bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selection of reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis in a predatory biological control agent, Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Yang Chunxiao , Pan Huipeng , Noland Jeffrey Edward , Zhang Deyong , Zhang Zhanhong , Liu Yong , Zhou Xuguo 
Published: December 2015

AbstractReverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is a reliable technique for quantifying gene expression across various biological processes, of which requires a set of suited reference genes to normalize the expression data. Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), is one of the most extensively used biological control agents in the field to manage arthropod pest species. In this study, expression profiles of 16 housekeeping genes selected from C. maculata were cloned and investigated. The performance of these candidates as endogenous controls under specific experimental conditions was evaluated by dedicated algorithms, including geNorm, Normfinder, BestKeeper and ΔCt method. In addition, RefFinder, a comprehensive platform integrating all the above-mentioned algorithms, ranked the overall stability of these candidate genes. As a result, various sets of suitable reference genes were recommended specifically for experiments involving different tissues, developmental stages, sex and C. maculate larvae treated with dietary double stranded RNA. This study represents the critical first step to establish a standardized RT-qPCR protocol for the functional genomics research in a ladybeetle C. maculate. Furthermore, it lays the foundation for conducting ecological risk assessment of RNAi-based gene silencing biotechnologies on non-target organisms; in this case, a key predatory biological control agent.
Genome-wide SNP analysis explains coral diversity and recovery in the Ryukyu Archipelago
Authors: Shinzato Chuya , Mungpakdee Sutada , Arakaki Nana , Satoh Noriyuki 
Published: December 2015

AbstractFollowing a global coral bleaching event in 1998, Acropora corals surrounding most of Okinawa island (OI) were devastated, although they are now gradually recovering. In contrast, the Kerama Islands (KIs) only 30 km west of OI, have continuously hosted a great variety of healthy corals. Taking advantage of the decoded Acropora digitifera genome and using genome-wide SNP analyses, we clarified Acropora population structure in the southern Ryukyu Archipelago (sRA). Despite small genetic distances, we identified distinct clusters corresponding to specific island groups, suggesting infrequent long-distance dispersal within the sRA. Although the KIs were believed to supply coral larvae to OI, admixture analyses showed that such dispersal is much more limited than previously realized, indicating independent recovery of OI coral populations and the necessity of local conservation efforts for each region. We detected strong historical migration from the Yaeyama Islands (YIs) to OI and suggest that the YIs are the original source of OI corals. In addition, migration edges to the KIs suggest that they are a historical sink population in the sRA, resulting in high diversity. This population genomics study provides the highest resolution data to date regarding coral population structure and history.
Plasmonic Hot Hole Generation by Interband Transition in Gold-Polyaniline
Authors: Barman Tapan , Hussain Amreen A. , Sharma Bikash , Pal Arup R. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractStudies on hot carrier science and technology associated with various types of nanostructures are dominating today’s nanotechnology research. Here we report a novel synthesis of polyaniline-gold (PAni-Au) nanocomposite thin films with gold nanostructures (AuNs) of desired shape and size uniformly incorporated in the polymer matrix. According to shape as well as size variation of AuNs, two tunable plasmonic UV-Visible absorption bands are observed in each of the nanocomposites. Plasmonic devices are fabricated using PAni-Au nanocomposite having different UV-Visible plasmon absorption bands. However, all the devices show strong photoelectrical responses in the blue region (400–500 nm) of the visible spectrum. The d-band to sp-band (d-sp) transition of electrons in AuNs produces hot holes that are the only carriers in the material responsible for photocurrent generation in the device. This work provides an experimental evidence of novel plasmonic hot hole generation process that was still a prediction.
Compact quad‐band bandpass filter based on sextuple‐mode stepped impedance stub‐loaded resonator
Authors: Chen Jianzhong , Shen Jie , Gao Ni , Zhang Anxue 
Published: December 2015

A novel compact quad‐band bandpass filter (BPF) with multi‐transmission zeros is proposed. This filter utilises a sextuple‐mode impedance resonator to achieve three passbands, and the fourth passband composes of single‐end short‐circuited resonators. Adopting an embedded and folded structure is employed to realise miniaturisation. Stub–stub coupling is introduced to produce transmission zeros, which can improve the passband selectivity. Finally, a quad‐band BPF centring at 0.9/1.45/2.45/3.5 GHz is designed, fabricated and measured. The measured results have good agreement with the simulated ones.
Planar super‐wideband loop antenna with asymmetric coplanar strip feed
Authors: Trinh‐Van Son , Kwon Gina , Hwang Keum Cheol 
Published: December 2015

A planar super‐wideband (SWB) antenna fed by an asymmetric coplanar strip is proposed, fabricated, and tested. The antenna consists of a hexagonal loop strip in which a signal strip is prolonged, curved, and shorted to a ground plane to facilitate SWB characteristics. In addition, by adding a boomerang‐shaped strip to the ground plane, the effective electrical length is increased, thereby decreasing the lowest operating frequency. The simulated results show that the proposed antenna exhibits a −10 dB reflection bandwidth from 1.18 to 49.22 GHz corresponding to a ratio bandwidth of 41.7:1. The measured results of the fabricated antenna are also represented and compared with the simulated results. The antenna gain changes from 2.05 to 10.62 dBi within the measured frequency range.
Frequency‐domain analysis of performance of a wind turbine
Authors: Hernandez W. , Maldonado‐Correa J.L. , Méndez A. 
Published: December 2015

The frequency‐domain analysis of the performance of a wind turbine that is placed in a mountainous complex terrain is presented. The variables of interest were the wind speed and the active power of the wind turbine, and the experimental data for the analysis were collected for three months with a sampling time of 10 minutes. The power spectral density (PSD) of the wind speed and of the active power of the wind turbine were obtained for every day of the three months under analysis, and this information was used to estimate the magnitude squared of the frequency response of the system and to estimate the average value of the magnitude squared of the frequency response. Then, the energy distribution of the wind turbine over a range of frequencies was analysed.
Fabrication of alumina micromixer with two‐dimensional serpentine microchannels by centrifuge‐assisted micromoulding
Authors: Su Bo , Meng Junhu , Zhang Zhaozhu , Liu Fuyan , Zhang Aijun 
Published: December 2015

A two‐dimensional (2D) serpentine mixer was made of alumina using centrifuge‐assisted micromoulding. Concentrated aqueous alumina slurry was filled into microstructured polydimethylsiloxane micromoulds with the aid of centrifugation to form green micromixers, which were then sintered to obtain the final products. In contrast to the micromixer fabricated by micromoulding (filling without the aid of centrifugation), it is found that using centrifugation significantly improved the structural integrity of the green micromixer. Straight and serpentine microchannels with rectangular cross‐sections were precisely fabricated. After sintering at 1600oC, defect‐free alumina micromixer with a relative density of 98.7%, linear shrinkage of about 18%, hardness of 20.9 GPa, flexural strength of 328.2 MPa and roughness of 143.9 nm was attained. The results show that ceramic microdevices with complex‐shaped 2D microchannels (with diameters ≤ 100 μm and aspect ratios ≤ 2) can be reliably fabricated by centrifuge‐assisted micromoulding.
A missing ethical competency? A review of critical reflection in health promotion
Authors: Tretheway Rebecca , Taylor Jane , O'Hara Lily , Percival Nikki 
Published: December 2015

Issue addressedThere is increasing emphasis in the health promotion literature on the ethical imperative for the profession to move towards critical practice. A key challenge for health promotion is that critical practice appears both under‐developed and under‐practiced. This is evident in the omission of critical reflection from Australian and international competencies for health promotion practitioners.MethodsA narrative literature review was undertaken to explore the current use of critical reflection in health promotion. Critical reflection models relevant to health promotion were identified and critiqued.ResultsThere was a dearth of literature on critical reflection within health promotion, despite recognition of its potential to support critical practice. The discipline of critical social work provided literature on the use, effect and outcome of critical reflection in practice. The interdisciplinary critical reflection model was identified as the model most applicable to health promotion. Underpinned by critical theory, this model emphasises both critical and ethical practice.ConclusionsCritical reflection is a core competency for health promotion practitioners to address the ethical imperative to move towards critical practice. There is a need to explore the application of a critical reflection model in health promotion to determine how it may support critical and ethical practice.
The Curious Case of Ethiopic Chaldean: Fraud, Philology, and Cultural (Mis)Understanding in European Conceptions of Ethiopia
Authors: Kelly Samantha 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAn intriguing mystery in early modern intellectual history is how and why European scholars came to designate Ethiopic, the sacred language of Ethiopia, as Chaldean. This article locates the designation’s origins in a deduction made by Vatican library personnel, partially inspired by a hoax perpetrated a quarter-century earlier. It then traces the influence of this designation on the progress of historical linguistics, where theories defending the appellation of Ethiopic as Chaldean, although often erroneous, nevertheless contributed to the accurate categorization of Ethiopic as a Semitic language, and on attitudes to Ethiopian Christianity that played a role in Catholic-Protestant polemic.
Rhetorical Delivery for Renaissance English: Voice, Gesture, Emotion, and the Sixteenth-Century Vernacular Turn
Authors: Wesley John 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn the sixteenth century, perceptions of the English language changed from one of barbaric inadequacy to that of rare eloquence. Accounts for this shift tend to focus on literary or textual production, but this essay shows how these very linguistic concerns were motivated by the nonlinguistic practices appropriate to Latin rhetorical delivery(pronuntiatio et actio). The emotional contagion, legitimization of the inarticulate, cultural contextualization, and overcoming of natural physical defects that all stand at the heart of delivery here situate vernacular uplift at the corporeal level. The essay ends with an illustrative reading of William Shakespeare’sTitus Andronicus.
Calibration of surface roughness standards
Authors: Thalmann R , Nicolet A , Meli F , Picotto G B , Matus M , Carcedo L , Hemming B , Ganioglu O , De Chiffre L , Saraiva F , Bergstrand S , Zelenika S , Tonmueanwai A , Tsai C -L , Shihua W , Kruger O , de Souza M M , Salgado J A , Ramotowski Z 
Published: December 2015

The key comparison EURAMET.L-K8.2013 on roughness was carried out in the framework of a EURAMET project starting in 2013 and ending in 2015. It involved the participation of 17 National Metrology Institutes from Europe, Asia, South America and Africa representing four regional metrology organisations. Five surface texture standards of different type were circulated and on each of the standards several roughness parameters according to the standard ISO 4287 had to be determined. 32 out of 395 individual results were not consistent with the reference value. After some corrective actions the number of inconsistent results could be reduced to 20, which correspond to about 5% of the total and can statistically be expected. In addition to the material standards, two softgauges were circulated, which allow to test the software of the instruments used in the comparison. The comparison results help to support the calibraton and measurement capabilities (CMCs) of the laboratories involved in the CIPM MRA.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.
The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCL, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Comparison APMP.QM-S2.1: oxygen in nitrogen at atmospheric level
Authors: Kim B M , Kim K , Jung J , Oh S , Hui L , Li H , Keat T B , Ann C H 
Published: December 2015

This document describes results of the bilateral comparison of an oxygen in nitrogen gas mixture. The nominal amount-of-substance fraction was 0.2 mol/mol oxygen in nitrogen

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.
The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Variational and optimal control representations of conditioned and driven processes
Authors: Chetrite Raphaël , Touchette Hugo 
Published: December 2015

Abstract.
We have shown recently that a Markov process conditioned on rare events involving time-integrated random variables can be described in the long-time limit by an effective Markov process, called the driven process, which is given mathematically by a generalization of Doob’s h-transform. We show here that this driven process can be represented in two other ways: first, as a process satisfying various variational principles involving large deviation functions and relative entropies and, second, as an optimal stochastic control process minimizing a cost function also related to large deviation functions. These interpretations of the driven process generalize and unify many previous results on maximum entropy approaches to nonequilibrium systems, spectral characterizations of positive operators, and control approaches to large deviation theory. They also lead, as briefly discussed, to new methods for analytically or numerically approximating large deviation functions.
Long-Term Changes in Blood Pressure After Pediatric Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Stabouli Stella , Printza Nikoleta , Dotis John , Gkogka Chrysa , Kollios Konstantinos , Kotsis Vasilios , Papachristou Fotios 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Hypertension presents high prevalence rates following kidney transplantation (Tx). The aims of the present study were to investigate the prevalence and possible risk factors for hypertension and blood pressure (BP) control over time after pediatric kidney Tx, as well as to assess possible effects of hypertension on graft survival.

METHODS
We reviewed the medical records of all pediatric kidney recipients followed up in our pediatric nephrology department. Hypertension was defined as systolic and/or diastolic BP greater than the 95th percentile for age and sex, or as being on antihypertensive medication. BP control was defined as normotension while on antihypertensive medication.

RESULTS
The study population included 74 pediatric kidney recipients (median age 11 years). The prevalence of hypertension was found 77% before Tx, 82.4%, 71.7%, and 61% at 1, 5, and 10 years after Tx, respectively. Deceased donor Tx and pre-transplant hypertension on antihypertensive medication were significant risk factors for hypertension after kidney Tx over the follow-up period. BP control among patients on antihypertensive treatment was 16.7% before Tx, 43.8%, 66.7%, and 42.9% at 1, 5, and 10 years post-Tx, respectively. Hypertensive patients at 10 years post-Tx had 8.079 times higher hazard of graft loss compared to normotensives (95% CI 1.561–41.807, P &lt; 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
Hypertension remains a frequent complication in pediatric kidney recipients even years after kidney Tx. BP control by antihypertensive treatment is unsatisfactory in about half of the patients. The adverse effects of hypertension on graft survival may appear in the long-term.
Existential distress among caregivers of patients with brain tumors: a review of the literature
Authors: Applebaum Allison J. , Kryza-Lacombe Maria , Buthorn Justin , DeRosa Antonio , Corner Geoff , Diamond Eli L. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

Background
Attention to existential needs is a component of comprehensive oncologic care, and understanding these needs among informal caregivers of patients with brain tumors is necessary to provide them with comprehensive psychosocial care. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the literature on existential distress experienced by these informal caregivers to inform the development of psychotherapeutic interventions for this population.

Methods
A systematic review was conducted using electronic medical databases. Studies that examined any element of existential distress among informal caregivers of patients with brain tumors were included. A final sample of 35 articles was reviewed.

Results
Six existential themes emerged: identity; isolation; responsibility and guilt; death anxiety; deriving meaning and personal growth; and spirituality and religion. The unique existential experience of parenting a patient with a brain tumor also emerged. Existential distress in all areas was identified as experienced early in the cancer trajectory and as a critical, unmet need.

Conclusions
Existential distress is well documented among informal caregivers of patients with brain tumors and is a significant driving force of burden. Awareness and acknowledgement of this distress, as well as interventions to ameliorate this suffering, are needed. More candid communication between health care providers and caregivers about brain tumor prognosis and caregivers' existential distress may improve their psychosocial outcomes.
Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Propionibacterium acnes Prosthetic Shoulder Infections in Adults
Authors: Piggott Damani A. , Higgins Yvonne M. , Melia Michael T. , Ellis Brandon , Carroll Karen C. , McFarland Edward G. , Auwaerter Paul G. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Background.  Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) significantly complicate joint arthroplasties. Propionibacterium acnes is an increasingly recognized PJI pathogen, yet limited clinical and therapeutic data exist. We sought to examine characteristics of P. acnes shoulder PJIs and compare surgical and nonsurgical management outcomes.
Methods.  A retrospective analysis of P. acnes shoulder PJIs was conducted at an academic center in Baltimore, Maryland from 2000 to 2013.
Results.  Of 24 cases of P. acnes shoulder PJIs, 92% were diagnosed after extended culture implementation; 42% in the delayed and 46% in the late postsurgical period. Joint pain and diminished function were the predominant presenting clinical signs. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein elevations occurred in 47% and 44%, respectively. All tested isolates were susceptible to β-lactams, moxifloxacin, vancomycin, and rifampin. Clindamycin resistance was identified in 6%. Of the antibiotic-only treated cases, 67% had a favorable clinical outcome compared with 71% (P = 1.0) of cases with a combined antibiotic-surgical approach. Favorable outcome with and without rifampin therapy was 73% and 60% (P = .61), respectively.
Conclusions.  Propionibacterium acnes PJI diagnoses increased with extended culture. Inflammatory markers were elevated in a minority of cases. Isolates maintained broad antimicrobial susceptibility. Compared to combined antibiotic-surgical approaches, antibiotic-only approaches were similarly successful in selected cases.
Cytomegalovirus Seroprevalence Among Children and Adolescents in Germany: Data From the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS), 2003–2006
Authors: Voigt Sebastian , Schaffrath Rosario Angelika , Mankertz Annette 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackground.  Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can cause severe birth defects. The majority of children with congenital CMV are born to CMV-seropositive women; however, transmission from mother to fetus and resulting defects are more likely to occur when mothers experience seroconversion during pregnancy. The objective of this study was to provide a population-based estimate of CMV seropositivity and to identify factors that correlate with the detection of CMV-immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies.Methods.  Cytomegalovirus-specific IgG antibodies were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 13 876 serum samples from children and adolescents (aged 1–17 years). Cytomegalovirus seroprevalence was correlated with children's age, gender, migration background, country of origin, place of birth, socioeconomic status, breast feeding, daycare attendance, order and number of siblings, and residence in East versus West Germany.Results.  Age-adjusted seroprevalence was 27.4% (95% confidence interval, 25.8–29.0). Cytomegalovirus seroprevalence increased with age (21.5% at ages 1–2; 32.0% at ages 14–17). Cytomegalovirus seropositivity was significantly associated with migration background, country of origin and place of birth, and (among migrants only) with low socioeconomic status. Risk factors for CMV acquisition included the birth order of siblings, breastfeeding, early daycare attendance, and living in East Germany.Conclusions.  In Germany, CMV seroprevalence increases with age, irrespective of gender. These data highlight risk factors associated with seroprevalence and help to identify a target age for the application of a CMV vaccine.
Large-scale CO (J = 4–3) mapping toward the Orion-A giant molecular cloud
Authors: Ishii Shun , Seta Masumichi , Nagai Makoto , Miyamoto Yusuke , Nakai Naomasa , Nagasaki Taketo , Arai Hitoshi , Imada Hiroaki , Miyagawa Naoki , Maezawa Hiroyuki , Maehashi Hideki , Bronfman Leonardo , Finger Ricardo 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
We have mapped the Orion-A giant molecular cloud in the CO (J = 4–3) line with the Tsukuba 30 cm submillimeter telescope. The map covered a 7.125 deg2 area with a 9′ resolution, including main components of the cloud such as the Orion Nebula, OMC-2/3, and L1641-N. The most intense emission was detected toward the Orion KL region. The integrated intensity ratio between CO (J = 4–3) and CO (J = 1–0) was derived using data from the Columbia–Universidad de Chile CO survey, which was carried out with a comparable angular resolution. The ratio was r4−3/1−0 ∼ 0.2 in the southern region of the cloud and 0.4–0.8 at star forming regions. We found a trend that the ratio shows higher values at the edges of the cloud. In particular, the ratio at the northeastern edge of the cloud at (l, b) ≈ (208$_{.}^{\circ}$375, −19$_{.}^{\circ}$0) shows the highest value of 1.1. The physical condition of the molecular gas in the cloud was estimated by non-LTE calculation. The result indicates that the kinetic temperature has a gradient from north (Tkin = 80 K) to south (20 K). The estimation shows that the gas associated with the edge of the cloud is warm (Tkin ∼ 60 K), dense ($n_{\mathrm{H_2}}\sim 10^{4}\:$cm−3), and optically thin, which may be explained by heating and sweeping of interstellar materials from OB clusters.