bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Hepatic Sonographic Features and Histopathologic Diagnosis in Canine Liver Disease: 138 Cases
Authors: Kemp S.D. , Panciera D.L. , Larson M.M. , Saunders G.K. , Werre S.R.
Published: May 2013

Background

Ultrasound examination is commonly used in the diagnostic evaluation of liver disease in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine if hepatic sonographic features were predictive of findings on liver histopathology. We hypothesized that there would be a relationship between sonographic features and the category of liver disease based on histologic assessment.

Animals

One hundred and thirty‐eight dogs in which the liver was evaluated by both abdominal ultrasound examination and histopathologic examination. Twenty‐five dogs were included in each of the following categories based on histopathology: normal, degenerative, vascular, inflammatory, and neoplasia. Thirteen dogs had nodular regeneration.

Methods

Retrospective study. Medical records of dogs from 2005 to 2010 were searched for cases in which the liver was evaluated by abdominal ultrasound examination as well as by histopathology. After independent evaluation of ultrasound images, the recorded sonographic features were analyzed to identify abnormalities associated with each histopathologic diagnosis or degree of fibrosis.

Results

Sixty‐four percent of sonographically unremarkable livers had histologic abnormalities. Both microhepatia and the identification of abnormal vasculature were significantly associated with a histopathologic diagnosis of vascular disease. Hepatic masses were significantly associated with a diagnosis of neoplasia. Dilated common bile duct and thickened gall bladder wall were significantly associated with hepatitis. There were no sonographic findings consistently present with hepatic fibrosis.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Although some ultrasonographic findings, including masses, microhepatia, anomalous veins, and biliary changes, are associated with specific histopathologic abnormalities, sonographic findings are inconsistently detected in many disorders. Overall, hepatic ultrasonographic abnormalities have substantial limitations in predicting the underlying disease.
Considerations in developing lipid‐based nutrient supplements for prevention of undernutrition: experience from the International Lipid‐Based Nutrient Supplements (iLiNS) Project
Authors: Arimond Mary , Zeilani Mamane , Jungjohann Svenja , Brown Kenneth H. , Ashorn Per , Allen Lindsay H. , Dewey Kathryn G.
Published: May 2013

The International Lipid‐Based Nutrient Supplements (iLiNS) Project began in 2009 with the goal of contributing to the evidence base regarding the potential of lipid‐based nutrient supplements (LNS) to prevent undernutrition in vulnerable populations. The first project objective was the development of acceptable LNS products for infants 6–24 months and for pregnant and lactating women, for use in studies in three countries (Burkina Faso, Ghana and Malawi). This paper shares the rationale for a series of decisions in supplement formulation and design, including those related to ration size, ingredients, nutrient content, safety and quality, and packaging. Most iLiNS supplements have a daily ration size of 20 g and are intended for home fortification of local diets. For infants, this ration size is designed to avoid displacement of breast milk and to allow for dietary diversity including any locally available and accessible nutrient‐dense foods. Selection of ingredients depends on acceptability of flavour, micronutrient, anti‐nutrient and essential fatty acid contents. The nutrient content of LNS designed to prevent undernutrition reflects the likelihood that in many resource‐poor settings, diets of the most nutritionally vulnerable individuals (infants, young children, and pregnant and lactating women) are likely to be deficient in multiple micronutrients and, possibly, in essential fatty acids. During ingredient procurement and LNS production, safety and quality control procedures are required to prevent contamination with toxins or pathogens and to ensure that the product remains stable and palatable over time. Packaging design decisions must include consideration of product protection, stability, convenience and portion control.
Conflicting roles for a cell surface modification in Salmonella
Authors: May John F. , Groisman Eduardo A.
Published: May 2013

Chemical modifications of components of the bacterial cell envelope can enhance resistance to antimicrobial agents. Why then are such modifications produced only under specific conditions? Here, we address this question by examining the role of regulated variations in O‐antigen length in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a glycolipid that forms most of the outer leaflet of the outer membrane in Gram‐negative bacteria. We determined that activation of the PmrA/PmrB two‐component system, which is the major regulator of LPS alterations in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, impaired growth of Salmonella in bile. This growth defect required the PmrA‐activated gene wzzst, which encodes the protein that determines long O‐antigen chain length and confers resistance to complement‐mediated killing. By contrast, this growth defect did not require the wzzfepE gene, which controls production of very long O‐antigen, or other PmrA‐activated genes that mediate modifications of lipid A or core regions of the LPS. Additionally, we establish that long O‐antigen inhibits growth in bile only in the presence of enterobacterial common antigen, an outer‐membrane glycolipid that contributes to bile resistance. Our results suggest that Salmonella regulates the proportion of long O‐antigen in its LPS to respond to the different conditions it faces during infection.
Transcriptome sequencing as a platform to elucidate molecular components of the diapause response in the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus
Authors: POELCHAU MONICA F. , REYNOLDS JULIE A. , DENLINGER DAVID L. , ELSIK CHRISTINE G. , ARMBRUSTER PETER A.
Published: May 2013

Diapause has long been recognized as a crucial ecological adaptation to spatio‐temporal environmental variation. More recently, rapid evolution of the diapause response has been implicated in response to contemporary global warming and during the range expansion of invasive species. Although the molecular regulation of diapause remains largely unresolved, rapidly emerging next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technologies provide exciting opportunities for addressing this longstanding question. In the present study, a new assembly from life‐history stages relevant to diapause in the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse) is reported, along with unique methods for the analysis of NGS data and transcriptome assembly. A digital normalization procedure that significantly reduces the computational resources required for transcriptome assembly is evaluated. Additionally, a method for protein reference‐based and genomic reference‐based merged assembly of 454 and Illumina reads is described. Finally, a gene ontology analysis is presented, which creates a platform for identifying the physiological processes associated with diapause. Taken together, these methods provide valuable tools for analyzing the transcriptional underpinnings of many complex phenotypes, including diapause, and provide a basis for determining the molecular regulation of diapause in Ae. albopictus.
The Agentive Modalities
Authors: Maier John
Published: May 2013

A number of philosophical projects require a proper understanding of the modal aspects of agency, or of what I call ‘the agentive modalities.’ I propose a general account of the agentive modalities, one which takes as its primitive the decision‐theoretic notion of an option. I relate this account to the standard semantics for ‘can’ and to the viability of some positions in the free will debates.
Overexpression of a R2R3 MYB gene MdSIMYB1 increases tolerance to multiple stresses in transgenic tobacco and apples
Authors: Wang Rong‐Kai , Cao Zhong‐Hui , Hao Yu‐Jin
Published: May 2013

MYB transcription factors (TFs) involve in plant abiotic stress tolerance and response in various plant species. In this study, rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) was conducted to isolate the R2R3‐MYB TF gene MdSIMYB1 from apples (Malus × domestica). The gene transcripts were abundant in the leaves, flowers and fruits, compared to other organs, and were induced by abiotic stresses and plant hormones. We observed the subcellular localization of an MdSIMYB1‐GFP fusion protein in the nucleus. Furthermore, the MdSIMYB1 gene was introduced into the tobacco genome and ectopically expressed in transgenic lines. The results indicate that MdSIMYB1 transgenic tobacco seed germination is insensitive to abscisic acid and NaCl treatment. Additionally, it was found that the ectopic expression of MdSIMYB1 enhanced the tolerance of plants to high salinity, drought and cold tolerance by upregulating the stress‐responsive genes NtDREB1A, NtERD10B and NtERD10C. Meanwhile, the transgenic tobacco exhibited robust root growth because of the enhanced expression of the auxin‐responsive genes NtIAA4.2, NtIAA4.1 and NtIAA2.5 under stress conditions, which is conducive to stress tolerance. Finally, transgenic apple lines were obtained and tested. Transgenic apple lines that were overexpressing MdSIMYB1 exhibited a higher tolerance to abiotic stress than the wild‐type control, but suppression of MdSIMYB1 resulted in lower tolerance. Our results indicate that MdSIMYB1 may be utilized as a target gene for enhancing stress tolerance in important crops.
Do High‐Reliability Systems Have Lower Error Rates? Evidence from Commercial Aircraft Accidents
Authors: O'Neil Patrick D. , Kriz Kenneth A.
Published: May 2013

High‐reliability advocates claim that highly reliable organizations (HROs), such as the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) air traffic control system, routinely demonstrate the ability to safely and reliably perform large‐scale technical operations. High levels of productivity with low levels of error are achieved even though complex technologies are used to accomplish mission goals. A recent study asserted that the FAA’s air traffic control function developed HRO characteristics over a long period of time as part of a larger high‐reliability system. In that study, identifiable and measurable attributes and characteristics associated with high reliability were constructed, and their emergence was tracked over time. In this article, time‐series analysis was used to measure the relationship between characteristics associated with high reliability and commercial aviation accident reduction. A small but statistically significant effect was identified linking the adoption of HRO characteristics over time with a reduction in commercial aviation accident rates.
Application of phytochemicals as growth‐promoters and endocrine modulators in fish culture
Authors: Chakraborty Suman B. , Horn Péter , Hancz Csaba
Published: May 2013

There is a constant need to increase productivity in aquaculture, particularly to improve growth rate, feed utilization as well as stress resistance of fish. Because of consumer concerns and strict regulations in many countries, the use of synthetic chemicals, hormones and antibiotics is becoming unviable and natural compounds are more acceptable to the public. A wide variety of chemical compounds are found in plants, and many of them have been shown to have beneficial effects on appetite, growth and the immune status of fish acting through different mechanisms. Phytochemicals contained in herbs may enhance the innate immune system, possess antimicrobial capabilities, and are redox active molecules with antioxidant characteristics that may help to improve the general physiological condition of fish. Many studies have discussed the values of phytochemicals as feed additives. Another paramount concern related to phytochemicals is their endocrine modulator effect that can be applied both in aquaculture targeting the production of table fish and the growing sector of ornamental fish production. Different mechanisms such as the effects at the steroid receptor level, effects on steroid synthesis, distribution and excretion, actions on the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonad axis, as well as indirect mechanisms including thyroid and growth hormone disruption have been postulated for the reproductive endocrine disruption in fish populations by phytochemicals. This paper reviews the results of a great number of studies focusing on phytochemicals such as essential oils, saponins, flavonoids and phytosterols discussing their effects on productive traits and the putative mechanism of action.
Long‐term effects of fertilizer and manure applications on soil quality and yields in a sub‐humid tropical rice‐rice system
Authors: Shahid M. , Nayak A. K. , Shukla A. K. , Tripathi R. , Kumar A. , Mohanty S. , Bhattacharyya P. , Raja R. , Panda B. B.
Published: May 2013

Widespread yield stagnation and productivity declines in the rice–rice cropping system have been reported and many of the associated issues are related to soil quality. A long‐term experimental study was initiated in 1969 to assess the impact of continuous cultivation of rice as a single crop grown in wet as well as dry seasons using varying levels of chemical fertilizer and manure applications on soil quality indicators (physical, chemical and biological), a sustainable yield index (SYI) and a soil quality index (SQI). The treatments comprised chemical fertilizers and farmyard manure (FYM) either alone or in combination viz. control, N, NP, NK, NPK, FYM, N+FYM, NP+FYM, NK+FYM and NPK+FYM, laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil samples were collected after the wet season rice harvest in 2010 and were analysed for physical, chemical and biological indicators of soil quality. A SYI based on long‐term yield data and SQI using principal component analysis (PCA) and nonlinear scoring functions were calculated. Application of NPK fertilizers in combination with FYM significantly increased the average grain yield of rice in both wet and dry seasons and enhanced the sustainability of the system compared to the control and plots in receipt of fertilizers. The SYI for the control was higher in the wet season than in the dry one, whereas the reverse was true for NPK+FYM treatment. The value of the dimensionless SQI varied from 1.46 in the control plot to 3.78 in the NPK+FYM one. A greater SYI and SQI in the NPK+FYM treatment demonstrated the importance of using a chemical fertilizer in combination with FYM. For the six soil quality indicators selected as a minimum data set (MDS), the contribution of DTPA‐Zn, available‐N and soil organic carbon to the SQI was substantial ranging from 59.4 to 85.7 per cent in NPK+FYM and control plots, respectively. Thus, these soil parameters could be used to monitor soil quality in a subhumid tropical rice–rice system.
An updated phylogeny of Anisoptera including formal convergence analysis of morphological characters
Authors: BLANKE ALEXANDER , GREVE CAROLA , MOKSO RAJMUND , BECKMANN FELIX , MISOF BERNHARD
Published: May 2013

Family interrelationships among Anisoptera (dragonflies) are unresolved. Molecular markers applied thus far have not been particularly useful for resolving relationships at the family level. Previous morphological studies have depended heavily on characters of wing venation and articulation which are believed to display considerable degrees of homoplasy due to adaptations to different flight modes. Here, we present a comprehensive anatomical dataset of the head morphology of Anisoptera focusing on muscle organization and endoskeletal features covering nearly all families. The characters are illustrated in detail and incorporated into an updated morphological character matrix covering all parts of the dragonfly body. Phylogenetic analysis recovers all families as monophyletic clades except Corduliidae, Gomphidae as sister group to all remaining Anisoptera, and Austropetaliidae as sister group to Aeshnidae (=Aeshnoidea). The position of Petaluridae and Aeshnoidea to each other could not be resolved. Libelluloidea is monophyletic with Neopetalia and Cordulegastridae as first splits. Chlorogomphidae is sister to monophyletic [Synthemistidae + (‘Corduliidae’ + Libellulidae)]. In addition, we applied a recently published formal approach to detect concerted convergence in morphological data matrices and uncover possible homoplasies. Analyses show that especially head and thorax characters may harbour homoplasies. After exclusion of possible homoplastic characters, Gomphidae is corroborated as sister group to all remaining Anisoptera.
Diabetes is a strong predictor of mortality during tuberculosis treatment: a prospective cohort study among tuberculosis patients from Mwanza, Tanzania
Authors: Faurholt‐Jepsen Daniel , Range Nyagosya , PrayGod George , Jeremiah Kidola , Faurholt‐Jepsen Maria , Aabye Martine G. , Changalucha John , Christensen Dirk L. , Grewal Harleen M. S. , Martinussen Torben , Krarup Henrik , Witte Daniel R. , Andersen Aase B. , Friis Henrik
Published: May 2013

Objective

Strong evidence suggests diabetes may be associated with tuberculosis (TB) and could influence TB treatment outcomes. We assessed the role of diabetes on sputum culture conversion and mortality among patients undergoing TB treatment.

Methods

A total of 1250 Tanzanian TB patients were followed prospectively during TB treatment with sputum culture after 2 and 5 months. Survival status was assessed at least 1 year after initiation of treatment. At baseline, all participants underwent testing for diabetes and HIV, and the serum concentration of the acute phase reactant alpha‐1 glycoprotein (AGP) was determined.

Results

There were no differences between participants with and without diabetes regarding the proportion of positive cultures at 2 (3.8% vs. 5.8%) and 5 (1.3% vs. 0.9%) months (P > 0.46). However, among patients with a positive TB culture, relatively more patients with diabetes died before the 5‐month follow‐up. Within the initial 100 days of TB treatment, diabetes was associated with a fivefold increased risk of mortality (RR 5.09, 95% CI 2.36; 11.02, P < 0.001) among HIV uninfected, and a twofold increase among HIV co‐infected patient (RR 2.33 95% CI 1.20; 4.53, P = 0.012), while diabetes was not associated with long‐term mortality. Further adjustment with AGP did not change the estimates.

Conclusion

Diabetes considerably increases risk of early mortality during TB treatment. The effect may not be explained by increased severity of TB, but could be due to impaired TB treatment response. Research is needed to clarify the mechanism and to assess whether glycaemic control improves survival.
Comparison of a gel column blood typing method and a point‐of‐care cartridge forDogErythrocyteAntigen 1.1
Authors: Blois Shauna L. , Richardson Danielle M. , Abrams‐Ogg Anthony C. G.
Published: May 2013

Background

Blood typing for the presence ofDogErythrocyteAntigen (DEA) 1.1 is recommended in all donor and recipient dogs prior to transfusion of blood products. The objective of this study was to determine if a point‐of‐careDEA1.1 blood typing cartridge could be used in place of the gel column typing method.

Study Design

Detection ofDEA1.1 was performed using a laboratory‐based gel column method and a point‐of‐care cartridge. A convenience sample of 30 healthy blood donors, 13 dogs with immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) (3 of which had concurrent immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia [IMT]), and 44 dogs with other diseases was included in the study.

Key Findings

Agreement was observed between the tests for normal dogs and dogs with nonimmune‐mediated disease in 74/74 cases. Two dogs in theIMHAgroup had indeterminate gel column blood typing results; 1 dog in this group had a negative gel column test result but a positive cartridge test result.

Significance

There was good agreement between the 2 methods for normal dogs and dogs with nonimmune‐mediated disease. Blood typing methods in dogs withIMHAshould be further investigated.
Resolution modeling in PET imaging: Theory, practice, benefits, and pitfalls
Authors: Rahmim Arman , Qi Jinyi , Sossi Vesna
Published: May 2013

In this paper, the authors review the field of resolution modeling in positron emission tomography (PET) image reconstruction, also referred to as point‐spread‐function modeling. The review includes theoretical analysis of the resolution modeling framework as well as an overview of various approaches in the literature. It also discusses potential advantages gained via this approach, as discussed with reference to various metrics and tasks, including lesion detection observer studies. Furthermore, attention is paid to issues arising from this approach including the pervasive problem of edge artifacts, as well as explanation and potential remedies for this phenomenon. Furthermore, the authors emphasize limitations encountered in the context of quantitative PET imaging, wherein increased intervoxel correlations due to resolution modeling can lead to significant loss of precision (reproducibility) for small regions of interest, which can be a considerable pitfall depending on the task of interest.
Automatic quantitative analysis of in‐stent restenosis using FD‐OCT in vivo intra‐arterial imaging
Authors: Mandelias Kostas , Tsantis Stavros , Spiliopoulos Stavros , Katsakiori Paraskevi F. , Karnabatidis Dimitris , Nikiforidis George C. , Kagadis George C.
Published: May 2013

Purpose:

A new segmentation technique is implemented for automatic lumen area extraction and stent strut detection in intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) images for the purpose of quantitative analysis of in‐stent restenosis (ISR). In addition, a user‐friendly graphical user interface (GUI) is developed based on the employed algorithm toward clinical use.

Methods:

Four clinical datasets of frequency‐domain OCT scans of the human femoral artery were analyzed. First, a segmentation method based on fuzzy C means (FCM) clustering and wavelet transform (WT) was applied toward inner luminal contour extraction. Subsequently, stent strut positions were detected by utilizing metrics derived from the local maxima of the wavelet transform into the FCM membership function.

Results:

The inner lumen contour and the position of stent strut were extracted with high precision. Compared to manual segmentation by an expert physician, the automatic lumen contour delineation had an average overlap value of 0.917 ± 0.065 for all OCT images included in the study. The strut detection procedure achieved an overall accuracy of 93.80% and successfully identified 9.57 ± 0.5 struts for every OCT image. Processing time was confined to approximately 2.5 s per OCT frame.

Conclusions:

A new fast and robust automatic segmentation technique combining FCM and WT for lumen border extraction and strut detection in intravascular OCT images was designed and implemented. The proposed algorithm integrated in a GUI represents a step forward toward the employment of automated quantitative analysis of ISR in clinical practice.
Fear of Acupuncture Enhances Sympathetic Activation to Acupuncture Stimulation
Authors: Lee In-Seon , Jo Hee-Jin , Lee Soon-Ho , Lee Hyangsook , Lee Hyejung , Park Hi-Joon , Chae Younbyoung
Published: May 2013

Background

Acupuncture treatment frequently evokes both pain and fear, causing patients to be hesitant about undergoing the procedure. This study investigated individual differences in autonomic response to acupuncture stimulation and its relationship to fear of the procedure.

Methods

Twenty-seven participants filled out the acupuncture fear scale (AFS) questionnaire and underwent acupuncture stimulation at the LI4 acupuncture point. Autonomic responses were measured by recording the skin conductance response (SCR) throughout acupuncture stimulation. Pearson correlation analysis was performed between the self-reported AFS scores and changes in SCR.

Results

After acupuncture stimulation, SCR significantly increased and there were greater individual differences in enhanced sympathetic activations to acupuncture stimulation. Changes in SCR correlated with scores for the painful sensation domain of the AFS.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that fear of acupuncture-induced pain is associated with physiological arousal when people receive acupuncture stimulation. Fear of pain is the dominant factor in acupuncture-related fear and it should be considered in practice and in research.
Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy presenting with unilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in a Malay teenager
Authors: Leow Sue Ngein , Bastion Mae-Lynn Catherine
Published: May 2013

To describe a case of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy presenting with unilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in a Malay teenager.
Improving uptake of the copper intrauterine device for emergency contraception by educating pharmacists in the community
Authors: Clement Kathryn M , Mansour Diana J
Published: May 2013

Objectives

The copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) is the most effective method of emergency contraception (EC) and provides ongoing contraception, yet few women choose this option. This study evaluates the impact of an educational initiative involving pharmacists on uptake of Cu-IUDs for EC in an integrated sexual health clinic in the North East of England.

Methods

Since November 2010, local pharmacists have received intensive education detailing EC options including Cu-IUDs. At the same time a rapid access referral pathway for fitting of an emergency Cu-IUD was established. The impact of this initiative has been assessed by analysing case notes of women attending a large city centre sexual health service who received an emergency Cu-IUD during September and October 2010 (prior to the initiative) and the same 2 months in 2011 (9 months after the start of the intervention).

Results

The number of women fitted with an emergency Cu-IUD increased by almost three-fold from 11 fitted in September and October 2010 to 30 fitted in these 2 months in 2011. One woman was referred from a pharmacist to the service in the first audit period compared with 17 in the second. No pregnancies occurred in the first month after Cu-IUD insertion in these 41 women.

Conclusions

Educating pharmacists has increased referral and uptake of Cu-IUD used for EC and this has the potential to reduce unintended pregnancies now and in the future.
Analytical study on cyclic behavior of chevron braced frames with shear panel system considering post-yield deformation
Authors: Zahrai S.M. , Moslehi Tabar A.
Published: May 2013

An analytical investigation is performed on chevron braced frames using the shear panel system (SPS) and verified based on experimental results. This paper aims to determine key issues influencing the cyclic behavior and energy dissipation capacity of this kind of ductile braced frame. An extended analytical model is presented to evaluate the lateral stiffness of the SPSs at different levels of nonlinear deformation. The expressions developed in this model may be used to select the geometric properties of the SPS based on the desired ductility. Finally, the results obtained from testing on five full-scale braced specimens are used to verify the validity of the proposed model. The experimental specimens showed approximately 30% hysteretic damping ratio and their SPSs reached a plastic rotation of about 0.15 rad.
TIME AND A TEMPORALLY STATISTICAL QUANTUM GEOMETRODYNAMICS
Authors: KONISHI EIJI
Published: May 2013

This paper is an exposition of the author's recent work on modeling M-theory vacua and quantum mechanical observers in the framework of a temporally statistical description of quantum geometrodynamics, including measurement processes based on the canonical theory of quantum gravity. In this paper, we deal with several fundamental issues of time: the timeless problem in canonical quantum gravity; the physical origin of state reductions; and time-reversal symmetry breaking. We first model the observers and consider the timeless problem by invoking the time reparametrization symmetry breaking in the quantum mechanical world as seen by the observers. We next construct the hidden time variable theory, using a model of the gauged and affinized S-duality symmetry in type IIB string theory, as the statistical theory of time and explain the physical origin of state reductions using it. Finally, by the extension of the time reparametrization symmetry to all of the temporal hidden variables, we treat the issue of time reversal symmetry breaking as the spontaneous breaking of this extended time reparametrization symmetry. The classification of unitary time-dependent processes and the geometrizations of unitary and nonunitary time evolutions using the language of the derived category are also investigated.
FORMATION OF CHROMIUM COATING AND COMPARATIVE EXAMINATION ON CORROSION RESISTANCE WITH 13CrSTEEL INCO2-SATURATED SIMULATED OILFIELD BRINE
Authors: ZOU JIAOJUAN , XIE FAQIN , LIN NAIMING , YAO XIAOFEI , TIAN WEI , TANG BIN
Published: May 2013

In order to enhance the surface properties of P110 oil casing tube steel and increase its usage during operation, chromium coating was fabricated by pack cementation. Scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometry and X-ray diffraction were used to investigate the surface morphology, cross-sectional microstructure, element distribution and phase constitutions of the coating. Comparative examinations on corrosion resistance between chromium coating and 13 Cr stainless steel in CO2-saturated simulated oilfield brine were carried out via electrochemical measurements. The results showed that the obtained coating was uniform and compact, mainly consisted of CrxCyand doped with minor Cr2N . Chromizing treatment made it possible to create on the working surface of P110 steel with enhanced corrosion resistance, and the chromium coating indicated lower pitting corrosion sensitivity than that of 13 Cr stainless steel.
The Relationship Between Proactive Management of Core Competencies and Business Performance
Authors: Garcia-Zambrano Lidia , Rodriguez-Castellanos Arturo , García-Merino Jose Domingo
Published: May 2013

Intangible resources drive economic growth, and are considered the fundamental source of business value. Intangibles have become key factors in generating competitive advantages, despite the fact that traditional financial reporting continues to focus on tangible assets. This is primarily due to the fact that the majority of intangible resources are invisible and considered a current expense on financial statements.

Top level management on the other hand may be discouraged from investing in intangible resources, even though numerous studies link investments in R&D, advertising, and training, to the performance of the company. Studies also suggested that core competencies, as a form of intangible human capital, are critical competitive factors and essential elements of corporate competitive advantage. Despite that, few studies analyse the relationship between investments in core competencies and corporate performance. The main objective of this study is to attempt to fill the gap in this area of the current literature and test the extent to which investments in core competences, translates into direct improved organisational performance.

The field study was conducted by making telephone calls to the financial managers of different Basque Country companies. Their responses and the financial performance of their companies was analysed and reported in this study. Results from the study show that firms with managers whom affirm their investment in intangible resources have better overall growth and sustained economic development.
DECOMPOSITION OF UNITARY MATRICES AND QUANTUM GATES
Authors: LI CHI-KWONG , ROBERTS REBECCA , YIN XIAOYAN
Published: May 2013

A general scheme is presented to decompose a d-by-d unitary matrix as the product of two-level unitary matrices with additional structure and prescribed determinants. In particular, the decomposition can be done by using two-level matrices in d - 1 classes, where each class is isomorphic to the group of 2 × 2 unitary matrices. The proposed scheme is easy to apply, and useful in treating problems with the additional structural restrictions. A Matlab program is written to implement the scheme, and the result is used to deduce the fact that every quantum gate acting on n-qubit registers can be expressed as no more than 2n-1(2n-1) fully controlled single-qubit gates chosen from 2n-1 classes, where the quantum gates in each class share the same n - 1 control qubits. Moreover, it is shown that one can easily adjust the proposed decomposition scheme to take advantage of additional structure evolving in the process.
HIGHER-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRIC DESCRIPTION OF THE QUANTUM KLEIN–GORDON EQUATION
Authors: KOCH BENJAMIN
Published: May 2013

It is shown that the equations of relativistic Bohmian mechanics for multiple bosonic particles have a dual description in terms of a classical theory of conformally "curved" space-time. This shows that it is possible to formulate quantum mechanics as a purely classical geometrical theory. The results are further generalized to interactions with an external electromagnetic field.
SITE SELECTIVITY IN DOPED POLYANION CATHODE MATERIALS FORLi-ION BATTERIES
Authors: LI KEYAN , SHAO JUNJIE , XUE DONGFENG
Published: May 2013

We propose a simple and effective method to determine the occupancy preference of cations doped in polyanion cathode materials for Li -ion batteries based on ionic electronegativity and ionic radius. The occupancy site can be predicted by comparing the combined deviation degree of electronegativity and radius between the dopant and the substituted ion, and dopants prefer to occupy the site where the deviation degree is less. Based on this method, we predicted the preferred occupancy sites of 38 frequently used ions doped in LiFePO4and Li3V2( PO4)3, which can be in accordance with the available experimental and other calculated results. This simple method established in current work can serve as an effective tool to well predict the preferred occupancy sites of cations doped in cathode materials, which can provide powerful guidance in designing cathode materials for high-performance Li -ion batteries.
Residual Symptoms Related to Physical and Panic Symptoms at Baseline Predict Remission of Depression at Follow-Up
Authors: Hung Ching-I , Liu Chia-Yih , Wang Shuu-Jiun , Yang Ching-Hui
Published: May 2013

Aims: The study aimed to investigate whether common residual symptoms at baseline were able to predict full remission of depression at 6-month and 2-year follow-up examinations in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: This study enrolled 135 outpatients with MDD. The depression (DS) and somatic subscales (SS) of the Depression and Somatic Symptoms Scale and the depression and anxiety (HADS-A) subscales of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to investigate residual symptoms, which were divided into the common residual part (CRP) and the other residual part (ORP). Multivariate logistic regression was used to compare the ability to predict full remission between the CRP and ORP scores at baseline. Results: One hundred and nineteen and 106 outpatients completed the two follow-up examinations. The CRP of the DS and the ORP of the SS and HADS-A at baseline had a good ability to predict full remission among patients without pharmacotherapy. The three residual parts included physical and anxiety symptoms of depression and panic symptoms. Conclusions: Physicians should pay attention to physical, anxiety, and panic symptoms, because these symptoms are related to remission of depression. Future studies should explore how these symptoms affect the prognosis of depression.
Isolated Central Hypothyroidism in Young Siblings as a Manifestation of PROP1 Deficiency: Clinical Impact of Whole Exome Sequencing
Authors: Wassner Ari J. , Cohen Laurie E. , Hechter Eliana , Dauber Andrew
Published: May 2013

Background/Aims: Central hypothyroidism (CH) in children is rare and may be due to a variety of genetic defects. Most of these defects, but not all, are associated with additional pituitary hormone deficits. In a young child presenting with CH, it is important to determine whether additional pituitary hormone deficiencies are present, but this may be difficult to establish clinically. Methods: We describe the clinical characteristics of two young siblings, aged 6 months and 2 years, presenting with isolated CH. Whole exome sequencing was performed to determine the genetic basis of isolated CH. Results: A homozygous frameshift mutation of PROP1 (296delGA) was identified in both probands. Defects in PROP1 cause progressive deficiency of multiple pituitary hormones. Based on this genetic diagnosis, further clinical testing was performed that demonstrated growth hormone deficiency in one sibling. Conclusions: PROP1 deficiency may present as isolated CH at a very young age. In disorders with multiple potential causative genes, whole exome sequencing may facilitate rapid genetic diagnosis and lead to important changes in clinical management.
Another Family with a Euchromatic Duplication Variant of 9q13-q21.1 Derived from Segmentally Duplicated Pericentromeric Euchromatin
Authors: Barber J.C.K. , Rodrigues R. , Maloney V.K. , Taborda F. , Rodrigues M. do C. , Bateman M.S.
Published: May 2013

Microscopically visible copy number variations within the proximal short arm heterochromatin and proximal long arm of chromosome 9 have been described as euchromatic variants (EVs) and are derived from extensive segmental duplications (SDs) that map to both the proximal short and long arms of chromosome 9. Recently, 3-4 additional copies of an SD cassette were found in 2 families with duplication EVs of 9q13-q21. Here, we report a third family with a duplication EV of 9q13-q21.1 that was ascertained at prenatal diagnosis for advanced maternal age and found in the fetus and her phenotypically normal mother. Dual-colour fluorescence in situ hybridization with bacterial artificial chromosomes RP11-246P17 and RP11-211E19 was consistent with the EV chromosome having 1-2 additional copies of a similar SD cassette, except that the SD-boundary clone RP11-88I18 was not apparently included. It is important to distinguish the 9q13-q21.1 EVs from possible pathogenic imbalances of chromosome 9, especially at prenatal diagnosis, as these EVs have no established phenotypic or reproductive consequences. The nature of the G-dark bands in 9q13-q21 EVs is briefly discussed.
A Systematic Review of the Association between Pulmonary Tuberculosis and the Development of Chronic Airflow Obstruction in Adults
Authors: Allwood Brian W. , Myer Landon , Bateman Eric D.
Published: May 2013

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health concern, accounting for 3 million deaths annually, 90% of which occur in low- and middle-income countries. Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) as a contributory factor in the aetiology of COPD is under debate, with most epidemiologic evidence suggesting a positive association. Objectives: To compile a systematic review of evidence for an association between PTB and the development of chronic airflow obstruction (CAO). Methods: We performed a systematic review of original English-language, peer-reviewed literature using the PubMed/MEDLINE database. CAO was defined by spirometry [FEV1:FVC ratio <0.70 or <LLN (lower limit of normal) for age]. Results: Nineteen studies (1 case series, 3 case-control studies, 4 cohort studies, 8 single-centre cross-sectional studies and 3 multi-centre cross-sectional studies) met the eligibility criteria. All but 2 reported a positive association between PTB and CAO. Three of 4 large population-based surveys (n = 4,291-8,066) confirmed a significant association between PTB and CAO (OR 1.37 - 2.94). A formal meta-analysis was not possible owing to marked heterogeneity between studies. Conclusions: This systematic review confirms evidence for a positive association between a past history of tuberculosis and the presence of CAO. The association is independent of cigarette smoking. Causality is likely but cannot be assumed.
The Neural Basis of Inhibitory Effects of Semantic and Phonological Neighbors in Spoken Word Production
Authors: Mirman Daniel , Graziano Kristen M.
Published: May 2013

Theories of word production and word recognition generally agree that multiple word candidates are activated during processing. The facilitative and inhibitory effects of these “lexical neighbors” have been studied extensively using behavioral methods and have spurred theoretical development in psycholinguistics, but relatively little is known about the neural basis of these effects and how lesions may affect them. This study used voxel-wise lesion overlap subtraction to examine semantic and phonological neighbor effects in spoken word production following left hemisphere stroke. Increased inhibitory effects of near semantic neighbors were associated with inferior frontal lobe lesions, suggesting impaired selection among strongly activated semantically related candidates. Increased inhibitory effects of phonological neighbors were associated with posterior superior temporal and inferior parietal lobe lesions. In combination with previous studies, these results suggest that such lesions cause phonological-to-lexical feedback to more strongly activate phonologically related lexical candidates. The comparison of semantic and phonological neighbor effects and how they are affected by left hemisphere lesions provides new insights into the cognitive dynamics and neural basis of phonological, semantic, and cognitive control processes in spoken word production.
rTMS of Medial Parieto-occipital Cortex Interferes with Attentional Reorienting during Attention and Reaching Tasks
Authors: Ciavarro Marco , Ambrosini Ettore , Tosoni Annalisa , Committeri Giorgia , Fattori Patrizia , Galletti Claudio
Published: May 2013

Unexpected changes in the location of a target for an upcoming action require both attentional reorienting and motor planning update. In both macaque and human brain, the medial posterior parietal cortex is involved in both phenomena but its causal role is still unclear. Here we used on-line rTMS over the putative human V6A (pV6A), a reach-related region in the dorsal part of the anterior bank of the parieto-occipital sulcus, during an attention and a reaching task requiring covert shifts of attention and planning of reaching movements toward cued targets in space. We found that rTMS increased RTs to invalidly cued but not to validly cued targets during both the attention and reaching task. Furthermore, we found that rTMS induced a deviation of reaching endpoints toward visual fixation and that this deviation was larger for invalidly cued targets. The results suggest that reorienting signals are used by human pV6A area to rapidly update the current motor plan or the ongoing action when a behaviorally relevant object unexpectedly occurs in an unattended location. The current findings suggest a direct involvement of the action-related dorso-medial visual stream in attentional reorienting and a more specific role of pV6A area in the dynamic, on-line control of reaching actions.
Revision of the genus Synelmis Chamberlin, 1919 (Annelida: Phyllodocida: Pilargidae) in Australia
Authors: GLASBY CHRISTOPHER J. , MARKS SHONA
Published: May 2013

We provide accounts of four species of Synelmis Chamberlin, 1919 (Annelida: Phyllodocida: Pilargidae) from Australian and adjacent seas, including one new species, S. sergi sp. nov. The only previous, positively identified, record of a Syn-elmis species in the region, S. gibbsi Salazar-Vallejo, 2003, has been checked and the specimens re-identified here as S. knoxi Glasby, 2003, which extends the known range of this species to include Australia as well as New Zealand. Newly collected material of S. gibbsi is described from the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, NW Australia. Specimens collected from NE Australia are identified here as S. rigida (Fauvel, 1919). Synelmis knoxi, S. gibbsi and S. rigida are all new records for Australia. A key to Australian species of Synelmis is provided and we tabulate information on the distinguishing features of all 17 species in the genus.
Description of larvae of the Feather Blenny, Hypsoblennius hentz (Pisces: Blenniidae), from New York Waters
Authors: SCHMIDT ROBERT E. , MOCCIO PAUL A.
Published: May 2013

Hypsoblennius hentz (Lesueur) larvae are described from specimens recently collected in the vicinity of New York Harbor and Raritan Bay. Previous descriptions (Hildebrand and Cable 1938) were erroneous and additionally we provide the first yolk-sac larval descriptions for Western Atlantic Hypsoblennius. H. hentz larvae are distinguished from the other Atlantic species by the size and distribution of preopercular spines.
Globalization, Child Labour and Development Policies: A Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Banerjee Rakhi , Nag Ranjanendra Narayan
Published: May 2013

Incidence of child labour is a disturbing feature of an emerging market economy. In the present article, we will try to explore whether globalization policies, namely, agricultural trade liberalization and methods aimed at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), have had any negative impact on the incidence of child labour in a developing economy. We will also examine whether decrease in incidence of child labour would increase social welfare and welfare of the child labour-supplying family unambiguously. For our work, we use a three-sector general equilibrium structure. We intend to highlight that effects of globalization are crucially dependent on factor-intensity ranking and factor specificity. Multiple cross effects that are present in a three-sector general equilibrium structure are the driving forces behind the results.
Relations between the TRIPS Agreement and the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement: A Plurilateral Instrument Having Multilateral Functions with Little Multilateral Process
Authors: Lo Chang-fa
Published: May 2013

The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement was negotiated among developed and some more advanced developing countries to enhance the enforcement aspects of intellectual property rights protection. The main purpose of it was to raise the international standards of enforcement through establishing a plurilateral agreement. The agreement has its multilateral functions partly because of the nature of the agreement and partly because of the MFN obligations under the TRIPS Agreement. For non-Parties, the intellectual property rights of their nationals are to be protected by the agreement because of the MFN obligations under the TRIPS Agreement. Although this is theoretically beneficial to non-Parties, they are not to receive substantial benefits mainly because non-Parties are mostly not the major origins of intellectual property right holders. However, the agreement is to adversely affect the products or services coming from all WTO Members, whether or not they are the Parties. Developing countries producing products (such as generic drugs) and those in need of such products could be adversely affected by such higher standards. Since the agreement has such multilateral functions and since there is a lack of multilateral process in the enactment of this plurilateral agreement, there is a need to cope with the problem. The paper proposes some steps to be taken by the Parties to reduce the concerns of such multilateral function so that it will be more compatible with multilateral system. The steps include the establishment of regular consultation mechanism with non-Parties, the publishing of information concerning the implementation of the agreement to reflect whether there is a genuine manner of carrying out the higher standards of enforcement and the proper terms to be drafted in favour of developing country members of the WTO to attract more non-Parties to join the agreement and to reduce the gap between the plurilateral agreement and the multilateral system.