bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A World in the Making: Contingency and Time in James Benning'sBNSF
Authors: Adelaar Samuel
Published: February 2017

This article presents an analysis of James Benning's film, BNSF (2013). It argues that the film comprises a landscape rendered in such a way that the temporal aspects of the processes, both cultural and natural, of which it is composed are brought forth. The article also asserts that, by relating a world that unfolds with a measure of contingency, the film not only manifests the inherent inadequacy of representation, but also it draws attention to the efficacy of the world in the making of its moving image. Finally, the article demonstrates that the qualities of the world delimited by the film impel the viewer to attempt to envision facts of nature that greatly outsize the horizon of her human point of view.
When Temporal Orbits Collide: Embodied Trans Temporalities in U.S. Prisons
Authors: Rosenberg Rae
Published: February 2017

This paper explores trans temporalities through the experiences of incarcerated trans feminine persons in the United States. The Prison Industrial Complex (PIC) has received increased attention for its disproportionate containment of trans feminine persons, notably trans women of colour. As a system of domination and control, the PIC uses disciplinary and heteronormative time to dominate the bodies and identities of transgender prisoners by limiting the ways in which they can express and experience their identified and embodied genders. By analyzing three case studies from my research with incarcerated trans feminine persons, this paper illustrates how temporality is complexly woven through trans feminine prisoners' experiences of transitioning in the PIC. For incarcerated trans feminine persons, the interruption, refusal, or permission of transitioning in the PIC invites several gendered pasts into a body's present and places these temporalities in conversation with varying futures as the body's potential. Analyzing trans temporalities reveals time as layered through gender, inviting multiple pasts and futures to circulate around and through the body's present in ways that can be both harmful to, and necessary for, the assertion and survival of trans feminine identities in the PIC.
Adsorption of Chromium (VI) on Calcium Phosphate: Mechanisms and Stability Constants of Surface Complexes
Authors: Elyahyaoui Ahmed , Ellouzi Kawtar , Al Zabadi Hamzeh , Razzouki Brahim , Bouhlassa Saidati , Azzaoui Khalil , Mejdoubi El , Hamed Othman , Jodeh Shehdeh , Lamhamdi Abdellatif
Published: February 2017

The adsorption of chromate on octacalcium phosphate (OCP) was investigated as a function of contact time, surface coverage, and solution pH [...]
Enhanced Agarose and Xylan Degradation for Production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates by Co-Culture of Marine Bacterium, Saccharophagus degradans and Its Contaminant, Bacillus cereus
Authors: Sawant Shailesh , Salunke Bipinchandra , Taylor Larry , Kim Beom
Published: February 2017

Over reliance on energy or petroleum products has raised concerns both in regards to the depletion of their associated natural resources as well as their increasing costs. Bioplastics derived from microbes are emerging as promising alternatives to fossil fuel derived petroleum plastics. The development of a simple and eco-friendly strategy for bioplastic production with high productivity and yield, which is produced in a cost effective manner utilising abundantly available renewable carbon sources, would have the potential to result in an inexhaustible global energy source. Here we report the biosynthesis of bioplastic polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) in pure cultures of marine bacterium, Saccharophagus degradans 2-40 (Sde 2-40), its contaminant, Bacillus cereus, and a co-culture of these bacteria (Sde 2-40 and B. cereus) degrading plant and algae derived complex polysaccharides. Sde 2-40 degraded the complex polysaccharides agarose and xylan as sole carbon sources for biosynthesis of PHAs. The ability of Sde 2-40 to degrade agarose increased after co-culturing with B. cereus. The association of Sde 2-40 with B. cereus resulted in increased cell growth and higher PHA production (34.5% of dry cell weight) from xylan as a carbon source in comparison to Sde 2-40 alone (22.7% of dry cell weight). The present study offers an innovative prototype for production of PHA through consolidated bioprocessing of complex carbon sources by pure and co-culture of microorganisms.
Optical Beam Deflection Based AFM with Integrated Hardware and Software Platform for an Undergraduate Engineering Laboratory
Authors: Loh Siu , Cheah Wei
Published: February 2017

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been used extensively in nanoscience research since its invention. Recently, many teaching laboratories in colleges, undergraduate institutions, and even high schools incorporate AFM as an effective teaching tool for nanoscience education. This paper presents an optical beam deflection (OBD) based atomic force microscope, designed specifically for the undergraduate engineering laboratory as a teaching instrument. An electronic module for signal conditioning was built with components that are commonly available in an undergraduate electronic laboratory. In addition to off-the-shelf mechanical parts and optics, the design of custom-built mechanical parts waskept as simple as possible. Hence, the overall cost for the setup is greatly reduced. The AFM controller was developed using National Instruments Educational Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation Suite (NI ELVIS), an integrated hardware and software platform which can be programmed in LabVIEW. A simple yet effective control algorithm for scanning and feedback control was developed. Despite the use of an educational platform and low-cost components from the undergraduate laboratory, the developed AFM is capable of performing imaging in constant-force mode with submicron resolution and at reasonable scanning speed (approximately 18 min per image). Therefore, the AFM is suitable to be used as an educational tool for nanoscience. Moreover, the construction of the system can be a valuable educational experience for electronic and mechanical engineering students.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ti-6Al-4V Fabricated by Vertical Wire Feeding with Axisymmetric Multi-Laser Source
Authors: Fu Jie , Gong Lin , Zhang Yifei , Wu Qianru , Shi Xuezhi , Chang Junchao , Lu Jiping
Published: February 2017

Vertical wire feeding with an axisymmetric multi-laser source (feeding the wire vertically into the molten pool) has exhibited great advantages over LAM (laser additive manufacturing) with paraxial wire feeding, which has an anisotropic forming problem in different scanning directions. This paper investigates the forming ability of vertical wire feeding with an axisymmetric multi-laser source, and the microstructure and mechanical properties of the fabricated components. It has been found that vertical wire feeding with an axisymmetric multi-laser source has a strong forming ability with no anisotropic forming problem when fabricating the complex parts in a three-axis machine tool. Most of the grains in the samples are equiaxed grains, and a small amount of short columnar grains exist which are parallel to each other. The microstructure of the fabricated samples exhibits a fine basket-weave structure and martensite due to the fast cooling rate which was caused by the small size of the molten pool and the additional heat dissipation from the feeding wire. The static tensile test shows that the average ultimate tensile strength is 1140 MPa in the scanning direction and 1115 MPa in the building direction, and the average elongation is about 6% in both directions.
Early Maladaptive Schemas and Cognitive Distortions in Adults with Morbid Obesity: Relationships with Mental Health Status
Authors: Da Luz Felipe , Sainsbury Amanda , Hay Phillipa , Roekenes Jessica , Swinbourne Jessica , Da Silva Dhiordan , Da S. Oliveira Margareth
Published: February 2017

Dysfunctional cognitions may be associated with unhealthy eating behaviors seen in individuals with obesity. However, dysfunctional cognitions commonly occur in individuals with poor mental health independently of weight. We examined whether individuals with morbid obesity differed with regard to dysfunctional cognitions when compared to individuals of normal weight, when mental health status was controlled for. 111 participants—53 with morbid obesity and 58 of normal weight—were assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination, Young Schema Questionnaire, Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, and a Demographic and Clinical Questionnaire. Participants with morbid obesity showed higher scores in one (insufficient self-control/self-discipline) of 15 early maladaptive schemas and in one (labeling) of 15 cognitive distortions compared to participants of normal weight. The difference between groups for insufficient self-control/self-discipline was not significant when mental health status was controlled for. Participants with morbid obesity showed more severe anxiety than participants of normal weight. Our findings did not show clinically meaningful differences in dysfunctional cognitions between participants with morbid obesity or of normal weight. Dysfunctional cognitions presented by individuals with morbid obesity are likely related to their individual mental health and not to their weight.
On the Entropy of Deformed Phase Space Black Hole and the Cosmological Constant
Authors: Crespo-Hernández Andrés , Mena-Barboza Eri , Sabido Miguel
Published: February 2017

In this paper we study the effects of noncommutative phase space deformations on the Schwarzschild black hole. This idea has been previously studied in Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) cosmology, where this “noncommutativity” provides a simple mechanism that can explain the origin of the cosmological constant. In this paper, we obtain the same relationship between the cosmological constant and the deformation parameter that appears in deformed phase space cosmology, but in the context of the deformed phase space black holes. This was achieved by comparing the entropy of the deformed Schwarzschild black hole with the entropy of the Schwarzschild–de Sitter black hole.
Study Approach of Antioxidant Properties in Foods: Update and Considerations
Authors: Durazzo Alessandra
Published: February 2017

The assessment of interactions between natural antioxidants and other food matrix components represents the main step in the investigation of total antioxidant properties, in terms of potential health benefits. The diversity of chemical structures of natural compounds, besides their possible interactions, as well as the biological role and different modes of action makes it difficult to assess a single and reliable procedure for the evaluation of antioxidant activity. Today, much attention is given to the distinction between extractable and non-extractable antioxidants as a key tool in the description of the nutritional and healthy properties of food matrices. The starting point for the investigation of antioxidant effects of food extracts is the analysis of antioxidant properties of pure compounds and their interactions. Another complementary approach could be represented by the study of how different biologically active compound-rich extracts contribute to the total antioxidant capacity.
Occurrence and Antioxidant Activity of C1 Degradation Products in Cocoa
Authors: De Taeye Cédric , Cibaka Marie-Lucie , Collin Sonia
Published: February 2017

Procyanidin C1 is by far the main flavan-3-ol trimer in cocoa. Like other flavan-3-ols, however, it suffers a lot during heat treatments such as roasting. RP-HPLCHRMS/MS(ESI(−))analysis applied to an aqueous model medium containing commercial procyanidin C1 proved that epimerization is the main reaction involved in its degradation (accounting for 62% of degradation products). In addition to depolymerization, cocoa procyanidin C1 also proved sensitive to oxidation, yielding once- and twice-oxidized dimers. No chemical oligomer involving the native trimer was found in either model medium or cocoa, while two C1 isomers were retrieved. C1 degradation products exhibited antioxidant activity (monitored by RPHPLC-Online TEAC) close to that of C1 (when expressed in µM TE/mg·kg−1).
Exploring the Linkage between Urban Flood Risk and Spatial Patterns in Small Urbanized Catchments of Beijing, China
Authors: Yao Lei , Chen Liding , Wei Wei
Published: February 2017

In the context of global urbanization, urban flood risk in many cities has become a serious environmental issue, threatening the health of residents and the environment. A number of hydrological studies have linked urban flooding issues closely to the spectrum of spatial patterns of urbanization, but relatively little attention has been given to small-scale catchments within the realm of urban systems. This study aims to explore the hydrological effects of small-scaled urbanized catchments assigned with various landscape patterns. Twelve typical residential catchments in Beijing were selected as the study areas. Total Impervious Area (TIA), Directly Connected Impervious Area (DCIA), and a drainage index were used as the catchment spatial metrics. Three scenarios were designed as different spatial arrangement of catchment imperviousness. Runoff variables including total and peak runoff depth (Qt and Qp) were simulated by using Strom Water Management Model (SWMM). The relationship between catchment spatial patterns and runoff variables were determined, and the results demonstrated that, spatial patterns have inherent influences on flood risks in small urbanized catchments. Specifically: (1) imperviousness acts as an effective indicator in affecting both Qt and Qp; (2) reducing the number of rainwater inlets appropriately will benefit the catchment peak flow mitigation; (3) different spatial concentrations of impervious surfaces have inherent influences on Qp. These findings provide insights into the role of urban spatial patterns in driving rainfall-runoff processes in small urbanized catchments, which is essential for urban planning and flood management.
The Role of Healthy Lifestyle in the Implementation of Regressing Suboptimal Health Status among College Students in China: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Chen Jieyu , Xiang Hongjie , Jiang Pingping , Yu Lin , Jing Yuan , Li Fei , Wu Shengwei , Fu Xiuqiong , Liu Yanyan , Kwan Hiuyee , Luo Ren , Zhao Xiaoshan , Sun Xiaomin
Published: February 2017

Background: Suboptimal health status (SHS) is the intermediate health state between health and disease, it is medically undiagnosed and is also termed functional somatic syndrome. Although its clinical manifestations are complicated and various, SHS has not reached the disease status. Unhealthy lifestyle is associated with many chronic diseases and mortality. In accordance with the impact of lifestyle on health, it is intriguing to determine the association between unhealthy lifestyle and SHS risk. Methods: We conducted a nested case-control study among healthy Chinese college students from March 2012 to September 2013, which was nested in a prospective cohort of 5676 students. We performed 1:1 incidence density sampling with matched controls for birth year, sex, grade, specialty and individual character. SHS was evaluated using the medical examination report and Sub-health Measurement Scale V1.0 (SHMS V1.0). Exposure was defined as an unhealthy lifestyle per the frequency of six behavioral dimensions from the Health-promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP-II). Results: We matched 543 cases of SHS (42.66%) in a cohort of 1273 students during the 1.5 years mean follow-up time with controls. A significant difference (t = 9.79, p < 0.001) and a reduction in HPLP-II total score was present at 1.5 years follow-up (135.93 ± 17.65) compared to baseline (144.48 ± 18.66). A level-response effect was recorded with an increase of the total HPLP-II (every dimension was correlated with a decreased SHS risk). Compared to respondents with the least exposure (excellent level), those reporting a general HPLP-II level were approximately 2.3 times more likely to develop SHS (odd ratio = 2.333, 95% CI = 1.471 to 3.700); and those with less HPLP-II level (good level) were approximately 1.6 times more likely (1.644, 1.119–2.414) to develop SHS (p < 0.05). Our data indicated that unhealthy lifestyle behavior with respect to behavioral dimensions significantly affected SHS likelihood. Further analyses revealed a marked increase (average increased 14.73 points) in lifestyle level among those SHS regression to health after 1.5 years, with respect to the HPLP-II behavioral dimensions, in addition to the total score (t = -15.34, p < 0.001). Conclusions: SHS is highly attributable to unhealthy lifestyles, and the Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 240 2 of 17 mitigation of modifiable lifestyle risk factors may lead to SHS regression. Increased efforts to modify unhealthy lifestyles are necessary to prevent SHS.
Nattokinase: An Oral Antithrombotic Agent for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Weng Yunqi , Yao Jian , Sparks Sawyer , Wang Kevin
Published: February 2017

Natto, a fermented soybean product, has been consumed as a traditional food in Japan for thousands of years. Nattokinase (NK), a potent blood-clot dissolving protein used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, is produced by the bacterium Bacillus subtilis during the fermentation of soybeans to produce Natto. NK has been extensively studied in Japan, Korea, and China. Recently, the fibrinolytic (anti-clotting) capacity of NK has been recognized by Western medicine. The National Science Foundation in the United States has investigated and evaluated the safety of NK. NK is currently undergoing a clinical trial study (Phase II) in the USA for atherothrombotic prevention. Multiple NK genes have been cloned, characterized, and produced in various expression system studies. Recombinant technology represents a promising approach for the production of NK with high purity for its use in antithrombotic applications. This review covers the history, benefit, safety, and production of NK. Opportunities for utilizing plant systems for the large-scale production of NK, or for the production of edible plants that can be used to provide oral delivery of NK without extraction and purification are also discussed.
Retinoic Acid Negatively Impacts Proliferation and MCTC Specific Attributes of Human Skin Derived Mast Cells, but Reinforces Allergic Stimulability
Authors: Babina Magda , Artuc Metin , Guhl Sven , Zuberbier Torsten
Published: February 2017

The Vitamin-A-metabolite retinoic acid (RA) acts as a master regulator of cellular programs. Mast cells (MCs) are primary effector cells of type-I-allergic reactions. We recently uncovered that human cutaneous MCs are enriched with RA network components over other skin cells. Yet, direct experimental evidence on the significance of the RA-MC axis is limited. Here, skin-derived cultured MCs were exposed to RA for seven days and investigated by flow-cytometry (BrdU incorporation, Annexin/PI, FcεRI), microscopy, RT-qPCR, histamine quantitation, protease activity, and degranulation assays. We found that while MC size and granularity remained unchanged, RA potently interfered with MC proliferation. Conversely, a modest survival-promoting effect from RA was noted. The granule constituents, histamine and tryptase, remained unaffected, while RA had a striking impact on MC chymase, whose expression dropped by gene and by peptidase activity. The newly uncovered MRGPRX2 performed similarly to chymase. Intriguingly, RA fostered allergic MC degranulation, in a way completely uncoupled from FcεRI expression, but it simultaneously restricted MRGPRX2-triggered histamine release in agreement with the reduced receptor expression. Vitamin-A-derived hormones thus re-shape skin-derived MCs numerically, phenotypically, and functionally. A general theme emerges, implying RA to skew MCs towards processes associated with (allergic) inflammation, while driving them away from the skin-imprinted MCTC (“MCs containing tryptase and chymase”) signature (chymase, MRGPRX2). Collectively, MCs are substantial targets of the skin retinoid network.
GeneAnalytics Pathway Analysis and Genetic Overlap among Autism Spectrum Disorder, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia
Authors: Khanzada Naveen , Butler Merlin , Manzardo Ann
Published: February 2017

Bipolar disorder (BPD) and schizophrenia (SCH) show similar neuropsychiatric behavioral disturbances, including impaired social interaction and communication, seen in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with multiple overlapping genetic and environmental influences implicated in risk and course of illness. GeneAnalytics software was used for pathway analysis and genetic profiling to characterize common susceptibility genes obtained from published lists for ASD (792 genes), BPD (290 genes) and SCH (560 genes). Rank scores were derived from the number and nature of overlapping genes, gene-disease association, tissue specificity and gene functions subdivided into categories (e.g., diseases, tissues or functional pathways). Twenty-three genes were common to all three disorders and mapped to nine biological Superpathways including Circadian entrainment (10 genes, score = 37.0), Amphetamine addiction (five genes, score = 24.2), and Sudden infant death syndrome (six genes, score = 24.1). Brain tissues included the medulla oblongata (11 genes, score = 2.1), thalamus (10 genes, score = 2.0) and hypothalamus (nine genes, score = 2.0) with six common genes (BDNF, DRD2, CHRNA7, HTR2A, SLC6A3, and TPH2). Overlapping genes impacted dopamine and serotonin homeostasis and signal transduction pathways, impacting mood, behavior and physical activity level. Converging effects on pathways governing circadian rhythms support a core etiological relationship between neuropsychiatric illnesses and sleep disruption with hypoxia and central brain stem dysfunction.
Wear Behavior of Ceramic CAD/CAM Crowns and Natural Antagonists
Authors: Naumova Ella , Schneider Stephan , Arnold Wolfgang , Piwowarczyk Andree
Published: February 2017

Objective: Evaluation of wear behavior of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) crowns from various restorative materials and natural antagonists. Method: Full CAD/CAM crowns fabricated with nanoceramic resin (Lava Ultimate (LU)), a glass ceramic in a resin interpenetrating matrix (Vita Enamic (VE)) and a lithium silicate reinforced ceramic enriched with zirconia (Vita Suprinity (VS)) were cemented on human molars. The crown and antagonists were subjected to simulated chewing. 3D data sets, before and after the chewing simulation, were generated and matched. Occlusal surface roughness, vertical and volume loss of the crowns and antagonists were analyzed. Results: Crown roughness was significantly different between the LU and VE groups after chewing simulation. Crown vertical loss differed in all groups. The highest crown volume loss was found in the LU group, and the lowest in the VE group. Comparisons between the LU and VE groups and the LU and VS groups were significantly different. The highest antagonist volume loss was reached in the VE group, the lowest was in the LU group. Conclusion: Roughness increased after chewing simulation. LU crowns are the most natural antagonist-friendly; these were the most susceptible to vertical and volume loss. Of the tested materials, the VE crowns are the most stable regarding occlusion.
Necessary Conditions for Nonlinear Ultrasonic Modulation Generation Given a Localized Fatigue Crack in a Plate-Like Structure
Authors: Lim Hyung , Sohn Hoon
Published: February 2017

It has been shown that nonlinear ultrasonics can be more sensitive to local incipient defects, such as a fatigue crack, than conventional linear ultrasonics. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in utilizing nonlinear ultrasonics for structural health monitoring and nondestructive testing applications. While the conditions, which are the necessary conditions that should be satisfied for the generation of nonlinear harmonic components, are extensively studied for distributed material nonlinearity, little work has been done to understand the necessary conditions at the presence of a localized nonlinear source such as a fatigue crack. In this paper, the necessary conditions of nonlinear ultrasonic modulation generation in a plate-like structure are formulated specifically for a localized nonlinear source. Then, the correctness of the formulated necessary conditions is experimentally verified using ultrasounds obtained from aluminum plates.
Weibull Statistical Reliability Analysis of Mechanical and Magnetic Properties of FeCuNbxSiB Amorphous Fibers
Authors: Li Ruixuan , Hao Haiying , Zhao Yangyong , Zhang Yong
Published: February 2017

Glass-coated Fe76.5−xCu1NbxSi13.5B9 (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 3.5) fibers were successfully fabricated by a modified Taylor method. The fibers showed circular morphology and smooth surface with different diameters. The mechanical properties of the fibers were evaluated and the Weibull statistical analysis has been introduced to characterize the strength reliability of the fibers, with the modulus m of the amorphous fibers reaching above 20. The magnetic properties were also studied. Lower coercivity was found for the fibers with amorphous, nanocrystalline, and microcrystalline structures rather than that for the coarse crystalline ones. The glass-coated FeCuNbSiB amorphous fibers have excellent comprehensive performance compared with the other kind of fibers.
A Micro-Test Structure for the Thermal Expansion Coefficient of Metal Materials
Authors: Ren Qingying , Wang Lifeng , Huang Qingan
Published: February 2017

An innovative micro-test structure for detecting the thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) of metal materials is presented in this work. Throughout this method, a whole temperature sensing moveable structures are supported by four groups of cascaded chevrons beams and packed together. Thermal expansion of the metal material causes the deflection of the cascaded chevrons, which leads to the capacitance variation. By detecting the capacitance value at different temperatures, the TEC value of the metal materials can be calculated. A finite element model has been established to verify the relationship between the TEC of the material and the displacement of the structure on horizontal and vertical directions, thus a function of temperature for different values of TEC can be deduced. In order to verify the analytical model, a suspended-capacitive micro-test structure has been fabricated by MetalMUMPs process and tested in a climate chamber. Test results show that in the temperature range from 30 °C to 80 °C, the TEC of the test material is 13.4 × 10−6 °C−1 with a maximum relative error of 0.8% compared with the given curve of relationship between displacement and temperature.
Plasma Membrane Na+-Coupled Citrate Transporter (SLC13A5) and Neonatal Epileptic Encephalopathy
Authors: Bhutia Yangzom , Kopel Jonathan , Lawrence John , Neugebauer Volker , Ganapathy Vadivel
Published: February 2017

SLC13A5 is a Na+-coupled transporter for citrate that is expressed in the plasma membrane of specific cell types in the liver, testis, and brain. It is an electrogenic transporter with a Na+:citrate3− stoichiometry of 4:1. In humans, the Michaelis constant for SLC13A5 to transport citrate is ~600 μM, which is physiologically relevant given that the normal concentration of citrate in plasma is in the range of 150–200 μM. Li+ stimulates the transport function of human SLC13A5 at concentrations that are in the therapeutic range in patients on lithium therapy. Human SLC13A5 differs from rodent Slc13a5 in two important aspects: the affinity of the human transporter for citrate is ~30-fold less than that of the rodent transporter, thus making human SLC13A5 a low-affinity/high-capacity transporter and the rodent Slc13a5 a high-affinity/low-capacity transporter. In the liver, SLC13A5 is expressed exclusively in the sinusoidal membrane of the hepatocytes, where it plays a role in the uptake of circulating citrate from the sinusoidal blood for metabolic use. In the testis, the transporter is expressed only in spermatozoa, which is also only in the mid piece where mitochondria are located; the likely function of the transporter in spermatozoa is to mediate the uptake of citrate present at high levels in the seminal fluid for subsequent metabolism in the sperm mitochondria to generate biological energy, thereby supporting sperm motility. In the brain, the transporter is expressed mostly in neurons. As astrocytes secrete citrate into extracellular medium, the potential function of SLC13A5 in neurons is to mediate the uptake of circulating citrate and astrocyte-released citrate for subsequent metabolism. Slc13a5-knockout mice have been generated; these mice do not have any overt phenotype but are resistant to experimentally induced metabolic syndrome. Recently however, loss-of-function mutations in human SLC13A5 have been found to cause severe epilepsy and encephalopathy early in life. Interestingly, there is no evidence of epilepsy or encephalopathy in Slc13a5-knockout mice, underlining the significant differences in clinical consequences of the loss of function of this transporter between humans and mice. The markedly different biochemical features of human SLC13A5 and mouse Slc13a5 likely contribute to these differences between humans and mice with regard to the metabolic consequences of the transporter deficiency. The exact molecular mechanisms by which the functional deficiency of the citrate transporter causes epilepsy and impairs neuronal development and function remain to be elucidated, but available literature implicate both dysfunction of GABA (γ-aminobutyrate) signaling and hyperfunction of NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartate) receptor signaling. Plausible synaptic mechanisms linking loss-of-function mutations in SLC13A5 to epilepsy are discussed.
Spectral Analysis of Acceleration Data for Detection of Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures
Authors: Joo Hyo , Han Su-Hyun , Lee Jongshill , Jang Dong , Kang Joong , Woo Jihwan
Published: February 2017

Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCSs) can be underestimated and can also increase mortality rates. The monitoring devices used to detect GTCS events in daily life are very helpful for early intervention and precise estimation of seizure events. Several studies have introduced methods for GTCS detection using an accelerometer (ACM), electromyography, or electroencephalography. However, these studies need to be improved with respect to accuracy and user convenience. This study proposes the use of an ACM banded to the wrist and spectral analysis of ACM data to detect GTCS in daily life. The spectral weight function dependent on GTCS was used to compute a GTCS-correlated score that can effectively discriminate between GTCS and normal movement. Compared to the performance of the previous temporal method, which used a standard deviation method, the spectral analysis method resulted in better sensitivity and fewer false positive alerts. Finally, the spectral analysis method can be implemented in a GTCS monitoring device using an ACM and can provide early alerts to caregivers to prevent risks associated with GTCS.
Effect of Ball Weight on Speed, Accuracy, and Mechanics in Cricket Fast Bowling
Authors: Wickington Katharine , Linthorne Nicholas
Published: February 2017

The aims of this study were: (1) to quantify the acute effects of ball weight on ball release speed, accuracy, and mechanics in cricket fast bowling; and (2) to test whether a period of sustained training with underweight and overweight balls is effective in increasing a player’s ball release speed. Ten well-trained adult male cricket players performed maximum-effort deliveries using balls ranging in weight from 46% to 137% of the standard ball weight (156 g). A radar gun, bowling target, and 2D video analysis were used to obtain measures of ball speed, accuracy, and mechanics. The participants were assigned to either an intervention group, who trained with underweight and overweight balls, or to a control group, who trained with standard-weight balls. We found that ball speed decreased at a rate of about 1.1 m/s per 100 g increase in ball weight. Accuracy and bowling mechanics were not adversely affected by changes in ball weight. There was evidence that training with underweight and overweight balls might have produced a practically meaningful increase in bowling speed (>1.5 m/s) in some players without compromising accuracy or increasing their risk of injury through inducing poor bowling mechanics. In cricket fast bowling, a wide range of ball weight might be necessary to produce an effective modified-implement training program.
Do Plant-Bound Masked Mycotoxins Contribute to Toxicity?
Authors: Gratz Silvia
Published: February 2017

Masked mycotoxins are plant metabolites of mycotoxins which co-contaminate common cereal crops. Since their discovery, the question has arisen if they contribute to toxicity either directly or indirectly through the release of the parent mycotoxins. Research in this field is rapidly emerging and the aim of this review is to summarize the latest knowledge on the fate of masked mycotoxins upon ingestion. Fusarium mycotoxins are the most prevalent masked mycotoxins and evidence is mounting that DON3Glc and possibly other masked trichothecenes are stable in conditions prevailing in the upper gut and are not absorbed intact. DON3Glc is also not toxic per se, but is hydrolyzed by colonic microbes and further metabolized to DOM-1 in some individuals. Masked zearalenone is rather more bio-reactive with some evidence on gastric and small intestinal hydrolysis as well as hydrolysis by intestinal epithelium and components of blood. Microbial hydrolysis of ZEN14Glc is almost instantaneous and further metabolism also occurs. Identification of zearalenone metabolites and their fate in the colon are still missing as is further clarification on whether or not masked zearalenone is hydrolyzed by mammalian cells. New masked mycotoxins continuously emerge and it is crucial that we gain detailed understanding of their individual metabolic fate in the body before we can assess synergistic effects and extrapolate the additive risk of all mycotoxins present in food.
A Short-Term Water Demand Forecasting Model Using a Moving Window on Previously Observed Data
Authors: Pacchin Elena , Alvisi Stefano , Franchini Marco
Published: February 2017

In this article, a model for forecasting water demands over a 24-h time window using solely a pair of coefficients whose value is updated at every forecasting step is presented. The first coefficient expresses the ratio between the average water demand over the 24 h that follow the time the forecast is made and the average water demand over the 24 h that precede it. The second coefficient expresses the relationship between the average water demand in a generic hour falling within the 24-h forecasting period and the average water demand over that period. These coefficients are estimated using the information available in the weeks prior to the time of forecasting and, therefore, the model does not require any actual calibration process. The length of the time series necessary to implement the model is thus just a few weeks (3–4 weeks) and the model can be parameterized and used without there being any need to collect hourly water demand data for long periods. The application of the model to a real-life case and a comparison with results provided by another model already proposed in the scientific literature show it to be effective, robust, and easy to use.
Thin SnOx films for surface plasmon resonance enhanced ellipsometric gas sensing (SPREE)
Authors: Fischer Daniel , Hertwig Andreas , Beck Uwe , Lohse Volkmar , Negendank Detlef , Kormunda Martin , Esser Norbert
Published: February 2017

Background: Gas sensors are very important in several fields like gas monitoring, safety and environmental applications. In this approach, a new gas sensing concept is investigated which combines the powerful adsorption probability of metal oxide conductive sensors (MOS) with an optical ellipsometric readout. This concept shows promising results to solve the problems of cross sensitivity of the MOS concept.

Results: Undoped tin oxide (SnOx) and iron doped tin oxide (Fe:SnOx) thin add-on films were prepared by magnetron sputtering on the top of the actual surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensing gold layer. The films were tested for their sensitivity to several gas species in the surface plasmon resonance enhanced (SPREE) gas measurement. It was found that the undoped tin oxide (SnOx) shows higher sensitivities to propane (C3H8) then to carbon monoxide (CO). By using Fe:SnOx, this relation is inverted. This behavior was explained by a change of the amount of binding sites for CO in the layer due to this iron doping. For hydrogen (H2) no such relation was found but the sensing ability was identical for both layer materials. This observation was related to a different sensing mechanism for H2 which is driven by the diffusion into the layer instead of adsorption on the surface.

Conclusion: The gas sensing selectivity can be enhanced by tuning the properties of the thin film overcoating. A relation of the binding sites in the doped and undoped SnOx films and the gas sensing abilities for CO and C3H8 was found. This could open the path for optimized gas sensing devices with different coated SPREE sensors.
Multi-messenger Light Curves from Gamma-Ray Bursts in the Internal Shock Model
Authors: Bustamante Mauricio , Heinze Jonas , Murase Kohta , Winter Walter
Published: February 2017

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are promising as sources of neutrinos and cosmic rays. In the internal shock scenario, blobs of plasma emitted from a central engine collide within a relativistic jet and form shocks, leading to particle acceleration and emission. Motivated by present experimental constraints and sensitivities, we improve the predictions of particle emission by investigating time-dependent effects from multiple shocks. We produce synthetic light curves with different variability timescales that stem from properties of the central engine. For individual GRBs, qualitative conclusions about model parameters, neutrino production efficiency, and delays in high-energy gamma-rays can be deduced from inspection of the gamma-ray light curves. GRBs with fast time variability without additional prominent pulse structure tend to be efficient neutrino emitters, whereas GRBs with fast variability modulated by a broad pulse structure can be inefficient neutrino emitters and produce delayed high-energy gamma-ray signals. Our results can be applied to quantitative tests of the GRB origin of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays, and have the potential to impact current and future multi-messenger searches.
Embedded Spiral Patterns in the Cool Core of the Massive Cluster of Galaxies Abell 1835
Authors: Ueda (上田周太朗) Shutaro , Kitayama (北山哲) Tetsu , Dotani (堂谷忠靖) Tadayasu
Published: February 2017

We present the properties of an intracluster medium (ICM) in the cool core of the massive cluster of galaxies, Abell 1835, obtained with the data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory. We find distinctive spiral patterns with a radius of 70 kpc (or 18″) as a whole in the residual image of the X-ray surface brightness after the two-dimensional ellipse model of surface brightness is subtracted. The size is smaller by a factor of 2–4 than that of other clusters that are known to have a similar pattern. The spiral patterns consist of two arms. One of them appears as positive, and the other appears as negative excesses in the residual image. Their X-ray spectra show that the ICM temperatures in the positive- and negative-excess regions are

keV and

keV, respectively. In contrast, no significant difference is found in the abundance or pressure, the latter of which suggests that the ICM in the two regions of the spiral patterns is near or is in pressure equilibrium. The spatially resolved X-ray spectroscopy of the central region (

), divided into 92 sub-regions indicates that Abell 1835 is a typical cool core cluster. We also find that the spiral patterns extend from the cool core out to the hotter surrounding ICM. The residual image reveals some lumpy substructures in the cool core. The line of sight component of the disturbance velocity that is responsible for the substructures is estimated to be lower than 600 km s−1. Abell 1835 may now be experiencing an off-axis minor merger.
Augmented Reality as E-learning Tool in Primary Schools’ Education: Barriers to Teachers’ Adoption
Authors: Alkhattabi Mona
Published: February 2017

Today, primary school teachers face challenges when dealing with digital natives. As a result of the explosion and rapid growth in information technologies that can be used in education, there are increasing demands to adopt technology in education, in order to influence students to learn actively and motivate them to gain an effective learning process. Augmented reality applications show good potential in giving students more active, effective and meaningful learning processes. Moreover, augmented reality attracts research attention for its ability to allow students to be immersed in realistic experiences. Therefore, this study reviews the main benefits of using augmented reality applications in education. It also aims to examine user acceptance of augmented reality applications within an e-learning environment in primary schools, from the teachers’ perspective, as an initial experiment. Moreover, it explores the main barriers and benefits when adopting this technology.
Exploring a Recommendation System of Free E-learning Platforms: Functional Architecture of the System
Authors: Ouadoud Mohammed , Chkouri Mohamed Yassin , Nejjari Amel , El Kadiri Kamal Eddine
Published: February 2017

This paper presents the functional architecture of a recommendation system of free e-learning platforms that we have implemented in order to facilitate the choice of the most suitable e-learning platform to meet the objectives, specifications and criteria chosen by the institution. Thus, any random choice entails a loss of money, effort and time loss, for porters and device designers, and this is for various reasons (cost, utility, usability, etc.). Notably, this system takes into account more than 20 platforms. The choice of these platforms is based on a methodical and systemic approach that identifies the adequate criteria to the objectives and specifications chosen by the institution, depending on the objects and pedagogical tools related to the recommended teaching and learning device, in order to retain the most suitable e-learning platform.
This paper is motivated by our will to clarify and support users in their choice of the most suitable platform to meet their needs and to benefit a maximum from the potential offered by technologies in pedagogy.
Development of Indonesian Text-to-Audiovisual Synthesis System Using Syllable Concatenation Approach to Support Indonesian Learning
Authors: _ Arifin , Sumpeno Surya , Hariadi Mochamad , Syarif Arry Maulana
Published: February 2017

This study aims to develop of Indonesian Text-to-Audiovisual synthesis system using syllable concatenation approach to support Indonesian learning. This system can visualize the syllable pronunciation synchronized with the speech signal so that it can provide a realistic illustration of the articulator movement when each phoneme is pronounced. Syllable concatenation approach is used to realize a realistic visualization by assembling articulation and coarticulation in the form of syllables. In the development of the system, we have recorded speech database in the syllables form which refers to the patterns of syllables in Indonesian. The syllable concatenation approach is used to concatenate viseme of each phoneme, and to form the visualization of syllable pronunciations. It is synchronized with the corresponding speech from the speech database. Evaluation of this system is conducted based on a "lips-reading" of the 10 Indonesian sentences entered into the system. Ratings are based on the degree of correspondence between the syllable pronunciation and the speech produced. Assessment of all respondents is calculated using MOS (Mean Opinion Score). The calculation results show that the Indonesian text-to-audiovisual system has produced the pronunciation visualization more realistic and smoother.
Identification of Novel Chondroprotective Mediators in Resolving Inflammatory Exudates
Authors: Kaneva Magdalena K. , Greco Karin V. , Headland Sarah E. , Montero-Melendez Trinidad , Mori Prashant , Greenslade Kevin , Pitzalis Costantino , Moore Adrian , Perretti Mauro
Published: February 2017

We hypothesized that exudates collected at the beginning of the resolution phase of inflammation might be enriched for tissue protective molecules; thus an integrated cellular and molecular approach was applied to identify novel chondroprotective bioactions. Exudates were collected 6 h (inflammatory) and 24 h (resolving) following carrageenan-induced pleurisy in rats. The resolving exudate was subjected to gel filtration chromatography followed by proteomics, identifying 61 proteins. Fractions were added to C28/I2 chondrocytes, grown in micromasses, ions with or without IL-1β or osteoarthritic synovial fluids for 48 h. Three proteins were selected from the proteomic analysis, α1-antitrypsin (AAT), hemopexin (HX), and gelsolin (GSN), and tested against catabolic stimulation for their effects on glycosaminoglycan deposition as assessed by Alcian blue staining, and gene expression of key anabolic proteins by real-time PCR. In an in vivo model of inflammatory arthritis, cartilage integrity was determined histologically 48 h after intra-articular injection of AAT or GSN. The resolving exudate displayed protective activities on chondrocytes, using multiple readouts: these effects were retained in low m.w. fractions of the exudate (46.7% increase in glycosaminoglycan deposition; ∼20% upregulation of COL2A1 and aggrecan mRNA expression), which reversed the effect of IL-1β. Exogenous administration of HX, GSN, or AAT abrogated the effects of IL-1β and osteoarthritic synovial fluids on anabolic gene expression and increased glycosaminoglycan deposition. Intra-articular injection of AAT or GSN protected cartilage integrity in mice with inflammatory arthritis. In summary, the strategy for identification of novel chondroprotective activities in resolving exudates identified HX, GSN and AAT as potential leads for new drug discovery programs.