bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contemporary Challenges in Local Government: Evolving Roles and Responsibilities, Structures, and Processes
Authors: Nalbandian John , O'Neill Robert , Michael Wilkes J. , Kaufman Amanda
Published: May 2013

Editor's Note: The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) celebrates the 100th anniversary of its founding in 2014. This article is the first of several that will appear during the next year about the council‐manager plan to commemorate ICMA's 100th anniversary.

Three contemporary leadership challenges face local governments today. The first encourages department heads to more actively work the intersection between political and administrative arenas. The second promotes collaborative work, synchronizing city and county boundaries with problems that have no jurisdictional homes. The third argues that citizen engagement is no longer optional—it is imperative—and that connecting engagement initiatives to traditional political values and governing processes is an important mark of successful community building. These three leadership challenges stem from a widening gap between the arenas of politics and administration—that is, between what is politically acceptable in public policy making and what is administratively sustainable. The gap is fueled by conflicting trends experienced locally and common internationally. Failure to bridge this gap between political acceptability and administrative sustainability results in decreasing legitimacy for governing institutions and increasing challenges.
Nutritional role of natural productivity and formulated feed in semi‐intensive shrimp farming as indicated by natural stable isotopes
Authors: Gamboa‐Delgado Julián
Published: May 2013

The natural productivity of semi‐intensively managed shrimp ponds is frequently represented by a diverse trophic structure that forms part of the diet of farmed organisms. As in natural ecosystems, these dietary components exhibit differing isotopic signatures that vary with diet and trophic level. These isotopic differences can be used to infer the transfer of nutrients, as the isotopic values of prey items and consumers can be integrated in mass‐balance mixing models, allowing the quantification of the relative contribution of multiple nutritional sources to the growth of a specific organism. By applying such methodology, it has been possible to estimate the relative dietary contribution of several elements that belong either to the biota of the farming environment or that are part of formulated diets. Careful sampling methods and isotopic analysis of these samples provide valuable information, not only in terms of what the consumer organism has selected, captured and ingested, but also in terms of the proportions of assimilated nutrients in the consumer's tissues. Results from several studies indicate that the natural productivity found in semi‐intensively managed ponds frequently supplies higher proportions of dietary carbon and nitrogen to shrimp growth than the formulated feed, emphasizing the nutritional relevance of the former. A synthesis of field and laboratory studies applying isotopic techniques to determine the relative contribution of nutrients derived from different biota elements and formulated feeds to the growth of farmed shrimp is presented.
The Efficacy of Brachial Plexus Block in Diabetic Patients: A Prospective Study
Authors: Isaac Sherif M. , Dias Joseph J. , Taub Nick , Gaur Atul , Jones Michael
Published: May 2013

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a systemic disease that affects peripheral nerves. The use of regional anaesthesia in diabetic patients undergoing surgery can be unpredictable. We investigated the efficacy of brachial plexus block (BPB) in diabetic patients compared to nondiabetic individuals.

Methods

Four hundred and six patients were included. Forty-six patients were diabetic: 20 with type 1, 22 with type 2 and four with diet-controlled diabetes. A mixture of 0.5% bupivacaine and 1% prilocaine was used. Postoperative proximal and distal, motor and sensory functions were assessed. Motor function was assessed using the Medical Research Council grading system. Sensory function was assessed using a graded scale.

Results

In diabetic patients, the BPB was as efficient for proximal motor ( p = 0.25) and sensory ( p = 0.33) blocks as it was in nondiabetic patients. There was a significant difference in the efficacy of the block distally between diabetic and nondiabetic patients in both motor ( p = 0.007) and sensory function ( p = 0.001). The efficacy of the BPB was poorer in diabetic patients.

Conclusions

A BPB can be used efficiently for shoulder surgery in diabetic patients. For distal surgery, surgeons and anaesthetists should be prepared to reinforce the block or use general anaesthesia.
Response of soil structure and hydraulic conductivity to reduced tillage and animal manure in a temperate loamy soil
Authors: Bottinelli N. , Menasseri‐Aubry S. , Cluzeau D. , Hallaire V.
Published: May 2013

We studied the combined effects of reduced tillage and animal manure on soil structure and hydraulic conductivity (K) in the 2–10 and 12–20 cm layers in a loamy soil. The study was performed at the end of a 7‐yr field trial and included three tillage treatments (mouldboard ploughing until 25 cm depth: MP, shallow tillage until 12 cm depth: ST, no‐till: NT) and two fertilizer application treatments (mineral or poultry manure). Soil structure was assessed through bulk density (ρb), micromorphological and macropore‐space characteristics. K was measured in situ at −0.6, −0.2 and −0.05 kPa. Untilled layers had a vermicular microstructure resulting from earthworm activity, whereas tilled layers displayed a mixture of crumb and channel microstructures. Untilled layers had the highest ρb and twice as much lower total macroporosity area (pores > 240 μm in equivalent diameter) than tilled layers, reflected by the smallest area of macropores 310–2000 μm in diameter and the smallest area of large complex macropores. K under untilled layers was 12–62% lower than that under tilled layers, but differences were statistically significant only at −0.05 kPa in the 2–10 cm. No significant interaction between tillage and nutrient application treatments was detected for all properties. Compared with mineral fertilizer, poultry manure resulted in a similar ρb but 20% greater total macroporosity area and 30% higher K at −0.2 kPa. Overall, the sensitivity of soil structure and K to poultry manure were relatively small compared with tillage. We suggest that cultivation practices other than animal manure application are needed to improve physical properties under reduced tillage.
A novel allele, HLA‐A*03:01:09, identified by sequence‐based typing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Liu N. , Zhixin Z. , Shan X. , Wang L. , Cui S.
Published: May 2013

We describe the identification of a novel allele HLA‐A*03:01:09 in a Chinese individual.
A novel HLA‐A null allele (A*02:395N) with stop codon in exon 2 generated by single nucleotide exchange
Authors: Jindra P. , Venigová P. , Houdová L. , Steinerová K.
Published: May 2013

The new HLA‐A*02:395N allele differs from A*02:01:01 at one nucleotide position in the exon 2.
The novel allele HLA‐DQB1*06:01:04 differs from HLA‐DQB1*06:01:01 by a single synonymous nucleotide exchange
Authors: Zhang K. Y. , Zhang Z. X. , Ni L. , Wang L. , Shan X. Y.
Published: May 2013

HLA‐DQB1*06:01:04 differs from HLA‐DQB1*06:01:01 by the nucleotide exchange at position 156 (G >C) without an amino exchange.
The novel allele HLA‐A*02:145 differs from HLA‐A*02:01:01 by a single amino acid exchange at position 153 from alanine to valine
Authors: Zhang K. Y. , Zhang Z. X. , Liu N. , Ni L. , Shan X. Y.
Published: May 2013

HLA‐A*02:145 differs from HLA‐A*02:02:01:01 by the amino acid exchange at position 153 Ala changes to Val.
Endogenous‐peptide‐dependent alloreactivity: new scientific insights and clinical implications
Authors: D'Orsogna L. J. , Nguyen T. H. O. , Claas F. H. J. , Witt C. , Mifsud N. A.
Published: May 2013

T‐cell alloreactivity is generated via immune responsiveness directed against allogeneic (allo) human leucocyte antigen (HLA) molecules. Whilst the alloresponse is of extraordinary potency and frequency, it has often been assumed to be less peptide‐specific than conventional T‐cell reactivity. Recently, several human studies have shown that both alloreactive CD8+ and CD4+ T cells exhibit exquisite allo‐HLA and endogenous peptide specificity that has also underpinned tissue‐specific allorecognition. In this review, we summarize former and recent scientific evidence in support of endogenous peptide (self‐peptide)‐dependence of T‐cell alloreactivity. The clinical implications of these findings will be discussed in the context of both solid organ transplantation and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Insights into the understanding of the molecular basis of T‐cell allorecognition will probably translate into improved allograft survival outcomes, lower frequencies of graft vs host disease and could potentially be exploited for selective graft vs leukaemia effect to improve clinical outcomes following HSCT.
The donor line break cannula: effect on the donation process, blood component quality and transfusion microbiology testing of an important new blood bag safety feature
Authors: Nightingale M. J. , Beard M. J. , Bennett J. , Hambleton R. , Ramskill S. , Thomas S.
Published: May 2013

Background

The use of blood packs with an integral sampling system can result in anti‐coagulant from the main bag reaching the sample pouch via the donor line, causing delayed coagulation of blood samples. In NHS Blood and Transplant, this has prevented the use of serum, the preferred matrix for transfusion microbiology (TM) testing, which has led to an increased false positive rate with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) plasma. There is also a remote possibility of false negative results owing to sample dilution. Manufacturers have responded by offering packs with a donor line break cannula (DLBC) to prevent these adverse effects.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to assess the impact of DLBC packs on donation, blood component quality and of the potential return to serum for TM testing.

Methods

DLBC packs from three manufacturers were assessed against control packs of the same dimensions and configuration. Donation duration, flow rate, platelet factor 4, prothrombin fragment 1+2, haemolysis and collection and processing incidents were compared.

Results

Results indicated no clinically significant adverse effect from the DLBC on the activation state of platelets, the coagulation cascade or increased haemolysis. Donation duration and blood collection and processing incident rates for DLBC packs were not significantly different to controls.

Conclusions

The use of DLBC packs would reduce the complexity of manipulations during blood collection and therefore the likelihood of microbially contaminated donations (incorrect skin core diversion) and false negative TM tests. DLBC packs would enable the use of serum for TM testing with a significant reduction in false positive tests compared to EDTA plasma.
Retrospective analysis of clinical findings and outcome of cats with suspected rattlesnake envenomation inSouthernCalifornia: 18 cases (2007–2010)
Authors: Hoose Jennifer A. , Carr Amy
Published: May 2013

Objective

To evaluate treatment and survival rates of cats with suspected rattlesnake envenomation.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Veterinary emergency referral hospital in Southern California.

Animals

Client‐owned animals.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and main results

Eighteen cats were treated for suspected rattlesnake envenomation between January 2007 and August 2010. There were 3 fatalities and 15 cats survived (16% mortality rate). Two cases developed pelvic limb paresis 3–4 days post envenomation. There were no apparent adverse reactions to treatment with antivenom.

Conclusions

Cats are presented infrequently for treatment of envenomation compared to dogs. Envenomation in cats should be treated according to guidelines established for people and dogs and administration of antivenom does not appear to be associated with adverse events. The mortality rate in this study was found to be 16%, which is higher than the mortality rate reported for dogs suspected of rattlesnake envenomation in a similar region (4.1%). Pelvic limb paresis may develop 3–4 days post envenomation but can resolve within 24 hours.
Preliminary evaluation of tear production in dogs hospitalized in an intensive care unit
Authors: Chandler Jaime A. , van der Woerdt Alexandra , Prittie Jennifer E. , Chang Lou
Published: May 2013

Objective

To determine the tear production in dogs admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU).

Design

Prospective observational study from November 2010–September 2011.

Setting

Private emergency and referral hospital.

Animals

Thirty healthy control dogs and 30 dogs hospitalized in an ICU for treatment of systemic illness without previously diagnosed ophthalmic disorders and no recent history of anesthesia. Enrollment was based on availability of the ophthalmologist within 24 hours of admission to the ICU.

Interventions

Tear production was measured utilizing Schirmer tear test strips (STT) in healthy control animals as well as in hospitalized canine patients. All patients received an ophthalmic examination by a board‐certified veterinary ophthalmologist within 24 hours of admission to the ICU. Lubrication with artificial tear gel every 2–4 hours as needed was implemented after STT was measured.

Measurements and Main Results

Average tear productions in the control and canine ICU populations were 24.5 mm/min and 13.2 mm/min, respectively. This was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a trend toward a decrease in tear production in patients with kidney disease and a trend toward normal tear production in patients with cardiac disease but the sample size was likely too small to enable detection of a statistically significant difference.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a decrease in tear production in canine ICU patients. While further study is warranted to determine how different diseases impact tear production, these finding support the implementation of frequent ocular lubrication in all ICU patients.
Growth and spectroscopic ellipsometry evaluation of composite layers of ErAs and InAs nanoparticles
Authors: Eyink Kurt G. , Bissell Luke J. , Shoaf Jodie , Tomich David H. , Esposito Daniel , Hill Madelyn , Grazulis Larry , Aronow Andrew , Mahalingam Krishnamurthy
Published: May 2013

Metal nanoparticles coupled to semiconductor quantum dots have been studied recently due to the enhancement in absorption, emission, and nonlinearities expected from these hybrid structures. These properties stem from the ability of the metal to focus light as well as shift the phase, which occurs at the metal–dielectric interface. To date, most quantum dots metal nanoparticle couples are formed by the attachment of a ligand to both particles. The extension of this idea to bulk semiconductor films is being attempted by the formation of a composite structure of ErAs, which forms semimetallic nanoparticles (SMNP) in GaAs, and InAs self-assembled quantum dots (SAQD). In this work, the authors analyze structures composed of periods of InAs SAQDs and ErAs SMNPs and analyze these with spectroscopic ellipsometry in the spectral region 0.7–4.0 eV with 0.02 eV steps. Initially, individual structures composed of InAs SAQD stacks or ErAs SMNP stacks, both capped with layers of GaAs, are analyzed. The authors have also analyzed the films with high-resolution x-ray diffraction. The structural parameters from x-ray models are used in conjunction with the spectroscopic ellipsometry data to extract the homogenized refractive index for the individual stacks. The properties of these films are then used to calculate the properties of a composite structure composed of eight repeats of periods, which contain a growth sequence used to form the stacks of InAs SAQDs and ErAs SMNPs. The authors find that this composite structure is best modeled with a Bruggeman effective medium mixture of the two component stacks and a thin intermediate layer of constant index of refraction to account for the reflections at the boundaries between the periods.
Growth properties and resistive switching effects of diamond-like carbon films deposited using a linear ion source
Authors: Dai Wei , Ke Peiling , Wang Aiying
Published: May 2013

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were prepared using an anode-layer linear ion beam source with C2H2 as the precursor and various negative bias voltages. The growth properties, microstructures, mechanical properties, and the resistive switching behaviors of the as-deposited DLC films were investigated as a function of bias voltage. The results showed that adjusting the bias voltage could vary the carbon atomic bonding structure (sp3/sp2 carbon hybridized bonding) of the films. The sp3/sp2 ratio initially increased as bias voltage increased and then decreased once the bias voltage exceeded −100 V. The variations in the film hardness and residual stress at different bias voltages were similar in profile to the sp3 bond fractions, indicating that both the residual stress and the mechanical properties of the DLC films were highly dependent on sp3-C bonding structures. The resistive switching characteristics of the DLC films were studied via a Cu/DLC/Pt cell structure. It was found that the bias voltages had a significant influence on the resistive switching behaviors of the DLC films. The film deposited with a bias voltage of 0 V showed excellent resistive switching effects with an ON/OFF ratio higher than 70 and device yield of about 90%, while the films deposited with higher bias voltages presented poor resistive switching effects. The sp2/sp3 ratio of the films was believed to account for the favorable resistive switching performances.
Comparison of minimum thickness provisions for concrete beams in building codes and standards
Authors: Lee Young Hak , Kim Min Sook , Lee Junbok , Scanlon Andrew
Published: May 2013

Building codes and standards generally include provisions for deflection control of beams and slabs. These provisions usually include prescriptive methods for computing deflection as well as minimum thickness or span-depth limitations. In this paper, results of a study comparing minimum thickness provisions in several codes and standards including the Canadian (CSA A23.3) and American (ACI 318) provisions are presented. These results are in turn compared with results obtained based on a minimum thickness equation proposed by the authors. The results show that the CSA and ACI provisions have limited application and the proposed equation is recommended for adoption.
NONPLANAR INTEGRABILITY AND PARITY IN ABJ THEORY
Authors: MOHAMMED BADR AWAD ELSEID
Published: May 2013

In this paper, we study the action of the nonplanar two-loop dilatation operator in an SU(2)×SU(2) subsector of the ABJ Chern–Simons-matter theory. The gauge invariant operators we consider are the restricted Schur polynomials. As in ABJM theory, there is a limit in which the spectrum reduces to a set of decoupled harmonic oscillators, indicating integrability in the large M and N double limit of the theory. We then consider parity transformations on the gauge invariant operators. In this case the nonplanar anomalous dimensions break parity invariance. Our analysis shows that (M-N) is related to the holonomy in the string theory, confirming one of the main features of the theory and its string dual. Furthermore, in the limit where ABJ theory reduces to ABJM theory, parity invariance is restored.
SIMULATING OCCUPANTS' BEHAVIOR FOR ENERGY WASTE REDUCTION IN DWELLINGS: A MULTIAGENT METHODOLOGY
Authors: KASHIF AYESHA , DUGDALE JULIE , PLOIX STEPHANE
Published: May 2013

Energy waste due to inhabitants' behavior in residential buildings has emerged as a potential research area due to the increasing worldwide population and growing energy needs. However, existing approaches for simulating energy consumption are mainly limited to office buildings and are based on static profiles. In this paper we propose a 4-step co-simulation methodology to assess how inhabitants' interactions with household appliances affect energy consumption. The approach is validated using a case study showing how human activities influence the energy consumption patterns of a refrigerator. The fridge was specifically chosen because it is a high energy-consuming appliance that is strongly affected by inhabitants' behaviors. In addition, modeling the fridge is nontrivial, and in choosing this appliance we show that it is possible to apply the approach to less complex appliances. A co-simulation approach is adopted with the fridge being physically modeled in Matlab and with human behavior being modeled in the Brahms language and simulation environment. The consumption distribution from the simulated scenario is compared with the actual distribution (using data from a consumption database), to find optimum values of tuning parameters with less than 10% variation. This methodology enables us to simulate how human behaviors affect energy appliance consumption.
MULTIMODAL EVALUATIONS OF JAPAN'S NANOTECHNOLOGY COMPETITIVENESS
Authors: KANAMA DAISUKE
Published: May 2013

In Japan, there are great expectations for nanotechnology because it is expected not only to renovate existing markets but also create new, large, and wide-ranging markets. Japan is generally believed to be strong in nanotechnology. However, how should the competitiveness of nanotechnology be measured?

Based on publications, patents, venture business, and other survey results, this paper intends to discuss Japan's nanotechnology competitiveness and changes in the competition areas of nanotechnology by examining nanotechnology's technological characteristics and industry structures.

A finding from this study is that in individual technology areas identified through quantitative analyses such as papers and patents, Japan's nanotechnology can be rated equal to or just behind that of the US. In the future, however, when nanotechnology commercialization becomes more widespread and the stages of technology competition change from top-down technology to bottom-up technology, Japan may lose relative competitiveness as it faces some barriers related to "nanosystematization".
JORDAN *-DERIVATIONS AND QUADRATIC JORDAN *-DERIVATIONS ON REAL C*-ALGEBRAS AND REAL JC*-ALGEBRAS
Authors: BODAGHI ABASALT , PARK CHOONKIL
Published: May 2013

In this work, we introduce quadratic Jordan *-derivations on real C*-algebras and real JC*-algebras and prove the Hyers–Ulam stability of Jordan *-derivations and of quadratic Jordan *-derivations on real C*-algebras and real JC*-algebras. We also establish the superstability of such derivations on real C*-algebras and real JC*-algebras by using a fixed point theorem.
Effect of support pore size on antiviral activity of the heterogeneous photosensitizer with phthalocyanine covalently linked to aminopropyl silica gel
Authors: Kuznetsova Nina A. , Yuzhakova Olga A. , Nedachin Alexander E. , Dmitrieva Raisa A. , Doskina Tatjana V. , Maksimkina Tatjana N. , Kaliya Oleg L.
Published: May 2013

New heterogeneous photodynamic sensitizers, in which the active phase, (polycholinyl)tetra-3-phenylthiophthalocyanine of aluminum, grafted to aminopropylated silica gels with pore sizes of 10, 25 and 75 nm, were tested in MS2 coli phage and poliovirus photoinactivation. In aqueous suspensions of the photosensitizers, the photoantiviral activity of the active phase was observed. It was found that both phthalocyanine and viruses cannot penetrate into 10 and 25 nm pores. In the sample with 75 nm pores, both the active phase and virus localize predominantly inside pores, providing conditions for most efficient photovirucidal activity.
FACILE PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF GRAPHENE NANOSHEET/POLYANILINE NANOFIBER THERMOELECTRIC COMPOSITES
Authors: DU YONG , CAI KEFENG , SHEN SHIRLEY ZHIQI
Published: May 2013

Graphene nanosheet (GNs)/polyaniline (PANI) nanofiber composites were prepared by oxidative polymerization of aniline in a GNs dispersed 1 mol/L HCl solution. The phase composition of the composites was analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction. The thermoelectric properties of the composite powders, after cold pressing into pellets, were measured at room temperature. As the content of GNs increased from 0 to 40 wt.%, the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient of the composite pellets increased simultaneously; especially the electrical conductivity increased dramatically from 15.4 to 120.1 S/cm. The highest power factor (~ 394.4 × 10-8 Wm-1K-2) was obtained from the 40 wt.% GNs/PANI composite sample, which is ~200 times as high as that of HCl -doped PANI.
Contribution of piezoelectric effect, electrostriction and ferroelectric/ferroelastic switching to strain-electric field response of dielectrics
Authors: Viola G. , Saunders T. , Wei X. , Chong K. B. , Luo H. , Reece M. J. , Yan H.
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a thorough study of the strain response of different types of electroceramics during dynamical electrical loading. It highlights important aspects to take into account in the experimental methodology and outlines general guidelines for the discussion and interpretation of the results. The contributions of piezoelectric effect, electrostriction and ferroelectric/ferroelastic domain switching to the strain produced during the application of an alternating electric field are discussed by describing the strain-electric field (S-E) loops of different dielectric ceramics in which each of these contributions are predominant. In particular, attention is given to the description of the strain evolution in the characteristic "butterfly loops" typically shown by ferroelectric materials. The strain-polarization loop is indicated as a useful means to reveal the interconnection between strain and polarization state during dynamical electrical loading. Strain rate is suggested as a powerful tool to obtain more detailed information regarding the mechanisms of the electric field-induced strain.
PROBING PROTEINS AND DIFFERENTIATING THEIR NATIVE AND DENATURED STATES WITH AGGREGATION-INDUCED EMISSION FLUOROGEN
Authors: LEUNG CHRIS WAI TUNG , HONG YUNING , TANG BEN ZHONG
Published: May 2013

The tertiary 3D structures of proteins determine their unique functions. Perturbation of their native state including denaturation may cause loss of the protein functions. In this work, water-soluble tetraphenylethylene (TPE) fluorophore, sodium 1,2-bis[4-(3-sulfonatopropoxyl)phenyl]-1,2-diphenylethene (BSPOTPE), with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics is utilized as a fluorescent probe for protein detection and for differentiating their folding modes. Owing to hydrophobic interaction between the proteins and BSPOTPE, it provides a fast and simple method to differentiate the native and denatured states of the proteins through monitoring fluorescence change in solution and PAGE gels. Six proteins are chosen as model proteins in the study. Among them, cytochrome c shows distinctive behavior to other proteins due to the presence of heme group. A comprehensive study of cytochrome c and human serum albumin is carried out in this work.
Molecular Characterization of X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy in a Tunisian Family: Identification of a Novel Missense Mutation in the ABCD1 Gene
Authors: Kallabi Fakhri , Hadj Salem Ikhlass , Ben Salah Ghada , Ben Turkia Hadhami , Ben Chehida Amel , Tebib Neji , Fakhfakh Faiza , Kamoun Hassen
Published: May 2013

Background: X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a recessive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain's white matter and is associated with adrenal insufficiency. It is characterized by an abnormal function of the peroxisomes, which leads to an accumulation of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA) in plasma and tissues, especially in the cortex of the adrenal glands and the white matter of the central nervous system, causing demyelinating disease and adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison's disease). X-ALD is caused by a mutation in the ABCD1 gene (ATP-binding cassette, subfamily D, member 1), which encodes the adrenoleukodystrophy protein involved in the transport of fatty acids into the peroxisome for degradation. Objective: We report here a disease-related variant in the ABCD1 gene in a 19-year-old Tunisian boy with childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy. Methods: The diagnosis was based on clinical symptoms, high levels of VLCFA in plasma, typical MRI pattern and molecular analysis. Results: Molecular analysis by direct sequencing of the ABCD1 gene showed the presence of a novel missense mutation c.284C>A (p.Ala95Asp) occurring in the transmembrane domain in the proband, his mother and his sister. Conclusion: Using bioinformatic tools we suggest that this novel variant may have deleterious effects on adrenoleukodystrophy protein structure and function.
Primary Headache Associated with Sexual Activity: Case Report
Authors: Utku Uygar
Published: May 2013

Objectives: To present a rare case of primary headache associated with sexual activity. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 48-year-old man presented with a severe headache during sexual intercourse, particularly at the time of orgasm. A diagnosis of type 2 primary headache associated with sexual activity was made, and he was started on indomethacin 25 mg to be taken 30 min before intercourse and propranolol 40 mg twice a day, following which he noted a dramatic improvement within in a week. Conclusions: The case highlights the importance of paying attention to the differential diagnosis. For this patient, prophylactic treatment with beta-blockers and/or preemptive therapy with indomethacin was successful.
Pathogen-Induced Autophagy Signaling in Innate Immunity
Authors: Faure Mathias , Lafont Frank
Published: May 2013

Innate immunity induces rapid responses to fight invading pathogens. To eliminate intracellular bacteria or viruses, innate cellular responses lead to the production of nuclear factor-κB-dependent inflammatory cytokines, inflammasome activation, type I interferon synthesis, and/or eventually death of the infected cells. Autophagy emerged as another component of innate immunity, as it offers an immediate autonomous cell defense mechanism by degrading intracellular pathogens. In addition, autophagy participates in the regulation of immune and inflammatory cell responses. Instead of providing a comprehensive status of the art that has already been addressed elsewhere, we chose to highlight some recent issues brought up in the field.
Different Synchronization Rules in Primary and Nonprimary Auditory Cortex of Monkeys
Authors: Brosch Michael , Budinger Eike , Scheich Henning
Published: May 2013

Synchronized neuronal firing in cortex has been implicated in feature binding, attentional selection, and other cognitive processes. This study addressed the question whether different cortical fields are distinct by rules according to which neurons engage in synchronous firing. To this end, we simultaneously recorded the multiunit firing at several sites within the primary and the caudomedial auditory cortical field of anesthetized macaque monkeys, determined their responses to pure tones, and calculated the cross-correlation function of the spontaneous firing of pairs of units. In the primary field, the likelihood of synchronous firing of pairs of units increased with the similarity of their frequency tuning and their response latencies. In the caudomedial field, by contrast, the likelihood of synchronization was highest when pairs of units had an octave and other harmonic relationships and when units had different response latencies. The differences in synchrony of the two fields were not paralleled by differences in distributions of best frequency, bandwidth of tuning curves, and response latency. Our findings suggest that neuronal synchrony in different cortical fields may underlie the establishment of specific relationships between the sound features that are represented by the firing of the neurons and which follow the Gestalt laws of similarity in the primary field and good continuation in the caudomedial field.
Seeing Objects through the Language Glass
Authors: Boutonnet Bastien , Dering Benjamin , Viñas-Guasch Nestor , Thierry Guillaume
Published: May 2013

Recent streams of research support the Whorfian hypothesis according to which language affects one's perception of the world. However, studies of object categorization in different languages have heavily relied on behavioral measures that are fuzzy and inconsistent. Here, we provide the first electrophysiological evidence for unconscious effects of language terminology on object perception. Whereas English has two words for cup and mug, Spanish labels those two objects with the word “taza.” We tested native speakers of Spanish and English in an object detection task using a visual oddball paradigm, while measuring event-related brain potentials. The early deviant-related negativity elicited by deviant stimuli was greater in English than in Spanish participants. This effect, which relates to the existence of two labels in English versus one in Spanish, substantiates the neurophysiological evidence that language-specific terminology affects object categorization.
Perceptual Demand Modulates Activation of Human Auditory Cortex in Response to Task-irrelevant Sounds
Authors: Sabri Merav , Humphries Colin , Verber Matthew , Mangalathu Jain , Desai Anjali , Binder Jeffrey R. , Liebenthal Einat
Published: May 2013

In the visual modality, perceptual demand on a goal-directed task has been shown to modulate the extent to which irrelevant information can be disregarded at a sensory-perceptual stage of processing. In the auditory modality, the effect of perceptual demand on neural representations of task-irrelevant sounds is unclear. We compared simultaneous ERPs and fMRI responses associated with task-irrelevant sounds across parametrically modulated perceptual task demands in a dichotic-listening paradigm. Participants performed a signal detection task in one ear (Attend ear) while ignoring task-irrelevant syllable sounds in the other ear (Ignore ear). Results revealed modulation of syllable processing by auditory perceptual demand in an ROI in middle left superior temporal gyrus and in negative ERP activity 130–230 msec post stimulus onset. Increasing the perceptual demand in the Attend ear was associated with a reduced neural response in both fMRI and ERP to task-irrelevant sounds. These findings are in support of a selection model whereby ongoing perceptual demands modulate task-irrelevant sound processing in auditory cortex.
Perceptual Integration for Qualitatively Different 3-D Cues in the Human Brain
Authors: Dövencioğlu Dicle , Ban Hiroshi , Schofield Andrew J. , Welchman Andrew E.
Published: May 2013

The visual system's flexibility in estimating depth is remarkable: We readily perceive 3-D structure under diverse conditions from the seemingly random dots of a “magic eye” stereogram to the aesthetically beautiful, but obviously flat, canvasses of the Old Masters. Yet, 3-D perception is often enhanced when different cues specify the same depth. This perceptual process is understood as Bayesian inference that improves sensory estimates. Despite considerable behavioral support for this theory, insights into the cortical circuits involved are limited. Moreover, extant work tested quantitatively similar cues, reducing some of the challenges associated with integrating computationally and qualitatively different signals. Here we address this challenge by measuring fMRI responses to depth structures defined by shading, binocular disparity, and their combination. We quantified information about depth configurations (convex “bumps” vs. concave “dimples”) in different visual cortical areas using pattern classification analysis. We found that fMRI responses in dorsal visual area V3B/KO were more discriminable when disparity and shading concurrently signaled depth, in line with the predictions of cue integration. Importantly, by relating fMRI and psychophysical tests of integration, we observed a close association between depth judgments and activity in this area. Finally, using a cross-cue transfer test, we found that fMRI responses evoked by one cue afford classification of responses evoked by the other. This reveals a generalized depth representation in dorsal visual cortex that combines qualitatively different information in line with 3-D perception.
The genus Boreviulisoma Brolemann, 1928—an Iberian-N African outlier of a mainly tropical tribe of millipedes (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae)
Authors: REBOLEIRA ANA SOFIA P.S. , ENGHOFF HENRIK
Published: May 2013

The genus Boreviulisoma Brolemann, 1928, is revised. The synonymy of Liliputia Attems, 1952, under Boreviulisoma is confirmed, but L. badia Attems, 1951, from Spain, is resurrected, as Boreviulisoma badium, from synonymy under B. li-ouvillei Brolemann, 1928 (the type species of Boreviulisoma) from Morocco. Boreviulisoma barrocalense n. sp. is de-scribed from the subterranean environment of the Algarve, the southernmost province of Portugal. The distribution of the three known species of Boreviulisoma is mapped, main characters of the genus and its species are reviewed and a key to species of the genus is included. The isolated occurrence of Boreviulisoma badium and B. barrocalense n. sp. in the south-ern Iberian Peninsula, together with B. liouvillei and Eviulisoma abadi Mauriès, 1985, in Morocco, as northern outposts of the chiefly Afrotropical-Neotropical tribe Eviulisomatini, is discussed.
The Spatial Structure of the Annual Cycle in Surface Temperature: Amplitude, Phase, and Lagrangian History
Authors: McKinnon Karen A. , Stine Alexander R. , Huybers Peter
Published: May 2013

The climatological annual cycle in surface air temperature, defined by its amplitude and phase lag with respect to solar insolation, is one of the most familiar aspects of the climate system. Here, the authors identify three first-order features of the spatial structure of amplitude and phase lag and explain them using simple physical models. Amplitude and phase lag 1) are broadly consistent with a land and ocean end-member mixing model but 2) exhibit overlap between land and ocean and, despite this overlap, 3) show a systematically greater lag over ocean than land for a given amplitude. Based on previous work diagnosing relative ocean or land influence as an important control on the extratropical annual cycle, the authors use a Lagrangian trajectory model to quantify this influence as the weighted amount of time that an ensemble of air parcels has spent over ocean or land. This quantity explains 84% of the space–time variance in the extratropical annual cycle, as well as features 1 and 2. All three features can be explained using a simple energy balance model with land and ocean surfaces and an advecting atmosphere. This model explains 94% of the space–time variance of the annual cycle in an illustrative midlatitude zonal band when incorporating the results of the trajectory model. The aforementioned features of annual variability in surface air temperature thus appear to be explained by the coupling of land and ocean through mean atmospheric circulation.
Ocean Surface Roughness Spectrum in High Wind Condition for Microwave Backscatter and Emission Computations*
Authors: Hwang Paul A. , Burrage Derek M. , Wang David W. , Wesson Joel C.
Published: May 2013

Ocean surface roughness plays an important role in air–sea interaction and ocean remote sensing. Its primary contribution is from surface waves much shorter than the energetic wave components near the peak of the wave energy spectrum. Field measurements of short-scale waves are scarce. In contrast, microwave remote sensing has produced a large volume of data useful for short-wave investigation. Particularly, Bragg resonance is the primary mechanism of radar backscatter from the ocean surface and the radar serves as a spectrometer of short surface waves. The roughness spectra inverted from radar backscatter measurements expand the short-wave database to high wind conditions in which in situ sensors do not function well. Using scatterometer geophysical model functions for L-, C-, and Ku-band microwave frequencies, the inverted roughness spectra, covering Bragg resonance wavelengths from 0.012 to 0.20 m, show a convergent trend in high winds. This convergent trend is incorporated in the surface roughness spectrum model to improve the applicable wind speed range for microwave scattering and emission computations.
Lagged Ensembles, Forecast Configuration, and Seasonal Predictions
Authors: Chen Mingyue , Wang Wanqiu , Kumar Arun
Published: May 2013

An analysis of lagged ensemble seasonal forecasts from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System, version 2 (CFSv2), is presented. The focus of the analysis is on the construction of lagged ensemble forecasts with increasing lead time (thus allowing use of larger ensemble sizes) and its influence on seasonal prediction skill. Predictions of seasonal means of sea surface temperature (SST), 200-hPa height (z200), precipitation, and 2-m air temperature (T2m) over land are analyzed. Measures of prediction skill include deterministic (anomaly correlation and mean square error) and probabilistic [rank probability skill score (RPSS)]. The results show that for a fixed lead time, and as one would expect, the skill of seasonal forecast improves as the ensemble size increases, while for a fixed ensemble size the forecast skill decreases as the lead time becomes longer. However, when a forecast is based on a lagged ensemble, there exists an optimal lagged ensemble time (OLET) when positive influence of increasing ensemble size and negative influence due to an increasing lead time result in a maximum in seasonal prediction skill. The OLET is shown to depend on the geographical location and variable. For precipitation and T2m, OLET is relatively longer and skill gain is larger than that for SST and tropical z200. OLET is also dependent on the skill measure with RPSS having the longest OLET. Results of this analysis will be useful in providing guidelines on the design and understanding relative merits for different configuration of seasonal prediction systems.
Intraseasonal and Interannual Variability in North American Storm Tracks and Its Relationship to Equatorial Pacific Variability
Authors: Grise Kevin M. , Son Seok-Woo , Gyakum John R.
Published: May 2013

Extratropical cyclones play a principal role in wintertime precipitation and severe weather over North America. On average, the greatest number of cyclones track 1) from the lee of the Rocky Mountains eastward across the Great Lakes and 2) over the Gulf Stream along the eastern coastline of North America. However, the cyclone tracks are highly variable within individual winters and between winter seasons. In this study, the authors apply a Lagrangian tracking algorithm to examine variability in extratropical cyclone tracks over North America during winter. A series of methodological criteria is used to isolate cyclone development and decay regions and to account for the elevated topography over western North America. The results confirm the signatures of four climate phenomena in the intraseasonal and interannual variability in North American cyclone tracks: the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Pacific–North American pattern (PNA), and the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). Similar signatures are found using Eulerian bandpass-filtered eddy variances. Variability in the number of extratropical cyclones at most locations in North America is linked to fluctuations in Rossby wave trains extending from the central tropical Pacific Ocean. Only over the far northeastern United States and northeastern Canada is cyclone variability strongly linked to the NAO. The results suggest that Pacific sector variability (ENSO, PNA, and MJO) is a key contributor to intraseasonal and interannual variability in the frequency of extratropical cyclones at most locations across North America.
The Trade Impact of Indian Antidumping Measures against China: Evidence from Monthly Data
Authors: Vandenbussche Hylke , Viegelahn Christian
Published: May 2013

China’s importance for India as a trading partner has increased tremendously over the recent years. At the same time, China has become the main target of Indian antidumping measures with a number of measures that is unprecedented worldwide. This article provides a detailed analysis of trade flows between the two emerging economies and investigates on which type of products and in which sectors the Indian government applies antidumping measures against China. Then, this article estimates the trade impact of those measures that were imposed during the Great Recession, using monthly data on exports from China to India. The use of monthly data is relatively new to the literature and allows a detailed examination of the trade impact of antidumping measures and its dynamics. This article finds that antidumping measures decrease the Chinese export value and quantity to India immediately and to a significant extent. The impact is quite stable over time.
Shifting of Pollution Loads to Informal Units in India: A Possible Escape Route for Compliance with WTO Standards
Authors: Chattopadhyay Sudeshna , Banerjee Sarmila
Published: May 2013

This article tries to examine the environmental and social costs imposed on the Indian economy as a result of globalization. It is shown that in the world market, India has strong revealed comparative advantage (RCA) in a number of dirty products. Constant Market Share (CMS) analysis for these products suggests enhanced price competitiveness in the post-liberalization period. However, an estimation of total pollution content of India’s trade vector indicates that though the pollution content increased during early liberalization and globalization period, it has come down in the post-World Trade Organization (WTO) period. Whether this is an outcome of switching to cleaner technology to comply with the stricter environmental and social standards or merely a consequence of shifting pollution load from the formal to the informal sector is our research question.
Liberalizing FDI in Retail: Implications for India’s Trade Agreements
Authors: Mukherjee Arpita , Goyal Tanu M.
Published: May 2013

India is a proponent of liberalizing services in the WTO and in its FTAs. However, the country has not taken commitments in sectors such as retail in its trade agreements. This is because there are restrictions on FDI in this sector. India’s trading partners have been requesting for liberal commitments in the retail sector. In the year 2012, India autonomously liberalized FDI in retail, allowing 100 per cent FDI in single-brand and 51 per cent in multi-brand retail subject to certain conditions. Given this background, this paper examines the impact of autonomous liberalization on India’s commitments in trade agreements. The paper found that if India agrees to bind the autonomous regime in the trade agreements, it will increase India’s bargaining power in the WTO and FTAs. The country can trade-off commitments in retail sector for greater market access in areas of its trade interest. Binding the autonomous regime in trade agreements will speed up the negotiations process and lead to conclusion of pending agreements such as the India-EU bilateral agreement. However, there are some concerns. Since the FDI liberalization is accompanied by certain restrictions, which are only applicable to foreign service providers, India cannot undertake national treatment commitments.