bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raman thermometry: Effective temperature of the nonuniform temperature field induced by a Gaussian laser
Authors: Očenášek Jan , Voldřich Josef
Published: December 2015

Raman spectroscopy is a widely applied analytical technique with numerous applications that is based on inelastic scattering of monochromatic light, which is typically provided by a laser. Irradiation of a sample by a laser beam is always accompanied by an increase in the sample temperature, which may be unwanted or may be beneficial for studying temperature-related effects and determining thermal parameters. This work reports analyses of the temperature field induced by a Gaussian laser to calculate the Raman scattered intensity related to each temperature value of the nonuniform field present on the sample. The effective temperature of the probed field, calculated as an average weighted by the laser intensity, is demonstrated to be about 70% of the maximum temperature irrespective of the absorption coefficient or the laser focus. Finally, using crystalline silicon as a model material, it is shown that this effective value closely approximates the temperature value identified from the thermally related peak shift.
Fringing field-induced monodomain of a polymer-stabilized blue phase liquid crystal
Authors: Li Wei-Huan , Hu De-Chun , Li Yan , Chen Chao Ping , Lee Yung-Jui , Lien Alan , Lu Jian-Gang , Su Yikai
Published: December 2015

The influence of fringe electric field applied during photopolymerization on the electro-optic properties of polymer-stabilized blue phase liquid crystals (PS-BPLCs) was investigated. It has been found that the thermal stability would not degrade if the electric field was less than a critical value. The contrast ratio of PS-BPLC can be improved significantly because the uniformity of blue phase liquid crystal domain was enhanced by the electric fields, which were applied during photopolymerization. Meanwhile, with the electric filed, the potential energy of the BPLC molecules may lower the anchoring energy of the polymer network resulting in the improvement of electro-optic response properties. With optimized electric field during polymerization, the contrast ratio and the Kerr constant of PS-BPLC can be improved by 4.1 times and 15%, respectively, and the hysteresis can be decreased by 10%, while the response time and residual birefringence have no degradation.
Circular polarization analyzer with polarization tunable focusing of surface plasmon polaritons
Authors: Wang Sen , Wang Xinke , Kan Qiang , Qu Shiliang , Zhang Yan
Published: December 2015

A practical circular polarization analyzer (CPA) that can selectively focus surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) at two separate locations, according to the helicity of the circularly polarized light, is designed and experimentally verified in the terahertz frequency range. The CPA consists of fishbone-slit units and is designed using the simulated annealing algorithm. By differentially detecting the intensities of the two SPPs focuses, the helicity of the incident circularly polarized light can be obtained and the CPA is less vulnerable to the noise of incident light. The proposed device may also have wide potential applications in chiral SPPs photonics and the analysis of chiral molecules in biology.
Phonon induced luminescence decay in monolayer MoS2 on SiO2/Si substrates
Authors: Saigal Nihit , Ghosh Sandip
Published: December 2015

Exfoliated monolayer MoS2 films on SiO2/Si substrates have been studied using photoluminescence (PL), Raman and reflectance contrast (RC) spectroscopies. With increase in temperature, the intensity of the two dominant PL spectral features A and D, attributed to A exciton/trion and to defects, seemingly decay in an activated fashion with an energy ∼50 meV, which is close to the energies of E2g1 and A1g phonons. Comparison of absorption spectrum derived from RC with circular polarization resolved PL spectrum suggests that both D and A emissions are associated with bound excitons, the A emission involving relatively weakly localized ones. The PL decay behaviour is explained using a phenomenological model where non-radiative loss of excitons is determined by the number of excited phonon modes. This corroborates the recent finding of strong A exciton and A1g phonon coupling in monolayer MoS2.
Communication: An efficient approach to compute state-specific nuclear gradients for a generic state-averaged multi-configuration self consistent field wavefunction
Authors: Granovsky Alexander A.
Published: December 2015

We present a new, very efficient semi-numerical approach for the computation of state-specific nuclear gradients of a generic state-averaged multi-configuration self consistent field wavefunction. Our approach eliminates the costly coupled-perturbed multi-configuration Hartree-Fock step as well as the associated integral transformation stage. The details of the implementation within the Firefly quantum chemistry package are discussed and several sample applications are given. The new approach is routinely applicable to geometry optimization of molecular systems with 1000+ basis functions using a standalone multi-core workstation.
Charge Localisation in Heavy Alkali Metal Ion Complexes of 4,4'-Biphenyldicarboxylate
Authors: Harrowfield Jack , Thuéry Pierre
Published: December 2015

Crystal structure determinations on the isomorphous RbI and CsI complexes of 4,4′-biphenyldicarboxylate have shown the carboxylate entities to be coordinated in an unusual fashion where both oxygen atoms are in a tetrahedral environment indicative of negative charge localisation on each. The metal ions also show a highly irregular form of six-coordination, while the biphenyl units are planar, seemingly as a result of attractive interactions between the ortho hydrogen atoms.
A 10-year demographic study of a small mammal community in the Australian Alps
Authors: Happold D. C. D.
Published: December 2015

This paper describes a 10-year study of the community of two species of small rodents (Mastacomys fuscus, Rattus fuscipes) and one species of dasyurid marsupial (Antechinus swainsonii) in the subalpine zone of the Australian Alps. Each species exhibited differing life-histories with respect to population numbers, intra- and interannual fluctuations in numbers, reproduction, proportion of young in the population, winter survival, immigration and longevity. Of the two species of rodents, M. fuscus had the lowest population numbers, was the least fecund, had the highest rate of survival, and the smallest fluctuations in numbers. A. swainsonii was the least numerous species, and the winter die-off of males and the high fecundity of females resulted in much greater fluctuations in numbers than for either rodent. For all species, there were interannual variations in most demographic parameters, suggesting considerable flexibility in response to annual variations in the environment. None of the three species is known to hibernate, nor is there any evidence of cyclicity, as shown by some species of subarctic and arctic small mammals. Comparisons are made with subalpine small mammals in other parts of the world and the influence of the subalpine environment in determining population numbers is considered.
Surface engineered magnetic nanoparticles for specific immunotargeting of cadherin expressing cells
Authors: Moros Maria , Delhaes Flavien , Puertas Sara , Saez Berta , de la Fuente Jesús M , Grazú Valeria , Feracci Helene
Published: December 2015

In spite of historic advances in cancer biology and recent development of sophisticated chemotherapeutics, the outlook for patients with advanced cancer is still grim. In this sense nanoparticles (NPs), through their unique physical properties, enable the development of new approaches for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Thus far the most used active targeting scheme involves NPs functionalization with antibodies specific to molecules overexpressed on cancer cell’s surface. Therefore, such active targeting relies on differences in NPs uptake kinetics rates between tumor and healthy cells. Many cancers of epithelial origin are associated with the inappropriate expression of non-epithelial cadherins (e.g. N-, P-, -11) with concomitant loss of E-cadherin. Such phenomenon named cadherin switching favors tumor development and metastasis via interactions of tumor cells with stromal components. That is why we optimized the oriented functionalization of fluorescently labelled magnetic NPs with a novel antibody specific for the extracellular domain of cadherin-11. The obtained Ab-NPs exhibited high specificity when incubated with two cell lines used as models of tumor and healthy cells. Thus, cadherin switching offers a great opportunity for the development of active targeting strategies aimed to improve the early detection and treatment of cancer.
Key comparison BIPM.RI(I)-K4 of the absorbed dose to water standards of the PTB, Germany and the BIPM in 60Co gamma radiation
Authors: Kessler C , Burns D T , Kapsch R -P , Krauss A
Published: December 2015

An indirect comparison has been made of the standards for absorbed dose to water in 60Co radiation of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, (PTB), Germany and of the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM). The measurements at the BIPM were carried out in October 2015. The comparison result, based on the calibration coefficients for two transfer standards and evaluated as a ratio of the PTB and the BIPM standards for absorbed dose to water, is 0.9977 with a combined standard uncertainty of 3.8 × 10−3. The results are analysed and presented in terms of degrees of equivalence for entry in the BIPM key comparison database.

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 CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
A plane mirror experiment inspired by a comic strip
Authors: Ribeiro Jair Lúcio Prados
Published: December 2015

A comic strip about a plane mirror was used in a high school optics test, and it was perceived that a large portion of the students believed that the mirror should be larger than the object so the virtual image could be entirely visible. Inspired on the comic strip, an experimental demonstration with flat mirrors was developed, in order to readdress this topic learning. Students were encouraged to create their own investigation of the phenomenon with a simple instrumental apparatus and also suggest different experimental approaches.
Coaching to Augment Mentoring to Achieve Faculty Diversity: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Williams Simon N. , Thakore Bhoomi K. , McGee Richard
Published: December 2015

Purpose

The Academy for Future Science Faculty (the Academy) is a novel coaching intervention for biomedical PhD students designed to address limitations in previous efforts to promote faculty diversity. Unlike traditional research mentoring, the Academy includes both group and individual coaching, coaches have no research or evaluation roles with the students, and it is based on social science theories. The authors present a qualitative case study of one of the coaching groups and provide statistical analyses indicating whether one year in the Academy effects students’ perceptions of the achievability and desirability of an academic career.

Method

The authors tested (July 2012–July 2013), with Northwestern University ethical approval, the Academy via a longitudinal randomized controlled trial. Participants were 121 latter-stage biomedical PhD students. The authors collected data via questionnaires, interviews, and meeting recordings.

Results

The case study shows how group career coaching can effectively supplement traditional one-to-one research mentoring; provide new role models for underrepresented minority students; and provide theory-based lenses through which to engage in open conversations about race, gender, and science careers. Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed that perceived achievability increased in the Academy group from baseline to one-year follow-up (mean, 5.75 versus 6.39) but decreased in the control group (6.58 versus 5.81). Perceived desirability decreased significantly less (P < .05) in the Academy group (7.00 versus 6.36) than in the control group (7.83 versus 5.97).

Conclusions

Early results suggest that an academic career coaching model can effectively supplement traditional research mentoring and promote persistence toward academic careers.
GRANULAR HYPERREFLECTIVE SPECKS BY SPECTRAL DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY AS SIGNS OF WEST NILE VIRUS INFECTION: THE STARDUST SIGN
Authors: Wang Rui , Wykoff Charles C. , Brown David M.
Published: December 2015

Purpose:

To report the retinal findings and evolution of a visually symptomatic case of West Nile virus meningoencephalitis.

Methods:

Case report. Main outcome measures include serologic testing for West Nile virus as well as longitudinal funduscopic examination, fluorescein angiography, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

Results:

A 47-year-old diabetic man was referred for ophthalmic evaluation after hospitalization and treatment for West Nile meningoencephalitis. The patient presented with decreased vision and black spots in the right eye. Baseline visual acuity was 20/100 in the right eye and 20/40 in the left. Funduscopic examination and fluorescein angiography revealed multiple outer-retinal, punctate white spots in the macula and midperiphery of the right eye with no irregularities noted in the left eye. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography revealed granular hyperreflective specks casting variably dense shadows scattered throughout multiple retinal layers, most prominently within the outer and inner nuclear layers of the right eye. The patient was observed over the course of 14 weeks, and final visual acuity was 20/50 in the right eye. Longitudinally, the number of specks progressively decreased.

Conclusion:

During West Nile virus infection, granular hyperreflective specks located predominantly within the outer and inner nuclear layers were visualized by spectral domain optical coherence tomography and may be a sign of West Nile virus infection.
WIDESPREAD MACULAR NEUROSENSORY DETACHMENT AFTER OCRIPLASMIN INTRAVITREAL INJECTION
Authors: Neffendorf James E. , Lim Lik Thai , Gout Irina I. , El-Amir Ahmed
Published: December 2015

Purpose:

To present the case of a patient with vitreomacular traction who experienced immediate severe acute complications after ocriplasmin intravitreal injection.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 61-year-old woman with vitreomacular traction underwent ocriplasmin treatment. Within 24 hours after injection, she noticed severe reduction in visual acuity. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography revealed release of vitreous traction, together with widespread subretinal fluid and decreased reflectivity in the outer retina. Ten weeks after treatment, visual acuity improved, although below pretreatment levels, with partial reduction in subretinal fluid.

Conclusion:

Intravitreal ocriplasmin can produce acute visual acuity changes with widespread subretinal fluid and outer retinal ellipsoid zone hyporeflectivity on spectral domain optical coherence tomography. The overall acute and long-term safety profile of ocriplasmin remains unknown.
RETINAL CAVERNOUS HEMANGIOMA DOCUMENTED BY SPECTRAL DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY AND CONFOCAL SCANNING LASER OPHTHALMOSCOPE RETRO-MODE IMAGING
Authors: Ito Haruna , Takahashi Atsushi , Ishiko Satoshi , Nagaoka Taiji , Yoshida Akitoshi
Published: December 2015

Purpose:

To report a case of retinal cavernous hemangioma documented by spectral domain optical coherence tomography and retro-mode retinal imaging by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope.

Methods:

Clinical examination, fluorescein angiography, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and scanning laser ophthalmoscope retro-mode imaging were performed.

Results:

Fundus examination of the left eye of an asymptomatic 39-year-old woman showed an irregularly elevated dark red lesion with a cluster of various-sized saccular aneurysms. The retinal cavernous hemangioma lesions were in the upper vascular arcade. A late-phase fluorescein angiography image showed a typical finding, known as fluorescence capping, characterized by incomplete perfusion because of plasma–erythrocyte separation, which was seen in some larger aneurysms. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography showed that various-sized dilated cystic spaces corresponded to the aneurysms. The image showed the horizontal line, which corresponded to the fluorescence capping in some larger aneurysms. Scanning laser ophthalmoscope retro-mode images showed the individual sizes and septum of the aneurysms. The image also showed the characteristic dots-and-lines pattern around the retinal cavernous hemangioma at the corresponding area of inner retinoschisis attributed to the aneurysms without outer retinoschisis on the spectral domain optical coherence tomography images.

Conclusion:

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography and scanning laser ophthalmoscope retro-mode imaging may be useful for evaluating the pathophysiologic features and the full extent of the retinal cavernous hemangioma.
The Relationship of Health Literacy With Use of Digital Technology for Health Information: Implications for Public Health Practice
Authors: Manganello Jennifer , Gerstner Gena , Pergolino Kristen , Graham Yvonne , Falisi Angela , Strogatz David
Published: December 2015

Objective:

An understanding of the association of health literacy with patterns related to access and usage of digital technologies and preferences for sources of health information is necessary for public health agencies and organizations to appropriately target channels for health information dissemination.

Design:

A cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted in New York State. Health literacy was assessed using the Morris Single-Item Screener, a self-report question. A weighted analysis was conducted utilizing Stata/SE.

Participants:

The final sample size of New York State residents used for analysis was 1350.

Results:

In general, self-report health literacy did not predict digital technology use (ie, Internet and smartphone use, text messaging) but was associated with certain digital activities. People with low self-report health literacy were less likely to use search engines (P = .026) but more likely to get health information from social networking sites (P = .002) and use health-related phone apps (P = .046). With respect to health information seeking, those with lower self-report health literacy reported greater difficulty with their most recent search for health information. Furthermore, they were more likely to prefer text messages (P = .013) and radio (P = .022), 2 text-limited communication channels, to receive health information than those with higher self-report health literacy.

Conclusions:

While self-report health literacy does not appear to influence access to and use of digital technologies, there is a strong association with experiences searching for health information and preferences for health information sources. Public health agencies and organizations should consider the needs and preferences of people with low health literacy when determining channels for health information dissemination. They should also consider implementing interventions to develop health information–seeking skills in populations they serve and prepare information and materials that are easily accessible and understandable.
Proprioceptive feedback determines visuomotor gain inDrosophila
Authors: Bartussek Jan , Lehmann Fritz-Olaf
Published: December 2015

Multisensory integration is a prerequisite for effective locomotor control in most animals. Especially the impressive aerial performance of insects relies on rapid and precise integration of multiple sensory modalities that provide feedback on different time scales. In flies, continuous visual signalling from the compound eyes is fused with phasic proprioceptive feedback to ensure precise neural activation of wing steering muscles within narrow temporal phase bands of the stroke cycle. This phase-locked activation relies on mechanoreceptors distributed over wings and gyroscopic halteres. Here we investigate visual steering performance of tethered flying fruit flies with reduced haltere and wing feedback signalling. Using a flight simulator, we evaluated visual object fixation behaviour, optomotor altitude control, and saccadic escape reflexes. The behavioural assays show an antagonistic effect of wing and haltere signalling on visuomotor gain during flight. Compared to controls, suppression of haltere feedback attenuates while suppression of wing feedback enhances the animal's wing steering range. Our results suggest that the generation of motor commands owing to visual perception is dynamically controlled by proprioception. We outline a potential physiological mechanism based on the biomechanical properties of wing steering muscles and sensory integration processes at the level of motoneurons. Collectively, the findings contribute to our general understanding how moving animals integrate sensory information with dynamically changing temporal structure.
Who, when, and where? Age-related differences on a new memory test
Authors: Sumida Catherine A. , Holden Heather M. , Van Etten Emily J. , Wagner Gabrielle M. , Hileman Jacob D. , Gilbert Paul E.
Published: December 2015

Our study examined age-related differences on a new memory test assessing memory for “who,” “when,” and “where,” and associations among these elements. Participants were required to remember a sequence of pictures of different faces paired with different places. Older adults remembered significantly fewer correct face–place pairs in the correct sequence compared with young adults. Correlation analyses with standardized neuropsychological tests provide preliminary evidence for construct validity. Our results offer insight into age-related changes in the ability to remember associations between people and places at different points in time using a portable test that can be administered rapidly in various settings.
Spermidine-induced improvement of reconsolidation of memory involves calcium-dependent protein kinase in rats
Authors: Girardi Bruna Amanda , Ribeiro Daniela Aymone , Signor Cristiane , Muller Michele , Gais Mayara Ana , Mello Carlos Fernando , Rubin Maribel Antonello
Published: December 2015

In this study, we determined whether the calcium-dependent protein kinase (PKC) signaling pathway is involved in the improvement of fear memory reconsolidation induced by the intrahippocampal administration of spermidine in rats. Male Wistar rats were trained in a fear conditioning apparatus using a 0.4-mA footshock as an unconditioned stimulus. Twenty-four hours after training, animals were re-exposed to the apparatus in the absence of shock (reactivation session). Immediately after the reactivation session, spermidine (2–200 pmol/site), the PKC inhibitor 3-[1-(dimethylaminopropyl)indol-3-yl]-4-(indol-3-yl) maleimide hydrochloride (GF 109203X, 0.3–30 pg/site), the antagonist of the polyamine-binding site at the NMDA receptor, arcaine (0.2–200 pmol/site), or the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 0.02–2 nmol/site) was injected. While the post-reactivation administration of spermidine (20 and 200 pmol/site) and PMA (2 nmol/site) improved memory reconsolidation, GF 109203X (1, 10, and 30 pg/site) and arcaine (200 pmol/site) impaired it. GF 109203X (0.3 pg/site) impaired memory reconsolidation in the presence of spermidine (200 pmol/site). PMA (0.2 nmol/site) prevented the arcaine (200 pmol/site)-induced impairment of memory reconsolidation. Anisomycin (2 µg/site) also impaired memory reconsolidation in the presence of spermidine (200 pmol/site). Drugs had no effect when they were administered in the absence of reactivation. These results suggest that the spermidine-induced enhancement of memory reconsolidation involves PKC activation.
Investigation of the polarization state of dual APPLE-II undulators
Authors: Hand Matthew , Wang Hongchang , Dhesi Sarnjeet S. , Sawhney Kawal
Published: December 2015

The use of an APPLE II undulator is extremely important for providing a high-brilliance X-ray beam with the capability to switch between various photon beam polarization states. A high-precision soft X-ray polarimeter has been used to systematically investigate the polarization characteristics of the two helical APPLE II undulators installed on beamline I06 at Diamond Light Source. A simple data acquisition and processing procedure has been developed to determine the Stokes polarization parameters for light polarized at arbitrary linear angles emitted from a single undulator, and for circularly polarized light emitted from both undulators in conjunction with a single-period undulator phasing unit. The purity of linear polarization is found to deteriorate as the polarization angle moves away from the horizontal and vertical modes. Importantly, a negative correlation between the degree of circular polarization and the photon flux has been found when the phasing unit is used.
Contradictions in qualitative management research
Authors: Hansen Per Richard , Dorland Jens
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– Contradictory accounts in empirical material are often perceived as deliberate “lies” or “misleading deceptions” performed in acts of impression management, or they are simply neglected. When observed in the material collected empirically, methods have been developed in order to identify and remove them from the analytical work. The purpose of this paper is to re-visit and re-introduce a dissensus-based management research strategy in order to analytically be able to work with what appear to be contradictions and misinformation in qualitative research accounts, and give them a more profound role in the understanding of management ideas, work and practices.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature review is presented on consensus and dissensus orientated theories on contradictions and multiple and conflicting identities in a single individual in an ethnographic inquiry. The purpose is to analyse and reflect upon the contradictory information gathered, and how it can shed light upon important aspects of the management work and practices performed by the informant. This is done by focusing on apparent contradictions in a single interview situation from an ethnographic case study through, respectively a consensus and a dissensus perspective.

Findings

– The findings indicate that dealing with contradictions and inner conflicts between self-view and external demands and conditions, led the informant to the production of multiple narrative self-identities imaging multiple realities that all appeared real to the informant. Each of these realities had different and contradictory impacts on the ideas and management work and practices he presented and performed in the organisation. These findings challenge the notions of “lies”, “deception” and “misinformation” in management research, and call for a more reflexive approach to analysis work in ethnographic accounts.

Originality/value

– By applying consensus and dissensus-oriented theories to a single account the authors point to conditions, phenomena and relations, which most current and historic management research streams fail to see. Multiple and conflicting identities surface in a single respondent during an interview situation, creating clearly self-contradictory and conflicting narratives and practices, that all appear to be oblivious to the respondent. These multiple and contradictory narrative identities all have significant impact on the management work performed by the respondent.
Understanding the congruence of HRM frames in a healthcare organization
Authors: Bondarouk Tanya , Bos-Nehles Anna , Hesselink Xanthe
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the differences and similarities in the HRM frames of middle-level managers and HR professionals, and to uncover the roots and contents of (dis)agreements in the HRM frames among HR professionals and middle-level managers.

Design/methodology/approach

– An explorative case study performed in a Dutch homecare organization explored the reasons for the different roots and dynamics of the cognitive frames of HR professionals and middle-level managers.

Findings

– The research shows that these differences originate in the lack of clarity concerning the experienced philosophy and goals of HRM, leading to different client foci, in the inertia- and intuition-based execution of HRM practices and in the seemingly large distance between central and local HRM administrative functions. The alignment of HRM frames developed from being congruent in the HRM vision towards incongruence in daily HRM execution.

Originality/value

– This research confirms that HR professionals and middle-level managers have different HRM frames that encompass knowledge, assumptions and expectations. Congruent thinking by both social groups can lead to a better HRM system and to changes in HRM processes, enabling easier progress.
Competitiveness Makes a Difference in the European Dairy Sector
Authors: Jansik Csaba , Irz Xavier
Published: December 2015

In the post‐quota era, competitiveness has become the key determinant of success of dairy sectors within the EU. To understand the evolution of the sector, we identify key determinants of the competitiveness of national dairy chains by combining an analysis of competitiveness indicators with case‐studies in selected EU countries. Around the Baltic Sea region, we find steady productivity growth on dairy farms in the old Member States, and no evidence that the newer Member States are managing to reduce their productivity gap. In contrast, growth accounting for the dairy processing sector indicates that newer Member States are catching up in terms of productivity. Competitiveness is heavily influenced by the efficiency with which economic units operate within their national dairy supply chains, in particular with respect to cost management, sales and marketing. Although there exist numerous quantitative competitiveness indicators, we stress the importance of several qualitative factors that strongly influence competitiveness, for example, the relationships of dairy chain actors with other economic sectors, the chain's weight in the national economy, national policy decisions, the availability of supporting services and the nature of public perceptions of the sector. Although often overlooked in competitiveness analyses, those factors should be given due consideration.
Grey Swans – Agricultural Price Spikes Are Not a Thing of the Past
Authors: Mitchell Ian
Published: December 2015

Food price spikes can lead to significant increases in hunger and disruption but unlike ‘Black Swans’ they are not unforeseen or extremely unlikely events. Perhaps they are Grey Swans. With a new era for global agricultural markets, but in a period of relative calm, how should we be preparing for the risk of future disruption? This article looks first at the new era for global agriculture characterised by new price trends, shifting policy landscapes and trade patterns as well as the prospect of climate change. It highlights a more explicit risk of further food commodity price spikes, and considers the G20's response in the form of the Agricultural Markets Information System (AMIS). Finally, it builds on a symposium of some of the world's leading agricultural economists – the London Group – to identify the four main challenges for policymakers. It identifies priority actions which include reforming global agriculture policy to drive productivity growth; preparing for truly unpredictable shocks; challenging private grain traders to do more for stability; and accelerating the availability of data to enable both R&D and futures markets to mitigate risks. Taken together, these are the steps that will prepare our agricultural systems to meet the challenges of Grey and Black Swans.
cDNA cloning and expression analysis of the juvenile hormone acid methyltransferase from seabuckthorn carpenterworm, Holcocerus hippophaecolus (Lepidoptera: Cossidae)
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Wang Yu , Zhou Jiao , Li Juan , Zong Shi‐Xiang , Luo You‐Qing , Weng Qiang
Published: December 2015

In this study, we report the cDNA cloning and sequence determination of Hh‐JHAMT from the seabuckthorn carpenterworm, Holcocerus hippophaecolus, by using rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The full‐length cDNA of putative Hh‐JHAMT was 1659 bp and contained a highly conserved Motif I, SAM motif I, which showed that Hh‐JHAMT like enzyme was a member of SAM‐dependent MTases. Moreover, putative Hh‐JHAMT had high homology to the other members of the JHAMT peptide family: 59% with Spodoptera litura, 54% with Bombyx mori and 54% with Helicoverpa armigera. Multiple alignments and phylogenetic analysis revealed that Hh‐JHAMT was closely related to JHAMT from Lepidoptera. Real‐time quantitative PCR experiments showed that Hh‐JHAMT mRNA expression was highest in the corpora allata (CA) complex, and was also detected at high levels during earlier larval and adult stages. The JHAMT mRNA level gradually declined during larval development, and the lowest amount of expression was observed in the pupal stage, while it increased to a higher level during adult stages. The pattern of Hh‐JHAMT expression was similar to the mode of JH biosynthesis. These results provided information concerning molecular characteristics of Hh‐JHAMT, whose expression profile suggests that the Hh‐JHAMT gene might be changed with larval development, metamorphosis and adult reproduction of the H. hippophaecolus.
Field evaluation on the synergistic attractiveness of 2‐(1‐undecyloxy)‐1‐ethanol and ipsenol toMonochamus saltuarius
Authors: Kim Junheon , Lee Sang‐Myeong , Jung Young Hak , Kwon Young‐Dae , Kim Dong‐Soo , Lee Dong Woon , Park Chung Gyoo
Published: December 2015

To develop an optimal attractant forMonochamus saltuarius(Gebler) (Coleoptera:Cerambycidae), the synergistic effects of a few potential attractants (ethanol and α‐pinene as host‐plant volatiles, and ipsenol and ipsdienol as bark beetle pheromones) were tested in a pine forest combined with 2‐(1‐undecyloxy)‐1‐ethanol (monochamol), the aggregation pheromone ofMonochamusspecies, for two consecutive years, 2014 and 2015. Total number of catches was 65 and 33 in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Ethanol or ethanol + monochamol (a base blend) were not attractive toM. saltuariuswith no difference from the control. Addition of α‐pinene and ipsdienol to the base blend did not significantly increase catches. However, ipsenol was significantly synergistic to the base blend in attractingM. saltuariusin 2014, and the blend (ipsenol + base blend) attracted meaningfully higher numbers ofM. saltuariusin 2015. Our study illustrates the potential for monochamol and ipsenol baits for monitoring and trapping ofM. saltuariusin the field.
Effect of Therapeutic Hypothermia on Survival to Hospital Discharge in Out‐of‐hospital Cardiac Arrest Secondary to Nonshockable Rhythms
Authors: Doshi Pratik , Patel Kishan , Banuelos Rosa , Darger Bryan , Baker Steven , Chambers Kimberly A. , Thangam Manoj , Gates Keith
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Therapeutic hypothermia has been shown to improve neurologic outcome and survival in out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and current guidelines recommend therapeutic hypothermia for all comatose survivors of OHCA. However, recommendations for nonshockable rhythms are not as strongly supported. Our study aims to provide further evidence on the use of therapeutic hypothermia in nonshockable rhythms.

Methods

A multivariate analysis with propensity score matching was performed using a cardiac arrest registry maintained by the Houston Fire Department. The analysis was limited to adult patients achieving ROSC following OHCA secondary to nonshockable rhythm in Houston from 2007 to 2012 with definitive information regarding the implementation of therapeutic hypothermia. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge.

Results

Of 9,479 records identified for analysis, 7,839 had an initial nonshockable rhythm. Of these, 2,609 (33.3%) had sustained ROSC and 1,768 (22.6%) were admitted to the hospital. Data on therapeutic hypothermia use were available for 696 patients, with 335 (48.1%) receiving therapeutic hypothermia. Propensity score matching yielded 260 case/control pairs. The odds of survival to hospital discharge was an odds ratio of 1.07 (95% confidence interval = 0.71 to 1.60) for those in the therapeutic hypothermia group versus the nontherapeutic hypothermia group (p = 0.79).

Conclusions

Based on this retrospective study, therapeutic hypothermia is not associated with improved survival in patients with OHCA secondary to nonshockable rhythms. Given the limitations of our study, further prospective trials to assess the effect of therapeutic hypothermia for OHCA with nonshockable rhythms are warranted.
Heart Rate–Dependent Hysteresis of T‐Wave Alternans in Primary Prevention ICD Patients
Authors: Burattini Laura , Man Sumche , Fioretti Sandro , Di Nardo Francesco , Swenne Cees A.
Published: December 2015

Background

T‐wave alternans (TWA) is usually performed at accelerated heart rates (HR) during exercise, while recovery TWA is typically not analyzed. Consequently, it is still unknown if TWA shows a HR‐dependent hysteresis or not. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate TWA dependency on HR during both the exercise and recovery phases of an ergometer test, and to evaluate if recovery TWA may contribute to identify subjects at increased risk of arrhythmic events.

Methods

Our HR adaptive match filter was used to identify TWA from electrocardiographic recordings acquired during a bicycle ergometer test in 266 patients with implanted cardio‐defibrillator. During the 4‐year follow‐up, 76 patients developed tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation (ICD_Cases) and 190 did not (ICD_Controls).

Results

TWA was statistically lower during exercise than recovery for HRs between 75 and 110 bpm (16–21 μV vs 20–27 μV; P < 0.05), and reverse for HRs between 120 and 130 bpm (41–51 μV vs 28 μV; P < 0.05). ICD_Cases and ICD_Controls showed significantly different TWA at 80 bpm (20 μV vs 15 μV; P < 0.05) and 140 bpm (15 μV vs 22 μV; P < 0.05) during exercise, and at 90 bpm (38 μV vs 21 μV; P < 0.05) and 95 bpm (33–24 μV vs 28 μV; P < 0.05) during recovery.

Conclusions

TWA shows a HR‐dependent hysteresis and there is a different behavior of TWA in ICD_Cases and ICD_Controls groups. Consequently, beside exercise TWA also recovery TWA may contribute to identify subjects at increased risk of arrhythmic events.
IMPROVING U.S. TRANSMISSION EXPANSION POLICY THROUGH ORDER NO. 1000
Authors: Benjamin Richard M.
Published: December 2015

This article examines the latest attempt of the United States' regulatory agency, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), to promote transmission expansion through the transmission planning and cost allocation principles contained in its recently issued Order No. 1000. It finds the level of detail contained in the order's cost allocation principles to be insufficient to achieve FERC's goals. It argues that the order does provide important principles for both transmission planning and expansion, though. It thus presents a cost allocation methodology which channels the order's strengths. Specifically, the methodology obtains an estimate of the benefits of a project and aligns the costs and benefits of the project accordingly. (JEL K23, Q48)
High maternal iron status, dietary iron intake and iron supplement use in pregnancy and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective study and systematic review
Authors: Khambalia A. Z. , Aimone A. , Nagubandi P. , Roberts C. L. , McElduff A. , Morris J. M. , Powell K. L. , Tasevski V. , Nassar N.
Published: December 2015

Aim

High iron measured using dietary intake and biomarkers is associated with Type 2 diabetes. It is uncertain whether a similar association exists for gestational diabetes mellitus. The aim of this systematic review was to conduct a cohort study examining first trimester body iron stores and subsequent risk of gestational diabetes, and to include these findings in a systematic review of all studies examining the association between maternal iron status, iron intake (dietary and supplemental) and the risk of gestational diabetes.

Methods

Serum samples from women with first trimester screening were linked to birth and hospital records for data on maternal characteristics and gestational diabetes diagnosis. Blood was analysed for ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor and C–reactive protein. Associations between iron biomarkers and gestational diabetes were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. A systematic review and meta‐analysis, registered with PROSPERO (CRD42014013663) included studies of all designs published in English from January 1995 to July 2015 that examined the association between iron and gestational diabetes and included an appropriate comparison group.

Results

Of 3776 women, 3.4% subsequently developed gestational diabetes. Adjusted analyses found increased odds of gestational diabetes for ferritin (OR 1.41; 95% CI 1.11, 1.78), but not for soluble transferrin receptor (OR 1.00; 95% CI 0.97, 1.03) per unit increase of the biomarker. Two trials of iron supplementation found no association with gestational diabetes. Increased risk of gestational diabetes was associated with higher levels of ferritin and serum iron and dietary haem iron intakes.

Conclusions

Increased risk of gestational diabetes among women with high serum ferritin and iron levels and dietary haem iron intakes warrants further investigation.
Intra‐Cavitary Masses: Rare Presentation of a Common Illness in SAARC Nation
Authors: Islam AKM Monwarul , Gupta Rakesh , Majumder Abdullah A. S. , Paul Tapesh K.
Published: December 2015

Cardiovascular tuberculosis (TB) is a relatively uncommon manifestation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. TB can affect all three layers of the heart; endocardial tuberculoma is the rarest form. Endocardial tuberculoma, when it occurs, can easily be confused with other common causes of intracardiac mass lesions, especially in echocardiography. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment is essential, as only this can lessen the associated morbidity and mortality. Here, a case of cardiovascular TB has been described in a middle‐aged woman from the SAARC nation; the woman presented with simultaneous pericardial constriction and multichamber endocardial tuberculoma. Combined pharmacological and surgical approach was successful.
Correlation between the serum eicosapentanoic acid‐to‐arachidonic acid ratio and the severity of cerebral white matter hyperintensities in older adults with memory disorder
Authors: Nagai Kumiko , Koshiba Hitomi , Shibata Shigeki , Matsui Toshifumi , Kozaki Koichi
Published: December 2015

Aim

The relationships of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), to stroke and cardiovascular events have been studied extensively. The present study was undertaken to analyze the relationships of the severity of cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMH) to the blood polyunsaturated fatty acids level and the ratio of serum EPA level to the serum arachidonic acid (AA) level (EPA/AA ratio) among older adults.

Methods

A total of 150 patients underwent diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging and blood sampling under the fasting state. In regard to WMH, the periventricular hyperintensities and deep white matter hyperintensities were rated according to the Fazekas classification. The serum docosahexaenoic acid, EPA, AA, dihomo‐γ‐linolenic acid and EPA/AA ratio were compared in relation to the grade of severity of WMH. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis was carried out with age, sex and atherosclerosis risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, smoking status) as the covariables, serum polyunsaturated fatty acids level as an independent variable and Fazekas grade as the dependent variable.

Results

A rise of the periventricular hyperintensities grade was associated with a significant reduction of the mean EPA level (P < 0.05) and EPA/AA ratio (P < 0.05). The multiple regression analysis identified a significant negative correlation between the periventricular hyperintensities grade and the serum EPA/AA ratio (β = −0.215, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results suggest that the serum EPA/AA ratio have an important role in the formation and progression of WMH. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15 (Suppl. 1): 48–52.
Impact of night‐time blood pressure on cerebral white matter hyperintensity in elderly hypertensive patients
Authors: Kokubo Manabu , Shimizu Atsuya , Mitsui Toko , Miyagi Motohiro , Nomoto Kenichiro , Murohara Toyoaki , Toba Kenji , Sakurai Takashi
Published: December 2015

Aim

Cerebral white matter hyperintensity (WMH) is highly prevalent in the elderly population, and increases the risk of dementia and stroke. We investigated the relationship between ambulatory blood pressure monitoring levels and quantitatively measured WMH volumes among elderly hypertensive patients with well‐controlled blood pressure (BP) to re‐evaluated effective hypertension management methods to prevent the progression of WMH.

Methods

Participants comprised 84 hypertensive patients aged between 65 and 75 years without symptomatic heart failure, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, stroke or cognitive dysfunction.

Results

Linear regression analysis showed that office BP was not associated with WMH volume increases. Raised night‐time systolic BP (P = 0.013) were associated with greater WMH volumes during ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. To clarify the effect of asleep systolic BP on WML volume, we then classified patients into two systolic BP groups as follows: <125 mmHg (n = 47) and ≥125 mmHg (n = 37). Baseline characteristics were almost similar in both groups, except the dipper type of circadian BP variation was significantly common in the group with night‐time systolic BP <125 mmHg. However, WMH volume was greater in the group with night‐time systolic BP ≥125 mmHg than that in the <125 mmHg group (9.0 ± 8.4 mL vs 4.1 ± 4.3 mL, P = 0.015).

Conclusion

Higher night‐time systolic BP levels were observed to contribute greater WMH volumes in elderly hypertensive patients. To prevent the progression of WMH, controlling BP on the basis of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is important. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15 (Suppl. 1): 59–65.