bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colored polydimethylsiloxane micropillar arrays for high throughput measurements of forces applied by genetic model organisms
Authors: Khare Siddharth M. , Awasthi Anjali , Venkataraman V. , Koushika Sandhya P.
Published: January 2015

Measuring forces applied by multi-cellular organisms is valuable in investigating biomechanics of their locomotion. Several technologies have been developed to measure such forces, for example, strain gauges, micro-machined sensors, and calibrated cantilevers. We introduce an innovative combination of techniques as a high throughput screening tool to assess forces applied by multiple genetic model organisms. First, we fabricated colored Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micropillars where the color enhances contrast making it easier to detect and track pillar displacement driven by the organism. Second, we developed a semi-automated graphical user interface to analyze the images for pillar displacement, thus reducing the analysis time for each animal to minutes. The addition of color reduced the Young's modulus of PDMS. Therefore, the dye-PDMS composite was characterized using Yeoh's hyperelastic model and the pillars were calibrated using a silicon based force sensor. We used our device to measure forces exerted by wild type and mutant Caenorhabditis elegans moving on an agarose surface. Wild type C. elegans exert an average force of ∼1 μN on an individual pillar and a total average force of ∼7.68 μN. We show that the middle of C. elegans exerts more force than its extremities. We find that C. elegans mutants with defective body wall muscles apply significantly lower force on individual pillars, while mutants defective in sensing externally applied mechanical forces still apply the same average force per pillar compared to wild type animals. Average forces applied per pillar are independent of the length, diameter, or cuticle stiffness of the animal. We also used the device to measure, for the first time, forces applied by Drosophila melanogaster larvae. Peristaltic waves occurred at 0.4 Hz applying an average force of ∼1.58 μN on a single pillar. Our colored microfluidic device along with its displacement tracking software allows us to measure forces applied by multiple model organisms that crawl or slither to travel through their environment.
Modulation of unidirectional anisotropy for Co-based amorphous ribbons by longitudinal pulse field
Authors: He J. , An J. , Xia Z. J. , Yang L. , Zhao D. L. , You C. Y. , Ren W. J.
Published: January 2015

Field-induced unidirectional anisotropy of Co-based amorphous ribbons was discussed by magnetization measurement. The shifted hysteresis loops of Co58Fe5Ni10Si11B16 amorphous ribbons were obtained by annealing the samples in longitudinal magnetic field. Here, the feasibility of employing the longitudinal pulse field to tailor the anisotropy characteristic is demonstrated. It is found that the shifted loops can be technically controlled by enhancing the pulse field to modulate the magnetic anisotropy from unidirectional to uniaxial, and even back to unidirectional. The surface domains scan gives strong evidence that the pulse field can be one of the skillful methods to navigate the unidirectional anisotropy in the amorphous ribbons for potential applications.
Highly sensitive optically controlled tunable capacitor and photodetector based on a metal-insulator-semiconductor on silicon-on-insulator substrates
Authors: Mikhelashvili V. , Cristea D. , Meyler B. , Yofis S. , Shneider Y. , Atiya G. , Cohen-Hyams T. , Kauffmann Y. , Kaplan W. D. , Eisenstein G.
Published: January 2015

We describe a new type of optically sensitive tunable capacitor with a wide band response ranging from the ultraviolet (245 nm) to the near infrared (880 nm). It is based on a planar Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (MOS) structure fabricated on an insulator on silicon substrate where the insulator layer comprises a double layer dielectric stack of SiO2-HfO2. Two operating configurations have been examined, a single diode and a pair of back-to-back connected devices, where either one or both diodes are illuminated. The varactors exhibit, in all cases, very large sensitivities to illumination. Near zero bias, the capacitance dependence on illumination intensity is sub linear and otherwise it is nearly linear. In the back-to-back connected configuration, the reverse biased diode acts as a light tunable resistor whose value affects strongly the capacitance of the second, forward biased, diode and vice versa. The proposed device is superior to other optical varactors in its large sensitivity to illumination in a very broad wavelength range (245 nm–880 nm), the strong capacitance dependence on voltage and the superior current photo responsivity. Above and beyond that structure requires a very simple fabrication process which is CMOS compatible.
Nanoparticles and nanorods of silicon carbide from the residues of corn
Authors: Qadri S. B. , Gorzkowski E. , Rath B. B. , Feng J. , Qadri S. N. , Kim H. , Caldwell J. D. , Imam M. A.
Published: January 2015

We have investigated the thermally induced transformation of various residues of the corn plant into nanoparticles and nanorods of different silicon carbide (SiC) polytypes. This has been accomplished by both microwave-induced and conventional furnace pyrolysis in excess of 1450 °C in an inert atmosphere. This simple process of producing nanoparticles of different polytypes of SiC from the corn plant opens a new method of utilizing agricultural waste to produce viable industrial products that are technologically important for nanoelectronics, molecular sensors, nanophotonics, biotechnology, and other mechanical applications. Using x-ray and Raman scattering characterization, we have demonstrated that the processed samples of corn husk, leaves, stalks, and cob consist of SiC nanostructures of the 2H, 3C, 4H, and 6H polytypes.
Strain tunable electronic and magnetic properties of pristine and semihydrogenated hexagonal boron phosphide
Authors: Yu Jin , Guo Wanlin
Published: January 2015

Tunable electromagnetic properties of pristine two-dimensional boron phosphide (h-BP) nanosheet and its semihydrogenated structure were studied by density functional theory computations. In sharp contrast to previously reported tensile strain-induced red shift in two-dimensional semiconductors, the direct gap of h-BP undergoes blue shift under biaxial tensile strain. Once semihydrogenated, the h-BP not only transform from the nonmagnetic semiconductor into metal which is spin-resolved but also exhibits linear response between the magnetic moment and biaxial strain with a slope up to 0.005 μB/1%. These findings provide a simple and effective route to tune the electronic and magnetic properties of h-BP nanostructures in a wide range and should inspire experimental enthusiasm.
Enhanced single photon emission from positioned InP/GaInP quantum dots coupled to a confined Tamm-plasmon mode
Authors: Braun T. , Baumann V. , Iff O. , Höfling S. , Schneider C. , Kamp M.
Published: January 2015

We report on the enhancement of the spontaneous emission in the visible red spectral range from site-controlled InP/GaInP quantum dots by resonant coupling to Tamm-plasmon modes confined beneath gold disks in a hybrid metal/semiconductor structure. The enhancement of the emission intensity is confirmed by spatially resolved micro-photoluminescence area scans and temperature dependent measurements. Single photon emission from our coupled system is verified via second order autocorrelation measurements. We observe bright single quantum dot emission of up to ∼173 000 detected photons per second at a repetition rate of the excitation source of 82 MHz, and calculate an extraction efficiency of our device as high as 7%.
Electron transport in endohedral metallofullerene Ce@C82 single-molecule transistors
Authors: Okamura Naoya , Yoshida Kenji , Sakata Shuichi , Hirakawa Kazuhiko
Published: January 2015

We have investigated the electron transport in endohedral metallofullerene Ce@C82 single-molecule transistors (SMTs) together with that in reference C84 SMTs. The vibrational modes (bending and stretching) of the encapsulated single Ce atom in the C82 cage appear in Coulomb stability diagrams for the single-electron tunneling through Ce@C82 molecules, demonstrating the single-atom sensitivity of the transport measurements. When a bias voltage larger than 100 mV is applied across the source/drain electrodes, large hysteretic behavior is observed in the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics. At the same time, the pattern in the Coulomb stability diagram is changed. No such hysteretic behavior is observed in the I-V curves of hollow-cage C84 SMTs, even when the bias voltage exceeds 500 mV. This hysteretic change in the I-V characteristics is induced by a nanomechanical change in the configuration of the Ce@C82 molecule in the nanogap electrode due to the electric dipole that exists in Ce@C82.
Growth of ultra-uniform graphene using a Ni/W bilayer metal catalyst
Authors: Yang Jae Hoon , Hwang Jae Seok , Yang Hyoung Woo , Jang A-Rang , Shin Hyeon Suk , Jang Jae-Eun , Kang Dae Joon
Published: January 2015

We investigated a bilayer catalyst system consisting of polycrystalline Ni and W films for growing mono-layer graphene over large areas. Highly uniform graphene was grown on Ni/W bilayer film with 100% coverage. The graphene grown on Ni/W bilayer film and transferred onto an insulating substrate exhibited average hole and electron mobilities of 727 and 340 cm2V−1s−1, respectively. A probable growth mechanism is proposed based on X-ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy, which suggests that the reaction between diffused carbon and tungsten atoms results in formation of tungsten carbides. This reaction allows the control of carbon precipitation and prevents the growth of non-uniform multilayer graphene on the Ni surface; this has not been straightforwardly achieved before. These results could be of importance in better understanding mono-layer graphene growth, and suggest a facile fabrication route for electronic applications.
Particle modelling of magnetically confined oxygen plasma in low pressure radio frequency discharge
Authors: Benyoucef Djilali , Yousfi Mohammed
Published: January 2015

The main objective of this paper is the modelling and simulation of a radio frequency (RF) discharge in oxygen at low pressure and at room temperature, including the effect of crossed electric and magnetic fields for generation and confinement of oxygen plasma. The particle model takes into account one axial dimension along the electric field axis and three velocity components during the Monte Carlo treatment of the collisions between charged particles and background gas. The simulation by this developed code allows us not only to determine the electrodynamics characteristics of the RF discharge, but also to obtain kinetics and energetic description of reactive oxygen plasma at low pressure. These information are very important for the control of the deep reactive-ion etching technology of the silicon to manufacture capacitors with high density and for the deposition thick insulating films or thick metal to manufacture micro-coils. The simulation conditions are as follows: RF peak voltage of 200 V, frequency of 13.56 MHz, crossed magnetic field varying from 0 to 50 Gauss, and oxygen pressure of 13.8 Pa. In the presence of magnetic field, the results show an increase of the plasma density, a decrease of the electron mean energy, and also a reduction of the ratio between electron density and positive ion density. Finally in order to validate, the results are successfully compared with measurements already carried out in the literature. The conditions of comparison are from 100 to 300 V of the peak voltage at 13.56 MHz under a pressure of 13.8 Pa and a gap distance of 2.5 cm.
Magnetocaloric effect in NiMnInSi Heusler alloys
Authors: Ovichi Maryam , Elbidweihy Hatem , Torre Edward Della , Bennett Lawrence H. , Ghahremani Mohammadreza , Johnson Francis , Zou Min
Published: January 2015

The NiMnInSi Heusler alloy family is analyzed, and a self-similarity based method is used to analyze the first-order transition of Ni-Mn Heusler alloys. This method is appropriate to determine magnetic characteristics of the Magnetocaloric Effect providing that there is sufficient separation in their phase transition temperatures. A temperature scaling methodology is used to model the cluster compositions in the mixed-state regions where two stable magnetic states co-exist. The various descriptions and classifications of these transitions, however, are not critical to this analysis.
Direct growth of graphene nanowalls on the crystalline silicon for solar cells
Authors: Liu Jian , Sun Wentao , Wei Dapeng , Song Xuefen , Jiao Tianpeng , He Shixuan , Zhang Wei , Du Chunlei
Published: January 2015

We developed a simple approach to fabricate graphene/Si heterojunction solar cells via direct growth of graphene nanowalls on Si substrate. This 3D graphene structure was outstanding electrode network and could form fine interface with Si substrate. Moreover, direct growth method not only simplified manufacturing process, but also avoided damages and contaminants from graphene transfer process. The short-circuit current (Jsc) increased greatly and could reach 31 mA/cm2. After HNO3 doping, the energy conversion efficiency was increased up to 5.1%. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of growth time on the cell performance.
Multi-layered nanocomposite dielectrics for high density organic memory devices
Authors: Kang Moonyeong , Chung Kyungwha , Baeg Kang-Jun , Kim Dong Ha , Kim Choongik
Published: January 2015

We fabricated organic memory devices with metal-pentacene-insulator-silicon structure which contain double dielectric layers comprising 3D pattern of Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) and block copolymer (PS-b-P2VP). The role of Au NPs is to charge/discharge carriers upon applied voltage, while block copolymer helps to form highly ordered Au NP patterns in the dielectric layer. Double-layered nanocomposite dielectrics enhanced the charge trap density (i.e., trapped charge per unit area) by Au NPs, resulting in increase of the memory window (ΔVth).
High mobility organic field-effect transistor based on water-soluble deoxyribonucleic acid via spray coating
Authors: Shi Wei , Han Shijiao , Huang Wei , Yu Junsheng
Published: January 2015

High mobility organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) by inserting water-soluble deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) buffer layer between electrodes and pentacene film through spray coating process were fabricated. Compared with the OFETs incorporated with DNA in the conventional organic solvents of ethanol and methanol: water mixture, the water-soluble DNA based OFET exhibited an over four folds enhancement of field-effect mobility from 0.035 to 0.153 cm2/Vs. By characterizing the surface morphology and the crystalline structure of pentacene active layer through atomic force microscope and X-ray diffraction, it was found that the adoption of water solvent in DNA solution, which played a key role in enhancing the field-effect mobility, was ascribed to both the elimination of the irreversible organic solvent-induced bulk-like phase transition of pentacene film and the diminution of a majority of charge trapping at interfaces in OFETs.
Type-I interband cascade lasers near 3.2 μm
Authors: Jiang Yuchao , Li Lu , Yang Rui Q. , Gupta James A. , Aers Geof C. , Dupont Emmanuel , Baribeau Jean-Marc , Wu Xiaohua , Johnson Matthew B.
Published: January 2015

Interband cascade (IC) lasers have been demonstrated based on type-I InGaAsSb/AlAsSb quantum well (QW) active regions. These type-I IC lasers are composed of 6-cascade stages and InAs/AlSb superlattice cladding layers. In contrast to the use of quinary AlGaInAsSb barriers for active region in previous type-I QW lasers, the type-I QW active region in each stage is sandwiched by digitally graded multiple InAs/AlSb QW electron injector and GaSb/AlSb QW hole injector. The fabricated type-I IC lasers were able to operate in continuous wave and pulsed modes at temperatures up to 306 and 365 K, respectively. The threshold current densities of broad-area lasers were around 300 A/cm2 at 300 K with a lasing wavelength near 3.2 μm. The implications and prospects of these initial results are discussed.
pH-dependent toxicity of serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors in taxonomically diverse freshwater invertebrate species
Authors: Sundaram Rumya , Smith Bradley W. , Clark Thomas M.
Published: January 2015

Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are pollutants that influence behaviour, physiology and survival of freshwater animals. Factors influencing the sensitivity of freshwater invertebrates to these drugs must be understood in order to predict their effects on freshwater ecosystems. The toxicities of fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and citalopram (Celexa), were tested in larval Aedes aegypti (Insecta, Diptera), Cypridopsis vidua (Crustacea, Ostracoda) and Hydra vulgaris (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) across a broad range of ambient pH values. H. vulgaris were most sensitive, with minimal survival in the presence of drugs (1×10–5 molL–1) in all but acidic media, whereas A. aegypti larvae were least sensitive. In all species tested the drugs were toxic in neutral and alkaline media but showed minimal or no toxicity in acidic media, whereas citalopram and fluoxetine enhanced survival of C. vidua in pH 4 media. Increased toxicity in alkaline media supports the hypothesis that the ionisation states of the drugs influences their toxicity by effects on membrane permeability, whereas enhanced survival of C. vidua in acidic media in the presence of SSRIs suggests that serotonergic pathways may be involved in regulation of acid–base balance in this species.
A strategy for tissue self-organization that is robust to cellular heterogeneity and plasticity
Authors: Cerchiari Alec E. , Garbe James C. , Jee Noel Y. , Todhunter Michael E. , Broaders Kyle E. , Peehl Donna M. , Desai Tejal A. , LaBarge Mark A. , Thomson Matthew , Gartner Zev J.
Published: January 2015

Significance

Differences in cell–cell interfacial energies can explain how multiple cell types sort into spatially organized tissues. However, this strategy of self-organization is not robust to heterogeneity or changes to the interfacial energies that drive correct cell positioning. Therefore, heterogeneous epithelial tissues such as the human mammary and prostate glands use a different strategy. First, disorganized aggregates form an adhesive interface at the tissue–ECM boundary that provides geometric constraints to self-organization. Second, only one cell type interacts appreciably with this interface. This strategy can explain how self-organization remains robust in vivo, provides generalizable rules for reconstituting tissues in vitro, and suggests how structure might break down during cancer progression.
Effects of fear of negative social evaluation in interaction with potential partners: experimental study of first encounters / Efectos del temor a la evaluación social negativa en interacción con parejas potenciales: estudio experimental de los primeros encuentros
Authors: Cruz-Torres Christian-Enrique , Díaz-Loving Rolando , Padilla-Bautista Joaquin-Alberto , Díaz-Rivera Paola-Eunice , González-Rivera Ilse , Oropeza-Lozano Rebecca-Esther
Published: January 2015

This study used an experimental procedure to evaluate the effects of fear of negative social evaluation (FNSE) on courtship strategies and the ability to interact with the opposite sex. 108 university students participated in this study with a mean age of 19.6. Prior to the experimental procedure, FNSE levels were measured. Then two photographs of people of the opposite sex were shown, one more attractive than the other, and the participants were informed that they would meet one of them. Levels of anxiety and self-presentation motivation (SPM) were measured before the planned interaction. Results show that people with low levels of FNSE have positive expectations of reciprocity when they are about to meet a person that they find attractive. Women, but not men, with high levels of FNSE report higher SPM with less attractive people than with more attractive people. High levels of FNSE are associated with a loss of calm in the situation of meeting a person of the opposite sex. Implications of these results are discussed in the context of courtship strategies.
Spanish version of the Cultural Intelligence Scale (CQS) / Versión española de la Escala de Inteligencia Cultural (EIC)
Authors: Moyano Manuel , Tabernero Carmen , Melero Rosa , Trujillo Humberto M.
Published: January 2015

In recent years, the concept of cultural intelligence has received increasing attention by researchers and professionals because of its theoretical and practical importance. To understand why some individuals adapt more effectively than others to culturally different social contexts has become a goal with implications for education, recruitment and the prevention of social conflict. The goal of this study was to adapt the Cultural Intelligence Scale (CQS) to Spanish. To do so, two studies were carried out. In the first, the psychometric properties generated by the CQS on a Spanish sample ( N = 413) were analysed. In the second study, a confirmatory replication of the factor structure and reliability of the CQS was performed with a different Spanish sample ( N = 526) from the first study. The results indicated that the Spanish version of the Cultural Intelligence Scale can be considered a useful and appropriate tool to be used with psychometric guarantees in the Spanish-speaking population.
Effects of Reservoir Drawdowns and the Expansion of Hydrilla Coverage on Year-Class Strength of Largemouth Bass
Authors: Nagid Eric J. , Tuten Travis , Johnson Kevin G.
Published: January 2015

We examined the effects of reservoir drawdowns and hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata coverage on year-class strength of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides at Rodman Reservoir, Florida. Average catch-curve residuals obtained from multiple age samples illustrated that four of the six cohorts produced during drawdowns were strong, whereas the majority of cohorts produced when pool levels were at normal depths were average to weak. Linear regression of average catch-curve residuals and the net change in percent area covered (PAC) by hydrilla were positively related (R2 = 0.75) to cohorts produced during drawdowns, whereas no relationship was found between hydrilla PAC and cohorts produced when water levels were at normal pool. The Largemouth Bass fishery at Rodman Reservoir could be managed for strong year-classes in predictive intervals (3–4 years) by the current drawdown magnitude, timing, and duration if hydrilla PAC is managed accordingly.

Received March 13, 2014; accepted September 4, 2014
Removal and Mark–Recapture Methods for Estimating Abundance: Empirical and Simulation Results for Mottled Sculpin in Streams
Authors: Ruetz Carl R. , Harris Brandon S. , McNair James N. , Homola Jared J.
Published: January 2015

Most studies that investigate biases in stream fish abundance estimators focus on salmonines, yet nongame species comprise a major portion of fish assemblages. We evaluated mark–recapture (the Lincoln–Petersen estimator with Chapman correction) and removal (constant capture probability and generalized removal estimators) methods for estimating abundance of Mottled Sculpin Cottus bairdii, and we tested whether assumptions of the abundance estimators (i.e., the population is closed during sampling; and marks are detected) were reasonable. Over 2-d periods, fish in eight streams were sampled by using backpack electrofishing in 90-m reaches (each divided into three 30-m subreaches) to assess movement. Removal abundance estimates were significantly lower than mark–recapture estimates. Moreover, removal estimates were 52% lower than the known number of marked individuals, likely because capture probability (q) was low and declined with subsequent sampling passes. Survival of fish held in cages was 100%; there were no undetected marks among fish held overnight. For all streams combined, 11% of recaptured fish that were marked in the core subreach were recaptured on day 2 in an adjoining subreach. In five of the eight study streams, movement of marked fish from the core subreach was not detected, suggesting that in most streams the population was closed to movement. Using computer simulations, we found that low numbers of recaptures (mean < 6) negatively biased the mark–recapture estimator; however, the estimator was positively biased when the study population was open to movement—meaning that marked and unmarked fish were lost from the study reach as new, unmarked fish entered. Our results indicate that the removal estimator was negatively biased. We recommend using the mark–recapture method to estimate abundance when q is low (e.g., 0.21 in our study), with the caveat that study reach length must be sufficient to minimize fish movement across reach boundaries when block nets cannot be maintained between sampling events.

Received January 14, 2014; accepted September 22, 2014
Assessment of trypophobia and an analysis of its visual precipitation
Authors: Le An T. D. , Cole Geoff G. , Wilkins Arnold J.
Published: January 2015

We developed and validated a symptom scale that can be used to identify “trypophobia”, in which individuals experience aversion induced by images of clusters of circular objects. The trypophobia questionnaire (TQ) was based on reports of various symptom types, but it nevertheless demonstrated a single construct, with high internal consistency and test–retest reliability. The TQ scores predicted discomfort from trypophobic images, but not neutral or unpleasant images, and did not correlate with anxiety. Using image filtering, we also reduced the excess energy at midrange spatial frequencies associated with both trypophobic and uncomfortable images. Relative to unfiltered trypophobic images, the discomfort from filtered images experienced by observers with high TQ scores was less than that experienced with control images and by observers with low TQ scores. Furthermore, we found that clusters of concave objects (holes) did not induce significantly more discomfort than clusters of convex objects (bumps), suggesting that trypophobia involves images with particular spectral profile rather than clusters of holes per se.
Combination of ac electroosmosis and dielectrophoresis for particle manipulation on electrically-induced microscale wave structures
Authors: Chung Cheng-Che , Glawdel Tomasz , Ren Carolyn L , Chang Hsien-Chang
Published: January 2015

This work presents a simple method to fabricate controllable microscale wave structures on the top of regular interdigitated electrode (IDE) arrays using electrically-assisted lithography techniques. Smooth wave structures are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to fabricate using traditional multilayer photolithography technology. The fabricated wave structures were carefully measured using an optical profiler and the measured wave profiles were used in the numerical simulation of electrical field and for evaluating the parameters influencing the fabricated wave structure. It is demonstrated that the combined smooth wave structure and IDE array offer unique capability for particle manipulation including particle concentration, aggregation and separation. Particle motion manipulated via the combined wave structure and IDE array is governed by ac electroosmosis (ACEO), dielectrophoresis (DEP) or a combination of both depending on the applied frequency. At lower frequencies (~30 kHz), ACEO dominates and particles are driven to move along the valleys of the wave structures; while at higher frequencies (~200 kHz), DEP force dominates which concentrates particles at the peaks of the wave structures. In addition, varying the ac waveform from sine-wave to square-wave allows for dynamic control of particle motion. Size-dependent particle separation over the wave structure is also demonstrated for a mixture of 0.5 µm and 2 µm particles that are separated into two populations by the joint effects of drag and DEP forces when being pumped to flow via ACEO.
Characterization of Escherichia coli NDM isolates with decreased susceptibility to aztreonam/avibactam: role of a novel insertion in PBP3
Authors: Alm Richard A. , Johnstone Michele R. , Lahiri Sushmita D.
Published: January 2015

Objectives

The spread of NDM-1 amongst Enterobacteriaceae has highlighted a significant threat to the clinical management of serious infections. The combination of aztreonam and avibactam, a non-β-lactam β-lactamase inhibitor, may provide a much-needed therapeutic alternative. This combination was potent against most NDM-containing Enterobacteriaceae, although activity was diminished against many Escherichia coli isolates. These E. coli isolates were characterized to elucidate the mechanism of decreased susceptibility to aztreonam/avibactam.

Methods

MIC determinations were performed using broth microdilution, and whole-genome sequencing was performed to enable sequence-based analyses.

Results

The decreased susceptibility was not due to avibactam being unable to inhibit the serine β-lactamases found in the E. coli isolates. Rather, it was manifested by a four-amino-acid insertion in PBP3. This same insertion was also found in non-NDM-containing E. coli that had reduced susceptibility to aztreonam/avibactam. Construction of an isogenic mutant confirmed that this insertion resulted in decreased susceptibility to aztreonam and several cephalosporins, but had no impact on carbapenem potency. Structural analysis suggests that this insertion will impact the accessibility of the β-lactam drugs to the transpeptidase pocket of PBP3.

Conclusions

The acquisition of β-lactamases is the predominant mechanism of β-lactam resistance in Enterobacteriaceae. We have demonstrated that small PBP3 changes will affect the susceptibility to a broad range of β-lactams. These changes were identified in multiple MLST lineages of E. coli, and were enriched in NDM-containing isolates. However, they were not present in other key species of Enterobacteriaceae despite significant conservation among the PBP3 proteins.
Health Measurement Scales
Authors: Streiner David L. , Norman Geoffrey R. , Cairney John
Published: January 2015

Health Measurement Scales is the ultimate online guide to developing and validating measurement scales that are to be used in the health sciences. It covers how the individual items are developed; various biases that can affect responses (e.g. social desirability, yea-saying, framing); various response options; how to select the best items in the set; how to combine them into a scale; and finally how to determine the reliability and validity of the scale. It concludes with a discussion of ethical issues that may be encountered, and guidelines for reporting the results of the scale development process. Appendices include a comprehensive guide to finding existing scales, and a brief introduction to exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.
Does Religion Affect Economic Growth and Happiness? Evidence from Ramadan *
Authors: Campante Filipe , Yanagizawa-Drott David
Published: January 2015

We study the economic effects of religious practices in the context of the observance of Ramadan fasting, one of the central tenets of Islam. To establish causality, we exploit variation in the length of daily fasting due to the interaction between the rotating Islamic calendar and a country’s latitude. We report two key, quantitatively meaningful results: (i) longer Ramadan fasting has a negative effect on output growth in Muslim countries, and (ii) it increases subjective well-being among Muslims. We find evidence that these patterns are consistent with a standard club good explanation for the emergence of costly religious practices: increased strictness of fasting screens out the less committed members, while the more committed respond with an increase in their relative levels of participation. Together, our results underscore that religious practices can affect individual behavior and beliefs in ways that have negative implications for economic performance, but that nevertheless increase subjective well-being among followers.
Randomized Double-blinded Comparison of Norepinephrine and Phenylephrine for Maintenance of Blood Pressure during Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Ngan Kee Warwick D. , Lee Shara W. Y. , Ng Floria F. , Tan Perpetua E. , Khaw Kim S.
Published: January 2015

AbstractAbstract

In a randomized study of 104 healthy patients undergoing cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia, maternal blood pressure and Apgar scores of neonates were similar whether norepinephrine or phenylephrine was administered. Maternal cardiac output and heart rate were greater in women treated with norepinephrine compared with that in women treated with phenylephrine, but further work is needed to assess safety and efficacy of norepinephrine in this setting.

Background:

During spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery, phenylephrine can cause reflexive decreases in maternal heart rate and cardiac output. Norepinephrine has weak β-adrenergic receptor agonist activity in addition to potent α-adrenergic receptor activity and therefore may be suitable for maintaining blood pressure with less negative effects on heart rate and cardiac output compared with phenylephrine.

Methods:

In a randomized, double-blinded study, 104 healthy patients having cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were randomized to have systolic blood pressure maintained with a computer-controlled infusion of norepinephrine 5 μg/ml or phenylephrine 100 μg/ml. The primary outcome compared was cardiac output. Blood pressure heart rate and neonatal outcome were also compared.

Results:

Normalized cardiac output 5 min after induction was greater in the norepinephrine group versus the phenylephrine group (median 102.7% [interquartile range, 94.3 to 116.7%] versus 93.8% [85.0 to 103.1%], P = 0.004, median difference 9.8%, 95% CI of difference between medians 2.8 to 16.1%). From induction until uterine incision, for norepinephrine versus phenylephrine, systolic blood pressure and stroke volume were similar, heart rate and cardiac output were greater, systemic vascular resistance was lower, and the incidence of bradycardia was smaller. Neonatal outcome was similar between groups.

Conclusions:

When given by computer-controlled infusion during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery, norepinephrine was effective for maintaining blood pressure and was associated with greater heart rate and cardiac output compared with phenylephrine. Further work would be of interest to confirm the safety and efficacy of norepinephrine as a vasopressor in obstetric patients.
Isolating the Role of Bevacizumab in Elderly Patients With Previously Untreated Nonsquamous Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Langer Corey J. , Socinski Mark A. , Patel Jyoti D. , Sandler Alan B. , Schiller Joan H. , Leon Larry , Hazard Sebastien J. , Ramalingam Suresh S.
Published: January 2015

Background:

Patient-level data from 2 phase III studies in patients with previously untreated, advanced-stage, nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were pooled to examine outcomes with bevacizumab and chemotherapy based on age.

Methods:

Data from patients randomized to paclitaxel–carboplatin (PC)+bevacizumab in the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 4599 (E4599) and PointBreak studies were pooled and compared with E4599 patients randomized to PC alone. Patients were grouped by age: below 65, 65 to 74, 70 to 74, below 75, and 75 years or above. A multivariable model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using time-to-event outcomes. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed by age group in each study.

Results:

The PC+bevacizumab and PC arms comprised 901 and 444 patients, respectively. PC+bevacizumab was associated with significant increases in overall survival relative to PC in patients below 65 years (hazards ratio [HR], 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.62-0.89), 65 to 74 years (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.64-1.00), 70 to 74 years (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.48-0.96), and below 75 years (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.68-0.89) but not in those aged 75 years or above (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.70-1.57). Increased incidence of grade ≥3 AEs was reported with PC+bevacizumab versus PC in patients below 75 years (63% vs. 48%; P<0.05) and 75 years or above (81% vs. 56%; P <0.05) in E4599.

Conclusions:

This analysis suggests that the survival benefits associated with PC+bevacizumab extend to patient subgroups below 75 years with advanced-stage NSCLC; no benefit, however, was observed for bevacizumab-eligible patients who were 75 years or above.
Value of an Additional Review for Eosinophil Quantification in Esophageal Biopsies
Authors: Stucke Emily M. , Clarridge Katherine E. , Collins Margaret H. , Henderson Carol J. , Martin Lisa J. , Rothenberg Marc E.
Published: January 2015

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) requires a peak count of 15 eosinophils per high‐power field (hpf). Herein, the peak eosinophil count specified by a pathologist was compared with the second review of a research assistant. Of 477 biopsies, 106 had a peak count between 1 and 14 eosinophils/hpf cited in the pathology report, and 23/106 (22%) had ≥15 eosinophils/hpf on second review. The pathology report detected potential EoE with 99% specificity, but 80% sensitivity. As such, an additional review of esophageal biopsies yields higher eosinophil counts in ∼5% of cases. We propose that biopsies with a count between 1 and 14 eosinophils/hpf require further investigation because ∼22% may yield a potential EoE diagnosis.
Characterization of Desulfovibrio biadhensis sp. nov., isolated from a thermal spring
Authors: Fadhlaoui Khaled , Ben Hania Wajdi , Postec Anne , Fauque Guy , Hamdi Moktar , Ollivier Bernard , Fardeau Marie-Laure
Published: January 2015

A novel anaerobic, mesophilic, slightly halophilic sulfate-reducing bacterium, designated strain Khaled BD4T, was isolated from waters of a Tunisian thermal spring. Cells were vibrio-shaped or sigmoids (5–7×1–1.5 µm) and occurred singly or in pairs. Strain Khaled BD4T was Gram-stain-negative, motile and non-sporulated. It grew at 25–45 °C (optimum 37 °C), at pH 5.5–8.3 (optimum pH 7.0) and with 0.5–8 % NaCl (optimum 3 %). It required vitamins or yeast extract for growth. Sulfate, thiosulfate, sulfite and elemental sulfur served as terminal electron acceptors, but not fumarate, nitrate or nitrite. Strain Khaled BD4T utilized H2 in the presence of 2 mM acetate (carbon source), but also lactate, formate, pyruvate and fumarate in the presence of sulfate. Lactate was incompletely oxidized to acetate. Amongst substrates used, only pyruvate was fermented. Desulfoviridin and c-type cytochrome were present. The G+C content of the DNA was 54.6 mol%. The main fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C18 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and iso-C14 : 0. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain Khaled BD4T had

Desulfovibrio giganteus

DSM 4123T (96.7 % similarity) as its closest phylogenetic relative. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons together with genetic and physiological characteristics, strain Khaled BD4T is assigned to a novel bacterial species, for which the name Desulfovibrio biadhensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Khaled BD4T ( = DSM 28904T = JCM 30146T).
Gramella aestuariivivens sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat
Authors: Park Ji-Min , Park Sooyeon , Won Sung-Min , Jung Yong-Taek , Shin Kee-Sun , Yoon Jung-Hoon
Published: January 2015

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming, non-flagellated and rod-shaped or ovoid bacterial strain, designated BG-MY13T, was isolated from a tidal flat sediment on the South Sea, South Korea. Strain BG-MY13T grew optimally at 30–35 °C, at pH 7.0–8.0 and in the presence of 2.0–3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain BG-MY13T falls within the cluster comprising the type strains of species of the genus

Gramella

. Strain BG-MY13T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequ4ence similarity values of 96.9–97.8 % to the type strains of

Gramella echinicola

,

Gramella gaetbulicola

,

Gramella portivictoriae

and

Gramella marina

and of 94.6–96.5 % to the type strains of other species of the genus

Gramella

with validly published names. Strain BG-MY13T contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain BG-MY13T was 38.9 mol% and DNA–DNA relatedness values with the type strains of

G. echinicola

,

G. gaetbulicola

,

G. portivictoriae

and

G. marina

were 12–23 %. The differential phenotypic properties, together with phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain BG-MY13T is separated from other species of the genus

Gramella

. On the basis of the data presented, strain BG-MY13T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus

Gramella

, for which the name Gramella aestuariivivens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BG-MY13T ( = KCTC 42285T = NBRC 110677T).
Microbispora bryophytorum sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from moss (Bryophyta)
Authors: Li Chuang , Zhang Yuejing , Liu Chongxi , Wang Haiyan , Zhao Junwei , Li Lianjie , Zhang Zhongwen , Wang Xiangjing , Xiang Wensheng
Published: January 2015

A novel endophytic actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-TX2-2T, was isolated from moss and characterized using a polyphasic approach. The isolate was found to have morphological characteristics typical of the genus

Microbispora

. The isolate formed longitudinally paired spores on the tips of short sporophores that branched from aerial hyphae. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence supported the assignment of the novel strain to the genus

Microbispora

, and strain NEAU-TX2-2T exhibited 99.08 and 98.62 % gene sequence similarities to

Microbispora amethystogenes

JCM 3021T and

Microbispora rosea subsp. rosea

JCM 3006T, respectively. However two tree-making algorithms supported the position that strain NEAU-TX2-2T formed a distinct clade with

M. rosea subsp. rosea

JCM 3006T. A low level of DNA–DNA relatedness allowed the isolate to be differentiated from

M. amethystogenes

JCM 3021T and

M. rosea subsp. rosea

JCM 3006T. Moreover, strain NEAU-TX2-2T could also be distinguished from its closest phylogenetic relatives by morphological and physiological characteristics. Therefore, it is proposed that strain NEAU-TX2-2T represents a novel species of the genus

Microbispora

for which the name Microbispora bryophytorum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-TX2-2T ( = CGMCC 4.7138T = DSM 46710T).
Recruitment of PLANT U-BOX13 and the PI4Kβ1/β2 Phosphatidylinositol-4 Kinases by the Small GTPase RabA4B Plays Important Roles during Salicylic Acid-Mediated Plant Defense Signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Antignani Vincenzo , Klocko Amy L. , Bak Gwangbae , Chandrasekaran Suma D. , Dunivin Taylor , Nielsen Erik
Published: January 2015

Protection against microbial pathogens involves the activation of cellular immune responses in eukaryotes, and this cellular immunity likely involves changes in subcellular membrane trafficking. In eukaryotes, members of the Rab GTPase family of small monomeric regulatory GTPases play prominent roles in the regulation of membrane trafficking. We previously showed that RabA4B is recruited to vesicles that emerge from trans-Golgi network (TGN) compartments and regulates polarized membrane trafficking in plant cells. As part of this regulation, RabA4B recruits the closely related phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PI4K) PI4Kβ1 and PI4Kβ2 lipid kinases. Here, we identify a second Arabidopsis thaliana RabA4B-interacting protein, PLANT U-BOX13 (PUB13), which has recently been identified to play important roles in salicylic acid (SA)-mediated defense signaling. We show that PUB13 interacts with RabA4B through N-terminal domains and with phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI-4P) through a C-terminal armadillo domain. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a functional fluorescent PUB13 fusion protein (YFP-PUB13) localizes to TGN and Golgi compartments and that PUB13, PI4Kβ1, and PI4Kβ2 are negative regulators of SA-mediated induction of pathogenesis-related gene expression. Taken together, these results highlight a role for RabA4B and PI-4P in SA-dependent defense responses.
CDApps: integrated software for experimental planning and data processing at beamline B23, Diamond Light Source
Authors: Hussain Rohanah , Benning Kristian , Javorfi Tamas , Longo Edoardo , Rudd Timothy R. , Pulford Bill , Siligardi Giuliano
Published: January 2015

The B23 Circular Dichroism beamline at Diamond Light Source has been operational since 2009 and has seen visits from more than 200 user groups, who have generated large amounts of data. Based on the experience of overseeing the users' progress at B23, four key areas requiring the most assistance are identified: planning of experiments and note-keeping; designing titration experiments; processing and analysis of the collected data; and production of experimental reports. To streamline these processes an integrated software package has been developed and made available for the users. The subsequent article summarizes the main features of the software.
Crystal structure of 2-amino-5-nitropyridinium sulfamate
Authors: Rajkumar M. Ambrose , NizamMohideen M. , Xavier S. Stanly John , Anbarasu S. , Devarajan Dr. Prem Anand
Published: January 2015

The title molecular salt, C5H6N3O2+·H2NO3S−, was obtained from the reaction of sulfamic acid with 2-amino-5-nitropyridine. A proton transfer from sulfamic acid to the pyridine N atom occurred, resulting in the formation of a salt. As expected, this protonation leads to the widening of the C—N—C angle of the pyridine ring, to 122.9 (3)°, with the pyridinium ring being essentially planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.025 Å). In the crystal, the ion pairs are joined by three N—H...O and one N—H...N hydrogen bonds in which the pyridinium N atom and the amino N atom act as donors, and are hydrogen bonded to the carboxylate O atoms and the N atom of the sulfamate anion, thus generating anR33(22) ring motif. These motifs are linked by further N—H...O hydrogen bonds enclosingR33(8) loops, forming sheets parallel to (100). The sheets are linkedviaweak C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional structure. The O atoms of the nitro group are disordered over two sets of sites with a refined occupancy ratio of 0.737 (19):0.263 (19).
Crystal structure of benzyl (E)-2-(3,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)hydrazine-1-carbodithioate
Authors: Tan Yew-Fung , Break Mohammed Khaled bin , Tahir M. Ibrahim M. , Khoo Teng-Jin
Published: January 2015

The title compound, C17H18N2O2S2, synthesizedviaa condensation reaction betweenS-benzyl dithiocarbazate and 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde, crystallized with two independent molecules (AandB) in the asymmetric unit. Both molecules have an L-shape but differ in the orientation of the benzyl ring with respect to the 3,4-dimethoxybenzylidine ring, this dihedral angle is 65.59 (8)° in moleculeAand 73.10 (8)° in moleculeB. In the crystal, theAandBmolecules are linkedviapairs of N—H...S hydrogen bonds, forming dimers with anR22(8) ring motif. The dimers are linkedviapairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds, giving inversion dimers of dimers. These units are linked by C—H...π interactions, forming ribbons propagating in the [100] direction.
Crystal structure of tricarbonyl(μ-diphenylphosphido-κ2P:P)(methyldiphenylsilyl-κSi)bis(triphenylphosphane-κP)iron(II)platinum(0)(Fe—Pt)
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed Said , Jourdain Isabelle , Knorr Michael , Rousselin Yoann , Kubicki Marek M.
Published: January 2015

The title compound, [FePt(C12H10P)(C13H13Si)(C18H15P)2(CO)3]·0.5CH2Cl2, represents an example of a phosphido-bridged heterobimetallic silyl complex; these are interesting precursors for the coordination and activation of small unsaturated organic molecules. The μ2-PPh2ligand spans the iron and platinum atoms, which are connectedviaa metal–metal bond of 2.7738 (4) Å. In contrast to most other complexes of the [(OC)3Fe(SiR3)(μ-PR2)PtL2] family, where the iron-bound SiR3group istrans-arranged with respect to the μ2-PPh2ligand, the SiPh2Me ligand is roughly collinear with the Fe–Pt vector [Si—Fe—Pt = 169.07 (3)°].