworth’s Grasmere Journal
Authors: Meek Heather
Published: July 2016

This essay explores Dorothy Wordsworth’s collaborative, “pluralist” model of selfhood and authorship as it is elaborated in her Grasmere journal (1800-03). Nature and community, for her, are extensions of the self rather than (as they often are for her brother William) external forces to be subsumed by the self of the solitary artist. This model, however, is the site of ambivalence and conflict, and is therefore “imperfect” – a word Wordsworth herself uses to qualify the “summary” she believes her journal as a whole provides. It is “imperfect” not because it is inferior, weak, or deficient in some way, but because it is riddled with tension and inconsistency. Wordsworth embraces processes of collaborative creativity, but she also expresses – largely through her narrations of illness – dissatisfaction with such processes, and she sometimes finds relief in her solitary, melancholic musings. In these ways, she at once subverts, reworks, and reinforces conventional, ‘solitary genius’ paradigms of authorship.
Persona-lly Appealing: Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard and Authorial Self-Representation
Authors: Tarantello Patricia F.
Published: July 2016

While scholarship on Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography describes his use of persona in nuanced terms, scholarship on Franklin’s earlier writings tends to characterize his use of persona as simply a device he used to eliminate personal details from his texts. This article, focused on Franklin’s Poor Richard persona, argues that he conceived of literary persona not simply as a tool to protect his anonymity, but also as a means of self-promotion and self-representation. Franklin used Poor Richard to make a space for himself in the literary marketplace, build a readership for the almanac, and create a positive public reputation for himself. Franklin’s early experiments in performing sincerity and authenticity through an invented personality prefigure the performances of identity he would deploy through his authorial persona in The Autobiography. Thus, by examining Franklin’s construction of identity in Poor Richard’s Almanack, we learn more about how he crafted a public identity for himself.
Latané, David E. William Maginn and the British Press: A Critical Biography (London: Ashgate, 2013)
Authors: Scott Jennifer
Published: July 2016

A review of Latané, David E.. William Maginn and the British Press: A Critical Biography. London: Ashgate, 2013. 378 pp. £95.
Rangsorok és tükörképek – ahogy a leendő hallgatók választanak
Authors: Csuka Gyongyi , Szivos Mihaly
Published: July 2016

A tanulmány a szerzők felmérésének adatait dolgozza fel, amely vizsgálta azt, mennyire ismerik a leendő hallgatók az egyetemi rangsorokat, és hogyan veszik azokat figyelembe döntéseik során. A többség ismeri, de azok korántsem válnak meghatározó tényezővé a döntéseikben. Hangsúlyosan veszik figyelembe azt, hogy jó tanáraik legyenek, hasznosítható tudásra tegyenek szert, és végül az elhelyezkedésüket biztosító diplomához jussanak. Megpróbálnak több forrásból is ismeretekhez jutni, és az is megmutatkozott, hogy ezek közül az internet vált a legfontosabbá, amelyet már felkészülten és rutinszerűen használnak. Kimutatható, hogy ugyanakkor a személyre szabottabb tájékoztatási formákat is keresik, amelyek számát a jövőben célszerű lenne gyarapítani.

Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) kód: Z13
Az épített örökség védelme és a gazdasági stratégia
Authors: Csaba László
Published: July 2016

Ez az esszé öt tételben vizsgálja, hogy a magyarországi épített örökség miért jutott olyan rossz helyzetbe, s a rendszerváltozás óta eltelt közel negyedszázad miért nem volt képes leküzdeni a háború és a szocializmus örökségét. Az írás második felében megkíséreljük fölvázolni azt, milyen gazdasági stratégia mentén lenneelérhető az a cél, hogy a hazai épített örökség üzleti és társadalmi hasznosítása is megvalósuljon. Ekkor tehertétel helyett – más országokban tapasztalt módon – a gazdasági fölemelkedés tartós tényezőjévé válhat.

Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) kód: I38, O21, P20, R11
A growth accounting fejlődése a növekedéselméletek tükrében
Authors: Nádasi Levente
Published: July 2016

Jelen írásban röviden bemutatom az egyes növekedéselméletek fejlődését, számba véve az egyes fejlődési szakaszokban a növekedés legfontosabb forrásainak tekintett tényezőket. Mivel a termelési függvény egyik fontos paramétere, a helyettesítési rugalmasság értéke nem egységnyi, ahogyan azt a nemzetközi vizsgálatokban alkalmazott Cobb–Douglas-termelési függvény feltételezi, és a helyettesítési rugalmasság értéke 1-től eltérő is lehet, szükséges egy általánosabb, CES típusú (Constant Elasticity of Substitution – állandó helyettesítési rugalmasságú) „termelési függvény”-család alkalmazása is. Technikai kérdésként felmerül a termelési tényezők csoportosítása is. A helyettesítési rugalmasság egyben hatékonysági tényező is, ezért a termelési függvény ezen jellemzője kiemelt szerepet kap az elemzésben. Végül összefoglalom azokat a legjelentősebb irodalmakat, amelyek főként a növekedés összetételével (growth accounting) foglalkoznak, és megpróbálnak választ találni arra a kérdésre, hogy mely faktorok játszanak jelentős vagy kevésbé jelentős szerepet a gazdasági növekedésben. A growth accounting erősen összekapcsolódik a növekedéselméletekkel, így a megfelelő pontokon visszautalok az egyes növekedéselméletekre is.

Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) kód: E13, O47
gazdasági növekedés gyorsításának esélyei Magyarországon 2030-ig
Authors: Mihályi Péter
Published: July 2016

A rendszerváltás nem hozta meg, amit leginkább várt a magyar közvélemény: a nyugati orrszágok életszínvonalához való felzárkózást. Ez 2030-ig sem fog bekövetkezni. Ma már világos, hogy a foglalkoztatás növelésében, a humán tőke formális képzésben testet öltő gyarapításában és az innovációban sokkal kevesenn növekedési tartalék van, mint azt a hazai közgazdasági gondolkodás tudni véli. Egyetlen komoly növekedési tartalékunk van: a vállalatok tulajdonosi koncentrációja nyomán, a méret- és választékgazdaságosságban rejlő előnyök kihasználásával kell növelni a vállalatok termelékenységét. Érdemileg nem lesz több munkáskéz, azoknak kell termelékenyebben dolgozni - másutt és másképpen -, akik már ma is dolgoznak. Ezen túlmenően a nagy elosztó rendszerek strukturális reformja és a beruházási ráta növelése is elengedhetetlen. Mindenekelőtt azonban, először "fejben" kell megváltozni, a termelékenység növelése útjában álló jogi, ideológiai és szemléletbeli akadályokat kell lebontani. Az ország politikai elitjének meg kell értenie és el kell fogadnia, hogy nincs olyan rövid távú társadalompolitikai cél, amiért érdemes feláldoznia termelékenység növekedését.

Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) kód: E66, O47, O50, O52
Journey Through the Theory of Economic Development
Authors: Delcea Lavinia Sidonia
Published: July 2016

The theory of development economics changed signifcantly from the first attempts of defining the concepts in the 50s until nowadays. The contributions to the development theory are at the same time closely related to the historical context of the underdeveloped and developing countries. This paper tries to facilitate the understanding of the way development economics evolved, by presenting the main contributions to the theory. The research methodology used in this study is analytical, based on the gatherinf of the information, its organisation in a logical way, the presentation and analysis of the most significant ones, and finally the drawing of relevant conclusions. The main findings of this paper are that after five decades of strong ideas and recipes of economic development we have reached a point of uncertainty regarding what is beneficial or harmful for the nations' economic development.

Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) classification: O10.
Calculation of NaI(Tl) detector full-energy peak efficiency using the efficiency transfer method for small radioactive cylindrical sources
Authors: Gouda Mona , Badawi Mohamed , El-Khatib Ahmed , Hussien Nancy , Abbas Mahmoud
Published: July 2016

A direct analytical mathematical method is introduced to calculate the
efficiency of gamma ray cylindrical detectors. The efficiency expression is
deduced through a straightforward mathematical approach. The presented method
is based on the accurate analytical calculation of the average path length
covered by the photon within the detector's active volume, effective solid
angle, and the efficiency transfer method in an integral form, so as to
obtain a simple formula for the detection efficiency. In addition, the
self-attenuation coefficient of the source matrix, the attenuation factors of
the source container (with a radius smaller than the detector radius) and the
detector housing materials are also treated by calculating the average path
length within these materials. 152Eu aqueous radioactive sources covering the
energy range from 121 keV to 1408 keV were used. Remarkable agreement between
the measured and the calculated efficiencies was achieved, with discrepancies
less than 6 %.
Natural radioactivity level in materials used for medieval vaulting in the territory of the central Balkan region
Authors: Bjelic Igor , Todorovic Dragana , Krneta-Nikolic Jelena , Lazarevic Djordje , Stankovic Koviljka
Published: July 2016

This work presents the results of an investigation undertaken to determine
the level of natural radioactivity in the traditional building materials used
for medieval indoor vaulted constructions in the territory of the central
Balkan region. Indoor radiation exposure varies appreciably if it comes from
the earth building materials, hence the presence of natural radioisotopes of
226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in masonry vaulted constructions was analyzed using
gamma ray spectrometry. In addition, the internal health hazard index, the
absorbed dose rates and the effective annual doses were calculated. The
results were then compared both with the reported data from the previous
studies concerning the territory of the Balkan Peninsula, as well as with the
worldwide values for the materials of historic buildings. The results
obtained from the materials examined in this paper all showed the
radioactivity levels below the maximum permitted values.
Do Electrochemiluminescence Assays Improve Prediction of Time to Type 1 Diabetes in Autoantibody-Positive TrialNet Subjects?
Authors: Fouts Alexandra , Pyle Laura , Yu Liping , Miao Dongmei , Michels Aaron , Krischer Jeffrey , Sosenko Jay , Gottlieb Peter , Steck Andrea K. ,   the Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet Study Group
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assays can help improve prediction of time to type 1 diabetes in the TrialNet autoantibody-positive population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

TrialNet subjects who were positive for one or more autoantibodies (microinsulin autoantibody, GAD65 autoantibody [GADA], IA-2A, and ZnT8A) with available ECL-insulin autoantibody (IAA) and ECL-GADA data at their initial visit were analyzed; after a median follow-up of 24 months, 177 of these 1,287 subjects developed diabetes.

RESULTS

Univariate analyses showed that autoantibodies by radioimmunoassays (RIAs), ECL-IAA, ECL-GADA, age, sex, number of positive autoantibodies, presence of HLA DR3/4-DQ8 genotype, HbA1c, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) measurements were all significantly associated with progression to diabetes. Subjects who were ECL positive had a risk of progression to diabetes within 6 years of 58% compared with 5% for the ECL-negative subjects (P < 0.0001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were compared, with the base model including age, sex, OGTT measurements, and number of positive autoantibodies by RIAs. The model with positivity for ECL-GADA and/or ECL-IAA was the best, and factors that remained significantly associated with time to diabetes were area under the curve (AUC) C-peptide, fasting C-peptide, AUC glucose, number of positive autoantibodies by RIAs, and ECL positivity. Adding ECL to the Diabetes Prevention Trial risk score (DPTRS) improved the receiver operating characteristic curves with AUC of 0.83 (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

ECL assays improved the ability to predict time to diabetes in these autoantibody-positive relatives at risk for developing diabetes. These findings might be helpful in the design and eligibility criteria for prevention trials in the future.
Isokinetic strength of fully operational U.S. Navy Seals with a previous history of shoulder and knee injury
Authors: Sell Timothy C. , Clark Nicholas C. , Abt John P. , Lovalekar Mita , Lephart Scott M.
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND:

Unintentional musculoskeletal injury has a significant impact on military personnel which is amplified in U.S. Navy Sea, Air, and Land Operators who participate in year round physical and tactical training. Full recovery from injury including restoration of strength is necessary for safe participation in training and performance of missions. Inadequate recovery may predispose the Operator to risk of future injury.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to examine isokinetic knee and shoulder strength of previously injured Operators who had returned to full duty.

METHODS:

Two previously injured cohorts, a knee injury group(n = 46) and a shoulder injury group (n = 55), were created from a larger group of Operators (n = 305) who had undergone strength testing. A comparison cohort was also created from each injury group (knee injury control group (n = 77) and shoulder injury control group (n = 121). All participants underwent isokinetic strength testing of their group assigned joint. This included knee flexion/extension strength testing for the knee group and shoulder internal/external rotation strength testing for the shoulder group. Side-to-side comparisons were made within each injury group and to the control group (injured extremity to strongest extremity of the control group). Individual counts within the injured Operators with strength deficits greater than 10% in their injured extremity were also performed.

RESULTS:

No significant side-to-side or between group differences were observed for the knee injury group. No significant side-to-side or between group differences were observed except for shoulder external rotation strength which was significantly different between groups(p = 0.003). Side-to-side strength deficits greater than 10% were observed in 20 to 25% of the injured Operators.

CONCLUSION:

The group comparisons demonstrate the effectiveness of the military group's rehabilitation and performance training programs, but continued vigilance and tracking of injured individuals are necessary to insure full recovery and return to duty as a small number of each injured cohort did have strength deficits bilaterally.
Zinc supplementation in male infertility
Authors: Fatima Parveen , Begum Nurjahan , Lshrat Shakeela , Banu Jesmin , Anwary Shaheen Ara , Rolly Suriya Jahan , Aziz Itrat , Rahman Dilruba , Hossain Humayra Bushra , Hossain Humayra Nawrin
Published: July 2016

Background: Inferile males have been shown to have lower levels of seminal plasma zinc which have been associated with reduced levels of zinc in their blood. Supplementation improve semen parameters by improving zinc level in blood. Objective: To fnd out whether zinc supplementation is effective in improving semen parameters in oligo­asthenozoospermic patients.Method: The study was carried out in the Infertility unit of the Dept of Obs & Gynae, BSMMU during the period of March 2011 to February 2012. Seventy five oligo-asthenozoospermic patients having no history of medical treatment were recruited for the study. The patients were divided into two groups by odd and even numbers. Odd numbers received tablet zinc 20 mg twice daily (Group A) and even numbers received placebo (Group B).Serum zinc level and seminal zinc level estimation were done by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectropho­tometry and semen analysis was done according to WHO guidelines (1999). Data analysis was done using software SPSS (version 16) by applying ANOVA (PostHock) and Paired Student's 't' test.Results: Serum zinc level was low in oligo­zoospermic patients which showed significant improvement with zinc supplementation (A+ 197.83 mmol/1, P<0.01). Mean (±SD) seminal plasma zinc level showed significant improvement in group A following zinc supplementation (+942.39 mmol/L, P<0.001). The mean increase in sperm count, sperm motility, sperm rapid linear motility, sperm morphology in group A following zinc supplementation for 12 weeks was 14.83 million/ml (P<0.01), 16.30% (P<0.01), 11.96% (P<0.01), 4.26% (P<0.001) respectively, which was statistically significant.Conclusion: The study shows zinc deficiency affects sperm count, sperm motility, rapid linear motility and sperm morphology and with zinc supplementa­tion there can be significant improvement in semen parameters.
Estimated GFR (eGFR) by prediction equation in staging of chronic kidney disease compared to gamma camera GFR
Authors: Alam Mohammad Masum , Hoque Md. Mozammel , Ferdousi Begum Shamim Momtaz , Khan Naila Atik
Published: July 2016

Background: Glomerular filtration rate is an effective tool for diagnosis and staging of chronic kidney disease. The effect ofrenal insufficiency by different method of this tool among patients with CKD is controversial.Objective: The objec­tive of this study was to evaluate the performance of eGFR in staging of CKD compared to gamma camera based GFR.Methods: This cross sectional analytical study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) with the collaboration with National Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, BSMMU during the period of January 2011 to December 2012. Gama camera based GFR was estimated from DTP A reno gram and eGFR was estimated by three prediction equations. Comparison was done by Bland Altman agree­ment test to see the agreement on the measurement of GFR between three equation based eGFR method and gama camera based GFR method. Staging comparison was done by Kappa analysis to see the agreement between the stages identified by those different methods.Results: Bland-Altman agreement analysis between GFR measured by gamma camera, CG equation ,CG equation corrected by BSA and MDRD equation shows statistically significant. CKD stages determined by CG GFR, CG GFR corrected by BSA , MDRD GFR and gamma camera based GFR was compared by Kappa statistical analysis .The kappa value was 0.66, 0.77 and 0.79 respectively.Conclusions: This study findings suggest that GFR estimation by MDRD equation in CKD patients shows good agreement with gamma camera based GFR and for staging of CKD patients, eGFR by MDRD formula may be used as very effective tool in Bangladeshi population.
Late presentation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: A diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Gurung Dinesh , Bhandari Shanker , Aftabuddin Md. , Adhikary Asit Baran
Published: July 2016

Congenital diaphragmatic hernias are commonly symptomatic within 24 hours after birth, but late presentation is not uncommon. Late presentation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia poses diagnostic difficulties as clinical picture are vague, and more commonly presented with non-specific gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms. Due to the vague and non-specific clinical presentation, clinician faces a diagnostic dilemma resulting in delay in diagnosis and many a times an inappropriate management. This article reports 2 cases of late-presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernia (over the period of 6 months from September 2014 to February 2015) in National Institute of Disease of Chest and Hospital (NIDCH). In first case, she was diagnosed as right-sided tubercular pleural effusion and was treated with CAT-1 anti-tubercular therapy for 6 months without any clinical improvement. Later CT scan of chest was done and diagnosed as a case of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The second case was diagnosed as a left-sided hydropneumothorax and treated with left tube thoracostomy. During removal of the intercostal chest tube, some fatty tissue was pulled out of the thoracostomy site. In NIDCH, she was diagnosed as a case of diaphragmatic hernia by barium follow-through. Both cases were diagnosed as Bochdalek hernia during the repair of the hernia defect via thoracotomy.
Promotional Effect of Ce on Iron-Based Catalysts for Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO with NH3
Authors: Wang Xiaobo , Zhang Lei , Wu Shiguo , Zou Weixin , Yu Shuohan , Shao Ye , Dong Lin
Published: July 2016

A series of Fe–Ce–Ti catalysts were prepared via co-precipitation method to investigate the effect of doping Ce into Fe–Ti catalysts for selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3. The NO conversion over Fe–Ce–Ti catalysts was considerably improved after Ce doping compared to that of Fe–Ti catalysts. The Fe(0.2)–Ce(0.4)–Ti catalysts exhibited superior catalytic activity to that of Fe(0.2)–Ti catalysts. The obtained catalysts were characterized by N2 adsorption (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR), temperature programmed desorption (NH3-TPD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrophotometry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The data showed that the introduction of Ce results in higher surface area and better dispersion of active components on the catalyst surface and enhances the amount of surface acid sites. The interactions between Fe and Ce species were found to improve the redox ability of the catalyst, which promotes catalytic performance at low temperature. The XPS results revealed that Fe3+/Fe2+ and Ce4+/Ce3+ coexisted on the catalyst surface and that Ti was in 4+ oxidation state on catalyst surface. Ce doping increased the atomic ratio of Fe/Ti and Ce/Ti and enhanced the surface adsorbed oxygen species. In addition, Fe(0.2)–Ce(0.4)–Ti catalyst also showed better tolerance to H2O and SO2 and up to 92% NO conversion at 270 °C with 200 ppm SO2 added over 25 h, which suggests that it is a promising industrial catalyst for mid-low temperature NH3–selective catalytic reduction (SCR) reaction.
A Raspberry Pi Based Portable Endoscopic 3D Measurement System
Authors: Schlobohm Jochen , Pösch Andreas , Reithmeier Eduard
Published: July 2016

Geometry measurements are very important to monitor a machine part’s health and performance. Optical measurement system have several advantages for the acquisition of a parts geometry: measurement speed, precision, point density and contactless operation. Measuring parts inside of assembled machines is also desirable to keep maintenance cost low. The Raspberry Pi is a small and cost efficient computer that creates new opportunities for compact measurement systems. We have developed a fringe projection system which is capable of measuring in very limited space. A Raspberry Pi 2 is used to generate the projection patterns, acquire the image and reconstruct the geometry. Together with a small LED projector, the measurement system is small and easy to handle. It consists of off-the-shelf products which are nonetheless capable of measuring with an uncertainty of less than 100 μ m .
Instagram and WhatsApp in Health and Healthcare: An Overview
Authors: Kamel Boulos Maged , Giustini Dean , Wheeler Steve
Published: July 2016

Instagram and WhatsApp are two social media and networking services introduced in 2010. They are currently subsidiaries of Facebook, Inc., California, USA. Using evidence from the published literature and case reports indexed in PubMed and other sources, we present an overview of the various applications of Instagram and WhatsApp in health and healthcare. We also briefly describe the main issues surrounding the uses of these two apps in health and medicine.
Incorporating Environmental Justice into Second Generation Indices of Multiple Deprivation: Lessons from the UK and Progress Internationally
Authors: Fairburn Jon , Maier Werner , Braubach Matthias
Published: July 2016

Second generation area-based indices of multiple deprivation have been extensively used in the UK over the last 15 years. They resulted from significant developments in political, technical, and conceptual spheres for deprivation data. We review the parallel development of environmental justice research and how and when environmental data was incorporated into these indices. We explain the transfer of these methods from the UK to Germany and assess the progress internationally in developing such indices. Finally, we illustrate how billions of pounds in the UK was allocated by using these tools to tackle neighbourhood deprivation and environmental justice to address the determinants of health.
Dietary Fluoride Intake and Associated Skeletal and Dental Fluorosis in School Age Children in Rural Ethiopian Rift Valley
Authors: Kebede Aweke , Retta Negussie , Abuye Cherinet , Whiting Susan , Kassaw Melkitu , Zeru Tesfaye , Tessema Masresha , Kjellevold Marian
Published: July 2016

An observational study was conducted to determine dietary fluoride intake, diet, and prevalence of dental and skeletal fluorosis of school age children in three fluorosis endemic districts of the Ethiopian Rift Valley having similar concentrations of fluoride (F) in drinking water (~5 mg F/L). The duplicate plate method was used to collect foods consumed by children over 24 h from 20 households in each community (n = 60) and the foods, along with water and beverages, were analyzed for fluoride (F) content. Prevalence of dental and skeletal fluorosis was determined using presence of clinical symptoms in children (n = 220). Daily dietary fluoride intake was at or above tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 10 mg F/day and the dietary sources (water, prepared food and beverages) all contributed to the daily fluoride burden. Urinary fluoride in children from Fentale and Adamitulu was almost twice (>5 mg/L) the concentration found in urine from children from Alaba, where rain water harvesting was most common. Severe and moderate dental fluorosis was found in Alaba and Adamitulu, the highest severity and prevalence being in the latter district where staple foods were lowest in calcium. Children in all three areas showed evidence of both skeletal and non-skeletal fluorosis. Our data support the hypothesis that intake of calcium rich foods in addition to using rain water for household consumption and preparation of food, may help in reducing risk of fluorosis in Ethiopia, but prospective studies are needed.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Two-Component System Genes in Tomato
Authors: He Yanjun , Liu Xue , Ye Lei , Pan Changtian , Chen Lifei , Zou Tao , Lu Gang
Published: July 2016

The two-component system (TCS), which comprises histidine kinases (HKs), phosphotransfers (HPs), and response regulator proteins (RRs), plays pivotal roles in regulating plant growth, development, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. TCS genes have been comprehensively identified and investigated in various crops but poorly characterized in tomato. In this work, a total of 65 TCS genes consisting of 20 HK(L)s, six HPs, and 39 RRs were identified from tomato genome. The classification, gene structures, conserved domains, chromosome distribution, phylogenetic relationship, gene duplication events, and subcellular localization of the TCS gene family were predicted and analyzed in detail. The amino acid sequences of tomato TCS family members, except those of type-B RRs, are highly conserved. The gene duplication events of the TCS family mainly occurred in the RR family. Furthermore, the expansion of RRs was attributed to both segment and tandem duplication. The subcellular localizations of the selected green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion proteins exhibited a diverse subcellular targeting, thereby confirming their predicted divergent functionality. The majority of TCS family members showed distinct organ- or development-specific expression patterns. In addition, most of TCS genes were induced by abiotic stresses and exogenous phytohormones. The full elucidation of TCS elements will be helpful for comprehensive analysis of the molecular biology and physiological role of the TCS superfamily.
Impact of Sulfuric Acid Treatment of Halloysite on Physico-Chemic Property Modification
Authors: Gaaz Tayser , Sulong Abu , Kadhum Abdul , Nassir Mohamed , Al-Amiery Ahmed
Published: July 2016

Halloysite (HNT) is treated with sulfuric acid and the physico-chemical properties of its morphology, surface activity, physical and chemical properties have been investigated when HNT is exposed to sulfuric acid with treatment periods of 1 h (H1), 3 h (H3), 8 h (H8), and 21 h (H21). The significance of this and similar work lies in the importance of using HNT as a functional material in nanocomposites. The chemical structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The spectrum demonstrates that the hydroxyl groups were active for grafting modification using sulfuric acid, promoting a promising potential use for halloysite in ceramic applications as filler for novel clay-polymer nanocomposites. From the X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum, it can be seen that the sulfuric acid breaks down the HNT crystal structure and alters it into amorphous silica. In addition, the FESEM images reveal that the sulfuric acid treatment dissolves the AlO6 octahedral layers and induces the disintegration of SiO4 tetrahedral layers, resulting in porous nanorods. The Bruncher-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area and total pore volume of HNTs showed an increase. The reaction of the acid with both the outer and inner surfaces of the nanotubes causes the AlO6 octahedral layers to dissolve, which leads to the breakdown and collapse of the tetrahedral layers of SiO4. The multi-fold results presented in this paper serve as a guide for further HNT functional treatment for producing new and advanced nanocomposites.
Agates from Kerrouchen (The Atlas Mountains, Morocco): Textural Types and Their Gemmological Characteristics
Authors: Natkaniec-Nowak Lucyna , Dumańska-Słowik Magdalena , Pršek Jaroslav , Lankosz Marek , Wróbel Paweł , Gaweł Adam , Kowalczyk Joanna , Kocemba Jacek
Published: July 2016

Agate nodules from Kerrouchen (Khénifra Province, Meknés-Tafilalet Region) in Morocco occur in Triassic basalts and reach up to 30 cm in diameter. Monocentric, banded agates—mainly in pastel pink, grey, white and yellow—with infiltration canals (osculum) are observed. Raman microspectroscopy revealed that the agates mainly consist of low quartz and subordinately moganite with distinctive 460 and 501 cm−1 marker bands, respectively. Linear mapping indicated that moganite mainly concentrates in grey zones of the monocentric agate nodules. The other types, polycentric and pseudostalactitic agates, are usually brown and red and contain minerals such as hematite and goethite. They form both regular and irregular mosaics rich in ornamentation. Occasionally, aggregates of copper sulphides or titanium oxides (rutile) can also be observed. These minerals are sometimes accompanied by carbonaceous material marked by 1320 and 1585 cm−1 Raman bands. It seems that formation of agates from Kerrouchen was induced by Si-rich and Fe-moderate fluids. Copper sulphides, rutile, and carbonates (possibly calcite) were most likely incorporated during post-magmatic processes. The origin of solid bitumen can be the result of hydrothermal or hypergenic processes.
Characterization of Coal Micro-Pore Structure and Simulation on the Seepage Rules of Low-Pressure Water Based on CT Scanning Data
Authors: Zhou Gang , Zhang Qi , Bai Ruonan , Ni Guanhua
Published: July 2016

This paper used the X-ray three-dimensional (3D) microscope and acquired, through CT scanning, the 3D data of the long-frame coal sample from the Daliuta Coal Mine. Then, the 3D datacube reconstructed from the coal’s CT scanning data was visualized with the use of Avizo, an advanced visualization software (FEI, Hillsboro, OR, USA). By means of a gray-scale segmentation technique, the model of the coal’s micro-pore structure was extracted from the object region, and the precise characterization was then conducted. Finally, the numerical simulation on the water seepage characteristics in the coal micro-pores model under the pressure of 3 MPa was performed on the CFX platform. Results show that the seepage of low-pressure water exhibited preference to the channels with large pore radii, short paths, and short distance from the outlet. The seepage pressure of low-pressure water decreased gradually along the seepage direction, while the seepage velocity of low-pressure water decreased gradually along the direction from the pore center to the wall. Regarding the single-channel seepage behaviors, the seepage velocity and mass flow rate of water seepage in the X direction were the largest, followed by the values of the seepage in the Y direction, and the seepage velocity and mass flow rate of water seepage in the Z direction were the smallest. Compared with the results in single-channel seepage, the dual-channel seepage in the direction of (X + Y) and the multi-channel seepage in the direction of (X + Y + Z) exhibited significant increases in the overall seepage velocity. The present study extends the application of 3D CT scanning data and provides a new idea and approach for exploring the seepage rules in coal micro-pore structures.
Immobilization of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii CLH1 on APTES-Coated Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Its Potential in the Production of Chlorophyll Derivatives
Authors: Yen Chih-Chung , Chuang Yao-Chen , Ko Chia-Yun , Chen Long-Fang , Chen Sheau-Shyang , Lin Chia-Jung , Chou Yi-Li , Shaw Jei-Fu
Published: July 2016

Recombinant Chlamydomonas reinhardtii chlorophyllase 1 (CrCLH1) that could catalyze chlorophyll hydrolysis to chlorophyllide and phytol in vitro was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant CrCLH1 was immobilized through covalent binding with a cubic (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) coating on magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONPs), which led to markedly improved enzyme performance and decreased biocatalyst costs for potential industrial application. The immobilized enzyme exhibited a high immobilization yield (98.99 ± 0.91 mg/g of gel) and a chlorophyllase assay confirmed that the immobilized recombinant CrCLH1 retained enzymatic activity (722.3 ± 50.3 U/g of gel). Biochemical analysis of the immobilized enzyme, compared with the free enzyme, showed higher optimal pH and pH stability for chlorophyll-a hydrolysis in an acidic environment (pH 3–5). In addition, compared with the free enzyme, the immobilized enzyme showed higher activity in chlorophyll-a hydrolysis in a high temperature environment (50–60 °C). Moreover, the immobilized enzyme retained a residual activity of more than 64% of its initial enzyme activity after 14 cycles in a repeated-batch operation. Therefore, APTES-coated MIONP-immobilized recombinant CrCLH1 can be repeatedly used to lower costs and is potentially useful for the industrial production of chlorophyll derivatives.
Exploring the Dietary Patterns of Young New Zealand Women and Associations with BMI and Body Fat
Authors: Schrijvers Jenna , McNaughton Sarah , Beck Kathryn , Kruger Rozanne
Published: July 2016

Examining dietary patterns provides an alternative approach to investigating dietary behaviors related to excess adiposity. The study aim was to investigate dietary patterns and body composition profiles of New Zealand European (NZE) women, participating in the women’s EXPLORE (Examining the Predictors Linking Obesity Related Elements) study. Post-menarche, pre-menopausal NZE women (16–45 years) (n = 231) completed a validated 220-item, self-administrated, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using measured height (cm) and weight (kg); body fat percentage (BF%) was measured using air displacement plethysmography (BodPod). Dietary patterns were identified using principal component factor analysis. Associations between dietary patterns, age, BMI and BF% were investigated. Four dietary patterns were identified: snacking; energy-dense meat; fruit and vegetable; healthy, which explained 6.9%, 6.8%, 5.6% and 4.8% of food intake variation, respectively. Age (p = 0.012) and BMI (p = 0.016) were positively associated with the “energy-dense meat” pattern. BF% (p = 0.016) was positively associated with the “energy-dense meat” pattern after adjusting for energy intake. The women following the identified dietary patterns had carbohydrate intakes below and saturated fat intakes above recommended guidelines. Dietary patterns in NZE women explain only some variations in body composition. Further research should examine other potential factors including physical activity and socioeconomic status.
3D Culture of Chondrocytes in Gelatin Hydrogels with Different Stiffness
Authors: Li Xiaomeng , Chen Shangwu , Li Jingchao , Wang Xinlong , Zhang Jing , Kawazoe Naoki , Chen Guoping
Published: July 2016

Gelatin hydrogels can mimic the microenvironments of natural tissues and encapsulate cells homogeneously, which makes them attractive for cartilage tissue engineering. Both the mechanical and biochemical properties of hydrogels can affect the phenotype of chondrocytes. However, the influence of each property on chondrocyte phenotype is unclear due to the difficulty in separating the roles of these properties. In this study, we aimed to study the influence of hydrogel stiffness on chondrocyte phenotype while excluding the role of biochemical factors, such as adhesion site density in the hydrogels. By altering the degree of methacryloyl functionalization, gelatin hydrogels with different stiffnesses of 3.8, 17.1, and 29.9 kPa Young’s modulus were prepared from the same concentration of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) macromers. Bovine articular chondrocytes were encapsulated in the hydrogels and cultured for 14 days. The influence of hydrogel stiffness on the cell behaviors including cell viability, cell morphology, and maintenance of chondrogenic phenotype was evaluated. GelMA hydrogels with high stiffness (29.9 kPa) showed the best results on maintaining chondrogenic phenotype. These results will be useful for the design and preparation of scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering.
Screening Belief: The Life of Pi, Computer Generated Imagery, and Religious Imagination
Authors: Wagner Rachel
Published: July 2016

Ang Lee’s The Life of Pi is based on Yann Martel’s novel of the same name. The film expands upon the novel’s fantastic story through the integration of new visual metaphors that invite religious reflection, and is reinforced by religious rituals within and beyond the film itself. Martel’s novel invites readers to believe Pi’s story without seeing it. Viewers of the film, by contrast, are invited to believe Pi’s story precisely because they are seeing it so vividly. Ang Lee constructs a filmic world using such elaborately developed CGI (computer-generated imagery) that the film exhibits only a vestigial relationship to the real-life animals and locations used in its creation. Indeed, it is impossible to make sense of the film’s extensive use of religious themes and rituals without understanding its use of immersive visual effects. For Ang Lee, the manufacture of a seamless, aesthetically appealing CGI world was a means of visually affirming the broadly conceived notions of interconnectedness and purpose that he borrowed from Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Jewish mysticism.
Substrate and Passivation Techniques for Flexible Amorphous Silicon-Based X-ray Detectors
Authors: Marrs Michael , Raupp Gregory
Published: July 2016

Flexible active matrix display technology has been adapted to create new flexible photo-sensing electronic devices, including flexible X-ray detectors. Monolithic integration of amorphous silicon (a-Si) PIN photodiodes on a flexible substrate poses significant challenges associated with the intrinsic film stress of amorphous silicon. This paper examines how altering device structuring and diode passivation layers can greatly improve the electrical performance and the mechanical reliability of the device, thereby eliminating one of the major weaknesses of a-Si PIN diodes in comparison to alternative photodetector technology, such as organic bulk heterojunction photodiodes and amorphous selenium. A dark current of 0.5 pA/mm2 and photodiode quantum efficiency of 74% are possible with a pixelated diode structure with a silicon nitride/SU-8 bilayer passivation structure on a 20 µm-thick polyimide substrate.
Unveiling the Dynamics of the Universe
Authors: Avelino Pedro , Barreiro Tiago , Carvalho C. , Da Silva Antonio , Lobo Francisco , Martín-Moruno Prado , Mimoso José , Nunes Nelson , Rubiera-García Diego , Sáez-Gómez Diego , Sousa Lara , Tereno Ismael , Trindade Arlindo
Published: July 2016

We explore the dynamics and evolution of the Universe at early and late times, focusing on both dark energy and extended gravity models and their astrophysical and cosmological consequences. Modified theories of gravity not only provide an alternative explanation for the recent expansion history of the universe, but they also offer a paradigm fundamentally distinct from the simplest dark energy models of cosmic acceleration. In this review, we perform a detailed theoretical and phenomenological analysis of different modified gravity models and investigate their consistency. We also consider the cosmological implications of well motivated physical models of the early universe with a particular emphasis on inflation and topological defects. Astrophysical and cosmological tests over a wide range of scales, from the solar system to the observable horizon, severely restrict the allowed models of the Universe. Here, we review several observational probes—including gravitational lensing, galaxy clusters, cosmic microwave background temperature and polarization, supernova and baryon acoustic oscillations measurements—and their relevance in constraining our cosmological description of the Universe.
Developing a Conjunctive Use Optimization Model for Allocating Surface and Subsurface Water in an Off-Stream Artificial Lake System
Authors: Pan Chen-Che , Chen Yu-Wen , Chang Liang-Cheng , Huang Chun-Wei
Published: July 2016

This work develops a rule curve-based conjunctive use management model for optimizing the operating rules for a lake–groundwater system with off-stream storage lakes. The proposed procedure is a simulation-optimization approach that embeds an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) instead of a groundwater numerical model into a genetic algorithm (GA). The direct physical exchange between lake water with groundwater is simulated using the ANN model, which is a reduced version of a full numerical model, MODFLOW with an LAK3 module. By applying the ANN model, the proposed procedure can reduce the computational burden that is induced by the nonlinear exchange. An operating rule-based optimal conjunctive use management model for the Gaopin Artificial lakes system in Taiwan was thus developed using the proposed framework. A set of optimal solutions involves rule curves and a discount ratio. Simulation results demonstrate that the embedded ANN model can accurately simulate the nonlinear exchange of a lake with groundwater. The embedded ANN model is less computationally complex than the numerical model. This work demonstrates a methodology for reducing the computational burden of the optimal conjunctive use management model that is associated with an internal nonlinear system by using the ANN reduced model. Specifically, the concept of, and results obtained using the developed operating rule-based model incorporating five artificial lakes and considering the nonlinear exchange of those lakes with the groundwater system provides a valuable practical reference for solving related conjunctive use problems.
A PRACTICAL THEOREM ON USING INTERFEROMETRY TO MEASURE THE GLOBAL 21 cm SIGNAL
Authors: Venumadhav Tejaswi , Chang Tzu-Ching , Doré Olivier , Hirata Christopher M.
Published: July 2016

The sky-averaged, or global, background of redshifted 21 cm radiation is expected to be a rich source of information on cosmological reheating and reionization. However, measuring the signal is technically challenging: one must extract a small, frequency-dependent signal from under much brighter spectrally smooth foregrounds. Traditional approaches to study the global signal have used single antennas, which require one to calibrate out the frequency-dependent structure in the overall system gain (due to internal reflections, for example) as well as remove the noise bias from auto-correlating a single amplifier output. This has motivated proposals to measure the signal using cross-correlations in interferometric setups, where additional calibration techniques are available. In this paper we focus on the general principles driving the sensitivity of the interferometric setups to the global signal. We prove that this sensitivity is directly related to two characteristics of the setup: the cross-talk between readout channels (i.e., the signal picked up at one antenna when the other one is driven) and the correlated noise due to thermal fluctuations of lossy elements (e.g., absorbers or the ground) radiating into both channels. Thus in an interferometric setup, one cannot suppress cross-talk and correlated thermal noise without reducing sensitivity to the global signal by the same factor—instead, the challenge is to characterize these effects and their frequency dependence. We illustrate our general theorem by explicit calculations within toy setups consisting of two short-dipole antennas in free space and above a perfectly reflecting ground surface, as well as two well-separated identical lossless antennas arranged to achieve zero cross-talk.