bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scrounging and Salvaging: Literary Guidance and the Descent into the Underworld in the Inferno, Paradise Lost, Frankenstein and Heart of Darkness
Authors: Agarwal Megha
Published: May 2018

Socrates, in Phaedo, posits that the route to Hades is far from ‘straightforward’, and that it is riddled with ‘crossroads’ that demand the presence of a vigilant guide. The possibility of multiple routes culminating in the underworld, and the necessity of guidance, form the bedrock of the interwoven analysis of the Inferno, Paradise Lost, Frankenstein, and Heart of Darkness. Amidst the profusion of pathways, the Inferno and Paradise Lost gesture towards a direction that is replicated and repudiated in Mary Shelley and Joseph Conrad's versions of the descent voyage in Frankenstein and Heart of Darkness.

Dante and Milton's ‘prototype’ narratives exemplify the descent – or the fall – into hell, and shape the two novels through ‘literary guidance’. Heart of Darkness emerges as an inversion of the meticulously structured Dantean universe. The Pilgrim's progress in the Inferno is a consistent counterpoint to Conradian chaos and Marlow's wilful yet meandering descent into colonial Africa. Dante's Pilgrim emerges from the underworld to progress onwards, while Marlow remains entrenched in the inescapably infernal condition of twentieth-century imperialism. The Inferno is an unacknowledged spectre that haunts the proceedings of the novella, but Milton's poetic re-telling of Genesis is a recognised presence in Frankenstein. Paradise Lost is re-viewed through the perspective of the hapless Monster, who oscillates between identifying with Satan and Adam. Both poets thus dabble in the attainment (or the elusiveness) of salvation, while the novelists struggle to salvage a semblance of significance with which they can imbue their characters' journeys.

While 2016 saw several literary anniversaries, a strand that the organisers envisioned intertwining with ‘salvaging’, the year 2015 marked the 750th birth anniversary of Dante, sparking speculation about the present-day pertinence of the afterlife. This interplay between the theme of Salvage and these four narratives ought to provide unexpected insights that complement BCLA's emphasis on renewing critical perspectives.
The Old Man in Purgatory: The Indian Part in Yeats's Vision of Salvation
Authors: Im Yeeyon
Published: May 2018

This essay examines Yeats's Purgatory via A Vision, in an attempt to understand his view of salvation in particular relation to Indian philosophy. Read from a Christian perspective, Purgatory may be a work far from purgation, as T. S. Eliot once complained. I wish to show in this essay that Purgatory indeed places emphasis on purgation by a negative example, if in a different way from the Catholic one. Yeats denies the linear eschatology of Christian theology as well as its doctrine of salvation in eternal heaven. In A Vision, Yeats explains his view of the afterlife of the soul, which involves purgation through ‘the Dreaming Back’. The special treatment of the Old Man renders Purgatory a meta-purgatorial play that mirrors the Dreaming Back of his mother's spirit in the Old Man's, intensifying the theme of purgation. Purgatory effectively dramatizes the inability to forgive and cast out remorse: the impossibility of nishikam karma, or selfless action, to borrow Sanskrit terms, which is essential for Yeatsian salvation. Finally, I would also emphasize Yeats's deviation from the Hindu wisdom, which makes Yeats's vision uniquely his own.
Calvin's Preterition and Pynchon's Salvation
Authors: Mohammadi Marjan
Published: May 2018

In the monster novel Gravity's Rainbow (1973), one of Thomas Pynchon's many disappearing characters prophetically announces: ‘somewhere, among the wastes of the World, is the key that will bring us back, restore us to our Earth and to our freedom’ (p. 394). Then, if anything it is ‘the wasted’, ‘the passed over’, and ‘the preterite’ that hold Pynchon's scattered narrative together. This essay focuses on the devastating proliferation of waste, the rise of technology in human affairs, and their relationship to the idea of salvation in Pynchon's work. To reflect on this link, it investigates the Calvinist rhetoric of preterition (nonelection to salvation) and its influence on contemporary US culture through Pynchon's work. First, it studies Calvin's concept of preterition and how it becomes connected to the wasted (disregarded, passed over, or used up); and second, based on Calvin's conception of preterition, it goes on to explore how the proliferation of waste in the contemporary America portrayed by Pynchon is the outcome of the capitalist economic system and its reliance on technology that converges with secularization and modernity.
Revisiting, Transforming and Transferring Robinson Crusoe and John Silver into Another Literature
Authors: Pujol-Valls Maria
Published: May 2018

The Catalan children's author Josep Vallverdú published two crossover stories based on Robinson Crusoe and Treasure Island. Les raons de Divendres (Friday's Reasons) (2003) gives an account of the episode of Crusoe and Friday told from the point of view of the servant, whereas El testament de John Silver (John Silver's Will) (2007) deals with the adventures of the pirate after searching for the treasure in the Caribbean. This paper demonstrates how Vallverdú uses his experience as a writer and translator to transform two canonical novels, through transposition into a contemporary context, in a way that facilitates an interaction between Catalan literature and English literature. In keeping with this exploration of literary tradition, the two sequels are also analysed as twenty-first century expressions of a Western literary tradition that abounds in adventure stories set at sea.
Indefeasible Family Rights: A Comparative View on the Restrictions of Testamentary Freedom
Authors: Roggendorf Hannah
Published: May 2018

Testamentary freedom and family protection in succession law are often described as contradictory principles. Nonetheless, in most European legal systems both principles coexist. This article focuses on three conceptions of this coexistence: legal rights in Scotland, compulsory portion in Germany and family provision in England. All three systems must accommodate changing values of family life in modern society. Most recently, the timeliness of traditional solutions has been a controversial topic of the debate leading to the Succession (Scotland) Act 2016, and it continues to be an issue of debate, because regarding legal rights no final solution has been found. A comparative analysis can demonstrate the interconnectedness between social values and legal concepts, and it can further identify potential for legal innovation.

Family rights, especially in Germany, have been contextualised with a historic notion of family property. In the present law of all three countries the contextual emphasis shifts towards familial solidarity and a moral duty to provide for family members. On a concrete level, there is a discernible connection between matrimonial property relationships and spousal rights to the estate in Germany and England, which in Scotland is no longer present. Further, the English system can also accommodate cohabitants as potential claimants. Scots law has at least in the case of intestacy incorporated a similar provision, while German law thus far does not provide any legal concept for cohabitation.
Lies, Collateral Lies and Insurance Claims: The Changing Landscape in Insurance Law
Authors: Soyer Baris
Published: May 2018

Determining the scope of the fraudulent claims rule in insurance law has posed a significant challenge for the courts, particularly in the last two decades. In the shadow of the doctrine of utmost good faith, the law in this area has developed in an uncompromising fashion introducing draconian remedies against an assured who submits a fraudulent claim. The Supreme Court's most recent intervention has provided much needed guidance on the state of the law. This article, taking into account the fact that in other areas of law more proportionate remedies have gradually been introduced, discusses the boundaries of the fraudulent claims rule in insurance law as it applies in England and Wales and Scotland. Considering that the insurers might be tempted to introduce fraudulent claims clauses into their contracts to expand the common law definition of insurance fraud at the claims stage, this article also evaluates the wording of such clauses often used in practice and concludes that they lack the desired clarity.
A Multi-Stage Algorithm for a Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Constraints
Authors: Cassettari Lucia , Demartini Melissa , Mosca Roberto , Revetria Roberto , Tonelli Flavio
Published: May 2018

The Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) is one of the most optimized tasks studied and it is implemented in a huge variety of industrial applications. The objective is to design a set of minimum cost paths for each vehicle in order to serve a given set of customers. Our attention is focused on a variant of VRP, the capacitated vehicle routing problem when applied to natural gas distribution networks. Managing natural gas distribution networks includes facing a variety of decisions ranging from human resources and material resources to facilities, infrastructures, and carriers. Despite the numerous papers available on vehicle routing problem, there are only a few that study and analyze the problems occurring in capillary distribution operations such as those found in a metropolitan area. Therefore, this work introduces a new algorithm based on the Saving Algorithm heuristic approach which aims to solve a Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem with time and distance constraints. This joint algorithm minimizes the transportation costs and maximizes the workload according to customer demand within the constraints of a time window. Results from a real case study in a natural gas distribution network demonstrates the effectiveness of the approach.
Lateral Vibration Suppression by Varying Stiffness Control in a Vertically Active Magnetic Suspension System
Authors: Javed Asief , Mizuno Takeshi , Takasaki Masaya , Ishino Yuji , Hara Masayuki , Yamaguchi Daisuke
Published: May 2018

Reduction of vibration in passively supported lateral directions by varying stiffness control is discussed in a vertically active magnetic suspension system. In the target system, one pair of electromagnets is arranged in differential driving mode to actively control the vertical motion of the floator. Usually the floator is prone to vibrate in the lateral direction because it is passively supported by virtue of the edge effect of the electromagnets. In this work, such vibrations are reduced by incrementing or decrementing the currents simultaneously during vibration without changing the vertical position of the floator. This control strategy is implemented in a developed apparatus where an iron ball is suspended by differentially operated electromagnets without any mechanical contact. Experiments are carried out, and the results show the reduction of lateral vibrations without changing the vertical position of the floator.
The Role of the Process and Design Variables in Improving the Performance of Heat Exchanger Tube Expansion
Authors: Han Changwan , Sin Inchul , Kwon Hyerin , Park Seonghun
Published: May 2018

In the expansion process of a fin-tube heat exchanger, the process variables and shape of the expansion ball affect the deformation of the tube’s inner grooves, the adhesion, and the expansion force. These factors influence the efficiency of heat transfer and the lifetime of the expansion equipment. Therefore, this study analyzed the influential variables of the tube expansion process as well as the expansion ball design through experiments and simulations. A new method was proposed to determine the severity of adhesion in the tube’s inner grooves using the expansion force rate. Expansion experiments with Al tubes show that the expansion force decreases when using a lubricant with high viscosity and when the lubricant remains on the expansion ball for a longer duration. Finite element analysis was also performed to examine the expansion of Cu tubes, which showed that the expansion force was higher when using expansion ball shapes that have higher contact area between the ball and tube surface. The radius of curvature of the expansion ball also influenced the expansion force. However, increasing the ratio of the radial force to the expansion force increased the deformation of the tube’s inner grooves.
Conceptual and Technical Design Aspects of Accelerators for External Injection in LWFA
Authors: Marchetti Barbara , Assmann Ralph , Dorda Ulrich , Zhu Jun
Published: May 2018

Laser driven Wake-Field Acceleration (LWFA) has proven its capability of accelerating electron bunches (e-bunches) to up to 4 GeV energy in a single stage while reaching gradients up to hundreds of GV/m. Because of the short period of the accelerating field (typically ranging from 100 fs to 1 ps duration) and the requirement of extremely small beam size (typically smaller than 1 μ m) to match the channel, e-bunches can reach extremely high densities. They can be either extracted directly from the plasma or externally injected. The study of the external injection is interesting for two main reasons. On the one hand this method allows better control of the quality of the input beam and on the other hand it is in general necessary when a staged approach of the accelerator is considered. The interest in producing, characterizing and transporting high brightness ultra-short e-bunches has grown together with the interest in LWFA and other novel high-gradient acceleration techniques. In this paper we will review the principal techniques for producing and shaping ultra-short electron bunches with the example of the SINBAD-ARES (Accelerator Research Experiment at SINBAD) linac at the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY). Our goal is to show how the design of the SINBAD-ARES linac satisfies the requirements for generating high brightness LWFA probes. In the last part of the paper we shall also comment on the technical challenges for electron control and characterization.
Can Computers Create Art?
Authors: Hertzmann Aaron
Published: May 2018

This essay discusses whether computers, using Artificial Intelligence (AI), could create art. First, the history of technologies that automated aspects of art is surveyed, including photography and animation. In each case, there were initial fears and denial of the technology, followed by a blossoming of new creative and professional opportunities for artists. The current hype and reality of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for art making is then discussed, together with predictions about how AI tools will be used. It is then speculated about whether it could ever happen that AI systems could be credited with authorship of artwork. It is theorized that art is something created by social agents, and so computers cannot be credited with authorship of art in our current understanding. A few ways that this could change are also hypothesized.
Simultaneous Sensing of Temperature and Bi-Directional Strain in a Prismatic Li-Ion Battery
Authors: Nascimento Micael , Ferreira Marta S. , Pinto João L.
Published: May 2018

Thermal and pressure stability of Li-ion batteries (LiB) are the most important parameters for safety. In abuse operating conditions, the rapid increase of temperature and pressure can cause the appearance of hot-spots, which may lead to an increasing degradation rate or even to the battery’s explosion and/or combustion. A sensing network of fiber Bragg gratings is attached to the surface of a prismatic LiB to monitor its temperature and bi-directional strain variations through normal charge (0.70 C) and two different discharge rates (1.32 C and 5.77 C) in the x- and y-directions. More significant variations are registered when the LiB operates in abnormal conditions. A maximum temperature variation of 27.52 ± 0.13 °C is detected by the sensors located close to the positive electrode side. Regarding strain and consequent length variations, maximum values of 593.58 ± 0.01 µε and 51.05 ± 0.05 µm are respectively obtained by the sensors placed on the y-direction. The sensing network presented can be a solution for the real-time monitoring, multipoint and in operando temperature and bi-directional strain variations in the LiBs, promoting their safety.
Effect of Mesoporous Chitosan Action and Coordination on the Catalytic Activity of Mesoporous Chitosan-Grafted Cobalt Tetrakis(p-Sulfophenyl)Porphyrin for Ethylbenzene Oxidation
Authors: Huang Guan , Mo Lin Qiang , Wei Yan Xun , Zhou Hong , Guo Yong An , Wei Su Juan
Published: May 2018

To simulate the active site cavity structure function and axial coordination of cytochrome P-450 enzymes, mesoporous chitosan(mesp-CTS) was used as a scaffold for a meso-sized cavity to immobilize cobalt tetrakis(p-sulphophenyl)porphyrin chloride(Co TPPS). Immobilization was achieved via an acid–base reaction and axial coordination of the H2N-C group to the Co ion in Co TPPS, thus forming the biomimetic catalyst Co TPPS/mesp-CTS. Several approaches, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET)technique, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), were used to characterize the grafted catalyst. The catalytic performance of Co TPPS/mesp-CTS in ethylbenzene oxidation without any solvents and additives was investigated. The results showed that only 0.96 × 10 mol of Co TPPS grafted onto mesp-CTS could be recycled three times for 200 mL of ethylbenzene oxidation, with an average yield of 44.6% and selectivity of 68.8%. The highly efficient catalysis can be attributed to promotion by mesp-CTS, including the effect of the mesoporous structure and the axial coordination to the Co ion in Co TPPS. This biomimetic methodology provides a method for clean production of acetophenone via ethylbenzene oxidation.
Erratum: Norman C. Treloar. Deconstructing Global Temperature Anomalies: An Hypothesis. Climate 2017, 5, 83
Authors:   Climate Editorial Office
Published: May 2018

The authors would like to correct Section 1.2 of this article [1] as follows[...]
Exponential Entropy for Simplified Neutrosophic Sets and Its Application in Decision Making
Authors: Ye Jun , Cui Wenhua
Published: May 2018

Entropy is one of many important mathematical tools for measuring uncertain/fuzzy information. As a subclass of neutrosophic sets (NSs), simplified NSs (including single-valued and interval-valued NSs) can describe incomplete, indeterminate, and inconsistent information. Based on the concept of fuzzy exponential entropy for fuzzy sets, this work proposes exponential entropy measures of simplified NSs (named simplified neutrosophic exponential entropy (SNEE) measures), including single-valued and interval-valued neutrosophic exponential entropy measures, and investigates their properties. Then, the proposed exponential entropy measures of simplified NSs are compared with existing related entropy measures of interval-valued NSs to illustrate the rationality and effectiveness of the proposed SNEE measures through a numerical example. Finally, the developed exponential entropy measures for simplified NSs are applied to a multi-attribute decision-making example in an interval-valued NS setting to demonstrate the application of the proposed SNEE measures. However, the SNEE measures not only enrich the theory of simplified neutrosophic entropy, but also provide a novel way of measuring uncertain information in a simplified NS setting.
Synthetic Diesel Production as a Form of Renewable Energy Storage
Authors: Samavati Mahrokh , Martin Andrew , Santarelli Massimo , Nemanova Vera
Published: May 2018

Production of synthetic hydrocarbon fuels as a means for renewable energy storage has gained attention recently. Integration of solid oxide co-electrolysis of steam and carbon dioxide with the Fischer-Tropsch process to transform renewable electricity into Fischer-Tropsch diesel is one of the promising suggested pathways. However, considering the intermittency of produced renewable electricity such integration will have a low capacity factor. Besides, locating a reliable source of carbon dioxide near the installed integrated system may prove to be difficult. A novel integration for production of Fischer-Tropsch diesel from various renewable sources is suggested in this study. The proposed integrated system includes solid oxide electrolysis, entrained gasification, Fischer-Tropsch process and an upgrading system. Gasification is assumed to have a continuous operation which increases capacity factor of the integrated system. Carbon dioxide supplied via gasification of biomass provides a reliable source for on-site co-electrolysis. Technical capabilities of the proposed integrated system examined by investigating performance in relation with electricity, and diesel demand of four different European cities. Results show that the proposed system is capable of supplying Fischer-Tropsch diesel of between 0.9–32% of the annual diesel demand for road transportation respective to the location of installation, with a high emission savings (around 100%). Cost of produced diesel is not competitive with conventional diesel for all cases, even when all the other by-products were assumed to be sold to the market.
A Robust Current Controller for Uncertain Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors with a Performance Recovery Property for Electric Power Steering Applications
Authors: Kim Yonghun , Seo Hyung-Tae , Kim Seok-Kyoon , Kim Kyung-Soo
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a robust current tracking controller for permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) with a performance recovery property for electric power steering (EPS) applications. The contributions of this work are twofold. First, a disturbance observer (DOB) is designed to compensate the disturbances arising from the model–plant mismatches while reducing the closed-loop sensitivity. Second, a current controller is designed to improve the current tracking performance in the frequency domain by assigning the performance recovery property to the closed-loop system. The closed-loop performance is verified through simulations and experiments using a 500 W PMSM connected to an EPS system.
Zero-Axis Virtual Synchronous Coordinate Based Current Control Strategy for Grid-Connected Inverter
Authors: Yang Longyue , Feng Chunchun , Zhao Yan , Liu Jianhua
Published: May 2018

Unbalanced power has a great influence on the safe and stable operation of the distribution network system. The static power compensator, which is essentially a grid-connected inverter, is an effective solution to the three-phase power imbalance problem. In order to solve the tracking error problem of zero-sequence AC current signals, a novel control strategy based on zero-axis virtual synchronous coordinates is proposed in this paper. By configuring the operation of filter transmission matrices, a specific orthogonal signal is obtained for zero-axis reconstruction. In addition, a controller design scheme based on this method is proposed. Compared with the traditional zero-axis direct control, this control strategy is equivalent to adding a frequency tuning module by the orthogonal signal generator. The control gain of an open loop system can be equivalently promoted through linear transformation. With its clear mathematical meaning, zero- sequence current control can be controlled with only a first-order linear controller. Through reasonable parameter design, zero steady-state error, fast response and strong stability can be achieved. Finally, the performance of the proposed control strategy is verified by both simulations and experiments.
Journey into Bone Models: A Review
Authors: Scheinpflug Julia , Pfeiffenberger Moritz , Damerau Alexandra , Schwarz Franziska , Textor Martin , Lang Annemarie , Schulze Frank
Published: May 2018

Bone is a complex tissue with a variety of functions, such as providing mechanical stability for locomotion, protection of the inner organs, mineral homeostasis and haematopoiesis. To fulfil these diverse roles in the human body, bone consists of a multitude of different cells and an extracellular matrix that is mechanically stable, yet flexible at the same time. Unlike most tissues, bone is under constant renewal facilitated by a coordinated interaction of bone-forming and bone-resorbing cells. It is thus challenging to recreate bone in its complexity in vitro and most current models rather focus on certain aspects of bone biology that are of relevance for the research question addressed. In addition, animal models are still regarded as the gold-standard in the context of bone biology and pathology, especially for the development of novel treatment strategies. However, species-specific differences impede the translation of findings from animal models to humans. The current review summarizes and discusses the latest developments in bone tissue engineering and organoid culture including suitable cell sources, extracellular matrices and microfluidic bioreactor systems. With available technology in mind, a best possible bone model will be hypothesized. Furthermore, the future need and application of such a complex model will be discussed.
Mapping the Loss of Mt. Kenya’s Glaciers: An Example of the Challenges of Satellite Monitoring of Very Small Glaciers
Authors: Prinz Rainer , Heller Armin , Ladner Martin , Nicholson Lindsey I. , Kaser Georg
Published: May 2018

Since the last complete glacier mapping of Mt. Kenya in 2004, strong glacier retreat and glacier disintegration have been reported. Here, we compile and present a new glacier inventory of Mt. Kenya to document recent glacier change. Glacier area and mass changes were derived from an orthophoto and digital elevation model extracted from Pléiades tri-stereo satellite images. We additionally explore the feasibility of using freely available imagery (Sentinel-2) and an alternative elevation model (TanDEM-X-DEM) for monitoring very small glaciers in complex terrain, but both proved to be inappropriate; Sentinel-2 because of its too coarse horizontal resolution compared to the very small glaciers, and TanDEM-X-DEM because of errors in the steep summit area of Mt. Kenya. During 2004–2016, the total glacier area on Mt. Kenya decreased by 121.0 × 10³ m² (44%). The largest glacier (Lewis) lost 62.8 × 10³ m² (46%) of its area and 1.35 × 10³ m³ (57%) of its volume during the same period. The mass loss of Lewis Glacier has been accelerating since 2010 due to glacier disintegration, which has led to the emergence of a rock outcrop splitting the glacier in two parts. If the current retreat rates prevail, Mt. Kenya’s glaciers will be extinct before 2030, implying the cessation of the longest glacier monitoring record of the tropics.
Numerically Calculated 3D Space-Weighting Functions to Image Crustal Volcanic Structures Using Diffuse Coda Waves
Authors: Del Pezzo Edoardo , De La Torre Angel , Bianco Francesca , Ibanez Jesús , Gabrielli Simona , De Siena Luca
Published: May 2018

Seismic coda measurements retrieve parameters linked to the physical characteristics of rock volumes illuminated by high frequency scattered waves. Space weighting functions (SWF) and kernels are different tools that model the spatial sensitivity of coda envelopes to scattering and absorption anomalies in these rock matrices, allowing coda-wave attenuation ( Q c o d a ) imaging. This note clarifies the difference between SWF and sensitivity kernels developed for coda wave imaging. It extends the SWF previously developed in 2D to the third dimension by using radiative transfer and the diffusion equation, based on the assumption that variations of Q c o d a depend solely on variations of the extinction length. When applied to active data (Deception Island, Antarctica), 3D SWF images strongly resemble 2D images, making this 3D extension redundant. On the other hand, diffusion does not efficiently model coda waveforms when using earthquake datasets spanning depths between 0 and 20 km, such as at Mount St. Helens volcano. In this setting, scattering attenuation and absorption suffer tradeoffs and cannot be separated by fitting a single seismogram energy envelope for SWF imaging. We propose that an approximate analytical 3D SWF, similar in shape to the common coda kernels used in literature, can still be used in a space weighted back-projection approach. While Q c o d a is not a physical parameter of the propagation medium, its spatially-dependent modeling allows improved reconstruction of crustal-scale tectonic and geological features. It is even more efficient as a velocity independent imaging tool for magma and fluid storage when applied to deep volcanism.
Among the PALMs1
Authors: Haring Lee
Published: May 2018

Born out of the convergence of intellectual traditions and owning a borrowing capacity analogous to the one that engenders creole languages, the study of folklore, or folkloristics, claims the right to adapt and remodel political, psychological, and anthropological insights, not only for itself but for the humanities disciplines of philosophy, art, literature, and music (the “PALM” disciplines). Performance-based folkloristics looks like a new blend, or network, of elements from several of those. What looks like poaching, which is a common practice for folksong and folk narrative, can be examined in the PALM disciplines under names like intertextuality and plagiarism. Nation-oriented traditions of folklore study have convergence, borrowing, and remodeling in their history which are also discoverable in other disciplines. Linguistic and cultural creolization—what happens when people of different linguistic and cultural backgrounds are forced together to learn from one another—lies at the center of folklore; its study opens paths for research in all humanities fields. The study of folklore, while remaining marginal in universities, is undergoing a self-transformation which should lead to the acceptance of its methods and findings in the PALM disciplines.
Teaching Incest Narratives, Student Survivors, and Inclusive Pedagogy
Authors: Nicki Andrea
Published: May 2018

I examine and challenge the view, expressed by some literary theorists, that writings about trauma should be read and taught differently from other writings because these reflect a desire to heal with the support of a community of readers. I explore some poems about incest, including my own, and the expressed intentions and intellectual processes of the authors. I argue that framing these writings as healing narratives misconceives the writers as healers. I address some challenges in teaching incest narratives and strategies that can help ensure the inclusion of student incest survivors and, generally, student survivors of chronic childhood trauma. While some scholars have emphasized the importance of instructors providing trigger warnings when assigning material about trauma, students of chronic childhood trauma can be triggered by wide-ranging material. I emphasize that these students need to be recognized as a minority group facing disadvantages and discrimination, and discuss how educational institutes and campus services could be improved to better meet their needs. Further, I elaborate how survivor-inclusive pedagogy gives a central place in diverse curricula to first-person narratives and experiences of survivors. Finally, I note some encouraging developments in the fields of psychology and law and make some recommendations.
Single Mothers’ Experiences with Pregnancy and Child Rearing in Korea: Discrepancy between Social Services/Policies and Single Mothers’ Needs
Authors: Kim Jung-Eun , Lee Jin Yong , Lee Sang Hyung
Published: May 2018

This study aims to explore single mothers’ experiences with social services/policies for their independent living and to identify gaps between these experiences and the needs of single mothers. A focus group discussion was performed to collect data. Seven single mothers discussed their experiences in significant periods of their lives: pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. Findings from the qualitative thematic analysis show discrepancies between the direction of social services/policies and single mothers’ needs, in terms of difficulties in healthcare, childcare, housing, employment, and income security. To the single mothers in this study, the social safety net is not inclusive, compared to that which is available to two-parent families or adoptive families. It is necessary to intervene in current blind spots of services/policies for single mothers, and to provide a social safety net to strengthen single mothers’ self-reliance and their children’s social security in the long term.
A Functional Study Identifying Critical Residues Involving Metal Transport Activity and Selectivity in Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Protein 3 in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Li Jiyu , Wang Lihua , Zheng Lu , Wang Yuerong , Chen Xi , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2018

Arabidopsis thaliana natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 3 (AtNRAMP3) is involved in the transport of cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn). Here, we present a structure-function analysis of AtNRAMP3 based on site-directed mutagenesis and metal toxicity growth assays involving yeast mutants, combined with three-dimensional (3D) structure modeling based on the crystal structure of the Eremococcus coleocola NRAMP family transporter, EcoDMT. We demonstrated that two conservative sites, D72 and N75, are essential for the transport activity. The M248A mutation resulted in a decrease in Cd sensitivity, while maintaining Mn transport. The mutation involving G61 caused a significant impairment of Fe and Mn transport, thereby indicating the importance of the conserved residue for proper protein function. The mutation involving G171 disrupted Fe transport activity but not that of Mn and Cd, suggesting that G171 is essential to metal binding and selectivity. Two residues, E194 and R262, may play an important role in stabilizing outward-facing conformation, which is essential for transport activity. Deletion assays indicated that the N-terminus is necessary for the function of AtNRAMP3. The findings of the present study revealed the structure-function relationship of AtNRAMP3 and metal transport activity and selectivity, which may possibly be applied to other plant NRAMP proteins.
Genome-Wide Identification of MicroRNAs in Response to Cadmium Stress in Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.) Using High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Jian Hongju , Yang Bo , Zhang Aoxiang , Ma Jinqi , Ding Yiran , Chen Zhiyou , Li Jiana , Xu Xinfu , Liu Liezhao
Published: May 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have important roles in regulating stress-response genes in plants. However, identification of miRNAs and the corresponding target genes that are induced in response to cadmium (Cd) stress in Brassica napus remains limited. In the current study, we sequenced three small-RNA libraries from B. napus after 0 days, 1 days, and 3 days of Cd treatment. In total, 44 known miRNAs (belonging to 27 families) and 103 novel miRNAs were identified. A comprehensive analysis of miRNA expression profiles found 39 differentially expressed miRNAs between control and Cd-treated plants; 13 differentially expressed miRNAs were confirmed by qRT-PCR. Characterization of the corresponding target genes indicated functions in processes including transcription factor regulation, biotic stress response, ion homeostasis, and secondary metabolism. Furthermore, we propose a hypothetical model of the Cd-response mechanism in B. napus. Combined with qRT-PCR confirmation, our data suggested that miRNAs were involved in the regulations of TFs, biotic stress defense, ion homeostasis and secondary metabolism synthesis to respond Cd stress in B. napus.
Calcium-Activated Cl− Channel: Insights on the Molecular Identity in Epithelial Tissues
Authors: Rottgen Trey S. , Nickerson Andrew J. , Rajendran Vazhaikkurichi M.
Published: May 2018

Calcium-activated chloride secretion in epithelial tissues has been described for many years. However, the molecular identity of the channel responsible for the Ca2+-activated Cl− secretion in epithelial tissues has remained a mystery. More recently, TMEM16A has been identified as a new putative Ca2+-activated Cl− channel (CaCC). The primary goal of this article will be to review the characterization of TMEM16A, as it relates to the physical structure of the channel, as well as important residues that confer voltage and Ca2+-sensitivity of the channel. This review will also discuss the role of TMEM16A in epithelial physiology and potential associated-pathophysiology. This will include discussion of developed knockout models that have provided much needed insight on the functional localization of TMEM16A in several epithelial tissues. Finally, this review will examine the implications of the identification of TMEM16A as it pertains to potential novel therapies in several pathologies.
Toxicity of Selected Acaricides to Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) and Varroa (Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman) and Their Use in Controlling Varroa within Honey Bee Colonies
Authors: Gregorc Aleš , Alburaki Mohamed , Sampson Blair , Knight Patricia , Adamczyk John
Published: May 2018

The efficacies of various acaricides in order to control a parasitic mite, the Varroa mite, Varroa destructor, of honey bees, were measured in two different settings, namely, in laboratory caged honey bees and in queen-right honey bee colonies. The Varroa infestation levels before, during, and after the acaricide treatments were determined in two ways, namely: (1) using the sugar shake protocol to count mites on bees and (2) directly counting the dead mites on the hive bottom inserts. The acaricides that were evaluated were coumaphos, tau-fluvalinate, amitraz, thymol, and natural plant compounds (hop acids), which were the active ingredients. The acaricide efficacies in the colonies were evaluated in conjunction with the final coumaphos applications. All of the tested acaricides significantly increased the overall Varroa mortality in the laboratory experiment. Their highest efficiencies were recorded at 6 h post-treatment, except for coumaphos and thymol, which exhibited longer and more consistent activity. In the honey bee colonies, a higher Varroa mortality was recorded in all of the treatments, compared with the natural Varroa mortality during the pretreatment period. The acaricide toxicity to the Varroa mites was consistent in both the caged adult honey bees and workers in the queen-right colonies, although, two of these acaricides, coumaphos at the highest doses and hop acids, were comparatively more toxic to the worker bees.
Personality and Intelligence Interact in the Prediction of Academic Achievement
Authors: Bergold Sebastian , Steinmayr Ricarda
Published: May 2018

Personality predicts academic achievement above and beyond intelligence. However, studies investigating the possible interaction effects between personality and intelligence when predicting academic achievement are scarce, as is the separate investigation of broad personality factors versus narrow personality facets in this context. Two studies with 11th grade students (Study 1: N = 421; Study 2: N = 243) were conducted to close this research gap. The students completed the Intelligence-Structure-Test 2000 R measuring general reasoning ability, and a well-established personality inventory based on the Five Factor Model. Academic achievement was operationalized via Grade Point Average. Using hierarchical regression and moderation analyses, Study 1 revealed that Conscientiousness interacted with intelligence when predicting academic achievement: there was a stronger association between intelligence and academic achievement when students scored higher on the Conscientiousness scale. Study 2 confirmed the findings from Study 1 and also found a moderation effect of Neuroticism (stronger association between intelligence and academic achievement with lower values on the Neuroticism scale). Analyses at the facet level revealed much more differentiated results than did analyses at the domain level, suggesting that investigating personality facets should be preferred over investigating personality domains when predicting academic achievement.
Long- and Short-Term Cryptocurrency Volatility Components: A GARCH-MIDAS Analysis
Authors: Conrad Christian , Custovic Anessa , Ghysels Eric
Published: May 2018

We use the GARCH-MIDAS model to extract the long- and short-term volatility components of cryptocurrencies. As potential drivers of Bitcoin volatility, we consider measures of volatility and risk in the US stock market as well as a measure of global economic activity. We find that S&P 500 realized volatility has a negative and highly significant effect on long-term Bitcoin volatility. The finding is atypical for volatility co-movements across financial markets. Moreover, we find that the S&P 500 volatility risk premium has a significantly positive effect on long-term Bitcoin volatility. Finally, we find a strong positive association between the Baltic dry index and long-term Bitcoin volatility. This result shows that Bitcoin volatility is closely linked to global economic activity. Overall, our findings can be used to construct improved forecasts of long-term Bitcoin volatility.
Amphiphilic Compounds Assemble into Membranous Vesicles in Hydrothermal Hot Spring Water but Not in Seawater
Authors: Milshteyn Daniel , Damer Bruce , Havig Jeff , Deamer David
Published: May 2018

There is a general assumption that amphiphilic compounds, such as fatty acids, readily form membranous vesicles when dispersed in aqueous phases. However, from earlier studies, it is known that vesicle stability depends strongly on pH, temperature, chain length, ionic concentration and the presence or absence of divalent cations. To test how robust simple amphiphilic compounds are in terms of their ability to assemble into stable vesicles, we chose to study 10- and 12-carbon monocarboxylic acids and a mixture of the latter with its monoglyceride. These were dispersed in hydrothermal water samples drawn directly from hot springs in Yellowstone National Park at two pH ranges, and the results were compared with sea water under the same conditions. We found that the pure acids could form membranous vesicles in hydrothermal pool water, but that a mixture of dodecanoic acid and glycerol monododecanoate was less temperature-sensitive and assembled into relatively stable membranes at both acidic and alkaline pH ranges. Furthermore, the vesicles were able to encapsulate nucleic acids and pyranine, a fluorescent anionic dye. None of the amphiphiles that were tested formed stable vesicles in sea water because the high ionic concentrations disrupted membrane stability.
Tunable Synthesis of SiC/SiO2 Heterojunctions via Temperature Modulation
Authors: Li Wei , Jia Quanli , Yang Daoyuan , Liu Xinhong
Published: May 2018

A large-scale production of necklace-like SiC/SiO2 heterojunctions was obtained by a molten salt-mediated chemical vapor reaction technique without a metallic catalyst or flowing gas. The effect of the firing temperature on the evolution of the phase composition, microstructure, and morphology of the SiC/SiO2 heterojunctions was studied. The necklace-like SiC/SiO2 nanochains, several centimeters in length, were composed of SiC/SiO2 core-shell chains and amorphous SiO2 beans. The morphologies of the as-prepared products could be tuned by adjusting the firing temperature. In fact, the diameter of the SiO2 beans decreased, whereas the diameter of the SiC fibers and the thickness of the SiO2 shell increased as the temperature increased. The growth mechanism of the necklace-like structure was controlled by the vapor-solid growth procedure and the modulation procedure via a molten salt-mediated chemical vapor reaction process.
Textile-Based, Interdigital, Capacitive, Soft-Strain Sensor for Wearable Applications
Authors: Atalay Ozgur
Published: May 2018

The electronic textile area has gained considerable attention due to its implementation of wearable devices, and soft sensors are the main components of these systems. In this paper, a new sensor design is presented to create stretchable, capacitance-based strain sensors for human motion tracking. This involves the use of stretchable, conductive-knit fabric within the silicone elastomer matrix, as interdigitated electrodes. While conductive fabric creates a secure conductive network for electrodes, a silicone-based matrix provides encapsulation and dimensional-stability to the structure. During the benchtop characterization, sensors show linear output, i.e., R2 = 0.997, with high response time, i.e., 50 ms, and high resolution, i.e., 1.36%. Finally, movement of the knee joint during the different scenarios was successfully recorded.
Enhanced Uptake of Iodide from Solutions by Hollow Cu-Based Adsorbents
Authors: Mao Ping , Jiang Jinlong , Pan Yichang , Duanmu Chuansong , Chen Shouwen , Yang Yi , Zhang Songlan , Chen Yonghao
Published: May 2018

Cu2O exhibits excellent adsorption performance for the removal of I− anions from solutions by doping of metallic Ag or Cu. However, the adsorption process only appears on the surface of adsorbents. To further improve the utilization efficiencies of Cu content of adsorbents in the uptake process of I− anions, hollow spheres of metallic Cu, Cu/Cu2O composite and pure Cu2O were prepared by a facile solvothermal method. Samples were characterized and employed for the uptake of I− anions under various experimental conditions. The results show that Cu content can be tuned by adjusting reaction time. After the core was hollowed out, the uptake capacity of the samples increased sharply, and was proportional to the Cu content. Moreover, the optimal uptake was reached within only few hours. Furthermore, the uptake mechanism is proposed by characterization and analysis of the composites after uptake. Cu-based adsorbents have higher uptake performance when solutions are exposed to air, which further verified the proposed uptake mechanism. Finally, hollow Cu-based adsorbents exhibit excellent selectivity for I− anions in the presence of large concentrations of competitive anions, such as Cl−, SO42− and NO3−, and function well in an acidic or neutral environment. Therefore, this study is expected to promote the development of Cu-based adsorbents into a highly efficient adsorbent for the removal of iodide from solutions.
The Effect of Fucoidan from the Brown Alga Fucus evanescence on the Activity of α-N-Acetylgalactosaminidase of Human Colon Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Bakunina Irina , Chadova Oksana , Malyarenko Olesya , Ermakova Svetlana
Published: May 2018

α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (EC 3.2.1.49) (alpha-NaGalase) catalyzes the hydrolysis of N-acetamido-2-deoxy-α-d-galactoside residues from non-reducing ends of various complex carbohydrates and glycoconjugates. It is known that human cancer cells express an alpha-NaGalase, which accumulates in the blood plasma of patients. The enzyme deglycosylates the Gc protein-derived macrophage activating factor (GcMAF) and inhibits macrophage activity acting as an immunosuppressor. The high specific activity 0.033 ± 0.002 μmol mg−1 min−1 of the enzyme was found in human colon carcinoma cells DLD-1. The alpha-NaGalase of DLD-1 cells was isolated and biochemical characterized. The enzyme exhibits maximum activity at pH 5.2 and temperature 55 °C. The Km is 2.15 mM, Vmax–0.021 μmol min−1 mL−1, kcat–1.55 min−1 and kcat/Km–0.72 min−1 mM−1 at 37 °C, pH 5.2. The effects of fucoidan from the brown alga Fucus evanescence on the activity of alpha-NaGalase in human colon carcinoma DLD-1 cells and on the biosynthesis of this enzyme were investigated. It was shown that fucoidan did not inhibit free alpha-NaGalase, however, it reduced the expression of the enzyme in the DLD-1 cells at IC50 73 ± 4 μg mL−1.