bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The predictive validity of bipolar at‐risk (prodromal) criteria in help‐seeking adolescents and young adults: a prospective study
Authors: Bechdolf Andreas , Ratheesh Aswin , Cotton Sue M , Nelson Barnaby , Chanen Andrew M , Betts Jennifer , Bingmann Tiffany , Yung Alison R , Berk Michael , McGorry Patrick D
Published: May 2014

Objectives

There are no established tools to identify individuals at risk for developing bipolar disorder. We developed a set of ultra‐high‐risk criteria for bipolar disorder [bipolar at‐risk (BAR)]. The primary aim of the present study was to determine the predictive validity of the BAR criteria.

Methods

This was a 12‐month prospective study that was conducted at Orygen Youth Health Clinical Program, a public mental health program for young people aged 15–24 years in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. At intake, BAR screen‐positive individuals and a matched group of individuals who did not meet BAR criteria were observed over a period of 12 months. The BAR criteria include general criteria such as being in the peak age range for the onset of the disorder, as well as sub‐threshold mania, depression plus cyclothymic features, and depression plus genetic risk. Conversion to first‐episode mania/hypomania was defined by the presence of DSM‐IV manic symptoms for more than four days, in line with the DSM‐IV definition of hypomania/mania.

Results

A total of 559 help‐seeking patients were screened. Of the eligible participants, 59 (10.6%) met BAR criteria. Thirty‐five participants were included in the BAR group and 35 matched participants were selected to be in the control group. During the follow‐up, five BAR patients out of 35 (14.3%) converted to first‐episode hypomania/mania as opposed to none in the non‐BAR group [χ2(1) = 5.38, p = 0.020]. Four out of these five converters had a DSM‐IV diagnosis of bipolar I or bipolar II disorder.

Conclusions

These findings support the possibility of identification of persons prior to the onset of mania/hypomania. The proposed criteria need further evaluation in larger, prospective studies with longer follow‐up periods.
Should every patient diagnosed with a phaeochromocytoma have a 123I‐MIBG scintigraphy?
Authors: van Berkel A. , Pacak K. , Lenders J.W.M.
Published: May 2014

Localization of phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) should involve functional imaging as anatomical imaging modalities can either fail to locate the tumour or can be suboptimal due to an anatomical abnormality or previous surgery. Functional imaging is particularly useful to fully delineate the extent of disease using the whole‐body scan and the evaluation of multifocality, metastatic or recurrent disease. An increasing number of radiolabeled tracers have become available for tumour visualization during the past decade. 123I‐meta‐iodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy is the most widely used functional imaging modality, and its sensitivity to identify chromaffin cell tumours varies from 85 to 88% for phaeochromocytomas and 56–76% for paragangliomas, while specificity ranges between 70 and 100% and 84–100%, respectively.
The effects of separate and combined dietary weight loss and exercise on fasting ghrelin concentrations in overweight and obese women: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mason Caitlin , Xiao Liren , Imayama Ikuyo , Duggan Catherine R. , Campbell Kristin L. , Kong Angela , Wang Ching‐Yun , Alfano Catherine M. , Blackburn George L. , Foster‐Schubert Karen E. , McTiernan Anne
Published: May 2014

Objective

Compensatory metabolic changes that accompany weight loss, for example, increased ghrelin, contribute to weight regain and difficulty in long‐term weight loss maintenance; however, the separate effects of long‐term caloric restriction and exercise on total circulating ghrelin in humans are unknown.

Design

A 12‐month randomized controlled trial comparing: i) dietary weight loss with a 10% weight loss goal (‘diet’; n = 118); ii) moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity aerobic exercise for 45 min/day, 5 days/week (‘exercise’; n = 117); iii) dietary weight loss and exercise (‘diet + exercise’; n = 117); or iv) no‐lifestyle‐change control (n = 87). Participants: 439 overweight or obese postmenopausal women (50–75 y).

Measurements

Fasting total serum ghrelin was measured by radioimmunoassay at baseline and 12 months. Fasting serum leptin, adiponectin and insulin were also measured.

Results

Fasting total ghrelin significantly increased in the diet + exercise arm (+7·4%, P = 0·008) but not in either the diet (+6·5%, P = 0·07) or exercise (+1·0%, P = 0·53) arms compared with control. Greater weight loss was associated with increased ghrelin concentrations, regardless of intervention. Neither baseline ghrelin nor body composition modified the intervention effects on changes in total ghrelin. The 12‐month change in total ghrelin was inversely associated with changes in leptin, insulin and insulin resistance, and positively associated with change in adiponectin.

Conclusions

Greater weight loss, achieved through a reduced calorie diet or exercise, is associated with increased total ghrelin concentrations in overweight or obese postmenopausal women.
Research Ethics and the Concept of Children's Rights
Authors: Hammersley Martyn
Published: May 2014

This paper examines the arguments that have been put forward about the implications of children's rights for the ethics of research involving children. It begins by exploring the concept of rights, and the different kinds of right that have been identified in the philosophical literature. From this, the discussion moves to the nature and legitimacy of children's rights. Finally, the implications of the debates about children's rights are examined for research ethics. It is argued that these implications are more limited and problematic than is generally recognised.
Children's cognitive representation of the mathematical number line
Authors: Rouder Jeffrey N. , Geary David C.
Published: May 2014

Learning of the mathematical number line has been hypothesized to be dependent on an inherent sense of approximate quantity. Children's number line placements are predicted to conform to the underlying properties of this system; specifically, placements are exaggerated for small numerals and compressed for larger ones. Alternative hypotheses are based on proportional reasoning; specifically, numerals are placed relative to set anchors such as end points on the line. Traditional testing of these alternatives involves fitting group medians to corresponding regression models which assumes homogenous residuals and thus does not capture useful information from between‐ and within‐child variation in placements across the number line. To more fully assess differential predictions, we developed a novel set of hierarchical statistical models that enable the simultaneous estimation of mean levels of and variation in performance, as well as developmental transitions. Using these techniques we fitted the number line placements of 224 children longitudinally assessed from first to fifth grade, inclusive. The compression pattern was evident in mean performance in first grade, but was the best fit for only 20% of first graders when the full range of variation in the data are modeled. Most first graders' placements suggested use of end points, consistent with proportional reasoning. Developmental transition involved incorporation of a mid‐point anchor, consistent with a modified proportional reasoning strategy. The methodology introduced here enables a more nuanced assessment of children's number line representation and learning than any previous approaches and indicates that developmental improvement largely results from midpoint segmentation of the line.
Circadian rhythms have broad implications for understanding brain and behavior
Authors: Silver Rae , Kriegsfeld Lance J.
Published: May 2014

Circadian rhythms are generated by an endogenously organized timing system that drives daily rhythms in behavior, physiology and metabolism. In mammals, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus is the locus of a master circadian clock. The SCN is synchronized to environmental changes in the light:dark cycle by direct, monosynaptic innervation via the retino‐hypothalamic tract. In turn, the SCN coordinates the rhythmic activities of innumerable subordinate clocks in virtually all bodily tissues and organs. The core molecular clockwork is composed of a transcriptional/post‐translational feedback loop in which clock genes and their protein products periodically suppress their own transcription. This primary loop connects to downstream output genes by additional, interlocked transcriptional feedback loops to create tissue‐specific ‘circadian transcriptomes’. Signals from peripheral tissues inform the SCN of the internal state of the organism and the brain's master clock is modified accordingly. A consequence of this hierarchical, multilevel feedback system is that there are ubiquitous effects of circadian timing on genetic and metabolic responses throughout the body. This overview examines landmark studies in the history of the study of circadian timing system, and highlights our current understanding of the operation of circadian clocks with a focus on topics of interest to the neuroscience community.
The Effect of Virtuous and Entrepreneurial Orientations on Microfinance Lending and Repayment: A Signaling Theory Perspective
Authors: Moss Todd W. , Neubaum Donald O. , Meyskens Moriah
Published: May 2014

The availability of capital for microenterprises has grown rapidly due to microfinancing platforms such as Kiva. The investment decisions of microlenders are challenged due to the limited information about the microenterprises’ characteristics and behavioral intentions. Extending signaling theory, we suggest that microenterprises’ narratives on microfinancing platforms are an important means to signal valuable characteristics and behavioral intentions to prospective lenders. Results indicate that microenterprises, which signal autonomy, competitive aggressiveness, and risk–taking, are more likely to receive funding, and to receive it more quickly. Microenterprises that signal conscientiousness, courage, empathy, and warmth are less likely to get funded. Rhetorical signaling proactiveness, conscientiousness, courage, warmth, or zeal is negatively associated with loan repayment.
Pilot study of liraglutide effects in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease with glucose intolerance in Japanese patients (LEAN‐J)
Authors: Eguchi Yuichiro , Kitajima Yoichiro , Hyogo Hideyuki , Takahashi Hirokazu , Kojima Motoyasu , Ono Masafumi , Araki Norimasa , Tanaka Kenichi , Yamaguchi Miyuki , Matsuda Yayoi , Ide Yasushi , Otsuka Taiga , Ozaki Iwata , Ono Naofumi , Eguchi Takahisa , Anzai Keizo ,   Japan Study Group for NAFLD (JSG‐NAFLD)
Published: May 2014

Aim

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, is associated with an increased risk of developing lifestyle‐related diseases including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cerebral vessel disease. No current drug therapy provides the ideal effects of decreasing hepatic inflammation while simultaneously improving liver fibrosis. Liraglutide is a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist that affects the histological findings in patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This study was conducted to evaluate the effect and action of liraglutide for biopsy‐proven NASH.

Methods

After lifestyle modification intervention for 24 weeks, subjects whose hemoglobin A1c levels failed to improve to less than 6.0% and/or whose alanine aminotransferase levels were not lower than baseline, received liraglutide at 0.9 mg/body per day for 24 weeks.

Results

Of 27 subjects, 26 completed the lifestyle modification intervention. Nineteen subjects received liraglutide therapy for 24 weeks. Body mass index, visceral fat accumulation, aminotransferases and glucose abnormalities improved significantly. Repeated liver biopsy was performed in 10 subjects who continued liraglutide therapy for 96 weeks. Six subjects showed decreased histological inflammation as determined by NASH activity score and stage determined by Brunt classification. We saw no significant adverse events during therapy with liraglutide.

Conclusion

Our pilot study demonstrated that treatment with liraglutide had a good safety profile and significantly improved liver function and histological features in NASH patients with glucose intolerance.
Spiradenocarcinoma, cylindrocarcinoma and spiradenocylindrocarcinoma: a clinicopathological study of nine cases
Authors: Dai Bo , Kong Yun‐Yi , Cai Xu , Shen Xu‐Xia , Kong Jin‐Cheng
Published: May 2014

Aims

To elucidate diagnostic criteria for spiradenocarcinoma, cylindrocarcinoma and spiradenocylindrocarcinoma, and to emphasize correlations between clinical behaviour and variable morphological patterns.

Methods and results

We investigated the clinicopathological and immunophenotypic features of nine cases. There were five men and four women, with ages ranging from 58 years to 82 years. The tumour size varied from 10 mm to 50 mm. The head and neck were most commonly involved. Three cases of spiradenocarcinoma and three cases of cylindrocarcinoma showed a salivary gland‐type basal cell adenocarcinoma‐like pattern, low‐grade (BCAC‐LG) and/or high grade (BCAC‐HG). The remaining three cases of spiradenocarcinoma showed adenocarcinoma in situ, with invasive adenocarcinoma being seen in one of these cases. PAS staining revealed loss of the PAS‐positive hyaline sheath in malignant zones of cylindrocarcinoma. p53 staining was variably positive in the malignant components of all cases. Follow‐up was available for all patients, ranging from 5 months to 107 months. Two patients died of disease, one experienced recurrence, and one died of an unrelated cause.

Conclusions

Patients with BCAC‐LG have a better prognosis. BCAC‐HG is more likely to be found in cylindrocarcinoma, and its clinical behaviour seems to be more aggressive. Close follow‐up for early detection of recurrence and metastases is strongly recommended.
Skills, Knowledge, and Attitudes Important for Present‐Day Auditors
Authors: Siriwardane Harshini P. , Kin Hoi Hu Billy , Low Kin Yew
Published: May 2014

Recent accounting scandals have challenged and transformed the present‐day role of auditors, making it timely and important to re‐examine the skills, knowledge, and attitudes (SKAs) required of auditors in today's business environment. While prior studies have examined SKAs of accountants and internal auditors, and personal attributes of auditors, there is little research on auditors' SKAs. We propose and examine 20 SKAs important to present‐day auditors. We survey experienced auditors in Singapore about the importance of these SKAs. Our participants rate professional integrity, assessing audit evidence, and having a questioning mind (indicative of professionalism competency) as the three most important SKAs. The participants also assess entry‐level auditors' (ELAs) performance for each SKA. The difference between their importance and performance ratings is largest for business competency, particularly for knowledge of client's business. Our findings have implications for various accounting constituencies in terms of developing auditors' competencies.
The Expansion of Emerging Economy Firms into Advanced Markets: The Influence of Intentional Path‐Breaking Change
Authors: Kalasin Kiattichai , Dussauge Pierre , Rivera‐Santos Miguel
Published: May 2014

Existing literature has investigated the drivers behind the expansion of emerging market firms into other emerging markets, but we are only beginning to understand how emerging market firms expand into more advanced markets. Grounding our arguments in institutional theory and the notions of managerial intentionality and path‐breaking strategies, we argue that emerging market firms can intentionally pursue path‐breaking changes that set them on an organizational path better suited to advanced market conditions, by listing their stock on advanced financial markets or divesting unrelated business. We test our arguments on a sample of 855 emerging market firms from 18 countries over a six‐year period. Our results strongly support our argument that emerging market firms can intentionally change their organizational paths and develop the ability to expand into advanced markets.
The role of atmospheric conditions in the seasonal dynamics of North American migration flyways
Authors: La Sorte Frank A. , Fink Daniel , Hochachka Wesley M. , Farnsworth Andrew , Rodewald Amanda D. , Rosenberg Kenneth V. , Sullivan Brian L. , Winkler David W. , Wood Chris , Kelling Steve
Published: May 2014

Aim

Avian migration strategies balance the costs and benefits of annual movements between breeding and wintering grounds. If similar constraints affect a large numbers of species, geographical concentrations of migration routes, or migration flyways, may result. Here we provide the first population‐level empirical evaluation of the structure and seasonal dynamics of migration flyways for North American terrestrial birds and their association with atmospheric conditions.

Location

Contiguous USA.

Methods

We modelled weekly probability of occurrence for 93 migratory species using spatio‐temporal exploratory models and eBird occurrence data for the combined period 2004 to 2011. We used hierarchical cluster analysis to identify species with shared migration routes based on normalized spatio‐temporal representations of autumn migration. We summarized atmospheric conditions within flyways using nocturnal wind velocity and bearing estimated at three isobaric levels (725, 825 and 925 mbar) for the combined period 2008 to 2011.

Results

We identified three migration flyways: an eastern and western flyway whose paths shifted westwards in the spring, and a central flyway whose core boundaries overlapped with the eastern flyway and whose width was more constricted in the autumn. The seasonal shift of the eastern flyway created potentially longer migration journeys in the spring, but this longer route coincides with a low‐level jet stream that may enhance migration speeds. Atmospheric conditions appeared to have a more limited role in the seasonal dynamics of the western flyway.

Main conclusions

Migration routes for terrestrial species in North America can be organized into three broadly defined migration flyways: a geographically distinct flyway located west of the 103rd meridian and two interrelated flyways located east of the 103rd meridian. Seasonal shifts in flyway locations reflect the influence of looped migration strategies that for the eastern flyway can be explained by the trade‐off between minimizing total migration distance while maintaining an association with favourable atmospheric conditions.
Reduced parasite diversity and abundance in a marine whelk in its expanded geographical range
Authors: Hopper Julie V. , Kuris Armand M. , Lorda Julio , Simmonds Sara E. , White Crow , Hechinger Ryan F.
Published: May 2014

Aim

To improve our understanding of how parasitism interacts with geographical range expansions by quantifying diversity and abundance of parasites in 25 populations of a large marine snail, Kellet's whelk (Kelletia kelletii), throughout its historical and recently expanded range, which are separated by a well‐known biogeographical boundary.

Location

California coast (western North America).

Methods

Parasitological examinations were conducted on 199 whelks from 25 subtidal reefs throughout its expanded and historical ranges. We calculated infection risk, parasite intensity, and parasite species diversity. Abiotic (temperature, latitude, distance from range limit) and biotic (host density) variables were analysed as potential drivers of differential parasitism between expanded‐ and historical‐range populations.

Results

Compared with historical‐range whelks, expanded‐range whelks were 20% as likely to be infected by parasites, and those that were infected had 6% the number of individual parasites. On average, expanded‐range whelks had 14% the number of parasite species than the historical‐range whelks. The marked decrease in species richness of parasites infecting expanded‐range whelks was only partly explained by the low numbers of parasites. The reduced parasite abundance and diversity in the expanded‐range whelks was not explained by the examined abiotic factors or by whelk density.

Main conclusions

Expanded‐range populations of Kellet's whelk experience substantially lower parasite abundance and diversity than the historical‐range populations, despite relatively poor demographic performance. The reduced parasitism observed resembles the enemy escape typically characterizing invasive species. A possible explanation for the observed ‘parasite escape’ is that the biogeographical boundary limits the movements or drives the low abundance of other host species (elasmobranchs) required to complete the life cycles of the ‘missing’ parasites. We suggest that parasite escape may generally characterize range‐margin expansions and be important in permitting expansions into what may otherwise be marginal habitats. This parasite escape may directly counter the spread of infectious diseases associated with global warming‐induced range shifts.
Life Cycle Assessment–based Comparative Evaluation of Originally Manufactured and Remanufactured Diesel Engines
Authors: Liu Zhichao , Li Tao , Jiang Qiuhong , Zhang Hongchao
Published: May 2014

Life cycle assessment (LCA) enables us to estimate potential resource and energy consumption as well as environmental emissions resulting from various activities within our economy. The present LCA intends to analyze the energy consumption and environmental emissions of the entire life cycle of an originally manufactured diesel engine compared with its remanufactured counterpart. Further, the article attempts to identify the processes in diesel engine manufacturing and remanufacturing life cycles that contribute most to energy consumption and environmental impacts. Six environmental impacts were assessed in this study: global warming potential (GWP); acidification potential (AP); eutrophication potential (EP); ozone depletion potential (ODP); photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP); and abiotic depletion potential (ADP). The results show that diesel engine remanufacturing could reduce 66% of energy consumption, compared to original manufacturing. The greatest benefit related to environmental impact is with regard to ODP, which is reduced by 97%, followed by EP, GWP, POCP, AP, and ADP, which can be reduced by 79%, 67%, 32%, 32%, and 25%, respectively. In the life cycle of diesel engine manufacturing, production of materials brings about larger environmental impacts, especially with regard to EP and ODP, whereas transportation of materials contributes most to POCP. The situation is similar for diesel engine remanufacturing. Production of materials brings about larger environmental impacts with regard to AP, EP, and ODP, whereas components remanufacturing and production of materials exhibit the same amount of GWP impact. Further, in remanufacturing, the reverse logistics of old diesel engines brings about lesser environmental impacts than the other life cycle stages, except with regard to POCP.
Relational Ethics, Depressive Symptoms, and Relationship Satisfaction in Couples in Therapy
Authors: Gangamma Rashmi , Bartle‐Haring Suzanne , Holowacz Eugene , Hartwell Erica E. , Glebova Tatiana
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction as problems related to relational ethics in one's family of origin and current partner relationships in a sample of 68 other‐sex couples seeking therapy at a large university clinic. We used the Actor Partner Interdependence Model to analyze dyadic data collected prior to beginning therapy. Specifically, we found significant actor effects between relational ethics in one's family of origin and depressive symptoms, as well as between depressive symptoms and low relationship satisfaction for both male and female partners. We also found significant partner effects for relational ethics in current partner relationship, depressive symptoms, and low relationship satisfaction. Clinical application of contextual therapy theory is discussed.
Suicide: an existentialist reconceptualization
Authors: Roberts M. , Lamont E.
Published: May 2014

Accessible summary

The twentieth century intellectual Albert Camus, and specifically his philosophical essayThe Myth of Sisyphus, can be understood as providing a significant perspective on suicide.

In particular, Camus situates the phenomena of suicide within the context of the uniquely human endeavour to make sense of the struggles and sorrows of life.

In doing so, his work challenges both the manner in which suicide has been understood within the context of mental illness, and the custodial and defensive practices that are associated with such an understanding of suicide.

The phenomenon of suicide is one of the primary concerns for mental health professions. The health‐care literature is dominated by discussions that focus variously on local and national suicide prevention policies, on the assessment of those individuals judged to be at risk of committing suicide as well as the appropriateness and efficacy of interventions for those who express suicidal ideation and display suicidal behaviours. What appear less frequently in the literature, however, are critical analyses of the concept of suicide and, in particular, critical reflections on the manner in which the concept of suicide has been, and continues to be, understood or ‘framed’. In an attempt to respond to this apparent omission, this paper will suggest that the work ofAlbertCamus, and his philosophical workThe Myth of Sisyphusin particular, can be understood as providing a significant reconceptualization and reframing of suicide. In doing so, it will be suggested thatCamus's work not only challenges how the concept of suicide has traditionally been situated within the context of mental illness, but can also be understood as challenging the efficacy of the interventions that have been associated with an understanding of suicide within that context.
The Future and Legal Education: Are Law Schools Failing and, If So, How?
Authors: Rubin Edward
Published: May 2014

In Failing Law Schools (2010), Brian Tamanaha recommends that law schools respond to the current economic crisis in the legal profession by reducing support for faculty research and developing two‐year degree programs. But these ideas respond only to a short‐term problem that will probably be solved by the closure of marginal institutions. The real challenge lies in the powerful long‐term trends that animate social change, particularly the shift to a knowledge‐based economy and the demand for social justice through expanded public services. These trends demand that law schools transform their educational programs to reflect the regulatory, transactional, and interdisciplinary nature of modern legal practice.
Role of autophagy in head and neck cancer and therapeutic resistance
Authors: Sannigrahi MK , Singh V , Sharma R , Panda NK , Khullar M
Published: May 2014

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are one of the most common cancers worldwide, accounting for almost 50% of all malignancies in developing nations. Autophagy is a catabolic process involving turnover of long‐lived proteins and organelles and is an important mechanism for cell survival under stress conditions. Autophagy has been shown to play a pivotal role in etio‐pathogenesis of several cancers. Autophagy and apoptosis may be triggered by common upstream signals, and sometimes this results in combined autophagy and apoptosis, or defective apoptosis rendering immortalized epithelial cells highly tumorigenic. Autophagy has been found to buffer metabolic stress and may help in cell survival; however, inhibiting autophagy under conditions of nutrient limitation can restore cell death to apoptosis‐refractory tumors. Therefore, autophagy acts as a double‐edged sword in cancer therapeutics. Role of autophagy in pathophysiology and as a potential cancer therapeutics is a subject of intensive research. This review will focus on the role of autophagy and how it contributes to the pathogenesis and overcoming therapeutic resistance in HNSCC.
A refined method for estimating the size of the potential blood donor pool in Australia
Authors: Lucky Tarana T.A. , Keller Anthony J. , Seed Clive R. , Lee June , Styles Claire , Pink Joanne , Wilson David P.
Published: May 2014

Background

To be eligible to donate blood, potential donors must meet certain eligibility criteria to ensure safety to the donor and to the blood supply. In Australia, there is no reliable estimate of the size of the donor‐eligible population. This study uses a refinement to a published method to determine the population prevalence of donor‐exclusion factors and subsequently estimates the size of the potential donor pool in Australia.

Study Design and Methods

A total of 70 donor‐exclusion factors (in addition to age) were identified. The donor‐eligible population was estimated by subtracting the prevalence of the exclusion factors from the total population. Prevalence of the donor‐exclusion factors was adjusted for age, deferral period, and overlap of multiple conditions. Overlap was adjusted by extending a published random‐probability model according to known association of epidemiologic data on overlapping conditions.

Results

The most prevalent (deferral period–adjusted) donor‐exclusion factor among the 16‐ to 80‐year‐old Australian population was variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease–related travel risk (6.8%) followed by upper respiratory tract infections (6.4%). After exclusion of all factors, and accounting for overlapping factors, 62% of 16‐ to 80‐year‐olds or 47.3% of the total population were donor eligible in Australia.

Conclusion

We developed a refined method for estimating the size of the donor‐eligible population. Applying this method to Australia, we estimate that approximately 10.7 million people (62% of the 16‐ to 80‐year‐olds) were eligible to donate blood in Australia in 2012.
Transfusion‐associated hepatitis before the screening of blood for hepatitis risk factors
Authors: Engle Ronald E. , Bukh Jens , Alter Harvey J. , Emerson Suzanne U. , Trenbeath Joni L. , Nguyen Hanh T. , Brockington Alicia , Mitra Tanaji , Purcell Robert H.
Published: May 2014

Background

The true incidence of transfusion‐associated hepatitis (TAH) before blood screening is unknown. Our aims were to reevaluate blood recipients receiving unscreened blood and analyze hepatitis viruses circulating more than 45 years ago.

Study Design and Methods

Cryopreserved serum samples from 66 patients undergoing open heart surgery in the 1960s were reevaluated with modern diagnostic tests to determine the incidence of TAH and its virologic causes.

Results

In this heavily transfused population receiving a mean of 20 units per patient of predominantly paid‐donor blood, 30 of 66 (45%) developed biochemical evidence of hepatitis; of these, 20 (67%) were infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) alone, four (13%) with hepatitis B virus (HBV) alone, and six (20%) with both viruses. Among the 36 patients who did not develop hepatitis, four (11%) were newly infected with HCV alone, nine (25%) with HBV alone, and one (3%) with both viruses. Overall, 100% of patients with hepatitis and 39% of those without hepatitis were infected with HBV and/or HCV; one patient was also infected with hepatitis E virus. The donor carrier rate for HBV and/or HCV was estimated to be more than 6%; contemporaneously prepared pooled normal human plasma was also contaminated with multiple hepatitis viruses.

Conclusion

TAH virus infections were a larger problem than perceived 50 years ago and HCV was the predominant agent transmitted. All hepatitis cases could be attributed to HCV and/or HBV and hence there was no evidence to suggest that an additional hepatitis agent existed undetected in the blood supply.
Validation of a commercially available automated canine‐specific immunoturbidimetric method for measuring canine C‐reactive protein
Authors: Hillström Anna , Hagman Ragnvi , Tvedten Harold , Kjelgaard‐Hansen Mads
Published: May 2014

Background

Measurement of C‐reactive protein (CRP) is used for diagnosing and monitoring systemic inflammatory disease in canine patients. An automated human immunoturbidimetric assay has been validated for measuring canine CRP, but cross‐reactivity with canine CRP is unpredictable.

Objective

The purpose of the study was to validate a new automated canine‐specific immunoturbidimetric CRP method (Gentian cCRP).

Methods

Studies of imprecision, accuracy, prozone effect, interference, limit of quantification, and stability under different storage conditions were performed. The new method was compared with a human CRP assay previously validated for canine CRP determination. Samples from 40 healthy dogs were analyzed to establish a reference interval.

Results

Total imprecision was < 2.4% for 4 tested serum pools analyzed twice daily over 10 days. The method was linear under dilution, and no prozone effect was detected at a concentration of 1200 mg/L. Recovery after spiking serum with purified canine CRP at 2 different concentrations was 123% and 116%, respectively. No interference from hemoglobin or triglycerides (10 g/L) was detected. CRP was stable for 14 days at 4°C and 22°C. In the method comparison study, there was good agreement between the validated human CRP assay and the new canine‐specific assay. Healthy dogs had CRP concentrations that were less than the limit of quantification of the Gentian cCRP method (6.8 mg/L).

Conclusions

The new canine‐specific immunoturbidimetric CRP assay is a reliable and rapid method for measuring canine CRP, suitable for clinical use due to the option for an automated assay.
Perianal pruritus in dogs with skin disease
Authors: Maina Elisa , Galzerano Mario , Noli Chiara
Published: May 2014

Background

Perianal pruritus has been reported in dogs with anal sac disease but not in healthy dogs. Some authors describe it as typical of allergy, but there is little evidence in support of this.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The aim was to investigate the association between perianal pruritus and canine atopic dermatitis (CAD), adverse food reaction (ARF) and other skin diseases in dogs.

Animals

Two hundred and fifty privately owned dogs with skin disease and without anal sac disease.

Methods

The presence or absence of perianal pruritus, macroscopic and cytological evaluation of the perianal skin surface and the macroscopic appearance of anal sac contents were assessed. Chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests were performed to compare the frequency of perianal pruritus with the clinical diagnoses and with clinical and cytological parameters.

Results

Perianal pruritus was seen in 39 of 75 dogs withCAD, in 29 of 57 dogs withARFand in only 24 of 118 dogs with other conditions. The frequency of perianal pruritus in dogs withCADand/orARFwas significantly higher than that in dogs with other diagnoses (P < 0.0001). No other disease was significantly associated with perianal pruritus. Perianal pruritus was significantly associated with signs of perianal alopecia, erythema, excoriations, lichenification and hyperpigmentation; it was not associated with the presence of bacteria or yeasts or with anal sac impaction.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Perianal pruritus was seen more frequently in dogs withAFR/CADthan with other dermatological diseases. This is the first study to evaluate perianal pruritus in dogs with skin disease and without anal sac disease.
Dermatomyositis‐like disease in a Rottweiler
Authors: Bresciani Francesca , Zagnoli Laura , Fracassi Federico , Bianchi Ezio , Cantile Carlo , Abramo Francesca , Pietra Marco
Published: May 2014

Background

Canine dermatomyositis is a hereditary disease described in collies and Shetland sheep dogs and their cross‐breeds. A similar disease, called dermatomyositis‐like disease, has been described occasionally in other breeds but never in the Rottweiler.

Hypothesis/Objectives

We report on the clinicopathological findings associated with dermatomyositis‐like disease in a Rottweiler.

Animal

A 7‐month‐old female Rottweiler was referred for dermatological abnormalities, regurgitation and weakness. Cutaneous abnormalities included alopecia, crusting and scaling on the inner surface of the pinnae, the tip of the tail, periorbital and perilabial skin. The dog also presented onychogryphosis and onychalgia.

Methods

Complete blood count, serum biochemistry panel, thoracic radiographs, electromyography, nerve‐conduction studies and skin and muscle biopsies were performed.

Results

Megaoesophagus, pneumonia, ischaemic dermatopathy and generalized myositis were documented. The final diagnosis was dermatomyositis‐like disease.

Conclusions and clinical importance

This is the first report of dermatomyositis‐like disease in a Rottweiler.
Plate-like osteoma cutis: nothing but skin and bone?
Authors: Coutinho Inês , Teixeira V , Cardoso J C , Reis J P
Published: May 2014

Osteoma cutis encompasses a group of cutaneous ossifying disorders, more commonly secondary to trauma, inflammation or neoplasms. Fourteen per cent, however, are primary, and these may be syndromatic (associated to Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy) or occur in isolation. We report a case of a 10-year-old girl who presented with a stone-hard plate on the scalp, with no relevant personal or family history, nor changes in calcium-phosphate metabolism, parathyroid hormone or thyroid function. Skin biopsy confirmed osteoma cutis. Plate-like osteoma cutis is rare, and believed to be a non-progressive form of heterotopic ossification, included in the spectrum of progressive osseus heteroplasia and Albright hereditary osteodystrophy, due to GNAS gene mutations. This recently clarified association should remind us of the possible unfavourable evolution of a seemingly innocent clinical picture, emphasising the need for appropriate evaluation, management and follow-up.
Commutators of weighted composition operators
Authors: Jung Sungeun , Kim Yoenha , Ko Eungil
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we prove that if the composition symbols φ and ψ are linear fractional non-automorphisms of 𝔻 such that φ(ζ) and ψ(ζ) belong to ∂𝔻 for some ζ ∈ ∂𝔻 and u, v ∈ H∞ are continuous on ∂𝔻 with u(ζ)v(ζ) ≠ 0, then [Formula: see text] is compact on H2 if and only if ζ is the common boundary fixed point of φ and ψ and one of the following statements holds: (i) both φ and ψ are parabolic; (ii) both φ and ψ are hyperbolic and another fixed point of φ is [Formula: see text] where w is the fixed point of ψ other than ζ. We also study the commutant of a weighted composition operator on H2. We verify that if φ is an analytic self-map of 𝔻 with Denjoy–Wolff point b ∈ 𝔻 and u ∈ H∞\{0}, then every weighted composition operator in the commutant {Wu, φ}′ has {f ∈ H2 : f(b) = 0} as its nontrivial invariant subspace.
Energy density distribution profiles of surface states, relaxation time and capture cross-section in Au/n-type 4H-SiC SBDs by using admittance spectroscopy method
Authors: Kaya A. , Sevgili Ö. , Altındal Ş.
Published: May 2014

Au /n-type 4H - SiC diodes were fabricated and their electrical characteristics have been investigated by using the capacitance/conductance-voltage-frequency (C–V–f and G/w–V–f) measurements method at room temperature. The main parameters such as the doping atoms (ND), diffusion potential (VD) and barrier height (ΦB(C–V)) values were obtained from the reverse bias C-2–V plots for each frequency. C and G/ω values decrease with increasing frequency as almost exponential for each voltage and these changes in C and G/ω are considerably high at low frequencies due to the contribution of surface states (Nss) to the measured C and G/ω. The resistivity (Ri) versus V plots were also obtained by using the C and G data and they exhibit an anomalous peak which is corresponding to the depletion region at each frequencies and its magnitude decreases with increasing frequency. The energy density distribution of Nss and their relaxation time (τ) were obtained from the conductance method and they range from 1.53 × 1014 eV-1 cm-2 to 1.03 × 1014 eV-1 cm-2 and 1.29 × 10-4 s to 3.35 × 10-5 s, respectively, in the energy range of (0.585-Ev) – (0.899-Ev) eV. The voltage dependent of Nss was also obtained from C HF – C LF method. The obtained value of Nss is about 1014 eV-1 cm-2 order and these values are suitable for an electronic device.
A hybrid ten-species phase-field model of tumor growth
Authors: Lima E. A. B. F. , Oden J. T. , Almeida R. C.
Published: May 2014

The development of predictive computational models of tumor initiation, growth, and decline is faced with many formidable challenges. Phenomenological models which attempt to capture the complex interactions of multiple tissue and cellular species must cope with moving interfaces of heterogeneous media and the sprouting vascular structures due to angiogenesis and their evolution. They must be able to deliver predictions consistent with events that take place at cellular scales, and they must faithfully depict biological mechanisms and events that are known to be associated with various forms of cancer. In the present work, a ten-species vascular model for the tumor growth is presented which falls within the framework of phase-field (or diffuse-interface) models suggested by continuum mixture theory. This framework provides for the simultaneous treatment of interactions of multiple evolving species, such as tumor cells, necrotic cell cores, nutrients, and other cellular and tissue types that exist and interact in living tissue. We develop a hybrid model that couples the tumor growth with sprouting through angiogenesis. The model is able to represent the branching of new vessels through coupling a discrete model for which the angiogenesis is started upon pre-defined conditions on the nutrient deprivation in the continuum model. Such conditions are represented by hypoxic cells that release tumor growth factors that ultimately trigger vascular growth. We discuss the numerical approximation of the model using mixed finite elements. The results of numerical experiments are also presented and discussed.
A SIMPLE AXIOMATIZATION OF THE EGALITARIAN SOLUTION
Authors: SAGLAM ISMAIL
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we present a simple axiomatization of the n-person egalitarian solution. The single condition sufficient for characterization is a new axiom, called symmetric decomposability that combines the axioms of step-by-step negotiations, symmetry, and weak Pareto optimality used in an early characterization by Kalai [(1977) Proportional solutions to bargaining situations: Interpersonal utility comparisons, Econometrica45, 1623–1630].
NETWORK TOPOLOGY, HIGHER ORDERS OF STABILITY AND EFFICIENCY
Authors: CHAKRABARTI SUBHADIP , TANGSANGASAKSRI SUPANIT
Published: May 2014

Stable networks of order r where r is a natural number refer to those networks that are immune to coalitional deviation of size r or less. In this paper, we introduce stability of a finite order and examine its relation with efficient networks under anonymous and component additive value functions and the component-wise egalitarian allocation rule. In particular, we examine shapes of networks or network architectures that would resolve the conflict between stability and efficiency in the sense that if stable networks assume those shapes they would be efficient and if efficient networks assume those shapes, they would be stable with minimal further restrictions on value functions.
GAIT PATTERNS AFTER POSTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY: A COMPARISON OF SYMPTOMATIC AND ASYMPTOMATIC PATIENTS
Authors: LIU MEI-FANG , CHOU PEI-HIS , SU FONG-CHIN
Published: May 2014

This study examined chronic, isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) rupture patients, dividing them into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups according to whether they displayed obvious symptoms in daily activities. Each group comprised 10 patients while 10 healthy, young individuals were adopted as the control group. Using a three-dimensional motion analysis system and force plates, the gait patterns of the PCL-deficient patients were analyzed from both kinematics and kinetics perspectives to identify whether they differed from the control group and to compare symmetry between the injured and uninjured sides. The results showed that the symptomatic PCL-deficient group was closer to "normal", and the asymptomatic PCL-deficient group showed less knee extension moment and lower power absorption in the terminal stance than the control group. Additionally, the symptomatic PCL-deficient group appeared to have a relatively symmetric gait while the asymptomatic PCL-deficient group primarily showed an asymmetric gait also occurring in the terminal stance, including less joint moment and lower power absorption of the hip and knee, and lower vertical ground reaction force (GRF). Regarding the gait adaptations of the asymptomatic PCL-deficient group these compensation mechanisms are most likely to have been produced in order to assist in joint stabilization and reduce symptoms in joints.
Transition probability matrix methodology for incremental risk charge
Authors: Yavin Tzahi , Wang Eugene , Zhang Hu , Clayton Michael A.
Published: May 2014

As part of Basel II's incremental risk charge (IRC) methodology, this paper summarizes our extensive investigations of constructing transition probability matrices (TPMs) for unsecuritized credit products in the trading book. The objective is to create monthly or quarterly TPMs with predefined sectors and ratings that are consistent with the bank's Basel PDs. Constructing a TPM is not a unique process. We highlight various aspects of three types of uncertainties embedded in different construction methods: (1) the available historical data and the bank's rating philosophy; (2) the merger of one-year Basel PD and the chosen Moody's TPMs; and (3) deriving a monthly or quarterly TPM when the generator matrix does not exist. Given the fact that TPMs and specifically their PDs are the most important parameters in IRC, it is our view that banks may need to make discretionary choices regarding their methodology, with uncertainties well understood and managed.
Nano-Scaled Mixed Conductors for High Performance SOFCs at ≤ 600°C
Authors: Klotz Dino , Hayd Jan , Szász Julian , Menzler Norbert H. , Ivers-Tiffée Ellen
Published: May 2014

Lowering the operating temperature of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) to the range of 400 to 600°C requires powerful electrodes and thin-film electrolytes to compensate the increasing losses which arise from electrochemical processes at the electrodes and transport phenomena in the electrolyte. In this contribution we present for the first time the combination of three approaches that have already shown very promising results individually: (i) a thin-film 8YSZ electrolyte with ~1.5 µm thickness derived by a cost-effective wet-chemical method, (ii) a nano-scaled La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-d (LSC) thin-film cathode, deposited by metal organic deposition (MOD) via spin-coating and (iii) a nano-scaled Ni/8YSZ anode layer, induced in-operando by applying our reverse current treatment (RCT).