bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuning resonant transmission through geometrical configurations of impurity clusters
Authors: Churochkin Dmitry , McIntosh Ross , Bhattacharyya Somnath
Published: January 2013

Resonant tunneling features through impurity clusters embedded in an insulating matrix have been examined through the inter-play between the size of the clusters and the inter-cluster distance. Constructive interference phenomena were tuned through a systematic study of different geometrical configurations, thereby controlling confinement in quasi-bound states. Gaussian trap potentials have been used to simulate the imperfect barrier-well interface associated with disordered materials. Strongly localized states can be formed successfully despite weak disorder as illustrated by breaking the symmetry in the horizontal configuration. To this end, triangular cluster configurations were investigated under a variety of conditions including various shapes and orientations. The effects of disorder created effectively by the arbitary configurations destroy the Fano resonance, which is previlent in conductance spectra and consequently reduce the peak to valley ratio of the resonant peak in current vs. voltage curves. However the formation of two quasi-bound states is demonstrated, suggesting possible applications for disordered naturally grown systems of impurity clusters. This work addresses the controlled lifetime of quasi-bound states and can inform the design of fast switching devices based on high band gap materials by the astute incorporation of impurity clusters with specific geometrical configurations.
Electrical properties and thermal stability of Pd-doped copper nitride films
Authors: Ji A. L. , Lu N. P. , Gao L. , Zhang W. B. , Liao L. G. , Cao Z. X.
Published: January 2013

Pd-doped copper nitride films with Pd concentrations up to 5.6 at. % were successfully synthesized by reactive magnetron sputtering of metal targets. Higher concentration of Pd (>5.6 at. %) would deteriorate the quality of the deposits. XPS and XRD data strongly suggest that Pd atoms occupy the centers of the Cu3N unit cells rather than simply substituting for the Cu atoms. A reduction in the electrical resistivity by three orders of magnitude was observed when the Pd concentration increases from zero to 5.6 at. %. All the deposits with the Pd concentration up to 5.6 at. % exhibit n-typed conductivity behavior. The corresponding carrier concentrations increase by four orders of magnitude from 1017 to 1021 cm−3. Compared with the undoped copper nitride films, a weakly Pd-doped Cu3N films possess fine thermal stability in vacuum. And the decomposition product after annealing at 450 °C exhibits a good metallic behavior, indicating that it qualifies the fabrication of conduct wires or metallic structures for the promising applications.
Tunable bandgap of a single layer graphene doped by the manganese oxide using the electrochemical doping
Authors: Soo Park Chang , Zhao Yu , Lee Jae-Hyun , Whang Dongmok , Shon Yoon , Song Yoon-Ho , Jin Lee Cheol
Published: January 2013

We studied the control of the bandgap energy of graphene by doping manganese oxide nanoparticles using an electrochemical method. The manganese oxide doping into the graphene was a main role for the bandgap opening and the defect generation was an effective method to increase the density of Mn doping on the graphene. The measured bandgap increased and finally saturated at 0.256 eV as the concentration of manganese oxide nanoparticles increased. The bandgap energies were 0.22, 0.244, 0.250, and 0.256 eV at the applied voltage of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 V, respectively. In addition, the defect generation by the plasma treatment resulted in improved formations of the bandgap energy up to 0.4 eV. The combination of the manganese oxide doping and the defect generation can enhance the bandgap energy effectively in the graphene. It is considered that the electrochemical doping technique is an effective way to control the bandgap energy of graphene.
Nanostructured diamond-TiC composites with high fracture toughness
Authors: Wang Haikuo , He Duanwei , Xu Chao , Tang Mingjun , Li Yu , Dong Haini , Meng Chuanmin , Wang Zhigang , Zhu Wenjun
Published: January 2013

We report the preparation of nanostructured diamond-TiC composites with high fracture toughness and high hardness starting from a ball-milled mixture of nano-sized Ti3SiC2 and submicron-sized diamond by simultaneously tuning the pressure-temperature conditions. The phase segregation of Ti3SiC2 at pressure of 5.5 GPa were investigated by X-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy, we found that the Ti3SiC2 could decompose into nanosized TiC and amorphous Ti-Si at 600–700 °C. The subsequent reaction between diamond and Ti-Si led to an amorphous Ti-Si-C matrix in which diamond and TiC crystals are embedded. With a loading force of 98 N, the measured fracture toughness KIC and Vicker's hardness HV of the synthesized composites reach up to 14 MPa m1/2 and 45.5 GPa, respectively. Our results demonstrate that the nanocrystalline/amorphous bonding matrix could largely enhance the toughness of the brittle composites.
Chemical effect of Si+ ions on the implantation-induced defects in ZnO studied by a slow positron beam
Authors: Jiang M. , Wang D. D. , Chen Z. Q. , Kimura S. , Yamashita Y. , Mori A. , Uedono A.
Published: January 2013

Undoped ZnO single crystals were implanted with 300 keV Si+ ions to a dose of 6 × 1016 cm−2. A combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD), positron annihilation, Raman scattering, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and photoluminescence (PL) was used to study the microstructure evolution after implantation and subsequent annealing. A very large increase of Doppler broadening S parameters in Si+-implanted region was detected by using a slow positron beam, indicating that vacancy clusters or microvoids are induced by implantation. The S parameters increase further after annealing up to 700 °C, suggesting agglomeration of these vacancies or microvoids to larger size. Most of these defects are removed after annealing up to 1100 °C. The other measurements such as XRD, Raman scattering, and PL all indicate severe damage and even disordered structure induced by Si+ implantation. The damage and disordered lattice shows recovery after annealing above 700 °C. Amorphous regions are observed by HRTEM measurement, directly testifies that amorphous phase is induced by Si+ implantation in ZnO. Analysis of the S – W correlation and the coincidence Doppler broadening spectra gives direct evidence of SiO2 precipitates in the sample annealed at 700 °C, which strongly supports the chemical effect of Si ions on the amorphization of ZnO lattice.
Record high-average current from a high-brightness photoinjector
Authors: Dunham Bruce , Barley John , Bartnik Adam , Bazarov Ivan , Cultrera Luca , Dobbins John , Hoffstaetter Georg , Johnson Brent , Kaplan Roger , Karkare Siddharth , Kostroun Vaclav , Li Yulin , Liepe Matthias , Liu Xianghong , Loehl Florian , Maxson Jared , Quigley Peter , Reilly John , Rice David , Sabol Daniel , Smith Eric , Smolenski Karl , Tigner Maury , Vesherevich Vadim , Widger Dwight , Zhao Zhi
Published: January 2013

High-power, high-brightness electron beams are of interest for many applications, especially as drivers for free electron lasers and energy recovery linac light sources. For these particular applications, photoemission injectors are used in most cases, and the initial beam brightness from the injector sets a limit on the quality of the light generated at the end of the accelerator. At Cornell University, we have built such a high-power injector using a DC photoemission gun followed by a superconducting accelerating module. Recent results will be presented demonstrating record setting performance up to 65 mA average current with beam energies of 4–5 MeV.
Highly oriented δ-Bi2O3 thin films stable at room temperature synthesized by reactive magnetron sputtering
Authors: Lunca Popa P. , Sønderby S. , Kerdsongpanya S. , Lu J. , Bonanos N. , Eklund P.
Published: January 2013

We report the synthesis by reactive magnetron sputtering and structural characterization of highly (111)-oriented thin films of δ–Bi2O3. This phase is obtained at a substrate temperature of 150–200 °C in a narrow window of O2/Ar ratio in the sputtering gas (18%–20%). Transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction reveal a polycrystalline columnar structure with (111) texture. The films are stable from room temperature up to 250 °C in vacuum and 350 °C in ambient air.
Fracture model for cemented aggregates
Authors: Zubelewicz Aleksander , Thompson Darla G. , Ostoja-Starzewski Martin , Ionita Axinte , Shunk Devin , Lewis Matthew W. , Lawson Joe C. , Kale Sohan , Koric Seid
Published: January 2013

A mechanisms-based fracture model applicable to a broad class of cemented aggregates and, among them, plastic-bonded explosive (PBX) composites, is presented. The model is calibrated for PBX 9502 using the available experimental data under uniaxial compression and tension gathered at various strain rates and temperatures. We show that the model correctly captures inelastic stress-strain responses prior to the load peak and it predicts the post-critical macro-fracture processes, which result from the growth and coalescence of micro-cracks. In our approach, the fracture zone is embedded into elastic matrix and effectively weakens the material's strength along the plane of the dominant fracture.
Using data to attribute episodes of warming and cooling in instrumental records
Authors: Tung Ka-Kit , Zhou Jiansong
Published: January 2013

The observed global-warming rate has been nonuniform, and the cause of each episode of slowing in the expected warming rate is the subject of intense debate. To explain this, nonrecurrent events have commonly been invoked for each episode separately. After reviewing evidence in both the latest global data (HadCRUT4) and the longest instrumental record, Central England Temperature, a revised picture is emerging that gives a consistent attribution for each multidecadal episode of warming and cooling in recent history, and suggests that the anthropogenic global warming trends might have been overestimated by a factor of two in the second half of the 20th century. A recurrent multidecadal oscillation is found to extend to the preindustrial era in the 353-y Central England Temperature and is likely an internal variability related to the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), possibly caused by the thermohaline circulation variability. The perspective of a long record helps in quantifying the contribution from internal variability, especially one with a period so long that it is often confused with secular trends in shorter records. Solar contribution is found to be minimal for the second half of the 20th century and less than 10% for the first half. The underlying net anthropogenic warming rate in the industrial era is found to have been steady since 1910 at 0.07–0.08 °C/decade, with superimposed AMO-related ups and downs that included the early 20th century warming, the cooling of the 1960s and 1970s, the accelerated warming of the 1980s and 1990s, and the recent slowing of the warming rates. Quantitatively, the recurrent multidecadal internal variability, often underestimated in attribution studies, accounts for 40% of the observed recent 50-y warming trend.
GOLPH3L antagonizes GOLPH3 to determine Golgi morphology
Authors: Ng Michelle M. , Dippold Holly C. , Buschman Matthew D. , Noakes Christopher J. , Field Seth J.
Published: January 2013

GOLPH3 is a phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PI4P) effector that plays an important role in maintaining Golgi architecture and anterograde trafficking. GOLPH3 does so through its ability to link trans-Golgi membranes to F-actin via its interaction with myosin 18A (MYO18A). GOLPH3 also is known to be an oncogene commonly amplified in human cancers. GOLPH3L is a GOLPH3 paralogue found in all vertebrate genomes, although previously it was largely uncharacterized. Here we demonstrate that although GOLPH3 is ubiquitously expressed in mammalian cells, GOLPH3L is present in only a subset of tissues and cell types, particularly secretory tissues. We show that, like GOLPH3, GOLPH3L binds to PI4P, localizes to the Golgi as a consequence of its PI4P binding, and is required for efficient anterograde trafficking. Surprisingly, however, we find that perturbations of GOLPH3L expression produce effects on Golgi morphology that are opposite to those of GOLPH3 and MYO18A. GOLPH3L differs critically from GOLPH3 in that it is largely unable to bind to MYO18A. Our data demonstrate that despite their similarities, unexpectedly, GOLPH3L antagonizes GOLPH3/MYO18A at the Golgi.
Quantifying relative fishing impact on fish populations based on spatio-temporal overlap of fishing effort and stock density
Authors: Vinther Morten , Eero Margit
Published: January 2013

Vinther, M., and Eero, M. 2013. Quantifying relative fishing impact on fish populations based on spatio-temporal overlap of fishing effort and stock density. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 618–627. Evaluations of the effects of management measures on fish populations are usually based on the analyses of population dynamics and estimates of fishing mortality from stock assessments. However, this approach may not be applicable in all cases, in particular for data-limited stocks, which may suffer from uncertain catch information and consequently lack reliable estimates of fishing mortality. In this study we develop an approach to obtain proxies for changes in fishing mortality based on effort information and predicted stock distribution. Cod in the Kattegat is used as an example. We use GAM analyses to predict local cod densities and combine this with spatio-temporal data of fishing effort based on VMS (Vessel Monitoring System). To quantify local fishing impact on the stock, retention probability of the gears is taken into account. The results indicate a substantial decline in the impact of the Danish demersal trawl fleet on cod in the Kattegat in recent years, due to a combination of closed areas, introduction of selective gears and changes in overall effort.
First Report of Cowpea mild mottle virus in Cowpea and French Bean in Taiwan
Authors: Chang C. A. , Chien L. Y. , Tsai C. F. , Lin Y. Y. , Cheng Y. H.
Published: January 2013

In 2009, more than 50% of vine type French beans were found bearing severe viral symptoms in a vegetable garden in Nantou County, Taiwan. Infected plants were stunted and exhibited pronounced mottling symptoms on their leaves. The symptomatic plants were mechanically inoculated on Chenopodium quinoa and local lesions developed 7 to 10 days after inoculation. The virus source established by back isolation the single lesion from C. quinoa on French beans developed symptoms similar to those found in the field. Host range test showed that this isolate could only infect leguminous plants, including soybean, mung bean, pea, peanut, asparagus bean, cowpea, adzuki bean, and lima bean, but not cucurbitaceous and solanaceous plants. Since only Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) has been reported in Taiwan to induce similar symptoms in French beans, we tested both the field collected and inoculated French beans by CMV antiserum in ELISA but obtained a negative result. Due to subsequent electron microscopy studies that found potyvirus and carlavirus like particles in the leaf dips of infected French beans, we conducted reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using generic degenerate primers for potyviruses (Hrp5/Pot1 (2) and PotZ/Pot1 (3)) and carlaviruses (Decarla-u2 (5′-TGCACTGARTCMGAYTATGARGCYTT-3′ and Decarla-d1 (5′-GCACATRTCRTCVCCDGCAAA-3′) previously designed in our lab. No amplification was found from the potyvirus primers, while the carlavirus one gave an expected amplicon of 285 bp, which was found sharing 81% nucleotide sequence identity with the replicase gene of Cowpea mild mottle virus (CpMMV) (GenBank Accession No. FJ560903). A primer pair (CpMMV-CPu: 5′-TTTACTCTTAggTWATggAgTC-3′ and CpMMV-CPd: 5′-CCTATTAAAACACACAAHTCAAA-3′) was thus designed to amplify the complete coat protein (CP) gene based on the reported CP sequences and obtained an expected 867-bp product from our French bean isolate. This 867-bp sequence (JX020701) was confirmed to have 97.6% amino acid sequence identities with the CP gene of a Puerto Rican CpMMV isolate (GU191840). In a separate survey, another isolate from asparagus bean (CpMMV-V) causing mild mottling symptom was obtained. Analyses of the CP gene of CpMMV-V (JX070669) confirmed that it shared 88.8% and 97.8% of nucleotide and amino acid sequence identities with the French bean isolate, respectively. Different from most carlaviruses with aphid transmissibility, CpMMV has been shown to be transmitted non-persistently by whiteflies (1). Both CpMMV isolates from Taiwan were confirmed to be transmitted by silver leaf whiteflies (Bemicia argentifolii Bellows and Perring). This is the first record of whitefly transmissible legume virus in Taiwan. Since whitefly has been a problem in agriculture worldwide, CpMMV can be a new emerging threat for Taiwan's legume crop production.

References: (1) M. Iwaki et al. Plant Dis. 66:365, 1982. (2) S. S. Pappu et al. J. Virol. Methods 41:9, 1993. (3) F. M. Zerbini et al. Phytopathology 85:746.
FEATURES AND SURGICAL OUTCOME OF RETINAL NERVE FIBER LAYER ALTERATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE
Authors: Ozeki-Jingami Yoko , Ooto Sotaro , Hangai Masanori , Tsujikawa Akitaka , Yoshimura Nagahisa
Published: January 2013

Purpose:

In this study, the authors aimed to investigate structural abnormalities in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and study the surgical outcomes in eyes with such alterations by comparing ultrastructure findings of the surgically excised epiretinal membrane (ERM) and inner limiting membrane (ILM) in patients with idiopathic ERM.

Methods and Patients:

Vitreous surgery was performed on four eyes with idiopathic ERM, of which three had columnar alterations of the nerve fiber layer. The ERM and ILM were dissected and removed, and ultrathin sections were analyzed and imaged completely by using electron microscopy. All the patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination, including SD-OCT, fundus-monitoring microperimetry, and red-free scanning laser ophthalmoscopic imaging.

Results:

Preoperatively, SD-OCT revealed the presence of columnar structures only in the RNFL. Transmission electron microscopy showed that all samples contained retinal cell debris on the outer surface of the ILM. However, adhesion of retinal nerve fibers on the outer surface of the ILM was not observed in any specimen. The columnar alterations in the RNFL observed via SD-OCT resolved completely within 1 month in all eyes. At 6 months after surgery, no eyes showed scotoma on microperimetry. Further, no dissociated nerve fiber layer appearance was identified.

Conclusion:

Vitrectomy with ILM peeling can be safely performed for ERMs with RNFL alterations, detected preoperatively by SD-OCT, without any structural or functional disturbances. The columnar alterations of the RNFL on SD-OCT may be inner retinoschisis.
Host microRNA molecular signatures associated with human H1N1 and H3N2 influenza A viruses reveal an unanticipated antiviral activity for miR-146a
Authors: Terrier Olivier , Textoris Julien , Carron Coralie , Marcel Virginie , Bourdon Jean-Christophe , Rosa-Calatrava Manuel
Published: January 2013

While post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by microRNAs (miRNAs) has been shown to be involved in influenza virus replication cycle, only a few studies have further investigated this aspect in a human cellular model infected with human influenza viruses. In this study, we performed miRNA global profiling in human lung epithelial cells (A549) infected by two different subtypes of human influenza A viruses (H1N1 and H3N2). We identified a common miRNA signature in response to infection by the two different strains, highlighting a pool of five miRNAs commonly deregulated, which are known to be involved in the innate immune response or apoptosis. Among the five miRNA hits, the only upregulated miRNA in response to influenza infection corresponded to miR-146a. Based on a previously published gene expression dataset, we extracted inversely correlated miR-146a target genes and determined their first-level interactants. This functional analysis revealed eight distinct biological processes strongly associated with these interactants: Toll-like receptor pathway, innate immune response, cytokine production and apoptosis. To better understand the biological significance of miR-146a upregulation, using a reporter assay and a specific anti-miR-146a inhibitor, we confirmed that infection increased the endogenous miR-146a promoter activity and that inhibition of miR-146a significantly increased viral propagation. Altogether, our results suggest a functional role of miR-146a in the outcome of influenza infection, at the crossroads of several biological processes.
Pick one, but be quick: 5′ splice sites and the problems of too many choices
Authors: Roca Xavier , Krainer Adrian R. , Eperon Ian C.
Published: January 2013

Splice site selection is fundamental to pre-mRNA splicing and the expansion of genomic coding potential. 5′ Splice sites (5′ss) are the critical elements at the 5′ end of introns and are extremely diverse, as thousands of different sequences act as bona fide 5′ss in the human transcriptome. Most 5′ss are recognized by base-pairing with the 5′ end of the U1 small nuclear RNA (snRNA). Here we review the history of research on 5′ss selection, highlighting the difficulties of establishing how base-pairing strength determines splicing outcomes. We also discuss recent work demonstrating that U1 snRNA:5′ss helices can accommodate noncanonical registers such as bulged duplexes. In addition, we describe the mechanisms by which other snRNAs, regulatory proteins, splicing enhancers, and the relative positions of alternative 5′ss contribute to selection. Moreover, we discuss mechanisms by which the recognition of numerous candidate 5′ss might lead to selection of a single 5′ss and propose that protein complexes propagate along the exon, thereby changing its physical behavior so as to affect 5′ss selection.
An examination of a blended learning approach in the teaching of economics to property and construction students
Authors: Poon Joanna
Published: January 2013

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report a case study from a project funded by the Centre for Education in the Built Environment (CEBE) on the use of a blended learning delivery approach in property education. “Blended learning” is a combination of multiple teaching styles and delivery methods which aim to complement each other and work to support and enhance student learning. This paper aims to examine the use of a blended learning approach to teach economics to property and construction students with the aim of improving students’ engagement and employability. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents the development and evaluation of a Property and Construction Economics module. A case study approach was used. An end‐of‐year evaluation of the module was conducted which aimed to obtain students’ feedback on the new delivery approach. An evaluation questionnaire was emailed to 164 students who enrolled on this module at the end of the academic year. A total of 82 completed questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 50 per cent. An analysis of questionnaire responses and written comments is presented. Findings – The students found that the overall structure of the module, including the lecture, workshops, seminars and the use of the Virtual Learning Environment was integrated well and it enhanced their overall learning experience. The students found the module structure was practical and had a good balance of theory and practice and the use of an issues‐based approach made economic concepts easier to understand. Several suggested changes were also made, focusing on greater use of technology during the module delivery and making it more “blended”. It was suggested a more interactive delivery style should be adopted, which would provide more support to students for learning and developing professional skills. An online discussion platform should be developed to facilitate students’ peer support. Originality/value – This paper is the first study to report both lessons learnt in the development of a blended learning delivery method together with students’ interaction with the blended learning environment in property‐related courses in the UK. The paper therefore constitutes the “best available evidence” on these questions and its significance lies in this contribution to knowledge. Property‐related course providers can use the experience of this case study to inform the design of blended learning in their programme in order to improve students’ learning experience and engagement.
Printed circuit board technologies for thermal management
Authors: Burr William , Pearne Nick , Stern Francesca
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to a provide short introductory overview of metal in board (MiB) circuit technologies for use in thermal management applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper details the types of metal in printed circuit boards (PCBs) that are possible and the mix of key features each exhibits. These combinations offer a mix of capabilities in thermal management, current conduction, interconnect density, material usage and cost that can be chosen to suit a specific application. Examples of these board types and their uses are considered.

Findings

Metal core and insulated metal substrate (IMS) PCBs are categories of PCB technologies which provide enhanced thermal management and current carrying capability. MiB technologies are based on conventional printed circuit materials and processes. This gives MiB a range of thermal and current handling characteristics which are particularly suited to a number of key existing and emerging applications.

Research limitations/implications

Further research and development in materials, processes and designs will help broaden the applicability of these types of boards, enabling them to encompass even more thermal management applications.

Originality/value

The paper shows that with 15 different types of metal core and metal backed PCB technologies available to handle thermal dissipation in power electronics, there is one to suit almost every application. This current and emerging portfolio of MiB types offers solutions which can handle thermal loads associated with power densities from about 0.25 W/cm2 to 10‐15 W/cm2 and currents from 20 A up to approximately 1000 A.
Ecological and demographic correlates of helping behaviour in a cooperatively breeding bird
Authors: Hatchwell Ben J. , Sharp Stuart P. , Beckerman Andrew P. , Meade Jessica
Published: January 2013

The evolution of cooperation is a persistent problem for evolutionary biologists. In particular, understanding of the factors that promote the expression of helping behaviour in cooperatively breeding species remains weak, presumably because of the diverse nature of ecological and demographic drivers that promote sociality.

In this study, we use data from a long‐term study of a facultative cooperative breeder, the long‐tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus, to investigate the factors influencing annual variation in helping behaviour. Long‐tailed tits exhibit redirected helping in which failed breeders may become helpers, usually at a relative's nest; thus, helping is hypothesised to be associated with causes of nest failure and opportunities to renest or help.

We tested predictions regarding the relationship between annual measures of cooperative behaviour and four explanatory variables: nest predation rate, length of the breeding season, population‐level relatedness and population density.

We found that the degree of helping was determined principally by two factors that constrain successful independent reproduction. First, as predicted, cooperative behaviour peaked at intermediate levels of nest predation, when there are both failed breeders (i.e. potential helpers) and active nests (i.e. potential recipients) available. Second, there were more helpers in shorter breeding seasons when opportunities for renesting by failed breeders are more limited.

These are novel drivers of helping behaviour in avian cooperative breeding systems, and this study illustrates the difficulty of identifying common ecological or demographic factors underlying the evolution of such systems.
Predicting the ‘Global Financial Crisis’: Post‐Keynesian Macroeconomics
Authors: Keen Steve
Published: January 2013

The ‘Global Financial Crisis’ is widely acknowledged to be a tail event for neoclassical economics (Stevens, 2008), but it was an expected outcome for a range of non‐neoclassical economists from the Austrian and post‐Keynesian schools. This article provides a survey of the post‐Keynesian approach for readers who are not familiar with this literature. It will briefly cover the history of how post‐Keynesian economics came to diverge so much from the neoclassical mainstream, and focus on post‐Keynesian macroeconomics today and its alternative indicators of macroeconomic turbulence.
Farm Type Effects of an EU‐wide Direct Payment Harmonisation
Authors: Gocht Alexander , Britz Wolfgang , Ciaian Pavel , Paloma Sergio Gomez y
Published: January 2013

In this study, we analyse how three scenarios involving different levels of harmonisation of common agricultural policy (CAP) decoupled payments in the EU affect the distribution of farm income across regions and farm types. We use the farm type extension of the common agricultural policy impact (CAPRI) model, which captures farm heterogeneity across the EU. The first scenario (NUTS1) assumes uniform per‐hectare payments at the NUTS1 level. The second scenario (MS‐CONV) equalises the per‐hectare rates inside each Member State (MS) and partially harmonises the single payment scheme (SPS) across MS in line with the 2011 Commission proposal. The third scenario simulates a uniform per‐hectare payment at the EU level. Depending on the implementation of the SPS, the NUTS1 flat rate induces a substantial redistribution of payments across farm types and NUTS2 regions, particularly in regions that apply the historical SPS. The MS‐CONV and EU flat‐rate schemes have more significant impacts at the EU‐wide level. In the EU‐15, almost all farms lose payments from MS‐CONV and EU‐wide flat rates, whereas in the EU‐10, almost all farm types gain from these scenarios. Our conservative estimates indicate that the flat‐rate payments could redistribute up to €8.5 billion. Lower land rental costs partially offset the losses of farm income in the EU‐15 from payment redistribution. Land rents drop for all flat‐rate scenarios across most sectors and farm sizes in the EU‐15. In the less productive new MS, the landowners’ rental income is largely unaffected by the introduction of the flat rate.
The Malaysian Clinical Guidance on the Management of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis, 2012: A Summary
Authors: Yeap Swan S. , Hew Fen L. , Lee Joon K. , Goh Emily M. L. , Chee Winnie , Mumtaz Malik , Damodaran Premitha , Lim Heng H. , Chan Siew P.
Published: January 2013

Aim

This Clinical Guidance is aimed to help practitioners assess, diagnose and manage their patients with osteoporosis (OP), using the best available evidence.

Methods

A literature search using PubMed (MEDLINE) and The Cochrane Library identified all relevant articles on OP and its assessment, diagnosis and treatment, from 2005, to update from the previous edition published in 2006. The studies were assessed and the level of evidence assigned; for each statement, studies with the highest level of evidence were used to frame the recommendation.

Results

This article summarizes the diagnostic and treatment pathways for OP, highlighting the new data that have changed the way we assess and treat OP. Instead of starting treatment based on bone mineral density alone, there has been a move to assessing 10‐year fracture risk before treatment, using tools such as the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX). There has been a re‐evaluation on calcium supplementation and more emphasis on the importance of vitamin D. There has been concern about the potential adverse effects of the long‐term usage of bisphosphonates, which we have discussed fully. New drugs that have been licensed since 2006 in Malaysia have been included.

Conclusions

Adequate intake of calcium (1000 mg from both diet and supplements) and vitamin D (800 IU) daily remain important in the treatment of OP. However, in confirmed OP, pharmacological therapy with anti‐resorptives is the mainstay of treatment. Patients need to be regularly assessed while on medication and treatment adjusted as required.
Evidence for a Role for the Adaptive Immune Response in Human Term Parturition
Authors: Gomez‐Lopez Nardhy , Vega‐Sanchez Rodrigo , Castillo‐Castrejon Marisol , Romero Roberto , Cubeiro‐Arreola Karen , Vadillo‐Ortega Felipe
Published: January 2013

Problem

Spontaneous labor at term involves leukocyte recruitment and infiltration into the choriodecidua; yet, characterization of these leukocytes and their immunological mediators is incomplete. The purpose of this study was to characterize the immunophenotype of choriodecidual leukocytes as well as the expression of inflammatory mediators in human spontaneous parturition at term.

Method of study

Choriodecidual leukocytes were analyzed by FACS, immunohistochemistry, and RT‐PCR in three different groups: (i) preterm gestation delivered for medical indications without labor; (ii) term pregnancy without labor; and (iii) term pregnancy after spontaneous labor.

Results

Two T‐cell subsets of memory‐like T cells (CD3+CD4+CD45RO+ and CD3+CD4−CD8−CD45RO+ cells) were identified in the choriodecidua of women who had spontaneous labor. Evidence for an extensive immune signaling network composed of chemokines (CXCL8 and CXCL10), chemokine receptors (CXCR1‐3), cytokines (IL‐1β and TNF‐α), cell adhesion molecules, and MMP‐9 was identified in these cells during spontaneous labor at term.

Conclusions

The influx of memory‐like T cells in the choriodecidua and the evidence that they are active by producing chemokines and cytokines, and expressing chemokine receptors, cell adhesion molecules, and a matrix‐degrading enzyme provides support for the participation of the adaptive immune system in the mechanisms of spontaneous parturition at term.
Does occiput posterior position in the second stage of labour increase the operative delivery rate?
Authors: Carseldine Wendy J. , Phipps Hala , Zawada Shannon F. , Campbell Neil T. , Ludlow Joanne P. , Krishnan Surya Y. , De Vries Bradley S.
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To assess the impact of occipito‐posterior position in the second stage of labour on operative delivery.

Methods

Double‐blinded prospective cohort study of ultrasound determined occiput‐posterior position during the second stage of labour compared with occiput‐anterior position. The primary outcome was operative (caesarean section, forceps or vacuum) delivery.

Results

A total of 68% (13/19) women in the occiput‐posterior group, and 27% (39/141) in the occiput‐anterior group had an operative delivery (unadjusted: P < 0.001). Caesarean section was performed in 37% and 5%, respectively (P < 0.001). The occiput‐posterior group had a longer second stage (mean 2 h 59 minutes vs 1 h 54 minutes; P = 0.001) and larger infants (mean 3723 g vs 3480 g, P = 0.024). In the logistic regression, occiput‐posterior position, nulliparity, abnormal second stage cardiotocograph and epidural analgesia were independent predictors for operative delivery.

Conclusions

Occiput‐posterior position early in the second stage of labour is strongly associated with operative delivery. There is potential to explore interventions such as manual rotation.
Placenta accreta: incidence and risk factors in an area with a particularly high rate of cesarean section
Authors: Morlando Maddalena , Sarno Laura , Napolitano Raffaele , Capone Angela , Tessitore Giovanni , Maruotti Giuseppe M. , Martinelli Pasquale
Published: January 2013

Placenta accreta is a rare and potentially life‐threatening complication of pregnancy characterized by abnormal adherence of the placenta to the uterine wall. A previously scarred uterus or an abnormal site of placentation in the lower segment is a major risk factor. The aim of this study was to investigate the change in the incidence of placenta accreta and associated risk factors along four decades, from the 1970s to 2000s, in a tertiary south Italian center. We analyzed all cases of placenta accreta in a sample triennium for each decade. The incidence increased from 0.12% during the 1970s, to 0.31% during the 2000s. During the same period, cesarean section rates increased from 17 to 64%. Prior cesarean section was the only risk factor showing a significant concomitant rise. Our results reinforce cesarean section as the most significant predisposing condition for placenta accreta.
Single‐incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy for porcelain gallbladder: A case report
Authors: Igami Tsuyoshi , Usui Hiroaki , Ebata Tomoki , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Sugawara Gen , Takahashi Yu , Nagino Masato
Published: January 2013

Single‐incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) has been performed in patients with gallbladder stones without inflammation. Porcelain gallbladder is a rare finding of chronic cholecystitis that is characterized by extensive calcification of the gallbladder wall. Herein we describe our experience with SILC for porcelain gallbladder with a successful outcome. A 67‐old‐year woman was diagnosed with porcelain gallbladder. We performed SILC using a SILS Port and a 5‐mm forceps through the umbilical incision. Because a small amount of the omentum around the gallbladder was left to facilitate grasping the fundus, a view of both the cystic artery and the cystic duct was easily obtained. The operative time and the intraoperative blood loss were 66 min and less than 1 mL, respectively. The patient was discharged 3 days after surgery and was satisfied with the cosmetic results. Our procedure may represent an alternative to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with porcelain gallbladder.
Encephalitis with Infiltration by CD8+ Lymphocytes in HIV Patients Receiving Combination Antiretroviral Treatment
Authors: Gray Françoise , Lescure François Xavier , Adle‐Biassette Homa , Polivka Marc , Gallien Sébastien , Pialoux Gilles , Moulignier Antoine
Published: January 2013

We report the neuropathological findings in 10 HIV‐infected patients treated by combination antiretroviral therapy who developed subacute encephalopathy of rapidly progressive onset. Brain biopsy showed encephalitic lesions variably associated with myelin loss and slight axonal damage. There was inconstant, weak expression of HIV protein p24; tests for other pathogens were negative. The most striking feature was diffuse, perivascular and intraparenchymal infiltration by CD8+ T‐lymphocytes. Six patients improved after the treatment. Four had an unfavorable outcome and died within a year. Post‐mortem in one case confirmed HIV leukoencephalitis with p24‐positive multinucleated giant cells, associated with acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in the cerebellum. There was diffuse infiltration by CD8+ lymphocytes; CD4+ cells were virtually absent. These cases may represent a specific clinicopathological entity, of which a few comparable cases have been already described. They can be included in the wide framework of immune reconstitution disease. Such syndromes have been described with opportunistic infections, but only seldom with HIV infection of the central nervous system (CNS). Our findings support the hypothesis that CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes can be harmful in immune reconstitution disease, particularly in the absence of CD4+ lymphocytes. CD8 cytotoxicity produces an acutization of a smoldering infection and/or an immunopathological reaction similar to ADEM.
Inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase activates Nrf2 signalling and induces heme oxygenase 1 transcription in breast cancer cells
Authors: Li H , Wood J T , Whitten K M , Vadivel S K , Seng S , Makriyannis A , Avraham H K
Published: January 2013

Background and Purpose

Endocannabinoids such as anandamide (AEA) are important lipid ligands regulating cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Their levels are regulated by hydrolase enzymes, the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL). Here, we investigated whether FAAH or AEA are involved in NF (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant responsive element (ARE) pathway.

Experimental Approach

The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of AEA or FAAH inhibition by the URB597 inhibitor or FAAH/siRNA on the activation of Nrf2‐ARE signalling pathway and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) induction and transcription.

Key Results

Endogenous AEA was detected in the immortalized human mammary epithelial MCF‐10A cells (0.034 ng per 106 cells) but not in MCF‐7 or MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells. Because breast tumour cells express FAAH abundantly, we examined the effects of FAAH on Nrf2/antioxidant pathway. We found that inhibition of FAAH by the URB597 inhibitor induced antioxidant HO‐1 in breast cancer cells and MCF‐10A cells. RNAi‐mediated knockdown of FAAH or treatment with AEA‐activated ARE‐containing reporter induced HO‐1 mRNA and protein expression, independent of the cannabinoid receptors, CB1, CB2 or TRPV1. Furthermore, URB597, AEA and siRNA‐FAAH treatments induced the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, while siRNA‐Nrf2 treatment and Keap1 expression blocked AEA, URB597 and si‐FAAH from activation of ARE reporter and HO‐1 induction. siRNA‐HO‐1 treatment decreased the viability of breast cancer cells and MCF‐10A cells.

Conclusions and Implications

These data uncovered a novel mechanism by which inhibition of FAAH or exposure to AEA induced HO‐1 transcripts and implicating AEA and FAAH as direct modifiers in signalling mediated activation of Nrf2‐HO‐1 pathway, independent of cannabinoid receptors.
The economic impact of early intervention in psychosis services for children and adolescents
Authors: McCrone Paul , Singh Swaran P. , Knapp Martin , Smith Jo , Clark Michael , Shiers David , Tiffin Paul A.
Published: January 2013

Aims

To develop and populate a plausible model of the impact of early intervention (EI) for children and adolescents with psychosis to estimate potential short‐term health‐related cost savings compared to generic Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Method

A decision‐tree‐based model for EI in CAMHS was developed. The model was populated using data relating to the use of inpatient care and EI service activity for people aged under 18 from an area of North East England. Data were abstracted from the National Health Service clinical reporting systems for 2001–2008. Sensitivity analyses were performed to examine costs associated with the model under differing assumptions.

Results

EI delivered cost savings of £4814 per patient compared to care provided by generic CAMHS. Cost savings were predominantly a consequence of reduced length of hospital admissions for patients served by the EI team. The findings were robust to sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that EI services for children and adolescents with psychosis provide potential direct health cost savings comparable to those observed for working‐age adults.
Long‐acting injectable antipsychotics in early psychosis: a literature review
Authors: Emsley Robin , Chiliza Bonginkosi , Asmal Laila , Mashile Mpogisheng , Fusar‐Poli Paolo
Published: January 2013

Aim

There are sound reasons for considering the use of long‐acting injectable antipsychotics early in the course of schizophrenia. We reviewed available literature on the subject.

Method

We conducted an electronic database search and critically reviewed all studies in which a long‐acting injectable antipsychotic was evaluated in early psychosis patients.

Results

There is a need for well‐designed studies as most of those reported were open‐label and non‐comparative, and samples were frequently small.

Conclusions

The available evidence does suggest that long‐acting injectable antipsychotics can be used safely and effectively in early stages of the illness, and that they may be associated with better outcomes than with oral medications. However, this is largely supported by evidence from naturalistic cohort studies and a small number of controlled trials of risperidone long‐acting injection. Evidence for olanzapine and paliperidone long‐acting injectables in particular is limited.
Convergence of potential net ecosystem production among contrasting C3grasslands
Authors: Peichl Matthias , Sonnentag Oliver , Wohlfahrt Georg , Flanagan Lawrence B. , Baldocchi Dennis D. , Kiely Gerard , Galvagno Marta , Gianelle Damiano , Marcolla Barbara , Pio Casimiro , Migliavacca Mirco , Jones Michael B. , Saunders Matthew
Published: January 2013

Metabolic theory and body size constraints on biomass production and decomposition suggest that differences in the intrinsic potential net ecosystem production (NEPPOT) should be small among contrasting C3grasslands and therefore unable to explain the wide range in the annual apparent net ecosystem production (NEPAPP) reported by previous studies. We estimatedNEPPOTfor nine C3grasslands under contrasting climate and management regimes using multiyear eddy covariance data.NEPPOTconverged within a narrow range, suggesting little difference in the net carbon dioxide uptake capacity among C3grasslands. Our results indicate a unique feature of C3grasslands compared with other terrestrial ecosystems and suggest a state of stability inNEPPOTdue to tightly coupled production and respiration processes. Consequently, the annualNEPAPPof C3grasslands is primarily a function of seasonal and short‐term environmental and management constraints, and therefore especially susceptible to changes in future climate patterns and associated adaptation of management practices.
Evaluating atmospheric CO2 inversions at multiple scales over a highly inventoried agricultural landscape
Authors: Schuh Andrew E. , Lauvaux Thomas , West Tristram O. , Denning A. Scott , Davis Kenneth J. , Miles Natasha , Richardson Scott , Uliasz Marek , Lokupitiya Erandathie , Cooley Daniel , Andrews Arlyn , Ogle Stephen
Published: January 2013

An intensive regional research campaign was conducted by the North American Carbon Program (NACP) in 2007 to study the carbon cycle of the highly productive agricultural regions of the Midwestern United States. Forty‐five different associated projects were conducted across five US agencies over the course of nearly a decade involving hundreds of researchers. One of the primary objectives of the intensive campaign was to investigate the ability of atmospheric inversion techniques to use highly calibrated CO2 mixing ratio data to estimate CO2 flux over the major croplands of the United States by comparing the results to an inventory of CO2 fluxes. Statistics from densely monitored crop production, consisting primarily of corn and soybeans, provided the backbone of a well studied bottom‐up inventory flux estimate that was used to evaluate the atmospheric inversion results. Estimates were compared to the inventory from three different inversion systems, representing spatial scales varying from high resolution mesoscale (PSU), to continental (CSU) and global (CarbonTracker), coupled to different transport models and optimization techniques. The inversion‐based mean CO2‐C sink estimates were generally slightly larger, 8–20% for PSU, 10–20% for CSU, and 21% for CarbonTracker, but statistically indistinguishable, from the inventory estimate of 135 TgC. While the comparisons show that the MCI region‐wide C sink is robust across inversion system and spatial scale, only the continental and mesoscale inversions were able to reproduce the spatial patterns within the region. In general, the results demonstrate that inversions can recover CO2 fluxes at sub‐regional scales with a relatively high density of CO2 observations and adequate information on atmospheric transport in the region.