bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suspending Effect on Low-Frequency Charge Noise in Graphene Quantum Dot
Authors: Song Xiang-Xiang , Li Hai-Ou , You Jie , Han Tian-Yi , Cao Gang , Tu Tao , Xiao Ming , Guo Guang-Can , Jiang Hong-Wen , Guo Guo-Ping 
Published: January 2015

AbstractCharge noise is critical in the performance of gate-controlled quantum dots (QDs). Such information is not yet available for QDs made out of the new material graphene, where both substrate and edge states are known to have important effects. Here we show the 1/f noise for a microscopic graphene QD is substantially larger than that for a macroscopic graphene field-effect transistor (FET), increasing linearly with temperature. To understand its origin, we suspended the graphene QD above the substrate. In contrast to large area graphene FETs, we find that a suspended graphene QD has an almost-identical noise level as an unsuspended one. Tracking noise levels around the Coulomb blockade peak as a function of gate voltage yields potential fluctuations of order 1 μeV, almost one order larger than in GaAs/GaAlAs QDs. Edge states and surface impurities rather than substrate-induced disorders, appear to dominate the 1/f noise, thus affecting the coherency of graphene nano-devices.
Dual-band-enhanced Transmission through a Subwavelength Aperture by Coupled Metamaterial Resonators
Authors: Guo Yunsheng , Zhou Ji 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn classical mechanics, it is well known that a system consisting of two identical pendulums connected by a spring will steadily oscillate with two modes: one at the fundamental frequency of a single pendulum and one in which the frequency increases with the stiffness of the spring. Inspired by this physical concept, we present an analogous approach that uses two metamaterial resonators to realize dual-band-enhanced transmission of microwaves through a subwavelength aperture. The metamaterial resonators are formed by the periodically varying and strongly localized fields that occur in the two metal split-ring resonators, which are placed gap-to-gap on either side of the aperture. The dual-band frequency separation is determined by the coupling strength between the two resonators. Measured transmission spectra, simulated field distributions and theoretical analyses verify our approach.
Antihyperglycemic mechanism of metformin occurs via the AMPK/LXRα/POMC pathway
Authors: Cho Kumsun , Chung Jae Yong , Cho Sung Kweon , Shin Hyun-Woo , Jang In-Jin , Park Jong-Wan , Yu Kyung-Sang , Cho Joo-Youn 
Published: January 2015

AbstractMetformin is a first-line drug for treating type 2 diabetes. Although metformin is known to phosphorylate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), it is unclear how the glucose-lowering effect of metformin is related to AMPK activation. The aim of this study was to identify the urinary endogenous metabolites affected by metformin and to identify the novel underlying molecular mechanisms related to its anti-diabetic effect. Fourteen healthy male subjects were orally administered metformin (1000 mg) once. First morning urine samples were taken before and after administration to obtain metabolomic data. We then further investigated the anti-diabetic mechanism of metformin in vitro and in vivo. The fluctuation of the metabolite cortisol indicated that the neuroendocrine system was involved in the anti-diabetic effect of metformin. Actually we found that metformin induced AMPK/liver X receptor α (LXRα) phosphorylation, followed by pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) suppression in rat pituitary cells. We confirmed this result by administering metformin in an animal study. Given that cortisol stimulates gluconeogenesis, we propose the anti-hyperglycemic effect of metformin is attributed to reduced POMC/adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)/cortisol levels following AMPK/LXRα phosphorylation in the pituitaries.
Global-scale computational analysis of genomic sequences reveals the recombination pattern and coevolution dynamics of cereal-infecting geminiviruses
Authors: Wu Beilei , Shang Xiaonan , Schubert Jörg , Habekuß Antje , Elena Santiago F. , Wang Xifeng 
Published: January 2015

AbstractGenetic diversity and recombination patterns were evaluated for 229 isolates of Wheat dwarf virus (WDV), which are important cereal-infecting geminiviruses. Recombination hot spots were concentrated at the boundary of the genes encoding for the replication protein (Rep), the coat protein (cp) and the movement protein (mp), as well as inside Rep and cp and in the short intergenic regions (SIR). Phylogenomic analyses confirmed that the global population of WDV clustered into two groups according to their specific host: wheat and barley and the crucial regions for the division of two groups were mp and the large intergenic regions (LIR). The computationally inferred pattern of coevolution between amino acid residues and the predicted 3D structure for the viral proteins provided further differences among the strains or species at the genome and protein level. Pervasive interaction between Rep and Rep A proteins in WDV-wheat-specific group reflected their important and complex function in the replication and transcription of WDV. Furthermore, significant predicted interactions between CP and Rep and CP and Rep A proteins in the WDV-wheat-specific group are thought to be crucial for successful encapsidation and movement of the virus during infection.
Power quality surveys of photovoltaic power plants: characterisation and analysis of grid‐code requirements
Authors: Honrubia‐Escribano Andres , García‐Sánchez Tania , Gómez‐Lázaro Emilio , Muljadi E. , Molina‐García Angel 
Published: January 2015

In the past few years, grid‐code requirements for grid‐connected photovoltaic power plants have experienced a continuous evolution in different countries to ensure a reliable power system operation as the level of renewable energy penetration increases to high levels. According to several European grid‐codes, PV power plants must be able to ride through specific and severe disturbances without disconnections. Under this new framework, the present study analyses intensive power quality surveys carried out from 2008 to 2011 in three different Spanish PV power plants: a fixed array installation with 4 MW PV power capacity, a PV power plant including dual axis–trackers with 1 MW PV power capacity, and one more fixed array PV power plant with 5 MW PV power capacity. Voltage dips and supply interruptions have been collected, discussing several methods to characterise the monitored disturbances and to compare these events to current Grid‐Code requirements. Furthermore, the time interval around the residual voltage is proposed and defined by the authors as an additional parameter to provide a complete characterisation of the severity of the disturbances. Results from both characterisations of collected data and comparison with current requirements are also included in the study.
Sacroiliac Coalition: First Description and Report of a Successful Resection
Authors: Greiner Axel , Baur-Melnyk Andrea , Berezowska Sabina , D'Anastasi Melvin , Birkenmaier Christof 
Published: January 2015

Study Design Case report. Objective This report describes the first case of a sacroiliac coalition, its clinical features, the diagnostic difficulties, and the surgical treatment chosen in this case. Methods A 33-year-old man presented to our outpatient clinics complaining of severe left-sided low back pain with an intermitted nondermatomal radiation into the left thigh. The only abnormality on a pelvic radiograph was a coin-size, faint hyperdensity, which was almost overlooked. Subsequent computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed two bridging bone spurs on the anterior surface of the left joint with a fibrous interruption at the apex. After the conservative treatment failed, a surgical treatment was offered to the patient. The coalition was resected via an anterior retroperitoneal approach and through the tissue plane between the psoas and the iliacus muscles. A histopathologic examination was performed and confirmed the diagnosis of a coalition. Results The patient's pain resolved immediately after surgery. After 8 months, a follow-up CT scan showed complete removal of the coalition without any signs of recurrence, and at 12 months’ follow-up, the patient remained pain-free. Conclusions This is the first published case of a sacroiliac coalition. The only sign of this rare condition on the plain radiographs was very easy to miss. As has been discussed in the literature, CT and MRI are important in the differential diagnostics of such lesions. The histopathologic findings included that of a fibrous bar, confirming the diagnosis, which is further corroborated by the complete resolution of the symptoms.
A Meta-Analysis of the Clinical and Fusion Results following Treatment of Symptomatic Cervical Pseudarthrosis
Authors: McAnany Steven J. , Baird Evan O. , Overley Samuel C. , Kim Jun S. , Qureshi Sheeraz A. , Anderson Paul A. 
Published: January 2015

Study Design Systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Objective This study is a meta-analysis assessing the fusion rate and the clinical outcomes of cervical pseudarthrosis treated with either a posterior or a revision anterior approach. Methods A literature search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase was performed. Variables of interest included fusion rate and clinical success. The effect size based on logit event rate was calculated from the pooled results. The studies were weighted by the inverse of the variance, which included both within- and between-study error. The confidence intervals were reported at 95%. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Q statistic and I2, where I2 is the estimate of the percentage of error due to between-study variation. Results Sixteen studies reported fusion outcomes; 10 studies reported anterior and/or posterior results. The pooled fusion success was 86.4% in the anterior group and 97.1% in the posterior group ( p = 0.028). The anterior group demonstrated significant heterogeneity with Q value of 34.2 and I2 value of 73.7%; no heterogeneity was seen in the posterior group. The clinical outcomes were reported in 10 studies, with eight reporting results of anterior and posterior approaches. The pooled clinical success rate was 77.0% for anterior and 71.7% for posterior ( p = 0.55) approaches. There was significant heterogeneity in both groups ( I2 16.1; 19.2). Conclusions Symptomatic cervical pseudarthrosis can be effectively managed with either an anterior or a posterior approach. The posterior approach demonstrates a significantly greater fusion rate compared with the anterior approach, though the clinical outcome does not differ between the two groups.
A strategy for tissue self-organization that is robust to cellular heterogeneity and plasticity
Authors: Cerchiari Alec E. , Garbe James C. , Jee Noel Y. , Todhunter Michael E. , Broaders Kyle E. , Peehl Donna M. , Desai Tejal A. , LaBarge Mark A. , Thomson Matthew , Gartner Zev J. 
Published: January 2015

Significance
Differences in cell–cell interfacial energies can explain how multiple cell types sort into spatially organized tissues. However, this strategy of self-organization is not robust to heterogeneity or changes to the interfacial energies that drive correct cell positioning. Therefore, heterogeneous epithelial tissues such as the human mammary and prostate glands use a different strategy. First, disorganized aggregates form an adhesive interface at the tissue–ECM boundary that provides geometric constraints to self-organization. Second, only one cell type interacts appreciably with this interface. This strategy can explain how self-organization remains robust in vivo, provides generalizable rules for reconstituting tissues in vitro, and suggests how structure might break down during cancer progression.
Spanish version of the Cultural Intelligence Scale (CQS) / Versión española de la Escala de Inteligencia Cultural (EIC)
Authors: Moyano Manuel , Tabernero Carmen , Melero Rosa , Trujillo Humberto M. 
Published: January 2015

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

Abstract
We examined the effects of reservoir drawdowns and hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata coverage on year-class strength of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides at Rodman Reservoir, Florida. Average catch-curve residuals obtained from multiple age samples illustrated that four of the six cohorts produced during drawdowns were strong, whereas the majority of cohorts produced when pool levels were at normal depths were average to weak. Linear regression of average catch-curve residuals and the net change in percent area covered (PAC) by hydrilla were positively related (R2 = 0.75) to cohorts produced during drawdowns, whereas no relationship was found between hydrilla PAC and cohorts produced when water levels were at normal pool. The Largemouth Bass fishery at Rodman Reservoir could be managed for strong year-classes in predictive intervals (3–4 years) by the current drawdown magnitude, timing, and duration if hydrilla PAC is managed accordingly.
Received March 13, 2014; accepted September 4, 2014
Removal and Mark–Recapture Methods for Estimating Abundance: Empirical and Simulation Results for Mottled Sculpin in Streams
Authors: Ruetz Carl R. , Harris Brandon S. , McNair James N. , Homola Jared J. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Most studies that investigate biases in stream fish abundance estimators focus on salmonines, yet nongame species comprise a major portion of fish assemblages. We evaluated mark–recapture (the Lincoln–Petersen estimator with Chapman correction) and removal (constant capture probability and generalized removal estimators) methods for estimating abundance of Mottled Sculpin Cottus bairdii, and we tested whether assumptions of the abundance estimators (i.e., the population is closed during sampling; and marks are detected) were reasonable. Over 2-d periods, fish in eight streams were sampled by using backpack electrofishing in 90-m reaches (each divided into three 30-m subreaches) to assess movement. Removal abundance estimates were significantly lower than mark–recapture estimates. Moreover, removal estimates were 52% lower than the known number of marked individuals, likely because capture probability (q) was low and declined with subsequent sampling passes. Survival of fish held in cages was 100%; there were no undetected marks among fish held overnight. For all streams combined, 11% of recaptured fish that were marked in the core subreach were recaptured on day 2 in an adjoining subreach. In five of the eight study streams, movement of marked fish from the core subreach was not detected, suggesting that in most streams the population was closed to movement. Using computer simulations, we found that low numbers of recaptures (mean &lt; 6) negatively biased the mark–recapture estimator; however, the estimator was positively biased when the study population was open to movement—meaning that marked and unmarked fish were lost from the study reach as new, unmarked fish entered. Our results indicate that the removal estimator was negatively biased. We recommend using the mark–recapture method to estimate abundance when q is low (e.g., 0.21 in our study), with the caveat that study reach length must be sufficient to minimize fish movement across reach boundaries when block nets cannot be maintained between sampling events.
Received January 14, 2014; accepted September 22, 2014
Combination of ac electroosmosis and dielectrophoresis for particle manipulation on electrically-induced microscale wave structures
Authors: Chung Cheng-Che , Glawdel Tomasz , Ren Carolyn L , Chang Hsien-Chang 
Published: January 2015

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

Abstract

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

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

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

Conclusions
The acquisition of β-lactamases is the predominant mechanism of β-lactam resistance in Enterobacteriaceae. We have demonstrated that small PBP3 changes will affect the susceptibility to a broad range of β-lactams. These changes were identified in multiple MLST lineages of E. coli, and were enriched in NDM-containing isolates. However, they were not present in other key species of Enterobacteriaceae despite significant conservation among the PBP3 proteins.
Does Religion Affect Economic Growth and Happiness? Evidence from Ramadan *
Authors: Campante Filipe , Yanagizawa-Drott David 
Published: January 2015

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusions:
When given by computer-controlled infusion during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery, norepinephrine was effective for maintaining blood pressure and was associated with greater heart rate and cardiac output compared with phenylephrine. Further work would be of interest to confirm the safety and efficacy of norepinephrine as a vasopressor in obstetric patients.