bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of mechanism of anode plasma formation in ion diode with dielectric anode
Authors: Pushkarev A.
Published: October 2015

The results of investigation of the anode plasma formation in a diode with a passive anode in magnetic insulation mode are presented. The experiments have been conducted using the BIPPAB-450 ion accelerator (350–400 kV, 6–8 kA, 80 ns) with a focusing conical diode with Br external magnetic field (a barrel diode). For analysis of plasma formation at the anode and the distribution of the ions beam energy density, infrared imaging diagnostics (spatial resolution of 1–2 mm) is used. For analysis of the ion beam composition, time-of-flight diagnostics (temporal resolution of 1 ns) were used. Our studies have shown that when the magnetic induction in the A-C gap is much larger than the critical value, the ion beam energy density is close to the one-dimensional Child-Langmuir limit on the entire working surface of the diode. Formation of anode plasma takes place only by the flashover of the dielectric anode surface. In this mode, the ion beam consists primarily of singly ionized carbon ions, and the delay of the start of formation of the anode plasma is 10–15 ns. By reducing the magnetic induction in the A-C gap to a value close to the critical one, the ion beam energy density is 3–6 times higher than that calculated by the one-dimensional Child-Langmuir limit, but the energy density of the ion beam is non-uniform in cross-section. In this mode, the anode plasma formation occurs due to ionization of the anode material with accelerated electrons. In this mode, also, the delay in the start of the formation of the anode plasma is much smaller and the degree of ionization of carbon ions is higher. In all modes occurred effective suppression of the electronic component of the total current, and the diode impedance was 20–30 times higher than the values calculated for the mode without magnetic insulation of the electrons. The divergence of the ion beam was 4.5°–6°.
Negative magnetization and zero-field cooled exchange bias effect in Co0.8Cu0.2Cr2O4 ceramics
Authors: Wang L. G. , Zhu C. M. , Tian Z. M. , Luo H. , Bao D. L. G. C. , Yuan S. L.
Published: October 2015

The negative magnetization and zero-field cooled exchange bias (ZFC EB) effect are observed in Co0.8Cu0.2Cr2O4 polycrystalline ceramics. 20% Cu substitution for Co in CoCr2O4 leads to the evident magnetization reversal at the compensation temperature (Tcomp ∼ 50 K) with applied magnetic field of 500 Oe. Besides, Tcomp decreases monotonously with increasing applied field, and the negative magnetization finally disappears when the field increases to 9000 Oe. Different temperature dependence of sublattice magnetization at different crystallographic sites is proved to induce the magnetization reversal. In addition, ZFC EB effect can be tuned by measuring temperature and presents the maximum of exchange bias field (HEB) with ∼2300 Oe at 50 K. This unconventional EB effect can be attributed to the coupling interaction between the two sublattices.
Ni3N/Ni composites with in-situ growth heterogeneous interfaces as microwave absorbing materials
Authors: Gong Chunhong , Jia Yongshuai , Zhao Xiaowei , Liu Haojie , Lv Xiaoyan , Yu Laigui , Zhang Jingwei , Zhou Jingfang
Published: October 2015

We herein report the electromagnetic and microwave absorption properties of Ni3N and Ni3N/Ni composites. The Ni3N/Ni composites with controlled compositions were synthesized by an in-situ thermal decomposition of Ni3N at various calcination temperatures. The mostly optimized Ni3N/Ni composite presents enhanced microwave absorption performances than single phase Ni and Ni3N particles, which is attributed to a proper ratio between Ni and Ni3N components. Such heterogeneous components not only improve the dielectric loss capacity by metal/semiconductor interfaces but can also constitute a significant balance between magnetic losses and dielectric losses, so called the electromagnetic impedance match. This study thus provides a vision to metal/semiconductor materials with in-situ growth interfaces as a potential family of microwave absorbing materials.
A novel linear piezoelectric actuator with two working principles of standing and traveling wave vibration mode
Authors: Yuan Songmei , Zhu Cong , Chu Xiangcheng , Zhao Yanqiang , Amin Muhammad , Fan Yanglei
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a new linear piezoelectric actuator, which consists of two pieces of piezoelectric ceramics, a copper substrate and a zirconia driving tip. By changing the input signal, the actuator can be chosen to work in a standing wave mode (two-phase vibration modes coupling) or in a traveling wave mode (four-phase vibration modes coupling). By using the Finite Element Method (FEM), the actuator was designed and optimized, and a prototype was fabricated. For a single actuator at 240Vp-p, the maximum no-load velocity and thrust force were approximately 106 mm/s, 1.2 N in the standing wave mode and 161 mm/s, 1.46 N in the traveling wave mode, respectively. While parallel use of four actuators at the same voltage, the experimental results showed that the velocity and force reached 246 mm/s, 2.2 N in the standing wave mode and 292 mm/s, 4.1 N in the traveling wave mode. More importantly, this study shows that both the load performance and the vibration characteristics of the actuators can be improved greatly by working in the traveling wave mode or parallel distribution of multi-identical piezoelectric actuators.
Vasovagal Response Secondary to Permanent Contraception Device in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Ataya Ali , Cope Jessica , Alnuaimat Hassan
Published: October 2015

Adequate contraception is an essential component of managing pulmonary hypertension in women of childbearing age. Intrauterine devices are a popular contraceptive choice for many women but are associated with a risk of vagal response upon placement in certain patients with pulmonary hypertension, which may not be well tolerated. More recently, newer permanent contraception devices have emerged in the market, such as the Essure. We describe the first case, to our knowledge, of vagal‐associated response due to an Essure device placement.
The Unique Heart Sound Signature of Children with Pulmonary Artery Hypertension
Authors: Elgendi Mohamed , Bobhate Prashant , Jain Shreepal , Guo Long , Kumar Shine , Rutledge Jennifer , Coe Yashu , Zemp Roger , Schuurmans Dale , Adatia Ian
Published: October 2015

We hypothesized that vibrations created by the pulmonary circulation would create sound like the vocal cords during speech and that subjects with pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) might have a unique sound signature. We recorded heart sounds at the cardiac apex and the second left intercostal space (2LICS), using a digital stethoscope, from 27 subjects (12 males) with a median age of 7 years (range: 3 months–19 years) undergoing simultaneous cardiac catheterization. Thirteen subjects had mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAp) < 25 mmHg (range: 8–24 mmHg). Fourteen subjects had mPAp ≥ 25 mmHg (range: 25–97 mmHg). We extracted the relative power of the frequency band, the entropy, and the energy of the sinusoid formants from the heart sounds. We applied linear discriminant analysis with leave‐one‐out cross validation to differentiate children with and without PAH. The significance of the results was determined with a t test and a rank‐sum test. The entropy of the first sinusoid formant contained within an optimized window length of 2 seconds of the heart sounds recorded at the 2LICS was significantly lower in subjects with mPAp ≥ 25 mmHg relative to subjects with mPAp < 25 mmHg, with a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 92%. The reduced entropy of the first sinusoid formant of the heart sounds in children with PAH suggests the existence of an organized pattern. The analysis of this pattern revealed a unique sound signature, which could be applied to a noninvasive method to diagnose PAH.
Sex and Menopause Differences in Response to Tadalafil: 6‐Minute Walk Distance and Time to Clinical Worsening
Authors: Rusiecki Jennifer , Rao Youlan , Cleveland Jody , Rhinehart Zachary , Champion Hunter C. , Mathier Michael A.
Published: October 2015

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a female‐predominant disease, but there are little data on treatment response by sex and menopausal status. In this retrospective analysis of the Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Response to Tadalafil (PHIRST) randomized clinical trial, we assessed treatment response between the sexes by examining change in 6‐minute walk distance (6MWD) and time to clinical worsening (TCW). We examined the effect of menopausal status on the same treatment measures. 6MWD was recorded before and after 16 weeks of treatment with tadalafil or placebo in the PHIRST study cohort of 340 subjects (264 females, 76 males). A univariate analysis was used to assess the effect of sex on change in 6MWD and TCW. Multivariate linear regression and Cox proportional hazards models were built for 6MWD and TCW, respectively. Women were subdivided by age as a surrogate for menopausal status. The linear trend test and the log‐rank test were performed on change in 6MWD and TCW by age. For tadalafil‐treated patients, a significant difference in change in 6MWD by sex (mean: 48.6 m for males vs. 34.7 m for females; P = 0.01) was found, but it was not significant in multivariate analysis (P = 0.08). There was a trend toward a female age‐dependent effect in change in 6MWD; the premenopausal group showed the greatest improvement. A significant sex‐ or age‐dependent effect on TCW was not present. In conclusion, this retrospective analysis of the PHIRST trial suggests that men and premenopausal women may experience greater functional improvement when treated with tadalafil than older women, but there was no consistent sex or menopausal effect on TCW.
On birational geometry of the space of parametrized rational curves in Grassmannians
Authors: Ito Atsushi
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we study the birational geometry of the Quot schemes of trivial bundles on

P

1

\mathbb {P}^1

by constructing small

Q

\mathbb {Q}

-factorial modifications of the Quot schemes as suitable moduli spaces. We determine all the models which appear in the minimal model program on the Quot schemes. As a corollary, we show that the Quot schemes are Mori dream spaces and log Fano.
Derivative bounds for fractional maximal functions
Authors: Carneiro Emanuel , Madrid José
Published: October 2015

In this paper we study the regularity properties of fractional maximal operators acting on

B
V

BV

-functions. We establish new bounds for the derivative of the fractional maximal function, both in the continuous and in the discrete settings.
Beta Regression Model for Predicting the Development of Pink Rot in Potato Tubers During Storage
Authors: Yellareddygari S. KR. , Pasche Julie S. , Taylor Raymond J. , Hua Su , Gudmestad Neil C.
Published: October 2015

Pink rot is an important disease of potato with worldwide distribution. Severe yield and quality losses have been reported at harvest and in postharvest storage. Under conditions favoring disease development, pink rot severity can continue to increase from the field to storage and from storage to transit, causing further losses. Prediction of pink rot disease development in storage has great potential for growers to intervene at an earlier stage of disease development to minimize economic losses. Pink rot disease is estimated as percent rot confined on the interval (0 or 1, corresponding to 0% as no disease and 100% as maximum disease). In this study, beta regression is considered over the traditional ordinary least squares regression (linear regression) for fitting continuous response variables bounded on the unit interval (0,1). This method is considered a good alternative to data transformation and analysis by linear regression. The percentages of incidence of pink rot in tubers at harvest, yield, and days after harvest were used as study covariates to predict pink rot development from 32 to 78 days postharvest. Results demonstrate that the interaction between percentage of pink rot at harvest and yield is a significant predictor (P < 0.0001) of the beta regression model. A linear regression model was also designed to compare the results with the proposed beta regression model. Linear predictors observed in diagnostic plots with linear regression model was found to not be constant and an adjusted R2(0.49) was obtained. The pseudo R2(0.56) and constant variance for this study suggests that the beta regression function is adequate for predicting the development of pink rot during storage. The use of the beta prediction model could help growers decide whether to apply a fungicide to tubers going into storage or to market their crop before significant storage losses are incurred.
The Diagnostic Impact of C4d, CD68, and NF-κB Expression in the Differentiation Between Recurrent Hepatitis C and Acute Cellular Rejection After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Abdou Asmaa G. , Asaad Nancy Y. , Ehsan Nermin , Younes Sheren , Gomaa Asmaa I. , Elgendy Walaa
Published: October 2015

Liver transplantation is the selected treatment for patients with advanced liver disease and cirrhosis, mostly as a complication of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Recurrent HCV and acute cellular rejection (ACR) of the graft are the most common causes of graft failure. The distinction between the 2 conditions is essential because they are managed differently. In some cases, the clinical and histopathologic features may overlap between recurrent hepatitis C and ACR, making differentiation difficult. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of C4d, CD68, and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) in the differentiation between ACR and recurrent HCV in the post–liver-transplant biopsy using immunohistochemistry. C4d expression in endothelial cells of portal or central veins (P=0.001) and the number of macrophages highlighted by CD68 (P=0.02) were in favor of ACR, whereas NF-κB expression by hepatocytes was in favor of recurrent hepatitis C. Vascular injury demonstrated by endothelial expression of C4d and prominent macrophage infiltration identified by CD68 expression were the distinguishing criteria for ACR and representing humoral and cellular-mediated immunity as evoking factors for graft injury. The upregulation of NF-κB in the hepatocytes of recurrent hepatitis C could be an immune response to infection or it may be induced by HCV itself.
Transverse instabilities of ascending planar jets formed by wave impacts on vertical walls
Authors: Watanabe Y. , Ingram D. M.
Published: October 2015

When a steep breaking wave hits a vertical sea wall, in shallow water, a rapidly ascending planar jet forms. This jet is ejected with high acceleration due to pressure created by the violent wave impact on the wall, creating a so-called ‘flip-through’ event. Previous studies have focused on the impulsive pressures on, and within, the wall and on the velocity of the jet. Here, in contrast, we consider the formation and break-up of the jet itself. Experiments show that during flip-through a fluid sheet, bounded by a rim, forms. This sheet has unstable transitional behaviours and organizing jets; undulations in the thickness of the fluid sheet are rapidly amplified and ruptured into an array of vertical ligaments. Lateral undulations of the rim lead to the formation of finger-jets, which subsequently break up to form droplets and spray. We present a linear stability analysis of the rim–sheet systems that highlights the contributions of rim retraction and sheet stretching to the break-up process. The mechanisms for the sequential surface deformations in the rim–sheet system are also described. Multiple, distinct, instability modes are identified during the rim deceleration, sheet stretch attenuation and rim retraction processes. The wavenumbers (and deformation length scales) associated with these instability modes are shown to lead to the characteristic double peak spectrum of surface displacement observed in the experiments. These mechanisms help to explain the columnar structures often seen in photographs of violent wave impacts on harbour walls.
Disrupted seasonal biology impacts health, food security and ecosystems
Authors: Stevenson T. J. , Visser M. E. , Arnold W. , Barrett P. , Biello S. , Dawson A. , Denlinger D. L. , Dominoni D. , Ebling F. J. , Elton S. , Evans N. , Ferguson H. M. , Foster R. G. , Hau M. , Haydon D. T. , Hazlerigg D. G. , Heideman P. , Hopcraft J. G. C. , Jonsson N. N. , Kronfeld-Schor N. , Kumar V. , Lincoln G. A. , MacLeod R. , Martin S. A. M. , Martinez-Bakker M. , Nelson R. J. , Reed T. , Robinson J. E. , Rock D. , Schwartz W. J. , Steffan-Dewenter I. , Tauber E. , Thackeray S. J. , Umstatter C. , Yoshimura T. , Helm B.
Published: October 2015

The rhythm of life on earth is shaped by seasonal changes in the environment. Plants and animals show profound annual cycles in physiology, health, morphology, behaviour and demography in response to environmental cues. Seasonal biology impacts ecosystems and agriculture, with consequences for humans and biodiversity. Human populations show robust annual rhythms in health and well-being, and the birth month can have lasting effects that persist throughout life. This review emphasizes the need for a better understanding of seasonal biology against the backdrop of its rapidly progressing disruption through climate change, human lifestyles and other anthropogenic impact. Climate change is modifying annual rhythms to which numerous organisms have adapted, with potential consequences for industries relating to health, ecosystems and food security. Disconcertingly, human lifestyles under artificial conditions of eternal summer provide the most extreme example for disconnect from natural seasons, making humans vulnerable to increased morbidity and mortality. In this review, we introduce scenarios of seasonal disruption, highlight key aspects of seasonal biology and summarize from biomedical, anthropological, veterinary, agricultural and environmental perspectives the recent evidence for seasonal desynchronization between environmental factors and internal rhythms. Because annual rhythms are pervasive across biological systems, they provide a common framework for trans-disciplinary research.
Integrating impact evaluation in the design and implementation of monitoring marine protected areas
Authors: Ahmadia Gabby N. , Glew Louise , Provost Mikaela , Gill David , Hidayat Nur Ismu , Mangubhai Sangeeta , Purwanto  , Fox Helen E.
Published: October 2015

Quasi-experimental impact evaluation approaches, which enable scholars to disentangle effects of conservation interventions from broader changes in the environment, are gaining momentum in the conservation sector. However, rigorous impact evaluation using statistical matching techniques to estimate the counterfactual have yet to be applied to marine protected areas (MPAs). While there are numerous studies investigating ‘impacts’ of MPAs that have generated considerable insights, results are variable. This variation has been linked to the biophysical and social context in which they are established, as well as attributes of management and governance. To inform decisions about MPA placement, design and implementation, we need to expand our understanding of conditions under which MPAs are likely to lead to positive outcomes by embracing advances in impact evaluation methodologies. Here, we describe the integration of impact evaluation within an MPA network monitoring programme in the Bird's Head Seascape, Indonesia. Specifically we (i) highlight the challenges of implementation ‘on the ground’ and in marine ecosystems and (ii) describe the transformation of an existing monitoring programme into a design appropriate for impact evaluation. This study offers one potential model for mainstreaming impact evaluation in the conservation sector.
Declining relative humidity in the Thompson River Valley near Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada: 1990-2012
Authors: Rayne Sierra , Forest Kaya
Published: October 2015

Potential time trends in relative humidity (RH) were investigated for the Kamloops climate station in a semi-arid region of south-central British Columbia, Canada, between 1990 and 2012. Mean monthly 6 am and 3 pm RH at Kamloops achieve annual minima during the March to September period with substantially higher early morning RH compared to the mid-afternoon period. Significant temporal declines in RH throughout the year are evident ranging from 1.5 to 5.7%/decade. No significantly increasing temporal trends in RH were found. The findings indicate that a continuation of declining trends in RH for the study area may increase the quantity of dust and other atmospheric particulate generation from both natural and anthropogenic sources, possibly resulting in additional threats to local and regional air quality, thereby necessitating inclusion in air quality management planning and modeling efforts.
X-ray third-order nonlinear plane-wave Bragg-case dynamical diffraction effects in a perfect crystal
Authors: Balyan Minas K.
Published: October 2015

Two-wave symmetric Bragg-case dynamical diffraction of a plane X-ray wave in a crystal with third-order nonlinear response to the electric field is considered theoretically. For certain diffraction conditions for a non-absorbing perfect semi-infinite crystal in the total reflection region an analytical solution is found. For the width and for the center of the total reflection region expressions on the intensity of the incidence wave are established. It is shown that in the nonlinear case the total reflection region exists below a maximal intensity of the incidence wave. With increasing intensity of the incidence wave the total reflection region's center moves to low angles and the width decreases. Using numerical calculations for an absorbing semi-infinite crystal, the behavior of the reflected wave as a function of the intensity of the incidence wave and of the deviation parameter from the Bragg condition is analyzed. The results of numerical calculations are compared with the obtained analytical solution.
Telemedicine in India: current state, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Chandwani Rajesh K. , Dwivedi Yogesh K.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this conceptual paper is to present the scope of telemedicine, current state of telemedicine in India, challenges in its diffusion and suggest the way forward for implementation of such initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a viewpoint paper that is prepared based on authors’ exposure and knowledge about research topic and the context. A number of appropriate and current citations have been utilised to illustrate current state on the topic as well as to support authors arguments presented in this paper.

Findings

– The discussion presented in this paper suggests that optimal utilisation of technology in healthcare delivery system requires overcoming barriers at multiple levels including policy, resources and socio-cultural levels. Successful implementation of telemedicine entails involvement of all the stakeholders, namely, the specialists, general duty doctors, paramedical personnel, technical staff, coordination staff, policymakers and, most importantly, the target community, from the design stage itself.

Originality/value

– The primary value of this paper lies in providing an overview of current state of telemedicine development in India. It is believed that this article will act as a precursor to future articles on this topic.
Three‐dimensional modelling of magnetotelluric data to image Sehqanat hydrocarbon reservoir in southwestern Iran
Authors: Mansoori I. , Oskooi B. , Pedersen L.B. , Javaheri R.
Published: October 2015

A detailed magnetotelluric survey was conducted in 2013 in the Sehqanat oil field, southwestern Iran to map the geoelectrical structures of the sedimentary Zagros zone, particularly the boundary between the Gachsaran Formation acting as cap rock and the Asmari Formation as the reservoir. According to the electrical well logs, a large resistivity contrast exists between the two formations. The Gachsaran Formation is formed by tens to hundreds of metres of evaporites and it is highly conductive (ca. 1 Ωm–10 Ωm), and the Asmari Formation consists of dense carbonates, which are considerably more resistive (more than 100 Ωm). Broadband magnetotelluric data were collected along five southwest–northeast directed parallel lines with more than 600 stations crossing the main geological trend. Although dimensionality and strike analysis of the magnetotelluric transfer functions showed that overall they satisfied local 2D conditions, there were also strong 3D conditions found in some of the sites. Therefore, in order to obtain a more reliable image of the resistivity distribution in the Sehqanat oil field, in addition to standard 2D inversion, we investigated to what extent 3D inversion of the data was feasible and what improvements in the resistivity image could be obtained. The 2D inversion models using the determinant average of the impedance tensor depict the main resistivity structures well, whereas the estimated 3D model shows significantly more details although problems were encountered in fitting the data with the latter. Both approaches resolved the Gachsaran–Asmari transition from high conductivity to moderate conductivity. The well‐known Sehqanat anticline could also be delineated throughout the 2D and 3D resistivity models as a resistive dome‐shaped body in the middle parts of the magnetotelluric profiles.
Higher circulating resistin protein and PBMCs resistin mRNA levels are associated with increased prevalence of small dense LDL particles in coronary artery disease patients
Authors: Joksić Jelena , Sopić Miron , Spasojević‐Kalimanovska Vesna , Gojković Tamara , Zeljković Aleksandra , Vekić Jelena , Andjelkovic Kristina , Kalimanovska‐Oštrić Dimitra , Jelić‐Ivanović Zorana
Published: October 2015

Recent in vitro experiments have indicated that human resistin increases the number of lipoprotein particles secreted by the human hepatocytes and also influences their quality, in terms of generating more proatherogenic lipid particles. The aim of this study is to investigate associations of plasma resistin and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) resistin messenger RNA (mRNA) levels with different prevalence of small, dense low‐density lipoprotein particles (sdLDL) in patients with indications for coronary angiography. This study included 65 patients requiring coronary angiography. There were 41 patients without significant stenosis and 24 patients with significant stenosis in at least one major coronary artery. Circulating resistin was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay; PBMC resistin mRNA was determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The LDL and high density lipoprotein subclasses were determined by gradient gel electrophoresis. Plasma resistin (P = 0.031) and PBMCs resistin mRNA (P = 0.004) were significantly higher in patients with proportion of sdLDL particles ≥ 50%, compared to the group with relative proportion of sdLDL particles < 50%. Plasma resistin correlated positively with creatinine (r = 0.456, P < 0.001) and resistin mRNA (r = 0.298, P = 0.014) but negatively with body mass index (r = −0.254, P = 0.034) and total cholesterol (r = −0.286, P = 0.021). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed LDL particle diameter as the only independent predictor of resistin mRNA (R2 = 0.258; adjR2 = 0.190). A significant association between resistin, both PBMCs mRNA and plasma protein, and the relative proportion of sdLDL particles in the circulation of coronary artery disease patients has been established, which implies that increased gene expression of resistin in PBMCs and higher resistin concentration in plasma are related to pro‐atherogenic LDL particle phenotype.
From Customer‐Oriented Strategy to Organizational Financial Performance: The Role of Human Resource Management and Customer‐Linking Capability
Authors: Lin Cai‐Hui (Veronica) , Sanders Karin , Sun Jian‐Min (James) , Shipton Helen , Mooi Erik A.
Published: October 2015

Drawing on the organizational capabilities literature, the authors developed and tested a model of how supportive human resource management (HRM) improved firms’ financial performance perceived by marketing managers through fostering the implementation of a customer‐oriented strategy. Customer‐linking capability, which is the capability in managing close customer relationships, indicated the implementation of the customer‐oriented strategy. Data collected from two emerging economies – China and Hungary – established that supportive HRM partially mediated the relationship between customer‐oriented strategy and customer‐linking capability. Customer‐linking capability further explained how supportive HRM contributed to perceived financial performance. This study explicates the implication of customer‐oriented strategy for HRM and reveals the importance of HRM in strategy implementation. It also sheds some light on the ‘black box’ between HRM and performance. While making important contributions to the field of strategy, HRM and marketing, this study also offers useful practical implications.
Performance of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein in Detecting Traumatic Intracranial Lesions on Computed Tomography in Children and Youth With Mild Head Trauma
Authors: Papa Linda , Zonfrillo Mark R. , Ramirez Jose , Silvestri Salvatore , Giordano Philip , Braga Carolina F. , Tan Ciara N. , Ameli Neema J. , Lopez Marco , Mittal Manoj K.
Published: October 2015

Objectives

This study examined the performance of serum glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in detecting traumatic intracranial lesions on computed tomography (CT) scan in children and youth with mild and moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) and assessed its performance in trauma control patients without head trauma.

Methods

This prospective cohort study enrolled children and youth presenting to three Level I trauma centers following blunt head trauma with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores of 9 to 15, as well as trauma control patients with GCS scores of 15 who did not have blunt head trauma. The primary outcome measure was the presence of intracranial lesions on initial CT scan. Blood samples were obtained in all patients within 6 hours of injury and measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for GFAP (ng/mL).

Results

A total of 257 children and youth were enrolled in the study and had serum samples drawn within 6 hours of injury for analysis: 197 had blunt head trauma and 60 were trauma controls. CT scan of the head was performed in 152 patients and traumatic intracranial lesions on CT scan were evident in 18 (11%), all of whom had GCS scores of 13 to 15. When serum levels of GFAP were compared in children and youth with traumatic intracranial lesions on CT scan to those without CT lesions, median GFAP levels were significantly higher in those with intracranial lesions (1.01, interquartile range [IQR] = 0.59 to 1.48) than those without lesions (0.18, IQR = 0.06 to 0.47). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for GFAP in detecting children and youth with traumatic intracranial lesions on CT was 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.71 to 0.93). In those presenting with GCS scores of 15, the AUC for detecting lesions was 0.80 (95% CI = 0.68 to 0.92). Similarly, in children under 5 years old the AUC was 0.83 (95% CI = 0.56 to 1.00). Performance for detecting intracranial lesions at a GFAP cutoff level of 0.15 ng/mL yielded a sensitivity of 94%, a specificity of 47%, and a negative predictive value of 98%.

Conclusions

In children and youth of all ages, GFAP measured within 6 hours of injury was associated with traumatic intracranial lesions on CT and with severity of TBI. Further study is required to validate these findings before clinical application.
The march from early life food sensitization to allergic disease: a systematic review and meta‐analyses of birth cohort studies
Authors: Alduraywish S. A. , Lodge C. J. , Campbell B. , Allen K. J. , Erbas B. , Lowe A. J. , Dharmage S. C.
Published: October 2015

Background

There is growing evidence for an increase in food allergies. The question of whether early life food sensitization, a primary step in food allergies, leads to other allergic disease is a controversial but important issue. Birth cohorts are an ideal design to answer this question.

Objectives

We aimed to systematically investigate and meta‐analyse the evidence for associations between early food sensitization and allergic disease in birth cohorts.

Methods

MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases were searched for birth cohorts that have investigated the association between food sensitization in the first 2 years and subsequent wheeze/asthma, eczema and/or allergic rhinitis. We performed meta‐analyses using random‐effects models to obtain pooled estimates, stratified by age group.

Results

The search yielded fifteen original articles representing thirteen cohorts. Early life food sensitization was associated with an increased risk of infantile eczema, childhood wheeze/asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis and young adult asthma. Meta‐analyses demonstrated that early life food sensitization is related to an increased risk of wheeze/asthma (pooled OR 2.9; 95% CI 2.0–4.0), eczema (pooled OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.7–4.4) and allergic rhinitis (pooled OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.9–4.9) from 4 to 8 years.

Conclusion

Food sensitization in the first 2 years of life can identify children at high risk of subsequent allergic disease who may benefit from early life preventive strategies. However, due to potential residual confounding in the majority of studies combined with lack of follow‐up into adolescence and adulthood, further research is needed.
A randomised controlled trial of bilateral dual transversus abdominis plane blockade for laparoscopic appendicectomy
Authors: Tanggaard K. , Jensen K. , Lenz K. , Vazin M. , Binzer J. , Lindberg‐Larsen V. O. , Niegsch M. , Bendtsen T. F. , Jorgensen L. N. , Børglum J.
Published: October 2015

We investigated the effects of pre‐operative ultrasound‐guided bilateral dual transversus abdominis plane blocks on pain when sitting up and pain at rest after laparoscopic appendicectomy. We allocated 28 participants to injection with 60 ml ropivacaine 0.375% and 28 participants to 60 ml isotonic saline. The median (IQR [range]) cumulative pain scores during the first 12 postoperative hours were less after ropivacaine than saline (maximum 120): on sitting, 34 (19‐46 [0‐59]) vs 50 (30‐59 [0‐97]), respectively, p = 0.009; and at rest, 25 (10‐33 [0‐49]) vs 31 (24‐43 [0‐72]), respectively, p = 0.035. There were no differences in morphine consumption, nausea, vomiting, time in recovery or time to walk.
Training‐induced anti‐atherosclerotic effects are associated with increased vascular PPARgamma expression in apolipoprotein E‐deficient mice
Authors: Szostak J. , Miguet‐Alfonsi C. , Berthelot A. , Laurant P.
Published: October 2015

Aim

Physical exercise prevents cardiovascular risk and atherosclerosis lesions. However, the molecular aspects are still unknown. Vascular peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) exert anti‐atherogenic effects. The aim of this study was to determine whether exercise‐induced anti‐atherosclerotic effect is associated with change in PPARs vascular expression in apolipoprotein E‐deficient (ApoE−/−) mice.

Methods

Male ApoE−/− mice were fed with a high‐fat diet and randomized into two groups: one trained group undergoing swimming training for 3 months and one sedentary group. Sedentary and trained C57BL/6J mice were used as control. mRNA of PPAR‐α, PPAR‐β/δ and PPAR‐γ was measured in aorta by quantitative PCR. mRNA of pro‐ (TNF‐α, IL‐1β) and anti‐inflammatory (IL‐10, IL‐1Ra) cytokines was also measured.

Results

Atherosclerotic lesion size was significantly reduced in trained ApoE−/− mice compared to sedentary ones. In contrast, reduction of atherosclerotic lesion size was not observed in trained ApoE−/− mice supplied with BADGE, an antagonist of PPAR‐γ. Exercise training significantly increased PPAR‐γ expression in aorta. PPAR‐γ expression was inversely correlated with the atherosclerotic plaque area. Aortic PPAR‐α and PPAR‐β/δ mRNA expressions were not changed in response to exercise training. Atherosclerosis increased the aortic mRNA expression of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐10 and IL‐1Ra. Exercise training decreased aortic IL‐1β mRNA expression in ApoE−/− mice, but did not change expression of TNF‐α, IL‐10 and IL‐1Ra. IL‐1β mRNA expression was also significantly lower in atherosclerosis lesions from trained ApoE−/− compared with those from sedentary ones.

Conclusions

Exercise training increases vascular PPAR‐γ expression in ApoE−/− mice that could potentially underlie training‐related beneficial effects on atherosclerosis.
A psychosocial analysis of parents' decisions for limiting their young child's screen time: An examination of attitudes, social norms and roles, and control perceptions
Authors: Hamilton Kyra , Spinks Teagan , White Katherine M. , Kavanagh David J. , Walsh Anne M.
Published: October 2015

Objectives

Preschool‐aged children spend substantial amounts of time engaged in screen‐based activities. As parents have considerable control over their child's health behaviours during the younger years, it is important to understand those influences that guide parents' decisions about their child's screen time behaviours.

Design

A prospective design with two waves of data collection, 1 week apart, was adopted.

Methods

Parents (n = 207) completed a Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB)‐based questionnaire, with the addition of parental role construction (i.e., parents' expectations and beliefs of responsibility for their child's behaviour) and past behaviour. A number of underlying beliefs identified in a prior pilot study were also assessed.

Results

The model explained 77% (with past behaviour accounting for 5%) of the variance in intention and 50% (with past behaviour accounting for 3%) of the variance in parental decisions to limit child screen time. Attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, parental role construction, and past behaviour predicted intentions, and intentions and past behaviour predicted follow‐up behaviour. Underlying screen time beliefs (e.g., increased parental distress, pressure from friends, inconvenience) were also identified as guiding parents' decisions.

Conclusion

Results support the TPB and highlight the importance of beliefs for understanding parental decisions for children's screen time behaviours, as well as the addition of parental role construction. This formative research provides necessary depth of understanding of sedentary lifestyle behaviours in young children which can be adopted in future interventions to test the efficacy of the TPB mechanisms in changing parental behaviour for their child's health.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Identifying determinants of child screen time behaviour is vital to the health of young people.

Social‐cognitive and parental role constructions are key influences of parental decision‐making.

Little is known about the processes guiding parents' decisions to limit their child's screen time.

What does this study add?

Parental role construction and TPB social‐cognitive factors influence parental decisions.

The beliefs of parents for their child's behaviour were identified.

A range of beliefs guide parents' decisions for their child's screen time viewing.
Sunk costs of exporting and the role of experience in international trade
Authors: Meinen Philipp
Published: October 2015

This paper estimates the importance of destination‐specific sunk costs of exporting and investigates the role of firms' previous experience in international trade for the decision to export to a market. While destination‐specific sunk costs are important, firms' experience in international trade can help to overcome these costs more easily. In particular, import experience from a market is found to facilitate exporting to this country and export experience from other markets can increase the probability of exporting to a country. This latter effect turns out to be conditional on the characteristics and number of markets served by a firm.
SAR: Stroke Authorship Recognition
Authors: Shaheen Sara , Rockwood Alyn , Ghanem Bernard
Published: October 2015

Are simple strokes unique to the artist or designer who renders them? If so, can this idea be used to identify authorship or to classify artistic drawings? Also, could training methods be devised to develop particular styles? To answer these questions, we propose the Stroke Authorship Recognition (SAR) approach, a novel method that distinguishes the authorship of 2D digitized drawings. SAR converts a drawing into a histogram of stroke attributes that is discriminative of authorship. We provide extensive classification experiments on a large variety of data sets, which validate SAR's ability to distinguish unique authorship of artists and designers. We also demonstrate the usefulness of SAR in several applications including the detection of fraudulent sketches, the training and monitoring of artists in learning a particular new style and the first quantitative way to measure the quality of automatic sketch synthesis tools.
Participation: remembering the ‘handicap’
Authors: Gaebler‐Spira Deborah
Published: October 2015

This commentary is on the systematic review by Imms et al. on pages 29–38 of this issue.
Retinoic acid receptor β2 agonists restore glycaemic control in diabetes and reduce steatosis
Authors: Trasino S. E. , Tang X.‐H. , Jessurun J. , Gudas L. J.
Published: October 2015

Aims

To investigate the effects of specific retinoic acid receptor (RAR) agonists in diabetes and fatty liver disease.

Methods

Synthetic agonists for RARβ2 were administered to wild‐type (wt) mice in a model of high‐fat‐diet (HFD)‐induced type 2 diabetes (T2D) and to ob/ob and db/db mice (genetic models of obesity‐associated T2D).

Results

We show that administration of synthetic agonists for RARβ2 to either wt mice in a model of HFD‐induced T2D or to ob/ob and db/db mice reduces hyperglycaemia, peripheral insulin resistance and body weight. Furthermore, RARβ2 agonists dramatically reduce steatosis, lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in the liver, pancreas and kidneys of obese, diabetic mice. RARβ2 agonists also lower levels of mRNAs involved in lipogenesis, such as sterol regulatory element‐binding transcription factor 1 (SREBP1) and fatty acid synthase, and increase mRNAs that mediate mitochondrial fatty acid β‐oxidation, such as CPT1α, in these organs. RARβ2 agonists lower triglyceride levels in these organs, and in muscle.

Conclusions

Collectively, our data show that orally active, rapid‐acting, high‐affinity pharmacological agonists for RARβ2 improve the diabetic phenotype while reducing lipid levels in key insulin target tissues. We suggest that RARβ2 agonists should be useful drugs for T2D therapy and for treatment of hepatic steatosis.
Megafauna in the Earth system
Authors: Smith Felisa A. , Doughty Christopher E. , Malhi Yadvinder , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Terborgh John
Published: October 2015

Understanding the complex role of large‐bodied mammals in contemporary ecosystems and the likely consequences of their continued decline is essential for effective management of the remaining wild areas on Earth. The very largest animals are in particular peril owing to a disastrous combination of continued hunting or poaching, habitat alterations, and loss of habitat. Because these threats are ongoing, conservation biologists may not be able to wait for the results of long‐term studies before proposing potential mitigation strategies. A recent conference on ‘Megafauna and ecosystem function: from the Pleistocene to the Anthropocene’ at Oxford Univ. brought together paleontologists, conservation and environmental scientists and others who share an interest in characterizing the influence of large animals on ecosystems. Integrating historical perspectives of Late Pleistocene ecosystems when large‐bodied animals were still widespread, with modern studies of areas with varying levels of intact megafauna, the aim was to develop a more holistic understanding of the consequences of the ongoing decline of large‐bodied animals around the Earth. The conference resulted in the development of two special features – one in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, USA and one in Ecography synthesizing the state of our knowledge about the environmental legacies of the terminal Pleistocene megafauna extinction, the complex role of modern large‐bodied animals and what the ongoing loss of their ecological interactions might mean in terms of ecosystem function. Here, we briefly review the main themes developed during the conference and outline promising future research directions.
Seascape features, rather than dispersal traits, predict spatial genetic patterns in co‐distributed reef fishes
Authors: Liggins Libby , Treml Eric A. , Possingham Hugh P. , Riginos Cynthia
Published: October 2015

Aim

To determine which seascape features have shaped the spatial genetic patterns of coral reef fishes, and to identify common patterns among species related to dispersal traits [egg type and pelagic larval duration (PLD)].

Location

Indian and Pacific Oceans, including the Indo‐Australian Archipelago.

Methods

We sampled coral reef fishes with differing dispersal traits (Pomacentrus coelestis, Dascyllus trimaculatus, Hailchoeres hortulanus and Acanthurus triostegus) and characterized spatial (mtDNA) genetic patterns using AMOVA‐clustering and measures of genetic differentiation. Similarity in the spatial genetic patterns among species was assessed using the congruence among distance matrices method and the seascape features associated with the genetic differentiation of each species were identified using multiple regression of distance matrices (MRDM) and stepwise model selection.

Results

Similar spatial genetic patterns were found for P. coelestis and H. hortulanus, despite their differing egg type (benthic versus pelagic). MRDM indicated that geographical distance was underlying their correlated genetic patterns. Species with pelagic eggs (A. triostegus and H. hortulanus) also had correlated patterns of genetic differentiation (Dest); however, a common underlying seascape feature could not be inferred. Additionally, the common influence of the Torres Strait and the Lydekker/Weber's line was identified for the genetic patterns of differentiation for P. coelestis and A. triostegus, despite their differing dispersal traits, and the uncorrelated spatial genetic patterns of these species.

Main conclusions

Our study demonstrates the value of a quantitative, hypothesis‐testing framework in comparative phylogeography. We found that dispersal traits (egg type and PLD) did not predict which species had similar spatial genetic patterns or which seascape features were associated with these patterns. Furthermore, even in the absence of visually similar, or correlated spatial genetic patterns, our approach enabled us to identify seascape features that had a common influence on the spatial genetic patterns of co‐distributed species.