bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Annealing effects on the ferromagnetic resonance linewidths of sputter-deposited Fe100−xCox(001) thin films (x < 11)
Authors: Kusaoka A. , Kimura J. , Takahashi Y. , Inaba N. , Kirino F. , Ohtake M. , Futamoto M.
Published: April 2015

Effects of post-growth annealing on the magnetic damping of 3d transition alloy thin films were investigated. Fe100−xCox (x < 11 at. %) thin films were epitaxially deposited on GaAs(001) substrates by rf magnetron sputtering, and some of them were annealed without exposing to atmosphere. Electrical measurement showed that in-plane resistivity was smaller in the annealed films than in the as-deposited ones, indicating that the annealing mitigates crystalline imperfections and leads to reduced electron scattering rates. Magnetic damping was evaluated by the peak widths of ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) spectra obtained by a conventional Q-band spectrometer. Comparison of as-deposited and annealed specimens showed that the damping was decreased by annealing. Combined with the electrical and FMR measurements, these observations are consistent with the theoretical predictions that crystalline imperfections strongly influence the magnetic damping, both in intrinsic and extrinsic origins.
Fabrication of glass-ceramics containing spin-chain compound SrCuO2 and its high thermal conductivity
Authors: Terakado Nobuaki , Watanabe Kouki , Kawamata Takayuki , Yokochi Yuudai , Takahashi Yoshihiro , Koike Yoji , Fujiwara Takumi
Published: April 2015

High thermal conductivity materials are in great demand for heat-flow control and heat dissipation in electronic devices. In this study, we have produced a glass-ceramics that contains spin-chain compound SrCuO2 and have found that the glass-ceramics yields high thermal conductivity of ∼5 W K−1 m−1 even at room temperature. The glass-ceramics is fabricated through crystallization of inhomogeneous melt-quenched oxides made from SrCO3, CuO, Li2CO3, Ga2O3, and Al2O3. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray and electron diffraction reveal that SrCuO2 crystallites with a size of 100–200 nm are precipitated in the glass-ceramics. The highness of the thermal conductivity is attributable to two sources: one is elongation of phonon mean free path due to the crystallization of the inhomogeneous structure or structural ordering. The other is emergence of the heat carriers, spinons, in the SrCuO2. This highly thermal conductive glass-ceramics is expected to be utilized as base materials for heat-flow control devices.
Electric-field-driven magnetization reversal in square-shaped nanomagnet-based multiferroic heterostructure
Authors: Peng Ren-Ci , Wang J. J. , Hu Jia-Mian , Chen Long-Qing , Nan Ce-Wen
Published: April 2015

Based on phase field modeling and thermodynamic analysis, purely electric-field-driven magnetization reversal was shown to be possible in a multiferroic heterostructure of a square-shaped amorphous Co40Fe40B20 nanomagnet on top of a ferroelectric layer through electrostrain. The reversal is made possible by engineering the mutual interactions among the built-in uniaxial magnetic anisotropy, the geometry-dependent magnetic configuration anisotropy, and the magnetoelastic anisotropy. Particularly, the incorporation of the built-in uniaxial anisotropy made it possible to reverse magnetization with one single unipolar electrostrain pulse, which is simpler than previous designs involving the use of bipolar electrostrains and may alleviate ferroelectric fatigue. Critical conditions for triggering the magnetization reversal are identified.
Room-temperature polarization switching and antiferromagnetic coupling in epitaxial (Ga,Fe)2O3/SrRuO3 heterostructures
Authors: Oh Seol Hee , Lee Ji Hye , Shin Ran Hee , Shin Yooleemi , Meny Christian , Jo William
Published: April 2015

Room-temperature reversible remnant polarization of gallium ferrite thin-films is reported as a multiferroic material with non-zero order parameters of polarization and magnetization. With the addition of Fe ions in Ga sites, Ga0.6Fe1.4O3 (GFO) thin films have been considered as potentially promising of multiferroicity. The b-axis oriented epitaxial GFO films were grown on SrRuO3(111)/SrTiO3(111). The six-fold symmetric in-plane epitaxy of the GFO films was confirmed using X-ray diffraction. The magnetic moment of the films was measured as a function of temperature and external magnetic field, which shows a room-temperature non-zero magnetization. Macroscopic and microscopic methods have been applied to demonstrate the polarization switching of the films. The remnant polarization is measured as 0.05 μC/cm2. Reduction of leaky behaviors of the GFO films owing to the conducting oxide of SrRuO3 will pave a way to take advantage of the room-temperature non-zero multi-orders for future non-volatile memory device applications.
Slow and fast traps in metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors fabricated on recessed AlGaN/GaN heterostructures
Authors: Fiorenza Patrick , Greco Giuseppe , Iucolano Ferdinando , Patti Alfonso , Roccaforte Fabrizio
Published: April 2015

In this letter, slow and fast trap states in metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitors fabricated on recessed AlGaN/GaN heterostructures were studied by frequency dependent conductance measurements. In particular, the comparison of devices before and after annealing in forming gas allowed to ascribe the fast states (with characteristic response time in the range of 5–50 μs) to SiO2/GaN “interface traps,” and the slow states (50–100 μs) to “border traps” located few nanometers inside the SiO2 layer. These results can be important to predict and optimize the threshold voltage stability of hybrid MOS-based transistors on GaN.
Perspective: Extremely fine tuning of doping enabled by combinatorial molecular-beam epitaxy
Authors: Wu J. , Božović I.
Published: April 2015

Chemical doping provides an effective method to control the electric properties of complex oxides. However, the state-of-art accuracy in controlling doping is limited to about 1%. This hampers elucidation of the precise doping dependences of physical properties and phenomena of interest, such as quantum phase transitions. Using the combinatorial molecular beam epitaxy, we improve the accuracy in tuning the doping level by two orders of magnitude. We illustrate this novel method by two examples: a systematic investigation of the doping dependence of interface superconductivity, and a study of the competing ground states in the vicinity of the insulator-to-superconductor transition.
How guardian dogs protect livestock from predators: territorial enforcement by Maremma sheepdogs
Authors: van Bommel Linda , Johnson Chris N.
Published: April 2015

Context
Livestock guardian dogs (LGDs, Canis familiaris) can be highly effective in protecting livestock from predators; however, how they accomplish this, is poorly understood. Whereas it is clear that these dogs spend a high proportion of their time accompanying livestock, and confront predators that approach closely, it is unknown whether they also maintain territories around the areas used by their livestock and exclude predators from those territories.

Aims
We aimed to determine whether LGD behaviour towards predators is consistent with defence of a larger territory that encompasses the stock, or is based on repelling predators that closely approach livestock.

Methods
We used audio playbacks and scent placements to simulate incursions by dingoes (Canis dingo) at different locations with the LGD ranges, and used GPS tracking and automatic cameras to monitor responses to these incursions.

Key results
The LGD responses depended on location of the incursion. When simulated incursions were a significant distance inside the range (about the 50th kernel isopleth), they responded by vocalising, leaving their livestock, and travelling up to 570 m away from the stock to approach the incursion point and display challenging behaviour; when incursions were at the boundary of the range (at or beyond the 90th kernel isopleth), they vocalised but did not approach the incursion point, regardless of the location of the sheep. The LGDs in this study worked in groups. Group members responded differently to simulated incursions, some moving to challenge, whereas others remained close to the sheep.

Conclusions
Our results showed that protection by LGDs extends beyond the immediate vicinity of livestock, and is consistent with the defence of a larger territory.

Implications
If predators are excluded from this territory, LGDs enforce a spatial separation of predators and livestock. This would reduce risk of attack, but also prevents the disturbance and stress to livestock that would be caused by frequent approaches of predators. Where possible, training and management of LGDs should allow them to range freely over large areas so that they can develop and exhibit territorial behaviour, and they should be deployed in groups so that group members can assume complementary roles.
Seasonal and individual variation in selection by feral cats for areas with widespread primary prey and localised alternative prey
Authors: Cruz Jennyffer , Woolmore Chris , Latham M. Cecilia , Latham A. David M. , Pech Roger P. , Anderson Dean P.
Published: April 2015

Context Seasonal and individual variation in predator selection for primary and alternative prey can affect predator–prey dynamics, which can further influence invasive-predator impacts on rare prey. Aims We evaluated individual and seasonal variation in resource selection by feral cats (Felis silvestris catus) for areas with European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) around a breeding colony of endangered black-fronted terns (Chlidonias albostriatus) in the Upper Ohau River, within the Mackenzie Basin of New Zealand. Methods Within a feral cat population subject to localised control (within a 1-km area surrounding the tern colony), we mapped the movements of 17 individuals using GPS collars, and evaluated individual and seasonal variation in third-order resource selection (i.e. within home ranges) by using resource-selection functions with mixed effects. The year was divided into breeding and non-breeding seasons for terns. Key results Three of the eight feral cats monitored during the breeding season used the colony in proportion to availability and one selected it. These four individuals therefore pose a threat to the tern colony despite ongoing predator control. Selection by feral cats for areas with high relative rabbit abundance was not ubiquitous year-round, despite previous research showing that rabbits are their primary prey in the Mackenzie Basin. Conclusions Results suggest that rabbit control around the colony should reduce use by feral cats that select areas with high relative rabbit abundance (less than half the individuals monitored), but is unlikely to alleviate the impacts of those that select areas with low relative rabbit abundance. Hence, predator control is also required to target these individuals. Results thus support the current coupled-control of feral cats and rabbits within a 1-km buffer surrounding the tern colony. Future research should determine what scale of coupled-control yields the greatest benefits to localised prey, such as the tern colony, and whether rabbits aid hyperpredation of terns by feral cats via landscape supplementation. Implications The present study has highlighted the importance of considering seasonal and individual effects in resource selection by predators, and the role of primary prey, when designing management programs to protect rare prey.
A novel tool for visualizing chronic kidney disease associated polymorbidity: a 13-year cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Chih-Wei , Syed-Abdul Shabbir , Jian Wen-Shan , Iqbal Usman , Nguyen Phung-Anh (Alex) , Lee Peisan , Lin Shen-Hsien , Hsu Wen-Ding , Wu Mai-Szu , Wang Chun-Fu , Ma Kwan-Liu , Li Yu-Chuan (Jack)
Published: April 2015

Objective The aim of this study is to analyze and visualize the polymorbidity associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study shows diseases associated with CKD before and after CKD diagnosis in a time-evolutionary type visualization.

Materials and Methods Our sample data came from a population of one million individuals randomly selected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database, 1998 to 2011. From this group, those patients diagnosed with CKD were included in the analysis. We selected 11 of the most common diseases associated with CKD before its diagnosis and followed them until their death or up to 2011. We used a Sankey-style diagram, which quantifies and visualizes the transition between pre- and post-CKD states with various lines and widths. The line represents groups and the width of a line represents the number of patients transferred from one state to another.

Results The patients were grouped according to their states: that is, diagnoses, hemodialysis/transplantation procedures, and events such as death. A Sankey diagram with basic zooming and planning functions was developed that temporally and qualitatively depicts they had amid change of comorbidities occurred in pre- and post-CKD states.

Discussion This represents a novel visualization approach for temporal patterns of polymorbidities associated with any complex disease and its outcomes. The Sankey diagram is a promising method for visualizing complex diseases and exploring the effect of comorbidities on outcomes in a time-evolution style.

Conclusions This type of visualization may help clinicians foresee possible outcomes of complex diseases by considering comorbidities that the patients have developed.
Soil Inoculum Production, Survival, and Infectivity of the Boxwood Blight Pathogen, Calonectria pseudonaviculata
Authors: Dart Norm , Hong Chuanxue , Craig Caryn Allen , Fry J. T. , Hu Xinran
Published: April 2015

Boxwood blight caused by Calonectria pseudonaviculata is typically expressed as a foliage disease with aboveground symptoms including defoliation, dieback and formation of dark narrow stem cankers. Whether this pathogen behaves like other Calonectria spp. and has a significant soil phase in the epidemiology of boxwood blight is not known. In this study we observed experimentally that (1) the boxwood blight pathogen consistently forms microsclerotia in artificially inoculated leaves and roots of Buxus spp., (2) soil artificially inoculated with conidia and microsclerotia of this pathogen can cause foliar blight, (3) conidia and microsclerotia can remain viable in soil for up to 3 and at least 40 weeks, respectively (4) and the pathogen can cause crown and root rot to plants only when roots and crowns are directly exposed to relatively high inoculum levels. Our results suggest that C. pseudonaviculata is primarily a foliar pathogen with a potentially epidemiologically significant soil phase.
Resistance Against Basil Downy Mildew in Ocimum Species
Authors: Ben-Naim Yariv , Falach Lidan , Cohen Yigal
Published: April 2015

Downy mildew, caused by the oomycete Peronospora belbahrii, is a devastating disease of sweet basil. In this study, 113 accessions of Ocimum species (83 Plant Introduction entries and 30 commercial entries) were tested for resistance against downy mildew at the seedling stage in growth chambers, and during three seasons, in the field. Most entries belonging to O. basilicum were highly susceptible whereas most entries belonging to O. americanum, O. kilimanadascharicum, O. gratissimum, O. campechianum, or O. tenuiflorum were highly resistant at both the seedling stage and the field. Twenty-seven highly resistant individual plants were each crossed with the susceptible sweet basil ‘Peri’, and the F1 progeny plants were examined for disease resistance. The F1 plants of two crosses were highly resistant, F1 plants of 24 crosses were moderately resistant, and F1 plants of one cross were susceptible, suggesting full, partial, or no dominance of the resistance gene(s), respectively. These data confirm the feasibility of producing downy mildew-resistant cultivars of sweet basil by crossing with wild Ocimum species.
Seven-Year Outcomes Following Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation Stratified by ASTRO Consensus Groupings
Authors: Jawad Maha S. , Shah Chirag , Wilkinson J. Ben , Wallace Michelle , Mitchell Christina K. , Wobb Jessica , Gustafson Gregory S. , Brabbins Donald S. , Grills Inga S. , Chen Peter Y.
Published: April 2015

Objectives:

Limited long-term data exist regarding outcomes for patients treated with accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), particularly, when stratified by American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Consensus Statement (CS) risk groups. The purpose of this analysis is to present 5- and 7-year outcomes following APBI based on CS groupings.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 690 patients with early-stage breast cancer underwent APBI from 1993 to 2012, receiving interstitial brachytherapy (n=195), balloon-based brachytherapy (n=290), or 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (n=205) at a single institution. Patients were stratified into suitable, cautionary, and unsuitable groups with 5-year outcomes analyzed. Seven-year outcomes were analyzed for a subset with follow-up of ≥2 years (n=625).

Results:

Median follow-up was 6.7 years (range, 0.1 to 20.1 y). Patients assigned to cautionary and unsuitable categories were more likely to have high-grade tumors (21% to 25% vs. 9%, P=0.001), receive chemotherapy (15% to 38% vs. 6%, P<0.001), and have close/positive margins (9% to 11% vs. 0%, P<0.001). There was no difference in ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence at 5 or 7 years: 2.2%, 1.2%, 2.8% at 5 years (P=0.57), and 2.2%, 1.9%, 4.6% at 7 years (P=0.58) in the suitable, cautionary, and unsuitable groups, respectively. As compared with the suitable group, increased rates of distant metastases were noted for the unsuitable and cautionary groups at 5 years (P=0.04).

Conclusions:

No differences in rates of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence were seen at 5 or 7 years when stratified by ASTRO CS groupings. Modest increases in distant recurrence were noted in the cautionary and unsuitable groups. These findings suggest that the ASTRO CS groupings stratify more for systemic recurrence and may not appropriately select patients for whole versus partial breast irradiation.
Factors Associated With Guideline-recommended KRAS Testing in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Charlton Mary E. , Karlitz Jordan J. , Schlichting Jennifer A. , Chen Vivien W. , Lynch Charles F.
Published: April 2015

Objectives:

Response to epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors is poorer among stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with KRAS mutations; thus KRAS testing is recommended before treatment. KRAS testing was collected by Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries for 2010 CRC cases, and our goal was to provide the first population-based estimates of testing in the United States.

Methods:

SEER CRC cases diagnosed in 2010 were evaluated (n=30,351). χ2 tests and logistic regression were conducted to determine patient characteristics associated with KRAS testing, stratified by stages I-III versus stage IV. Log-rank tests were used to examine survival by testing status.

Results:

KRAS testing among stage IV cases ranged from 39% in New Mexico to 15% in Louisiana. In the model, younger age, being married, living in a metropolitan area, and having primary site surgery were associated with greater odds of receiving KRAS testing. Those who received testing had significantly better survival than those who did not (P<0.0001). Among those who received testing, there was no significant difference in survival by mutated versus wild-type KRAS. Five percent of stage I-III cases received testing.

Conclusions:

Wide variation in documented KRAS testing for stage IV CRC patients exists among SEER registries. Age remained highly significant in multivariate models, suggesting that it plays an independent role in the patient and/or provider decision to be tested. Further research is needed to determine drivers of variation in testing, as well as reasons for testing in stage I-III cases where it is not recommended.
Stage IIIC Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Holloway Caroline L. , Alexander Cheryl , Walter Caroline , Aquino-Parsons Christina , Truong Pauline T.
Published: April 2015

Purpose:

The optimal radiation (RT) volume for node-positive endometrial cancer is controversial. This study evaluates clinical outcomes in patients with stage IIIC, N1 endometrial cancer who received RT to the pelvis (PV RT) or pelvis plus para-aortic nodes (PV-PAN RT).

Methods:

Overall, there were 89 women with stage IIIC endometrial cancer. Of these, 57 women had N1-only disease, forming the study cohort. Clinicopathologic characteristics, recurrence rates, endometrial cancer–specific survival (ECSS), and overall survival (OS) were examined among patients treated with pelvic RT (n=23) compared with pelvic plus para-aortic RT (n=34). Multivariable analysis of ECSS and OS was performed using Cox regression modeling.

Results:

Median follow-up was 5.1 years. Adjuvant chemotherapy was used in 51/57 (89%) of N1 cases. Women with N1 disease who received PV-PAN RT compared with PV RT experienced lower recurrence (26% vs. 52%, P=0.06) and higher survival rates (5 y ECSS 81.5% vs. 47.0%, P=0.04 and OS 79.1% vs. 47.0%, P=0.01). On multivariable analysis, RT volume was not significantly associated with OS, whereas chemotherapy was associated with improved ECSS and OS.

Conclusions:

RT conferred excellent local control, whereas chemotherapy was associated with improved survival in women with N1 endometrial cancer. Distant relapse remains the most common site of recurrence despite chemotherapy.
3D seismic imaging of the Lalor volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit, Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Bellefleur G. , Schetselaar E. , White D. , Miah K. , Dueck P.
Published: April 2015

A three‐component three‐dimensional seismic data set was acquired over the Lalor volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit near Snow Lake, Manitoba, Canada, to assess the reflectivity of the ore and further validate the potential of three‐dimensional reflection seismic methods for deep mineral exploration. The Lalor deposit was chosen as a test site as it provided an intact, well‐characterized 25‐Mt‐deep ore deposit with a rich catalogue of geological and geophysical data, as well as extensive drill‐core and drill‐hole geophysical and geological logs. An analysis of physical rock properties from borehole logging data indicates that massive sulphides associated with the zinc‐rich zones could produce prominent reflections, whereas acoustic impedances of zones with disseminated gold do not sufficiently differ from the impedances of the host rocks to produce reflections. The interpretation of the seismic data is constrained with a detailed three‐dimensional lithofacies model constructed from the categorical kriging of 15 lithological units identified in borehole intersections. Processing of the seismic data included prestack dip‐moveout and poststack time migration. Final images reveal some strong reflections associated with the zinc‐rich massive sulphide zones. The most prominent reflection results from the constructive interference of thin and closely spaced massive sulphide zones and felsic–mafic volcanic rock contacts above and below the mineralization. Contacts between felsic and mafic volcanic rocks, including those that were hydrothermally altered and subsequently metamorphosed, produced prominent and continuous reflections that are used to map the main architecture of the footwall rocks. At depth, a series of continuous and conformable reflections indicate the general geometry of the volcanic sequences in the area of the three‐dimensional seismic survey.
Farmers' Preferences and Social Capital Regarding Agri‐environmental Schemes to Protect Birds
Authors: Alló Maria , Loureiro Maria L. , Iglesias Eva
Published: April 2015

The steady decline of birds living in cereal steppe lands is a worrying situation that the European Common Agricultural Policy is attempting to remedy through the application of agri‐environmental schemes (AES). We assess farmers' preferences towards these AES, which call for a number of environmental practices to protect birds. Using a face‐to‐face survey in farming communities in Aragón (Spain), and through the estimation of an Ordered Logit model (OL), we assess the ranking of AES attributes, and obtain their economic valuation according to the farmers' preferences. We find that social factors are also important in determining farmers' decisions. In particular, the importance of social trust and expectation of compliance by other neighbours, encourage farmers to sign up to AES. These and other results may be used to design more effective AES and help to solve this important biodiversity problem.
Associations between sensation seeking and d‐amphetamine reinforcement
Authors: Miller Mollie E. , Badger Gary J. , Heil Sarah H. , Higgins Stephen T. , Sigmon Stacey C.
Published: April 2015

Background and Objectives

While many individuals experiment with stimulants, only a subset transition to abuse or dependence. One characteristic widely associated with stimulant abuse vulnerability in general is sensation seeking (SS), though less clear is how individuals' baseline SS may predict their response to acute stimulant administration.

Methods

In this secondary analysis, we examined associations between SS and d‐AMPH choice and subjective response among healthy male (n = 16) and female (n = 21) adults participating in an outpatient laboratory study wherein they received repeated opportunities to sample and choose between d‐AMPH (5, 10, and 20 mg/70 kg) and placebo.

Results

Among males, elevated baseline SS was associated with increased d‐AMPH choice and positive subjective effects at 5 and 10 mg/70 kg doses. Among females, there were no significant associations between SS and d‐AMPH choice or subjective effects.

Discussion and Conclusions

Elevated SS in males may be associated with increased sensitivity to d‐AMPH reinforcement and positive subjective effects. Data from this study suggest that SS may not predict sensitivity to stimulants in females, though future studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to answer this definitively.

Scientific Significance

Sensation seeking may reflect an important characteristic underlying sensitivity to stimulant reinforcement. Efforts to better understand these individual differences would inform efforts to identify and intervene with those at risk for developing abuse or dependence. (Am J Addict 2015;24:435 –442)
Autophagic adaptation is associated with exercise‐induced fibre‐type shifting in skeletal muscle
Authors: Tam B. T. , Pei X. M. , Yu A. P. , Sin T. K. , Leung K. K. , Au K. K. , Chong J. T. , Yung B. Y. , Yip S. P. , Chan L. W. , Wong C. S. , Siu P. M.
Published: April 2015

Aim

Acute exercise is known to activate autophagy in skeletal muscle. However, little is known about how basal autophagy in skeletal muscle adapts to chronic exercise. In the current study we aim to, firstly, examine whether long‐term habitual exercise alters the basal autophagic signalling in plantaris muscle and, secondly, examine the association between autophagy and fibre‐type shifting.

Methods

Adult female Sprague‐Dawley rats aged 2 months were randomly assigned to control and exercise groups. Animals in exercise group were kept in cages equipped with free access running wheels to perform habitual exercise for 5 months. Animals in the control group were caged in the absence of running wheels. Animals were sacrificed after the 5‐month experimental period. Plantaris muscle tissues were harvested for analysis.

Results

We showed that long‐term habitual exercise enhanced basal autophagy, but without altering expressions of autophagy proteins in plantaris muscle. Interestingly, sirtuin protein, a possible regulator of autophagy, was upregulated in plantaris muscle. Furthermore, we suspected that different types of muscle fibre adapted to chronic exercise in different ways. Long‐term habitual exercise resulted in fibre‐type shifting from type IIX to IIA in both gastrocnemius muscle and plantaris muscle. Intriguingly, our analysis demonstrated that LC3‐II protein abundance is positively correlated with the proportion of type IIA fibre whereas it was negatively correlated with the proportion of type IIX fibre in plantaris muscle. PGC‐1α protein abundance was positively associated with the proportion of type IIA fibre and LC3‐II in plantaris muscle.

Conclusion

These results suggest that basal autophagy is enhanced in plantaris muscle after long‐term habitual exercise and associated with fibre‐type shifting.
Higher Risk for Adverse Obstetric Outcomes Among Immigrants of African and Asian Descent: A Comparison Study at a Low‐Risk Maternity Hospital in Norway
Authors: Bakken Kjersti S. , Skjeldal Ola H. , Stray‐Pedersen Babill
Published: April 2015

Background

Immigrants have higher risks for some adverse obstetric outcomes, and 40 percent of women giving birth at the low‐risk maternity ward in Baerum Hospital, Norway, are immigrants. This study compared obstetric outcomes between immigrants and ethnic Norwegians giving birth in a low‐risk setting.

Methods

This was a population‐based study linking the Medical Birth Registry of Norway to Statistics Norway. The study included the first registered birth during the study period to immigrant and ethnic Norwegian women at Baerum Hospital from 2006 to 2010. The main outcome measures were onset of labor, operative vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery, episiotomy, postpartum bleeding > 500 mL, epidural analgesia, labor dystocia, gestational age, meconium‐stained liquor, 5‐minute Apgar score, birthweight, and transfer to a neonatal intensive care unit.

Results

A total of 11,540 women originating from 141 countries were divided into seven groups. Compared with Norwegians, women from East, Southeast, and Central Asia had increased risk for operative vaginal delivery, postpartum bleeding, and low Apgar score. The African women had increased risk for postterm birth, meconium‐stained liquor, episiotomy, operative vaginal delivery, emergency cesarean delivery, postpartum bleeding, low Apgar score, and low birthweight. Women from South and Western Asia had increased risk for low birthweight.

Conclusion

Obstetric outcomes of immigrants differ significantly from those of Norwegians, even in a low‐risk maternity unit. Thus, immigrant women would benefit from more targeted care during pregnancy and childbirth, even in low‐risk settings.
What public media reveals about MOOCs: A systematic analysis of news reports
Authors: Kovanović Vitomir , Joksimović Srećko , Gašević Dragan , Siemens George , Hatala Marek
Published: April 2015

One of the striking differences between massive open online courses (MOOCs) and previous innovations in the education technology field is the unprecedented interest and involvement of the general public. As MOOCs address pressing problems in higher education and the broader educational practice, awareness of the general public debate around MOOCs is essential. Understanding the public discourse around MOOCs can provide insights into important social and public problems, thus enabling the MOOC research community to better focus their research endeavors. While there have been some reports looking at the state of the MOOC‐related research, the analysis of the public debate surrounding MOOCs is still largely missing.

In this paper, we present the results of a study that looked at the content of the public discourse related to MOOCs. We identified the most important themes and topics in MOOC‐related mainstream news reports. Our results indicate that coverage of MOOCs in public media is rapidly decreasing: by the middle of 2014, it decreased by almost 50% from the highest activity during 2013. In addition, the focus of those discussions is also changing. While the majority of discussions during 2012 and 2013 were focused on MOOC providers, the announcements of their partnerships, and million dollar investments, the current focus of MOOC discourse seems to be moving toward more productive topics focused on the overall position of MOOCs in the global educational landscape. Among different topics that this study discovered, government‐related issues and the use of data and analytics are some of the topics that seem to be growing in popularity during the first half of 2014.
Looking under the bonnet: probation officers' practice with child protection cases
Authors: Ansbro Maria
Published: April 2015

This research examined 31 Probation Service cases inEngland andWales that required some child protection work. It examined three areas: key characteristics of the case, inter‐agency communication and evidence for a ‘think family’ approach. Key findings were that domestic violence and substance misuse were widespread. The majority of the cases were assessed as low or medium risk of harm, and so after the ‘Transforming Rehabilitation’ restructuring will be supervised by aCommunityRehabilitationCompany, rather than theNationalProbationService. The majority of cases featured effective inter‐agency communication, and were characterized by the ‘think family’ principle. Where this was not achieved, two types of cases stood out. The first was where the probation officer was distracted from offenders' children because of public protection issues. The second was where probation officers made efforts to be included in multi‐agency work, but were shut out.
Fabricating the Developing Child in Institutions of Education. A Historical Approach to Documentation
Authors: Esser Florian
Published: April 2015

Using a historical perspective, this article describes how specific forms of documentation turned institutions of childhood into laboratories of child development. Drawing upon ‘laboratisation’ as an analytical concept derived from Science and Technology Studies, an arch will be traced from diaries kept by bourgeois fathers at the end of the 19th century to the scholarisation of childhood some one hundred years later, and on to ECE facilities at the start of the 21st century. This shows how institutions left their mark on individual children and, as laboratories of childhood, spread their institutional logic into broader areas of society by deploying practices and instruments of documentation.
The Influence of Tactile Perception on Classification of Bone Tissue at Dental Implant Insertion
Authors: Linck Gláucia Kelly Silva Barbosa , Ferreira Geovane Miranda , De Oliveira Rubelisa Cândido Gomes , Lindh Christina , Leles Cláudio Rodrigues , Ribeiro‐Rotta Rejane Faria
Published: April 2015

Background

Various ways of using the Lekholm and Zarb (L&Z) classification have added to the lack of scientific evidence of the effectiveness of this clinical method in the evaluation of implant treatment.

Purpose

The study aims to assess subjective jawbone classifications in patients referred for implant treatment, using L&Z classification with and without surgeon's hand perception at implant insertion. The association between bone type classifications and quantitative parameters of primary implant stability was also assessed.

Materials and Methods

One hundred thirty‐five implants were inserted using conventional loading protocol. Three surgeons classified bone quality at implant sites using two methods: one based on periapical and panoramic images (modified L&Z) and one based on the same images associated with the surgeon's tactile perception during drilling (original L&Z). Peak insertion torque and implant stability quotient (ISQ) were recorded.

Results

The modified and original L&Z were strongly correlated (rho = 0.79; p < .001); Wilcoxon signed‐rank test showed no significant difference in the distribution of bone type classification between pairs using the two methods (p = .538). Spearman correlation tested the association between primary stability parameters and bone type classifications (−0.34 to −0.57 [p < .001]).

Conclusions

Tactile surgical perception has a minor influence on rating of subjective bone type for dental implant treatment using the L&Z classification.
Mesenchymal stem cell application in children with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
Authors: Kuşkonmaz Bariş , Uçkan Duygu , Yalnizoğlu Dilek , Günel Mintaze , Karli Oğuz Kader , Konuşkan Bahadir , Anlar Banu
Published: April 2015

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a serious, often fatal disease that responds poorly to current treatment modalities. Recently, the ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to produce neurotrophic factors and inflammatory molecules has placed them among potential treatment agents for neurological conditions. We report the results of four patients treated with MSC for SSPE. The patients were followed up clinically, and by periodical laboratory evaluations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and electroencephalography. One patient deteriorated to stage III of the disease, two patients remained in the same stage, and one died from disease progression and respiratory problems. Neurological findings and electroencephalography scores were consistent with the clinical course of the patient whereas MRI showed new inflammatory lesions in two patients. This is the first report of the application of MSC in SSPE. No benefit is demonstrated.
Reliability and validity of the Duncan‐Ely test for assessing rectus femoris spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy
Authors: Lee Seung Yeol , Sung Ki Hyuk , Chung Chin Youb , Lee Kyoung Min , Kwon Soon‐Sun , Kim Tae Gyun , Lee Sang Hyeong , Lee In Hyeok , Park Moon Seok
Published: April 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to clarify the method of the Duncan‐Ely test and to estimate its interobserver reliability and validity by comparing it with three‐dimensional gait analysis (3DGA).

Method

This study included 36 consecutive ambulatory patients with cerebral palsy (CP) who underwent preoperative 3DGA. The Duncan‐Ely test was performed during three different velocities (slow, gravity, and fast). The interobserver reliability was assessed by three examiners. The results of the test were compared with kinematic variables derived from the gait analysis to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the test. The cut‐off value was determined at the point of trade‐off between the highest sensitivity and specificity.

Results

The intraclass correlation coefficient measuring interobserver reliability of the Duncan‐Ely test was greatest during fast velocity (0.819). The sensitivity and specificity of the test during gravity velocity for knee range of motion total were 63.0% and 100% respectively, with a cut‐off value of 78.3°. The sensitivity and specificity of the test during fast velocity for knee range of motion total were 66.7% and 100% respectively, with a cut‐off value of 65°.

Interpretation

The Duncan‐Ely test shows excellent reliability in fast knee‐flexion velocity, and good sensitivity and specificity compared with 3DGA during physical examination as a preoperative assessment of rectus femoris spasticity in patients with CP.
Russian language skills and employment in the Former Soviet Union
Authors: Duncan Alan , Mavisakalyan Astghik
Published: April 2015

During the Soviet era, proficiency in the Russian language was often a ticket to attractive employment opportunities in the member republics. Does it still contribute to securing employment in the former Soviet republics after two decades of transition? Using data from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia in the years 2008–2010, this paper demonstrates that Russian language skills remain economically valuable. The baseline estimates suggest that Russian language skills increase probability of employment by about 6 (males) and 9 (females) percentage points. Our results bear important implications for the ongoing debates on language policies in the post‐Soviet countries.
Stimulus‐dependent augmented gamma oscillatory activity between the functionally connected cortical neurons in the primary visual cortex
Authors: Bharmauria Vishal , Bachatene Lyes , Cattan Sarah , Chanauria Nayan , Rouat Jean , Molotchnikoff Stéphane
Published: April 2015

Neuronal assemblies typically synchronise within the gamma oscillatory band (30–80 Hz) and are fundamental to information processing. Despite numerous investigations, the exact mechanisms and origins of gamma oscillations are yet to be known. Here, through multiunit recordings in the primary visual cortex of cats, we show that the strength of gamma power (20–40 and 60–80 Hz) is significantly stronger between the functionally connected units than between the unconnected units within an assembly. Furthermore, there is increased frequency coherence in the gamma band between the connected units than between the unconnected units. Finally, the higher gamma rhythms (60–80 Hz) are mostly linked to the fast‐spiking neurons. These results led us to postulate that gamma oscillations are intrinsically generated between the connected units within cell assemblies (microcircuits) in relation to the stimulus within an emergent ‘50‐ms temporal window of opportunity’.
Viking stranger‐kings: the foreign as a source of power in Viking Age Scandinavia, or, why there was a peacock in the Gokstad ship burial?
Authors: Dobat Andres Siegfried
Published: April 2015

Drawing on both written and archaeological evidence, this paper investigates the significance of the foreign, and in particular the concept of the ‘stranger‐king’, in Viking Age Scandinavia. Focusing on the case of the Danish Jelling dynasty, the monumental complex at Jelling is reinterpreted as a materialization of a stranger‐king myth: the ship‐setting reproduces the narrative of the founding of the dynasty by an immigrant forefather, and the earthen burial mounds convey the idea of the foreign king taking possession of the locals' land. In a broader perspective, the stranger‐king concept and the special association of the king with the foreign is identified as an integral element of Old Norse myth and a Scandinavian archetype of rulership. The embracing of the foreign in many different forms is seen as a political strategy whose aim is to illustrate a king's special connection to the forces of the distant and unknown world beyond direct human control, and which clothes him with an aura of the strange and the exotic. In this way, and closely related to the concept of sacral rulership, the foreign emerges as a source of power and a presupposition for the formation of early states in Scandinavia.
Distinct clinical and radiographic characteristics of moyamoya disease amongst European Caucasians
Authors: Acker G. , Goerdes S. , Schneider U. C. , Schmiedek P. , Czabanka M. , Vajkoczy P.
Published: April 2015

Background and purpose

Occlusive cerebrovascular moyamoya disease (MMD) is rare and has been characterized mainly in Asian countries, so far. In recent years, MMD has been increasingly reported worldwide, raising the question whether its clinical presentation would vary amongst different ethnic backgrounds. Here, a homogeneous series of 153 patients with MMD are reported and the specific clinical features of this rare disease amongst European Caucasians are highlighted.

Methods

A total of 153 European Caucasians with MMD who were treated in our institution between 1997 and 2014 were retrospectively identified. Demographic data, clinical symptoms, angiographic characteristics and functional hemodynamic studies were analyzed.

Results

Moyamoya disease presented with a female predominance of 2,9:1.,78% presented with a typical MMD, 17% with a unilateral MMD and 5% with an atypical MMD. 16% of our patients belonged to the pediatric population. Overall, 81% and 8.5% of our cohort presented initially with ischaemic and hemorrhagic manifestation, respectively. The rate of hemorrhagic manifestation of MMD amongst the pediatric group was slightly higher (12%). Angiographic analysis revealed steno‐occlusive involvement of the posterior circulation in 34% with a higher involvement in pediatric patients (64%) compared to adults (28%).

Conclusions

The characterization of our homogeneous European Caucasian cohort reveals several significant differences compared to Asian cohorts. In contrast, MMD presents similarly amongst European and North American cohorts, suggesting that non‐Asian MMD is characterized by distinct clinical features.
Inferior cerebellar peduncular lesion causes a distinct vestibular syndrome
Authors: Choi J.‐H. , Seo J.‐D. , Choi Y. R. , Kim M.‐J. , Kim H.‐J. , Kim J. S. , Choi K.‐D.
Published: April 2015

Background and purpose

The inferior cerebellar peduncle (ICP) contains various fibres to and from the cerebellum relating to the integration of the proprioceptive and vestibular functions. However, the full clinical features of isolated unilateral ICP lesions have not been defined in humans.

Methods

Eight consecutive patients with isolated unilateral ICP lesions at the pontine level (six with stroke, one with multiple sclerosis and one with brainstem encephalitis) received bedside neurological and neuro‐otological evaluations and underwent laboratory tests including measurements of the subjective visual vertical (SVV) and ocular torsion, bithermal caloric tests and pure tone audiometry.

Results

All patients developed isolated acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) with ipsilesional spontaneous nystagmus (n = 7) and contralesional ocular tilt reaction (OTR) and/or SVV tilt (n = 7). In view of the normal head impulse test in all patients and skew deviation in one, our patients met the criteria for AVS from central lesions. Five patients showed a directional dissociation between the OTR/SVV tilt and body lateropulsion that fell to the lesion side whilst the OTR/SVVtilt was contraversive.

Conclusions

A unilateral ICP lesion at the pontine level leads to the development of isolated AVS. However, a negative head impulse test and directional dissociation between OTR/SVV tilt and body lateropulsion may distinguish lesions involving unilateral ICP at the pontine level from those affecting other vestibular structures.
Bankruptcy Remoteness and Incentive‐compatible Securitization
Authors: Chiesa Gabriella
Published: April 2015

Securitization involves both the risk allocation and claims' transferability/liquidity. A key ingredient of liquidity/claim‐transferability isbankruptcy remotenessof the securitized assets. We analyze the implications of the bankruptcy‐remoteness created by securitization on risk allocation and bank monitoring incentives, in relation to the bank's liability structure; and the regulatory/policy issues it gives rise to. We demonstrate that (1) the need for regulation arises when securitization (and bankruptcy remoteness) coexists with deposit‐taking; and (2) regulation that imposes the same capital requirements on a bank irrespective of whether loans are securitized or not will have welfare implications. We also explain the need for narrow‐securitized banking.
A New Data Set On Competition In National Banking Markets
Authors: Clerides Sofronis , Delis Manthos D. , Kokas Sotirios
Published: April 2015

We estimate the degree of competition in the banking sectors of 148 countries over the period 1997–2010 using three methods: the Lerner index, the adjusted Lerner index, and the profit elasticity. Marginal cost estimates required for all methods are obtained using a flexible semi‐parametric methodology. All three indices show that competitive conditions in banking deteriorated during the period 1997–2006, improved until 2008, and deteriorated again thereafter. Levels of competition differ across regions and income groups, but there is gradual convergence over time. Banking system is less competitive in sub‐Saharan Africa and low income countries and more competitive in Europe and Central and South Asia and OECD countries.