bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creation and Genomic Analysis of Irradiation Hybrids in Populus
Authors: Zinkgraf Matthew , Haiby Kathy , Lieberman Meric C. , Comai Luca , Henry Isabelle M. , Groover Andrew
Published: June 2016

Establishing efficient functional genomic systems for creating and characterizing genetic variation in forest trees is challenging. Here we describe protocols for creating novel gene‐dosage variation in Populus through gamma‐irradiation of pollen, followed by genomic analysis to identify chromosomal regions that have been deleted or inserted in each F1 individual. Irradiated pollen is used in a controlled, interspecific cross to create F1 progeny that carry deletions and insertions of chromosomal regions. These insertions and deletions result in novel changes in gene dosage that in turn affect both qualitative and quantitative phenotypic traits. The protocols described here outline the processes involved in optimizing irradiation levels and performing controlled crosses, sowing seed and propagating seedlings, and genome‐wide sequence‐based analysis of deletions and insertions in the F1 progeny. The same approach could be applied to other vegetatively propagated species. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Visible‐Light‐Active Heterojunction with Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Adhikari Shiba P. , Hood Zachary D. , More Karren L. , Chen Vincent W. , Lachgar Abdou
Published: June 2016

A visible‐light‐active carbon nitride (CN)/strontium pyroniobate (SNO) heterojunction photocatalyst was fabricated by deposition of CN over hydrothermally synthesized SNO nanoplates by a simple thermal decomposition process. The microscopic study revealed that nanosheets of CN were anchored to the surface of SNO resulting in an intimate contact between the two semiconductors. Diffuse reflectance UV/Vis spectra show that the resulting CN/SNO heterojunction possesses intense absorption in the visible region. The structural and spectral properties endowed the CN/SNO heterojunction with remarkably enhanced photocatalytic activity. Specifically, the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate per mole of CN was found to be 11 times higher for the CN/SNO composite compared to pristine CN. The results clearly show that the composite photocatalyst not only extends the light absorption range of SNO but also restricts photogenerated charge‐carrier recombination, resulting in significant enhancement in photocatalytic activity compared to pristine CN. The relative band positions of the composite allow the photogenerated electrons in the conduction band of CN to migrate to that of SNO. This kind of charge migration and separation leads to the reduction in the overall recombination rate of photogenerated charge carriers, which is regarded as one of the key factors for the enhanced activity. A plausible mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic activity of the heterostructured composite is proposed based on observed activity, photoluminescence, time‐resolved fluorescence emission decay, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and band position calculations.
Effects of acute exercise on monocyte subpopulations in metabolic syndrome patients
Authors: Wonner Ralph , Wallner Stefan , Orsó Evelyn , Schmitz Gerd
Published: June 2016

Objective

Acute exercise induces numerous changes in peripheral blood, e.g. counts of leukocytes. CD16pos monocytes, which play a role in the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis and the metabolic syndrome (MetS), are among the blood cells with the highest fold increase through exercise. So far no studies have investigated the effect of exercise on the blood cell composition of patients with MetS.

Approach and Results

Blood cell counts, a wide panel of laboratory tests, as well as lipid and protein content of monocytes and granulocytes were determined in healthy subjects, persons with metabolic risk and MetS patients before and after one minute of exercise at 400 W. Leukocyte counts increased significantly in all groups with CD14posCD16pos monocytes showing the highest fold‐change. In MetS patients the fold increase was smaller. They had a higher resting level of CD14posCD16pos monocytes and a lower basal ratio of CD16neg/CD16pos monocytes. A similar ratio of these cells was induced in control and risk subjects after exercise. However, absolute counts of mobilized pro‐inflammatory monocytes did not differ significantly. Furthermore, we detected a decrease in protein content of monocytes in controls, but not in MetS patients.

Conclusions

As strenuous exercise is able to mobilize the same amount of pro‐inflammatory monocytes in MetS patients as in healthy persons, the elevated basal level of these cells in MetS patients is likely to be caused by enhanced maturation rather than chronic mobilization. The removal of these monocytes from the endothelium might be part of the beneficial effect of exercise on vascular disease. © 2016 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Bud phenology and growth are subject to divergent selection across a latitudinal gradient in Populus angustifolia and impact adaptation across the distributional range and associated arthropods
Authors: Evans Luke M. , Kaluthota Sobadini , Pearce David W. , Allan Gerard J. , Floate Kevin , Rood Stewart B. , Whitham Thomas G.
Published: June 2016

Temperate forest tree species that span large geographical areas and climatic gradients often have high levels of genetic variation. Such species are ideal for testing how neutral demographic factors and climate‐driven selection structure genetic variation within species, and how this genetic variation can affect ecological communities. Here, we quantified genetic variation in vegetative phenology and growth traits in narrowleaf cottonwood, Populus angustifolia, using three common gardens planted with genotypes originating from source populations spanning the species' range along the Rocky Mountains of North America (ca. 1700 km). We present three main findings. First, we found strong evidence of divergent selection (QST > FST) on fall phenology (bud set) with adaptive consequences for frost avoidance. We also found evidence for selection on bud flush duration, tree height, and basal diameter, resulting in population differentiation. Second, we found strong associations with climate variables that were strongly correlated with latitude of origin. More strongly differentiated traits also showed stronger climate correlations, which emphasizes the role that climate has played in divergent selection throughout the range. We found population × garden interaction effects; for some traits, this accounted for more of the variance than either factor alone. Tree height was influenced by the difference in climate of the source and garden locations and declined with increasing transfer distance. Third, growth traits were correlated with dependent arthropod community diversity metrics. Synthesis. Overall, we conclude that climate has influenced genetic variation and structure in phenology and growth traits and leads to local adaptation in P. angustifolia, which can then impact dependent arthropod species. Importantly, relocation of genotypes far northward or southward often resulted in poor growth, likely due to a phenological mismatch with photoperiod, the proximate cue for fall growth cessation. Genotypes moved too far southward suffer from early growth cessation, whereas those moved too far northward are prone to fall frost and winter dieback. In the face of current and forecasted climate change, habitat restoration, forestry, and tree breeding efforts should utilize these findings to better match latitudinal and climatic source environments with management locations for optimal future outcomes.
High Energy Density Lead‐Free Piezoelectric Ceramics for Energy Harvesting and Derived from a Sol–Gel Route
Authors: Zheng Mupeng , Hou Yudong , Zhang Lina , Zhu Mankang
Published: June 2016

Manganese‐modified niobate ceramics with a high energy density were constructed by pressureless sintering of nanoprecursor powders derived from a sol–gel route. The room‐temperature orthorhombic–tetragonal (O–T) phase boundary of the (Na0.5K0.5)0.94Li0.06NbO3 (NKLN) system was successfully built by adding Mn2+ ions to decrease the O–T transition temperature. For the NKLN + 2.0 mol‐% Mn2+ specimen, an optimal transduction coefficient (d33 × g33) value as high as 9314 × 10–15 m2 N–1 was obtained; this value is comparable to reported values for NKN single crystals, and thus, this material shows potential application in new‐generation lead‐free piezoelectric energy harvesters.
Hydrazone‐Ligand‐Based Homodinuclear Lanthanide Complexes: Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetism
Authors: Biswas Sourav , Das Sourav , Rogez Guillaume , Chandrasekhar Vadapalli
Published: June 2016

A series of dinuclear lanthanide complexes, [Dy2(LH)2(µ2‐Piv‐κ2O,O′)2(NO3‐κ2O,O′)2] (1), [Tb2(LH)2(µ2‐Piv‐κ2O,O′)2(NO3‐κ2O,O′)2] (2), [Gd2(LH)2(µ2‐Piv‐κ2O,O′)2(NO3‐κ2O,O′)2] (3), and [Ho2(LH)2(µ2‐Piv‐κ2O,O′)2(NO3‐κ2O,O′)2] (4) have been synthesized by the reaction of Ln(NO3)3·nH2O with the multidentate hydrazone‐based Schiff‐base ligand, N′‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxybenzylidene)acetohydrazide (LH2) in the presence of pivalic acid. X‐ray crystallography data reveals that 1–4 are isostructural, neutral, and contain two mono‐deprotonated ligands, two pivalates, and two chelated nitrates. Within the dinuclear assembly, the two lanthanides are bridged by two phenolate and two pivalate oxygens. Each of the two lanthanide ions is nine‐coordinated and possesses a distorted monocapped square‐antiprism geometry. Detailed magnetochemical analysis revealed the presence of weak antiferromagnetic coupling at low temperature for all complexes. The DyIII analogue displayed SMM behavior in the absence of a dc field with two relaxation domains in which the thermally activated domain exhibits an energy barrier of 40 K and relaxation time of 6.5 × 10–5 s.
Toward Customized Tetrahydropyran Derivatives through Regioselective α‐Lithiation and Functionalization of 2‐Phenyltetrahydropyran
Authors: Cicco Luciana , Addante Valeria , Temperini Andrea , Donau Carsten Adam , Karaghiosoff Konstantin , Perna Filippo Maria , Capriati Vito
Published: June 2016

In this contribution, the first direct and efficient functionalization of the preformed 2‐phenyltetrahydropyran (2‐PhTHP) nucleus by electrophilic interception of the corresponding α‐lithiated derivative by employing sBuLi as the base and THF as the solvent at –78 °C was explored. The presence of N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) proved to be critical to governing reaction feasibility both in polar and apolar solvents and for improving the yield of the reaction. Both carbon‐ and heteroatom‐based halides were found to be competent electrophiles for this transformation, as well as aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes and ketones, isocyanates, and carboxylic acid derivatives. The combination of hexane/TMEDA lowered the rate of racemization of α‐lithiated optically active 2‐PhTHP, which thereby enabled calculation of its barrier to inversion at –78 °C.
Glycosylation with Disarmed Glycosyl Bromides Promoted by Iodonium Ions
Authors: Lanz Gyrithe , Madsen Robert
Published: June 2016

Iodonium ions have been developed for activating glycosyl bromides in the coupling to glycosyl acceptors. The iodonium ions are generated from N‐iodosuccinimide and a protic acid such as camphorsulfonic acid or triflic acid, where the latter gives the most reactive promoter system. The couplings occur with the release of iodine monobromide, and the best results are obtained with benzoylated glycosyl donors and acceptors. In this way, disarmed glycosyl bromides can serve as glycosyl donors without the use of heavy‐metal salts.
An efficient goal‐based reduced order model approach for targeted adaptive observations
Authors: Fang F. , Pain C. C. , Navon Ionel M. , Xiao D.
Published: June 2016

An efficient adjoint sensitivity technique for optimally collecting targeted observations is presented. The targeting technique incorporates dynamical information from the numerical model predictions to identify when, where and what types of observations would provide the greatest improvement to specific model forecasts at a future time. A functional (goal) is defined to measure what is considered important in modelling problems. The adjoint sensitivity technique is used to identify the impact of observations on the predictive accuracy of the functional, then placing the sensors at the locations with high impacts. The adaptive (goal) observation technique developed here has the following features: (i) over existing targeted observation techniques, its novelty lies in that the interpolation error of numerical results is introduced to the functional (goal), which ensures the measurements are a distance apart; (ii) the use of proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and reduced order modelling for both the forward and backward simulations, thus reducing the computational cost; and (iii) the use of unstructured meshes.

The targeted adaptive observation technique is developed here within an unstructured mesh finite element model (Fluidity). In this work, a POD reduced order modelling is used to form the reduced order forward model by projecting the original complex model from a high dimensional space onto a reduced order space. The reduced order adjoint model is then constructed directly from the reduced order forward model. This efficient adaptive observation technique has been validated with two test cases: a model of an ocean gyre and a model of 2D urban street canyon flows. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of signaled and unsignaled alternative reinforcement on persistence and relapse in children and pigeons
Authors: Nevin John A. , Mace F. Charles , DeLeon Iser G. , Shahan Timothy A. , Shamlian Kenneth D. , Lit Keith , Sheehan Tara , Frank‐Crawford Michelle A. , Trauschke Stephanie L. , Sweeney Mary M. , Tarver Danielle R. , Craig Andrew R.
Published: June 2016

Three experiments explored the impact of different reinforcer rates for alternative behavior (DRA) on the suppression and post‐DRA relapse of target behavior, and the persistence of alternative behavior. All experiments arranged baseline, intervention with extinction of target behavior concurrently with DRA, and post‐treatment tests of resurgence or reinstatement, in two‐ or three‐component multiple schedules. Experiment 1, with pigeons, arranged high or low baseline reinforcer rates; both rich and lean DRA schedules reduced target behavior to low levels. When DRA was discontinued, the magnitude of relapse depended on both baseline reinforcer rate and the rate of DRA. Experiment 2, with children exhibiting problem behaviors, arranged an intermediate baseline reinforcer rate and rich or lean signaled DRA. During treatment, both rich and lean DRA rapidly reduced problem behavior to low levels, but post‐treatment relapse was generally greater in the DRA‐rich than the DRA‐lean component. Experiment 3, with pigeons, repeated the low‐baseline condition of Experiment 1 with signaled DRA as in Experiment 2. Target behavior decreased to intermediate levels in both DRA‐rich and DRA‐lean components. Relapse, when it occurred, was directly related to DRA reinforcer rate as in Experiment 2. The post‐treatment persistence of alternative behavior was greater in the DRA‐rich component in Experiment 1, whereas it was the same or greater in the signaled‐DRA‐lean component in Experiments 2 and 3. Thus, infrequent signaled DRA may be optimal for effective clinical treatment.
Simultaneous chromate and sulfate removal by Streptomyces sp. MC1. Changes in intracellular protein profile induced by Cr(VI)
Authors: Bonilla José Oscar , Callegari Eduardo Alberto , Delfini Claudio Daniel , Estevez María Cristina , Villegas Liliana Beatriz
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of increasing sulfate concentrations on chromium removal, to evaluate the effect of the presence of Cr(VI) on sulfate removal by Streptomyces sp. MC1 and to analyze the differential protein expression profile in the presence of this metal for the identification of proteins repressed or overexpressed. In the presence of Cr(VI) but in the absence of sulfate ions, bacterial growth was negligible, showing the Cr(VI) toxicity for this bacterium. However, the sulfate presence stimulated bacterium growth and Cr(VI) removal, regardless of its concentrations. Streptomyces sp. MC1 showed ability to remove chromium and sulfate simultaneously. Also, the sulfate presence favored the decrease of total chromium concentration from supernatants reaching a decrease of 50% at 48 h. In presence of chromium, seven proteins were down‐expressed and showed homology to proteins involved in protein biosynthesis, energy production and free radicals detoxification while two proteins involved in oxidation‐reduction processes identified as dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase and S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine synthase were overexpressed.
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy improves tendon‐to‐bone healing in a rat rotator cuff repair model
Authors: Tucker Jennica J. , Cirone James M. , Morris Tyler R. , Nuss Courtney A. , Huegel Julianne , Waldorff Erik I. , Zhang Nianli , Ryaby James T. , Soslowsky Louis J.
Published: June 2016

Rotator cuff tears are common musculoskeletal injuries often requiring surgical intervention with high failure rates. Currently, pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) are used for treatment of long‐bone fracture and lumbar and cervical spine fusion surgery. Clinical studies examining the effects of PEMF on soft tissue healing show promising results. Therefore, we investigated the role of PEMF on rotator cuff healing using a rat rotator cuff repair model. We hypothesized that PEMF exposure following rotator cuff repair would improve tendon mechanical properties, tissue morphology, and alter in vivo joint function. Seventy adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to three groups: bilateral repair with PEMF (n = 30), bilateral repair followed by cage activity (n = 30), and uninjured control with cage activity (n = 10). Rats in the surgical groups were sacrificed at 4, 8, and 16 weeks. Control group was sacrificed at 8 weeks. Passive joint mechanics and gait analysis were assessed over time. Biomechanical analysis and μCT was performed on left shoulders; histological analysis on right shoulders. Results indicate no differences in passive joint mechanics and ambulation. At 4 weeks the PEMF group had decreased cross‐sectional area and increased modulus and maximum stress. At 8 weeks the PEMF group had increased modulus and more rounded cells in the midsubstance. At 16 weeks the PEMF group had improved bone quality. Therefore, results indicate that PEMF improves early tendon healing and does not alter joint function in a rat rotator cuff repair model. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:902–909, 2017.
Studies on optimum harvest time for hybrid rice seed
Authors: Fu Hong , Cao Dong‐Dong , Hu Wei‐Min , Guan Ya‐Jing , Fu Yu‐Ying , Fang Yong‐Feng , Hu Jin
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

Timely harvest is critical for hybrid rice to achieve maximum seed viability, vigor and yield. However, how to predict the optimum harvest time has been rarely reported so far.

RESULTS

The seed vigor of Zhuliangyou 06 (ZLY06) increased and reached the highest level at 20 days after pollination (DAP), when seed moisture content had a lower value, which was maintained until final seed maturation. For Chunyou 84 (CY84), seed vigor, fresh and dry weight had relatively high values at 25 DAP, when seed moisture content reached the lowest value and changed slightly from 25 to 55 DAP. In both hybrid rice varieties, seed glume chlorophyll content declined rapidly from 10 to 30 DAP and remained at a very low level after 35 DAP. Starch content exhibited an increasing trend during seed maturation, while both soluble sugar content and amylase activity decreased significantly at the early stages of seed development. Moreover, correlation analyses showed that seed dry weight, starch content and superoxide dismutase activity were significantly positively correlated with seed vigor. In contrast, chlorophyll content, moisture content, soluble sugar, soluble protein, abscisic acid, gibberellin content, electrical conductivity, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activities were significantly negatively correlated with seed vigor. Physiological and biochemical parameters were obviously more closely related with seed vigor than with seed germinability during seed development.

CONCLUSION

Seed vigor could be better used as a comprehensive factor to predict the optimum seed harvest time. It is suggested that for ZLY06 seeds could be harvested as early as 20 DAP, whereas for CY84 the earliest optimum harvest time was 25 DAP. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of water stress on the composition and immunoreactive properties of gliadins from two wheat cultivars: Nawra and Tonacja
Authors: Brzozowski Bartosz , Stasiewicz Katarzyna
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

Water shortage during wheat vegetation causes changes in the composition of gliadins in grains, which can lead to changes in their immunoreactive properties.

RESULTS

The investigated wheat cultivars exposed to water stress accumulated significantly lower amounts (P < 0.05) of gliadins and glutenins in grains. The composition of proteins accumulated in grains was also modified. Water shortage results in a decreased share of αβ and γ fractions in total gliadins. Grains of wheat cultivated under water stress contain significantly higher (P < 0.05) levels of ω‐gliadins by 4.5% and 43.3% for Nawra and Tonacja cultivars, respectively. Water stress promotes an increase in the share of P and Q/E residues in gliadins. In protein samples R5 antibodies recognized increased amounts of gliadins matching the QQPFP sequence. Wheat proteins also reacted with IgE antibodies isolated from subjects allergic to gluten.

CONCLUSION

Cultivation of wheat under conditions of water stress results in the qualitative and quantitative changes of gliadins by increasing their immunoreactivity. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Innate immunity and chronic rhinosinusitis: What we have learned from animal models
Authors: London Nyall R. , Lane Andrew P.
Published: June 2016

Objective

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous and multifactorial disease characterized by dysregulated inflammation. Abnormalities in innate immune function, including sinonasal epithelial cell barrier function, mucociliary clearance, response to pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) via pattern recognition receptors, and the contribution of innate immune cells, will be highlighted in this review.

Data Sources

PubMed literature review.

Methods

A review of the literature was conducted to determine what we have learned from animal models in relation to innate immunity and chronic rhinosinusitis.

Results

Dysregulation of innate immune mechanisms, including sinonasal barrier function; mucociliary clearance; PAMPs; and innate immune cells such as eosinophils, mast cells, and innate lymphoid cells, may contribute to CRS pathogenesis. Sinonasal inflammation has been studied using mouse, rat, rabbit, pig, and sheep explant or in vivo models. Study using these models has allowed for analysis of experimental therapeutics and furthered our understanding of the aforementioned aspects of the innate immune mechanism as it relates to sinonasal inflammation. These include augmenting mucociliary clearance through activation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and study of drug toxicity on ciliary beat frequency. Knockout models of Toll‐like receptors (TLR) have demonstrated the critical role that these pattern recognition receptors play in allergic inflammation because loss of TLR2 and TLR4 leads to decreased lower airway inflammation. Mast cell deficient mice are less susceptible to ovalbumin‐induced sinonasal inflammation.

Conclusion

Animal models have shed light as to the potential contribution of dysregulated innate immunity in chronic sinonasal inflammation.
Protein Complexation and pH Dependent Release Using Boronic Acid Containing PEG‐Polypeptide Copolymers
Authors: Negri Graciela E. , Deming Timothy J.
Published: June 2016

New poly(L‐lysine)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol) copolypeptides have been prepared, where the side‐chain amine groups of lysine residues are modified to contain ortho‐amine substituted phenylboronic acid, i.e., Wulff‐type phenylboronic acid (WBA), groups to improve their pH responsive, carbohydrate binding properties. These block copolymers form nanoscale complexes with glycosylated proteins that are stable at physiological pH, yet dissociate and release the glycoproteins under acidic conditions, similar to those found in endosomal and lysosomal compartments within cells. These results suggest that WBA modified polypeptide copolymers are promising for further development as degradable carriers for intracellular protein delivery.

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Near‐Infrared Light Triggered Soft Actuators in Aqueous Media Prepared from Shape‐Memory Polymer Composites
Authors: Fang Liang , Fang Tianyu , Liu Xiaoxia , Chen Shunping , Lu Chunhua , Xu Zhongzi
Published: June 2016

Light triggered soft actuator in aqueous media has applications in operating underwater objects, creating liquid flow, and adjusting reaction velocity, etc. Here, composites prepared from commercial materials, poly[ethylene‐ran‐(vinyl acetate)] (EVA) and aniline black (AB), are reported as one cost efficient material for preparing such actuator, where EVA and AB work respectively as shape‐memory polymer matrix and near‐infrared light triggered photothermal filler. Upon irradiation, the temperature of the composites increases greatly with light power density and AB content. Light‐induced shape‐memory effect (SME) with recovery ratio >98%, temperature‐memory effect (TME), and reversible bidirectional shape‐memory effect (rbSME) of the prepared composites in air are realized. Higher light power density is required to trigger the shape recovery in aqueous media, while good SME, TME, and rbSME are also achieved. Releasing device and gripper are used to indicate the feasibility of the composites as light triggered soft underwater actuators.

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What Encourages Nonprofits' Adoption of Good Governance Policies?
Authors: Lee Young‐Joo
Published: June 2016

This study examines how nonprofits' external environments and organizational characteristics explain their likelihood of having written policies for good governance. Findings from the 2010 data of the National Center for Charitable Statistics show that state requirements for registration and annual reporting are not related to a nonprofit's likelihood of adopting such written policies. The results instead indicate that organizations that engage in lobbying activities and operate in metropolitan areas are more likely to have good governance standards. Most of all, the analysis shows that organizational resources, both financial and human, explain differences in the adoption of these policies. These findings suggest that the nonprofit community should collectively invest in building the infrastructure that helps smaller organizations develop good governance policies and, hence, stay competitive.
The Roles of Chronic Disease Complexity, Health System Integration, and Care Management in Post‐Discharge Healthcare Utilization in a Low‐Income Population
Authors: Hewner Sharon , Casucci Sabrina , Castner Jessica
Published: June 2016

Economically disadvantaged individuals with chronic disease have high rates of in‐patient (IP) readmission and emergency department (ED) utilization following initial hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between chronic disease complexity, health system integration (admission to accountable care organization [ACO] hospital), availability of care management interventions (membership in managed care organization [MCO]), and 90‐day post‐discharge healthcare utilization. We used de‐identified Medicaid claims data from two counties in western New York. The study population was 114,295 individuals who met inclusion criteria, of whom 7,179 had index hospital admissions in the first 9 months of 2013. Individuals were assigned to three disease complexity segments based on presence of 12 prevalent conditions. The 30‐day inpatient (IP) readmission rates ranged from 6% in the non‐chronic segment to 12% in the chronic disease complexity segment and 21% in the organ system failure complexity segment. Rehospitalization rates (both inpatient and emergency department [ED]) were lower for patients in MCOs and ACOs than for those in fee‐for‐service care. Complexity of chronic disease, initial hospitalization in a facility that was part of an ACO, MCO membership, female gender, and longer length of stay were associated with a significantly longer time to readmission in the first 90 days, that is, fewer readmissions. Our results add to evidence that high‐value post‐discharge utilization (fewer IP or ED rehospitalizations and early outpatient follow‐up) require population‐based transitional care strategies that improve continuity between settings and take into account the illness complexity of the Medicaid population. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of the polymer structure over self‐assembly and thermo‐responsive properties: The case of PEG‐b‐PCL grafted copolymers via a combination of RAFT and ROP
Authors: Sponchioni Mattia , Ferrari Raffaele , Morosi Lavinia , Moscatelli Davide
Published: June 2016

During the last years, the field of drug delivery has experienced a growing interest toward the so‐called thermo‐responsive polymers: synthetic materials that, due to the specific hydrophilic–lipophilic balance of their repeating units, exhibit a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in water associated to a characteristic coil–globule transition. In this work, thermo‐responsive amphiphilic block copolymers are synthesized via reversible addition‐fragmentation transfer (RAFT) polymerization starting from thermo‐responsive monomers and a hydrophobic biodegradable macromonomer, oligo(caprolactone)methacrylate (CL3MA), produced via ring opening polymerization (ROP). The obtained copolymers exhibit an interesting self‐assembly behavior leading to nanoparticles (NPs) as long as temperature is kept below the LCST. Otherwise, once this value is overcome, the destabilization of the NPs causes the formation of hydrophobic superstructures that enhance the release of an entrapped lipophilic drug. This characteristic behavior has been systematically studied and related to the copolymer structure. In particular, the self‐assembly behavior as well as temperature‐triggered NP destabilization have been related to the relative length of the two blocks constituting the copolymers and to their hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB). Finally, the efficacy of the thermo‐responsive triggered drug release has been tested in the case of Paclitaxel (PTX). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2919–2931
Primate cognition: attention, episodic memory, prospective memory, self‐control, and metacognition as examples of cognitive control in nonhuman primates
Authors: Beran Michael J. , Menzel Charles R. , Parrish Audrey E. , Perdue Bonnie M. , Sayers Ken , Smith J. David , Washburn David A.
Published: June 2016

Primate Cognitionis the study of cognitive processes, which represent internal mental processes involved in discriminations, decisions, and behaviors of humans and other primate species.Cognitive controlinvolves executive and regulatory processes that allocate attention, manipulate and evaluate available information (and, when necessary, seek additional information), remember past experiences to plan future behaviors, and deal with distraction and impulsivity when they are threats to goal achievement. Areas of research that relate to cognitive control as it is assessed across species include executive attention, episodic memory, prospective memory, metacognition, and self‐control. Executive attention refers to the ability to control what sensory stimuli one attends to and how one regulates responses to those stimuli, especially in cases of conflict. Episodic memory refers to memory for personally experienced, autobiographical events. Prospective memory refers to the formation and implementation of future‐intended actions, such as remembering what needs to be done later. Metacognition consists of control and monitoring processes that allow individuals to assess what information they have and what information they still need, and then if necessary to seek information. Self‐control is a regulatory process whereby individuals forego more immediate or easier to obtain rewards for more delayed or harder to obtain rewards that are objectively more valuable. The behavioral complexity shown by nonhuman primates when given tests to assess these capacities indicates psychological continuities with human cognitive control capacities. However, more research is needed to clarify the proper interpretation of these behaviors with regard to possible cognitive constructs that may underlie such behaviors.WIREs Cogn Sci2016, 7:294–316. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1397

This article is categorized under:

Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition

Psychology > Comparative Psychology

Psychology > Memory
Extremes for the inradius in the Poisson line tessellation
Authors: Chenavier Nicolas , Hemsley Ross
Published: June 2016

A Poisson line tessellation is observed in the window Wρ := B(0, π-1/2ρ1/2) for ρ > 0. With each cell of the tessellation, we associate the inradius, which is the radius of the largest ball contained in the cell. Using the Poisson approximation, we compute the limit distributions of the largest and smallest order statistics for the inradii of all cells whose nuclei are contained in Wρ as ρ goes to ∞. We additionally prove that the limit shape of the cells minimising the inradius is a triangle.
On a memory game and preferential attachment graphs
Authors: Acan Hüseyin , Hitczenko Paweł
Published: June 2016

In their recent paper Velleman and Warrington (2013) analyzed the expected values of some of the parameters in a memory game; namely, the length of the game, the waiting time for the first match, and the number of lucky moves. In this paper we continue this direction of investigation and obtain the limiting distributions of those parameters. More specifically, we prove that when suitably normalized, these quantities converge in distribution to a normal, Rayleigh, and Poisson random variable, respectively. We also make a connection between the memory game and one of the models of preferential attachment graphs. In particular, as a by-product of our methods, we obtain the joint asymptotic normality of the degree counts in the preferential attachment graphs. Furthermore, we obtain simpler proofs (although without rate of convergence) of some of the results of Peköz et al. (2014) on the joint limiting distributions of the degrees of the first few vertices in preferential attachment graphs. In order to prove that the length of the game is asymptotically normal, our main technical tool is a limit result for the joint distribution of the number of balls in a multitype generalized Pólya urn model.
Jackson networks in nonautonomous random environments
Authors: Krenzler Ruslan , Daduna Hans , Otten Sonja
Published: June 2016

We investigate queueing networks in a random environment. The impact of the evolving environment on the network is by changing service capacities (upgrading and/or degrading, breakdown, repair) when the environment changes its state. On the other side, customers departing from the network may enforce the environment to jump immediately. This means that the environment is nonautonomous and therefore results in a rather complex two-way interaction, especially if the environment is not itself Markov. To react to the changes of the capacities we implement randomised versions of the well-known deterministic rerouteing schemes 'skipping' (jump-over protocol) and `reflection' (repeated service, random direction). Our main result is an explicit expression for the joint stationary distribution of the queue-lengths vector and the environment which is of product form.
On a class of multivariate counting processes
Authors: Cha Ji Hwan , Giorgio Massimiliano
Published: June 2016

In this paper we define and study a new class of multivariate counting processes, named `multivariate generalized Pólya process'. Initially, we define and study the bivariate generalized Pólya process and briefly discuss its reliability application. In order to derive the main properties of the process, we suggest some key properties and an important characterization of the process. Due to these properties and the characterization, the main properties of the bivariate generalized Pólya process are obtained efficiently. The marginal processes of the multivariate generalized Pólya process are shown to be the univariate generalized Pólya processes studied in Cha (2014). Given the history of a marginal process, the conditional property of the other process is also discussed. The bivariate generalized Pólya process is extended to the multivariate case. We define a new dependence concept for multivariate point processes and, based on it, we analyze the dependence structure of the multivariate generalized Pólya process.
A CONTACT INVARIANT IN SUTURED MONOPOLE HOMOLOGY
Authors: BALDWIN JOHN A. , SIVEK STEVEN
Published: June 2016

We define an invariant of contact 3-manifolds with convex boundary using Kronheimer and Mrowka’s sutured monopole Floer homology theory ($SHM$). Our invariant can be viewed as a generalization of Kronheimer and Mrowka’s contact invariant for closed contact 3-manifolds and as the monopole Floer analogue of Honda, Kazez, and Matić’s contact invariant in sutured Heegaard Floer homology ($SFH$). In the process of defining our invariant, we construct maps on $SHM$ associated to contact handle attachments, analogous to those defined by Honda, Kazez, and Matić in $SFH$. We use these maps to establish a bypass exact triangle in $SHM$ analogous to Honda’s in $SFH$. This paper also provides the topological basis for the construction of similar gluing maps in sutured instanton Floer homology, which are used in Baldwin and Sivek [Selecta Math. (N.S.), 22(2) (2016), 939–978] to define a contact invariant in the instanton Floer setting.
-INVARIANTS AND LOCAL–GLOBAL COMPATIBILITY FOR THE GROUP
Authors: DING YIWEN
Published: June 2016

Let $F$ be a totally real number field, ${\wp}$ a place of $F$ above $p$. Let ${\it\rho}$ be a $2$-dimensional $p$-adic representation of $\text{Gal}(\overline{F}/F)$ which appears in the étale cohomology of quaternion Shimura curves (thus ${\it\rho}$ is associated to Hilbert eigenforms). When the restriction ${\it\rho}_{{\wp}}:={\it\rho}|_{D_{{\wp}}}$ at the decomposition group of ${\wp}$ is semistable noncrystalline, one can associate to ${\it\rho}_{{\wp}}$ the so-called Fontaine–Mazur ${\mathcal{L}}$-invariants, which are however invisible in the classical local Langlands correspondence. In this paper, we prove one can find these ${\mathcal{L}}$-invariants in the completed cohomology group of quaternion Shimura curves, which generalizes some of Breuil’s results [Breuil, Astérisque, 331 (2010), 65–115] in the $\text{GL}_{2}/\mathbb{Q}$-case.
Radicalism in the Margins: The Politics of Reading Wilfrid Scawen Blunt in 1920
Authors: King Edmund G. C.
Published: June 2016

This article examines marginalia as a form of radical writing practice in the period immediately after the First World War. It focuses specifically on a densely annotated copy of the second part of Wilfrid Scawen Blunt's My Diaries, which covers on 1900–1914 and was published in 1920. The annotator, John Arthur Fallows (1864–1935), was a former Church of England clergyman and Independent Labour Party politician, and the article asks what motivated him to leave such an explicit record of his engagement with the book in its margins. Blunt recast his original diary entries to show how the outbreak of the First World War had arisen from the prewar imperialist policies of the Entente. Fallows, meanwhile, used his copy of My Diaries to inscribe a permanent record of his responses to Blunt's writing, which were shaped by his own memories of prewar radical-left political action. The dual record of textual engagement that can be recovered from this copy of My Diaries provides insight into how two British radicals “read” the causes of the First World War in the period between the Armistice and the conclusion of the Paris Peace Accords.
Sustained gravity currents in a channel
Authors: Hogg Andrew J. , Nasr-Azadani Mohamad M. , Ungarish Marius , Meiburg Eckart
Published: June 2016

Gravitationally driven motion arising from a sustained constant source of dense fluid in a horizontal channel is investigated theoretically using shallow-layer models and direct numerical simulations of the Navier–Stokes equations, coupled to an advection–diffusion model of the density field. The influxed dense fluid forms a flowing layer underneath the less dense fluid, which initially filled the channel, and in this study its speed of propagation is calculated; the outflux is at the end of the channel. The motion, under the assumption of hydrostatic balance, is modelled using a two-layer shallow-water model to account for the flow of both the dense and the overlying less dense fluids. When the relative density difference between the fluids is small (the Boussinesq regime), the governing shallow-layer equations are solved using analytical techniques. It is demonstrated that a variety of flow-field patterns are feasible, including those with constant height along the length of the current and those where the height varies continuously and discontinuously. The type of solution realised in any scenario is determined by the magnitude of the dimensionless flux issuing from the source and the source Froude number. Two important phenomena may occur: the flow may be choked, whereby the excess velocity due to the density difference is bounded and the height of the current may not exceed a determined maximum value, and it is also possible for the dense fluid to completely displace all of the less dense fluid originally in the channel in an expanding region close to the source. The onset and subsequent evolution of these types of motions are also calculated using analytical techniques. The same range of phenomena occurs for non-Boussinesq flows; in this scenario, the solutions of the model are calculated numerically. The results of direct numerical simulations of the Navier–Stokes equations are also reported for unsteady two-dimensional flows in which there is an inflow of dense fluid at one end of the channel and an outflow at the other end. These simulations reveal the detailed mechanics of the motion and the bulk properties are compared with the predictions of the shallow-layer model to demonstrate good agreement between the two modelling strategies.
A NOTE ON WEIGHTED BADLY APPROXIMABLE LINEAR FORMS
Authors: HARRAP STEPHEN , MOSHCHEVITIN NIKOLAY
Published: June 2016

We prove a result in the area of twisted Diophantine approximation related to the theory of Schmidt games. In particular, under certain restrictions we give an affirmative answer to the analogue in this setting of a famous conjecture of Schmidt from Diophantine approximation.
THE NON-COMMUTATIVE SCHWARTZ SPACE IS WEAKLY AMENABLE
Authors: PISZCZEK KRZYSZTOF
Published: June 2016

We show in a straightforward way that the non-commutative Schwartz space is weakly amenable. At the end, we leave an open problem.
THE GROUP OF AUTOMORPHISMS OF THE LIE ALGEBRA OF DERIVATIONS OF A FIELD OF RATIONAL FUNCTIONS
Authors: BAVULA V. V.
Published: June 2016

We prove that the group of automorphisms of the Lie algebra DerK(Qn) of derivations of the field of rational functionsQn=K(x1, . . .,xn) over a field of characteristic zero is canonically isomorphic to the group of automorphisms of theK-algebraQn.
The Cult of St Nicholas of Myra in Norman Bari, c. 1071–c. 1111
Authors: HAYES DAWN MARIE
Published: June 2016

This article explores the cult of St Nicholas in later eleventh-century Bari, focusing on its importance to the new Norman rulers in the region as well as to their subjects. While acknowledging the influence of earlier expressions of the cult in Normandy and in Byzantine southern Italy, it argues that for numerous reasons Nicholas was, for Bari, an especially important – and appropriate – intercessor. During these years, which witnessed the translation of the saint from Myra, economic developments, church politics and the demands of the First Crusade merged to render Nicholas an ideal patron for the city.
Paediatric tympanoplasty: comparative study between patients aged 5–8 years and those aged over 14 years
Authors: Singh G B , Arora R , Garg S , Kumar S , Kumar D
Published: June 2016

Objective:

To evaluate and analyse the success rate of tympanoplasty type I in paediatric patients aged 5 to 8 years compared to a control group (patients aged over 14 years).

Methods:

In this prospective study, 60 patients (of either sex) with chronic suppurative otitis media inactive mucosal disease were divided into 2 groups (30 in each): group A comprised paediatric patients aged 5–8 years and group B consisted of older individuals aged over 14 years. All patients underwent tympanoplasty type I with an underlay technique using a temporalis fascia graft.

Results:

Impressive surgical success rates of 87 and 90 per cent were recorded in groups A and B, respectively. Furthermore, audiological success rates of 69 and 78 per cent were achieved in groups A and B respectively. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that eustachian tube function had no impact on the outcome of tympanoplasty.

Conclusion:

Tympanoplasty type I performed in children aged five to eight years gives comparable results to those of older individuals.
Cross ratio in use
Authors: Dobos Sándor
Published: June 2016

As a preparation for the International Mathematical Olympiad there is a common training week for the UK and the Hungarian squads. Recently I gave a talk about cross ratio there. This weapon is not one of the most frequently used mathematical techniques. When attacking a problem, we ask what are the signs that cross ratio might be of use in finding a solution? Are there typical situations which invite us to use it? In this paper we make some suggestions about answering such questions. The reader will find proofs for well-known theorems and solutions of various problems using cross ratio.
Pascal's Prism
Authors: Brothers Harlan J.
Published: June 2016

Pascal's triangle is well known for its numerous connections to probability theory [1], combinatorics, Euclidean geometry, fractal geometry, and many number sequences including the Fibonacci series [2,3,4]. It also has a deep connection to the base of natural logarithms, e [5]. This link to e can be used as a springboard for generating a family of related triangles that together create a rich combinatoric object.

2. From Pascal to Leibniz

In Brothers [5], the author shows that the growth of Pascal's triangle is related to the limit definition of e.

Specifically, we define the sequence sn; as follows [6]:
Maclaurin's inequalities: reflections on a STEP question
Authors: Siklos Stephen
Published: June 2016

Step is a public examination administered by the admissions tests division of Cambridge Assessment (which is the parent body of the OCR examination board). It used as a basis for conditional offers by Cambridge and Warwick.

A grade one on a STEP paper is awarded to candidates who produce nearly complete solutions to four questions. The duration of the paper is three hours, so each question is designed to take a good candidate about 45 minutes to complete. Not surprisingly, then, the questions can be quite profound, often having depths far beyond what is required for the examination. One such question haunted me, on and off, for many years. It turns out that the underlying idea is elementary and far from new; but it is nevertheless very striking and not, I suspect, well known. A pleasing by-product is a relatively easy proof of the AM–GM (algebraic mean–geometric mean) inequality.