bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved normalization of time‐lapse seismic data using normalized root mean square repeatability data to improve automatic production and seismic history matching in the Nelson field
Authors: Stephen Karl D. , Kazemi Alireza
Published: March 2014

Updating of reservoir models by history matching of 4D seismic data along with production data gives us a better understanding of changes to the reservoir, reduces risk in forecasting and leads to better management decisions. This process of seismic history matching requires an accurate representation of predicted and observed data so that they can be compared quantitatively when using automated inversion. Observed seismic data is often obtained as a relative measure of the reservoir state or its change, however. The data, usually attribute maps, need to be calibrated to be compared to predictions. In this paper we describe an alternative approach where we normalize the data by scaling to the model data in regions where predictions are good. To remove measurements of high uncertainty and make normalization more effective, we use a measure of repeatability of the monitor surveys to filter the observed time‐lapse data.

We apply this approach to the Nelson field. We normalize the 4D signature based on deriving a least squares regression equation between the observed and synthetic data which consist of attributes representing measured acoustic impedances and predictions from the model. Two regression equations are derived as part of the analysis. For one, the whole 4D signature map of the reservoir is used while in the second, 4D seismic data is used from the vicinity of wells with a good production match. The repeatability of time‐lapse seismic data is assessed using the normalized root mean square of measurements outside of the reservoir. Where normalized root mean square is high, observations and predictions are ignored. Net: gross and permeability are modified to improve the match.

The best results are obtained by using the normalized root mean square filtered maps of the 4D signature which better constrain normalization. The misfit of the first six years of history data is reduced by 55 per cent while the forecast of the following three years is reduced by 29 per cent. The well based normalization uses fewer data when repeatability is used as a filter and the result is poorer. The value of seismic data is demonstrated from production matching only where the history and forecast misfit reductions are 45% and 20% respectively while the seismic misfit increases by 5%. In the best case using seismic data, it dropped by 6%. We conclude that normalization with repeatability based filtering is a useful approach in the absence of full calibration and improves the reliability of seismic data.
Crop Insurance as a Strategy for Adapting to Climate Change
Authors: Falco Salvatore Di , Adinolfi Felice , Bozzola Martina , Capitanio Fabian
Published: March 2014

Financial insurance for extreme events can play an important role in hedging against the implications of climate change. This paper combines a comprehensive estimation strategy and a unique panel dataset to study the role of financial insurance in farmers' welfare under uncertainty. Data are drawn from a large Italian farm panel dataset. We find that (i) demand for insurance products is likely to increase in response to climatic conditions, and (ii) that the use of insurance reduces the extent of risk exposure. We also find that farms growing more crops are less likely to adopt the insurance scheme. This confirms what is found in the theoretical literature. Crop diversification can be a substitute for financial insurance in hedging against the impact of risk exposure on welfare.
Potential Role of Pectate Lyase and Ca2+ in the Increase in Strawberry Fruit Firmness Induced by Short‐Term Treatment with High‐Pressure CO2
Authors: Wang Mao Hua , Kim Jin Gook , Ahn Sun Eun , Lee Ah Youn , Bae Tae Min , Kim Deu Re , Hwang Yong Soo
Published: March 2014

Postharvest treatment with high‐pressure CO2 helps to control decay and increase firmness in strawberries. Increases in firmness occurred through modification of calcium binding to cell wall. However, the mechanism(s) involved in Ca2+ migration to pectic polymers and other physiological events associated with the maintenance of increased firmness are not clearly understood. The focus of this study was to find potential mechanism(s) that are associated with calcium movement, increases in firmness, or maintenance of firmness in strawberry fruit after high‐pressure CO2 treatment. An increase in firmness was induced by high‐pressure CO2 treatment, but not by high‐pressure N2 treatment. This indicates that CO2 stimulates a change in firmness. The increase in firmness induced by high‐pressure CO2 seems to involve calcium efflux. Using membrane Ca2+‐dependent ATPase inhibitors sodium vanadate (250 μM) and erythrosin B (100 μM) delayed both the increase in firmness and calcium binding to wall polymers. Exogenous application of CaCl2 (10 mM) enhanced the firmness increase of fruit slices only when they were exposed to high‐pressure CO2. The activity of pectate lyase was downregulated by CO2 treatment, but β‐galactosidase activity was not affected. The increase in strawberry firmness induced by high‐pressure CO2 treatment primarily involves the efflux of calcium ions and their binding to wall polymers. These physiological changes are not induced by an anaerobic environment. The downregulation of wall‐modifying enzymes, such as pectate lyase, appeared to contribute to the maintenance of firmness that was induced by high‐pressure CO2 treatment.
Palatability and Stability of Shortbread Made with Low Saturated Fat Content
Authors: Marconi Ombretta , Martini Roberto , Mangione Andrea , Falconi Caterina , Pepe Carolina , Perretti Giuseppe
Published: March 2014

High consumption of saturated fatty acids (SFA) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and the European Food Safety Agency has called for lower SFA intake. This study assessed the formulation of low SFA shortbreads by replacing 60% and 70% of the butter content with high oleic sunflower oil and water. The quality of the low SFA shortbreads was evaluated through acidity, peroxide value, moisture, ash content, water activity, pH, protein, fat content, and fatty acid profiles. A sensory evaluation was performed to ascertain the effect on flavor. Stability of the new formulations was assessed by conducting accelerated shelf‐life studies. The high oleic sunflower oil replacement of butter at levels of 60% and 70% decreased the final SFA content by 52% and 61%, respectively. On the other hand, monounsaturated fat content increased 55% on average while polyunsaturated fat content increased by 40%. Furthermore the new formulations possess quality parameters similar to those of traditional shortbreads (TSs). The study of the shelf life of the products showed that there are no significant variations in peroxide values, malondialdehyde content, or fatty acid profiles in biscuits over time, confirming their high stability. The quantitative descriptive analysis showed that the TS and low SFA shortbreads have similar sensory profiles, and the consumer tests indicated that the low SFA shortbreads were well liked.
Deodorization of Garlic Breath Volatiles by Food and Food Components
Authors: Munch Ryan , Barringer Sheryl A.
Published: March 2014

The ability of foods and beverages to reduce allyl methyl disulfide, diallyl disulfide, allyl mercaptan, and allyl methyl sulfide on human breath after consumption of raw garlic was examined. The treatments were consumed immediately following raw garlic consumption for breath measurements, or were blended with garlic prior to headspace measurements. Measurements were done using a selected ion flow tube‐mass spectrometer. Chlorophyllin treatment demonstrated no deodorization in comparison to the control. Successful treatments may be due to enzymatic, polyphenolic, or acid deodorization. Enzymatic deodorization involved oxidation of polyphenolic compounds by enzymes, with the oxidized polyphenols causing deodorization. This was the probable mechanism in raw apple, parsley, spinach, and mint treatments. Polyphenolic deodorization involved deodorization by polyphenolic compounds without enzymatic activity. This probably occurred for microwaved apple, green tea, and lemon juice treatments. When pH is below 3.6, the enzyme alliinase is inactivated, which causes a reduction in volatile formation. This was demonstrated in pH‐adjusted headspace measurements. However, the mechanism for volatile reduction on human breath (after volatile formation) is unclear, and may have occurred in soft drink and lemon juice breath treatments. Whey protein was not an effective garlic breath deodorant and had no enzymatic activity, polyphenolic compounds, or acidity. Headspace concentrations did not correlate well to breath treatments.
Senescence‐secreted factors activate Myc and sensitize pretransformed cells to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Vjetrovic Jelena , Shankaranarayanan Pattabhiraman , Mendoza‐Parra Marco A. , Gronemeyer Hinrich
Published: March 2014

Senescent cells secrete a plethora of factors with potent paracrine signaling capacity. Strikingly, senescence, which acts as defense against cell transformation, exerts pro‐tumorigenic activities through its secretome by promoting tumor‐specific features, such as cellular proliferation, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and invasiveness. Tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) has the unique activity of activating cell death exclusively in tumor cells. Given that the senescence‐associated secretome (SAS) supports cell transformation, we asked whether SAS factor(s) would establish a program required for the acquisition of TRAIL sensitivity. We found that conditioned media from several types of senescent cells (CMS) efficiently sensitized pretransformed cells to TRAIL, while the same was not observed with normal or immortalized cells. Dynamic transcription profiling of CMS‐exposed pretransformed cells indicated a paracrine autoregulatory loop of SAS factors and a dominant role of CMS‐induced MYC. Sensitization to TRAIL coincided with and depended on MYC upregulation and massive changes in gene regulation. Senescent cell‐induced MYC silenced its target gene CFLAR, encoding the apoptosis inhibitor FLIPL, thus leading to the acquisition of TRAIL sensitivity. Altogether, our results reveal that senescent cell‐secreted factors exert a TRAIL‐sensitizing effect on pretransformed cells by modulating the expression of MYC and CFLAR. Notably, CMS dose‐dependent sensitization to TRAIL was observed with TRAIL‐insensitive cancer cells and confirmed in co‐culture experiments. Dissection and characterization of TRAIL‐sensitizing CMS factors and the associated signaling pathway(s) will not only provide a mechanistic insight into the acquisition of TRAIL sensitivity but may lead to novel concepts for apoptogenic therapies of premalignant and TRAIL‐resistant tumors.
Continuous disclosure compliance: does corporate governance matter?
Authors: Chapple Larelle , Truong Thu Phuong
Published: March 2014

Our study investigates the quality of firms’ continuous disclosure compliance during mandatory continuous disclosure reform, and whether the compliance quality is impacted by corporate governance, using the New Zealand market as the setting. We use a novel coding of different categories of disclosures (non‐routine, non‐procedural and internal), which represents the extent of proprietary insider information inherent in disclosures, to evaluate firms’ compliance quality. Our findings provide evidence that firms’ compliance quality improved after the reform, and this improvement is inconsistently impacted by corporate governance. Our findings provide important implications for regulators in their quest for a superior disclosure regime.
Lending Rate Spread Shock and Monetary Policy Arrangements: A Small Open Economy Model for ASEAN Countries
Authors: Yoshimi Taiyo
Published: March 2014

We investigate the welfare implications of monetary policy arrangements in a small open economy, considering firms' bank‐based finances that are widely observed in emerging ASEAN countries. The impact of an unexpected change in the lending rate spread, or a lending rate spread shock, depends on the presence of banking activity in the economy. This presence is important in Malaysia and Vietnam, where welfare effects of this type of shock are at least comparable to those of foreign monetary policy shocks. We also find that a rigid exchange rate arrangement amplifies the effect of a shock.
Brain regions associated with risk and resistance for bipolar I disorder: a voxel‐based MRI study of patients with bipolar disorder and their healthy siblings
Authors: Eker Cagdas , Simsek Fatma , Yılmazer Evrim Ebru , Kitis Omer , Cinar Cem , Eker Ozlem Donat , Coburn Kerry , Gonul Ali Saffet
Published: March 2014

Objective

Bipolar I disorder is a highly heritable disorder but not all siblings manifest with the illness, even though they may share similar genetic and environmental risk factors. Thus, sibling studies may help to identify brain structural endophenotypes associated with risk and resistance for the disorder.

Methods

Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were acquired for 28 euthymic patients with bipolar disorder, their healthy siblings, and 30 unrelated healthy controls. Statistical Parametric Mapping 8 (SPM8) was used to identify group differences in regional gray matter volume by voxel‐based morphometry (VBM).

Results

Using analysis of covariance, gray matter analysis of the groups revealed a group effect indicating that the left orbitofrontal cortex [Brodmann area (BA) 11] was smaller in patients with bipolar disorder than in unrelated healthy controls [F = 14.83, p < 0.05 (family‐wise error); 7 mm3]. Paired t‐tests indicated that the orbitofrontal cortex of patients with bipolar disorder [t = 5.19, p < 0.05 (family‐wise error); 37 mm3] and their healthy siblings [t = 3.89, p < 0.001 (uncorrected); 63 mm3] was smaller than in unrelated healthy controls, and that the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was larger in healthy siblings than in patients with bipolar disorder [t = 4.28, p < 0.001 (uncorrected); 323 mm3] and unrelated healthy controls [t = 4.36, p < 0.001 (uncorrected); 245 mm3]. Additional region‐of‐interest analyses also found volume deficits in the right cerebellum of patients with bipolar disorder [t = 3.92, p < 0.001 (uncorrected); 178 mm3] and their healthy siblings [t = 4.23, p < 0.001 (uncorrected); 489 mm3], and in the left precentral gyrus of patients with bipolar disorder [t = 3.61, p < 0.001 (uncorrected); 115 mm3] compared to unrelated healthy controls.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that a reduction in the volume of the orbitofrontal cortex, which plays a role in the automatic regulation of emotions and is a part of the medial prefrontal network, is associated with the heritability of bipolar disorder. Conversely, increased dorsolateral prefrontal cortex volume may be a neural marker of a resistance factor as it is part of a network of voluntary emotion regulation and balances the effects of the disrupted automatic emotion regulation system.
The impact of organizational pressures on environmental performance of firms
Authors: Ramanathan Ramakrishnan , Poomkaew Boonchan , Nath Prithwiraj
Published: March 2014

The role of various organizational pressures in influencing performance of firms has been an interesting research topic in a variety of fields and has received the attention of researchers working in the field of environmental strategy. Although there are previous studies that have looked at the influence of various pressures in influencing firms’ environmental strategies, our study provides a more holistic analysis considering a variety of such pressures in a single framework. We discuss a research study to analyze how pressures from internal and external stakeholders of a firm, economic pressures, environmental regulations, and pressures of environmental compliance have affected environmental performance of firms using data collected from manufacturing firms in the United Kingdom. We have found that internal stakeholders provide the greatest impact in shaping environmental performance of firms, closely followed by economic pressures, environmental regulations, and external stakeholders in that order. Fears of penalties due to environmental compliance have the least impact, although this pressure also has a positive and significant impact on environmental performance.
Corporate governance reform: character‐building structures
Authors: Grant Patricia , McGhee Peter
Published: March 2014

This paper argues that corporate governance reformers in Anglo‐American jurisdictions should consider a different approach in their quest for better corporate governance. Traditionally, corporate governance reform has taken a structural approach, tightening the rules around the number of independent directors required on boards and committees and fine‐tuning the definition of independence. However, such an approach has failed to achieve effective corporate governance. Moreover, this approach is informed by the arguably discredited assumption that individuals are rational self‐interest utility maximizers. This conceptual paper questions why corporate governance scholars and regulators remain uncritical of this assumption and suggests an approach to reform inspired by a different view of human nature. Indeed, incorporating an actor‐based approach to reform into existing structures may better achieve effective corporate governance while addressing an unjustified adherence to this flawed assumption.
Business practices and peace in post‐conflict zones: lessons from Cyprus
Authors: Katsos John E. , Forrer John
Published: March 2014

Existing literature on business and peace is in need of more examples of business practices, and at a more dissaggregated level, within conflict‐sensitive regions that promote peace. This article examines whether business practices within a conflict‐sensitive region, the island of Cyprus, are consistent with existing business and peace literature and how the specific business practices promote peace. In particular, the article examines in detail two business practices: Green Line Trade and cross‐territorial joint ventures and promotions. Our findings suggest that existing business activities in Cyprus are consistent with those proposed by the literature, but their significance in promoting peace was limited. We propose an alternative explanation for why such business practices were pursued in Cyprus at the time, drawing on studies of identity‐based conflicts. And we suggest that business has a unique role to play compared with other public institutions when addressing identity conflict. Finally, we suggest that both theoretical and empirical studies of business and peace should include consideration of how business practices might help alleviate identity‐related issues in conflict‐sensitive regions.
Transplantation of CD3/CD19 depleted allografts from haploidentical family donors in paediatric leukaemia
Authors: Lang Peter , Teltschik Heiko‐Manuel , Feuchtinger Tobias , Müller Ingo , Pfeiffer Matthias , Schumm Michael , Ebinger Martin , Schwarze Carl P. , Gruhn Bernd , Schrauder Andre , Albert Michael H. , Greil Johann , Urban Christian , Handgretinger Rupert
Published: March 2014

Transplantation of T‐ and B‐cell depleted allografts from haploidentical family donors was evaluated within a prospective phase II trial in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, acute myeloid leukaemia and advanced myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 46). 20 patients had active disease; 19 patients received a second or third stem cell transplantation (SCT). Toxicity‐reduced conditioning regimens consisted of fludarabine or clofarabine (in active disease only), thiotepa, melphalan and serotherapy. Graft manipulation was carried out with immunomagnetic microbeads. Primary engraftment occurred in 88%, with a median time to reach >1·0 × 109/l leucocytes, >20 × 109/l platelets and >0·1 × 109/l T‐cells of 10, 11 and 50 days, respectively. After retransplantation, engraftment occurred in 100%. Acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) grade II and III‐IV occurred in 20% and 7%, chronic GvHD occurred in 21%. Both conditioning regimens had comparable toxicity. Transplant‐related mortality (TRM) was 8% at one year and 20% at 5 years. Event‐free survival at 3 years was: 25% (whole group), 46% (first, second or third complete remission [CR], first SCT) vs. 8% (active disease, first SCT) and 20% (second or third SCT, any disease status). This approach allows first or subsequent haploidentical SCTs to be performed with low TRM. Patients in CR may benefit from SCT, whereas the results in patients with active disease were poor.
Update on leukotriene, lipoxin and oxoeicosanoid receptors: IUPHAR Review 7
Authors: Bäck Magnus , Powell William S , Dahlén Sven‐Erik , Drazen Jeffrey M , Evans Jilly F , Serhan Charles N , Shimizu Takao , Yokomizo Takehiko , Rovati G Enrico
Published: March 2014

The endogenous ligands for the LT, lipoxin (LX) and oxoeicosanoid receptors are bioactive products produced by the action of the lipoxygenase family of enzymes. The LT receptors BLT1 and BLT2, are activated by LTB4 and the CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptors are activated by the cysteinyl‐LTs, whereas oxoeicosanoids exert their action through the OXE receptor. In contrast to these pro‐inflammatory mediators, LXA4 transduces responses associated with the resolution of inflammation through the receptor FPR2/ALX (ALX/FPR2). The aim of the present review is to give a state of the field on these receptors, with focus on recent important findings. For example, BLT1 receptor signalling in cancer and the dual role of the BLT2 receptor in pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory actions have added more complexity to lipid mediator signalling. Furthermore, a cross‐talk between the CysLT and P2Y receptor systems has been described, and also the presence of novel receptors for cysteinyl‐LTs, such as GPR17 and GPR99. Finally, lipoxygenase metabolites derived from ω‐3 essential polyunsaturated acids, the resolvins, activate the receptors GPR32 and ChemR23. In conclusion, the receptors for the lipoxygenase products make up a sophisticated and tightly controlled system of endogenous pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory signalling in physiology and pathology.
The behavioural and physiological strategies of bird and reptile embryos in response to unpredictable variation in nest temperature
Authors: Du Wei‐Guo , Shine Richard
Published: March 2014

Temperature profoundly affects the rate and trajectory of embryonic development, and thermal extremes can be fatal. In viviparous species, maternal behaviour and physiology can buffer the embryo from thermal fluctuations; but in oviparous animals (like most reptiles and all birds), an embryo is likely to encounter unpredictable periods when incubation temperatures are unfavourable. Thus, we might expect natural selection to have favoured traits that enable embryos to maintain development despite those fluctuations. Our review of recent research identifies three main routes that embryos use in this way. Extreme temperatures (i) can be avoided (e.g. by accelerating hatching, by moving within the egg, by cooling the egg by enhanced rates of evaporation, or by hysteresis in rates of heatingversuscooling); (ii) can be tolerated (e.g. by entering diapause, by producing heat‐shock proteins, or by changing oxygen use); or (iii) the embryo can adjust its physiology and/or developmental trajectory in ways that reduce the fitness penalties of unfavourable thermal conditions (e.g. by acclimating, by exploiting brief windows of favourable conditions, or by producing the hatchling phenotype best suited to those incubation conditions). Embryos are not simply passive victims of ambient conditions. Like free‐living stages of the life cycle, embryos exhibit behavioural and physiological plasticity that enables them to deal with unpredictable abiotic challenges.
Distributed Out‐of‐Core Stochastic Progressive Photon Mapping
Authors: Günther Tobias , Grosch Thorsten
Published: March 2014

At present, stochastic progressive photon mapping (SPPM) is one of the most comprehensive methods for a consistent global illumination computation. Even though the number of photons is unlimited due to their progressive nature, the scene size is still bound by the available main memory. In this paper, we present the first consistent out‐of‐core SPPM algorithm. In order to cope with large scenes, we automatically subdivide the geometry and parallelly trace photons and eye rays in a portal‐based system, distributed across multiple machines in a commodity cluster. Moreover, modifications of the original SPPM method are introduced that keep both the utilization of tracer machines high and the network traffic low. Therefore, compared to a portal‐based single machine setup, our distributed approach achieves a significant speedup. We compare a GPU‐based with a CPU‐based implementation and demonstrate our system in multiple large test scenes of up to 90 million triangles.
Robust Detection and Segmentation for Diagnosis of Vertebral Diseases Using Routine MR Images
Authors: Zukić Dženan , Vlasák Aleš , Egger Jan , Hořínek Daniel , Nimsky Christopher , Kolb Andreas
Published: March 2014

The diagnosis of certain spine pathologies, such as scoliosis, spondylolisthesis and vertebral fractures, is part of the daily clinical routine. Very frequently, magnetic resonance image data are used to diagnose these kinds of pathologies in order to avoid exposing patients to harmful radiation, like X‐ray. We present a method which detects and segments all acquired vertebral bodies, with minimal user intervention. This allows an automatic diagnosis to detect scoliosis, spondylolisthesis and crushed vertebrae. Our approach consists of three major steps. First, vertebral centres are detected using a Viola–Jones like method, and then the vertebrae are segmented in a parallel manner, and finally, geometric diagnostic features are deduced in order to diagnose the three diseases. Our method was evaluated on 26 lumbar datasets containing 234 reference vertebrae. Vertebra detection has 7.1% false negatives and 1.3% false positives. The average Dice coefficient to manual reference is 79.3% and mean distance error is 1.76 mm. No severe case of the three illnesses was missed, and false alarms occurred rarely—0% for scoliosis, 3.9% for spondylolisthesis and 2.6% for vertebral fractures. The main advantages of our method are high speed, robust handling of a large variety of routine clinical images, and simple and minimal user interaction.
Training Multiagent Systems by Q‐Learning: Approaches and Empirical Results
Authors: Lopez‐Guede Jose Manuel , Fernandez‐Gauna, Borja , Graña Manuel , Zulueta Ekaitz
Published: March 2014

Multiagent systems are increasingly present in computational environments. However, the problem of agent design or control is an open research field. Reinforcement learning approaches offer solutions that allow autonomous learning with minimal supervision. The Q‐learning algorithm is a model‐free reinforcement learning solution that has proven its usefulness in single‐agent domains; however, it suffers from dimensionality curse when applied to multiagent systems. In this article, we discuss two approaches, namely TRQ‐learning and distributed Q‐learning, that overcome the limitations of Q‐learning offering feasible solutions. We test these approaches in two separate domains. The first is the control of a hose by a team of robots. The second is the trash disposal problem. Computational results show the effectiveness of Q‐learning solutions to multiagent systems’ control.
“Using New Eyes”: Photography as a Spiritual Practice for Faith Formation and Worship
Authors: Crowley Eileen D.
Published: March 2014

This article presents three cases of how Lutheran groups used photography as a spiritual practice in processes that led to group spiritual reflection for faith formation and worship: a photography club; a Photography as a Spiritual Practice mini‐course in a parish; and a six‐month parish project of communal art‐making of liturgical media art for one church's Easter Vigil readings.
Calling a Thing What It Is: A Lutheran Approach to Whiteness
Authors: Thompson Deanna A.
Published: March 2014

The July 2013 acquittal of George Zimmerman in killing of African American teenager Trayvon Martin and the aftermath demonstrated that America is not yet cured from “the cancer of whiteness” that infects the heart of American Christianity. This article interrogates “whiteness” as a pressing American and religious issue. It looks to Martin Luther's theology of the cross as a way to both expose the sinfulness of whiteness and to offer a framework for dislodging it.
What Do Corruption Indices Measure?
Authors: Donchev Dilyan , Ujhelyi Gergely
Published: March 2014

Evidence from the International Crime Victimization Survey and the World Business Environment Survey suggests that actual corruption experience is a weak predictor of reported corruption perception, and that some of the factors commonly found to “reduce” corruption, such as economic development, democratic institutions or Protestant traditions, systematically bias corruption perception indices downward from corruption experience. In addition, perception indices are influenced by absolute (as opposed to relative) levels of corruption, which tends to penalize large countries, and they exhibit diminishing sensitivity to both absolute and relative corruption, indicating that they may better capture differences among countries with low levels of corruption than among highly corrupt ones. Individual characteristics such as education, age, or employment status, and firm‐level characteristics such as the number of competitors are also found to influence corruption perceptions holding experience constant.
Incorporation of arsenic trioxide in induction therapy improves survival of patients with newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukaemia
Authors: Song Xianmin , Hu Xiaoxia , Lü Shuqing , Gao Lei , Chen Li , Yang Jianmin , Zhang Weiping , Wang Jianmin
Published: March 2014

Objectives

For patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL), negative reading of a promyelocytic leukaemia/retinoic acid receptor‐alpha (PML‐RARα) transcript after induction therapy correlates with a good prognosis. However, in the majority of patients given all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA)/anthracycline‐based induction therapy, PML‐RARα transcript remains even when haematologic complete remission is achieved. To facilitate maximal therapeutic efficacy for patients with APL, this study tested whether the addition of arsenic trioxide (ATO) would increase the rate of molecular complete remission after ATRA/anthracycline‐based induction therapy.

Methods

Seventy‐three patients with APL were induced with a regimen (designated ‘AAA’) consisting of ATO in combination with ATRA and daunorubicin. After this, a consolidation phase of daunorubicin‐based chemotherapy and maintenance therapy with ATRA, ATO and methotrexate was administered. The noted outcomes were rates of complete remission, overall survival and disease‐free survival. In addition, PML‐RARα transcripts were monitored in 48 patients via RT‐PCR.

Results

Rates of complete remission, overall survival and 5‐yr disease‐free survival were 95.89%, 94.52% and 96.28%, respectively. At the preconsolidation checkpoint, 68.75% (33/48) of patients had a negative reading for the PML‐RARα fusion transcript. These outcomes were not influenced by mutations in FLT3 (fms‐related tyrosine kinase 3) or other prognostic factors.

Conclusions

The addition of ATO in the induction regimen was associated with an improved overall outcome for patients with de novo APL, with rather low relapse rate and better long‐term survival.
Loving People for Who They Are (Even When They Don't Love You Back)
Authors: Protasi Sara
Published: March 2014

The debate on love's reasons ignores unrequited love, which—I argue—can be as genuine and as valuable as reciprocated love. I start by showing that the relationship view of love cannot account for either the reasons or the value of unrequited love. I then present the simple property view, an alternative to the relationship view that is beset with its own problems. In order to solve these problems, I present a more sophisticated version of the property view that integrates ideas from different property theorists in the love literature. However, even this more sophisticated property view falls short in accounting for unrequited love's reasons. In response, I develop a new version of the property view that I call the experiential view. On this view, we love a person not only in virtue of properties shaped by and experienced in a reciprocal loving relationship, but also in virtue of perspectival properties, whose value can be properly assessed also outside of a reciprocal loving relationship. The experiential view is the only view that can account not only for reciprocated love's reasons, but also for unrequited love's reasons.
Skepticism in Kant's Groundwork
Authors: Ware Owen
Published: March 2014

This paper offers a new interpretation of Kant's relationship with skepticism in the Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals. My position differs from commonly held views in the literature in two ways. On the one hand, I argue that Kant's relationship with skepticism is active and systematic (contrary to Hill, Wood, Rawls, Timmermann, and Allison). On the other hand, I argue that the kind of skepticism Kant is interested in does not speak to the philosophical tradition in any straightforward sense (contrary to Forster and Guyer). On my reading, Kant takes up a skeptical method in the Groundwork as a way of exposing certain obstacles in our ordinary and philosophical thinking about morality. The central obstacle he is interested in is practical in character, arising from a natural tendency we have to rationalize against the moral law. In attempting to resolve this tendency, I argue, the Groundwork turns out to have a profoundly educative task.
The Relationship between Entrepreneurship Education and Entrepreneurial Intentions: A Meta–Analytic Review
Authors: Bae Tae Jun , Qian Shanshan , Miao Chao , Fiet James O.
Published: March 2014

The research on entrepreneurship education–entrepreneurial intentions has yielded mixed results. We meta–analyzed 73 studies with a total sample size of 37,285 individuals and found a significant but a small correlation between entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intentions ([Formula: see text]). This correlation is also greater than that of business education and entrepreneurial intentions. However, after controlling for pre–education entrepreneurial intentions, the relationship between entrepreneurship education and post–education entrepreneurial intentions was not significant. We also analyzed moderators, such as the attributes of entrepreneurship education, students’ differences, and cultural values. Our results have implications for entrepreneurship education scholars, program evaluators, and policy makers.
On Cultural and Macroeconomic Contingencies of the Entrepreneurial Orientation–Performance Relationship
Authors: Saeed Saadat , Yousafzai Shumaila Y. , Engelen Andreas
Published: March 2014

The relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and firm performance is among the best–researched topics in entrepreneurship research. These studies have been conducted in various national contexts. While a first meta–analysis by Rauch et al. finds no significant difference between EO's effects based on the continent in which the firm is based, the present study considers how national cultural and macroeconomic drivers impact the EO–performance relationship. Building upon 177 studies with data from 41 countries, the meta–analysis consolidates this literature stream, contributing to the evidence–based entrepreneurship research.
Osteosarcoma in the proximal humerus of a mare
Authors: Koch E. , Pack L. , Zwicker L. A. , Lopez‐Mendez C. , Aburto E. M.
Published: March 2014

A 15‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare was examined for significant and progressive lameness in the right front limb. On physical examination, muscle atrophy over the scapular and pectoral regions were noted. A pain response was elicited on palpation of the scapulohumeral joint. No other abnormalities were noted on examination of the limb. Diagnostic nerve blocks ruled out a source of lameness in the distal limb. Arthrocentesis of the scapulohumeral joint was performed and results were within normal limits. Radiographs of the right scapulohumeral joint revealed an extensive, aggressive bone lesion in the proximal humerus, suspected to be an osteosarcoma. After a course of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory therapy, minimal improvement to the lameness was noted. The owner elected to subject the horse to euthanasia due to the lack of significant response to treatment. Post mortem radiographic and histological examinations determined a definitive diagnosis of an osteosarcoma in the proximal humerus.
Silencing of FGF‐21 expression promotes hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis by regulation of the STAT3–SOCS3 signal
Authors: Wang Cong , Dai Jihuan , Yang Mengliu , Deng Guangjiang , Xu Shengnan , Jia Yanjun , Boden Guenther , Ma Zhongmin A. , Yang Gangyi , Li Ling
Published: March 2014

Insulin resistance is a metabolic disorder associated with type 2 diabetes. Recent reports have shown that fibroblast growth factor‐21 (FGF‐21) plays an important role in the progression of insulin resistance. However, the biochemical and molecular mechanisms by which changes in FGF‐21 activation result in changes in the rates of hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis remain to be elucidated. In this study, we developed adenovirus‐mediated shRNA against FGF‐21 to inhibit FGF‐21 expression in ApoE knockout mice. Using this mouse model, we determined the effects of FGF‐21 knockdown in vivo on hepatic glucose production, gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, and their relationship with the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) signal pathways. We show that liver‐specific knockdown of FGF‐21 in high‐fat diet‐fed ApoE knockout mice resulted in a 39% increase in glycogenolysis and a 75% increase in gluconeogenesis, accompanied by increased hepatic expression of glucose‐6‐phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. Furthermore, FGF‐21 knockdown decreased phosphorylation of STAT3 and SOCS3 expression in high‐fat diet‐fed mice. Our data suggest that hepatic FGF‐21 knockdown increases gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis by activation of glucose‐6‐phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase via the STAT3/SOCS3 pathway, ultimately leading to exacerbation of hepatic insulin resistance.
Integrative computational modeling of protein interactions
Authors: Rodrigues João P. G. L. M. , Bonvin Alexandre M. J. J.
Published: March 2014

Protein interactions define the homeostatic state of the cell. Our ability to understand these interactions and their role in both health and disease is tied to our knowledge of the 3D atomic structure of the interacting partners and their complexes. Despite advances in experimental method of structure determination, the majority of known protein interactions are still missing an atomic structure. High‐resolution methods such as X‐ray crystallography andNMRspectroscopy struggle with the high‐throughput demand, while low‐resolution techniques such as cryo‐electron microscopy or small‐angle X‐ray scattering provide data that are too coarse. Computational structure prediction of protein complexes, or docking, was first developed to complement experimental research and has since blossomed into an independent and lively field of research. Its most successful products are hybrid approaches that combine powerful algorithms with experimental data from various sources to generate high‐resolution models of protein complexes. This minireview introduces the concept of docking and docking with the help of experimental data, compares and contrasts the available integrative docking methods, and provides a guide for the experimental researcher for what types of data and which particular software can be used to model a protein complex.
Moving the Field of Food Justice Forward Through the Lens of Urban Political Ecology
Authors: Agyeman Julian , McEntee Jesse
Published: March 2014

Food justice has emerged as a powerful social movement across the USA as well as an increasingly studied academic concept. In many circumstances, the food justice movement operates to reject the neoliberal mechanisms that dominate today's food system, but simultaneously needs to operate within this system (to a degree) in order to exist. The movement's engagement with larger neoliberal structures, such as the increasingly consolidated transnational food retail industry, can lead to it being co‐opted. For instance, selective patronage campaigns focused on the local scale may create market mechanisms that are alternative to those of the conventional market by circumventing intermediaries, but they operate along similar lines of logic that fetishize the commoditization of food for profit. We propose that urban political ecology, mainly through its emphasis on process and outcome, offers a frame to keep both outcomes (such as food insecurity) and processes (governing entities and regulations) associated with food justice in mind, while not shifting the movement too far from its central objectives. Food justice, through an urban political ecology lens, can shed light on the symptoms of unjust access to food within the food system, while simultaneously bringing attention to the insidious causes of these problems, which are rooted in the commodification of food and deregulation of the marketplace.
Soil chemical properties, plant species composition, herbage quality, production and nutrient uptake of an alluvial meadow after 45 years of N, P and K application
Authors: Hrevušová Z. , Hejcman M. , Hakl J. , Mrkvička J.
Published: March 2014

Little is known about the long‐term effects of mineral N, P and K application on the nutritional status of mown alluvial grasslands. We asked how long‐term fertilizer application affected soil chemical properties, plant species composition, herbage production, nutrient concentrations in soils and plants and balance of nutrients. Six treatments (control, PK, N50PK, N100PK, N150PK and N200PK) were investigated at the Černíkovice Experiment (Czech Republic) established in 1966 on an Alopecurus pratensis meadow, using annual application rates of 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg N, 40 kg P and 100 kg K ha−1. Data were collected and analysed for 2007, 2008 and 2009. Although fertilizers had been applied over 45 years, differences in soil chemical properties between fertilization treatments were small. The legumes Lathyrus pratensis and Trifolium repens responded highly positively to PK application, and tall grasses, A. pratensis in particular, to NPK application. Herbage quality was high in terms of content of major nutrients, and its chemical properties varied considerably between treatments, cuts and years. Mean annual herbage yield ranged from 6·1 in the control to 9·7 t ha−1 in the N200PK treatment. Herbage production was N‐limited in 2007 and 2009, but not in 2008. Seasonal N agronomical efficiency ranged from 4·2 to 22·9 kg of DM herbage per kg of applied N. The herbage N:P and N:K ratios did not reflect the actual response of herbage production to N application. A negative balance between N applied and N removed in harvested herbage was recorded in all treatments. We concluded that in highly productive alluvial grasslands, mineral‐rich soils can respond weakly to N, P and K application, fertilizer application modifies plant species composition and herbage production is not N‐limited in all years. Nutrient ratios must be interpreted with caution for the estimation of nutrient limitation.
Discrete‐Storm Water‐Table Fluctuation Method to Estimate Episodic Recharge
Authors: Nimmo John R. , Horowitz Charles , Mitchell Lara
Published: March 2014

We have developed a method to identify and quantify recharge episodes, along with their associated infiltration‐related inputs, by a consistent, systematic procedure. Our algorithm partitions a time series of water levels into discrete recharge episodes and intervals of no episodic recharge. It correlates each recharge episode with a specific interval of rainfall, so storm characteristics such as intensity and duration can be associated with the amount of recharge that results. To be useful in humid climates, the algorithm evaluates the separability of events, so that those whose recharge cannot be associated with a single storm can be appropriately lumped together. Elements of this method that are subject to subjectivity in the application of hydrologic judgment are values of lag time, fluctuation tolerance, and master recession parameters. Because these are determined once for a given site, they do not contribute subjective influences affecting episode‐to‐episode comparisons. By centralizing the elements requiring scientific judgment, our method facilitates such comparisons by keeping the most subjective elements openly apparent, making it easy to maintain consistency. If applied to a period of data long enough to include recharge episodes with broadly diverse characteristics, the method has value for predicting how climatic alterations in the distribution of storm intensities and seasonal duration may affect recharge.
Laryngotracheal presentation of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma with squamous differentiation: seven cases demonstrating an under‐recognized diagnostic pitfall
Authors: Toner Mary , Banville Niamh , Timon Conrad I
Published: March 2014

Aims

To describe a series of anaplastic thyroid carcinomas that mimicked primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) by virtue of both morphology and clinical presentation.

Methods and results

Seven cases were identified in a 15‐year period where a biopsy of an airway lesion that appeared to be squamous cell carcinoma was, in fact, anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. The tumours had squamous and/or spindle cell morphology, with only the squamous component being apparent in the airway biopsy. Some tumours arose within metaplastic (n = 3) or atypical (n = 3) epithelium, supporting the diagnosis of a primary mucosal tumour. Positive PAX8 (n = 5) and TTF‐1 (n = 4) staining was identified.

Conclusions

An endotracheal presentation of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma with squamous morphology may be misdiagnosed as a primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. PAX8 and TTF‐1 expression are helpful in making the distinction, but the problem lies in suspecting a thyroid carcinoma in what appears to be a straightforward diagnosis of HNSCC.