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The article is devoted to the problem of word sense induction. We propose a method for inducing senses from a raw text corpus. The proposed sense induction algorithm (called SenseSearcher, or SnS) is based on closed frequent sets, and as a result, it provides a multilevel sense representation. To a large extent, it is a knowledge-poor approach, as it does not need any kind of structured knowledge base about senses and there is no deep language knowledge embedded. By discovering a hierarchy of senses, the algorithm enables identifying subsenses (fine-grained senses). SnS discovers not only frequent (dominating) senses but also infrequent ones (dominated). The method was evaluated in two main areas: lexicography and information retrieval. With the use of the SnS algorithm, we provide a tool able to induce from a textual corpus a structure of senses, with a varying number of granularity levels. In the area of information retrieval, SnS can be used for clustering search result, according to the discovered senses. The experiments have shown that SnS performs better than the methods participating in the SemEval2013 WSI Task 11 competition, and most of the known search result clustering methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Greater Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan Region is one of the fastest growing regions in Malaysia and in the last decade has witnessed a spate of new residential, institutional and commercial development. Much of this development has been mainly market driven and guided by economic and political reasons. Such rapid property led development often neglects the local traditions, the natural settings and the local tropical climate and as a result has a detrimental impact on the surrounding public space. The aim of this study is to analyse the state of existing selected public spaces in the Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan Region against a set of recognised universal evaluative criteria for tropical design followed by identifying a set of measures to remedy existing deficiencies. The nature of this research is predominantly qualitative conducted through intense contact in the real urban life. The research methods include literature review, content analysis, field assessment and visual observations on suitable case study areas. The analysis revealed that a majority of public spaces in the region are not pedestrian friendly and do not reflect the tropical climate, being devoid of trees and vegetation. Future development of public open spaces in appreciation of the local tropical climate, local traditions, identity and character would significantly contribute to a holistic environment, viable economy and social equilibrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oncogene activation is usually not enough to induce cancer, but causes cells to arrest proliferation, alter chromatin structure, and increase protein secretion. In this issue of Molecular Cell , Chen et al. (2015) implicate the histone variant macroH2A.1 in the regulation of senescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The springtail Deuterosminthurus bicinctus, similarly to other members of Bourletiellidae, use their antennae, legs or heads to monopolize, stimulate, and direct female partners to spermatophores. The mating behavior of this species was examined by analysis of video recordings made on the leaves of its host plant. The characteristic stages of the behavioral sequence leading to sperm transfer were (1) preliminary courtship, highly variable in time and intensity—a male (rarely a female) endeavors to recruit a partner for further courtship, (2) push-and-retreat ritual—a rigid and rhythmical head-to-head “dance” of both partners, composed of some 180 phases and interspersed by several (3) “free turns” of a male and ended by (4) spermatophore deposition in front of a female, followed by stimulation of a female by a male to walk over the spermatophore, (5) spermatophore pick-up by a female with her gonopore, or alternately, (6) total spermatophore consumption by a female, as happened in 29% of the observed pairs. The mating ended always with (7) competition by both partners for the consumption of spermatophore residuals, usually won by the female. Comparison of mating elements and morphological features of partners engaged in mating sessions that ended either with spermatophore pick-up or consumption did not reveal any substantial differences. This suggests that changes in female motivation (hunger, state of impregnation) may be crucial for the male success in sperm transfer to a female. A digital video image is available at [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report and document a new and bizarre case of the male‐above position in the entimine weevil Polydrusus picus. Based on field and laboratory observations, video‐recording of mating behavior, instant fixation of couples, and morphological studies, we found that males insert their endophallus deeply into the female vagina, withdraw the female ovipositor and vagina out of the female body, and keep the posture more than 20 min. A possible interpretation is that the unique mating position has evolved to increase the control over mating by the males. From the female side, it could be regarded as a compromising strategy against unwanted copulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a correction to the article "Ritual Behaviors Associated With Spermatophore Transfer in Deuterosminthurus Bicinctus."

Lu2O3:Eu phosphor fine powder with average size of crystallites of about 100-150 nm was synthesized. TEM images proved only an insignificant agglomeration of the phosphor. Using these fine particles and commercial polycarbonate a composite material was prepared in a form of 2 mm thick plate and its spectroscopic properties were compared to the powder. While the emission and luminescence excitation spectra were found very similar in both types of materials, the decay times of the Eu3+ red luminescence appeared to drop from 1.8-2 ms for the powder to 0.9-1 ms for the composite, with the latter value being perfectly the same as for the coarse-grained sintered translucent ceramics. Since the refractive indices of Lu2O3 host and the polycarbonate are 1.935 and 1.582, respectively, such a drastic change in the Eu3+ emission kinetics could not be fully explained by the variations of this parameter only. This result is with some disagreement with previously published data. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1330-1334, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymers derived from renewable resources focus increasingly on an interest of research institutes and industry. Replacement of traditional materials by biodegradable polymers brings about the fossil resources savings and helps solving problems related to the plastic packaging waste. Polylactide (PLA) is the most important biodegradable polyester of good mechanical properties, high transparency, and good processability. However, PLA is still more expensive than conventional plastics, moreover its biodegradation rate is moderate. Recent innovations open new fields of PLA application by means of novel nanocomposites and processing technology that provide new properties. In this article, polymeric materials of various functionalities have been presented, in particular PLA-based functional nanocomposites (with increased barrier properties, electroconductive, or thermosensitive materials) of PLA and cellular PLA. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1647-1652, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural mineral fillers for polymer composites have frequently been investigated as cheap and easily obtainable alternatives to carbon nanotubes or synthetic short fibres. In this paper we have investigated a natural product from a deposit located in Poland and containing halloysite clay and ferromagnetic particles as main components. In order to assess the homogeneity and possible application fields of polyethylene-based composites prepared from these materials, the composites were evaluated by studying their melt rheology, mechanical properties, wetting, magnetic properties and surface morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing waste amount from plastic packaging materials is in the scope of interest of many scientific groups in the world. One of the most important biodegradable polyesters with good mechanical properties, high transparency and good processability is poly(lactic acid). It can be modified with various additives (plasticizers, chain extenders etc.) or by preparing blends with other polymers. Such blends can be further modified by addition of functional fillers in order to improve final properties. In the paper an anisotropic polymer composite was developed based on poly(butylene succinate)/poly(lactic acid) matrix with carbon nanotubes as a filler. Anisotropy was achieved due to the orientation process induced during extrusion. To fully characterize a new material the rheological, thermal and mechanical measurements were performed, completed with morphology observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Structure Of Melt-Deformed Thermoplastic Polymer Blends Containing Poly(Ethylene Terephatalate) And A Polymer Liquid Crystal" by Przemyslaw Olszynski and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "Effect Of Melt Spinning And Drawing On The Formation Of In-Situ Reinforced Blends With Semi Crystalline Matrix" by Przemyslaw Olszynski and colleagues is presented.

Electromagnetic shielding is one the key factors for electronic devices in their use and transportation. Polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with a moderate biodegradability and decent mechanical properties. Replacement of traditional materials by biodegradable polymers brings about the fossil resources savings and helps solving problems related to the plastic packaging waste. In this work composites of PLA with carbon black and carbon nanofibers were described. Improvement of the material mass/electromagnetic interference SE (shielding effectiveness) ratio can be obtained by introducing foaming technology into the material preparation process. Microporous structure can greatly improve material properties such as thermal isolation, mechanical properties and in case of composites filled with carbonaceous fillers such as carbon black carbon fibres - also the electrical conductivity. In order to improve their application range and reduce density, a cellular structure was created using chemical blowing agent. It was found that in low loaded composites (although above the percolation level) the shielding effectiveness relies on the amount of a conductive filler but it may be additionally enhanced by the foaming process. Electrical properties, electromagnetic shielding effectiveness and morphology of cellular composites for described polymer-filler systems have been presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromagnetic shielding is one the key factors for electronic devices in their use and transportation. Polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with a moderate biodegradability and decent mechanical properties. Replacement of traditional materials by biodegradable polymers brings about the fossil resources savings and helps solving problems related to the plastic packaging waste. In this work composites of PLA with carbon black and carbon nanofibers were described. Improvement of the material mass/electromagnetic interference SE (shielding effectiveness) ratio can be obtained by introducing foaming technology into the material preparation process. Microporous structure can greatly improve material properties such as thermal isolation, mechanical properties and in case of composites filled with carbonaceous fillers such as carbon black carbon fibres – also the electrical conductivity. In order to improve their application range and reduce density, a cellular structure was created using chemical blowing agent. It was found that in low loaded composites (although above the percolation level) the shielding effectiveness relies on the amount of a conductive filler but it may be additionally enhanced by the foaming process. Electrical properties, electromagnetic shielding effectiveness and morphology of cellular composites for described polymer-filler systems have been presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the view of producing environmentally friendly materials without compromising properties, new composites containing polypropylene as a matrix and eucalyptus wood, with or without 15% of polylactic acid, were melt processed. In order to improve compatibility between components, a chemical modification of wood with toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI) was realized and evidenced by changes in FT-IR and XPS spectra. The morphological, mechanical, and thermal characterizations of the obtained composites were evaluated before and after accelerating weathering. The results showed that the material comprising 15% TDI-modified wood, PP, and 15% PLA exhibited the best properties. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is a primary DNA damage sensor whose (ADP-ribose) polymerase activity is acutely regulated by interaction with DNA breaks. Upon activation at sites of DNA damage, PARP1 modifies itself and other proteins by covalent addition of long, branched polymers of ADP-ribose, which in turn recruit downstream DNA repair and chromatin remodeling factors. PARP1 recognizes DNA damage through its N-terminal DNA-binding domain (DBD), which consists of a tandem repeat of an unusual zinc-finger (ZnF) domain. We have determined the crystal structure of the human PARP1-DBD bound to a DNA break. Along with functional analysis of PARP1 recruitment to sites of DNA damage in vivo, the structure reveals a dimeric assembly whereby ZnF1 and ZnF2 domains from separate PARP1 molecules form a strand-break recognition module that helps activate PARP1 by facilitating its dimerization and consequent trans-automodification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, property changes of controlled aged LDPE/feather composites in comparison to those of nonaged samples were investigated by mechanical tests, dynamic rheological and thermal tests, infrared spectroscopy, and oxygen permeability analysis. The viscoelastic behavior of the aged composites was modified, whereas a pseudoplastic character was observed for the nonaged samples. After weathering, infrared spectroscopy indicated the formation of carbonyl and vinyl groups, and the oxygen permeability became significantly higher than for the reference samples. DSC results showed α-helix denaturation of keratin after aging and an increase in crystallinity due to reinforcement of composites containing feather fibers upon UV exposure. An aging time of 500 h was found to induce surface degradation of composites, especially for a feather fiber loading of 10 wt %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in the MTM1 gene encoding myotubularin cause X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM), a well-defined subtype of human centronuclear myopathy. Seven male Labrador Retrievers, age 14- 26 wk, were clinically evaluated for generalized weakness and muscle atrophy. Muscle biopsies showed variability in fiber size. centrally placed nuclei resembling fetal myotubes, and subsarcolem- mal ringed and central dense areas highlighted with mitochondrial specific reactions. Ultrastructural studies confirmed the centrally lo- cated nuclei, abnormal perinuclear structure, and mitochondrial accumulations. Wild-type triads were infrequent, with most exhib- iting an abnormal orientation of I tubules. MTM1 gene sequencing revealed a unique exon 7 variant in all seven affected males, causing a nonconservative missense change, p.N155K, which haplotype data suggest derives from a recent founder in the local population. Analysis of a worldwide panel of 237 unaffected Labrador Retrievers and 59 additional control dogs from 25 other breeds failed to identify this variant, supporting it as the pathogenic muta- tion. Myotubularin protein levels and localization were abnormal in muscles from affected dogs, and expression of GFP-MTM1 p.N155K in COS-1 cells showed that the mutant protein was sequestered in proteasomes, where it was presumably misfolded and prematurely degraded. These data demonstrate that XLMTM in Labrador Retrievers is a faithful genetic model of the human condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binary isotactic polypropylene (IPP)/polyamide 6 (PA6) and ternary IPP/PA6/ethylene–propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) blends in various ratios were obtained in a Haake Rheocord mixer. Processing behaviour was changed in the presence of IPP functionalized with bismaleimide (BMI), maleic anhydride (MA) and acrylic acid (AA) as reactive compatibilizing agents. The thermal and thermo-oxidative behaviour of blends was studied by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry. The functionalized IPPs modify the crystallinity degree and the decomposition behaviour of both IPP and PA6 as a result of chemical reactions of functional groups with those of the PA6. The changes depend on the IPP/PA6 or IPP/PA6/EPDM ratio, the chemical nature and amount of the functionalized IPP. On the basis of the processing and thermal data one can conclude that the compatibilizing agent effect increases in the following order: IPP-AA

A correction to the article "The zinc-finger domains of PARP1 cooperate to recognize DNA strand breaks" by Ammar A. E. Ali et al. published in a previous issue is presented.