bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel flow chamber for biodegradable alloy assessment in physiologically realistic environments
Authors: Grogan J. A. , Gastaldi D. , Castelletti M. , Migliavacca F. , Dubini G. , McHugh P. E.
Published: September 2013

In order to better understand the in vivo corrosion of biodegradable alloys, it is necessary to replicate the physiological environment as closely as possible. In this study, a novel flow chamber system is developed that allows the investigation of biodegradable alloy corrosion in a simulated physiological environment. The system is designed to reproduce flow conditions encountered in coronary arteries using a parallel plate setup and to allow the culturing of cells. Computational fluid dynamics and analytical methods are used as part of the design process to ensure that suitable flow conditions are maintained in the test region. The system is used to investigate the corrosion behavior of AZ31 alloy foils of different thickness, in test media with and without proteins and in static and dynamic solutions. It is observed that pulsatile flows, similar to those in the coronary arteries, significantly increase corrosion rates and lead to a different corrosion surface morphologies relative to static immersion tests.
Fluctuations of systems in finite heat reservoirs with applications to phase transitions in lipid membranes
Authors: Mosgaard Lars D. , Jackson Andrew D. , Heimburg Thomas
Published: September 2013

In an adiabatically shielded system, the total enthalpy is conserved. Enthalpy fluctuations of an arbitrarily chosen subsystem must be buffered by the remainder of the total system which serves as a heat reservoir. The magnitude of these fluctuations depends on the size of the reservoir. This leads to various interesting consequences for the physical behavior of the subsystem. As an example, we treat a lipid membrane with a phase transition that is embedded in an aqueous reservoir. We find that large fluctuations are attenuated when the reservoir has finite size. This has consequences for the compressibility of the membrane since volume and area fluctuations are also attenuated. We compare the equilibrium fluctuations of subsystems in finite reservoirs with those in periodically driven systems. In such systems, the subsystem has only finite time available to exchange heat with the surrounding medium. A larger frequency therefore reduces the volume of the accessible heat reservoir. Consequently, the fluctuations of the subsystem display a frequency dependence. While this work is of particular interest for a subsystem displaying a transition such as a lipid membrane, some of the results are of a generic nature and may contribute to a better understanding of relaxation processes in general.
Thermo-electric effect in a nano-sized crossed Permalloy/Cu junction under high bias current
Authors: Mu Congpu , Hu Shaojie , Wang Jianbo , Kimura Takashi
Published: September 2013

We show that the difference in the Seebeck coefficients between two voltage probes produces an additional electric signal in the local resistance measurement of the submicron-sized junction. This is because the temperature increase at the junction induced by the Joule heating produces unnegligible Seebeck voltage in addition to the Ohmic voltage. In nanostructured systems, since the temperature variation becomes quite high under the high-bias current, the Seebeck voltage dominates the detected electrical voltage. This provides a consistent description for unusual bias-current dependences of the differential resistance in nano-sized metallic junction systems.
Superconducting-nanowire single-photon-detector linear array
Authors: Zhao Qingyuan , McCaughan Adam , Bellei Francesco , Najafi Faraz , De Fazio Domenico , Dane Andrew , Ivry Yachin , Berggren Karl K.
Published: October 2013

We designed, fabricated, and tested a one-dimensional array of superconducting-nanowire single-photon detectors, integrated with on-chip inductors and resistors. The architecture is suitable for monolithic integration on a single chip operated in a cryogenic environment, and inherits the characteristics of individual superconducting-nanowire single-photon detectors. We demonstrated a working array with four pixels showing position discrimination and a timing jitter of 124 ps. The electronic crosstalk between the pixels in the array was negligible.
Maximizing surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensitivity of surfactant-free Ag-Fe3O4 nanocomposites through optimization of silver nanoparticle density and magnetic self-assembly
Authors: Bao Zhi Yong , Dai Jiyan , Yuan Lei Dang , Wu Yucheng
Published: September 2013

Magnetic composite nanomaterials consisting of more than two functional constituents have been attracting much research interests due to the realization of multiple functionalities in a single entity. In particular, integration of ferromagnetic oxides and noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) in composites results in simultaneous magnetic activity and optical response where the optical property of the whole system could be modulated by application of an external magnetic field. In this work, we prepared Ag NPs-coated Fe3O4 microspheres as a novel surfactant-free surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate through a solid-phase thermal decomposition reaction. The SERS sensitivity of the fabricated nanocomposites is maximized by adjusting the size and density of Ag NPs supported on the Fe3O4 microspheres and further increased by magnetic-field-directed self-assembly of the composite substrates, with both effects attributed to the efficient generation of plasmonic near-field “hot” spots. At the optimal conditions, the prepared substrate is capable of detecting rhodamine 6G molecules at a concentration down to 10−12 M, thus demonstrating the great potential of using bifunctional nanocomposites as an excellent candidate for ultra-high sensitive Raman spectroscopy and biosensors. We also reveal the underlying mechanisms responsible for the observed SERS enhancements through full-wave numerical simulations.
Simultaneous determination of the pretilt angle and the cell thickness of a liquid crystal cell
Authors: Seog Gwag Jin
Published: October 2013

This paper presents a simple method for determining the pretilt angle and cell thickness simultaneously, which are critical factors in liquid crystal displays. Their determination was achieved from the incident angles, where the transmittance was the same for each cell rotation with crossed polarizers and parallel polarizers, based on the crystal rotation method. Unlike the conventional crystal rotation method, which has a limited measurement range, the proposed method could cover all ranges of pretilt angles.
Thermal and microwave characterization of GaAs to Si metal-bonded structures
Authors: Bickford Justin R. , Yu P. K. L. , Lau S. S.
Published: October 2013

Isothermal solidification metal waferbonding is well suited to heterogeneously integrate high-speed/high-power density RF and microwave devices with standard CMOS technology. It is capable of forming efficient electrical and thermal interconnects as well as bonded-microstrip waveguide structures. Accurate means of characterizing the electrical, thermal, and microwave properties of these structures are necessary to enable heterogeneous monolithic microwave integrated circuits (HMMICs). This article describes a bond layer thermal conductivity measurement method, a bond-metal microstrip microwave waveguide characterization method, and the fabrication method developed to support the measurement structures. As a result, an In-Pd bond alloy thermal conductivity of 2.51 W/(m K) was measured for GaAs devices bonded to Si. Also, an optimized bonded-microstrip waveguide was simulated based upon measured microwave results of the measurement structure, projecting a 0.56 dB/mm loss, a microwave index of 2.91, and a characteristic impedance of 41.3+6i Ω at 15 GHz, thus advocating this approach as a means of realizing high power HMMICs.
Grid metastructures for ultrabroadband acoustic cloaking
Authors: Chernokozhin E. V. , Boag A.
Published: October 2013

Structural grids (grid metastructures) supporting discrete pressure waves similar to the pressure waves in continuous media are considered. The grids consist of links capable of transmitting longitudinal pressure waves and nodes providing equal pressures on the ends of outgoing links. The pressures in the nodes are governed by finite-difference equations approximating, under certain conditions, the wave equation in free space. It is shown that the pressures in the nodes are determined by the acoustic velocities and impedances of links rather than by the coordinates of the nodes and the link lengths. Therefore, a grid approximating pressure waves in a region of uniform homogeneous space can be replaced by an equivalent “deformed” grid with other spatial coordinates of nodes but the same pressure waves in the nodes. In particular, a locally “stretched” equivalent grid can be found that, theoretically, provides a sufficiently large region free from nodes and links. This property makes it possible to use these grids to construct ultrabroadband acoustic cloaks.
Sample preparation for scanning Kelvin probe microscopy studies on cross sections of organic solar cells
Authors: Scherer Michael , Saive Rebecca , Daume Dominik , Kröger Michael , Kowalsky Wolfgang
Published: October 2013

We prepared cross sections of P3HT:PCBM bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells (OSCs) for the characterization of their potential distribution with scanning Kelvin probe microscopy. We compared results of samples obtained by microtome cutting of OSCs on plastic substrates, cleaving of OSCs on glass substrates, and milling with a focused ion beam. Their potential distributions were in good agreement with each other. Under short circuit conditions, potential gradients were detected in vicinity of the electrode/organics interfaces, with negligible electric fields within the bulk. We contacted the OSCs in a defined manner and studied their potential distribution under operating conditions.
Photodissociation Spectra of OCS+ via B2Σ+↙X2Π Transitions
Authors: Zhou Dan-na , Zhang Li-min , Chen Lin , Wu Dan
Published: September 2013

In the wavelength range of 231–275 nm, we have studied the mass-resolved dissociation spectra of OCS+ via B2Σ+↙X2Π3/2(000) and B2Σ+↙X2Π1/2(000, 001) transitions by preparing OCS+ ions in the well-defined spin-orbit states. The spectroscopic constants of ?1(CS stretch)=828.9 (810.4) cm−1, ?2 (bend)=491.3 cm−1 and ?3(CO stretch)=1887.2 cm−1 for OCS+(B2Σ+) are deduced. The observed dependence of the ?2(bend) mode excitation of B2Σ+ on the spin-orbit splitting of X2Π(Ω=1/2, 3/2) in the B2Σ+↙X2Π transition can be attributed to the K coupling between the (000)2Π1/2 and (010)2Σ1/2+ vibronic levels of X2Π state, which makes the B2Σ+(010)↙X2Π1/2(000) transition possible.
Synthesis and Solid Phase Extraction Performance Study of NNAL-specific Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Using Dummy Templates
Authors: Zhang Zhi-dan , Zheng Sai-jing , Yang Jun , Wang Wei-miao , Liu Bai-zhai , Zhu Xiao-lan
Published: September 2013

Dummy molecularly imprinted polymers (DMIPs) for 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) were produced using three structural analogues as dummy template molecules. The chosen analogues were 4-(acetymethylamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-butanol, 4-(methylamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol, and 1-(3-pyridyl)-1,4,-butanediol. The molecular recognition characteristics of the produced polymers were evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Interactions between NNAL and methacrylic acid should be cooperative hydrogen bonds while the nitrogen atom of the pyridine ring and the oxygen atom of the nitroso group in NNAL are two of the hydrogen-bond acceptors. It was further demonstrated that DMIP synthesized by 4-(acetymethylamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-butanol had the best binding performance by XPS and FT-IR. Then dummy molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction (DMISPE) was developed for the determination of the analyte using the hit polymer as the sorbing material. Under optimal conditions, the recovery of NNAL dissolved in standard solution reached 93%. And the investigated polymer exhibited much higher binding of NNAL when nicotine was acted as the competitive molecule. Also the proposed method was applied to the measurement of NNAL spiked in blank urine samples with recoveries ranging from 87.2% to 101.2%.
Theoretical and Experimental Study of Photophysical Characteristics between Poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) and Poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-cobenzothiadiazole)
Authors: Zhang Li-quan , Wang Ying-hui , Sui Ning , Kang Zhi-hui , Huang Tian-hao , Ma Yu-guang , Zhang Han-zhuang
Published: September 2013

The photo-physical characteristics of semiconductor polymer are systematically studied through comparing poly (9,9-dioctylfluorene) (PFO) and poly (9,9-dioctylfluorene-cobenzothiadiazole) (F8BT). The quantum chemical calculation shows that the introduction of benzothiadiazole unit facilitates the intrachain charge transfer (ICT) and modulates the electronic transition mechanism of polymer. The transient absorption measurement exhibits that intrachain exciton relaxation is dominant in the decay of excited PFO in a monodisperse system and intrachain exciton interaction could appear at high excitation intensity. In F8BT solution, the ICT state exists and participates in the relaxation of excited state. The relaxation processes of PFO and F8BT in the condensed phase both accelerate and show obvious exciton-exciton annihilation behavior at high excitation intensity. At the same excitation intensity, the mean lifetime of F8BT is longer than that of PFO, which may be assigned to the excellent delocalization of charge.
Mesoscopic Simulation of Aggregate Behaviour of Polymers in β-HMX-based PBXs
Authors: Cui Hong-ling , Ji Guang-fu , Chen Xiang-rong , Wei Dong-qing
Published: September 2013

The mesoscopic structures of β-HMX (octahydro--1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine)-based PBXs (polymer bonded explosives) at room temperature were investigated using dissipative particle dynamics method. The parameters and repulsive parameters of different polymers and β-HMX, the mesoscopic structures of β-HMX-based polymer-bonded explosives at different temperatures have been studied. The results showed that the compatibility between β-HMX and vinylidenedifluoride (VDF), β-HMX and chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), VDF and CTFE increased with increasing temperature. The temperature and molar ratio of the polymers played an important role in wrapped process. And there exists the optimum temperature and molar ratio.
Newfound links close the loop on a gene regulatory network
Authors: Smart Ashley G.
Published: October 2013

One of biology’s most-studied signaling pathways may have a heretofore hidden purpose: preventing bottlenecks in cells’ metabolic assembly lines.
Comets as solar probes
Authors: Schrijver Carolus J. , Lisse Carey M. , Downs Cooper
Published: October 2013

By rapidly evaporating as they fly through the Sun’s hot outer atmosphere, sungrazing comets reveal an otherwise invisible magnetic field that shapes the very beginnings of the solar wind.
Reactions of Adamantanethione with Ketenes: Formation of a 1,3,5-Dioxathiane
Authors: Drinnan Nicholas , Wentrup Curt
Published: October 2013

The reaction between adamantanethione 1 and diphenylketene 9 yields 2,4-bis(diphenylmethylidene)-1,3,5-dioxathiane 14 via ketene–thione zwitterions. This is the first example of the formation of a 1,3,5-dioxathiane in a ketene reaction.
Fuglede–Kadison determinant: theme and variations
Authors: de la Harpe Pierre
Published: October 2013

We review the definition of determinants for finite von Neumann algebras, due to Fuglede and Kadison [Fuglede B, Kadison R (1952)
Ann Math
55:520–530], and a generalization for appropriate groups of invertible elements in Banach algebras, from a paper by Skandalis and the author (1984). After some discussion of K-theory and Whitehead torsion, we indicate the relevance of these determinants to the study of

-torsion in topology. Contents are as follows:

1. The classical setting.

2. On von Neumann algebras and traces.

3. Fuglede–Kadison determinant for finite von Neumann algebras.

4. Motivating question.

5. Brief reminder of

,

,

, and Bott periodicity.

6. Revisiting the Fuglede–Kadison and other determinants.

7. On Whitehead torsion.

8. A few lines on

-torsion.
Organ-specific function of adhesion G protein-coupled receptor GPR126 is domain-dependent
Authors: Patra Chinmoy , van Amerongen Machteld J. , Ghosh Subhajit , Ricciardi Filomena , Sajjad Amna , Novoyatleva Tatyana , Mogha Amit , Monk Kelly R. , Mühlfeld Christian , Engel Felix B.
Published: October 2013

Significance

Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are expressed in many developing organs, immune cells, and cancer cells, suggesting that they might play an important role in physiological and pathological functions. Compared with their potential importance, their function and signaling mechanisms are poorly understood. Disruption of the G protein-coupled receptor 126 (
Gpr126
) gene in mice leads to lack of myelination in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and heart abnormalities. Similarly, the zebrafish mutant line
gpr126

st49

exhibits PNS abnormalities but, in contrast, no heart phenotype. Here we provide an explanation for these discrepancies. The presented data suggest that in the heart, the N-terminal fragment of Gpr126 can act independently as a ligand or coreceptor. Taken together, our data provide evidence of tissue- and domain-specific adhesion GPCR function.
A Hox gene controls lateral line cell migration by regulating chemokine receptor expression downstream of Wnt signaling
Authors: Breau Marie A. , Wilkinson David G. , Xu Qiling
Published: October 2013

Significance

The migration of cells during embryo development or in cancer often occurs collectively as a group. Underlying mechanisms have been studied in the zebrafish lateral line, in which Wnt signaling regulates the spatially restricted expression of two chemokine receptors required for directional migration of the cell cluster along the track of Sdf1a ligand. We show that a Hox transcription factor, hoxb8a, is essential for correct migration and acts downstream of Wnt signals to regulate the spatial expression of both chemokine receptors. These findings uncover a Wnt-Hox–chemokine receptor pathway that may act widely in the control of directional cell migration.
Core small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle splicing factor SmD1 modulates RNA interference in
Drosophila
Authors: Xiong Xiao-Peng , Kurthkoti Krishna , Chang Kung-Yen , Lichinchi Gianluigi , De Nabanita , Schneemann Anette , MacRae Ian J. , Rana Tariq M. , Perrimon Norbert , Zhou Rui
Published: September 2013

Significance

Splicing factors are involved in the maturation of messenger RNAs that are translated into proteins. Select splicing factors have been implicated in RNA interference. However, the underlying mechanism is not clear. We found that in
Drosophila
the splicing factor SmD1 is indispensable for the production and function of small interfering RNAs, key components of RNAi, and that SmD1 interacts with both protein and RNA components of the RNAi machineries. Notably, defects in RNAi and in pre-mRNA splicing can be uncoupled, and the RNAi and splicing machineries are physically and functionally distinct. Our results suggest that
Drosophila
SmD1 plays a direct role in RNAi-mediated gene silencing independently of its pre-mRNA splicing activity.
Kinematic mental simulations in abduction and deduction
Authors: Khemlani Sangeet Suresh , Mackiewicz Robert , Bucciarelli Monica , Johnson-Laird Philip N.
Published: October 2013

Significance

We developed a theory of how mental simulations underlie the abductions of informal algorithms and deductions from these algorithms. Experiments tested the theory’s predictions using a task for the investigation of how naive individuals think about algorithms. Participants solved problems, abduced and described in their own words algorithms that solved such problems, and deduced the consequences of algorithms. Difficulty in formulating an algorithm and deducing its consequences depended on the algorithm’s Kolmogorov complexity. Results corroborated the use of kinematic mental models in creating and testing informal algorithms and showed that individuals differ reliably in the ability to carry out these tasks.
Aging predisposes to acute inflammatory induced pathology after tumor immunotherapy
Authors: Bouchlaka Myriam N. , Sckisel Gail D. , Chen Mingyi , Mirsoian Annie , Zamora Anthony E. , Maverakis Emanual , Wilkins Danice E.C. , Alderson Kory L. , Hsiao Hui-Hua , Weiss Jonathan M. , Monjazeb Arta M. , Hesdorffer Charles , Ferrucci Luigi , Longo Dan L. , Blazar Bruce R. , Wiltrout Robert H. , Redelman Doug , Taub Dennis D. , Murphy William J.
Published: October 2013

Cancer commonly occurs in the elderly and immunotherapy (IT) is being increasingly applied to this population. However, the majority of preclinical mouse tumor models assessing potential efficacy and toxicities of therapeutics use young mice. We assessed the impact of age on responses to systemic immune stimulation. In contrast to young mice, systemic cancer IT regimens or LPS given to aged mice resulted in rapid and lethal toxicities affecting multiple organs correlating with heightened proinflammatory cytokines systemically and within the parenchymal tissues. This inflammatory response and increased morbidity with age was independent of T cells or NK cells. However, prior in vivo depletion of macrophages in aged mice resulted in lesser cytokine levels, increased survival, and decreased liver histopathology. Furthermore, macrophages from aged mice and normal human elderly volunteers displayed heightened TNF and IL-6 production upon in vitro stimulation. Treatment of both TNF knockout mice and in vivo TNF blockade in aged mice resulted in significant increases in survival and lessened pathology. Importantly, TNF blockade in tumor-bearing, aged mice receiving IT displayed significant anti-tumor effects. These data demonstrate the critical role of macrophages in the age-associated hyper-inflammatory cytokine responses to systemic immunostimulation and underscore the importance of performing preclinical assessments in aged mice.
A Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI) Stewardship Initiative Improves Adherence to Practice Guidelines for Management of CDI
Authors: Jury Lucy A. , Tomas Myreen , Kundrapu Sirisha , Sitzlar Brett , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: September 2013

A Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) stewardship initiative reduced inappropriate prescription of empirical CDI therapy and improved timeliness of treatment and adherence to clinical practice guidelines for management of CDI. The initiative required minimal resources and could easily be incorporated into traditional antimicrobial stewardship programs.
A deubiquitinase negatively regulates retro-translocation of nonubiquitinated substrates
Authors: Bernardi Kaleena M. , Williams Jeffrey M. , Inoue Takamasa , Schultz Aric , Tsai Billy
Published: September 2013

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane–bound E3 ubiquitin ligases promote ER-associated degradation (ERAD) by ubiquitinating a retro-translocated substrate that reaches the cytosol from the ER, targeting it to the proteasome for destruction. Recent findings implicate ERAD-associated deubiquitinases (DUBs) as positive and negative regulators during ERAD, reflecting the different consequences of deubiquitinating a substrate prior to proteasomal degradation. These observations raise the question of whether a DUB can control the fate of a nonubiquitinated ERAD substrate. In this study, we probed the role of the ERAD-associated DUB, YOD1, during retro-translocation of the nonubiquitinated cholera toxin A1 (CTA1) peptide, a critical intoxication step. Through combining knockdown, overexpression, and binding studies, we demonstrated that YOD1 negatively controls CTA1 retro-translocation, likely by deubiquitinating and inactivating ubiquitinated ERAD components that normally promote toxin retro-translocation. YOD1 also antagonizes the proteasomal degradation of nonglycosylated pro-α factor, a postulated nonubiquitinated yeast ERAD substrate, in mammalian cells. Our findings reveal that a cytosolic DUB exerts a negative function during retro-translocation of nonubiquitinated substrates, potentially by acting on elements of the ERAD machinery.
Perceived congruence between auditory and visual elements in multimedia
Authors: Iwamiya Shin-ichiro
Published: October 2013

Multimedia productions often combine motion pictures and sound. A vital element in making visual media presentations more impressive is ‘perceived congruence’ between sound and moving pictures. This chapter introduces a series of empirical studies on perceived congruence between sound and moving pictures and discusses how to make congruent audiovisual combinations. Perceived congruence between sound and moving pictures is created by the matching of auditory and visual temporal structures, and by the similarity between auditory and visual affective impressions. Further, the similarity of imagery between changing (or dynamic) patterns of auditory and visual signals creates perceived congruence. These findings enhance our understanding of how people process audiovisual materials in television programs, films, and electronic multimedia such as video games. The practical implications of these findings are relevant for producers, sound designers, and film-music composers in assisting them to create more effective and impressive audiovisual works.
Playing with sound: The role of music and sound effects in gaming
Authors: Grimshaw Mark , Tan Siu-Lan , Lipscomb Scott D.
Published: October 2013

The role of sound in gaming has evolved since the early 1970s, heavily influenced by developing technologies associated with audio, video, and data storage. This chapter traces these developments and relates them to important milestones in game sound design. Theoretical concepts are introduced and exemplified, particularly those that identify and explain aspects of the relationship between player and game sound; the chapter then examines empirical evidence elucidating that relationship. The body of evidence is sparse but growing and includes studies investigating the role of game sound on cognitive load and performance, as well as studies investigating the effects of game sound on the player’s physiological responses. The chapter concludes with some thoughts about the future development of game sound technology and the directions that will allow future empirical studies to test and validate the effects of that technology on the gaming experience.
6 Minority Rights in Lebanon
Authors: Joshua Castellino , Kathleen A Cavanaugh
Published: October 2013

This chapter is particularly significant as we explore the issue of minority rights in the Middle East. In examining both its history as well as the current Lebanese political landscape, we expose the colonial mythmaking of a ‘territorial unified Lebanon as a nation-state’ which has, historically, rested upon another foundational myth: Lebanon as a secular and tolerant society. Lebanon is significant to the study of minority rights since the earliest documented treaty on minorities was framed in the context of protection for the Maronites. Historiographies on Lebanon often describe Mount Lebanon as a haven for persecuted groups elsewhere in the region from the seventh century onward. Current narratives replicate this notion of a ‘centuries-old heritage as a place of refuge for those fleeing religious intolerance’. Yet such an image sits uneasily with Lebanon’s colonial past and fractured present.
Growing water scarcity in agriculture: future challenge to global water security
Authors: Falkenmark Malin
Published: October 2013

As water is an essential component of the planetary life support system, water deficiency constitutes an insecurity that has to be overcome in the process of socio-economic development. The paper analyses the origin and appearance of blue as well as green water scarcity on different scales and with particular focus on risks to food production and water supply for municipalities and industry. It analyses water scarcity originating from both climatic phenomena and water partitioning disturbances on different scales: crop field, country level and the global circulation system. The implications by 2050 of water scarcity in terms of potential country-level water deficits for food self-reliance are analysed, and the compensating dependence on trade in virtual water for almost half the world population is noted. Planetary-scale conditions for sustainability of the global water circulation system are discussed in terms of a recently proposed Planetary Freshwater Boundary, and the consumptive water use reserve left to be shared between water requirements for global food production, fuelwood production and carbon sequestration is discussed. Finally, the importance of a paradigm shift in the further conceptual development of water security is stressed, so that adequate attention is paid to water's fundamental role in both natural and socio-economic systems.
Water security, global change and land–atmosphere feedbacks
Authors: Dadson Simon , Acreman Michael , Harding Richard
Published: October 2013

Understanding the competing pressures on water resources requires a detailed knowledge of the future water balance under uncertain environmental change. The need for a robust, scientifically rigorous evidence base for effective policy planning and practice has never been greater. Environmental change includes, but is not limited to, climate change; it also includes land-use and land-cover change, including deforestation for agriculture, and occurs alongside changes in anthropogenic interventions that are used in natural resource management such as the regulation of river flows using dams, which can have impacts that frequently exceed those arising in the natural system. In this paper, we examine the role that land surface models can play in providing a robust scientific basis for making resource management decisions against a background of environmental change. We provide some perspectives on recent developments in modelling in land surface hydrology. Among the range of current land surface and hydrology models, there is a large range of variability, which indicates that the specification and parametrization of several basic processes in the models can be improved. Key areas that require improvement in order to address hydrological applications include (i) the representation of groundwater in models, particularly at the scales relevant to land surface modelling, (ii) the representation of human interventions such as dams and irrigation in the hydrological system, (iii) the quantification and communication of uncertainty, and (iv) improved understanding of the impact on water resources availability of multiple use through treatment, recycling and return flows (and the balance of consumptive and conservative uses). Through a series of examples, we demonstrate that changes in water use could have important reciprocal impacts on climate over a wide area. The effects of water management decisions on climate feedbacks are only beginning to be investigated—they are still only rarely included in climate impact assessments—and the links between the hydrological system and climate are rarely acknowledged in studies of ecosystem services. Nevertheless, because water is essential not only for its direct uses but also for the indirect functions that it serves (including food production, fisheries and industry), it is vital that these connected systems are studied. Building on the examples above, we highlight recent research showing that assessment of these trade-offs is particularly complex in wetland areas, especially in situations where these trade-offs play to the advantage of different communities.
Structure–Function Analysis of Genetically Defined Neuronal Populations
Authors: Groh Alexander , Krieger Patrik
Published: October 2013

Morphological and functional classification of individual neurons is a crucial aspect of the characterization of neuronal networks. Systematic structural and functional analysis of individual neurons is now possible using transgenic mice with genetically defined neurons that can be visualized in vivo or in brain slice preparations. Genetically defined neurons are useful for studying a particular class of neurons and also for more comprehensive studies of the neuronal content of a network. Specific subsets of neurons can be identified by fluorescence imaging of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) or another fluorophore expressed under the control of a cell-type-specific promoter. The advantages of such genetically defined neurons are not only their homogeneity and suitability for systematic descriptions of networks, but also their tremendous potential for cell-type-specific manipulation of neuronal networks in vivo. This article describes a selection of procedures for visualizing and studying the anatomy and physiology of genetically defined neurons in transgenic mice. We provide information about basic equipment, reagents, procedures, and analytical approaches for obtaining three-dimensional (3D) cell morphologies and determining the axonal input and output of genetically defined neurons. We exemplify with genetically labeled cortical neurons, but the procedures are applicable to other brain regions with little or no alterations.
Purification of Functionalized Quantum Dots
Authors: Courty Sébastien , Dahan Maxime
Published: October 2013

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are fluorescent nanoparticles that can be used for biological imaging. Because of their brightness and photostability, which is far superior to those of organic dyes and fluorescent proteins, they can be detected at the single-particle level over long periods of time using standard fluorescence microscopy techniques. QDs can be conjugated to biomolecules and then used to track the motion of these molecules. Commercial, soluble QDs are available either unconjugated or functionalized with specific biomolecules. In the latter case, biomolecules such as streptavidin, Protein A, or antibodies are attached to the QD surface. Free biomolecules are often present in the QD solution, and these can be detrimental for live-cell imaging or other fluorescence assays. It is thus desirable to purify the functionalized QDs from these contaminating free biomolecules using size-exclusion chromatography. This article describes a simple procedure for purifying functionalized QDs using MicroSpin SR-400 columns.
Structural holes in hospital organisations
Authors: Kang Sherman Heng Hock , Loosemore Martin
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The delivery of high quality healthcare services to the community requires the integration of information from a wide range of sources within a complex and highly dynamic environment. Using structural holes theory the challenges and opportunities of integration are explored from a facilities management (FM) perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a critical realism methodology, structured interviews with hospital stakeholders are undertaken in a case study of a large tertiary hospital in Australia. Data are analysed using social network analysis to explore the existence of structural holes.

Findings

– Effective FM in the health sector requires intrapreneurial skills to broker connections between functionally and culturally distinct actors located in a highly disconnected communication network structure.

Originality/value

– This research reveals, for the first time, the detailed communication structure of relationships among FM services in a hospital. By identifying the existence of structural holes in hospital organisations, it illuminates significant untapped brokerage potential of facilities managers in facilitating greater integration. These insights into communication structure have important implications for the practice of FM in better supporting healthcare service delivery.
Low carbon retrofit: attitudes and readiness within the social housing sector
Authors: Swan William , Ruddock Les , Smith Luke
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The study was designed to assess the attitudes, strategic readiness and drivers and barriers to the adoption of sustainable retrofit within the UK social housing sector.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was undertaken using a structured questionnaire that was completed by 130 providers of social housing.

Findings

– The study showed that social housing providers were aware of the sustainable retrofit agenda, but with varying levels of strategic readiness. Immediate benefits to residents were seen as important drivers, as opposed to more remote issues such as climate change. The emerging nature of the sustainable retrofit market was seen as a major potential risk for residents.

Research limitations/implications

– The study represents a snap-shot of adoption and effectiveness issues, therefore does not show the trajectory of adoption which should be addressed in a follow-up study.

Practical implications

– The social housing sector has been viewed as a market maker for the sustainable retrofit market. The study shows the attitudes of the sector to this role.

Social implications

– The study has implications for the understanding social housing providers’ engagement with the sustainable retrofit market to address fuel poverty and climate change. Social housing's role as market maker has implications for policies such as Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation.

Originality/value

– The study covers approximately 20 per cent of the social housing stock under management and gives a robust perspective of current views on adoption and effectiveness of retrofit technologies within the social housing sector. This is useful for both other social housing providers and policy makers.
Lifestyles management and community engagement in scoping a “health café”
Authors: Mary Poland Fiona , Fox Margaret , Lambert Nigel , Lambert Rodney , Fordham Richard
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to underpin a scoping study commissioned by community leaders to assess the potential for creating a “health café” in the centre of Boston, in eastern England, UK, to facilitate healthier lifestyles.

Design/methodology/approach

– A mixed methods and framework analytic approach was adopted, using documentary, focus group, interview and survey data. The paper drew on social marketing principles to enhance the community relevance of findings.

Findings

– Community stakeholders and public were generally supportive of a “health café” facility in the town centre. Accessibility and a welcoming environment were seen as key factors. A wide range of health-related services in addition to providing healthy foods were proposed. Key issues identified were: a wider role of the facility as a community “health hub”; appropriate marketing approaches; food provision issues and sustainability. All groups contacted saw the word “health” as off-putting.

Research limitations/implications

– As with many commissioned scoping studies, the timetable for delivery was very short, just three months, significantly influencing the choices of methodological approaches taken up. This made it important to provide a multi-disciplinary multi-methods design to enhance triangulation and a research team with extensive community research experience including previous research in this region. It was also important to specify and locate any knowledge claims from the findings.

Practical implications

– The research helped engage community stakeholders to tap a diversity of views which could be adopted by community leaders into their ongoing health strategies and development plans for a “health hub” for Boston.

Originality/value

– The paper provides important information for those embarking on community health education projects and particularly in how to tailor health research methods to real-world timescales and stakeholder perspectives. Insights are also provided into community attitudes, understandings and behaviours towards healthy living in a part of the UK with a well-documented history of poor health.
Examining the impact of experience on value in social marketing
Authors: Zainuddin Nadia
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of experience levels on consumers' value perceptions in their use of a social marketing preventative health service. The study uses services thinking to investigate customer value in a social marketing consumption situation.

Design/methodology/approach

– An online, self-completion survey was conducted onn=853 Australian women who were users of breastscreening services.

Findings

– Experienced users derived higher levels of functional and emotional value than novice users and reported higher levels of satisfaction and behavioural intentions to use the service again. However, path analysis indicated that satisfaction was a stronger driver of behavioural intentions for novice users.

Practical implications

– The findings highlight the need to understand and segment target audiences in more meaningful ways beyond traditional demographic segmentation. There is a need to understand the value benefits that target audiences seek and acknowledge that these value and service experience perceptions are likely to change over time as target audiences transition from novice to experienced users. This is useful in allowing health services to consider ways of providing a degree of customisation to target audiences, resulting in higher levels of satisfaction, particularly amongst novice users, leading to behavioural intentions to return.

Originality/value

– Two novel approaches are used to understand social marketing behaviour: value theory and a services perspective. Through the examination of experience levels, this study acknowledges the enduring nature of many social marketing behaviours, allowing social marketers to examine differences in target audiences' experiences based on whether they are new to or familiar with a behaviour. This provides a fresh perspective in understanding target audiences in social marketing through an understanding of their value perceptions which influence their behaviour, and how these value perceptions are likely to change over time.
Mild Chronic Kidney Disease Associated with Greater Risk of Arterial Stiffness in Elderly Adults
Authors: Liu I‐Ting , Wu Jin‐Shang , Yang Yi‐Ching , Huang Ying‐Hsiang , Lu Feng‐Hwa , Chang Chih‐Jen
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To assess the association between arterial stiffness and mild and moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD), independent of other cardiometabolic factors in an elderly population.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Health examination data from National Cheng Kung University Hospital from 2006 to 2009.

Participants

Eligible subjects aged 60 and older (N = 1,251).

Measurements

An average bilateral brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) of 1,400 cm/s or greater was defined as high baPWV. Based on the 2003 Clinical Practice Guidelines for Chronic Kidney Disease from the National Kidney Foundation, mild and moderate CKD were defined as CKD Stages 1 and 2 and Stages 3 to 5, respectively.

Results

Participants with a baPWV of 1,400 cm/s or greater (n = 1,028) had lower estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) but higher serum creatinine levels and greater prevalences of mild and moderate CKD, diabetes mellitus, prediabetes mellitus, hypertension, and prehypertension than those with baPWV less than 1,400 cm/s (n = 223). In the multivariate analysis, mild (odds ratio (OR) = 2.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–6.54) and moderate (OR = 3.75, 95% CI = 1.02–13.81) CKD were positively associated with greater baPWV (≥1,400 cm/s). Age, prediabetes mellitus, diabetes mellitus, prehypertension, and hypertension were also independently associated with greater baPWV. In the multiple linear analysis, moderate (β = 120.45, P < .001) and mild CKD (β = 69.90, P = .01) were positively associated with baPWV. There was also an independently inverse correlation between eGFR and baPWV (β = −0.69, P = .04).

Conclusion

Mild and moderate CKD increased the risk of greater arterial stiffness in elderly adults. Age, prediabetes mellitus, diabetes mellitus, prehypertension, and hypertension were also important correlates of increased arterial stiffness.
Outcomes of Feeding Problems in Advanced Dementia in a Nursing Home Population
Authors: Hanson Laura C. , Ersek Mary , Lin Feng Chang , Carey Timothy S.
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To describe quality of care for feeding problems in advanced dementia and probability and predictors of weight loss and mortality.

Design

Prospective cohort.

Setting

Twenty‐four nursing homes (NHs).

Participants

Nursing home residents with advanced dementia and feeding problems and family surrogates (N = 256).

Measurements

Family reported on quality of feeding care at enrollment and 3 months. Chart reviews at enrollment and 3, 6, and 9 months provided data on feeding problems, treatments, weight loss of more than 5% in 30 days or more than 10% in 6 months, and mortality. Organizational variables were obtained from administrator surveys and publically reported data.

Results

Residents with advanced dementia and feeding problems had an average age of 85; 80% had chewing and swallowing problems, 11% weight loss, and 48% poor intake. Family reported feeding assistance of moderate quality; 23% felt the resident received less assistance than needed. Mortality risk was significant; 8% died within 3 months, 17% within 6 months, and 27% within 9 months. Residents with advanced dementia who had stable weight over 3 months had a 5.4% rate of significant weight loss and a 2.1% risk of death over the next 3 months. Residents with advanced dementia and weight loss over 3 months had a 38.9% chance of stabilizing weight over the next 3 months but also had a 19.2% chance of dying. Weight loss was the only independent predictor of death.

Conclusion

Weight loss is a predictor of death in advanced dementia. Treatments can often stabilize weight, but weight loss should be used to trigger discussion of goals of care and treatment options.
Association Between Treatment or Usual Care Region and Hospitalization for Fall‐Related Traumatic Brain Injury in the Connecticut Collaboration for Fall Prevention
Authors: Murphy Terrence E. , Baker Dorothy I. , Leo‐Summers Linda S. , Allore Heather G. , Tinetti Mary E.
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the association between the treatment region (TR) or usual care region (UCR) of the Connecticut Collaboration for Fall Prevention (CCFP), a clinical intervention for prevention of falls, and the rate of hospitalization for fall‐related traumatic brain injury (FR‐TBI) in persons aged 70 and older and to describe the Medicare charges for FR‐TBI hospitalizations.

Design

Using a quasi‐experimental design, rates of hospitalization for FR‐TBI were recorded over an 8‐year period (2000–2007) in two distinct geographic regions (TR and UCR) chosen for their similarity in characteristics associated with occurrence of falls.

Setting

Two geographical regions in Connecticut.

Participants

More than 200,000 persons aged 70 and older.

Intervention

Clinicians in the TR translated research protocols from the Yale Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques, a successful fall‐prevention randomized clinical trial, into discipline‐ and site‐specific fall‐prevention procedures for integration into their clinical practices.

Measurements

Rate of hospitalization for FR‐TBI in persons aged 70 and older.

Results

Connecticut Collaboration for Fall Prevention's TR exhibited lower rates of hospitalization for FR‐TBI than the UCR (risk ratio = 0.84, 95% credible interval = 0.72–0.99).

Conclusion

The significantly lower rate of hospitalization for FR‐TBI in CCFP's TR suggests that the engagement of practicing clinicians in the implementation of evidence‐based fall‐prevention practices may reduce hospitalizations for FR‐TBI.