bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amniotic fluid glial fibrillary acidic protein (AF‐GFAP), a biomarker of open neural tube defects
Authors: Lopez Jonathan , Mikaelian Ivan , Gonzalo Philippe
Published: June 2013

Objective

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are usually identified by ultrasonography and confirmed by alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) assay and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) electrophoresis in amniotic fluid. Yet, both of these biomarkers can be found positive in other etiologies. Here, amniotic fluid glial fibrillary acidic protein (AF‐GFAP), which was identified by a proteomic study, is shown to be a useful biomarker for NTD diagnosis.

Method

Amniotic fluid glial fibrillary acidic protein was measured by an ELISA assay in 138 cases of NTDs. Seventy samples from normal pregnancies used as controls and 27 samples giving false positive or false negative results either for AchE or AFP and corresponding to fetal death (n = 8), gastroschisis (n = 8), and unexplained etiologies (n = 11) were also tested.

Results

Whatever the gestational age, GFAP was below 0.2 ng/mL in control samples, whereas 99.1% of open NTDs (29/29 in the anterior NTD group and 80/81 in the spina bifida group) were above this threshold. Closed NTDs were all negative (28/28). None of the other samples tested were positive, except in case of fetal death (8/8).

Conclusions

Amniotic fluid glial fibrillary acidic protein is a sensitive biomarker for open NTD diagnosis with a good negative predictive value for closed NTD. Compared with AFP and AchE, our results indicate that AF‐GFAP alone is more efficient than this classical association. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between cancer stigma and depression among cancer survivors: a nationwide survey in Korea
Authors: Cho Juhee , Choi Eun‐kyung , Kim So Young , Shin Dong Wook , Cho Be‐Long , Kim Chang‐hoon , Koh Dai Ha , Guallar Eliseo , Bardwell Wayne A. , Park Jong Hyock
Published: June 2013

Objective

Cancer patients are more likely to experience depression than the general population. This study aims to evaluate the possible association between cancer stigma and depression among cancer patients.

Methods

As a part of the Korean government's program to develop comprehensive supportive care, we conducted a nationwide survey in 2010 at the National Cancer Center and in nine regional cancer centers across Korea. Cancer stigma was assessed by using a set of 12 questions grouped in three domains—impossibility of recovery, stereotypes of cancer patients, and experience of social discrimination. Depression was measured by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Results

A total of 466 cancer patients were included in the study. Over 30% of the cancer survivors had negative attitudes toward cancer and held stereotypical views of themselves: about 10% of the participants experienced social discrimination due to cancer, and 24.5% reported clinically significant depressive symptoms. Patients who had or experienced cancer stigma were 2.5 times more likely to have depression than patients with positive attitudes.

Conclusions

Regardless of highly developed medical science and increased survivorship, cancer survivors had cancer stigmas, and it was significantly associated with depression.

Impact

Our findings emphasize the need for medical societies and health professionals to pay more attention to cancer stigma that patients are likely to experience during treatment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Young people describe their prediagnosis cancer experience
Authors: Gibson Faith , Pearce Susie , Eden Tim , Glaser Adam , Hooker Louise , Whelan Jeremy , Kelly Daniel
Published: June 2013

Objective

Young people often report a protracted journey to diagnosis and frequently report perceived delays. This study was undertaken to increase understanding of the self‐reported prediagnosis experiences in young people with a non‐haematological cancer, as close as possible to the time of diagnosis.

Methods

Narrative interviews were conducted with 24 young people aged 16–24, 2–4 months from the diagnosis of a solid tumour. Data were analysed to identify whether prediagnosis narratives could be classified according to shared characteristics (typologies) to identify broader contextual issues concerning cancer, and cancer risk perceptions, in this age group. Case notes were also accessed to contextualize and confirm accounts.

Results

The main themes, which included a group narrative concerning perspectives of delay, included the impact on an individual's everyday life by symptoms; the role that significant others in young peoples' lives played in the interpretation of symptom significance; the negotiation of entry into, and experiences of, generalist health care; entry into specialist care; and the threshold points that exemplified when events shifted and a diagnosis was eventually obtained.

Conclusions

The narratives reveal complex, and multidimensional explanations for delay with individual and contextual factors contributing. Insights were gained into preventable diagnostic delay; including investigations having been instigated, but not followed up. Each narrative also offered significant insights into how cancer symptoms should be considered within the context of young peoples' lives. This would help prevent signs and symptoms in this age group failing to trigger suspicion and not being treated seriously. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution photoemission comparison study of interface formation between MgO and the atomically clean and Se‐passivated Ge(100) surfaces
Authors: Chellappan Rajesh Kumar , Hughes Greg
Published: June 2013

The interface formation between MgO dielectric layers and the atomically clean and selenium‐passivated Ge(100) surfaces has been studied using high‐resolution synchrotron radiation based photoemission spectroscopy. Atomically clean germanium was prepared by argon ion bombardment and sub‐ sequent annealing at 550 °C. MgO deposition on this surface resulted in interface oxide formation whereas no oxidation states were observed for a selenium‐treated germanium surface indicating the effectiveness of this interlayer at producing an abrupt MgO/Ge(100) interface. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
New Evaluation Methods Discussion of Softening–Melting and Dropping Characteristic of BF Iron Bearing Burden
Authors: Wu Shengli , Tuo Biyang , Zhang Lihua , Du Kaiping , Sun Ying
Published: June 2013

Based on the analysis of the existing evaluation methods and with the combination of the characteristic of cohesive zone characteristic in blast furnace (BF) and softening–melting and dropping experimental result of iron bearing burden, a new evaluation method of softening–melting and dropping characteristic of iron bearing burden was put forward, which can be used for evaluating various kinds of iron bearing burden. The softening–melting and dropping characteristics of the mixed burden and the high metalized burden are evaluated through the new method, which verified that the new method is reasonable and feasible. The results showed that the new method can judge not only the corresponding relation between the shrinking percentage and the unit charge column pressure drop, but also the influence of softening and melting temperature interval, melting temperature interval and dropping temperature interval on the softening–melting and dropping characteristic value of iron bearing burden. This new method is expected to provide technical guidance for BF smelting.
Unified National Space Weather Capability
Authors: Lanzerotti Louis J.
Published: June 2013

Key Points

Five NSWP agencies established Unified National Space Weather Capability
Atmospheric Mixing‐Height Measurements and Ambient Air Quality Near a Coastal Industrial Area: A Case Study From Mangalore
Authors: Singh Ritesh K. , Pandya Girish Himatlal
Published: June 2013

Seasonal variations and time‐of‐day affect mixing height
Conversion of Arthrodesis to Total Hip Arthroplasty: Clinical Outcome, Complications, and Prognostic Factors of 21 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Villanueva Manuel , Sobrón Francisco Borja , Parra Javier , Rojo Jose Manuel , Chana Francisco , Vaquero Javier
Published: June 2013

Background

Although the results of hip arthrodesis compare favorably with those of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in younger patients, long-term consequences such as osteoarthritis of the neighboring joints may necessitate conversion of the arthrodesis to THA.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of the present study is to assess mid-term clinical outcome and self-perceived improvement in patients who underwent conversion at our department. Secondary aims were incidence of complications and association between patient characteristics and characteristics of the fusions with the outcome of the procedure.

Patients and Methods

The study sample comprised 21 cases in 20 patients. Minimum follow-up was 3 years (mean, 8 ± 6.5 years) in 20 cases. Thirteen patients had surgical hip fusions and 7 (8 hips) had nonsurgical fusions. Mean age at the time of conversion was 58.5 years.

Results

Nineteen out of 21 cases had functioning implants at the latest follow-up visit. According to the Merle d'Aubigné scale, outcome was considered excellent, very good, or good in 15 cases. Lower back pain was reduced in all patients. All but two patients were satisfied after the conversion. The main complications observed included incomplete removal of bone block, intra-operative fractures, dislocation and damage to the femoral artery. Time to conversion and type of fusion had no significant correlation with the clinical outcome.

Conclusions

Conversion THA is a challenging but successful procedure according to the mid-term clinical outcome observed. Our study suggests that, prognostic factors should be used with caution when establishing indications and post-surgical expectations.
MAASH Technique for Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Capsular Work
Authors: Delgado Felipe G. , Broch Albert , Reina Francisco , Ximeno Lluís , Torras David , García Francesc , Salvador Antoni
Published: June 2013

Background

Dislocation and leg length discrepancy are major complications following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Many surgical approaches for THA have been described, but none suggest a capsular incision that assures good exposure while maintaining adequate capsule integrity in closure.

Purposes

Modified anterolateral approach for stable hip (MAASH) is a modification of the classical Hardinge approach, but specifically preserves the anterior iliofemoral lateral ligament and pubofemoral ligament excising the “weak area” of the capsule, in the so called “internervous safe zone” and introducing the “box concept” for the anterior approach to the hip. This is the main difference of the MAASH approach. This technique can be used as a standard for all THA standard models, but we introduce new devices to make it easier.

Methods

From November 2007 to May 2012, data were collected for this observational retrospective consecutive case study. We report the results of 100 THA cases corresponding to the development curve of this new concept in THA technique.

Results

MAASH technique offers to hip surgeons, a reliable and reproducible THA anterolateral technique assuring accurate reconstruction of leg length and a low rate of dislocation. Only one dislocation and six major complications are reported, but most of them occurred at the early stages of technique development.

Conclusion

MAASH technique proposes a novel concept on working with the anterior capsule of the hip for the anterolateral approach in total hip arthroplasty, as well as for hemiarthroplasty in the elderly population with high dislocation risk factors. MAASH offers maximal stability and the ability to restore leg length accurately.
The Validity and Reliability of Preoperative Radiographic Canal Diameter Measurements of the Femur
Authors: Walsh Kenneth P. , Fowler John R. , Chen Oliver , Gaughan John P. , Ali Sayed , Rehman Mahin , Rehman Saqib
Published: June 2013

Background

The femoral canal is frequently measured preoperatively in cases where an intramedullary device is planned for operative fixation of a fracture. To our knowledge, a formal assessment of validity and reliability of preoperative canal measurements has not been previously performed.

Questions/Purposes

This study aims to determine the validity and reliability of preoperative canal measurements of the femur made on plain radiographs using comparison with curved planar reformation software as the gold standard.

Methods

Fifty-six patients were identified based on availability of anterior–posterior (AP) and lateral radiographs of the femur and computed tomography (CT) of the lower extremity. Four “raters” measured the canal diameter at its narrowest point and the distance from the lesser trochanter to the isthmus on the AP, lateral radiograph, and CT. The width of the femoral nail on AP radiographs was also measured to determine magnification error. Curved planar reformation (CPR) was used to provide the most accurate calculation of the canal diameter.

Results

Compared to the isthmus position determined by CPR, the measurement was most accurate on an AP and the diameter of the canal was most accurate using coronal CT, followed by AP radiographs. The measured canal diameter of the fractured femur on APs was compared to that of the used implant and varied by 1 mm.

Discussion/Conclusion

The AP plain radiographic measurement was found to be more accurate for determination of the canal diameter compared to the lateral radiograph. These findings confirm the utility of preoperative canal measurements in predicting the feasibility of placing a specific size intramedullary implant.
Cauda Equina Syndrome Resulting From Lumbar Arachnoiditis After Intracranial Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Case Report
Authors: Whetstone Kirk E. , Crane Deborah A.
Published: June 2013

Spinal arachnoiditis is a known but very rare late complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Since 1943, 17 cases of spinal arachnoiditis after intracranial hemorrhage have been reported internationally. The vast majority of these cases were related to aneurysmal SAH. All previously published cases have involved spinal arachnoiditis at the cervical and thoracic levels. In this report, we present an adult woman with lumbar spinal arachnoiditis causing cauda equina syndrome as a result of posterior circulation aneurysmal SAH. We believe this is the first reported case of this specific condition causing cauda equina syndrome.
Competencies and urban Public Private Partnership projects in India: A case study analysis
Authors: Devkar Ganesh A , Mahalingam Ashwin , Kalidindi Satyanarayana N
Published: June 2013

In India, the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model for project implementation has been gaining prominence as municipalities attempt to meet a growing demand for infrastructure services. However, weak competencies within urban local bodies (ULBs) present one of the primary bottlenecks to implementing PPPs in the delivery of urban services. In this paper we attempt to understand the kinds of competencies that are prevalent within ULBs in India, competencies that are often absent, strategies that are currently used to bridge these competency gaps, and approaches that ULBs should follow in order to create a more robust environment for PPPs. In order to do so, we first describe a competency framework for implementing urban PPP projects. We then adopt a case-based research approach to analyze five urban PPP projects. The case study analysis indicates that project development competencies are supplemented through the engagement of PPP coordination agencies. However, there are larger competency gaps in the area of project governance. The outcomes of this research study contribute to a growing body of knowledge on the performance of PPPs in developing countries and suggest areas for improvement in the existing institutional frameworks for urban PPP projects.
Cryphodera sinensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Heteroderidae), a non-cyst-forming parasitic nematode from the root of ramie Boehmeria nivea in China
Authors: Zhuo K. , Wang H.H. , Ye W. , Peng D.L. , Liao J.L.
Published: June 2013

Cryphodera sinensis n. sp. is described from ramie (Boehmeria nivea) based on the morphology and molecular analyses of rRNA small subunit (SSU), D2D3 expansion domains of large subunit (LSU D2D3) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS). This new species is characterized by oval females with a distinct subcrystalline layer and pronounced and protruding vulval lip, distinctly concave vulva–anus profile and a vulva–anus distance of 29.5–35.8 μm. Males possess two annuli in the lip region, a stylet 27–32.5 μm in length with round knobs sloping slightly posteriorly, lateral fields with three lines, spicules 20–28 μm long and the presence of a short cloacal tube. Second-stage juveniles possess three lip annuli, a stylet 28–31 μm in length with well-developed knobs projected anteriorly and three lines along the lateral field. The pointed tail, 52–65 μm long, possesses a mucro-like tip and a hyaline region, 24.5–35 μm long. Large phasmids with a lens-like structure are located 2–6 annuli posterior to the anus. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the species has unique SSU, LSU D2D3 and ITS rRNA sequences. Phylogenetic relationships of the three rDNA sequences of C. sinensis n. sp. and other cystoid/cyst nematodes are analysed together with a comparison of other species within the genus Cryphodera.
New SETI prospects opened up by current information networking
Authors: Piotelat Elisabeth , Cerceau Florence Raulin
Published: June 2013

This paper discusses ideas that impact the fc factor as defined by Frank Drake in 1961, i.e. the fraction of planets with intelligent creatures capable of interstellar communication. This factor remains one of the most speculative terms of the equation. We suggest that the ability of sharing information is an important parameter to take into account in evaluating the tendency of a civilization to make contact (or share data) with other civilizations. Thus, we give special consideration to the fraction of planets with intelligent creatures capable of producing and sharing large amount of data. First, we determine the level of our own civilization in the framework of Sagan's energy- and information-based classification, by taking into account the recent improvements in computing and networking technologies. Second, we distinguish two types of organization, hierarchical and heterarchical, with respect to information sharing. We illustrate this distinction in the case of SETI and we show that the probability to detect a civilization would be greater if it is heterarchical than if it is hierarchical and if we utilize heterarchical principles for SETI.
Social Investment, Protection and Inequality within the New Economy and Politics of Welfare in Europe
Authors: Ellison Marion , Fenger Menno
Published: June 2013

The welfare state is one of the hallmarks of a civilised society. All developed countries have them and the less developed ones are striving to establish their own. Welfare states depend on a fair collection and redistribution of resources, which in turn rests upon the maintenance of trust between different sections of society and across generations. Misleading rhetoric concerning those who have to seek support from the welfare state, such as the contrast between ‘strivers’ and ‘shirkers’, risks undermining that trust and, with it, one of the key foundations of modern Britain. (Alcock et al., 2013)
CONSTRUCTING CULTURAL DIFFERENCE IN MANCHUKUO: STORIES OF GU DING AND USHIJIMA HARUKO
Authors: Agnew Junko
Published: June 2013

This article explores the role of Pan-Asian ideology in Japanese imperialism and how it is reflected in literary texts produced in Manchukuo. Through the analysis of Chinese and Japanese literary works this study examines the construction of ethnic identities and difference which was central to both Pan-Asian discourse and Manchukuo national identity. In both types of works the Japanese and Chinese characters use the concept of ethnicity or culture to reveal different realities of Manchukuo's ethnic politics. While the insoluble separation between the Japanese and the Chinese in Ushijima Haruko's “A Man Called Shuku” betrays the ethnic harmony proclaimed by the Manchukuo regime, Gu Ding's “A New Life” suggests a possibility of true harmony between the two ethnicities. Where the Japanese vice governor's distrust of his Chinese subordinate in Ushijima's story reflects the author's own fear and guilt about her privileged social position, the Chinese protagonist in Gu's story emphasizes the importance of Japanese modern medicine during a plague outbreak as well as his importance as a mediator between the colonizer and his countrymen in order to justify the author's association with Japanese imperialism.
Nox as a target for diabetic complications
Authors: Gorin Yves , Block Karen
Published: June 2013

Oxidative stress has been linked to the pathogenesis of the major complications of diabetes in the kidney, the heart, the eye or the vasculature. NADPH oxidases of the Nox family are a major source of ROS (reactive oxygen species) and are critical mediators of redox signalling in cells from different organs afflicted by the diabetic milieu. In the present review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge related to the understanding of the role of Nox in the processes that control cell injury induced by hyperglycaemia and other predominant factors enhanced in diabetes, including the renin–angiotensin system, TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β) and AGEs (advanced glycation end-products). These observations support a critical role for Nox homologues in diabetic complications and indicate that NADPH oxidases are an important therapeutic target. Therefore the design and development of small-molecule inhibitors that selectively block Nox oxidases appears to be a reasonable approach to prevent or retard the complications of diabetes in target organs. The bioefficacy of these agents in experimental animal models is also discussed in the present review.
Correlates and Cross-Linguistic Comparisons of Informativeness and Efficiency on Nicholas and Brookshire Discourse Stimuli in Spanish/English Bilingual Adults
Authors: Edmonds Lisa A.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine (a) correlates of informativeness and efficiency in discourse and (b) potential cross-linguistic and stimulus type (picture vs. nonpicture) differences in measures of informativeness and efficiency in Spanish/English bilingual adults in the United States.

Method

Eighty-eight Spanish/English young bilingual adults who self-reported being functional in both languages completed the discourse tasks from Nicholas and Brookshire (1993). Responses were analyzed with an adapted version of the scoring system that is based on correct information units (CIUs), the variable corresponding to informative words.

Results

Regression analyses showed that among participant-provided data, self-ratings of proficiency accounted for most of the variance in informativeness over time (CIUs/min), although usage was also important in Spanish. When naming accuracy was added as a variable, verb-naming accuracy superseded all variables as accounting for the most variance in CIUs/min across languages. Overall, participants provided more information more efficiently in English as compared to Spanish.

Conclusions

The results provide preliminary evidence that Nicholas and Brookshire stimuli and scoring procedures may be appropriate for Spanish/English bilinguals and suggest that self-ratings and usage information collected from participants, as well as naming accuracies, may be predictive of informativeness and efficiency in discourse.
Roles of Voice Onset Time and F0 in Stop Consonant Voicing Perception: Effects of Masking Noise and Low-Pass Filtering
Authors: Winn Matthew B. , Chatterjee Monita , Idsardi William J.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The contributions of voice onset time (VOT) and fundamental frequency (F0) were evaluated for the perception of voicing in syllable-initial stop consonants in words that were low-pass filtered and/or masked by speech-shaped noise. It was expected that listeners would rely less on VOT and more on F0 in these degraded conditions.

Method

Twenty young listeners with normal hearing identified modified natural speech tokens that varied by VOT and F0 in several conditions of low-pass filtering and masking noise. Stimuli included /b/–/p/ and /d/–/t/ continua that were presented in separate blocks. Identification results were modeled using mixed-effects logistic regression.

Results

When speech was filtered and/or masked by noise, listeners' voicing perceptions were driven less by VOT and more by F0. Speech-shaped masking noise exerted greater effects on the /b/–/p/ contrast, while low-pass filtering exerted greater effects on the /d/–/t/ contrast, consistent with the acoustics of these contrasts.

Conclusion

Listeners can adjust their use of acoustic-phonetic cues in a dynamic way that is appropriate for challenging listening conditions; cues that are less influential in ideal conditions can gain priority in challenging conditions.
Acoustic Investigations Into the Later Acquisition of Syllabic -esPlurals
Authors: Mealings Kiri T. , Cox Felicity , Demuth Katherine
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Children acquire /-əz/ syllabic plurals (e.g.,buses) later than /-s, -z/ segmental plurals (e.g.,cats,dogs). In this study, the authors explored whether increased syllable number or segmental factors best explains poorer performance with syllabic plurals.

Method

An elicited imitation experiment was conducted with 14 two-year-olds involving 8 familiar disyllabic target plural nouns, half with syllabic plurals (e.g.,bus→buses) and half with segmental plurals (e.g.,letter→letters). Children saw pictures of the target items on a computer and repeated prerecorded 3-word-utterances with the target word in utterance-medial position (e.g., “Thebusescome”) and utterance-final position (e.g., “Hear thebuses”). Acoustic analysis determined the presence or absence of the plural morpheme and its duration.

Results

Children had more trouble producing syllabic plurals compared with segmental plurals. Errors were especially evident in the utterance-medial position, where there was less time for the child to perceive/produce the word in the absence of phrase-final lengthening and where planning for the following word was still required.

Conclusions

The results suggested that articulatory difficulties—rather than a word length effect—explain later acquisition of syllabic plurals relative to segmental plurals. These findings have implications for the nature of syllabic plural acquisition in children with hearing impairments and specific language impairment.
The Effects of Production Demands on Grammatical Weaknesses in Specific Language Impairment: The Case of Clitic Pronouns in Italian
Authors: Leonard Laurence B. , Dispaldro Marco
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Extended optional use of direct object clitic pronouns (e.g.,
la
in
Paula la vede
[“Paula sees her”]) appears to be a clinical marker for specific language impairment (SLI) in Italian. In this study, we examined whether sentence production demands might influence the degree to which Italian-speaking children with SLI produced clitics.

Method

Preschool-age children with SLI (
n
= 15) and 2 groups of younger typically developing children (
n
= 15 each) participated. Production demands were varied through use of a syntactic priming task.

Results

The children with SLI were more likely than the comparison children to omit the clitic in a control condition in which they had to describe a target picture without the benefit of a preceding sentence prime. The children with SLI were also more likely to describe target pictures using a default clitic or a clitic that had appeared in the preceding prime sentence but was inappropriate for the target.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that children with SLI have difficulty generating a sentence containing a grammatical slot for a clitic when production demands are increased, and when they succeed in generating such a sentence, they often cannot at the same time retrieve the appropriate clitic form.
Exploring the Limits of Frequency Lowering
Authors: Souza Pamela E. , Arehart Kathryn H. , Kates James M. , Croghan Naomi B. H. , Gehani Namita
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This study examined how frequency lowering affected sentence intelligibility and quality for adults with postlingually acquired, mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

Method

Listeners included adults aged 60–92 years with sloping sensorineural hearing loss and a control group of similarly aged adults with normal hearing. Sentences were presented in quiet and babble at a range of signal-to-noise ratios. Intelligibility and quality were measured with varying amounts of frequency lowering, implemented using a form of frequency compression.

Results

Moderate amounts of compression, particularly with high cutoff frequencies, had minimal effects on sentence intelligibility. Listeners with the greatest high-frequency hearing loss showed the greatest benefit. Sentence intelligibility decreased with more compression. Listeners were more affected by a given set of parameters in noise than in quiet. In quiet, any amount of compression resulted in lower speech quality for most listeners, with the greatest degradation for listeners with better high-frequency hearing. Quality ratings were lower with background noise, and in noise, the effect of changing compression parameters was small.

Conclusions

The benefits of frequency lowering in adults were affected by the compression parameters as well as individual hearing thresholds. The data are consistent with the idea that frequency lowering can be viewed in terms of improved audibility versus increased distortion trade-off.
Nine Suggestions for the Professional Support of Persons With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis as Recounted by Surviving Spouses: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: McKelvey Miechelle , Beukelman David , Kawai Norimune , Evans David
Published: June 2013

In this report, we describe the professional support preferred by the surviving family members of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The participants in this study were six surviving spouses and one daughter of people with ALS who had used high- and low-technology AAC strategies to communicate. These informants shared the lived experience with their partners and parent with ALS from diagnosis to death and provided nine suggestions for the professional support of people with ALS.
Nonlocal optical generation of spin and charge currents on the surface of magnetic insulators using total absorption and surface plasmons
Authors: Chui S. T. , Lin Z. F. , Chang C. R. , Xiao John
Published: June 2013

We study the nonlocal spin and charge current generation in a finite metallic element on the surface of magnetic insulators such as yttrium iron garnet due to the absorption of the magnetic surface plasmon (MSP). Whereas a surface plasmon is completely reflected by a metal, an MSP can be absorbed due to the absence of backward states. The injection of MSP generates a voltage in the longitudinal direction parallel to the wave vector, with the voltage proportional to input power. If the metal is a ferromagnet, a spin current can also be induced in the longitudinal direction. Our results provide a way to improve upon integrated circuits of spintronics and spin wave logic devices.
Spin glass behavior in La5/3Sr1/3Ni1 − xCuxO4 system
Authors: Xing Jie , Zhang Zili , Zheng Zhiyuan , Wang Zhihong , Huang Weiwen , Liu Guodong
Published: June 2013

We have performed a systematic study of magnetic property in La5/3Sr1/3Ni1 − xCuxO4 system. A spin glass behavior has been observed in a broad Cu substitution range (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.65) at low temperature. In lower Cu doping region (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.2), the coexistence of stripe or stripe glass phase and spin glass phase was proposed. While in the extremely high Cu doping region, the spin glass feature diminished, and the paramagnetism-like behavior became dominated in the system. Based on the results, a magnetic phase diagram was suggested for La5/3Sr1/3Ni1 − xCuxO4 system from stripe-ordered La5/3Sr1/3NiO4 up to Fermi liquid-like La5/3Sr1/3CuO4 with Cu substitution.
Investigation of Al doping on Ge55Te45 for phase change memory application
Authors: Ren Kun , Rao Feng , Song Zhitang , Wu Liangcai , Xia Mengjiao , Liu Bo , Feng Songlin
Published: June 2013

Al-doped Ge55Te45 materials are proposed for phase change memory application. Al incorporated in Ge55Te45 increases the crystallization temperature, band gap and 10-year data retention significantly. However, the crystallization speed of the Al-doped Ge55Te45 material will be lowered by excessive Al doping. The crystallization of the Al-doped Ge55Te45 film is observed to be growth-dominant, beginning with a random formation of spherical crystalline clusters. The 10-year data retention and crystallization speed of Al1Ge55Te45 are 117 °C and 5 ns, respectively, which makes the Al1Ge55Te45 a promising candidate for high speed PCM application. The 10-year data retention of 132 °C and good cyclic ability of ∼2 × 103 cycles of the Al2Ge55Te45 based PCM have shown its application potential in automotive fields.
Memory cell based on a φ Josephson junction
Authors: Goldobin E. , Sickinger H. , Weides M. , Ruppelt N. , Kohlstedt H. , Kleiner R. , Koelle D.
Published: June 2013

The φ Josephson junction has a doubly degenerate ground state with the Josephson phases ±φ. We demonstrate the use of such a φ Josephson junction as a memory cell (classical bit), where writing is done by applying a magnetic field and reading by applying a bias current. In the “store” state, the junction does not require any bias or magnetic field, but just needs to stay cooled for permanent storage of the logical bit. Straightforward integration with rapid single flux quantum logic is possible.
The mechanism of instability and localized reaction in the explosively driven collapse of thick walled Ni-Al laminate cylinders
Authors: Chiu P. H. , Olney K. L. , Higgins A. , Serge M. , Benson D. J. , Nesterenko V. F.
Published: June 2013

Thick-walled cylinders constructed from alternating concentric layers of Ni and Al foils were explosively collapsed. The prevalent mode of the high strain, high strain rate plastic deformation was the cooperative buckling of the foils originating in the interior layers. This phenomenon was reproduced in numerical simulations. Its mechanism is qualitatively different than that of shear localization seen in all previously investigated homogeneous solid and granular materials and from the independent buckling of single thin-walled cylinders. Localized chemical reactions were observed in the apex areas of the Ni foils, consistent with the localization of temperature due to high strain plastic deformation.
Trying to Measure Local Well-Being: Indicator Development as a Site of Discursive Struggles
Authors: Scott Karen , Bell Derek
Published: June 2013

The New Labour government in the UK encouraged all local authorities to develop quality-of-life indicators. Development of these indicators was intended to engage local people in a shared vision for their area and to effect improvements in local well-being and sustainability. However, international research has reported a failure of such instruments to generate concrete policy change. This paper reports on a three-year ethnographic study in one local authority in North East England which took a discursive approach to analysing indicator development. The research shows how indicator development acted as a ‘site of struggle’ between competing discourses. These discursive struggles may have hampered the development of a set of indicators, but they allowed different conceptions of well-being, participation, indicators, and the policy-making process to be discussed and deliberated, inducing discursive shifts in the political arena. Policy makers and scholars should therefore place more focus on the process of developing indicators rather than the indicators that are produced, as it is these which have the potential to produce longer term effects on policy making.
The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area Challenge: Opportunities for Inclusive Coproduction in City-Region Governance
Authors: Levelt Melika , Janssen-Jansen Leonie
Published: June 2013

The city-regional level has gained importance in various planning systems as a result of the continuous need to solve strategic planning issues that transcend political and jurisdictional boundaries. Governance through voluntary policy networks gained importance as a way to make policy objective delivery at this city-regional level more effective and efficient. However, the multilevel organized accountability of policy networks with different logics and rationalities challenges policy implementation processes. This paper develops a framework to analyze and understand how the structure of voluntary city-regional policy networks affects the effectiveness, efficiency, and democratic legitimacy of these networks and the policies they create. Using the case of the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area as an example, we show that city-region governance needs to involve not only government interests but also interests of market players and NGOs to become effective, efficient, and legitimate and that national policy interference is to a large extent incompatible with it.
Identification, Transmission, and Partial Characterization of a Previously Undescribed Flexivirus Causing a Mosaic Disease of Ash (Fraxinus spp.) in the USA
Authors: Machado-Caballero Jose Ernesto , Lockhart Ben E. , Mason Shauna L. , Mollov Dimitre , Smith Jason A.
Published: June 2013

A previously undescribed virus with flexuous filamentous particles 720 nm in length was associated with a mosaic disease of ash (Fraxinus spp.) occurring in Minnesota, Ohio, New York, and Illinois. The virus was initially identified in white ash in Minnesota and named white ash mosaic virus (WAMV), but also occurred naturally in green, black, and blue ash. The virus was transmitted readily by mechanical inoculation and was determined to be the causal agent of the disease. It infected only ash, and was not transmitted through seed or by Myzus persicae. The virus has a ssRNA genome of approximately 9.0 kb and a capsid protein of ∼34 kDa based on electrophoretic analysis. One partial and five complete putative ORFs most similar in size, arrangement, and amino acid sequence to the corresponding genomic regions of flexiviruses were identified in a 5227 nt 3′ terminal fragment of the WAMV genome (GenBank accession no. GU906791.1). However, the relatively low levels (27-59%) of amino acid sequence identity suggests that WAMV is not related closely to any known member of the family Flexiviridae. White ash mosaic virus was identified in Minnesota in black ash trees showing symptoms of ash decline, a syndrome of wide occurrence and possible multiple etiology. Antibody and PCR-based protocols were developed for reliable detection of WAMV in ash and will be made available upon request.

Accepted for publication 3 January 2012. Published 9 May 2013.
Use of Uptake Spraying Oil to Improve Fungicidal Activity of the Triazole Fungicide Fenbuconazole on Puccinia triticina and Puccinia striiformis Rusts of Wheat
Authors: deBoer Gerrit J. , Nott Peter , Kemmitt Gregory M.
Published: June 2013

Fenbuconazole, a broad spectrum triazole fungicide with restricted uptake and consequent redistribution within wheat plants, has been perceived to possess limited curative properties when formulated as a suspension concentrate (SC). Field and greenhouse studies demonstrated that curative and to a lesser extent protectant activity of fenbuconazole on wheat leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) and stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici) was improved by the addition of the adjuvant Uptake™ Spraying Oil (Uptake is a trademark of Dow AgroSciences). The purpose of this study was to determine if the addition of adjuvant increased penetration of fenbuconazole into wheat tissue and if this was correlated with enhanced redistribution within the plant and the observed increase in activity. These data confirm that the addition of adjuvant improved penetration of fenbuconazole into wheat leaves and was responsible for the observed increase in biological activity of the fenbuconazole suspension concentrate formulation. In addition, adjuvant decreased the amount of material washed off with water a result suggesting the potential for improved rain-fastness in the field. Fenbuconazole's fungicidal activity against cereal rusts could be limited by poor penetration into plant tissue unless a suitable adjuvant is incorporated into the spray solution.

Accepted for publication 31 January 2013. Published 28 May 2013.
A combinatorial regulatory signature controls terminal differentiation of the dopaminergic nervous system in C. elegans
Authors: Doitsidou Maria , Flames Nuria , Topalidou Irini , Abe Namiko , Felton Terry , Remesal Laura , Popovitchenko Tatiana , Mann Richard , Chalfie Martin , Hobert Oliver
Published: June 2013

Terminal differentiation programs in the nervous system are encoded by cis-regulatory elements that control the expression of terminal features of individual neuron types. We decoded the regulatory information that controls the expression of five enzymes and transporters that define the terminal identity of all eight dopaminergic neurons in the nervous system of the Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodite. We show that the tightly coordinated, robust expression of these dopaminergic enzymes and transporters (“dopamine pathway”) is ensured through a combinatorial cis-regulatory signature that is shared by all dopamine pathway genes. This signature is composed of an Ets domain-binding site, recognized by the previously described AST-1 Ets domain factor, and two distinct types of homeodomain-binding sites that act in a partially redundant manner. Through genetic screens, we identified the sole C. elegans Distalless/Dlx ortholog, ceh-43, as a factor that acts through one of the homeodomain sites to control both induction and maintenance of terminal dopaminergic fate. The second type of homeodomain site is a Pbx-type site, which is recognized in a partially redundant and neuron subtype-specific manner by two Pbx factors, ceh-20 and ceh-40, revealing novel roles of Pbx factors in the context of terminal neuron differentiation. Taken together, we revealed a specific regulatory signature and cognate, terminal selector-type transcription factors that define the entire dopaminergic nervous system of an animal. Dopaminergic neurons in the mouse olfactory bulb express a similar combinatorial transcription factor collective of Ets/Dlx/Pbx factors, suggesting deep phylogenetic conservation of dopaminergic regulatory programs.
Strategies for business schools in a multi‐polar world
Authors: Dameron Stephanie , Durand Thomas
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the contours of the emerging business education and institutions in a multi‐polar world and to identify the causes of the strategic convergence of management education, to explore the limitations of the dominant models of management education and to propose a range of strategic alternatives for business schools operating in the diversity of a multi‐polar world.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a critical review of the development of Anglo‐American modes of business education, and an evaluation of alternative strategic approaches to business school development that might engage with different contexts of business.

Findings

There is a tension between the continuing ascendancy of dominant Anglo‐American paradigms of management education, and the increasing recognition of the diversity of a multi‐polar world. This tension may be resolved by business schools following more distinctive strategies that are responsive to local contexts.

Research limitations/implications

The research suggests business schools work towards greater recognition of culturally diverse business models, and develop tools of analysis appropriate to this context. Further research is necessary of the efforts to develop different approaches to business education, and of the strengths and limitations of these approaches.

Practical implications

The analysis offers a rationale for exploring different strategies for business schools, and proposes some different models to examine.

Originality/value

This paper provides a critical assessment of the development and convergence of international business schools and business education, and an outline of alternative possibilities.
How customer knowledge dissemination links to KAM
Authors: Salojärvi Hanna , Saarenketo Sami , Puumalainen Kaisu
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This study aims to identify the organizational antecedents of intra‐organizational customer knowledge dissemination in the context of key account management (KAM).

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from large industrial companies in Finland by means of a structured survey. Linear hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings of the study show thatesprit de corpsamong employees and the formalization of key account management facilitate customer knowledge dissemination in industrial key account organizations. Moreover, the findings show that the intra‐organizational dissemination of customer knowledge is positively related to the supplier's KAM performance and dissemination fully mediates the relationship betweenesprit de corpsand KAM performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to research on key account management in providing quantitative empirical evidence about the antecedents and consequences of the intra‐organizational dissemination of key account‐related knowledge.

Originality/value

Building on previous research on customer knowledge management, market orientation and key account management, the study identifies customer‐specific knowledge dissemination as an intra‐organizational determinant of the successful management of industrial key account relationships.
Dementia advocacy in a time of austerity
Authors: Brown Geraldine , Standen Nicola , Khilji Kanwal
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to report on an exploratory study exploring the provision of dementia advocacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a qualitative approach. Data is based on 17 semi‐structured interviews with a range of key stakeholders, and observations of the practice of advocates working in third sector organisations. The study was conducted in five localities across the UK.

Findings

The study draws attention to the benefits of advocacy as a means of supporting older people with dementia and illuminates internal and external challenges encountered by third sector organisations providing this type of support.

Research limitations/implications

The study captures the additional dimension that austerity brings to third sector organisations working in this field and the ways in which financial constraints are shaping the field of dementia advocacy.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to ongoing debates in relation to a contradiction between the current coalition government's Big Society ideas and the reality as it unfolds in a specific part of the third sector.