bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐Performance Flame‐Retarded Polyamide‐6 Composite Fabricated by Chain Extension
Authors: Wirasaputra Alvianto , Zheng Lijun , Liu Shumei , Yuan Yanchao , Zhao Jianqing
Published: February 2016

The flame retardancy and mechanical properties of polyamide‐6 (PA6)/aluminum diethylphosphinate (AlPi) composite are greatly improved by the addition of novelly synthesized phosphorus flame retardant‐based diepoxide (DEP) during extrusion. The PA6/AlPi/DEP composite passes V‐0 rating of UL94 test with limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 32.6% at 13 wt% AlPi and 1 wt% DEP, as revealed by the results of flammability. The synergistic flame retardation mechanism offered by the two additives (AlPi and DEP) is studied in terms of in‐depth characterization of the charred residue and evolved gas. The deteriorated mechanical strength of PA6 due to existence of AlPi is compensated by the simultaneous chain extension effect of DEP. Accordingly, the flexural and impact strengths of PA6/AlPi/DEP composite are even superior to those of neat PA6.

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Thermally Stable Honeycomb‐Patterned Porous Films of a Poly(L‐lactic acid) and Poly(D‐lactic acid) Stereo Complex Prepared Using the Breath Figure Technique
Authors: Abe Hiroya , Hirai Yutaro , Yabu Hiroshi
Published: February 2016

Porous polymer materials prepared from biodegradable polymers have received considerable attention due to their potential as cell culture scaffolds for tissue engineering. Porous materials are generally sterilized by autoclaving prior to use as cell culture scaffolds to avoid unexpected biological infection. However, the melting point of biodegradable polymers is typically lower than the temperature used in autoclave sterilization. Here, the preparation of honeycomb films comprising a poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(D‐lactic acid) (PDLA) stereo complex is described and their thermal stabilities are evaluated. The hierarchic photochemical patterning of PLLA/PDLA stereo complex honeycomb‐patterned films by UV‐O3 treatment is also demonstrated.

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The effect of pH on the nucleation of titania by hydrolysis of TiCl4
Authors: Kotsyubynsky V. O. , Myronyuk I. F. , Myronyuk L. I. , Chelyadyn V. L. , Mizilevska M. H. , Hrubiak A. B. , Tadeush O. K. , Nizamutdinov F. M.
Published: February 2016

We have proposed and experimentally tested a phenomenological model of nucleation of a specific polymorphic phase of titanium dioxide (anatase, rutile, brookite) resulting from the interaction of Ti4+ hydroxocomplexes at different pH values of reaction medium. The degree of hydrolysis was determined as a function of pH for the monomers formed during the hydrolysis of titanium tetrachloride. Mixtures of anatase and brookite with an average size of coherently scattering domains of 5 nm and particles of ellipsoidal shape were obtained by precipitation at pH = 8. At the same time, nanoparticles of rutile with rod‐like morphology and an average size of 10 nm were obtained at a pH = 1.
Lessons learned from cancer prevention studies with nutrients and non‐nutritive dietary constituents
Authors: Yang Chung S. , Chen Jayson X. , Wang Hong , Lim Justin
Published: February 2016

Epidemiological studies have observed the association between dietary patterns and the risk of certain types of cancer. Extensive studies have been conducted on the cancer preventive activities of constituents from food and beverages. While laboratory research has shown impressive and promising results, such promising cancer preventive activities have not been demonstrated in many human intervention trials. This article analyzes the major differences between these different types of studies and the limitations of these studies. Animal and cell line studies usually use optimal conditions in order to demonstrate the hypothesized effects, sometimes without considering the human relevance. On the other hand, some clinical trials were designed without a good understanding of the biochemical and pharmacological properties of the agents used. Lessons learned from these studies will be illustrated using vitamin E, β‐carotene and selenium as examples for nutrients, and green tea polyphenols as an example for non‐nutritive dietary constituents. From the lessons learned, we believe that more interdisciplinary collaboration and integration of laboratory and human studies would effectively advance the field of cancer prevention.
Restructure your office to better serve your students, Part I
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2016

ANAHEIM, CALIF. — When Rebecca Mathern of Oregon State University was given the task of restructuring her admissions office, she made it a priority to keep her focus on getting the right people in place to boost the success of students at her university. Before her attempts to restructure, Mathern found that, although nothing was really wrong in her office, her team lacked direction and had stopped feeling excited for what was coming next. “We had to stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling empowered,” Mathern said. In a session at the recent Pacific Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers annual conference, Mathern gave tips, tricks, best practices and anecdotes from her own experience transforming her office into a successful student‐serving team.
Model reference adaptive minimum‐energy control for a mechatronic elevator system
Authors: Chen Kun‐Yung
Published: February 2016

The mechatronic elevator system driven by a permanent magnet synchronous motor is modeled using mechanical and electrical equations. In addition, the dimensionless forms are derived for practicable movements. This paper proposes and demonstrates the reference model of a minimum‐input absolute electrical energy control scheme based on the Hamiltonian function. Furthermore, a model reference adaptive control scheme based on the Lyapunov function is proposed for tracking the reference model to achieve a robust control performance, thus combining the minimum‐energy reference model of the minimum‐input absolute electrical energy control and the robust control offered by the model reference adaptive control. The proposed model reference adaptive minimum‐energy control yields robust minimum‐energy control performance. Subsequently, the experimental parameters of the elevator system were identified through self‐learning particle swarm optimization. The experimental results demonstrate the robust minimum‐energy control performance of the proposed model reference adaptive minimum‐energy control. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulatory mechanisms, expression levels and proliferation effects of the FUS–DDIT3 fusion oncogene in liposarcoma
Authors: Åman Pierre , Dolatabadi Soheila , Svec David , Jonasson Emma , Safavi Setareh , Andersson Daniel , Grundevik Pernilla , Thomsen Christer , Ståhlberg Anders
Published: February 2016

Fusion oncogenes are among the most common types of oncogene in human cancers. The gene rearrangements result in new combinations of regulatory elements and functional protein domains. Here we studied a subgroup of sarcomas and leukaemias characterized by the FET (FUS, EWSR1, TAF15) family of fusion oncogenes, including FUS–DDIT3 in myxoid liposarcoma (MLS). We investigated the regulatory mechanisms, expression levels and effects of FUS–DDIT3 in detail. FUS–DDIT3 showed a lower expression than normal FUS at both the mRNA and protein levels, and single‐cell analysis revealed a lack of correlation between FUS–DDIT3 and FUS expression. FUS–DDIT3 transcription was regulated by the FUS promotor, while its mRNA stability depended on the DDIT3 sequence. FUS–DDIT3 protein stability was regulated by protein interactions through the FUS part, rather than the leucine zipper containing DDIT3 part. In addition, in vitro as well as in vivo FUS–DDIT3 protein expression data displayed highly variable expression levels between individual MLS cells. Combined mRNA and protein analyses at the single‐cell level showed that FUS–DDIT3 protein expression was inversely correlated to the expression of cell proliferation‐associated genes. We concluded that FUS–DDIT3 is uniquely regulated at the transcriptional as well as the post‐translational level and that its expression level is important for MLS tumour development. The FET fusion oncogenes are potentially powerful drug targets and detailed knowledge about their regulation and functions may help in the development of novel treatments. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Segmental Chromosomal Aberrations in Localized Neuroblastoma Can be Detected in Formalin‐Fixed Paraffin‐Embedded Tissue Samples and Are Associated With Recurrence
Authors: Pinto Navin , Mayfield Jodi R. , Raca Gordana , Applebaum Mark A. , Chlenski Alexandre , Sukhanova Madina , Bagatell Rochelle , Irwin Meredith S. , Little Anthony , Rawwas Jawhar , Gosiengfiao Yasmin , Delattre Olivier , Janoueix‐Lerosey Isabelle , Lapouble Eve , Schleiermacher Gudrun , Cohn Susan L.
Published: February 2016

Background

Array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analyses of frozen tumors have shown strong associations between the pattern of chromosomal aberrations and outcome in patients with advanced‐stage neuroblastoma. New platforms for analyzing chromosomal aberrations using formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue have recently been developed. We sought to determine whether chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) using FFPE tumors is feasible and if segmental chromosomal aberrations were prognostic of recurrence in localized neuroblastoma.

Methods

Patients with MYCN nonamplified International Neuroblastoma Staging System stage 1 and 2 disease who recurred were identified. CMA was performed with diagnostic FFPE samples using OncoScan™ FFPE Express 2.0. The prognostic significance of chromosomal pattern was validated in 105 patients with available CGH results.

Results

In 26 evaluable patients, 11 recurred locally, nine had metastatic relapse, and six remained progression free >3 years from diagnosis. No chromosomal aberrations were identified in four tumors. Numerical chromosomal aberrations (NCAs) without segmental chromosomal aberration (SCA) were identified in 11 patients: six progressed locally, two had metastatic progression and 3 remained progression‐free. Eleven patients had SCAs: four progressed locally, six developed metastatic progression and one remained progression‐free. Five or more SCAs were only detected in tumors from patients who developed metastases (P = 0.0004). In the validation cohort, SCAs were associated with inferior event‐free survival (EFS) compared to NCA (5‐year EFS 68% ± 8.3% vs. 91% ± 3.6%, respectively; P = 0.0083).

Conclusions

It is feasible to evaluate chromosomal aberrations using FFPE neuroblastoma tissue. SCA is associated with inferior EFS in localized neuroblastoma patients, and multiple SCAs may be predictive of metastatic relapse.
The coalescence of polystyrene in correlated binary solvents
Authors: Besford Quinn A. , Liu Maoyuan , Beattie James K. , Gray‐Weale Angus
Published: February 2016

The solution behavior of solvophobic polymers is crucial to the development of polymer coatings and polymeric drug delivery vehicles. In this article, the role of dipolar interactions is investigated in the solvophobic coalescence of polystyrene in binary correlated polar solvent mixtures. A simple model for coalescence thermodynamics is derived from correlations between thermally rotating dipole moments in the solvent. The stabilizing correlations lost to the solvent due to a solute's presence give rise to a driving force for the coalescence of solutes. This stabilization is offset by the entropy of mixing that favors the dispersion of solutes. Predictions are compared to the measured point of coalescence of polystyrene in acetone when different alcohols are titrated. The model is shown to capture this point of coalescence and conformation for a variety of systems. Our results suggest the significant property determining the solubility of nonpolar polymers in a polar liquid is a free energy resulting from attractive dispersion interactions between thermally rotating solvent dipole moments. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 948–955
An Application of a Zero‐inflated Lifetime Distribution with Multiple and Incomplete Data Sources
Authors: Hamada M. S. , Margevicius K. J.
Published: February 2016

We analyze data sampled from a population of parts in which an associated anomaly can occur at assembly or after assembly. Using a zero‐inflated lifetime distribution to fit left‐censored and right‐censored data as well data from a supplementary sample, we make predictions about the proportion of the population with anomalies today and in the future. Goodness‐of‐fit is also addressed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple heated‐capillary modification improves the analysis of non‐covalent complexes by Z‐spray electrospray ionization
Authors: Lippens Jennifer L. , Mangrum J. B. , McIntyre William , Redick Bill , Fabris D.
Published: February 2016

Rationale

The observation of intact non‐covalent complexes by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) hinges on the ability to minimize in‐source activation processes that take place during analyte desolvation. We explored the merits of replacing the sampling cone of a standard Z‐spray source with a heated capillary that makes the desolvation process slower and more gradual. We employed well‐characterized protein‐RNA, RNA‐RNA, and DNA–DNA assemblies to compare the alternative configurations.

Methods

Mass analysis evaluated the integrity of the complexes, whereas traveling wave ion mobility experiments assessed the stability of biomolecular structure. Analyses were performed back‐to‐back on the same samples on a Synapt G2 HDMS equipped with either the standard sampling cone or the heated‐capillary apparatus. In each configuration, the source/capillary temperature was varied in controlled fashion, while keeping all other desolvation parameters constant to monitor the in‐source dissociation of selected DNA duplexes. Ion mobility data were obtained from the same precursor by using the alternative configurations under the same settings.

Results

Monitoring the percentage of associated complex demonstrated that the heated capillary provided softer desolvation that was more conducive to the detection of intact non‐covalent interactions. This configuration failed to produce complete dissociation of 14 bp and 24 bp duplexes, even when the source/capillary temperature was increased well above their solution melting points. Analyzed by IMS‐MS, a selected construct displayed just one conformation with the heated capillary, but two with the standard sampling cone.

Conclusions

The heated capillary minimizes in‐source activation processes that can lead to unintended dissociation of complexes and perturbation of biomolecular structure, which rely on the integrity of non‐covalent interactions. This effect can be attributed to the attenuation of the supersonic expansion typical of the Z‐spray geometry and the greater ability to control the energy imparted to the system. This hardware modification will be expected to benefit the analysis of biomolecular structure performed on this particular instrumental platform. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proxy re‐encryption via indistinguishability obfuscation
Authors: Ohata Satsuya , Matsuura Kanta
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we present a proxy re‐encryption (PRE) scheme via an indistinguishability obfuscation (
) by adding two algorithms to the public key encryption scheme by Sahai and Waters' (STOC 2014). Although a re‐encryption function from one public key to another can be considered as a randomized functionality on the underlying plaintext and that functionality can be achieved by using a probabilistic
by Canetti et al. (TCC2015), we need a sub‐exponential
to construct the probabilistic
. In our construction, we need not the probabilistic
but the standard
. In addition, our proposed PRE scheme has some good properties. That is, unidirectional re‐encryption, unbounded multi‐hop re‐encryption, constant‐size ciphertext, and fast decryption. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first construction of a multi‐hop and unidirectional PRE scheme. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In‐depth structural and chemical characterization of engineered TiO2 films
Authors: Ortel Erik , Häusler Ines , Österle Werner , Narbey Stéphanie , Oswald Frédéric , Andersen Inge H. , Holzweber Markus , Unger Wolfgang E. S. , Hodoroaba Vasile‐Dan
Published: February 2016

Analytical routines for a comprehensive in‐depth morphological, structural, and chemical characterization of functionalized TiO2 films by using different state‐of‐the‐art analytical techniques are presented and discussed with the main objective to identify potential reference TiO2 coating parameters able to be certified at a later stage. TiO2 films fabricated by two different synthetic procedures as representative for two main large‐scale applications were selected: (i) pulsed d.c. magnetron sputtering for photocatalytic applications and (ii) screen printing from preformed anatase nanoparticles. The screen‐printed films were further loaded with a sensitizing dye for application as a dye‐sensitized solar cell. Film properties such as microstructure and crystallographic texture of pulsed d.c. magnetron sputtering synthesized films were systematically studied by means of scanning nanobeam electron diffraction in a transmission electron microscope and the surface and inner morphology by scanning electron microscopy. The dye distribution over the depth of screen‐printed TiO2 layers was analyzed before and after dye‐loading by means of energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy at scanning electron microscope, Auger electron spectroscopy and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. The long‐term goal of the present study is the improvement of quality of the TiO2 film parameters as measured by using different types of reference TiO2 coatings having specific parameters certified. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of variety, concentration, and temperature on the steady shear flow behavior and thixotropy of canary seed (Phalaris canariensis) starch gels
Authors: Irani Mahdi , Razavi Seyed M. A. , Abdel‐Aal El‐Sayed M. , Taghizadeh Masoud
Published: February 2016

In this study, the rheological properties of starch gels from two varieties of canary seeds (CDC Maria and CO5041) were investigated. The experimental conditions were different concentrations (4, 6, and 8% w/w at constant temperature of 25°C) and temperatures (25, 40, 55, and 70°C at constant concentration of 6%). All samples showed shear‐thinning and thixotropy behavior at studied conditions. The power‐law model (R2 = 0.940–0.987; RMSE = 1.297–15.325) and Casson models (R2 = 0.861–0.975; RMSE = 0.211–0.917) were selected to describe time‐independent behavior of the samples. In addition, the first‐order stress‐decay model (R2 = 0.89–0.98 and RMSE = 2.84–20.79) described the time‐dependent behavior of canary seed starch samples in the study well. The CO5041 starch gel had higher pseudoplasticity at different concentrations than CDC Maria. Both starches exhibited the same shear‐thinning behavior with increasing temperature. With increasing concentration, the canary seed starch samples showed more shear‐sensitive thixotropic nature and faster rupture rate. The CO5041 starch gel exhibited higher extent of thixotropy than CDC Maria starch gel at different concentrations.
Molecular Analysis of Neutrophil Differentiation from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Delineates the Kinetics of Key Regulators of Hematopoiesis
Authors: Sweeney Colin L. , Teng Ruifeng , Wang Hongmei , Merling Randall K. , Lee Janet , Choi Uimook , Koontz Sherry , Wright Daniel G. , Malech Harry L.
Published: February 2016

In vitro generation of mature neutrophils from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) requires hematopoietic progenitor development followed by myeloid differentiation. The purpose of our studies was to extensively characterize this process, focusing on the critical window of development between hemogenic endothelium, hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs), and myeloid commitment, to identify associated regulators and markers that might enable the stem cell field to improve the efficiency and efficacy of iPSC hematopoiesis. We utilized a four-stage differentiation protocol involving: embryoid body (EB) formation (stage-1); EB culture with hematopoietic cytokines (stage-2); HSPC expansion (stage-3); and neutrophil maturation (stage-4). CD34+CD45− putative hemogenic endothelial cells were observed in stage-3 cultures, and expressed VEGFR-2/Flk-1/KDR and VE-cadherin endothelial markers, GATA-2, AML1/RUNX1, and SCL/TAL1 transcription factors, and endothelial/HSPC-associated microRNAs miR-24, miR-125a-3p, miR-126/126*, and miR-155. Upon further culture, CD34+CD45− cells generated CD34+CD45+ HSPCs that produced hematopoietic CFUs. Mid-stage-3 CD34+CD45+ HSPCs exhibited increased expression of GATA-2, AML1/RUNX1, SCL/TAL1, C/EBPα, and PU.1 transcription factors, but exhibited decreased expression of HSPC-associated microRNAs, and failed to engraft in immune-deficient mice. Mid-stage-3 CD34−CD45+ cells maintained PU.1 expression and exhibited increased expression of hematopoiesis-associated miR-142-3p/5p and a trend towards increased miR-223 expression, indicating myeloid commitment. By late Stage-4, increased CD15, CD16b, and C/EBPε expression were observed, with 25%-65% of cells exhibiting morphology and functions of mature neutrophils. These studies demonstrate that hematopoiesis and neutrophil differentiation from human iPSCs recapitulates many features of embryonic hematopoiesis and neutrophil production in marrow, but reveals unexpected molecular signatures that may serve as a guide for enhancing iPSC hematopoiesis.
Concise Review: Primary Cilia: Control Centers for Stem Cell Lineage Specification and Potential Targets for Cell-Based Therapies
Authors: Bodle Josephine C. , Loboa Elizabeth G.
Published: February 2016

Directing stem cell lineage commitment prevails as the holy grail of translational stem cell research, particularly to those interested in the application of mesenchymal stem cells and adipose-derived stem cells in tissue engineering. However, elucidating the mechanisms underlying their phenotypic specification persists as an active area of research. In recent studies, the primary cilium structure has been intimately associated with defining cell phenotype, maintaining stemness, as well as functioning in a chemo, electro, and mechanosensory capacity in progenitor and committed cell types. Many hypothesize that the primary cilium may indeed be another important player in defining and controlling cell phenotype, concomitant with lineage-dictated cytoskeletal dynamics. Many of the studies on the primary cilium have emerged from disparate areas of biological research, and crosstalk amongst these areas of research is just beginning. To date, there has not been a thorough review of how primary cilia fit into the current paradigm of stem cell differentiation and this review aims to summarize the current cilia work in this context. The goal of this review is to highlight the cilium's function and integrate this knowledge into the working knowledge of stem cell biologists and tissue engineers developing regenerative medicine technologies.
Phylogenetic analysis of Dermatophilus congolensis isolated from naturally infected cattle in Abeokuta and Ilorin, Nigeria
Authors: Oladunni Fatai S. , Oyekunle Mufutau A. , Talabi Adewale O. , Ojo Olufemi E. , Takeet Michael I. , Adam Mohammed , Raufu Ibrahim A.
Published: February 2016

Dermatophilus congolensis, the aetiological agent of dermatophilosis, is a pleomorphic, Gram‐positive actinomycete, which infects animals and humans. Often, there is a wrong diagnosis of the infection in animals because of the close resemblance of the organism with other members of the family Actinomycetaceae. In this study, molecular tools were applied to suspected isolates of D. congolensis obtained from naturally infected cattle in Nigeria for confirmation of dermatophilosis. DNA extraction from 54 suspected pure colonies of D. congolensis was carried out using the QIAamp® DNA Mini extraction kit. PCR targeted at the 16S rRNA gene was employed for the confirmation of D. congolensis using 5′‐ACATGCAAGTCGAACGATGA‐3′ and 5′‐ACGCTCGCACCCTACGTATT‐3′ as forward and reverse primers, respectively. Positive amplicons were then sequenced directly using Big Dye Terminator Cycle Sequencing Kit with the forward primers and AmpliTaq‐FS DNA Polymerase. Nucleotide sequences were aligned using bioedit (Ibis Biosciences Carlsbad, CA USA) and the phylogenetic analysis was carried out using mega 5.2 (Center for Evolutionary Medicine and Informatics, The Biodesign Institute, Tempe, Arizona, USA) software programme. The aligned nucleotide sequences of 10 positive D. congolensis isolates had between 94% to 99% homology with the sequences of D. congolensis satellite DNA in GenBank. This result also revealed that the sequenced D. congolensis are of different strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that D. congolensis, though closely related to Nocardia brasiliensis (NR 074743.01) and Streptomyces sp. (JN 400114.1), belongs to different genus. In conclusion, molecular tools employed in the study were able to confirm the identity of the test organisms as D. congolensis. It can also be concluded that two strains of D. congolensis obtained from the study can still be accommodated within the previously listed strains available in GenBank while the remaining eight may be different strains of D. congolensis not yet listed in GenBank.
Presence of the red imported fire ant at gopher tortoise nests
Authors: Dziadzio Michelina C. , Long Andrea K. , Smith Lora L. , Chandler Richard B. , Castleberry Steven B.
Published: February 2016

Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta; fire ants) are predators of turtle (Testudine) eggs and hatchlings, but little information is available indicating how and when fire ants detect turtle nests during incubation. Therefore, during 2014, we compared fire ant presence at gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) nests in burrow aprons in early and late incubation with paired burrow aprons that did not contain eggs. To determine whether fire ants were attracted to soil disturbance associated with nesting, we compared fire ant presence at physically disturbed burrow aprons without eggs (i.e., simulated empty nests) with paired burrow aprons with no disturbance or eggs at Ichauway, Georgia, USA. We found fire ants more frequently at nests than at paired aprons early in incubation, but not late in incubation. Additionally, we found no difference in fire ant presence between simulated empty nests and paired sites. Our results indicate that fire ants are attracted to gopher tortoise nests because of a factor other than the initial soil disturbance that accompanies nest deposition, possibly the mucous and moisture released by the female as eggs are laid. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Bioattenuation of Detergent Plant Effluents Enhanced via Single Microbial Augmentations
Authors: Icgen Bulent , Salik Salih Batuhan , Goksu Lale , Ulusoy Huseyin , Yilmaz Fadime
Published: February 2016

Due to natural attenuation, anionic detergents in surface waters are not inferred as big environmental issues. However, the effluents from large industrial areas with high detergent concentrations can have significant local impacts. These circumstances can be diminished by using efficient detergent‐degrading bacterial isolates through bioaugmentation. In this study, detergent plant effluents were analysed by using a methylene blue active substance assay to determine detergent content during natural attenuation processes, and after single augmentations of 12 anionic detergent‐degrading bacterial isolates with high detergent tolerating abilities in batch microcosms. Maximum bioattenuation of detergents was determined as 56 % after 66 h incubation under the conditions that mimicked the natural environment. Bioattenuation was enhanced as much as 83 and 91 % in 78 h incubation time through single microbial augmentations of filter‐sterilized and non‐sterilized effluents, respectively. Eight Pseudomonas and one Aeromonas species were found to be highly competitive by showing high biodegradation abilities in pure culture experiments as well as enhancing degradation of detergents in both filter‐sterilized and non‐sterilized effluents through their single augmentations. Although remaining three isolates, namely Pseudomonas fluorescens SDS6, P. resinovorans SDS10‐2, and P. corrugata SDS10‐3 displayed lower degrading abilities in pure culture experiments than the natural attenuation, they later turned out to be actively enhancing the degradation of detergents during their single augmentations.
The effect of social media interactions on customer relationship management
Authors: Maecker Olaf , Barrot Christian , Becker Jan U.
Published: February 2016

In recent years, social media have become a popular channel through which customers and companies can interact. However, companies struggle to assess whether their investments in establishing and maintaining brand pages in social media actually meet their high expectations with respect to developing and retaining customers. Based on three empirical studies, the authors explore the role of interactions through corporate social media channels, such as Facebook brand pages, in customer relationship management. The results indicate that social media interactions indeed ease the upselling efforts and reduce the risk of churn. These positive effects offset the observed increases with regard to the number of service requests and the higher overall service cost. Thus, we ultimately find customers who interact with the brand on social media to be more profitable.
Finite group extensions of shifts of finite type: -theory, Parry and Livšic
Authors: BOYLE MIKE , SCHMIEDING SCOTT
Published: February 2016

This paper extends and applies algebraic invariants and constructions for mixing finite group extensions of shifts of finite type. For a finite abelian group$G$, Parry showed how to define a$G$-extension$S_{A}$from a square matrix over$\mathbb{Z}_{+}G$, and classified the extensions up to topological conjugacy by the strong shift equivalence class of$A$over$\mathbb{Z}_{+}G$. Parry asked, in this case, if the dynamical zeta function$\det (I-tA)^{-1}$(which captures the ‘periodic data’ of the extension) would classify the extensions by$G$of a fixed mixing shift of finite type up to a finite number of topological conjugacy classes. When the algebraic$\text{K}$-theory group$\text{NK}_{1}(\mathbb{Z}G)$is non-trivial (e.g. for$G=\mathbb{Z}/n$with$n$not square-free) and the mixing shift of finite type is not just a fixed point, we show that the dynamical zeta function for any such extension is consistent with an infinite number of topological conjugacy classes. Independent of$\text{NK}_{1}(\mathbb{Z}G)$, for every non-trivial abelian$G$we show that there exists a shift of finite type with an infinite family of mixing non-conjugate$G$extensions with the same dynamical zeta function. We define computable complete invariants for the periodic data of the extension for$G$(not necessarily abelian), and extend all the above results to the non-abelian case. There is other work on basic invariants. The constructions require the ‘positive$K$-theory’ setting for positive equivalence of matrices over$\mathbb{Z}G[t]$.
An improved MCMC algorithm for generating random graphs from constrained distributions
Authors: TAO TREVOR
Published: February 2016

We consider the problem of generating uniformly random graphs from a constrained distribution. A graph is valid if it obeys certain constraints such as a given number of nodes, edges,k-stars or degree sequence, and each graph must occur with equal probability. A typical application is to confirm the correctness of a model by repeated sampling and comparing statistical properties against empirical data. Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms are often used, but have certain difficulties such as the inability to search the space of all possible valid graphs. We propose an improved algorithm which overcomes these difficulties. Although each individual iteration of the MCMC algorithm takes longer, we obtain better coverage of the search space in the same amount of time. This leads to better estimates of various quantities such as the expected number of transitive triads given the constraints. The algorithm should be of general interest with many possible applications, including the world wide web, biological, and social networks.
Exogenous citrate impairs glucose tolerance and promotes visceral adipose tissue inflammation in mice
Authors: Leandro João G. B. , Espindola-Netto Jair M. , Vianna Maria Carolina F. , Gomez Lilian S. , DeMaria Thaina M. , Marinho-Carvalho Monica M. , Zancan Patricia , Paula Neto Heitor A. , Sola-Penna Mauro
Published: February 2016

Overweight and obesity have become epidemic worldwide and are linked to sedentary lifestyle and the consumption of processed foods and drinks. Citrate is a metabolite that plays central roles in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In addition, citrate is the additive most commonly used by the food industry, and therefore is highly consumed. Extracellular citrate can freely enter the cells via the constitutively expressed plasma membrane citrate transporter. Within the cytosol, citrate is readily metabolised by ATP-citrate lyase into acetyl-CoA – the metabolic precursor of endogenously produced lipids and cholesterol. We therefore hypothesised that the citrate ingested from processed foods and drinks could contribute to increased postprandial fat production and weight gain. To test our hypothesis, we administered citrate to mice through their drinking water with or without sucrose and monitored their weight gain and other metabolic parameters. Our results showed that mice receiving citrate or citrate+sucrose did not show increased weight gain or an increase in the weight of the liver, skeletal muscles or adipose tissues (AT). Moreover, the plasma lipid profiles (TAG, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL) were similar across all groups. However, the group receiving citrate+sucrose showed augmented fasting glycaemia, glucose intolerance and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10) in their AT. Therefore, our results suggest that citrate consumption contributes to increased AT inflammation and altered glucose metabolism, which is indicative of initial insulin resistance. Thus, citrate consumption could be a previously unknown causative agent for the complications associated with obesity.
Specificity and objecthood in Tagalog
Authors: SABBAGH JOSEPH
Published: February 2016

The relationship between the semantic function of noun phrases and the way(s) in which they are realized morphosyntactically in a clause has been a topic of intensive research in the typological literature as well as for theories concerned with the syntax–semantics interface. Considering just noun phrases that function as direct objects, it has been shown for language after language that that there is a systematic relationship between the semantic function of an object (e.g. whether it is pronominal, definite, indefinite, etc.) and its morphosyntax (e.g. whether it requires special case marking, whether it triggers agreement, whether it exhibits special distribution in terms of word order, etc.). This paper aims to contribute to the already large body of evidence documenting the relationships between form and semantic function by providing a comprehensive survey of the morphosyntax of transitive constructions in Tagalog, focussing, specifically, on the relationship between the semantic function of the theme argument and the morphosyntactic strategies by which theme arguments are realized. Contrary to what previous studies have claimed, I show that specific noun phrases are attested as direct objects of active clause in Tagalog. An exception to this is pronoun and proper name themes, which must either be oblique marked to function as a direct object or be realized as a subject. Developing and expanding upon analyses in Rackowski (2002), I propose that the differential behavior of specific themes (pronoun/proper names on the one hand versus non-pronoun/proper name specific themes on the other) follows from a clausal architecture in which there are at least two VP-external positions to which specific themes must raise – a relatively high position for pronoun and proper name themes, and a position intermediate betweenvP and VP for all other specific themes. The distribution of syntactic positions available for the theme argument is claimed to follow from a proposal in Merchant (2006), pre-figured in Jelinek & Carnie (2003) and related work, that relational hierarchies of the type familiar from typological research – in particular, the definiteness hierarchy – are directly encoded in the phrase structure.
Noninvasive genetic census of greater one-horned rhinocerosRhinoceros unicornisin Gorumara National Park, India: a pilot study for population estimation
Authors: Borthakur Udayan , Das Pranjal Kumar , Talukdar Anjan , Talukdar Bibhab Kumar
Published: February 2016

The greater one-horned rhinocerosRhinoceros unicornisis a flagship species for conservation in protected areas in India and Nepal. In India the species is afforded the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. Although censuses of greater one-horned rhinoceros have been carried out for decades using the traditional total count method, no advanced scientific approach has been adopted for population estimation of the species in India or elsewhere. We optimized noninvasive genetic techniques for identification of greater one-horned rhinoceros from dung samples, and applied these to estimate the number of rhinoceros in Gorumara National Park, in West Bengal, India. Our results confirmed the presence of 43 individuals from 60 dung samples collected throughout the Park in 2011. We confirmed a male-to-female sex ratio of 3.8 : 1, based on analysis of DNA from dung samples, using a y-chromosome linked marker. Our results are in concordance with a census carried out by the West Bengal Forest Department that found 42 rhinoceros in the Park, with a male-to-female sex ratio of 3.5 : 1. Our study thus demonstrates the feasibility of using a noninvasive genetic approach for population estimation of greater one-horned rhinoceros in the wild.
A Hoard of Military Awards, Jewellery and Coins from Colchester
Authors: Crummy Nina , Henig Martin , Ward Courtney
Published: February 2016

A hoard of objects found at the early Roman colony at Colchester in a small hole scraped into the floor of a house destroyed during the Boudican revolt includes a group of high-quality gold jewellery, three silver military awards, a bag of coins, an unusual silver-clad wooden box and other items. Buried in haste as the British approached, they provide a remarkably clear image of one couple's background, achievements, taste and social standing. Abullashows that the man was a Roman citizen, the awards that he was a veteran soldier of some distinction, while parallels for the woman's jewellery suggest that it was acquired in Italy.
Plan-based reward shaping for multi-agent reinforcement learning
Authors: Devlin Sam , Kudenko Daniel
Published: February 2016

Recent theoretical results have justified the use of potential-based reward shaping as a way to improve the performance of multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL). However, the question remains of how to generate a useful potential function.

Previous research demonstrated the use of STRIPS operator knowledge to automatically generate a potential function for single-agent reinforcement learning. Following up on this work, we investigate the use of STRIPS planning knowledge in the context of MARL.

Our results show that a potential function based on joint or individual plan knowledge can significantly improve MARL performance compared with no shaping. In addition, we investigate the limitations of individual plan knowledge as a source of reward shaping in cases where the combination of individual agent plans causes conflict.
Convolution in perfect Lie groups
Authors: BENOIST YVES , DE SAXCÉ NICOLAS
Published: February 2016

LetGbe a connected perfect real Lie group. We show that there exists α < dimGandp∈$\mathbb{N}$* such that if μ is a compactly supported α-Frostman Borel measure onG, then thepth convolution power μ*pis absolutely continuous with respect to the Haar measure onG, with arbitrarily smooth density. As an application, we obtain that ifA⊂Gis a Borel set with Hausdorff dimension at least α, then thep-fold product setApcontains a non-empty open set.
Heirlooms of the Everyday: The Material Performances of Slamet Gundono
Authors: ESCOBAR VARELA MIGUEL
Published: February 2016

Javanese actor, puppeteer and musician Slamet Gundono (1966–2014) created performances with everyday objects and materials (mud, dried grass, cooking utensils, condoms and food) in combination with conventions from wayang kulit puppetry. His performances were based on personal, often controversial, interpretations of well-known stories, from the Mahabharata epic to the nineteenth-century literary work Serat Centhini. By analysing three of his performances, I argue that Slamet Gundono's objects become temporarily endowed with the status of heirlooms (pusaka). Each of his performing objects is a non-spiritual pusaka that is used to take attention away from the spiritual quests that dominate traditional wayang. Gundono invokes everyday objects to focus on the more mundane, though urgent, questions of gender inequality, religious intolerance and environmental destruction.
Longitudinal study of premorbid adjustment in 22q11.2 deletion (velocardiofacial) syndrome and association with psychosis
Authors: Radoeva Petya D. , Fremont Wanda , Antshel Kevin M. , Kates Wendy R.
Published: February 2016

Velocardiofacial syndrome, also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), is associated with an increased risk of major psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. The emergence of psychotic symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia in the general population is often preceded by a premorbid period of poor or worsening social and/or academic functioning. Our current study evaluated premorbid adjustment (via the Cannon–Spoor Premorbid Adjustment Scale [PAS]) and psychotic symptoms (via the Structured Interview for Prodromal Symptoms and the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children—Present and Lifetime Version) in youth with 22q11DS (N = 96), unaffected siblings (N = 40), and community controls (N = 50). The PAS scores indicated greater maladjustment during all developmental periods in individuals with 22q11DS compared to the controls. Many participants with 22q11DS had chronically poor (n = 33) or deteriorating (n = 6) PAS scores. In 22q11DS, chronically poor PAS trajectories and poor childhood and early adolescence academic domain and total PAS scores significantly increased the risk of prodromal symptoms or overt psychosis. Taking into account the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genotype, the best predictor of (prodromal) psychosis was the early adolescence academic domain score, which yielded higher sensitivity and specificity in the subgroup of youth with 22q11DS and the high-activity (valine) allele. PAS scores may help identify individuals at higher risk for psychosis.
Breakfast frequency among adolescents: associations with measures of family functioning
Authors: Pedersen Trine Pagh , Holstein Bjørn E , Damsgaard Mogens Trab , Rasmussen Mette
Published: February 2016

Objective

To investigate (i) associations between adolescents’ frequency of breakfast and family functioning (close relations to parents, quality of family communication and family support) and (ii) if any observed associations between breakfast frequency and family functioning vary by sociodemographic factors.

Design

School-based cross-sectional study. Students completed a web-based questionnaire. Associations were estimated by multilevel multivariate logistic regression.

Setting

Danish arm of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study, 2014.

Subjects

Adolescents aged 13 and 15 years (n3054) from a random sample of forty-one schools.

Results

Nearly one-quarter of the adolescents had low breakfast frequency. Low breakfast frequency was associated with low family functioning measured by three dimensions. The OR (95 % CI) of low breakfast frequency was 1·81 (1·40, 2·33) for adolescents who reported no close relations to parents, 2·28 (1·61, 3·22) for adolescents who reported low level of quality of family communication and 2·09 (1·39, 3·15) for adolescents who reported low level of family support. Joint effect analyses suggested that the odds of low breakfast frequency among adolescents with low family functioning compared with high family functioning were highest among adolescents being girls, immigrants and living in other than a traditional family structure.

Conclusions

Low breakfast frequency was associated with low family functioning measured by close relations to parents, quality of family communication and family support. Further, analyses suggested that the associations were more pronounced among girls, immigrants and adolescents from other family structure than traditional. The study highlights the importance of the family setting in promoting regular breakfast frequency among adolescents.
‘THESE ARE THE TONES COMMONLY USED’: THE TONOS DE CANTO DE ÓRGANO IN SPANISH BAROQUE MUSIC THEORY
Authors: GARCÍA GALLARDO CRISTÓBAL L. , MURPHY PAUL
Published: February 2016

In the course of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, composers and music theorists moved away from the system of the eight ecclesiastical modes that had been elaborated by medieval theorists and was later applied to polyphonic music (including the varied system extended to twelve modes in the sixteenth century) towards modern bimodal tonality. Although several modal systems coexisted within this time period, a distinct variant of the eight modes, often known in modern scholarship as the church keys, developed as a practical solution to problems associated with the performance of psalms and other recited formulas (especially the Magnificat) in alternatim practice between the choir in plainchant and the organ. A scarcity of research on this topic within investigations of Spanish music prompts us to outline an introduction to a matter so crucial to music theory of the baroque period in Spain. Thus we present an overview of the treatment of the church keys or tones in Spanish treatises over a long period of two centuries, and focus briefly on particular contributions made by individual authors.
Liberté, Égalité, Animalité: Human–Animal Comparisons in Law
Authors: Peters Anne
Published: February 2016

This article problematizes the discrepancy between the wealth of international law serving human needs and rights and the international regulatory deficit concerning animal welfare and animal rights. It suggests that, in the face of scientific evidence, the legal human–animal boundary (as manifest notably in the denial of rights to animals) needs to be properly justified. Unmasking the (to some extent) ‘imagined’ nature of the human–animal boundary, and shedding light on the persistence of human–animal comparisons for pernicious and beneficial purposes of the law, can offer inspirations for legal reform in the field of animal welfare and even animal rights.