bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The beta‐cell in type 1 diabetes: What have we learned from proteomic studies?
Authors: Crèvecoeur Inne , Rondas Dieter , Mathieu Chantal , Overbergh Lut
Published: January 2015

Pancreatic beta‐cells have a crucial role in the regulation of blood glucose homeostasis by the production and secretion of insulin. In type 1 diabetes (T1D), an autoimmune reaction against the beta‐cells together with the presence of inflammatory cytokines and ROS in the islets leads to beta‐cell dysfunction and death. This review gives an overview of proteomic studies that lead to better understanding of beta‐cell functioning in T1D. Protein profiling of isolated islets and beta‐cell lines in health and T1D contributed to the unraveling of pathways involved in cytokine‐induced cell death. In addition, by studying the serological proteome of T1D patients, new biomarkers and beta‐cell autoantigens were discovered, which may improve screening tests and follow‐up of T1D development. Interestingly, an important role for PTMs was demonstrated in the generation of beta‐cell autoantigens. To conclude, proteomic techniques are of indispensable value to improve the knowledge on beta‐cell function in T1D and the search toward therapeutic targets.
Large‐Scale Synthesis of a Porous Co3O4 Nanostructure and Its Application in Metastable Intermolecular Composites
Authors: Wang Jun , Qiao Zhiqiang , Shen Jinpeng , Li Rui , Yang Yuntao , Yang Guangcheng
Published: January 2015

Three‐dimensional nanostructured porous Co3O4 was synthesized on a silicon substrate via a hydrothermal route in conjunction with annealing treatment. The structure and morphology of the obtained Co3O4 samples were systemically examined using field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The Co3O4 structures were composed of nanosheets forming a pore‐network architecture that promoted Al penetration into its inner regions during deposition resulting in enhanced interfacial contact area, which significantly improve metastable intermolecular composites (MICs) burning rate and the release of energy. The successfully Co3O4 was used to synthesize Al/Co3O4 based MICs by integration with nano‐Al deposited via thermal evaporation. The heat of reaction of Al/Co3O4, particularly the exothermic reaction before Al melting, was greatly enhanced by the Co3O4 nanostructures. The Al/Co3O4 based MICs were fabricated on a silicon substrate, which is very convenient for integrating MICs with silicon‐based microelectromechanical systems to achieve functional nanoenergetics‐on‐a‐chip.
Performance evaluation of channel length downscaling of various high voltage AlGaN/GaN power HEMTs
Authors: Guo Zhibo , Chow T. Paul
Published: January 2015

Channel length downscaling characteristics of various lateral AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) are simulated. Quasi‐constant‐field scaled MOS channel HEMTs show superior performance over two‐dimensional electron gas (2DEG) channel HEMTs at deep submicron channel lengths. The adverse effects of deep submicron channel length on threshold voltage, drain‐induced barrier lowering, subthreshold swing, transconductance and on‐off current ratio are seen to be much less pronounced in MOS channel HEMTs compared with 2DEG channel HEMTs. Switching capabilities of enhancement mode HEMTs at different channel lengths are evaluated and compared using a new intrinsic maximum switching frequency (fm,IG) figure‐of‐merit.
Adhesion and thermal stability enhancement of IZO films by adding a primer layer on polycarbonate substrate
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Zhang Xiaofeng , Yan Yue , Zhong Yanli , Li Lei , Zhang Guanli
Published: January 2015

A silicone‐based primer layer was developed to improve the adhesion and thermal stability of amorphous transparent indium zinc oxide (IZO) films on polycarbonate (PC). The IZO films deposited by direct current magnetron sputtering at room temperature on primer‐treated and untreated PCs were evaluated ex situ in terms of surface morphology, adhesion, optical, and electrical properties during annealing at 120 °C in air. Nano‐scratch tests indicated the adhesion of IZO films on primer‐treated substrates was superior to that on untreated PCs. This superior adhesion can be attributed to the strong Si‐O‐Si inorganic bonds abundant in the primer layer and better matches of the primer layer in the terms of thermal expansion to the IZO. Moreover, the electrical resistivity of IZO films prepared on primer‐treated PCs remained stable during the annealing treatment, whereas those of IZO films on untreated PCs presented a continuously increasing trend, which was attributed to the decrease in carrier concentration that resulted from oxygen adsorption.
High temperature annealing of iron nanowires
Authors: Krajewski Marcin , Lin Wei Syuan , Lin Hong Ming , Tokarczyk Mateusz , Lewinska Sabina , Nedelko Natalia , Slawska‐Waniewska Anna , Kowalski Grzegorz , Borysiuk Jolanta , Wasik Dariusz
Published: January 2015

This work presents the results of high temperature annealing of iron nanowires at five different temperatures (ranging 200–800 °C) in the slightly oxidative atmosphere. Investigated nanomaterial was prepared in simple chemical reduction process from aqueous solution of iron trichloride placed in external magnetic field. Experimental results allowed determining how magnetic properties of as‐prepared as well as annealed iron nanowires change in respect to their structures. They also delivered information about phase transitions occurred in as‐prepared sample under thermal treatment.
A magnetic field tuned metal–insulator transition in unconventional metallic K‐doped MoO
Authors: Alves L. M. S. , de Lima B. S. , dos Santos C. A. M. , da Luz M. S. , Neumeier J. J. , Yu Yi‐Kuo
Published: January 2015

This paper reports magnetoresistance measurements in polycrystalline samples of KMoO which demonstrate the occurrence of metal–insulator transition driven by magnetic field. The results are consistent with the Bose metal scenario and the two parameter scaling analysis proposed by Das and Doniach was applied. The results suggest a possible explanation for the unconventional metallic behavior observed in the KMoO compound.
Scanning probe microscopy and spectroscopy of graphene on metals
Authors: Dedkov Yuriy , Voloshina Elena , Fonin Mikhail
Published: January 2015

Graphene, a two‐dimensional (2D) material with unique electronic properties, appears to be an ideal object for the application of surface‐science methods. Among them, a family of scanning probe microscopy methods (STM, AFM, KPFM) and the corresponding spectroscopy add‐ons provide information about the structure and electronic properties of graphene on the local scale (from m to atoms). This review focuses on the recent applications of these microscopic/spectroscopic methods for the investigation of graphene on metals (interfaces, intercalation‐like systems, graphene nanoribbons, and quantum dots, etc.). It is shown that very important information about interaction strength at the graphene/metal interfaces as well as about modification of the electronic spectrum of graphene at the Fermi level can be obtained on the local scale. The combination of these results with those obtained by other methods and comparison with recent theoretical data demonstrate the power of this approach for the investigation of the graphene‐based systems.

STM image of a graphene island (quantum dot) on Ir(111).
Extending group‐III nitrides to the infrared: Recent advances in InN
Authors: Mi Zetian , Zhao Songrui
Published: January 2015

In this article, we provide an overview on the recent advances made in InN, including both planar and nanowire structures. With the improved epitaxial growth process, the background electron concentration can be reduced to low 1017 and 1013 cm−3 ranges in planar and nanowire structures, respectively, with the latter approaching the intrinsic limit of InN at room temperature. Extensive studies have shown that the measurement of p‐type conduction in InN epilayers has been fundamentally limited by the presence of electron accumulation on the c‐plane surfaces. In contrast, the nonpolar grown surfaces of InN are found to be completely free of electron accumulation. Moreover, through direct Mg dopant incorporation, the surfaces (nonpolar m‐plane) of InN nanowires can be transformed from intrinsic to nearly p‐type degenerate, which has led to the first direct measurement of p‐type conduction in InN.
In‐grown stacking‐faults in 4H‐SiC epilayers grown on 2° off‐cut substrates
Authors: Lilja Louise , Hassan Jawad Ul , Janzén Erik , Bergman J. Peder
Published: January 2015

4H‐SiC epilayers were grown on 2° off‐cut substrates using standard silane/propane chemistry, with the aim of characterizing in‐grown stacking faults. The stacking faults were analyzed with low temperature photoluminescence spectroscopy, room temperature photoluminescence mappings, room temperature cathodoluminescence and synchrotron white beam X‐ray topography. At least three different types of in‐grown stacking faults were observed, including double Shockley stacking faults, triple Shockley stacking faults and bar‐shaped stacking faults. Those stacking faults are all previously found in 4° and 8° off‐cut epilayers; however, the geometrical size is larger in epilayers grown on 2° off‐cut substrates due to lower off‐cut angle. The stacking faults were formed close to the epilayer/substrate interface during the epitaxial growth.
Vision‐based variable impedance control with oscillation observer for respiratory motion compensation during robotic needle insertion: a preliminary test
Authors: Cho Chang Nho , Seo Jong Hyun , Kim Hong Rae , Jung Hyunchul , Kim Kwang Gi
Published: January 2015

Background

To reduce the radiation exposure of patients and physicians during needle‐based procedures, robotic needle insertion systems have been widely developed. However, during robotic needle insertion, the respiratory motion of the patient can cause serious injury.

Methods

A vision‐based variable impedance control algorithm was introduced to compensate for the respiratory motion. The algorithm controls the robot so that the applied forces and moments on the needle are zero. Also, an oscillation observer was introduced to ensure patient safety. A preliminary test was performed using a seven degrees of freedom (7‐DOF) robot and a phantom.

Result

It was found that the proposed algorithm greatly decreases damage to the phantom due to respiratory motion. Also, the proposed oscillation observer was able to ensure robot stability.

Conclusions

The proposed control scheme allows the robot to compensate for the respiratory motion to ensure patient safety during a needle‐based procedure. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A robust and privacy‐preserving aggregation scheme for secure smart grid communications in digital communities
Authors: Fu Shuai , Ma Jianfeng , Li Hongtao , Jiang Qi
Published: January 2015

By offering indisputable advantages over traditional grid including remote readings and load balancing, smart grid is regarded as the modernization of the electricity delivery system. In this paper, we propose a privacy‐preserving and secure multi‐dimensional aggregation scheme for smart grid communications in digital communities. By integrating privacy homomorphism encryption with aggregation signature scheme, data authentication and integrity protection are performed and proved without disclosing any fine‐grained user consumption data. The construction of member list allows the fault tolerance of our scheme against accidental errors. In addition, the batch verification technique is adopted to reduce the computation cost of the operation center, and each user's computation cost is independent of the number of collected data types. Security analysis and performance evaluation demonstrate that the proposed scheme can resist various security threats and preserve identity privacy and has significantly less communication overhead and computation cost than other existing approaches. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Material Flow Analysis of CO2 Emissions from Blast Furnace and Basic Oxygen Furnace Steelmaking Systems in China
Authors: Xu Wenqing , Cao Wanjie , Zhu Tingyu , Li Yinjiao , Wan Bin
Published: January 2015

In China, iron and steel plants are confronted with increased demands to reduce their CO2 emissions. Data on CO2 emissions derived from iron and steel making is a basic requirement for a certificate of CO2 reduction. In the current paper, carbon flows from blast furnace and basic oxygen furnace (BF‐BOF) steelmaking systems are analyzed using Material Flow Analysis (MFA). The computation method is built and used to calculate CO2 emissions in three steel works. The amount of carbon flow and CO2 emission per ton of product () of each process in BF‐BOF steeling systems is obtained. The results show that the of each process varies significantly. As for the highest percentage of parts, the of the blast furnace iron making is greater than 700 kg on average; however, the of casting is only roughly 50 kg. The of the same process is more influenced by the firm size, and the main production equipment scale plays a small role. In the end, the input of coal and coke is decreased by using charcoal instead, CO2 is removed from blast furnace gas along with carbon capture and storage, and traditional energy saving approaches/technologies for CO2 reduction for the iron and steel industry are introduced.
Thermal properties of esterified cassava starches and their maltodextrins in various water systems
Authors: Silaket Pawinee , Chatakanonda Pathama , Tran Thierry , Wansuksri Rungtiva , Piyachomkwan Kuakoon , Sriroth Klanarong
Published: January 2015

Esterified cassava starches were prepared by reaction with three types of acid anhydride (1–4% dsw of acetic anhydride, succinic anhydride, and octenyl succinic anhydride), yielding acetylated (AC), succinylated (SC), and octenyl succinylated (OSA) starches with different degrees of substitution (DS = 0.006–0.039). Their thermal properties, i.e. the glass transition temperature (Tg) at limited water content (13%) and retrogradation at intermediate (50%) and excess (70%) water content were evaluated by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) in order to elucidate the effect of substituted groups. At limited water system, the substitution of ester groups on starch molecules caused changes in Tg; the changes were dependent on substituent characteristics and contents. With respect to increasing free volume induced by the substitution of hydroxyl groups with large ester group of octenyl succinyl, OSA starches had lower Tg, while this effect was not observed for AC and SC starch, presumably because of their low MWs. In both intermediate and excess water systems, esterification at low DS did not cause dramatic change in onset gelatinization temperatures. Starch retrogradation in excess water system was the lowest for OSA starch. The Avrami equation exhibits the highest half‐time (t1/2) of recrystallization and the lowest rate constant (k) of retrogradation for OSA. The Tg of most esterified cassava maltodextrins (DS ≈ 0.02, 0.03; Dextrose Equivalent, DE<2 and 3<DE<6) had decreased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing DE except OSA maltodextrin with DS 0.024 was not significantly different (p>0.05).
Combined effect of ultrasound and enzymatic pretreatment on yield and functional properties of taro (Colocasia esculenta) starch
Authors: Sit Nandan , Deka Sankar Chandra , Misra Sudip
Published: January 2015

A combined effect of ultrasound and enzymatic pretreatment on yield and functional properties of taro starch was investigated. A 3 × 2 × 2 factorial design was employed with three factors, i.e., sonication time (0, 10, and 20 min), concentration of cellulase (0 and 100 U/100 g fresh tuber) and xylanase (0 and 100 U/100 g fresh tuber). Starch yield varied from 14.60 to 20.81%. The highest yield of 20.81% was obtained, when ultrasonication time was 20 min and concentration for both cellulase and xylanase was 100 U/100 g taro tubers, which was an increase of 42.53% from conventional method. An increase in swelling, solubility and pasting properties of the isolated starches pretreated only with ultrasound was observed, but no such difference was observed with enzymes alone, or when ultrasound was applied in combination with enzymes. A slight decrease in clarity of the starch pastes was also observed after ultrasonication. Freeze‐thaw stability of the starches was found to be better when ultrasound was used as pretreatment for extraction. Higher yield of starch with better functional properties can be achieved from taro tubers by using combination of ultrasound and enzymes.
Enhancement of octenyl succinylation of cassava starch by prior modification with heat–moisture treatment
Authors: Jiranuntakul Wittawat , Puncha‐arnon Santhanee , Uttapap Dudsadee
Published: January 2015

The effects of heat–moisture treatment (HMT; moisture content of 25%, at 100°C for 1, 3, or 5 h) prior to octenyl succinylation on degree of substitution (DS), reaction efficiency (RE), FTIR, pasting properties, starch gel morphology, and emulsifying capacity of cassava starch were investigated. Octenyl succinylated heat–moisture treated (OSHMT) starch had higher DS and RE than octenyl succinylated (OS) starch, indicating that prior HMT could enhance the reaction between octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) and hydroxyl groups of starch molecules. However, the difference between OS and OSHMT starches could not be verified from FT‐IR spectra. Paste viscosities of OSHMT starches were higher than native and OS starches, whereas pasting temperature of OSHMT starches was between those of OS and HMT starches. Emulsifying capacity of OSHMT starches was slightly higher than the starch modified by OSA alone.
Connectionist perspectives on language learning, representation and processing
Authors: Joanisse Marc F. , McClelland James L.
Published: January 2015

The field of formal linguistics was founded on the premise that language is mentally represented as a deterministic symbolic grammar. While this approach has captured many important characteristics of the world's languages, it has also led to a tendency to focus theoretical questions on the correct formalization of grammatical rules while also de‐emphasizing the role of learning and statistics in language development and processing. In this review we present a different approach to language research that has emerged from the parallel distributed processing or 'connectionist' enterprise. In the connectionist framework, mental operations are studied by simulating learning and processing within networks of artificial neurons. With that in mind, we discuss recent progress in connectionist models of auditory word recognition, reading, morphology, and syntactic processing. We argue that connectionist models can capture many important characteristics of how language is learned, represented, and processed, as well as providing new insights about the source of these behavioral patterns. Just as importantly, the networks naturally capture irregular (non‐rule‐like) patterns that are common within languages, something that has been difficult to reconcile with rule‐based accounts of language without positing separate mechanisms for rules and exceptions. WIREs Cogn Sci 2015, 6:235–247. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1340

This article is categorized under:

Linguistics > Language Acquisition

Psychology > Language

Neuroscience > Computation
The future of electric vehicles: prospects and impediments
Authors: Ajanovic Amela
Published: January 2015

In recent years, about a century after reaching their first prime in the early 1900s, electric vehicles (EVs) have received growing attention again. Politicians in various countries have recognized EVs as a promising technological alternative to fossil fuel driven cars in combating global warming. However, for a broader market penetration considerable barriers have to be removed. The most important are high investment costs and low driving ranges, both caused by the major weakness of EVs—their battery. The core objective of this article is to investigate the future market prospects of various types of EVs, with the economics of EVs in comparison to conventional cars playing a key role. Only if the final driving costs can be considerably reduced will EVs gain significant market shares. In addition to this also the environmental aspects are very important because they are a major motivation in supporting and promotion of EVs. However, the policies and measures implemented vary between countries, meaning there is huge potential for an exchange of lessons learned. The major conclusion of this article is that future prospects of EVs are only bright if the costs of batteries can be brought down through technological learning and if improved storage can lead to higher driving ranges. However, to harvest the full environmental benefits of EVs the electricity for EVs must be generated from renewable energy sources. WIREs Energy Environ 2015, 4:521–536. doi: 10.1002/wene.160

This article is categorized under:

Energy Systems Economics > Economics and Policy

Energy and Development > Economics and Policy
Mammalian gastrointestinal tract parameters modulating the integrity, surface properties, and absorption of food‐relevant nanomaterials
Authors: Bellmann Susann , Carlander David , Fasano Alessio , Momcilovic Dragan , Scimeca Joseph A. , Waldman W. James , Gombau Lourdes , Tsytsikova Lyubov , Canady Richard , Pereira Dora I. A. , Lefebvre David E.
Published: January 2015

Many natural chemicals in food are in the nanometer size range, and the selective uptake of nutrients with nanoscale dimensions by the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a normal physiological process. Novel engineered nanomaterials (NMs) can bring various benefits to food, e.g., enhancing nutrition. Assessing potential risks requires an understanding of the stability of these entities in the GI lumen, and an understanding of whether or not they can be absorbed and thus become systemically available. Data are emerging on the mammalian in vivo absorption of engineered NMs composed of chemicals with a range of properties, including metal, mineral, biochemical macromolecules, and lipid‐based entities. In vitro and in silico fluid incubation data has also provided some evidence of changes in particle stability, aggregation, and surface properties following interaction with luminal factors present in the GI tract. The variables include physical forces, osmotic concentration, pH, digestive enzymes, other food, and endogenous biochemicals, and commensal microbes. Further research is required to fill remaining data gaps on the effects of these parameters on NM integrity, physicochemical properties, and GI absorption. Knowledge of the most influential luminal parameters will be essential when developing models of the GI tract to quantify the percent absorption of food‐relevant engineered NMs for risk assessment. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2015, 7:609–622. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1333

This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Cells at the Nanoscale

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
NIR fluorescent small molecules for intraoperative imaging
Authors: Owens Eric A. , Lee Stephanie , Choi JungMun , Henary Maged , Choi Hak Soo
Published: January 2015

Recent advances in bioimaging and nanomedicine have permitted the exploitation of molecular optical imaging in image‐guided surgery; however, the parameters mediating optimum performance of contrast agents are not yet precisely determined. To develop ideal contrast agents for image‐guided surgery, we need to consider the following criteria: (1) excitation and emission wavelengths in the near‐infrared (NIR) window, (2) optimized optical characteristics for high in vivo performance, (3) overcoming or harnessing biodistribution and clearance, and (4) reducing nonspecific uptake. The design considerations should be focused on optimizing the optical and physicochemical property criteria. Biodistribution and clearance should first be considered because they mediate the fate of a contrast agent in the body such as how long after intravenous injection a contrast agent reaches the peak signal‐to‐background ratio (SBR) and how long the signal lasts (retention). WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2015, 7:828–838. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1337

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Product quality for nanomaterials: current U.S. experience and perspective
Authors: Tyner Katherine M. , Zou Peng , Yang Xiaochuan , Zhang Hailing , Cruz Celia N. , Lee Sau L.
Published: January 2015

In recent years, there has been an increased focus on developing novel drug delivery systems and targeted therapies through the use of nanotechnology and nanomaterials. Such focus is translating to an increasing number of investigational new drug (IND) applications, new drug applications (NDAs), and abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) for drug products containing nanomaterials to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although subject to the same rigorous regulatory standards and regulatory pathways as any drug product, unique properties that arise from the small size, large surface area, and polydispersity of nanomaterials may lead to additional scientific considerations when following current FDA guidelines and practices for drug evaluation. This review article will discuss these scientific considerations based on the experience with FDA‐approved drug products containing nanomaterials. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2015, 7:640–654. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1338

This article is categorized under:

Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus-Based Structures
Demographic strategies of plant invaders in temporally varying environments
Authors: Li Shou‐Li , Ramula Satu
Published: January 2015

Plant populations may have evolved different demographic strategies to cope with temporal environmental variation. According to the demographic buffering hypothesis, vital rates that are most critical to population persistence are buffered against environmental variation and vary little over time, whereas the demographic lability hypothesis suggests that populations may track and benefit from environmental variation. While the hypotheses of demographic strategies have been widely tested in plant and animal species, they have not been explicitly examined for invasive plants, or in relation to different modelling methods (deterministic vs. stochastic). Here, we tested the demographic buffering and lability hypotheses for 23 populations of eight invasive plant species in relation to life form (woody vs. herbaceous species) and population growth rate using deterministic and stochastic modelling methods, and absolute and relative scales. We found that conclusions of demographic strategies depended on scale, with an absolute scale resulting in stronger negative correlations between the variability and importance of vital rates (i.e., buffering) than a relative scale. Conclusions of demographic strategies were also affected by life form that interacted with method. The populations of woody invaders exhibited buffering regardless of the method used, while for the populations of herbaceous species, deterministic calculations suggested buffering and stochastic calculations suggested lability. Overall, our findings emphasise the role of life form and methodological issues that need to be considered when exploring demographic strategies in fluctuating environments.
Successful Management of Risk in the Hybrid OR
Authors: Childs Shannon , Bruch Paul
Published: January 2015

The advent of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) surgery has resulted in numerous advances in minimally invasive procedures. This progress has also revealed serious environmental hazards for the patient and perioperative team. At one facility, implementation of an MRI/OR intervention suite has enhanced surgical care and outcomes. Achieving the benefits of intraoperative MRI can occur with a multidisciplinary, interdepartmental approach to the design and layout of the hybrid environment and through implementation of education and safety protocols, including patient screening and prep for scanning. Personnel, including perioperative nurses, must receive expert hands‐on training to successfully mitigate risk and provide care in the hybrid OR setting.
Clinical Issues‐February 2015
Authors: Burlingame Byron L.
Published: January 2015

This Month

Terminology for the transgender community

Key words: gender expression, transgender, transsexual, gender identity, gender assignment, gender reassignment, sexual reassignment, acceptable terms, politically acceptable terms.

Placing the correct prosthesis on the sterile field

Key words: implants, implant verification, communication process, prosthesis, arthroplasty.

Policies regarding health care industry representatives

Key words: health care industry representative, sales representatives, salesmen, saleswomen, clinical consultants.
The Relative Contribution of Love and Trust towards Customer Loyalty
Authors: Chen Shu-Ching , Quester Pascale G.
Published: January 2015

This study examines the respective role of two constructs, love and trust, as drivers of customer loyalty in a business-to-consumer service context. A review of the psychology and marketing literature suggests prominent roles for both love and trust in relation to long-term interpersonal relationships. The likely interaction between love and trust foreshadowed in prior studies also suggests the need of studying both factors simultaneously. Yet, to the authors’ knowledge, the relative contribution of love and trust to loyalty has never been examined in the context of B2C service relationships. This study collected 293 valid consumer self-administered questionnaires in a personal care service setting. Analysis results, using structural equation modelling, show that customer experience of love, and trust, are both significant predictors of customer loyalty. However, love is a stronger driver of loyalty than trust. This study contributes to our understanding of consumers’ unspoken needs or wants for love and confirms their need for trust in service encounters, helping frontline employees and managers to perform better in their efforts to generate and maintain customer loyalty. The study also makes a cross-disciplinary contribution to the literature on loyalty, love and trust, in marketing and psychology.
Strand‐biased gene distribution, purine assymetry and environmental factors influence protein evolution in Bacillus
Authors: Goswami Aranyak , Roy Chowdhury Anindya , Sarkar Munmun , Saha Sanjoy Kumar , Paul Sandip , Dutta Chitra
Published: January 2015

A strong purine asymmetry, along with strand‐biased gene distribution and the presence of PolC, prevails in Bacillus and some other members of Firmicutes, Fusobacteria and Tenericutes. The analysis of protein features in 21 Bacillus species of diverse metabolic, virulence and ecological traits revealed that purine asymmetry in conjunction with lineage/niche specific constraints significantly influences protein evolution in Bacillus. All Bacillus species, except for Se‐respiring Bacillus selenitireducens, display distinct strand‐specific biases in amino acid usage, which may affect the isoelectric point or surface charge distribution of proteins with prevalence of acidic and basic residues in the leading and lagging strand proteins, respectively.
Reduced density of dendritic spines in pyramidal neurons of rats exposed to alcohol during early postnatal life
Authors: De Giorgio Andrea , Granato Alberto
Published: January 2015

Dendritic spines are the main postsynaptic sites of excitatory connections of neocortical pyramidal neurons. Alterations of spine shape, number, and density can be observed in different mental diseases, including those caused by developmental alcohol exposure. Pyramidal neurons of layer 2/3 are the most abundant cells of the neocortex and represent the main source of associative cortico‐cortical connections. These neurons are essential for higher functions mediated by the cortex such as feature selection and perceptual grouping. Furthermore, their connections have been shown to be altered in experimental models of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Here, we used a Golgi‐like tracing method to study the spine density of layer 2/3 associative pyramidal neurons in the somatosensory cortex of adult rats exposed to alcohol during the first postnatal week.

The main result of the present study is represented by the decreased spine density in the apical dendrite of alcohol‐treated rats, as compared to controls. As to the basal dendritic tree, there were no significant differences between the experimental and the control group.

A decreased density of dendritic spines in the apical dendrite may impair the excitatory input onto pyramidal neurons, thus resulting in a widespread alteration of the cortical information flow.
Factors Determining Periprocedural and Long-term Complications of High Risk Carotid Artery Stenting
Authors: Dinculescu Vincent , Ritter Anne C.M. , dos Santos Marlise P. , Mohan Ravi M. , Schwarz Betty A. , Lesiuk Howard J. , Lum Cheemun
Published: January 2015

Background and Purpose: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has been, historically, an alternative to open endarterectomy (CEA) for stroke prevention in high risk patients with carotid atherosclerosis. We sought to determine the rates of periprocedural and long-term stroke or death and the risk factors for complications after CAS in our high risk patient population. Methods: Clinical and treatment variables of consecutive CAS procedures performed between 2002 and 2011 were analyzed. Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses we examined how patient characteristics influenced outcomes and changes in modified Rankin Score (mRS). Results: In 152 patients, the composite total of periprocedural death, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) and myocardial infarction (MI) rate was 3.95% (6/152). Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was strongly associated with periprocedural complications (p<0.001). Coronary artery disease/peripheral vascular disease (CAD/PVD) (p=0.03), dyslipidemia (p=0.02), CKD (p=0.01), and contralateral internal carotid artery stenosis (p=0.02) were non-modifiable risk factors for mRS increase. There were 25 deaths, 8 strokes, 11 TIAs, and 1 MI (mean follow-up 38.4 months, range 0-116 months). The presence of CAD/PVD (p=0.009) and dyslipidemia (p=0.002) were significantly associated with long-term complications. Conclusion: CAS was performed with low periprocedural complications in high-risk patients. Our rates compare very favorably to large-scale trials that have ideal patients. This data encourages the consideration of CAS in patients considered high risk for CEA and provides possible patient characteristics (CKD) to help with periprocedural risk stratification.
The noncoding human genome and the future of personalised medicine
Authors: Cowie Philip , Hay Elizabeth A. , MacKenzie Alasdair
Published: January 2015

Non-coding cis-regulatory sequences act as the ‘eyes’ of the genome and their role is to perceive, organise and relay cellular communication information to RNA polymerase II at gene promoters. The evolution of these sequences, that include enhancers, silencers, insulators and promoters, has progressed in multicellular organisms to the extent that cis-regulatory sequences make up as much as 10% of the human genome. Parallel evidence suggests that 75% of polymorphisms associated with heritable disease occur within predicted cis-regulatory sequences that effectively alter the ‘perception’ of cis-regulatory sequences or render them blind to cell communication cues. Cis-regulatory sequences also act as major functional targets of epigenetic modification thus representing an important conduit through which changes in DNA-methylation affects disease susceptibility. The objectives of the current review are (1) to describe what has been learned about identifying and characterising cis-regulatory sequences since the sequencing of the human genome; (2) to discuss their role in interpreting cell signalling pathways pathways; and (3) outline how this role may be altered by polymorphisms and epigenetic changes. We argue that the importance of the cis-regulatory genome for the interpretation of cellular communication pathways cannot be overstated and understanding its role in health and disease will be critical for the future development of personalised medicine.
Three-dimensional flow past a rotating cylinder
Authors: Navrose   , Meena Jagmohan , Mittal Sanjay
Published: January 2015

Three-dimensional computations are carried out for a spinning cylinder placed in a uniform flow. The non-dimensional rotation rate is varied in the range $0.0\leqslant {\it\alpha}\leqslant 5.0$. A stabilized finite element method is utilized to solve the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations in primitive variables formulation. Linear stability analysis of the steady state shows the existence of several new unstable three-dimensional modes for $200\leqslant \mathit{Re}\leqslant 350$ and $4.0\leqslant {\it\alpha}\leqslant 5.0$. The curves of neutral stability of these modes are presented in the $\mathit{Re}{-}{\it\alpha}$ parameter space. For the flow at $\mathit{Re}=200$ and rotation rate in the ranges $0.0\leqslant {\it\alpha}\leqslant 1.91$ and $4.34\leqslant {\it\alpha}\leqslant 4.7$, the vortex shedding, earlier reported in two dimensions and commonly referred to as parallel shedding, can also exist as oblique shedding. In this mode of shedding, the vortices are inclined to the axis of the cylinder. In fact, parallel shedding is a special case of oblique shedding. It is found that the span of the cylinder plays a significant role in the time evolution of the flow. Of all the unstable eigenmodes, with varied spanwise wavenumber, only the ones whose integral number of wavelengths fit the span length of the cylinder are selected to grow. For the flow at $\mathit{Re}=200$, two steady states exist for $4.8\leqslant {\it\alpha}\leqslant 5.0$. While one of them is associated with unstable eigenmodes, the other is stable to all infinitesimal perturbations. In this regime, irrespective of the initial conditions, the fully developed flow is steady and devoid of any instabilities.
Impact of liquids with different densities
Authors: Semenov Y. A. , Wu G. X. , Korobkin A. A.
Published: January 2015

The collision of liquids of different densities is studied theoretically for the case of liquids having wedge-shaped configuration before the impact. Both liquids are assumed to be ideal and incompressible, and the velocity potential theory is used for the flow of each liquid. Surface tension and gravity effects are neglected. The problem is decomposed into two self-similar problems, one for each liquid. Across the interface between the liquids, continuity of the pressure and the normal component of the velocity is enforced through iteration. This determines the shape of the interface and other flow parameters. The integral hodograph method is employed to derive the solution consisting of analytical expressions for the complex-velocity potential, the complex-conjugate velocity, and the mapping function. They are all defined in the first quadrant of a parameter plane, in which the original boundary-value problem is reduced to a system of integro-differential equations in terms of the velocity magnitude and the velocity angle relative to the flow boundary. They are solved numerically using the method of successive approximations. The results are presented through streamlines, interface and free-surface shapes, the pressure and velocity distributions. Special attention is given to the structure of the splash jet rising as a result of the impact.
Urinary enterolactone is associated with obesity and metabolic alteration in men in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–10
Authors: Xu Cheng , Liu Qian , Zhang Qunwei , Gu Aihua , Jiang Zhao-Yan
Published: January 2015

Phyto-oestrogens are a family of plant-derived xeno-oestrogens that have been shown to prevent cancer in some studies. Whether phyto-oestrogen intake affects obesity status in a population is still unclear. In the present cross-sectional study, we examined the association of urinary phyto-oestrogen metabolites with obesity and metabolic parameters in children and adults. Data from 1294 children (age 6–19 years) and from 3661 adults (age ≥ 20 years) who participated in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–10 were analysed. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to investigate the associations of BMI, waist circumference, serum metabolites (total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, TAG, fasting glucose and fasting insulin) and the metabolic syndrome with urinary phyto-oestrogen levels. When stratified by age and sex, we found a stronger association (OR 0·30, 95 % CI 0·17, 0·54; P< 0·001) between urinary enterolactone levels and obesity in adult males (age 20–60 years) than in children (age 12–19 years) or the elderly (age >60 years) in the same survey. However, no associations with urinary daidzein, O-desmethylangolensin, equol, enterodiol or genistein were found in the overall population. We also found that the elevation of enterolactone levels was inversely associated with TAG levels, fasting glucose levels, fasting insulin levels and the metabolic syndrome in males aged 20–60 years, but positively associated with HDL-cholesterol levels. The present results provide epidemiological evidence that urinary enterolactone is inversely associated with obesity in adult males.
Sexual selection drives the evolution of limb regeneration inHarmonia axyridis(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Wang S. , Tan X.L. , Michaud J.P. , Shi Z.K. , Zhang F.
Published: January 2015

WhenHarmonia axyridislarvae were subjected to amputation of a foreleg in the fourth instar, 83% survived and, of these, 75% regenerated the leg during pupation. Regenerators pupated at heavier weights than controls (unoperated) or non-regenerators, and spent longer in pupation. Regenerated males were preferred by females in choice tests and produced more viable progeny than control males. Unregenerated males were less preferred by females, copulated for shorter periods than control males, and reduced female fecundity. Amputation diminished beneficial paternal effects, whether males regenerated or not, resulting in progeny with slower development and smaller adult body mass relative to control paternity. Progeny of unregenerated males had lower survival and body mass, whether male or female, confirming that regeneration was an honest signal of mate quality. When offspring had a foreleg amputated, a regenerated paternity yielded higher survival than control paternity, but similar rates of regeneration, whereas an unregenerated paternity yielded lower rates of survival and leg regeneration than control paternity. Regenerating beetles were twice as likely to be melanic as non-regenerating or control beetles, suggesting pleiotropic effects of melanism on processes involved in regeneration. This is the first report of complete limb regeneration by a holometabolous insect in the pupal stage, and the first example of sexual selection for regenerative capacity.
Influence of plant silicon in Busseola fusca (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae – Poaceae interactions
Authors: Juma G. , Ahuya P.O. , Ong'amo G. , Le Ru B. , Magoma G. , Silvain J.-F. , Calatayud P.-A.
Published: January 2015

The noctuid stem borer Busseola fusca is an important pest of maize and sorghum in Sub-Saharan Africa. The presence of this species occurred mostly on cultivated than on wild habitats. Busseola fusca is oligophagous having a narrow range of a wild grass species. This might be due, in part, to differences in silicon (Si) content in plant tissues between cultivated and wild grasses. In the present study, we have tested this hypothesis by studying the survival and the relative growth rate (RGR) expressed as daily weight gains of B. fusca larvae on maize and six wild host plants, mostly present in the natural habitat where B. fusca occurred, and correlated with their Si contents. Survival and RGR of B. fusca larvae were considerably higher on maize and wild sorghum than on the other grass species, and they were negatively related to plant Si content. This was corroborated with results on RGR from artificial diets amended with increasing levels of Si. In addition, if Si was added to maize growing substrate B. fusca larval growth was significantly reduced confirming the involvement of Si in B. fusca larvae – Poaceae interactions. The results provide insight into the possible mechanisms of oligophagy of B. fusca and provide a correlative support for a physical role of plant endogenous Si in impeding feeding of B. fusca larvae.
‘ARE YOU PLANTING TREES OR ARE YOU PLANTING PEOPLE?’ SQUATTER RESISTANCE AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE MAKING OF A KENYAN POSTCOLONIAL POLITICAL ORDER (c. 1963–78)
Authors: MOSKOWITZ KARA
Published: January 2015

This article examines squatter resistance to a World Bank-funded forest and paper factory project. The article illustrates how diverse actors came together at the sites of rural development projects in early postcolonial Kenya. It focuses on the relationship between the rural squatters who resisted the project and the political elites who intervened, particularly President Kenyatta. Together, these two groups not only negotiated the reformulation of a major international development program, but they also worked out broader questions about political authority and political culture. In negotiating development, rural actors and political elites decided how resources would be distributed and they entered into new patronage-based relationships, processes integral to the making of the postcolonial political order.
‘THE ROOTING OUT OF MAU MAU FROM THE MINDS OF THE KIKUYU IS A FORMIDABLE TASK’: PROPAGANDA AND THE MAU MAU WAR
Authors: OSBORNE MYLES
Published: January 2015

Despite the recent proliferation of scholarship on the Mau Mau rebellion, little attention has been paid to the ‘propaganda war’ it generated. The absence is especially striking given the importance that both the British and Mau Mau fighters attached to success in the battle for the ‘hearts and minds’ of Kenya's African population. This article analyzes the production of colonial propaganda – and its reception by Africans – in the ‘Emergency’, revealing how its themes and strategies changed over the course of the 1950s. Despite vast resources pumped into this effort, both African and British testimonies reveal that this propaganda had only limited success until government forces gained the upper hand in the military war against Mau Mau in late 1954. After that point, the increased level of control in Central Province enabled officials to finally best the efforts of skilled Mau Mau propagandists.
SAHARAN OCEANS AND BRIDGES, BARRIERS AND DIVIDES IN AFRICA'S HISTORIOGRAPHICAL LANDSCAPE
Authors: LYDON GHISLAINE
Published: January 2015

Based on a broad assessment of the scholarship on North-Western Africa, this article examines Saharan historiography with a particular view towards understanding how and why historians have long represented the continent as being composed of two ‘Africas’. Starting with the earliest Arabic writings, and, much later, French colonial renderings, it traces the epistemological creation of a racial and geographic divide. Then, the article considers the field of African studies in North African universities and ends with a review of recent multidisciplinary research that embraces a trans-Saharan approach.