bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controllable synthesis of phosphate-modified BiPO4 nanorods with high photocatalytic activity: surface hydroxyl groups concentrations effects
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Yawen , Huang Yu , Cao Junji , Ho Wingkei , Lee Shuncheng , Fan Caimei
Published: October 2015

Surface modification by phosphate efficiently improves the photocatalytic performance of BiPO4 for the degradation of methylene orange (MO), by enhancing the concentration of surface hydroxyl groups and improving its hydrophilicity.
Cu2−xS/graphene oxide nanocomposites for efficient photocatalysis driven by real sunlight
Authors: Chen Hongli , Xu Suying , Cui Jiabin , Wang Leyu
Published: October 2015

We present Cu2−xS/graphene oxide nanocomposites, which exhibit excellent photocatalytic properties toward photodegradation by real sunlight due to the broadband absorption of Cu2−xS and good electron trapping and shuttling ability of graphene.
Engineering the NiO/CeO2 interface to enhance the catalytic performance for CO oxidation
Authors: Zou Weixin , Ge Chengyan , Lu Minyue , Wu Shiguo , Wang Yongzheng , Sun Jingfang , Pu Yu , Tang Changjin , Gao Fei , Dong Lin
Published: October 2015

In this work, NiO/CeO2 catalysts were synthesized with tunable CeO2 crystal facets ({110}, {111} and {100} facets) to study the crystal-plane effects on the catalytic properties.
Controllable boron doping of carbon nanotubes with tunable dopant functionalities: an effective strategy toward carbon materials with enhanced electrical properties
Authors: Chiang Wei-Hung , Chen Guan-Lin , Hsieh Cheng-Yu , Lo Shen-Chuan
Published: October 2015

An atmospheric-pressure substitution reaction to produce B-doped CNTs with controllable and uniform B distribution has been demonstrated.
Butane detection: W-doped TiO2 nanoparticles for a butane gas sensor with high sensitivity and fast response/recovery
Authors: Liu Xu , Pan Kaimeng , Wang Lihong , Dong Chengjun , Xiao Xuechun , Wang Yude
Published: October 2015

Well crystallized W-doped anatase TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized by a simple non-aqueous sol–gel route were applied as a sensing layer for a butane gas sensor and showed good gas response performance for butane gas.
Chiral Brønsted acid-catalyzed enantioselective Friedel–Crafts reaction of 2-methoxyfuran with aliphatic ketimines generated in situ
Authors: Kondoh Azusa , Ota Yusuke , Komuro Takazumi , Egawa Fuyuki , Kanomata Kyohei , Terada Masahiro
Published: October 2015

An enantioselective Friedel–Crafts reaction with aliphatic ketimines generated in situ from hemiaminal ethers afforded products with high enantioselectivity under the influence of a chiral phosphoric acid catalyst.
Nickel-catalyzed trifluoromethylthiolation of Csp2–O bonds
Authors: Dürr Alexander B. , Yin Guoyin , Kalvet Indrek , Napoly François , Schoenebeck Franziska
Published: October 2015

A computationally guided development of the first efficient protocol to trifluoromethylthiolate aryl and vinyl Csp2–O bonds is presented, showcasing important reactivity requirements for the introduction of potentially reactive functional groups under homogeneous Ni-catalysis.
3D hierarchically porous zinc–nickel–cobalt oxide nanosheets grown on Ni foam as binder-free electrodes for electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Chen Huixin , Zhang Qiaobao , Han Xiang , Cai Junjie , Liu Meilin , Yang Yong , Zhang Kaili
Published: October 2015

3D hierarchically porous transition metal oxides, particularly those involving different metal ions of mixed valence states and constructed from interconnected nano-building blocks directly grown on conductive current collectors, are promising electrode candidates for energy storage devices such as Li-ion batteries and supercapacitors.
A potential mechanism for amino acid-controlled crystal growth of hydroxyapatite
Authors: Wang Ziqiu , Xu Zhijun , Zhao Weilong , Sahai Nita
Published: October 2015

Hydroxyapatite morphology regulationviapreferential adsorption of amino acids.
High-temperature solvothermal synthesis and magnetic properties of nearly monodisperse CdCr2S4 nanocrystals
Authors: Pang Chao , Gao Ling , Chaturvedi Anurag , Bao Ningzhong , Yanagisawa Kazumichi , Shen Liming , Gupta Arunava
Published: October 2015

Magnetic spinel CdCr2S4 nanocrystals have been synthesized using a high-temperature solvothermal method, which exhibit a large reversible magnetic entropy change over a wide temperature span.
Reconfigurable resonant module for multi‐band antenna design
Authors: Chiu Tsenchieh , Hung Chichang , Hsu Kaiming
Published: October 2015

Novel resonant modules for constructing multi‐band mobile antennas are proposed in this study. The basic configuration of the module, named as the prototype module, is designed based on a series LC resonant circuit. By adding a varactor to the module, it can be transformed into a reconfigurable module. By introducing an extra resonant mode with capacitive coupling to enhance the bandwidth, a wide‐band module can be obtained. These modules have different frequency ranges, and can be combined into multi‐band antennas for various applications. The proposed modules are demonstrated by constructing a 4G‐LTE antenna. The reconfigurable module, which is of 20 × 20 mm2, is designed to switch between LTE700 (698–787 MHz) and GSM850 (824–960 MHz) bands. The wide‐band module, which is of 10 × 10 mm2 and 49.3% bandwidth, is designed for GSM1800/GSM1900/UMTS/LTE2300/LTE2500 (1.71–2.59 GHz) applications. All designs have been realised and measured for validation. The proposed antenna modules, which are simple and convenient to use, can provide flexibility, especially in antenna deployment, in multi‐band mobile antenna designs.
Switching‐loss reduction technique in active power filters without auxiliary circuits
Authors: Lam Chi‐Seng , Wong Man‐Chung , Dai Ning‐Yi , Choi Wai‐Hei , Cui Xiao‐Xi , Chung Chi‐Yung
Published: October 2015

To reduce the active power filter (APF) system switching loss, the usual method is to apply different soft‐switching techniques. However, this would increase the system initial cost. In this study, a switching loss and switching noise reduction control strategy for APF under reactive power and current harmonics compensation is proposed, which can be applied to the existing APF systems in worldwide, thus causing economic benefits. The minimum dc‐link operating voltage of APF is computed through both fundamental and harmonic frequencies analysis. Then an adaptive dc‐link voltage controller for the APF is proposed, such that the compensating range of the APF is adaptively varied according to the variation of the loading. Thus, the switching loss and switching noise of the APF can be lowered. Moreover, the design criteria of the proportional and integral gains of the adaptive dc voltage controller are presented and discussed. Finally, simulation and experimental results of a 110 V, 5 kVA APF experimental prototype are given to prove the validity of the proposed control strategy for the APF in current quality compensation, and at the same time reducing switching loss and switching noise during operation.
Neutral point clamped transformerless grid connected inverter having voltage buck–boost capability for solar photovoltaic systems
Authors: Debnath Dipankar , Chatterjee Kishore
Published: October 2015

This study proposes a neutral point clamped grid‐connected transformerless inverter for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This inverter has the capability to function in buck–boost mode. Thus the PV voltage level can be chosen to be of lesser value as compared to that of the existing buck type of inverters. This leads to increment in yield of power when PV modules are required to operate under mismatched conditions owing to possibility of more parallel connection of PV modules. Furthermore, buck–boost nature of the proposed inverter also facilitates operation under considerable variation in PV array voltage caused by wide changes in meteorological conditions. The other advantages of the inverter include: (a) elimination of concerns pertaining to the leakage current issues in transformerless grid‐connected solar PV systems, (b) elimination of grid current sensor requirement, (c) elimination of shoot‐through fault etc. The operating principle of the developed inverter supported by relevant analysis is presented. Control strategy devised for the inverter is provided. Results of detailed simulation studies carried out on MATLAB/Simulink platform are presented to ascertain viability of the proposed scheme. Exhaustive experimental validation has been carried out by utilizing a scaled down laboratory prototype of the proposed inverter.
On the feasibility of ab initio electronic structure calculations for Cu using a single s orbital basis
Authors: Hegde Ganesh , Bowen R. Chris
Published: October 2015

The accuracy of a single s-orbital representation of Cu towards enabling multi-thousand atom ab initio calculations of electronic structure is evaluated in this work. If an electrostatic compensation charge of 0.3 electron per atom is used in this basis representation, the electronic transmission in bulk and nanocrystalline Cu can be made to compare accurately to that obtained with a Double Zeta Polarized basis set. The use of this representation is analogous to the use of single band effective mass representation for semiconductor electronic structure. With a basis of just one s-orbital per Cu atom, the representation is extremely computationally efficient and can be used to provide much needed ab initio insight into electronic transport in nanocrystalline Cu interconnects at realistic dimensions of several thousand atoms.
Rethinking rancher decision-making: a grounded theory of ranching approaches to drought and succession management
Authors: Wilmer Hailey , Fernández-Giménez María E.
Published: October 2015

In this study, we examine the subjective decision-making experiences of cattle ranchers in the western United States. Using a constructivist grounded-theory framework, we analyse semi-structured interviews with 38 ranchers (in three states) whose operations rely upon native rangeland forage. We compare ranchers’ drought management and succession planning processes across interviews. We find that ranchers construct decision-making processes through non-linear and complex consideration of multiple ranch dynamics, through engagement with multiple ways of knowing and across different timescales. We describe four patterns in drought management decision-making processes that can inform needs-based outreach to help spread drought risk across space, time, asset class, households, the market and epistemic frameworks. Ranchers’ succession planning processes are regulated by economic and social uncertainties. However, ranching communities emphasise technical and cultural knowledge transfer and are comprised of producers who took diverse routes to ranching. The study suggests that future programs, outreach, partnerships and research involving ranchers in the western United States are likely to achieve greater success when designed with consideration for the diverse ways of knowing and complex decision-making experiences of ranchers.
Quantifying the financial losses of rangeland degradation due to reduced milk yield in the rangelands of Erzurum Province in Turkey
Authors: Kara A. , Şimşek U. , Kadıoğlu S. , Dumlu S. E. , Çakal Ş. , Uzun M. , Aksakal E. , Özgöz M. M.
Published: October 2015

This study estimated the financial losses associated with lower milk yields in the relatively poor rangeland conditions of the Erzurum Province in Turkey and the factors contributing to the lower milk yields associated with the state of the rangelands, the type of grazing livestock and the demographics of the farmers. The study was conducted in 11 villages in Erzurum Province in 2006 and 2007. The following variables were considered in the study: year, number of milking days in grazing season, age and level of education of the farmers, cattle breed, supplementary feeding during the grazing period, lactation number of the cows, rangeland condition, stocking rate of the rangelands, altitude, the proportion of small ruminants in the herd and the percentage of bare ground of the rangelands. According to the least-squares regression analysis, altitude, stocking rate, the number of milking days in the grazing season and the percentage of bare ground had negative effects on milk yield, whereas all other factors significantly increased milk yield. It was estimated that a 10% deterioration in rangeland condition would result in a reduction in daily milk yield of 1.23 kg per cow, 62 kg ha–1 of rangelands and 1255 kg per farm in a 120-day grazing period. It was also found that the use of concentrate supplements during the grazing season was not cost-effective.
Evaluating carbon storage in restoration plantings in the Tasmanian Midlands, a highly modified agricultural landscape
Authors: Prior Lynda D. , Paul Keryn I. , Davidson Neil J. , Hovenden Mark J. , Nichols Scott C. , Bowman David J. M. S.
Published: October 2015

In recent years there have been incentives to reforest cleared farmland in southern Australia to establish carbon sinks, but the rates of carbon sequestration by such plantings are uncertain at local scales. We used a chronosequence of 21 restoration plantings aged from 6 to 34 years old to measure how above- and belowground carbon relates to the age of the planting. We also compared the amount of carbon in these plantings with that in nearby remnant forest and in adjacent cleared pasture. In terms of total carbon storage in biomass, coarse woody debris and soil, young restoration plantings contained on average much less biomass carbon than the remnant forest (72 versus 203 Mg C ha–1), suggesting that restoration plantings had not yet attained maximum biomass carbon. Mean biomass carbon accumulation during the first 34 years after planting was estimated as 4.2 ± 0.6 Mg C ha–1 year–1, with the 10th and 90th quantile regression estimates being 2.1 and 8.8 Mg C ha–1 year–1. There were no significant differences in soil organic carbon (0–30-cm depth) between the plantings, remnant forest and pasture, with all values in the range of 59–67 Mg ha–1. This is in line with other studies showing that soil carbon is slow to respond to changes in land use. Based on our measured rates of biomass carbon accumulation, it would require ~50 years to accumulate the average carbon content of remnant forests. However, it is more realistic to assume the rates will slow with time, and it could take over 100 years to attain a new equilibrium of biomass carbon stocks.
Ultrahigh electrical conductivity in solution-sheared polymeric transparent films
Authors: Worfolk Brian J. , Andrews Sean C. , Park Steve , Reinspach Julia , Liu Nan , Toney Michael F. , Mannsfeld Stefan C. B. , Bao Zhenan
Published: October 2015

Significance

Many applications, including solar cells and touch screens, require coatings that are both optically transparent and electrically conductive. Most device structures use indium tin oxide to serve as this transparent conductor (TC), even though it accounts for a disproportionally large amount of device cost. Alternatives, such as polymer-based materials, may not only provide additional cost benefits, but may also allow for added functionality, such as flexibility. In this paper, we examine conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) deposited by solution shearing as a TC film. Morphological and chemical changes caused by solution shearing deposition lead to record-high conductivities and overall excellent TC performance.
Interpreting Lamprey Attacks on Pacific Cod in the Eastern Bering Sea
Authors: Siwicke Kevin A. , Seitz Andrew C.
Published: October 2015

Adult anadromous lampreys attack several species targeted by large‐scale commercial fisheries in the North Pacific Ocean, and the potential negative impact to these host fishes is not well understood. The Arctic LampreyLethenteron camtschaticumand Pacific LampreyEntosphenus tridentatusare anadromous species that feed in the eastern Bering Sea, and lamprey parasitism is evident on Pacific CodGadus macrocephalusnear the Bering Slope. To examine this parasitic interaction, we first built models using morphological measurements from lamprey oral discs to predict which lamprey species caused the observed wounds on Pacific Cod. We then examined lamprey wounding rates and explored healing patterns related to the severity and location of lamprey wounds. We scanned 8,746 Pacific Cod for lamprey wounds and found that 4.9% of the cod had at least one wound. Lamprey wound morphology was better predicted by an oral disk model built for Pacific Lamprey than by a similar model built for Arctic Lamprey. The occurrence of lamprey wounds that had penetrated muscle tissue but had not completely healed was more prevalent as Pacific Cod length increased. Generalized additive model results indicated that latitude and mean Pacific Cod length were important in predicting lamprey wounding rates at a sampling station. Recently inflicted lamprey wounds that penetrated Pacific Cod muscle tissue were observed four times as often as superficial wounds that did not penetrate muscle tissue, but superficial wounds were twice as likely to reach a completely healed state. No difference was detected in the likelihood of a lamprey wound to reach a completely healed state among different host body regions. While there is a potential for lamprey attacks to negatively affect individual host fish, we emphasize the importance of understanding population dynamics between native lampreys and their hosts, as this could aid in explaining variations in the natural mortality of commercially important fish species in the eastern Bering Sea.
Event-related potentials reveal the relations between feature representations at different levels of abstraction
Authors: Hannah Samuel D. , Shedden Judith M. , Brooks Lee R. , Grundy John G.
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we use behavioural methods and event-related potentials (ERPs) to explore the relations between informational and instantiated features, as well as the relation between feature abstraction and rule type. Participants are trained to categorize two species of fictitious animals and then identify perceptually novel exemplars. Critically, two groups are given a perfectly predictive counting rule that, according to Hannah and Brooks (2009. Featuring familiarity: How a familiar feature instantiation influences categorization. Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology/Revue Canadienne de Psychologie Expérimentale , 63, 263–275. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.1037/a0017919 ), should orient them to using abstract informational features when categorizing the novel transfer items. A third group is taught a feature list rule, which should orient them to using detailed instantiated features. One counting-rule group were taught their rule before any exposure to the actual stimuli, and the other immediately after training, having learned the instantiations first. The feature-list group were also taught their rule after training. The ERP results suggest that at test, the two counting-rule groups processed items differently, despite their identical rule. This not only supports the distinction that informational and instantiated features are qualitatively different feature representations, but also implies that rules can readily operate over concrete inputs, in contradiction to traditional approaches that assume that rules necessarily act on abstract inputs.
Operator synthesis and tensor products
Authors: Eleftherakis G. , Todorov I.
Published: October 2015

We show that Kraus’ property

S

σ

S_{\sigma }

is preserved under taking weak* closed sums with masa-bimodules of finite width and establish an intersection formula for weak* closed spans of tensor products, one of whose terms is a masa-bimodule of finite width. We initiate the study of the question of when operator synthesis is preserved under the formation of products and prove that the union of finitely many sets of the form

κ
×
λ

\kappa \times \lambda

, where

κ
\kappa

is a set of finite width while

λ
\lambda

is operator synthetic, is, under a necessary restriction on the sets

λ
\lambda

, again operator synthetic. We show that property

S

σ

S_{\sigma }

is preserved under spatial Morita subordinance.
Lamin B1 protein is required for dendrite development in primary mouse cortical neurons
Authors: Giacomini Caterina , Mahajani Sameehan , Ruffilli Roberta , Marotta Roberto , Gasparini Laura
Published: October 2015

Lamin B1, a key component of the nuclear lamina, plays an important role in brain development and function. A duplication of the human lamin B1 ( LMNB1) gene has been linked to adult-onset autosomal dominant leukodystrophy, and mouse and human loss-of-function mutations in lamin B1 are susceptibility factors for neural tube defects. In the mouse, experimental ablation of endogenous lamin B1 (Lmnb1) severely impairs embryonic corticogenesis. Here we report that in primary mouse cortical neurons, LMNB1 overexpression reduces axonal outgrowth, whereas deficiency of endogenous Lmnb1 results in aberrant dendritic development. In the absence of Lmnb1, both the length and complexity of dendrites are reduced, and their growth is unresponsive to KCl stimulation. This defective dendritic outgrowth stems from impaired ERK signaling. In Lmnb1-null neurons, ERK is correctly phosphorylated, but phospho-ERK fails to translocate to the nucleus, possibly due to delocalization of nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) at the nuclear envelope. Taken together, these data highlight a previously unrecognized role of lamin B1 in dendrite development of mouse cortical neurons through regulation of nuclear shuttling of specific signaling molecules and NPC distribution.
What does it take to get the job done?
Authors: Serpe Mihaela
Published: October 2015

I am extremely honored to be the recipient of the 2015 Women in Cell Biology Junior Award. When I reflect on my journey in science, many great people and memorable experiences come to mind. Some of these encounters were truly career-defining moments. Others provided priceless lessons. In this essay, I recount some of the moments and experiences that influenced my scientific trajectory with the hope that they may inspire others.
DelPhiPKa web server: predicting pKa of proteins, RNAs and DNAs
Authors: Wang Lin , Zhang Min , Alexov Emil
Published: October 2015

Summary: A new pKa prediction web server is released, which implements DelPhi Gaussian dielectric function to calculate electrostatic potentials generated by charges of biomolecules. Topology parameters are extended to include atomic information of nucleotides of RNA and DNA, which extends the capability of pKa calculations beyond proteins. The web server allows the end-user to protonate the biomolecule at particular pH based on calculated pKa values and provides the downloadable file in PQR format. Several tests are performed to benchmark the accuracy and speed of the protocol.

Implementation: The web server follows a client-server architecture built on PHP and HTML and utilizes DelPhiPKa program. The computation is performed on the Palmetto supercomputer cluster and results/download links are given back to the end-user via http protocol. The web server takes advantage of MPI parallel implementation in DelPhiPKa and can run a single job on up to 24 CPUs.

Availability and implementation: The DelPhiPKa web server is available at http://compbio.clemson.edu/pka_webserver.

Contact:  lwang3@clemson.edu or ealexov@clemson.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
MaxBin 2.0: an automated binning algorithm to recover genomes from multiple metagenomic datasets
Authors: Wu Yu-Wei , Simmons Blake A. , Singer Steven W.
Published: October 2015

Summary: The recovery of genomes from metagenomic datasets is a critical step to defining the functional roles of the underlying uncultivated populations. We previously developed MaxBin, an automated binning approach for high-throughput recovery of microbial genomes from metagenomes. Here we present an expanded binning algorithm, MaxBin 2.0, which recovers genomes from co-assembly of a collection of metagenomic datasets. Tests on simulated datasets revealed that MaxBin 2.0 is highly accurate in recovering individual genomes, and the application of MaxBin 2.0 to several metagenomes from environmental samples demonstrated that it could achieve two complementary goals: recovering more bacterial genomes compared to binning a single sample as well as comparing the microbial community composition between different sampling environments.

Availability and implementation: MaxBin 2.0 is freely available at http://sourceforge.net/projects/maxbin/ under BSD license.

Contact:  ywwei@lbl.gov

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Evaluating the implementation of RxNorm in ambulatory electronic prescriptions
Authors: Dhavle Ajit A , Ward-Charlerie Stacy , Rupp Michael T , Kilbourne John , Amin Vishal P , Ruiz Joshua
Published: October 2015

Objective RxNorm is a standardized drug nomenclature maintained by the National Library of Medicine that has been recommended as an alternative to the National Drug Code (NDC) terminology for use in electronic prescribing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation of RxNorm in ambulatory care electronic prescriptions (e-prescriptions).

Methods We analyzed a random sample of 49 997 e-prescriptions that were received by 7391 locations of a national retail pharmacy chain during a single day in April 2014. The e-prescriptions in the sample were generated by 37 801 ambulatory care prescribers using 519 different e-prescribing software applications.

Results We found that 97.9% of e-prescriptions in the study sample could be accurately represented by an RxNorm identifier. However, RxNorm identifiers were actually used as drug identifiers in only 16 433 (33.0%) e-prescriptions. Another 431 (2.5%) e-prescriptions that used RxNorm identifiers had a discrepancy in the corresponding Drug Database Code qualifier field or did not have a qualifier (Term Type) at all. In 10 e-prescriptions (0.06%), the free-text drug description and the RxNorm concept unique identifier pointed to completely different drug concepts, and in 7 e-prescriptions (0.04%), the NDC and RxNorm drug identifiers pointed to completely different drug concepts.

Discussion The National Library of Medicine continues to enhance the RxNorm terminology and expand its scope. This study illustrates the need for technology vendors to improve their implementation of RxNorm; doing so will accelerate the adoption of RxNorm as the preferred alternative to using the NDC terminology in e-prescribing.
Could a change in magnetic field geometry cause the break in the wind-activity relation?
Authors: Vidotto A. A. , Donati J.-F. , Jardine M. , See V. , Petit P. , Boisse I. , Boro Saikia S. , Hébrard E. , Jeffers S. V. , Marsden S. C. , Morin J.
Published: October 2015

Wood et al. suggested that mass-loss rate is a function of X-ray flux ($\skew{3}\dot{M}\propto F_x^{1.34}$) for dwarf stars with Fx ≲ Fx,6 ≡ 106 erg cm−2 s−1. However, more active stars do not obey this relation. These authors suggested that the break at Fx,6 could be caused by significant changes in magnetic field topology that would inhibit stellar wind generation. Here, we investigate this hypothesis by analysing the stars in Wood et al. sample that had their surface magnetic fields reconstructed through Zeeman–Doppler Imaging (ZDI). Although the solar-like outliers in the $\skew{3}\dot{M}$ – Fx relation have higher fractional toroidal magnetic energy, we do not find evidence of a sharp transition in magnetic topology at Fx,6. To confirm this, further wind measurements and ZDI observations at both sides of the break are required. As active stars can jump between states with highly toroidal to highly poloidal fields, we expect significant scatter in magnetic field topology to exist for stars with Fx ≳ Fx,6. This strengthens the importance of multi-epoch ZDI observations. Finally, we show that there is a correlation between Fx and magnetic energy, which implies that $\skew{3}\dot{M}$ – magnetic energy relation has the same qualitative behaviour as the original $\skew{3}\dot{M}$ – Fx relation. No break is seen in any of the Fx – magnetic energy relations.
Rare Disasters and Exchange Rates
*
Authors: Farhi Emmanuel , Gabaix Xavier
Published: October 2015

We propose a new model of exchange rates, based on the hypothesis that the possibility of rare but extreme disasters is an important determinant of risk premia in asset markets. The probability of world disasters as well as each country’s exposure to these events is time-varying. This creates joint fluctuations in exchange rates, interest rates, options, and stock markets. The model accounts for a series of major puzzles in exchange rates: excess volatility and exchange rate disconnect, forward premium puzzle and large excess returns of the carry trade, and comovements between stocks and exchange rates. It also makes empirically successful signature predictions regarding the link between exchange rates and telltale signs of disaster risk in currency options.
Effects of Preoperative β-Blocker Use on Clinical Outcomes after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Kohsaka Shun , Miyata Hiroaki , Motomura Noboru , Imanaka Kazuhito , Fukuda Keiichi , Kyo Shunei , Takamoto Shinichi
Published: October 2015

AbstractAbstract

Using a Japanese national cardiovascular surgical registry, the authors compared patients undergoing bypass grafting who were taking β-blockers preoperatively with those were not. Unadjusted results favored chronic β-blocker use. But after adjustment (the presumably more reliable results), β-blocker use did not alter complications, in-hospital mortality, or 30-day mortality

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background

The authors evaluated the effect of preoperative β-blocker use on early outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in Japan.

Methods

The authors analyzed 34,980 cases of isolated CABGs, performed between 2008 and 2011, at the 333 sites recorded in the Japanese Cardiovascular Surgical Database. In addition to the use of multivariate models, a one-to-one matched analysis, based on estimated propensity scores for patients with or without preoperative β-blocker use, was performed.

Results

The study population (mean age, 68 yr) comprised 20% women, and β-blockers were used in 10,496 patients (30%), who were more likely to have risk factors and comorbidities than patients in whom β-blockers were not used. In the β-blocker and non-β-blocker groups, the crude in-hospital mortality rate was 1.7 versus 2.5%, whereas the composite complication rate was 9.7 versus 11.6%, respectively. However, after adjustment, preoperative β-blocker use was not a predictor of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.21) or complications (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.91 to 1.08). When the outcomes of the two propensity-matched patient groups were compared, differences were not seen in the 30-day operative mortality (1.6 vs. 1.5%, respectively; P = 0.49) or postoperative complication (9.8 vs. 9.7%; P = 1.00) rates. The main findings were broadly consistent in a subgroup analysis of low-risk and high-risk groups.

Conclusion

In this nationwide registry, the use of preoperative β-blockers did not affect short-term mortality or morbidity in patients undergoing CABG.
Treatment of flexion-type supracondylar fractures in children: the ‘push–pull’ method for closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation
Authors: Chukwunyerenwa Chukwudi , Orlik Benjamin , El-Hawary Ron , Logan Karl , Howard Jason J.
Published: October 2015

Flexion-type supracondylar fractures are challenging to treat because, unlike extension-type fractures, it is difficult to take advantage of the intact periosteal hinge to stabilize the fracture fragments during percutaneous pinning. Some authors have described closed reduction of these fractures with the elbow in extension, followed by percutaneous K-wire fixation. However, percutaneous pinning with elbow in extension is technically difficult, time consuming, and usually requires the help of a skilled assistant because of persistent fracture instability. To circumvent these difficulties, we utilized a ‘push–pull’ maneuver, which simplifies the closed reduction and fixation of these difficult fractures. We describe the surgical technique for the ‘push–pull’ method and report radiographic outcomes of a case series of children with flexion-type supracondylar fractures treated using this technique. A retrospective review of medical records and radiographs of all children who underwent operative treatment of a flexion-type supracondylar humeral fracture using the ‘push–pull’ method in a tertiary-level children’s hospital between January 2009 and January 2014 was carried out. Radiographic outcomes were reported using descriptive statistics. There were a total of nine patients (five females, four males), average age 9.8 years (4–14 years). Seventy-eight percent (7/9 patients) of the children had type III injuries, whereas 22% (two children) had type II injuries. The average duration of surgery was 41 min (24–60 min). No intraoperative or postoperative complications were recorded. Postoperative radiographic measures showed that the anterior humeral line passed through the middle third of capitellum in 78% of patients (7/9 patients), whereas it passed posterior to it in 22% (two patients). The average humerocapitellar angle was 30° (21–44°) and the anterior coronoid line was unbroken in 44% (4/9 patients). The average humeroulnar angle was 13° (8–20°) of valgus. The ‘push–pull’ is a safe, effective, and easy method to treat unstable flexion-type supracondylar fractures in children with good radiographic postoperative outcomes. Level of evidence: level IV.
The normal and fractured physis: an anatomic and physiologic overview
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Pooya , Milbrandt Todd
Published: October 2015

The growth plate (physis) is responsible for enabling and regulating longitudinal growth of upper and lower limbs. This regulation occurs through interaction of the cells in the growth plate with systemic and locally produced factors. This complex interaction leads to precisely controlled changes in chondrocyte size, receptors, and matrix, which ultimately result in endochondral bone formation. With advances in cellular and molecular biology, our knowledge about these complex interactions has increased significantly over the past decade. Deficiency of any of the regulating factors or physeal injury during childhood can alter this well-orchestrated sequence of events and lead to abnormalities in growth. This review highlights the histology of the normal physis, including recent findings at the cellular and molecular levels, mechanics and mechanobiology of the growth plate, pathologies that can affect the physis, and treatment options, including interposition materials.
Disseminated Aspergillosis in a Previously Immunocompetent Host
Authors: Smith Joshua , Noor Aliya , Hage Chadi
Published: October 2015

Aspergillus infection can manifest in a variety of ways ranging from allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis to disseminated aspergillosis. Invasive disease is typically seen in the immunocompromised population but may rarely affect immunocompetent hosts. We present a case of a 48-year-old previously healthy man initially presenting with septic shock and multiorgan system failure. After stabilization, he developed persistent fevers with worsening mental status. Imaging of the brain revealed multiple hemorrhages with impending brain herniation. Postmortem examination revealed purulent abscesses in multiple organs with culture and microscopic evaluation revealing Aspergillus fumigatus.
Inferring extrinsic noise from single-cell gene expression data using Approximate Bayesian Computation
Authors: Lenive Oleg , Kirk Paul DW , Stumpf Michael PH
Published: October 2015

Background

Gene expression is known to be an intrinsically stochastic process which can involve single-digit numbers of mRNA molecules in a cell at any given time. The modelling of such processes calls for the use of exact stochastic simulation methods, most notably the Gillespie algorithm. However, this stochasticity, also termed “intrinsic noise”, does not account for all the variability between genetically identical cells growing in a homogeneous environment. Despite substantial experimental efforts, determining appropriate model parameters continues to be a challenge. Methods based on approximate Bayesian computation can be used to obtain posterior parameter distributions given the observed data. However, such inference procedures require large numbers of simulations of the model and exact stochastic simulation is computationally costly. In this work we focus on the specific case of trying to infer model parameters describing reaction rates and extrinsic noise on the basis of measurements of molecule numbers in individual cells at a given time point.

Results

To make the problem computationally tractable we develop an exact, model-specific, stochastic simulation algorithm for the commonly used two-state model of gene expression. This algorithm relies on certain assumptions and favourable properties of the model to forgo the simulation of the whole temporal trajectory of protein numbers in the system, instead returning only the number of protein and mRNA molecules present in the system at a specified time point. The computational gain is proportional to the number of protein molecules created in the system and becomes significant for systems involving hundreds or thousands of protein molecules. We employ this algorithm, approximate Bayesian computation, and published gene expression data forEscherichia colito simultaneously infer the model’s rate parameters and parameters describing extrinsic noise for 86 genes.
On the accuracy of unit-cell parameters in protein crystallography
Authors: Dauter Zbigniew , Wlodawer Alexander
Published: October 2015

The availability in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) of a number of structures that are presented in space groupP1 but in reality possess higher symmetry allowed the accuracy and precision of the unit-cell parameters of the crystals of macromolecules to be evaluated. In addition, diffraction images from crystals of several proteins, previously collected as part of in-house projects, were processed independently with three popular software packages. An analysis of the results, augmented by published serial crystallography data, suggests that the apparent precision of the presentation of unit-cell parameters in the PDB to three decimal points is not justified, since these parameters are subject to errors of not less than 0.2%. It was also noticed that processing data including full crystallographic symmetry does not lead to deterioration of the refinement parameters; thus, it is not beneficial to treat the crystals as belonging to space groupP1 when higher symmetry can be seen.
Selecting soluble/foldable protein domains through single-gene or genomic ORF filtering: structure of the head domain of Burkholderia pseudomallei antigen BPSL2063
Authors: Gourlay Louise J. , Peano Clelia , Deantonio Cecilia , Perletti Lucia , Pietrelli Alessandro , Villa Riccardo , Matterazzo Elena , Lassaux Patricia , Santoro Claudio , Puccio Simone , Sblattero Daniele , Bolognesi Martino
Published: October 2015

The 1.8 Å resolution crystal structure of a conserved domain of the potential Burkholderia pseudomallei antigen and trimeric autotransporter BPSL2063 is presented as a structural vaccinology target for melioidosis vaccine development. Since BPSL2063 (1090 amino acids) hosts only one conserved domain, and the expression/purification of the full-length protein proved to be problematic, a domain-filtering library was generated using β-lactamase as a reporter gene to select further BPSL2063 domains. As a result, two domains (D1 and D2) were identified and produced in soluble form in Escherichia coli. Furthermore, as a general tool, a genomic open reading frame-filtering library from the B. pseudomallei genome was also constructed to facilitate the selection of domain boundaries from the entire ORFeome. Such an approach allowed the selection of three potential protein antigens that were also produced in soluble form. The results imply the further development of ORF-filtering methods as a tool in protein-based research to improve the selection and production of soluble proteins or domains for downstream applications such as X-ray crystallography.
Structural insight and flexible features of NS5 proteins from all four serotypes ofDengue virusin solution
Authors: Saw Wuan Geok , Tria Giancarlo , Grüber Ardina , Subramanian Manimekalai Malathy Sony , Zhao Yongqian , Chandramohan Arun , Srinivasan Anand Ganesh , Matsui Tsutomu , Weiss Thomas M. , Vasudevan Subhash G. , Grüber Gerhard
Published: October 2015

Infection by the four serotypes ofDengue virus(DENV-1 to DENV-4) causes an important arthropod-borne viral disease in humans. The multifunctional DENV nonstructural protein 5 (NS5) is essential for capping and replication of the viral RNA and harbours a methyltransferase (MTase) domain and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domain. In this study, insights into the overall structure and flexibility of the entire NS5 of all fourDengue virusserotypes in solution are presented for the first time. The solution models derived revealed an arrangement of the full-length NS5 (NS5FL) proteins with the MTase domain positioned at the top of the RdRP domain. The DENV-1 to DENV-4 NS5 forms are elongated and flexible in solution, with DENV-4 NS5 being more compact relative to NS5 from DENV-1, DENV-2 and DENV-3. Solution studies of the individual MTase and RdRp domains show the compactness of the RdRp domain as well as the contribution of the MTase domain and the ten-residue linker region to the flexibility of the entire NS5. Swapping the ten-residue linker between DENV-4 NS5FL and DENV-3 NS5FL demonstrated its importance in MTase–RdRp communication and in concerted interaction with viral and host proteins, as probed by amide hydrogen/deuterium mass spectrometry. Conformational alterations owing to RNA binding are presented.
Crystal structure of 2-dimethylamino-1-ethoxycarbonyl-3-methyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-1-ium tetraphenylborate
Authors: Tiritiris Ioannis , Kantlehner Willi
Published: October 2015

The asymmetric unit of the title salt, C10H20N3O2+·C24H20B−, contains two cations and two tetraphenylborate ions. The C—N bond lengths in the central CN3unit of the guanidinium ions range between 1.323 (2) and 1.381 (2) Å, indicating partial double-bond character. The central C atoms are bonded to the three N atoms in a nearly ideal trigonal–planar geometry and the positive charge is delocalized in the CN3plane. The cationic six-membered rings are nonplanar, the dihedral angles between the N/C/N and C/C/C planes ranging from 45.8 (1) to 53.6 (1)°. In the crystal, C—H...π interactions are present between the guanidinium H atoms and the phenyl rings of the tetraphenylborate ions. The phenyl rings form aromatic pockets, in which the guanidinium ions are embedded.
Crystal structure of [5-n-butyl-10-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2,3,7,8,13,12,17,18-octaethylporphyrinato]nickel(II)
Authors: Flanagan Keith J. , Mothi Ebrahim M. , Kötzner Lisa , Senge Mathias O.
Published: October 2015

The asymmetric unit of the title nickel(II) porphyrin, [Ni(C48H60N4O2)], contains one independent molecule. The average Ni—N bond length is 1.917 (13) Å. The molecules are arranged in a closely spaced lattice structure in which neighbouring porphyrins are oriented in inversion-related dimers. The nickel(II) porphyrin is characterized by a significant degree of aruffled (B1u) conformation with small contributions fromsaddle (B2u) andwave(y) [Eg(y)], as determined using normal structural decomposition. Disorder in the 2,5-dimethoxyphenyl substituent was modelled over two positions with a 60% occupancy for the major moiety. One of the ethyl groups is also disordered over two positions and was modelled with the major moiety being present in 51.3% occupancy.
Crystal structure of tris[4-(dimethylamino)pyridinium] tris(oxalato-κ2O,O′)chromate(III) tetrahydrate
Authors: Makon ma Houga Noé , Capet Frédéric , Nenwa Justin , Bebga Gouet , Foulon Michel
Published: October 2015

In the title hybrid salt, (C7H11N2)3[Cr(C2O4)3]·4H2O, the central CrIIIion of the complex anion (point group symmetry 2) is coordinated by six O atoms from three chelating oxalate(2−) ligands in a slightly distorted octahedral coordination sphere. The Cr—O bond lengths vary from 1.9577 (11) to 1.9804 (11) Å, while the chelate O—Cr—O angles range from 82.11 (6) to 93.41 (5)°. The 4-(dimethylamino)pyridinium cations (one situated in a general position and one on a twofold rotation axis) are protonated at the pyridine N atoms. In the crystal, N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds link the cations and anions into a three-dimensional network. π–π interactions between the pyridine rings of adjacent cations provide additional stabilization of the crystal packing, with the closest centroid-to-centroid distances being 3.541 (1) and 3.575 (1) Å.
Crystal structure of 2-benzenesulfonamido-3-hydroxypropanoic acid
Authors: Jabeen Nabila , Mushtaq Misbah , Danish Muhammad , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Raza Muhammad Asam
Published: October 2015

In the title compound, C9H11NO5S, the O=S=O plane of the sulfonyl group is twisted at a dihedral angle of 52.54 (16)° with respect to the benzene ring. The dihedral angle between the carboxylic acid group and the benzene ring is 49.91 (16)°. In the crystal, C—H...O, N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into (001) sheets.
Does employee performance affect customer loyalty in pharmacy services?
Authors: Rabbanee Fazlul K. , Burford Oksana , Ramaseshan B.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– Employees in community pharmacies play a far significant and distinct role compared to the employees in traditional retail stores. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of employee performance (EP) on customer loyalty of pharmacy services.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected through a self-administered survey filled in by the customers of 25 community pharmacies. A total of 679 completely filled-in questionnaires were analysed. The proposed model was tested through structural equation modelling using AMOS 22.

Findings

– EP positively affects pharmacy customers’ perceived value (PV), trust and loyalty. PV and trust fully mediates the relationships between EP and customers’ attitudinal and behavioural loyalty. Unlike short-term customers, the long-term relational customers’ PV was found to have significant impact on their trust and behavioural loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

– This study is based on the Australian community pharmacy industries; hence, caution must be exercised in the generalization of the results to other countries. The study has considered only PV and trust in examining the link between the EP and customer loyalty. Other variables such as commitment could possibly influence the link, which has not been considered in this study.

Originality/value

– The study contributes to the existing literature by focusing on how EP affects both attitudinal and behavioural loyalty of pharmacy customers. It shows empirical evidence that EP influences customers’ PV and trust en-route to influencing their loyalty. The study measures EP based on both empathy and service provider performance covering a broader spectrum of the construct.