bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of G-protein-coupled Receptor-related Genes in Insecticide Resistance of the Mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus
Authors: Li Ting , Liu Lena , Zhang Lee , Liu Nannan
Published: September 2014

G-protein-coupled receptors regulate signal transduction pathways and play diverse and pivotal roles in the physiology of insects, however, the precise function of GPCRs in insecticide resistance remains unclear. Using quantitative RT-PCR and functional genomic methods, we, for the first time, explored the function of GPCRs and GPCR-related genes in insecticide resistance of mosquitoes, Culex quinquefasciatus. A comparison of the expression of 115 GPCR-related genes at a whole genome level between resistant and susceptible Culex mosquitoes identified one and three GPCR-related genes that were up-regulated in highly resistant Culex mosquito strains, HAmCqG8 and MAmCqG6, respectively. To characterize the function of these up-regulated GPCR-related genes in resistance, the up-regulated GPCR-related genes were knockdown in HAmCqG8 and MAmCqG6 using RNAi technique. Knockdown of these four GPCR-related genes not only decreased resistance of the mosquitoes to permethrin but also repressed the expression of four insecticide resistance-related P450 genes, suggesting the role of GPCR-related genes in resistance is involved in the regulation of resistance P450 gene expression. This results help in understanding of molecular regulation of resistance development in Cx. quinquefasciatus.
Anthropometry, glucose homeostasis and lipid profile in prepubertal children born early, full, or late term
Authors: Derraik José G. B. , Savage Tim , Miles Harriet L. , Mouat Fran , Hofman Paul L. , Cutfield Wayne S.
Published: September 2014

To examine differences in growth and metabolism in prepubertal children born early term, full term and late term. We retrospectively studied 294 prepubertal children aged 7.3 years (range 3.0–12.1 years). Children were separated into those born early term (37 0/7–38 6/7 weeks of gestation; n = 68), full term (39 0/7–40 6/7 weeks; n = 179) and late term (41 0/7–41 6/7 weeks; n = 47). Clinical assessments included anthropometry, DXA-derived body composition, fasting lipids and glucose homeostasis. Statistical models accounted for important confounding factors, such as gender, age, birth weight SDS, birth order and parental variables. When birth weight was adjusted for sex and gestational age (birth weight SDS), late terms were heavier than both early (p = 0.034) and full (p = 0.020) terms. Early term children were shorter than both full (p = 0.010) and late (p = 0.049) term children, but differences in height disappeared following correction for parents' heights. There were no differences in glucose homeostasis, BMI SDS, adiposity, or fat distribution between groups. Lipid profiles were also similar. When important confounding factors were accounted for, there were no meaningful differences in anthropometry, glucose homeostasis and lipid profile among children born early term, full term, or late term.
Preparation of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane based hybrid monoliths by thiol-ene click chemistry for capillary liquid chromatography
Authors: Shen Shufen , Ye Fanggui , Zhang Cong , Xiong Yuhao , Su Linjing , Zhao Shulin
Published: September 2014

A facile organic–silica hybrid monolith was prepared by a thiol-ene click reaction of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane methacryl substituted (POSS-MA) with 1,4-bis(mercaptoacetoxy) butane (BMAB) using toluene and dodecanol as a porogenic system.
Preparation of graphene oxide–fullerene/phosphotungstic acid films and their application as sensor for the determination of cis-jasmone
Authors: Gan Tian , Hu Chengguo , Hu Shengshui
Published: September 2014

Recent progress in nanotechnology has promoted research in the surface functionalization of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets owing to their large specific surface area and abundant functional groups.
Determination of twenty pesticides in rice by employing QuEChERS and LC-ESI-MS/MS
Authors: Rebelo Andrey M. , Heller Melina , Dolzan Maressa D. , Deschamps Francisco C. , Abate Gilberto , Micke Gustavo A. , Grassi Marco T.
Published: September 2014

20 pesticides regulated to the rice farming in Brazil can be analyzed with very low LOQs.
Symmetry-preserving mean field theory for electrostatics at interfaces
Authors: Hu Zhonghan
Published: September 2014

A novel method is developed for complex nonuniform electrostatics in computer simulations of molecular liquids at interfaces.
Shape controlled synthesis of hierarchical nickel sulfide by the hydrothermal method
Authors: Karthikeyan R. , Navaneethan M. , Archana J. , Thangaraju D. , Arivanandhan M. , Hayakawa Y.
Published: September 2014

Hierarchical structures of nickel sulfide have been grown by the hydrothermal method.
Fate descriptors for engineered nanoparticles: the good, the bad, and the ugly
Authors: Cornelis Geert
Published: September 2014

Analyzing three existing fate descriptors for engineered nanoparticles highlights the need for a new mindset to calculate available concentrations.
Electron transport in all-carbon molecular electronic devices
Authors: McCreery Richard , Bergren Adam , Morteza-Najarian Amin , Sayed Sayed Youssef , Yan Haijun
Published: September 2014

Carbon has always been an important electrode material for electrochemical applications, and the relatively recent development of carbon nanotubes and graphene as electrodes has significantly increased interest in the field. Carbon solids, both sp2 and sp3 hybridized, are unique in their combination of electronic conductivity and the ability to form strong bonds to a variety of other elements and molecules. The Faraday Discussion included broad concepts and applications of carbon materials in electrochemistry, including analysis, energy storage, materials science, and solid-state electronics. This introductory paper describes some of the special properties of carbon materials useful in electrochemistry, with particular illustrations in the realm of molecular electronics. The strong bond between sp2 conducting carbon and aromatic organic molecules enables not only strong electronic interactions across the interface between the two materials, but also provides sufficient stability for practical applications. The last section of the paper discusses several factors which affect the electron transfer kinetics at highly ordered pyrolytic graphite, some of which are currently controversial. These issues bear on the general question of how the structure and electronic properties of the carbon electrode material control its utility in electrochemistry and electron transport, which are the core principles of electrochemistry using carbon electrodes.
Intake of heat-expanded amaranth grain reverses endothelial dysfunction in hypercholesterolemic rabbits
Authors: Caselato-Sousa Valeria Maria , Ozaki Michiko Regina , de Almeida Eros Antonio , Amaya-Farfan Jaime
Published: September 2014

Feeding amaranth grain to hypercholesterolemic rabbits showed the property of recovering the lost endothelial function even without removing the hypercholesterolemia-inducing diet. Results suggest an underlying protective effect.
Refining in silico simulation to study digestion parameters affecting the bioaccessibility of lipophilic nutrients and micronutrients
Authors: Marze Sébastien
Published: September 2014

A numerical study of more parameters influencing the gastro-intestinal digestion and bioaccessibility of lipophilic nutrients and micronutrients (the graphical abstract presents the gastric digestion).
An internal standardisation strategy for quantitative immunoassay tissue imaging using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Frick Daniel A. , Giesen Charlotte , Hemmerle Teresa , Bodenmiller Bernd , Günther Detlef
Published: September 2014

A new internal standardisation strategy based on iridium intercalation is established for quantitative immunoassay imaging by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
A multi-scale PDMS fabrication strategy to bridge the size mismatch between integrated circuits and microfluidics
Authors: Muluneh Melaku , Issadore David
Published: September 2014

We have developed a multi-scale PDMS fabrication strategy that can straddle the length scales of hybrid integrated circuit (IC)/microfluidic chips. This approach allows multiple millimeter-scale ICs, with micrometer-scale fluid channels built directly above the IC's surface, to be incorporated into a centimeter-sized PDMS chip.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 1,2,4-triazolo and 1,2,4-triazino[4,3-a]quinoxalines as potential anticancer and antimicrobial agents
Authors: Issa Doaa A. E. , Habib Nargues S. , Abdel Wahab Abeer E.
Published: September 2014

Compound 9a showed dual anticancer and antimicrobial activity and compound 16 showed a broad spectrum antimicrobial activity.
A gate controlled molecular switch based on picene–F4TCNQ charge-transfer material
Authors: Hahn Torsten , Liebing Simon , Kortus Jens
Published: September 2014

We show that the recently synthesized charge-transfer material picene–F4TCNQ can be used as a gate-voltage controlled molecular switch.
Sustainable molecular oxygen activation with oxygen vacancies on the {001} facets of BiOCl nanosheets under solar light
Authors: Li Hao , Shi Jingu , Zhao Kun , Zhang Lizhi
Published: September 2014

Oxygen vacancies on the {001} facets of BiOCl can sustainably activate molecular oxygen for organic pollutant removal under solar light.
Asymmetric organocatalytic SOMO reactions of enol silanes and silyl ketene (thio)acetals
Authors: Tisovský Pavol , Mečiarová Mária , Šebesta Radovan
Published: September 2014

The reactivity of aldehydes and ketones in asymmetric organo-SOMO reactions with enol silanes was explored. The best results were obtained with 3-phenylpropanal and tetralone-derived silyl enol ether and silyl ketene thioacetal.
RhIII-catalyzed dual directing group assisted sterically hindered C–H bond activation: a unique route to meta and ortho substituted benzofurans
Authors: Yeh Chien-Hung , Chen Wei-Chen , Gandeepan Parthasarathy , Hong Ya-Chun , Shih Cheng-Hung , Cheng Chien-Hong
Published: September 2014

A new strategy for the synthesis of highly substituted benzofurans from meta-substituted hydroxybenzenes and alkynes via a rhodium(iii)-catalyzed activation of a sterically hindered C–H bond is demonstrated.
Microporous spiro-centered poly(benzimidazole) networks: preparation, characterization, and gas sorption properties
Authors: Zhao Yan-Chao , Wang Tao , Zhang Li-Min , Cui Yi , Han Bao-Hang
Published: September 2014

Three microporous spiro-centered poly(benzimidazole) networks were synthesized based on the condensation of di-/trialdehyde with 3,3,3′,3′-tetramethyl-1,1′-spirobisindane-5,5′,6,6′-tetrone in refluxing glacial acetic acid containing ammonium acetate.
Steric inhibition of hydrogen bonding in molecular recognition of dicarboxylic acids: di-topic receptors containing a nitro group designed to behave like monotopic receptors
Authors: Goswami Shyamaprosad , Chakrabarty Rinku , Dey Swapan , Fun Hoong-Kun
Published: September 2014

The ditopic macrocyclic receptors having NO2 group show inhibition in hydrogen bonding molecular recognition towards the dicarboxylic acids to behave as monotopic receptors.
Porous metal–organic framework MIL-100(Fe) as an efficient catalyst for the selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhao Huimin , Sun Hong , Yu Hongtao , chen Shuo , Quan Xie
Published: September 2014

Porous MOF MIL-100(Fe) could be an alternative for the SCR catalysis.
A hollow porous magnetic nanocarrier for efficient near-infrared light- and pH-controlled drug release
Authors: Ji Weidong , Li Najun , Chen Dongyun , Jiao Yang , Xu Qingfeng , Lu Jianmei
Published: September 2014

A NIR light and pH dual responsive nanocarrier was fabricated for anti-cancer drug delivery as well as MRI and fluorescence cell imaging.
Recent advances in the synthesis of inorganic nano/microstructures using microbial biotemplates and their applications
Authors: Selvakumar R. , Seethalakshmi N. , Thavamani P. , Naidu Ravi , Megharaj Mallavarapu
Published: September 2014

Microbial biotemplates for synthesizing inorganic nanostructures of defined morphology and size.
NHC catalysed trimethylsilylation of terminal alkynes and indoles with Ruppert's reagent under solvent free conditions
Authors: Arde Panjab , Reddy Virsinha , Vijaya Anand Ramasamy
Published: September 2014

A highly efficient organo-catalytic protocol for the trimethylsilylation of terminal alkynes and N-silylation of indoles employing Ruppert's reagent as a trimethylsilyl source have been developed under solvent and fluoride free conditions.
Switchable silver mirrors with long memory effects
Authors: Park Chihyun , Seo Seogjae , Shin Haijin , Sarwade Bhimrao D. , Na Jongbeom , Kim Eunkyoung
Published: September 2014

An electrochemically stable and bistable switchable mirror is achieved for the first time by introducing a thiol-modified ITO electrode to stabilize the metallic film and ionic liquids as an anion-blocking layer, to achieve a long memory effect.
Applications of dynamic combinatorial chemistry for the determination of effective molarity
Authors: Ciaccia Maria , Tosi Irene , Baldini Laura , Cacciapaglia Roberta , Mandolini Luigi , Di Stefano Stefano , Hunter Christopher A.
Published: September 2014

Chain-stoppers give rise to ring-chain equilibria in dynamic libraries allowing determination of thermodynamic effective molarities for macrocylisation reactions.
Polymer fluctuation lubrication in hydrogel gemini interfaces
Authors: Pitenis A. A. , Urueña J. M. , Schulze K. D. , Nixon R. M. , Dunn A. C. , Krick B. A. , Sawyer W. G. , Angelini T. E.
Published: September 2014

Interfacial sliding speed and contact pressure between the sub-units of particulate soft matter assemblies can vary dramatically across systems and with dynamic conditions.
Novel heterojunction photocatalysts based on lanthanum titanate nanosheets and indium oxide nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production activity
Authors: Hu Sujuan , Chi Bo , Pu Jian , Jian Li
Published: September 2014

Novel In2O3/La2Ti2O7 nanostructured heterojunction photocatalysts can promote the fast separation of photogenerated carriers and improve photocatalytic water splitting H2 production.
Vertical SiNWAs for biomedical and biotechnology applications
Authors: Yu Qian , Liu Huan , Chen Hong
Published: September 2014

Vertical silicon nanowire arrays (SiNWAs) are considered as one of the most promising nanomaterials.
Electronic and transport properties of carbon and boron-nitride ferrocene nanopeapods
Authors: Zhang Guiling , Peng Sun , Shang Yan , Yang Zhao-Di , Zeng Xiao Cheng
Published: September 2014

Electronic and transport properties of novel ferrocene based carbon nanotube (CNT) and boron-nitride nanotube (BNNT) nanopeapods, including Fe(Cp)2@CNT, Fe2(Cp)3@CNT, Fe(Cp)2@BNNT, and Fe2(Cp)3@BNNT (where Cp refers as cyclopentadiene), are investigated using the density functional theory and non-equilibrium Green's function methods.
Comparisons of subunit 5A and 5B isoenzymes of yeast cytochrome c oxidase
Authors: Dodia Raksha , Meunier Brigitte , Kay Christopher W. M. , Rich Peter R.
Published: September 2014

Subunit 5 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) is essential for assembly and has two isoforms, 5A and 5B. 5A is expressed under normoxic conditions, whereas 5B is expressed at very low oxygen tensions. As a consequence, COX5A-deleted strains (Δcox5A) have no or only low levels of CcO under normoxic conditions rendering them respiratory deficient. Previous studies have reported that respiratory growth could be restored by combining Δcox5A with mutations of ROX1 that encodes a repressor of COX5B expression. In these mutants, 5B isoenzyme expression level was 30–50% of wild-type (5A isoenzyme) and exhibited a maximum catalytic activity up to 3-fold faster than that of 5A isoenzyme. To investigate the origin of this effect, we constructed a mutant strain in which COX5B replaced COX5A downstream of the COX5A promoter. This strain expressed wild-type levels of the 5B isoenzyme, without the complication of additional effects caused by mutation of ROX1. When produced this way, the isoenzymes displayed no significant differences in their maximum catalytic activities or in their affinities for oxygen or cytochrome c. Hence the elevated activity of the 5B isoenzyme in the rox1 mutant is not caused simply by exchange of isoforms and must arise from an additional effect that remains to be resolved.
Controllable miniature tri‐band bandpass filter using defected microstrip structure
Authors: Xiao J.‐K. , Zhu Y.‐F. , Li Y. , Ma J.‐G. , Li X.‐W.
Published: September 2014

A multi‐band microwave filter design method by using the defected microstrip structure (DMS) is developed. A new DMS bandpass filter with a tri‐band is designed, fabricated and measured, and the experiment demonstrates the new proposal. The new DMS filter has the advantages of a compact and simple circuit topology, miniature circuit size, individually controllable centre frequencies and individually tunable bandwidths.
Ultra‐compact end‐loaded planar dipole antenna for ultra‐wideband radar and communication applications
Authors: Shadrokh Shahin , Yu Yi‐Qiang , Jolani Farid , Chen Zhizhang
Published: September 2014

A planar dipole antenna is loaded with LC‐tank resonators and chip resistors presented for ultra‐wideband (UWB) radar and communication systems. Each staircase rectangular arm of the proposed planar dipole is loaded with an open complementary double concentric split‐hexagonal‐ring resonator (LC‐tank) and a pair of chip resistors at the end for bandwidth enhancement, whereas a broadband microstrip to parallel‐plate transformer (or balun) is applied as the feeding structure of the antenna to provide impedance matching as well as balanced–unbalanced transition. The measurement results show that the proposed antenna operates over a frequency bandwidth of 0.64–3.8 GHz with S11 < −15 dB and exhibits highly directive radiation patterns for the first 100% of the operating bandwidth (0.64–2 GHz) with gains in the range 2.2–4.2 dBi.
Low‐complexity detection method for spatial modulation based on M‐algorithm
Authors: Zheng Jianhong , Yang Xiaobo , Li Zhe
Published: September 2014

A novel M‐algorithm‐based detection method called M‐algorithm to maximum likelihood (M–ML) is proposed for spatial modulation. The proposed algorithm has fixed complexity and reduces complexity by using a parallel structure to limit the search space of an optimum decoder. The simulation results show that by carefully choosing proper values of M, the new algorithm can reduce the computational complexity significantly while maintaining a near‐optimum bit error rate performance.
Compact dual‐band stepped‐impedance resonator filter with separate coupling paths
Authors: Chen Chi‐Feng , Chang Sheng‐Fa , Tseng Bo‐Hao , Weng Jun‐Hong
Published: September 2014

A new compact microstrip dual‐band bandpass filter (BPF) based on multi‐mode λ/4 stepped‐impedance resonators (SIRs) with separate coupling paths is investigated. The dual‐band BPF with a second‐order bandpass response is composed of only two λ/4 SIRs, resulting in a small circuit size. A coupling gap and a common short‐ended stub between the two coupled SIRs are used to create the electric and magnetic couplings with separate coupling paths. The bandwidths of the dual‐band BPF can be well controlled by adjusting the coupling strengths of the two coupling paths. Thus, a greater design flexibility for the dual‐band BPF can be obtained. For demonstration, a second‐order dual‐band BPF with a compact size of 0.14 λg × 0.16 λg has been designed and fabricated. A good agreement is achieved between simulation and measurement.
Linear transceiver design in uplink coordinated multipoint multiple‐input multiple‐output systems
Authors: Lee Ming‐Chun , Chung Wei‐Ho , Huang Chung‐Jung , Chung Gang‐Han , Lee Ta‐Sung
Published: September 2014

The authors investigate linear transceiver design in uplink (UL) coordinated multipoint transmission and reception (CoMP) multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems with joint detections. A two‐stage design algorithm is proposed by exploiting the technique of interference alignment, optimising the structure of the effective channel and employing power loading, with the goal to achieve high throughput and convergence performance. In contrast to conventional CoMP transceiver design, which is investigated under a predefined number of data streams transmitted by each user, the authors further investigate the selection of the number of data streams, called the configuration selection, and propose a corresponding low‐complexity algorithm. By combining the proposed linear transceiver algorithm and low‐complexity configuration selection algorithm, this work presents a new practical framework for linear transceiver design in UL CoMP MIMO systems. The simulation results confirm that the proposed algorithms achieve higher sum‐rate performance than prior linear transceivers used in UL CoMP MIMO systems. Furthermore, the proposed transceiver offers comparable performance to existing IA‐aided transceivers with significantly faster convergence.
Synthesis and Physical Properties of Hyperbranched Polymers Containing Twisted Acenes
Authors: Zhang Xuemin , Song Hongtao , Xiao Jinchong , Ren Tiejun , Wang Sujuan , Liu Zhenying , Ba Xinwu , Wu Yonggang
Published: September 2014

Novel hyperbranched co-polymers HP1–HP4 with twisted acene units and truxene groups have been synthesised through Suzuki coupling reaction and characterised. Single crystal analyses showed that the model compounds 3 and 5 had twisted structures with torsion angles of 40.73° and 28.65°, respectively. The polymers show blue light emission in organic solvents and thin films, as well as high stability, which might be utilised as potential candidates for organic electronic materials.
Inhibitors of Galectins and Implications for Structure-Based Design of Galectin-Specific Therapeutics
Authors: Blanchard Helen , Bum-Erdene Khuchtumur , Hugo Matthew W.
Published: September 2014

Galectins are a family of galactoside-specific lectins that are involved in a myriad of metabolic and disease processes. Due to roles in cancer and inflammatory and heart diseases, galectins are attractive targets for drug development. Over the last two decades, various strategies have been used to inhibit galectins, including polysaccharide-based therapeutics, multivalent display of saccharides, peptides, peptidomimetics, and saccharide-modifications. Primarily due to galectin carbohydrate binding sites having high sequence identities, the design and development of selective inhibitors targeting particular galectins, thereby addressing specific disease states, is challenging. Furthermore, the use of different inhibition assays by research groups has hindered systematic assessment of the relative selectivity and affinity of inhibitors. This review summarises the status of current inhibitors, strategies, and novel scaffolds that exploit subtle differences in galectin structures that, in conjunction with increasing available data on multiple galectins, is enabling the feasible design of effective and specific inhibitors of galectins.
Kick the habit: a social marketing campaign by Aboriginal communities in NSW
Authors: Campbell M. A. , Finlay S. , Lucas K. , Neal N. , Williams R.
Published: September 2014

Tackling smoking is an integral component of efforts to improve health outcomes in Aboriginal communities. Social marketing is an effective strategy for promoting healthy attitudes and influencing behaviours; however, there is little evidence for its success in reducing smoking rates in Aboriginal communities. This paper outlines the development, implementation and evaluation of Kick the Habit Phase 2, an innovative tobacco control social marketing campaign in Aboriginal communities in New South Wales (NSW). The Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council worked with three Aboriginal communities and a creative agency to develop locally tailored, culturally relevant social marketing campaigns. Each community determined the target audience and main messages, and identified appropriate local champions and marketing tools. Mixed methods were used to evaluate the campaign, including surveys and interviews with community members and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service staff. Community survey participants demonstrated high recall of smoking cessation messages, particularly for messages and images specific to the Kick the Habit campaign. Staff participating in interviews reported an increased level of interest from community members in smoking cessation programs, as well as increased confidence and skills in developing further social marketing campaigns. Aboriginal community-driven social marketing campaigns in tobacco control can build capacity, are culturally relevant and lead to high rates of recall in Aboriginal communities.
Getting to know your neighbor: Cell polarization in early embryos
Authors: Nance Jeremy
Published: September 2014

Polarization of early embryos along cell contact patterns—referred to in this paper as radial polarization—provides a foundation for the initial cell fate decisions and morphogenetic movements of embryogenesis. Although polarity can be established through distinct upstream mechanisms in Caenorhabditis elegans, Xenopus laevis, and mouse embryos, in each species, it results in the restriction of PAR polarity proteins to contact-free surfaces of blastomeres. In turn, PAR proteins influence cell fates by affecting signaling pathways, such as Hippo and Wnt, and regulate morphogenetic movements by directing cytoskeletal asymmetries.
A sharp end to sugary Wingless travels
Authors: Droujinine Ilia A. , Yan Dong , Perrimon Norbert
Published: September 2014

Drosophila melanogaster follicle stem cells are controlled by Wingless (Wg) ligands secreted 50 µm away, raising the question of how long-distance Wg spreading occurs. In this issue of JCB, Wang and Page-McCaw (2014. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201403084) demonstrate a potential mechanism by which the heparan sulfate proteoglycan Dally-like (Dlp) promotes Wg travel, whereas matrix Mmp2 (Metalloproteinase 2) impedes it by inactivating Dlp.
Knockout of the BK β2 subunit abolishes inactivation of BK currents in mouse adrenal chromaffin cells and results in slow-wave burst activity
Authors: Martinez-Espinosa Pedro L. , Yang Chengtao , Gonzalez-Perez Vivian , Xia Xiao-Ming , Lingle Christopher J.
Published: September 2014

Rat and mouse adrenal medullary chromaffin cells (CCs) express an inactivating BK current. This inactivation is thought to arise from the assembly of up to four β2 auxiliary subunits (encoded by the kcnmb2 gene) with a tetramer of pore-forming Slo1 α subunits. Although the physiological consequences of inactivation remain unclear, differences in depolarization-evoked firing among CCs have been proposed to arise from the ability of β2 subunits to shift the range of BK channel activation. To investigate the role of BK channels containing β2 subunits, we generated mice in which the gene encoding β2 was deleted (β2 knockout [KO]). Comparison of proteins from wild-type (WT) and β2 KO mice allowed unambiguous demonstration of the presence of β2 subunit in various tissues and its coassembly with the Slo1 α subunit. We compared current properties and cell firing properties of WT and β2 KO CCs in slices and found that β2 KO abolished inactivation, slowed action potential (AP) repolarization, and, during constant current injection, decreased AP firing. These results support the idea that the β2-mediated shift of the BK channel activation range affects repetitive firing and AP properties. Unexpectedly, CCs from β2 KO mice show an increased tendency toward spontaneous burst firing, suggesting that the particular properties of BK channels in the absence of β2 subunits may predispose to burst firing.
External Validation of the National Healthcare Safety Network Risk Models for Surgical Site Infections in Total Hip and Knee Replacements
Authors: Lewallen Laura W. , Maradit Kremers Hilal , Lahr Brian D. , Mabry Tad M. , Steckelberg James M. , Berry Daniel J. , Hanssen Arlen D. , Berbari Elie F. , Osmon Douglas R.
Published: September 2014

Background.

The National Healthcare Safety Network surgical site infections risk models for hip (HPRO) and knee (KPRO) replacement are intended for case-mix adjustment when reporting surgical site infection rates across institutions, but they are not validated in external data sets

Objective.

To evaluate the validity of HPRO and KPRO risk models and improvement in risk prediction with inclusion of information on morbid obesity and diabetes mellitus.

Design.

Retrospective cohort study.

Patients.

A single-center cohort of 21,941 hip and knee replacement procedures performed between 2002 and 2009.

Methods.

Discriminative ability was assessed using the concordance statistic (C statistic). Calibration was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit tests.

Results.

The discrimination of HPRO was good, with a C statistic of 0.695 for surgical site infections and 0.749 for prosthetic joint infections. The discrimination of KPRO was worse than that of HPRO, with a C statistic of 0.592 for surgical site infections and 0.675 for prosthetic joint infections. Adding morbid obesity and diabetes mellitus to the HPRO and KPRO risk models modestly improved discrimination. There was no significant evidence of miscalibration based on the Hosmer-Lemeshow tests, but calibration of HPRO models appeared to be better than that of the KPRO models.

Conclusions.

HPRO performed better than the KPRO in predicting surgical site infections after hip and knee replacements. Both fared well in predicting prosthetic joint infections.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;35(11):1323–1329
A Pseudo-Outbreak due toAcinetobacterSpecies (GIM-1) Contamination of the Pneumatic Transport System of a Large University Hospital
Authors: Herrmann Mathias , Jungmann Sven , Halfmann Alexander , Dawson Alik , Kaase Martin , Gatermann Sören , von Müller Lutz , Gärtner Barbara C.
Published: September 2014

Objective.

To establish the source and contamination routes resulting in positive clinical and surveillance microbiological cultures with carbapenem-resistant, GIM-1 metallo-β-lactamase–positiveAcinetobacter pitiiandAcinetobacter radioresistensfrom 21 patients in 8 departments

Design.

Retrospective, descriptive study.

Setting.

A 1,300-bed tertiary care academic medical facility consisting of 90 buildings linked by a pneumatic transport system (PTS).

Methods.

Microbiological workup of the cluster strains included matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight species identification, phenotypic carbapenemase tests, polymerase chain reaction–based genotyping of carbapenemase, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Outbreak management procedures were employed according to institutional regulations.

Results.

The rarity of GIM-1Acinetobacterspecies in the hospital and region, the lack of epidemiological links between patients, and the fact that in some patients the apparent colonization was clearly nonnosocomial prompted the suspicion of a pseudo-outbreak. Numerous environmental cultures were positive for GIM-1-positiveAcinetobacter(including archived sample requisition forms, PTS capsules, cultures from line-diverter and dispenser stations, and sterilized transport capsules following PTS delivery). Moreover, it was observed that condensation fluid from subterranean PTS tubing resulted in water entry in PTS capsules, possibly conferring specimen contamination. After extensive system disinfection, environmental surveys of the PTS were negative, and no further positive patient specimens were encountered.

Conclusions.

This is the first report of a PTS-associated pseudo-outbreak. The large number of falsely positive patient-related specimens in conjunction with the potential hazard of airborne and contact spread of multidrug-resistant microorganisms (in this case, GIM-1 carbapenem-resistantAcinetobacterspecies) underscores the need for implementation of infection control–based monitoring and operating procedures in a hospital PTS.
NXFit: a program for simultaneously fitting X-ray and neutron diffraction pair-distribution functions to provide optimized structural parameters
Authors: Pickup David , Moss Robert , Newport Robert
Published: September 2014

NXFitis a program for obtaining optimized structural parameters from amorphous materials by simultaneously fitting X-ray and neutron pair-distribution functions. Partial correlation functions are generated inQspace, summed and Fourier transformed for comparison with the experimental data inrspace.NXFituses the Nelder–Mead method to vary a set of `best guess' parameters to achieve a fit to experimentally derived data. The output parameters fromNXFitare coordination number, atomic separation and disorder parameter for each atomic correlation used in the fitting process. The use ofNXFithas been demonstrated by fitting both X-ray and neutron diffraction data from two quite different amorphous materials: a melt-quenched (Na2O)0.5(P2O5)0.5glass and a (TiO2)0.18(SiO2)0.82sol–gel.
EXAFS investigation of the role of Cu on the chemical order and lattice distortion in L10Fe–Pt–Cu thin films
Authors: Laureti S. , Brombacher C. , Makarov D. , Albrecht M. , Peddis D. , Varvaro G. , D'Acapito F.
Published: September 2014

This work presents an extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) characterization of ternary Fe–Pt–Cu alloys with different Cu content. The EXAFS measurements have been carried out at the CuKα and PtLIIIedges in order to describe the local environment around these elements in the Fe–Pt–Cu samples and to compare the structural evolution as a function of the Cu content. The EXAFS study, based on a substitutional model where the Cu atoms occupy Fe or Pt sites in the tetragonal structure, has been performed by using linear dichroism to enhance the sensitivity to differently oriented bonds and to gain a detailed description of the atomic environment. The study allowed the effects on the chemical order and lattice distortion induced by the Cu atoms to be distinguished experimentally. The determined positions of the Cu atoms in the chemically L10-ordered face-centred tetragonal lattice were correlated with the magnetic properties of Fe–Pt–Cu ternary alloys. In particular, the main effect of Cu atoms in the alloy is a linear reduction of thec/aratio, while the nonmonotonic behaviour of the chemical order is consistent with the variation of the magnetocrystalline anisotropy.
The suppression of fluorescence peaks in energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction
Authors: Hansford G. M. , Turner S. M. R. , Staab D. , Vernon D.
Published: September 2014

A novel method to separate diffraction and fluorescence peaks in energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDXRD) is described. By tuning the excitation energy of an X-ray tube source to just below an elemental absorption edge, the corresponding fluorescence peaks of that element are completely suppressed in the resulting spectrum. SinceBremsstrahlungphotons are present in the source spectrum up to the excitation energy, any diffraction peaks that lie at similar energies to the suppressed fluorescence peaks are uncovered. This technique is an alternative to the more usual method in EDXRD of altering the scattering angle in order to shift the energies of the diffraction peaks. However, in the back-reflection EDXRD technique [Hansford (2011).J. Appl. Cryst.44, 514–525] changing the scattering angle would lose the unique property of insensitivity to sample morphology and is therefore an unattractive option. The use of fluorescence suppression to reveal diffraction peaks is demonstrated experimentally by suppressing the Ca Kfluorescence peaks in the back-reflection EDXRD spectra of several limestones and dolomites. Three substantial benefits are derived: uncovering of diffraction peak(s) that are otherwise obscured by fluorescence; suppression of the Ca Kescape peaks; and an increase in the signal-to-background ratio. The improvement in the quality of the EDXRD spectrum allows the identification of a secondary mineral in the samples, where present. The results for a pressed-powder pellet of the geological standard JDo-1 (dolomite) show the presence of crystallite preferred orientation in this prepared sample. Preferred orientation is absent in several unprepared limestone and dolomite rock specimens, illustrating an advantage of the observation of rocks in their natural state enabled by back-reflection EDXRD.
Crystallography of embedded particles in Al–Mg–Zn alloys. Symmetry analysis
Authors: Thorkildsen Gunnar , Larsen Helge B.
Published: September 2014

Following a proper heat treatment, the alloy system Al–Mg–Zn shows a great wealth of precipitate particles forming coherent (η′ crystals) and incoherent (η crystals) boundaries with the Al matrix. Both the matrix crystal and the precipitate crystals are holohedral, as their point groups correspond to their metric symmetries (m\overline{3}m and 6/mmm). On the basis of published orientational relationships for a principal variant of every known precipitate family, the full sets of orientational variants are deduced by the concepts of intersection groups,Hβ, and variant generating sets,Vβ. The intergrowth symmetry principle has been visualized by stereographic projections. Special attention has been given to patterns of superimposed lattice nodes in reciprocal space and the implications of overlap in terms of observable reflections. It has been uncovered, by artificially reducing the point group symmetry of the coherent η′ phase, whereVβis a proper subgroup of the matrix holohedral, that twin laws for merohedry are revealed whenVβis factorized into a weak direct product.
An optical chopper for generation of short X-ray pulses to allow in-house time-resolved photocrystallography
Authors: Kamiński Radosław , Nottingham Gary , Coppens Philip
Published: September 2014

As part of a project to implement in-house time-resolved diffraction of short-lifetime species, a fast shutter with a custom-designed enclosure has been installed. The device is suitable for generation of X-ray pulses with time lengths down to about 5 µs. The design does not require major modifications to commercially available diffractometer setups. Significant airflow, generated by the rotating chopper disc, which interferes with temperature control at the sample, has been eliminated by a compact enclosure, which does not interfere with sample monitoring and conditioning devices. It allows for full rotation of the diffractometer circles.
A customizable software for fast reduction and analysis of large X-ray scattering data sets: applications of the newDPDAKpackage to small-angle X-ray scattering and grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Benecke Gunthard , Wagermaier Wolfgang , Li Chenghao , Schwartzkopf Matthias , Flucke Gero , Hoerth Rebecca , Zizak Ivo , Burghammer Manfred , Metwalli Ezzeldin , Müller-Buschbaum Peter , Trebbin Martin , Förster Stephan , Paris Oskar , Roth Stephan V. , Fratzl Peter
Published: September 2014

X-ray scattering experiments at synchrotron sources are characterized by large and constantly increasing amounts of data. The great number of files generated during a synchrotron experiment is often a limiting factor in the analysis of the data, since appropriate software is rarely available to perform fast and tailored data processing. Furthermore, it is often necessary to perform online data reduction and analysis during the experiment in order to interactively optimize experimental design. This article presents an open-source software package developed to process large amounts of data from synchrotron scattering experiments. These data reduction processes involve calibration and correction of raw data, one- or two-dimensional integration, as well as fitting and further analysis of the data, including the extraction of certain parameters. The software,DPDAK(directly programmable data analysis kit), is based on a plug-in structure and allows individual extension in accordance with the requirements of the user. The article demonstrates the use ofDPDAKfor on- and offline analysis of scanning small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data on biological samples and microfluidic systems, as well as for a comprehensive analysis of grazing-incidence SAXS data. In addition to a comparison with existing software packages, the structure ofDPDAKand the possibilities and limitations are discussed.
CREDO: a new general-purpose laboratory instrument for small-angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Wacha András , Varga Zoltán , Bóta Attila
Published: September 2014

The details of a newly constructed small-angle X-ray scattering instrument are presented. The geometry of the instrument is highly customizable, enabling it to address vastly different experimental situations from academic research to industrial problems. The high degree of motorization and automation compared to conventional laboratory-scale SAXS instruments facilitates the alignment and daily use. Data reduction routines are incorporated in the instrument control software, yielding fully corrected and calibrated results promptly after the end of measurements. Optimization of the fluxversus resolution balance can be done routinely for each measurement task. A wide, continuous range ofq= 4πsinθ/λ can be reached, from below 0.02 nm−1up to 30 nm−1, corresponding to periodic distances ofca 350 nm down to 0.2 nm. A few representative results obtained from samples of different research fields demonstrate the versatility of the instrument. Scattering curves are routinely calibrated into absolute units using a glassy carbon secondary standard. More information and recent developments can be found on the web page of the instrument at http://credo.ttk.mta.hu.
Designing farm supplemental revenue coverage options on top of crop insurance coverage
Authors: Bulut Harun , J. Collins Keith
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to use simulation analysis to assess farmer choice between crop insurance and supplemental revenue options as proposed during development of the Agricultural Act of 2014.

Design/methodology/approach

– The certainty equivalent of wealth is used to rank farm choices and assess the effects of supplemental revenue options on the crop insurance plan and coverage level chosen by the producer under a range of farm attributes. The risk-reducing effectiveness of the select programs is also examined through their impact on the farm revenue distribution. The dependence structure of yield and prices is modeled by applying copula techniques on historical data.

Findings

– Farm program supplemental revenue programs generally have no effect on crop insurance choices. Crop insurance supplemental revenue programs typically reduce crop insurance coverage at high coverage levels. An individual plan of crop insurance combined with a supplemental revenue insurance plan may substitute for incumbent area crop insurance plans.

Originality/value

– The analysis provides insights into farmers’ possible choices by focussing on alternative crops and farm attributes and extensive scenarios, using current data, crop insurance plans and programs contained in the 2014 Farm Bill and related bills. The results should be of value to policy officials and producers in regards to the design and use of risk management tools.
Exploring the structure of international technology diffusion
Authors: Huang Hung-Chun , Shih Hsin-Yu
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide a macro perspective on diffusion structure research, and to investigate the deep structure of international technology diffusion and structural differences between technology diffusion networks. This work also provides an understanding of the nature of globalization. Globalization has highlighted changes in socioeconomics and is reshaping the world. However, when comparing endogenous factors, exogenous factors are complex and demonstrate themselves as network phenomena. These network phenomena compose themselves as neither sole nor independent units. Countries in the global network act interdependently, and heavily influence one another.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study utilizes social network analysis to investigate the structural configuration of international technology diffusion. This investigation uses a sample of 42 countries over the period from 1997 to 2008. The data set contains two categories: bilateral trade flow and aggregate R&D expenditure. Meanwhile, this study uses block model analysis to reveal a network structure, which can precisely illustrate a global network configuration.

Findings

– The findings not only illustrate the pattern change of diffusion from a cascade-like to radial-like structure, but also present the structural configuration of technologically advanced countries and their competitive positions.

Practical implications

– In the shift to a diffusive structure, time and space are represented in new ways. Therefore, radial-like diffusion structure can provide some technological development approaches for countries interested in exogenous effects for technological growth and managing their international relation.

Originality/value

– This study is the first to use a multilateral perspective and longitudinal data to examine a cross-country network structure, to provide an understanding of the nature of globalization, its conceptualization and how influence and effects are transmitted through the interconnectedness of international technology diffusion.
Climate change effects upon massive land and housing development
Authors: Jahangir Alam Md , Akter Mullick Reaz
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects on urban flood from rapidly growing land and housing development projects in flood zones and water bodies in and around Dhaka. The paper further extends the analysis to generate an insight into Dhaka’s urban flood due to possible climate change effects on top of land and housing development projects effects.

Design/methodology/approach

– A mixed method was applied for this research comprising qualitative techniques for analyzing the date gathered from reviewing the policies including the Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan reports, interviews, discussions and maps, whereas quantitative analysis was used to interpret the data gathered from the global positioning system (GPS) survey and questionnaire survey among the resident of the selected housing projects.

Findings

– Findings show that a large number of the projects have encroached flood-flow zones and ditches and drainage channels through massive land filling, which resulted in quick changes of land use with wide range of impacts on environment and habitat quality. This study highlighted that the potential climate change impact involves increasing rainfall and subsequent increase flooding. Besides, vast area will be submerged under water and increased warming in the city from high speed built-up area by unauthorized land development.

Originality/value

– The results of the research can be taken into consideration when making political decisions concerning adaptation to climate change.