bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study of electron scattering from benzene: Excitation of the 1B1u, 3E2g, and 1E1u electronic states
Authors: Kato Hidetoshi , Hoshino Masamitsu , Tanaka Hiroshi , Limão-Vieira Paulo , Ingólfsson Oddur , Campbell Laurence , Brunger Michael J.
Published: April 2011

We report results from measurements for differential and integral cross sections of the unresolved 1B1u and 3E2g electronic states and the 1E1u electronic state in benzene. The energy range of this work was 10–200 eV, while the angular range of the differential cross sections was ∼3°–130°. To the best of our knowledge there are no other corresponding theoretical or experimental data against which we can compare the present results. A generalized oscillator strength analysis was applied to our 100 and 200 eV differential cross section data, for both the 1B1u and 1E1u states, with optical oscillator strengths being derived in each case. The respective optical oscillator strengths were found to be consistent with many, but not all, of the earlier theoretical and experimental determinations. Finally, we present theoretical integral cross sections for both the 1B1u and 1E1u electronic states, as calculated within the BEf-scaling formalism, and compare them against relevant results from our measurements. From that comparison, an integral cross section for the optically forbidden 3E2g state is also derived.
Depth progression of dissociation reaction of the 1.014-eV photoluminescence copper center in copper-diffused silicon crystal measured by deep-level transient spectroscopy
Authors: Nakamura Minoru , Murakami Susumu
Published: April 2011

Changes in the concentration depth profiles of the 1.014-eV photoluminescence (PL) copper center and its dissociation product by annealing were measured by deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). The transformation reaction between these centers by annealing was not homogeneous throughout; it started at the sample surface and extended deeper with increasing annealing time. From this finding, the precipitation of interstitial copper in the surface region and its out-diffusion in the bulk are analyzed as the underlying processes to dissociate the center. The origin of the difference in the dissociation energies of the center obtained by DLTS and PL measurements is discussed.
Role of microstructure in initiation of Ni–Al reactive multilayers
Authors: Crone Joshua C. , Knap Jaroslaw , Chung Peter W. , Rice Betsy M.
Published: April 2011

Through molecular dynamics simulations, the effects of microstructure on reaction initiation are studied in nickel-aluminum (Ni–Al) reactive multilayers. Ni–Al multilayer systems of varying misfit strain and layer thickness are created and the ignition temperature is estimated by heating and thermalizing over small temperature increments until a reaction is observed. Results show that ignition temperatures drop significantly with increasing misfit strain. Our results indicate that the sensitivity of reactive multilayers can be controlled, in part, by microstructure, with changes of the order of 350 K.
Error analysis of molecular dynamics and fractal time approximants from a combinatorial perspective
Authors: Paul Reginald
Published: April 2011

Trotter's theorem forms the theoretical basis of most modern molecular dynamics. In essence this theorem states that a time displacement operator (a Lie operator) constructed by exponentiating a sum of noncommuting operators can be approximated by a product of single operators provided the time interval is “very small.” In theory “very small” implies infinitesimally small (at which point the approximate product becomes exact), while in practical analysis a finite time interval is divided into several small subintervals or steps. It follows, therefore, that the larger the number of steps the better the approximation to the exact time displacement operator. The question therefore arises: How many steps are sufficient? For bounded operators, standard theorems are available to provide the answer. In this paper we show that a very simple combinatorial formula can be derived which allows the computation of the global differences (as a function of the number of steps) between the Taylor coefficients of the exact time displacement operator and an approximate one constructed by using a finite number of steps. The formula holds for both bounded and nonbounded operators and shows, quantitatively, what is qualitatively expected—that the error decreases with increasing number of steps. Furthermore, the formula applies irrespective of the complexity of the system, boundary conditions, or the thermodynamic ensemble employed for averaging the initial conditions. The analysis yields explicit expressions for the Taylor coefficients which are then used to compute the errors. In the case of the algorithmically based practical numerical simulations in which fixed, albeit small, steps are repeatedly applied, the rise in the number of steps does not reduce the size of the steps but increases the total time of interest. The combinatorial formula shows that, here, the errors diverge. Furthermore, this work can be used to supplement other efforts such as the use of shadow Hamiltonians where the truncation of the series expansion of the latter will produce errors in the higher order propagator moments.
Magnetotransport properties of (In,Zn)As/InAs p-n junctions
Authors: Gao K. H. , Wang Q. W. , Yu G. , Lin T. , Deng H. Y. , Dai N. , Chu J. H.
Published: April 2011

We study the magnetotransport properties of nonmagnetic (In,Zn)As/InAs p-n junctions prepared by liquid phase epitaxy. The junctions show a clear rectifying behavior. A relatively large positive magnetoresistance is observed and its maximum value is greater than 140% at 12 K and gets to 38% at 292 K when a small magnetic field of 1.38 T is applied, which is not related to the series resistance. We attribute the observed magnetoresistance to the impurity-assisted tunneling mechanism.
Effects of hydrostatic pressure on the electrical properties of hexagonal Ge2Sb2Te5: Experimental and theoretical approaches
Authors: Xu B. , Su Y. , Liu Z. G. , Zhang C. H. , Xia Y. D. , Yin J. , Xu Z. , Ren W. C. , Xiang Y. H.
Published: April 2011

A combination of experiments and first-principles method calculations has been applied to investigate the influence of the hydrostatic pressure on the electrical properties of the phase-change material hexagonal Ge2Sb2Te5 (h-GST). Experimentally, it is found that the resistance of h-GST declines monotonically with increasing hydrostatic pressure up to 0.7 GPa. Theoretically, the band-structure calculations revealed that the electronic band gap also decreases with the pressure. The hydrostatic pressure increases the conductivity of h-GST by reducing the electronic band gap. The dEg/dP obtained from theoretical calculations and the d ln ρ/dP by experimental result are in the same order of magnitude.
Atomic layer deposition ZnO:N flexible thin film transistors and the effects of bending on device properties
Authors: Kim Jae-Min , Nam Taewook , Lim S. J. , Seol Y. G. , Lee N.-E. , Kim Doyoung , Kim Hyungjun
Published: April 2011

ZnO:N flexible thin film transistors were fabricated by atomic layer deposition on polyethylene naphthalate substrates and the effects of bending on the device properties investigated. The threshold voltage and saturation mobility were observed to change with respect to the amount of substrate bending. These modulations can be explained in terms of piezoelectric nature of in ZnO. In comparison with the previously reported single crystal nanowires ZnO field effect transistors, the amount of the electrical property modulation under bent condition is significantly reduced and our report shows a much improved stability for ZnO:N as a flexible device material.
Strong luminescence of two-dimensional electron gas in tensile-stressed AlGaN/GaN heterostructures grown on Si substrates
Authors: Kim Ki-Won , Kim Dong-Seok , Im Ki-Sik , Lee Jung-Hee , Kwon Bong-Joon , Kwack Ho-Sang , Beck Seol , Cho Yong-Hoon
Published: April 2011

We have investigated the photoluminescence (PL) characteristics of AlGaN/GaN heterostructure with an extremely high two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) density. A very high 2DEG density was obtained by controlling the tensile stress during the growth of the heterostructure on silicon substrate. Strong PL emission peaks corresponding to both the band edge and the 2DEG were observed in the highly tensile-stressed heterostructure. Furthermore, the strong longitudinal optical (LO) phonon replicas (1-LO2DEG and 2-LO2DEG) of the 2DEG peak were also observed in the heterostructure.
Membrane texture induced by specific protein binding and receptor clustering: active roles for lipids in cellular function
Authors: Watkins E. B. , Miller C. E. , Majewski J. , Kuhl T. L.
Published: April 2011

Biological membranes are complex, self-organized structures that define boundaries and compartmentalize space in living matter. Composed of a wide variety of lipid and protein molecules, these responsive surfaces mediate transmembrane signaling and material transport within the cell and with its environment. It is well known that lipid membrane properties change as a function of composition and phase state, and that protein-lipid interactions can induce changes in the membrane’s properties and biochemical response. Here, molecular level changes in lipid organization induced by multivalent toxin binding were investigated using grazing incidence X-ray diffraction. Structural changes to lipid monolayers at the air-water interface and bilayers at the solid-water interface were studied before and after specific binding of cholera toxin to membrane embedded receptors. At biologically relevant surface pressures, protein binding perturbed lipid packing within monolayers and bilayers resulting in topological defects and the emergence of a new orientationally textured lipid phase. In bilayers this altered lipid order was transmitted from the receptor laden exterior membrane leaflet to the inner leaflet, representing a potential mechanism for lipid mediated outside-in signaling by multivalent protein binding. It is further hypothesized that cell-surface micro-domains exhibiting this type of lipid order may serve as nucleation sites for vesicle formation in clathrin independent endocytosis of cholera toxin.
A comprehensive protein-centric ID mapping service for molecular data integration
Authors: Huang Hongzhan , McGarvey Peter B. , Suzek Baris E. , Mazumder Raja , Zhang Jian , Chen Yongxing , Wu Cathy H.
Published: April 2011

Motivation: Identifier (ID) mapping establishes links between various biological databases and is an essential first step for molecular data integration and functional annotation. ID mapping allows diverse molecular data on genes and proteins to be combined and mapped to functional pathways and ontologies. We have developed comprehensive protein-centric ID mapping services providing mappings for 90 IDs derived from databases on genes, proteins, pathways, diseases, structures, protein families, protein interaction, literature, ontologies, etc. The services are widely used and have been regularly updated since 2006.

Availability:  www.uniprot.org/mapping and proteininformation-resource.org/pirwww/search/idmapping.shtml

Contact:  huang@dbi.udel.edu
Physiological characteristics of the anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacterium ‘Candidatus Brocadia sinica’
Authors: Oshiki Mamoru , Shimokawa Masaki , Fujii Naoki , Satoh Hisashi , Okabe Satoshi
Published: April 2011

The present study investigated the phylogenetic affiliation and physiological characteristics of bacteria responsible for anaerobic ammonium oxidization (anammox); these bacteria were enriched in an anammox reactor with a nitrogen removal rate of 26.0 kg N m−3day−1. The anammox bacteria were identified as representing ‘CandidatusBrocadia sinica’ on the basis of phylogenetic analysis of rRNA operon sequences. Physiological characteristics examined were growth rate, kinetics of ammonium oxidation and nitrite reduction, temperature, pH and inhibition of anammox. The maximum specific growth rate (μmax) was 0.0041 h−1, corresponding to a doubling time of 7 days. The half-saturation constants (Ks) for ammonium and nitrite of ‘Ca.B. sinica’ were 28±4 and 86±4 µM, respectively, higher than those of ‘CandidatusBrocadia anammoxidans’ and ‘CandidatusKuenenia stuttgartiensis’. The temperature and pH ranges of anammox activity were 25–45 °C and pH 6.5–8.8, respectively. Anammox activity was inhibited in the presence of nitrite (50 % inhibition at 16 mM), ethanol (91 % at 1 mM) and methanol (86 % at 1 mM). Anammox activities were 80 and 70 % of baseline in the presence of 20 mM phosphorus and 3 % salinity, respectively. The yield of biomass and dissolved organic carbon production in the culture supernatant were 0.062 and 0.005 mol C (molNH4+)−1, respectively. This study compared physiological differences between three anammox bacterial enrichment cultures to provide a better understanding of anammox niche specificity in natural and man-made ecosystems.
Effect of Thin Cirrus Clouds on Dust Optical Depth Retrievals From MODIS Observations
Authors: Feng Qian , Hsu N. Christina , Yang Ping , Tsay Si-Chee
Published: April 2011

The effect of thin cirrus clouds in retrieving the dust optical depth from MODIS observations is investigated by using a simplified aerosol retrieval algorithm based on the principles of the Deep Blue aerosol property retrieval method. Specifically, the errors of the retrieved dust optical depth due to thin cirrus contamination are quantified through the comparison of two retrievals by assuming dust-only atmospheres and the counterparts with overlapping mineral dust and thin cirrus clouds. To account for the effect of the polarization state of radiation field on radiance simulation, a vector radiative transfer model is used to generate the lookup tables. In the forward radiative transfer simulations involved in generating the lookup tables, the Rayleigh scattering by atmospheric gaseous molecules and the reflection of the surface assumed to be Lambertian are fully taken into account. Additionally, the spheroid model is utilized to account for the nonsphericity of dust particles in computing their optical properties. For simplicity, the single-scattering albedo, scattering phase matrix, and optical depth are specified a priori for thin cirrus clouds assumed to consist of droxtal ice crystals. The present results indicate that the errors in the retrieved dust optical depths due to the contamination of thin cirrus clouds depend on the scattering angle, underlying surface reflectance, and dust optical depth. Under heavy dusty conditions, the absolute errors are comparable to the predescribed optical depths of thin cirrus clouds.
Lipid class dynamics and storage depots in juvenile weakfish Cynoscion regalis and their application to condition assessment
Authors: Litvin S. Y. , Guida V. G. , Weinstein M. P.
Published: April 2011

Lipid class dynamics, the pattern of change in the primary form and location of lipid stores and their relationship with standard length (LS), were investigated in collections of young‐of‐the‐year weakfish Cynoscion regalis for the purpose of determining the utility of this analysis as an indication of condition. The separation of total lipids into individual classes and the analysis of potential storage depots revealed the general patterns of lipid class dynamics and energy storage in C. regalis during their period of juvenile estuarine residency. Phospholipid and cholesterol exhibited moderate but variable (8·1–40·0 and 1·3–21·5 mg g−1, respectively) concentrations across the entire juvenile period and were the predominant lipid classes in juveniles <100 mm LS, while wax ester concentrations were low (c. 1 mg g−1) and exhibited the least amount of variability among lipid classes. Triacylglycerols (TAG) and free fatty acids (FFA) exhibited similar dynamics, with relatively low concentrations (<15 mg g−1) in individuals ≤100 mm LS. In larger juveniles both TAG and FFA concentrations generally increased rapidly, though there was considerable variability in both measures (0·0–199·7 and 0·0–49·7 mg g−1, respectively). Increasing levels of lipids, primarily in the form of TAG, with size indicated an accumulation of energy reserves with growth, thus providing an indication of individual condition for larger juveniles. Separate analysis of liver, viscera and the remaining carcass indicated that liver and viscera did not represent a significant depot of TAG reserves. Analysis of samples derived from whole juvenile C. regalis thus provided an accurate estimate of energy reserves.
Moderated guiding: a grounded theory of nursing practice in end‐of‐life care
Authors: McCallin Antoinette M
Published: April 2011

Aim.  The aim of this study was to generate a grounded theory of nursing practice in end‐of‐life care.

Background.  Provision of end‐of‐life care that meets the needs of the dying person and their family is complex. While symptom control, disease management and psychosocial care are well understood, there is less evidence about how nurses manage everyday practicalities in challenging organisational environments.

Design.  Qualitative using Glaser’s method of grounded theory.

Methods.  Data were collected from 30 semi‐structured interviews with registered nurses working in end‐of‐life care in New Zealand. Data were analysed using constant comparative techniques. Theoretical sampling and memo writing furthered theoretical development.

Results.  Nurses used the process of moderated guiding to manage different expectations in end‐of‐life care. Moderated guiding included checking out, involving and supporting. Guiding was both controlling and non‐controlling. Moderation was required, as there were tensions in nursing practice because of patient control issues, resource constraints and the individual nurse’s emotional investment in the nurse–patient relationship.

Conclusions.  Moderated guiding raises questions about the challenges nurses face in a health care environment where responsibilities for care have changed.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Moderated guiding explains the role nurses have as resource managers in health services where wider social and economic issues impact multiple clinical demands and influence nursing practice.
Influence of evaporative demand on aquaporin expression and root hydraulics of hybrid poplar
Authors: ALMEIDA‐RODRIGUEZ ADRIANA M. , HACKE UWE G. , LAUR JOAN
Published: April 2011

When light levels and evaporative demand increase, dynamic physiological changes in roots may be required to restore the water balance at the whole plant level. We hypothesized that a dynamic increase in root hydraulic conductance (LP) and aquaporin (AQP) expression could moderate the transpiration‐induced drop in water potential (Ψ), allowing continued gas exchange in hybrid poplar (Populus trichocarpa × deltoides) saplings. Fifty‐six AQPs have been identified in poplar, but little information about their expression patterns in roots is available, especially from a whole‐plant water relations perspective. We measured AQP expression and LP in plants subjected to different levels of light and evaporative demand. Shaded plants had only one‐tenth the root area of plants growing at higher light levels. Shade‐grown saplings experiencing a sudden increase in light exhibited a threefold higher LP than plants remaining in shade. This dynamic increase in LP corresponded with increased transcript abundance of 15 AQPs out of a total of 33 genes simultaneously assessed by quantitative RT‐PCR. The tissue‐level localization of transcripts of four AQPs was studied with in situ hybridization. Comprehensive expression profiling in conjunction with physiological and morphological measurements is a valuable reference for future studies on AQP function in poplar.
Metabolic control and regulation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle in photosynthetic and heterotrophic plant tissues
Authors: ARAÚJO WAGNER L. , NUNES‐NESI ADRIANO , NIKOLOSKI ZORAN , SWEETLOVE LEE J. , FERNIE ALISDAIR R.
Published: April 2011

The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle is a crucial component of respiratory metabolism in both photosynthetic and heterotrophic plant organs. All of the major genes of the tomato TCA cycle have been cloned recently, allowing the generation of a suite of transgenic plants in which the majority of the enzymes in the pathway are progressively decreased. Investigations of these plants have provided an almost complete view of the distribution of control in this important pathway. Our studies suggest that citrate synthase, aconitase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, succinyl CoA ligase, succinate dehydrogenase, fumarase and malate dehydrogenase have control coefficients flux for respiration of −0.4, 0.964, −0.123, 0.0008, 0.289, 0.601 and 1.76, respectively; while 2‐oxoglutarate dehydrogenase is estimated to have a control coefficient of 0.786 in potato tubers. These results thus indicate that the control of this pathway is distributed among malate dehydrogenase, aconitase, fumarase, succinate dehydrogenase and 2‐oxoglutarate dehydrogenase. The unusual distribution of control estimated here is consistent with specific non‐cyclic flux mode and cytosolic bypasses that operate in illuminated leaves. These observations are discussed in the context of known regulatory properties of the enzymes and some illustrative examples of how the pathway responds to environmental change are given.
Eosinophilia as an early indicator of pancreatic allograft rejection
Authors: Weir Matthew R. , Bartlett Stephen T. , Drachenberg Cinthia B.
Published: April 2011

Weir MR, Bartlett ST, Drachenberg CB. Eosinophilia as an early indicator of pancreatic allograft rejection.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01440.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Monitoring pancreas transplant recipients for rejection is an inexact science. Serial monitoring of urinary amylase has been used for patients with a bladder‐drained pancreas. An increase in serum amylase and lipase has been utilized as an in vivo measure of pancreas rejection in patients with enteric pancreatic exocrine drainage. Decreases in urinary amylase or increases in serum amylase or lipase, respectively, in these two different types of surgical drainage would prompt a pancreas biopsy for histologic confirmation of rejection. Herein, we describe the case of an enteric‐drained pancreatic transplant recipient who presented with peripheral eosinophilia at least one month before she developed increases in serum amylase and lipase. A pancreas allograft biopsy indicated eosinophilic acute cellular rejection. Peripheral eosinophilia may be a useful early indicator of pancreas graft rejection preceding changes in serum pancreatic enzymes by approximately one month.
Red cells from the original JAL+ proband are also DAK+ and STEM+
Authors: Hue‐Roye K. , Reid M. E. , Westhoff C. M. , Lomas‐Francis C.
Published: April 2011

Background  The low‐prevalence Rh antigen, JAL, was named after the index case, Mr. J. Allen. Based on reactivity of seven multi‐specific sera with his RBCs, it was apparent that they express at least one additional low‐prevalence antigen. The purpose of this study was to investigate the other low‐prevalence antigen(s) on J. Allen’s RBCs.

Methods  Blood samples and reagents were from our collections. Hemagglutination and DNA analyses were performed by standard methods.

Results  Our DNA analyses confirmed the presence of RHCE*ceS(340T) in J. Allen and revealed the presence of RHCE*ceBI (ce 48C, 712G, 818T, 1132G) and RHD*DOL (509T, 667T). RBCs from J. Allen were agglutinated by anti‐JAL, anti‐STEM, and anti‐DAK. Two of the reactive multi‐specific sera reported in the original paper reacted with RBCs from J. Allen, and with RBCs from four other people with RHCE*ceBI, including the original STEM+ index case (P. Stemper) but not with RBCs with the DIIIa, DAK+ phenotype. We conclude that they contain anti‐STEM.

Conclusion  J.Allen’s RBCs express the low‐prevalence Rh antigens, JAL, V/VS (extremely weakly), STEM, and DAK. The presence of JAL on the variant Rhce, RhceJAL (16Cys, 114Trp, 245Val), STEM on the variant Rhce, RhceBI (16Cys, 238Val, 273Val, 378Val), and DAK on the variant RhD (170Thr, 223Val), encoded by RHD*DOL in trans to RHCE*ceBI is consistent with expression of these antigens. When J. Allen RBCs are used to detect and identify an anti‐JAL, it is important to remember that they also express STEM and DAK.
Inheritance of increased seed tocopherol content in sunflower line IAST‐413
Authors: Del Moral L. , Pérez‐Vich B. , Fernández‐Martínez J. M. , Velasco L.
Published: April 2011

With 1 figure and 1 table

Sunflower seeds and oil are one of the richest natural food sources of alpha‐tocopherol (vitamin E). The sunflower line IAST‐413, with enhanced alpha‐tocopherol content, was developed by pedigree selection. The objective of this research was to study the inheritance of increased tocopherol content in seeds of IAST‐413. Plants of this line were reciprocally crossed with plants of line HA89 with wild‐type tocopherol content, and their F1, F1r, F2, F2r, BCP1 and BCP2 generations were evaluated in the field in 2006 and 2007. The F3 generation was evaluated in the field in 2007. Estimated broad‐sense heritability () was 0.78 in 2006 and 0.67 in 2007, whereas narrow‐sense heritability () was 0.70 in 2006 and 0.60 in 2007. Estimate of heritability through parent–offspring correlation was 0.67 and realized heritability was 0.64. The estimated minimum number of genes conditioning increased levels of tocopherol was 1.04 in 2006 and 1.95 in 2007. This mode of inheritance and response to selection should facilitate the introgression of the trait into elite germplasm to develop sunflower oil naturally rich in vitamin E.
Differentiation of neuronal cells from NIH/3T3 fibroblasts under defined conditions
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Sugano Eriko , Isago Hitomi , Hiroi Teru , Tamai Makoto , Tomita Hiroshi
Published: April 2011

We attempted to test whether the differentiated NIH/3T3 fibroblasts could be differentiated into neuronal cells without any epigenetic modification. First, a neurosphere assay was carried out, and we successfully generated neurosphere‐like cells by floating cultures of NIH/3T3 fibroblasts in neural stem cell medium. These spheres have the ability to form sub‐spheres after three passages, and express the neural progenitor markers Nestin, Sox2, Pax6, and Musashi‐1. Second, after shifting to a differentiating medium and culturing for an additional 8 days, cells in these spheres expressed the neuronal markers β‐tubulin and neurofilament 200 and the astrocytic marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Finally, after treating the spheres with all‐trans retinoic acid and taurine, the expression of β‐tubulin was increased and the staining of photoreceptor markers rhodopsin and recoverin was observed. The present study shows that NIH/3T3 fibroblasts can generate neurosphere‐like, neuron‐like, and even photoreceptor‐like cells under defined conditions, suggesting that the differentiated non‐neuronal cells NIH/3T3 fibroblasts, but not pluripotent cells such as embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells, may have the potential to be transdifferentiated into neuronal cells without adding any epigenetic modifier. This transdifferentiation may be due to the possible neural progenitor potential of NIH/3T3 fibroblasts that remains dormant under normal conditions.
Are speech and language therapists leaving the profession?
Authors: BEBBINGTON DIANE
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT  A survey of people who qualified in speech and language therapy in 1983–1989 showed that significant numbers had left the profession, representing a drain on economic and professional resources. Most of those who stayed did so because of the nature of the work, including the challenge and autonomy, whereas poor working conditions, including heavy clinical caseloads and understaffing, were cited most often as reasons for leaving. Poor conditions of work were also a factor which might make ‘stayers’ leave, in addition to changes brought about by the National Health Service (NHS) reforms (such as fragmentation of services and loss of career structure). The implications of these results for the education and recruitment of speech and language therapists are considered.
Voice therapy for dysphonia — still more art than science?
Authors: DUNNET CATHERINE P , SELLARS CAMERON , McKENZIE KENNETH , WILSON JANET A
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT  It is estimated that between 16,000–55,000 patients undergo voice therapy for dysphonia in speech and language therapy clinics annually in the UK. Although well‐founded in tradition, the remedial techniques have not been subject to scientific scrutiny. No evaluation of voice therapy efficacy can be possible until established practice has been defined. The aim of this study was, therefore, to assess prevailing treatment strategies for common causes of dysphonia. A questionnaire outlining five typical dysphonia case histories — vocal cord nodules, chronic laryngitis, glottic chink, functional dysphonia and Reinke's oedema — was circulated to 237 UK speech and language therapy managers for completion by the area voice specialist. Respondents were asked to select from 10 offered therapeutic strategies, and to indicate counselling and group therapy approaches. A working definition of consensus was agreed at the outset: >75% = acceptance; <25% = rejection. One hundred and sixty‐three completed responses (69%) were obtained from therapists with a median of 12 years' experience. Most use two to six treatment sessions (up to 30% favoured more than six sessions). Group therapy was rejected as sole management for each condition, but accepted in combination with individual therapy by 60% for vocal nodules. A minority approved its use in combination for Reinke's oedema, chronic laryngitis and glottic chink. Counselling was accepted for all conditions (76–89%). Non‐directive counselling was almost always the most popular option (used significantly more in glottic chink and Reinke's oedema than in chronic laryngitis p<0.0002 and functional dysophonia, p=0.02). A choice of 50 treatment strategies (10 for each of five conditions) was offered. Twelve (24%) were accepted by consensus and nine (18%) were rejected. The remaining 29 strategies fell into a grey area being nether accepted nor rejected. The survey had a high response rate by experienced therapists and is a valid representation of UK practice. Therapists are agreed on the duration of treatment, the inadvisability of group therapy as a sole strategy and of the importance of counselling. The principal conclusion of the study is, however, that the level of agreement in voice treatment strategies is low. Those items which were more general, such as voice hygiene, lifestyle application, relaxation and breath support, being the most widely agreed upon. Of the more ‘voice specific’ measures only one achieved consensus at the 75% level, i.e. reduction of hard glottic attack in vocal nodules. The variation in clinical practice among speech and language therapists reflects the lack of scientific basis for treatment selection. The results do, however, highlight the more commonly used strategies which should be given priority in the design of studies on the efficacy of voice therapy for dysphonia.
Auditing voice therapy in the management of vocal nodules and Reinke's oedema
Authors: NESBITT RUTH , UNDAH LYNN BUSBY
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT  This audit project was undertaken by members of a voice specific interest group (SIG) in order to examine current practice in the management of selected voice patients. The study focused on patients referred to speech and language therapy with a diagnosis of vocal nodule(s) (VN) and/or Reinke's oedema (RO). The findings of the audit will be used to inform discussions between SIG members and members of the Regional Medical Audit Group (ENT), with a view to collaborative standard setting and future inter‐disciplinary audit activity. Across four health boards, all therapists accepting voice referrals were invited to randomly select and retrospectively review the case notes of 10 patients discharged from their clinic (5 VN and 5 RO) and complete a questionnaire for each patient, giving specific information in respect of referral, assessment, therapy and outcome measures. Eleven therapists from 10 Trusts/District Management Units (DMUs) participated in the audit. Data was submitted on 86 cases: 42 VN; 41 RO and three both VN and RO. Data analysis indicates that therapists receive most referrals directly from ENT (92%), that the majority of patients (87%) have normal or improved voice post‐therapy without surgical intervention and that the voice outcome following therapy is better for VN patients (91% normal or improved) than for RO patients (83% normal or improved). Most patients referred for therapy post‐laryngeal surgery did not achieve normal voice. Improved vocal cord status was reported post‐therapy for 64% RO patients and 72% VN patients. Overall, 75% of patients completed therapy within six months. The findings support the view that vocal nodules and Reinke's oedema can be managed effectively with voice therapy.
Some standards and outcomes for a combined ENT/Speech Therapy Voice Clinic — a preliminary audit survey
Authors: MATHIESON LESLEY
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT  A preliminary study was initiated in order to audit some of the clinical and non‐clinical procedures taking place in a combined voice clinic run by a consultant laryngologist and a specialist speech and language therapist. Standards were set in relation to both areas of the service. As expected, the clinical standards were met, but the non‐clinical standards (which were out of the immediate control of the voice clinic team) were not. The results of the audit study produced valuable evidence for confirming the value of the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures being used. They also provided a basis for negotiating improved methods of service delivery where standards had not been met.
Intervention with young language impaired children — what are the right questions?
Authors: LAW JAMES
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT  There is a conflict of interest between those responsible for service delivery who need to know about outcomes and therapists who have a strong vested interest in researching the process of therapy. This paper will look at intervention with young language impaired children in the light of the third edition of Health for All Children to be published late in 1995. The paper begins by examining the conclusions of a small number of meta‐analyses and review papers which have covered early intervention for speech and language difficulties. It is suggested that we need to have a better understanding of the therapeutic process before we can commit ourselves wholeheartedly to the randomised control trial with all that this entails. A number of considerations have yet to be properly addressed with which speech and language therapists as professionals are uniquely qualified to deal: (1) The relationship between interaction and language development; (2) The identification of different patterns of parent/child interaction; (3) The relationship between length and intensity of treatment; (4) Patterns of individual differences — based on liguistic skills, but also based on motivation of both parent and child; (5) The relationship between the characteristics of different therapists and the effects that this has on the therapeutic process. Finally, the paper highlights two important concepts with which therapists and researchers in the field need to be familiar if we are to move forward. The first is statistical power, the second cost‐benefit analysis. Statistical power refers to the relationship between the numbers in a given study and the anticipated effect size. If we are to show serviceable results, i.e. results which affect policy on the part of purchasing authorities, we must learn how to square the desire to treat everyone as substantially different and the need to demonstrate benefits across groups. However, we must be clear about the nature of the benefits at which we are aiming and the value that should be placed upon them by therapists, by clients and by society at large. We must inform this process by collaborating with health economists. By way of illustration of these two points, the paper refers to an intervention study in which the author is engaged, funded by North Thames RHA. As a final word, we should start from a position of confidence in our clinical skills and look to see how we can compare different ways of working with different client groups. Only then can we move forward to being a knowledge‐based profession.
What's driving you? A template which underpins the assessment of pre‐school children
Authors: ROULSTONE SUE
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT  This paper presents a diagrammatic representation of features which underpin the initial assessment of preschool children, newly referred for speech and language therapy. This model forms part of the results of a project, the overall aim of which was to make explicit the way in which expert speech and language therapists consider preschool children for intervention. Within a mainly qualitative methodology, data was collected by use of semi‐structured interviews, cases analyses and a focus group workshop. The notational tool used for analysis — systemic grammar networks — is described and used to represent a prioritisation paradigm. This is illustrated with reference to two preschool children. The model is presented as a potential support for less experienced therapists or as a stimulus for reflection in more experienced therapists.
Communication development in Angelman's syndrome
Authors: JOLLEFF N , RYAN M M
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT  This paper describes the communication development in 11 children with Angelman's syndrome. We have investigated the clinical observation that these children appear to have a greater ability with receptive rather than expressive language and assessed these skills using published communication schedules; the Bzoch‐League (REEL) Scale and the Pre‐verbal Communication Schedule. In addition, we looked at the understanding and use of non‐verbal communication, such as natural gesture. The data collected did not, in fact, show a significant gap between receptive and expressive skills, except in the older children, but it did highlight the fact that these children develop very few words and have difficulty in using gestural or sign systems. It also emphasised the different patterns of ability in familial and non‐familial cases, although the small numbers in this study made it inappropriate to conclude anything significant from the data. The results of the study will be presented and the implications for the children's remedial programmes will be discussed, particularly in the use of Makaton signing and other methods of augmentative communication.
Communication questionnaire for children with Angelman's syndrome
Authors: JOLLEFF N , RYAN M M
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT  In 1989 the authors carried out a pilot study to document the communication development in children with Angelman's syndrome. This produced useful findings for speech and language therapists with implications for therapy programmes. The pilot study also raised other questions, including (1) Whether these children have difficulties in planning and executing motor activities, including speech; (2) Whether there is a more fundamental problem of using communication for social interaction; or (3) Whether the primary difficulty was one of low developmental age. It was therefore decided to devise a questionnaire to be distributed through the Angelman Syndrome Support Group. Over 80 questionnaires have already been completed and provide data on levels of language comprehension, methods of communication, functions of communication and a feeding history. After analysis of this information a group of children will be selected for further in‐depth assessment in order to answer some of the questions above and to describe the profiles of the children's communication. This will be linked to the genetic history where an earlier study has indicated some differences between familial and non‐familial cases. Preliminary data will be presented and early findings discussed.
Active versus passive cleft‐type speech characteristics: implications for surgery and therapy
Authors: HARDING ANNE , GRUNWELL PAMELA
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT  Cleft palate speech is generally characterised by hypernasality and compensatory articulations. A longitudinal study of children at different stages of surgical treatment revealed a distinction between passive and active cleft‐type speech characteristics as described by Hutters and Brondsted (1987). Passive characteristics are the product, not of disordered articulatory patterns, but of structural abnormality or dysfunction. Active characteristics are alternative articulatory gestures which function in place of intended consonants. Passive and active patterns of articulation will be described and defined in the context of three longitudinal studies: five bilateral left lip and palate (BCLP) subjects aged, 1;6‐4;6; 12 mixed unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and BCLP subjects aged 4;6–7;6 and nine mixed UCLP and BCLP subjects aged 9;0–11;0. The effects of surgery on the speech of seven subjects will be discussed using the active/passive distinction. Active cleft‐type characteristics did not change as a direct result of surgery, whereas passive characteristics were largely eliminated following surgery. This distinction between active and passive patterns of articulation can serve to identify those cleft‐type speech error patterns most likely to respond to surgical intervention. Indications from this study are that active cleft‐type characteristics require destabilisation in a course of speech and language therapy before the potential benefits of surgery can be properly assessed.
Consonant‐vowel interactions in developmental phonological disorder
Authors: BATES SALLY , WATSON JOCELYNNE
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT  This paper presents examples of consonant‐vowel interactions collected from a group of Edinburgh children presenting with developmental phonological disorder. Three types of interaction are described: vowel conditioning of consonant production, consonant conditioning of vowel production and use of consonantal material to maintain vowel contrasts. Evidence of context conditioning in both consonant and vowel error patterns highlights the potential importance of assessing the child's sound system as a whole. It also raises the question of how far coarticulatory constraints play a role in phonological disorder. In this paper, the data are interpreted, where possible, in terms of production constraints and the degree of compatibility between consonant and vowel gestures. This approach represents one particular perspective and is not intended to preclude other perceptual and/or phonological accounts of the data.
Communication difficulties in the classroom
Authors: SAGE ROSEMARY
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT  This paper considers the problems that some children have in processing formal instructional language and producing appropriate word responses. This activity is known as ‘narrative discourse’ and a research study is presented suggesting that when narrative processes are emphasised in learning children achieve greater academic success.
Reducing inappropriate referrals of school‐aged children: a joint working party
Authors: SHAW LIZ , LUSCOMBE MARIA , OSTIME JANET
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT  The development of a new school‐based service to children attending mainstream schools in Harrow led to a raised profile for the Speech and Language Therapy Service. This resulted in a large increase in referrals of school‐age children. A significant number of these referrals were found to be inappropriate. The assessment of these children, a time‐consuming process, resulted in reduced efficiency of service to those children needing speech and language therapy involvement; at the same time, education staff were identifying that they remained uncertain as to exactly which children were appropriate candidates for speech and language therapy. A joint Working Party, of education staff and speech and language therapists, was established in order to provide information to enable the teaching staff to identify language difficulties more accurately and to review current routes to referral of school‐age children. The Working Party members comprised three speech and language therapists and six education staff from a range of backgrounds. The group had several aims: (1) To develop a checklist for use by teachers; (2) To develop and agree referral criteria; (3) To enable teaching staff to identify language needs more effectively; (4) To encourage education staff to consider other factors which may influence languge develoment, for example, the home language; (5) Through the above, to reduce inappropriate referrals and to ensure more appropriate timing of referrals, for example, following/alongside home language assessment; (6) To provide speech and language therapists with sufficient information to prioritise referrals and to reduce the time required for initial fact‐finding. At a series of meetings it was found that none of the published checklists met identified needs. The group therefore development their own by (1) collating developmental stages for all language areas and expressing these in a manner accessible to teaching staff and (2) organising developmental stages into a logical and user‐friendly format. A flowchart, outlining possible stages in identifying a child's needs (for example, organising the assessment of hearing acuity), was developed. Finally, the flowchart and checklist were amalgamated to form a more streamlined referral format. Following wider discussions within the Speech and Language Therapy and Education departments, the referral format will be Mailed and its effectiveness evaluted in terms of (1) reduction in inappropriate referrals — through comparison of initial assessment statistics prior to and following the introduction of the format and (2) increasing the awareness of teaching staff of communication needs and their confidence in identifying/referring children through use of a questionnaire and interviews.
Using spontaneous speech samples to measure change in aphasia
Authors: EDWARDS SUSAN
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT  Assessment of aphasia is an essential component of aphasia therapy. Results from assessment procedures form the baseline by which language change may be measured and provide the rationale for therapy. Assessment results also reveal the nature of aphasia exhibited by the individual client. It is therefore of paramount importance that assessment procedures are robust, reliable and revealing. Assessments should give some way of quantifying the speech produced as well as describing task performance. Published aphasia assessments frequently used in clinical practice focus on language tasks rather than spontaneous language and therefore have little to offer by way of quantifying connected speech. In this paper the case is made for including the analysis of spontaneous speech as part of aphasia assessment. A procedure which can capture grammatical features of connected speech at phrasal, clausal and supra‐sentential level and therefore be applied to a range of aphasic and normal speech will be described. Illustrative results from normal and aphasic speakers will be given and the clinical and theoretical implications of these results will be discussed.