bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Birth of the Rainbow Serpent in Arnhem Land rock art and oral history
Authors: Taçon Paul S.C. , Wilson Meredith , Chippindale Christopher
Published: November 2014

The Rainbow Serpent is agreed to be one of the most powerful, all consuming and widespread Ancestral Beings of Aboriginal Australia. It pervades not only oral history but also ceremony, performance and visual art, and is associated with great acts of creation and destruction. Although Rainbow Serpent imagery varies, its supernatural nature is usually emphasised by its form, often through the incorporation of attributes derived from a variety of natural creatures. Rock paintings of the Being are scattered across the continent but a particularly large sample can be found in western Arnhem Land. We analyse 107 of these in detail and note variation across both time and space through the use of multivariate statistical techniques. We hypothesise about the origins of the oldest images and compare key elements of Rainbow Serpent stories to those of ‘Yam Style’ Rainbow Serpents, reputed to be 4000–6000 years of age. It is our contention that an archaeological context for many of the more significant aspects of Rainbow Serpent oral history can be found over several millennia.
Backtracking to Babel: the chronology of Pama‐Nyungan expansion in Australia
Authors: McConvell Patrick
Published: November 2014

In the Holocene the Pama‐Nyungan language family expanded to cover most of Australia, replacing languages previously spoken in many regions. Most phases of this expansion in the west of the continent have occurred in the last 3000 years as a result of migration, and can be correlated with archaeological evidence of new activity. Intermeshed with the migration of peoples and language expansion are cultural diffusion events which can be assigned a chronology relative to each other and to the migration events by linguistics. These relative chronologies have the potential to become absolute chronologies with the assistance of archaeological evidence. Even without many such clues, however, the method of ‘backtracking’ described here allows us to construct detailed chronologies for the late Holocene. Known stages of expansion and cultural diffusion are sequenced making reasonable inferences about the time needed between each stage and ensuring that sequences in different regions which link together also connect chronologically, leading to an estimate of 6000 BP for Proto‐Pama‐Nyungan. Particularly in focus in this paper is the chronology of diffusion of the western section and subsection forms of social categorisation in the last 2000 years, and how this interacts with the later phases of Pama‐Nyungan expansion.
The New Age of alternative archaeology in Australia
Authors: Hiscock Peter
Published: November 2014

A review of unconventional views of the chronology of humans in Australia reveals something of the structure and diversity of alternative archaeology. Alternative ideas on Australian prehistory are increasingly brought to the public through high volume sales of magazines and books, and there are indications that such views currently have a surprising level of popularity. Increasingly these views are being rephrased to be mystical or ‘New Age’ in nature rather than pseudo‐scientific. Some of the complexity of any response by conventional archaeology is discussed.
Transformations: history and prehistory in Hawaii
Authors: Gosden Chris
Published: November 2014

This article explores the relationship between archaeological evidence and writings on anthropological history in Hawaii. The work of Sahlins has caused a renewed interest in history and this has focused on structures of meaning and how these can be put at risk through unforeseen events. Meaning is not often accessible to the prehistorian, but through considering patterns of practice as they unfold over long periods of time we can look at the landscapes within which meanings were generated. A brief consideration of the some aspects of the archaeology of Hawaii aims to show how patterns of practice were increasingly formalised and channelled, laying the basis for social divisions and their symbolic systems which are seen from the early historic period. By combining evidence from archaeology and history it is possible to consider how thought and action are mutually influential, as well as look at the differing timescales on which these two elements of human life operate.
Understanding ‘deep’ time — Advances since Archbishop Ussher?
Authors: Murray‐Wallace Colin V.
Published: November 2014

Our comprehension of ‘deep’ time and our approaches to measuring this phenomenon have evolved considerably since the work of Archbishop James Ussher and Rev. John Lightfoot in the 17th century. Early attempts to determine the age of the Earth (that is, the moment of creation) were primarily based on the literal interpretation of Scriptures. With the emergence of geology as a formal academic discipline, scholars began to use qualitative evidence to argue for an older Earth. Today, measurement of ‘deep’ time is based on numeric dating methods. Refinements to radiocarbon dating highlight the present day nuances of resolving ‘deep’ time. Our present conception of ‘deep’ time is not without its inherent difficulties and often involves gospel acceptance of dates and assumptions about depositional processes.
Retracted: Bone Mineral Density Predicts Fractures in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: West Sarah L. , Lok Charmaine E. , Langsetmo Lisa , Cheung Angela M. , Szabo Eva , Pearce Dawn , Fusaro Maria , Wald Ron , Weinstein Jordan , Jamal Sophie A.
Published: November 2014

Fractures are common in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The optimal methods by which to assess fracture risk are unknown, in part, due to a lack of prospective studies. We determined if bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and/or high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT) could predict fractures in men and women ≥18 years old with stages 3 to 5 CKD. BMD was measured by DXA (at the total hip, lumbar spine, ultradistal, and 1/3 radius) and by HRpQCT (at the radius), and subjects were followed for 2 years for incident morphometric spine fractures and low-trauma clinical fractures. The mean age of the subjects was 62 years with equal numbers having stages 3, 4, and 5 CKD. Over 2 years there were 51 fractures in 35 subjects. BMD by DXA at baseline was significantly lower at all sites among those with incident fractures versus those without. For example, the mean BMD at the total hip in those with incident fractures was 0.77 g/cm2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73 to 0.80) and in those without fracture was 0.95 g/cm2 (95% CI, 0.92 to 0.98). Almost all baseline HRpQCT measures were lower in those with incident fracture versus those without. For example, volumetric BMD in those with incident fractures was 232 mg HA/cm3 (95% CI, 213 to 251) and in those without fracture was 317.6 mg HA/cm3 (95% CI, 306 to 329.1). Bone loss occurred in all subjects, but was significantly greater among those with incident fractures. Our data demonstrate that low BMD (by DXA and HRpQCT) and a greater annualized percent decrease in BMD are risk factors for subsequent fracture in men and women with predialysis CKD. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Bone Density, Microstructure and Strength in Obese and Normal Weight Men and Women in Younger and Older Adulthood
Authors: Evans Amy L , Paggiosi Margaret A , Eastell Richard , Walsh Jennifer S
Published: November 2014

Obesity is associated with greater areal BMD (aBMD) and is considered protective against hip and vertebral fracture. Despite this, there is a higher prevalence of lower leg and proximal humerus fracture in obesity. We aimed to determine if there are site-specific differences in BMD, bone structure, or bone strength between obese and normal-weight adults. We studied 100 individually-matched pairs of normal (body mass index [BMI] 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2) and obese (BMI >30 kg/m2) men and women, aged 25 to 40 years or 55 to 75 years. We assessed aBMD at the whole body (WB), hip (TH), and lumbar spine (LS) with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), LS trabecular volumetric BMD (Tb.vBMD) by quantitative computed tomography (QCT), and vBMD and microarchitecture and strength at the distal radius and tibia with high-resolution peripheral QCT (HR-pQCT) and micro–finite element analysis. Serum type 1 procollagen N-terminal peptide (P1NP) and collagen type 1 C-telopeptide (CTX) were measured by automated electrochemiluminescent immunoassay (ECLIA). Obese adults had greater WB, LS, and TH aBMD than normal adults. The effect of obesity on LS and WB aBMD was greater in older than younger adults (p < 0.01). Obese adults had greater vBMD than normal adults at the tibia (p < 0.001 both ages) and radius (p < 0.001 older group), thicker cortices, higher cortical BMD and tissue mineral density, lower cortical porosity, higher trabecular BMD, and higher trabecular number than normal adults. There was no difference in bone size between obese and normal adults. Obese adults had greater estimated failure load at the radius (p < 0.05) and tibia (p < 0.01). Differences in HR-pQCT measurements between obese and normal adults were seen more consistently in the older than the younger group. Bone turnover markers were lower in obese than in normal adults. Greater BMD in obesity is not an artifact of DXA measurement. Obese adults have higher BMD, thicker and denser cortices, and higher trabecular number than normal adults. Greater differences between obese and normal adults in the older group suggest that obesity may protect against age-related bone loss and may increase peak bone mass. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Ultrastructural analysis of murine hippocampal neural progenitor cells in culture
Authors: Tsupykov Oleg
Published: November 2014

Despite the great number of studies devoted to neural stem/progenitor cell biology, the ultrastructural characteristics of these cells in vitro have not been fully studied. To determine the fine structure of hippocampal neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in culture, mouse fetal hippocampi (E18) were extracted, dissected, and cells were expanded as adherent monolayer culture. Electron microscopy revealed that NPCs had an immature phenotype, with a high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, small and scant organelles, underdeveloped endoplasmic reticulum, and many free ribosomes and polysomes. Our results may contribute to a better understanding of the fine structure and physiology of hippocampal NPCs in vitro. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:128–133, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Experimental Study of the Reaction of Isopropyl Nitrate with OH Radicals: Kinetics and Products
Authors: Romanias Manolis N. , Morin Julien , Bedjanian Yuri
Published: November 2014

The kinetics of the reaction of isopropyl nitrate (IPN) with OH radicals has been studied using a low‐pressure flow tube reactor coupled with a quadrupole mass spectrometer: OH + (CH3)2CHONO2 → products (2). The rate constant of the title reaction was determined using both the absolute method, monitoring the kinetics of OH radicals consumption in excess of IPN, and the relative rate method using the reaction of OH with Br2 as reference one and following HOBr formation. As a result of the absolute and relative measurements, the overall rate coefficients, k2 = (6.6 ± 1.2) × 10−13 exp(–(233 ± 56)/) was determined at a pressure of 1 Torr of helium over the temperature range 268–355 K. Acetone, resulting from H‐atom abstraction from the tertiary C–H bond of IPN followed by 2‐nitroxy‐2‐propyl radical decomposition, was found to be a major reaction product with the yield of 0.82 ± 0.13, independent of temperature in the range 277–355 K.
p28GANK associates with p300 to attenuate the acetylation of RelA
Authors: Ren Y.B. , Luo T. , Li J. , Fu J. , Wang Q. , Cao G.W. , Chen Y. , Wang H.Y.
Published: November 2014

Oncoprotein p28GANK, overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), binds to RelA and retains NF‐κB in the cytoplasm to suppress NF‐κB transactivation. However, the mechanism has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we clarified the mechanism of NF‐κB regulated by p28GANK. p28GANK reduced TNF‐α‐induced nuclear translocation of RelA/NF‐κB independent of HDAC3. p28GANK interacted with p300 to attenuate assembly of RelA with p300, which lessened acetylation of RelA on the lysine 310 sites. Moreover, overexpression of p28GANK attenuated the capability of NF‐κB binding to the target gene IκBα promoter, but also weakened adriamycin‐induced NF‐κB pro‐apoptotic gene Fas and FasL expression, which subsequently made p53‐deficient tumor cells resistance to adriamycin. These results present mechanistic insight into the key role of p28GANK in post‐translational regulation of RelA/NF‐κB. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lower limb muscle impairment in myotonic dystrophy type 1: The need for better guidelines
Authors: Petitclerc Émilie , Hébert Luc J. , Desrosiers Johanne , Gagnon Cynthia
Published: November 2014

In myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), leg muscle weakness is a major impairment. There are challenges to obtaining a clear portrait of muscle strength impairment. A systematic literature review was conducted on lower limb strength impairment in late‐onset and adult phenotypes to document variables which affect strength measurement. Thirty‐two articles were reviewed using the COSMIN guidelines. Only a third of the studies described a reproducible protocol. Only 2 muscle groups have documented reliability for quantitative muscle testing and only 1 total score for manual muscle testing. Variables affecting muscle strength impairment are not described in most studies. This review illustrates the variability in muscle strength assessment in relation to DM1 characteristics and the questionable validity of the results with regard to undocumented methodological properties. There is therefore a clear need to adopt a consensus on the use of a standardized muscle strength assessment protocol. Muscle Nerve 51: 473–478, 2015
Quantitative assessment of lingual strength in late‐onset Pompe disease
Authors: Jones Harrison N. , Crisp Kelly D. , Asrani Priyanka , Sloane Richard , Kishnani Priya S.
Published: November 2014

Introduction: Skeletal muscle is common in late‐onset Pompe disease (LOPD). Recent data implicate common bulbar muscle involvement (i.e., the tongue). Methods: We used quantitative assessment of lingual strength to retrospectively determine the frequency and severity of lingual weakness in LOPD. We additionally examined associations between lingual strength and the presence or absence of dysarthria, and dysarthria severity. Results: Quantitative assessment revealed lingual weakness to be present in 80% of the sample. In the 24 affected patients, severity was mild in 29%, moderate in 29%, and severe in 42%. Patients with clinical dysarthria had greater lingual weakness than those without. As dysarthria severity increased, lingual strength decreased by an average of 6.82 kPa. Conclusions: These quantitative data provide additional evidence for presence of bulbar muscle disease in patients with LOPD. Further study is necessary to determine functional effects, temporal progression, and effects of treatment. Muscle Nerve 51:731–735, 2015
An analysis of the impact of pre‐analytical factors on the urine proteome: Sample processing time, temperature, and proteolysis
Authors: Hepburn Sophie , Cairns David A. , Jackson David , Craven Rachel A. , Riley Beverley , Hutchinson Michelle , Wood Steven , Smith Matthew Welberry , Thompson Douglas , Banks Rosamonde E.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

We have examined the impact of sample processing time delay, temperature, and the addition of protease inhibitors (PIs) on the urinary proteome and peptidome, an important aspect of biomarker studies.

Experimental design

Ten urine samples from patients with varying pathologies were each divided and PIs added to one‐half, with aliquots of each then processed and frozen immediately, or after a delay of 6 h at 4°C or room temperature (20–22°C), effectively yielding 60 samples in total. Samples were then analyzed by 2D‐PAGE, SELDI‐TOF‐MS, and immunoassay.

Results

Interindividual variability in profiles was the dominant feature in all analyses. Minimal changes were observed by 2D‐PAGE as a result of delay in processing, temperature, or PIs and no changes were seen in IgG, albumin, β2‐microglobulin, or α1‐microglobulin measured by immunoassay. Analysis of peptides showed clustering of some samples by presence/absence of PIs but the extent was very patient‐dependent with most samples showing minimal effects.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

The extent of processing‐induced changes and the benefit of PI addition are patient‐ and sample‐dependent. A consistent processing methodology is essential within a study to avoid any confounding of the results.
Forced LIGHT expression in prostate tumors overcomes Treg mediated immunosuppression and synergizes with a prostate tumor therapeutic vaccine by recruiting effector T lymphocytes
Authors: Yan Lisa , Silva Diane M. Da , Verma Bhavna , Gray Andrew , Brand Heike E. , Skeate Joseph G. , Porras Tania B. , Kanodia Shreya , Kast W. Martin
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND

LIGHT, a ligand for lymphotoxin‐β receptor (LTβR) and herpes virus entry mediator, is predominantly expressed on activated immune cells and LTβR signaling leads to the recruitment of lymphocytes. The interaction between LIGHT and LTβR has been previously shown to activate immune cells and result in tumor regression in a virally‐induced tumor model, but the role of LIGHT in tumor immunosuppression or in a prostate cancer setting, where self antigens exist, has not been explored. We hypothesized that forced expression of LIGHT in prostate tumors would shift the pattern of immune cell infiltration toward an anti‐tumoral milieu, would inhibit T regulatory cells (Tregs) and would induce prostate cancer tumor associated antigen (TAA) specific T cells that would eradicate tumors.

METHODS

Real Time PCR was used to evaluate expression of forced LIGHT and other immunoregulatory genes in prostate tumors samples. For in vivo studies, adenovirus encoding murine LIGHT was injected intratumorally into TRAMP‐C2 prostate cancer cell tumor bearing mice. Chemokine and cytokine concentrations were determined by multiplex ELISA. Flow cytometry was used to phenotype tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and expression of LIGHT on the tumor cell surface. Tumor‐specific lymphocytes were quantified via ELISpot assay. Treg induction and Treg suppression assays determined Treg functionality after LIGHT treatment.

RESULTS

LIGHT in combination with a therapeutic vaccine, PSCA TriVax, reduced tumor burden. LIGHT expression peaked within 48 hr of infection, recruited effector T cells that recognized mouse prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) into the tumor microenvironment, and inhibited infiltration of Tregs. Tregs isolated from tumor draining lymph nodes had impaired suppressive capability after LIGHT treatment.

CONCLUSION

Forced LIGHT treatment combined with PSCA TriVax therapeutic vaccination delays prostate cancer progression in mice by recruiting effector T lymphocytes to the tumor and inhibiting Treg mediated immunosuppression. Prostate 75:280–291, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improving Outcomes in Breast Cancer for Low and Middle Income Countries
Authors: Yip C. H. , Buccimazza I. , Hartman M. , Deo S. V. S. , Cheung P. S. Y.
Published: November 2014

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women world‐wide. Incidence rates in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) are lower than in high income countries; however, the rates are increasing very rapidly in LMICs due to social changes that increase the risk of breast cancer. Breast cancer mortality rates in LMICs remain high due to late presentation and inadequate access to optimal care. Breast Surgery International brought together a group of breast surgeons from different parts of the world to address strategies for improving outcomes in breast cancer for LMICs at a symposium during International Surgical Week in Helsinki, Finland in August 2013. A key strategy for early detection is public health education and breast awareness. Sociocultural barriers to early detection and treatment need to be addressed. Optimal management of breast cancer requires a multidisciplinary team. Surgical treatment is often the only modality of treatment available in low‐resource settings where modified radical mastectomy is the most common operation performed. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy require more resources. Endocrine therapy is available but requires accurate assessment of estrogen receptors status. Targeted therapy with trastuzumab is generally unavailable due to cost. The Breast Health Global Initiative guidelines for the early detection and appropriate treatment of breast cancer in LMICs have been specifically designed to improve breast cancer outcomes in these regions. Closing the cancer divide between rich and poor countries is a moral imperative and there is an urgent need to prevent breast cancer deaths with early detection and optimal access to treatment.
Reporting Child Language Sampling Procedures
Authors: Finestack Lizbeth H. , Payesteh Bita , Disher Jill Rentmeester , Julien Hannah M.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Despite the long history of language sampling use in the study of child language development and disorders, there are no set guidelines specifying the reporting of language sampling procedures. The authors propose reporting standards for use by investigators who employ language samples in their research.

Method

The authors conducted a literature search of child-focused studies published in journals of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association between January 2000 and December 2011 that included language sampling procedures to help characterize child participants or to derive measures to serve as dependent variables. Following this search, they reviewed each study and documented the language sampling procedures reported.

Results

The authors' synthesis revealed that approximately 25% of all child-focused studies use language samples to help characterize participants and/or derive dependent variables. They found remarkable inconsistencies in the reporting of language sampling procedures.

Conclusion

To maximize the conclusions drawn from research using language samples, the authors strongly encourage investigators of child language to consistently report language sampling procedures using the proposed reporting checklist.
Whisper‐to‐speech conversion using restricted Boltzmann machine arrays
Authors: Li Jing‐jie , McLoughlin Ian V. , Dai Li‐Rong , Ling Zhen‐hua
Published: November 2014

Whispers are a natural vocal communication mechanism, in which vocal cords do not vibrate normally. Lack of glottal‐induced pitch leads to low energy, and an inherent noise‐like spectral distribution reduces intelligibility. Much research has been devoted to processing of whispers, including conversion of whispers to speech. Unfortunately, among several approaches, the best reconstructed speech to date still contains obviously artificial muffles and suffers from an unnatural prosody. To address these issues, the novel use of multiple restricted Boltzmann machines (RBMs) is reported as a statistical conversion model between whisper and speech spectral envelopes. Moreover, the accuracy of estimated pitch is improved using machine learning techniques for pitch estimation within only voiced (V) regions. Both objective and subjective evaluations show that this new method improves the quality of whisper‐reconstructed speech compared with the state‐of‐the‐art approaches.
Wideband microstrip series‐fed magnetic dipole array antenna
Authors: Yang Lei , Zhang Jin‐Dong , Wu Wen
Published: November 2014

A wideband microstrip series‐fed magnetic dipole array antenna is proposed. The five‐element dipole array antenna is designed to achieve both wide bandwidth and high gain because of its microstrip series feeding structure. The low‐profile low‐cost array is suitable for applications such as wideband high‐gain wireless communications. Measured and simulated results are in good agreement. The measured impedance bandwidth of the array is enhanced up to 28.6% (5.0–6.7 GHz). The radiation patterns show its advantages of high gain (about 10 dBi), endfire radiation and vertical polarisation.
Performance analysis for randomly distributed mixed carbon nanotube bundle interconnects
Authors: Majumder Manoj Kumar , Kumar Jainender , Kumar Vobulapuram Ramesh , Kaushik Brajesh Kumar
Published: November 2014

During the recent past, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have rapidly gained importance in an intensely growing researched area of interconnects. For various reasons, bundled CNTs are often preferred over single‐walled CNTs (SWCNTs) or multi‐walled CNTs (MWCNTs). However, during fabrication, it is difficult to control the growth of a densely packed bundle having SWCNTs with uniform diameters or MWCNTs with an identical number of shells. Therefore, a realistic CNT bundle is in fact a mixed CNT bundle (MCB) that consists of SWCNTs and MWCNTs. In light of these facts, an analytical model of a MCB that follows the random distribution of CNTs in a bundle is introduced. Depending on the probability of distribution of CNTs having different diameters, a compact multi‐conductor transmission line (MTL) and a simplified equivalent single conductor (ESC) model are presented. Encouragingly, the simplified ESC model exhibits an average error of only 2.44% at different interconnect lengths compared with the delay obtained through the MTL approach. Mean diameter and tube density of the MCB are mapped to the ESC model to analyse the propagation delay, power dissipation and crosstalk. Irrespective of interconnect lengths, it is observed that the performances are significantly improved for higher tube density in a MCB.
Vitrification in a wide cooling rate range: The relations between cooling rate, relaxation time, transition width, and fragility
Authors: Schawe Jürgen E. K.
Published: November 2014

The cooling rate dependence of the thermal glass transition of polystyrene (PS) is measured in a range between 0.2 K/min (0.003 K/s) and 4000 K/s using conventional differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fast Scanning Calorimetry (Flash DSC 1). The cooling rate dependence of the thermal glass transition can be described in an analogy to the frequency dependence of the dynamic glass transition. The relation between cooling rate, βc, and frequency, ω, is usually described by the Frenkel-Kobeko-Reiner-(FKR) hypothesis βc/ω = C, where C is a constant. We have introduced a new property to describe the kinetics of the vitrification process; the vitrification function, κ. This function is the ratio between the width of the thermal and dynamic glass transition. The validity of the FKR hypothesis is analyzed by two independent methods, the analysis of the activation diagram using the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann-Hesse equation and the analysis of the temperature dependence of the transition width. We derived a relation for the FKR-constant, which indicates the validity range of the FKR hypotheses. This hypothesis is valid if the logarithmic width of the vitrified and the non-vitrified relaxation spectrum is temperature invariant. This condition is fulfilled for polystyrene in the measured cooling rate range. Furthermore we discuss the relation between the vitrification function, the transition width, the FKR constant, and the fragility.
Transferred metal electrode films for large-area electronic devices
Authors: Yang Jin-Guo , Kam Fong-Yu , Chua Lay-Lay
Published: November 2014

The evaporation of metal-film gate electrodes for top-gate organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) limits the minimum thickness of the polymer gate dielectric to typically more than 300 nm due to deep hot metal atom penetration and damage of the dielectric. We show here that the self-release layer transfer method recently developed for high-quality graphene transfer is also capable of giving high-quality metal thin-film transfers to produce high-performance capacitors and OFETs with superior dielectric breakdown strength even for ultrathin polymer dielectric films. Dielectric breakdown strengths up to 5–6 MV cm−1 have been obtained for 50-nm thin films of polystyrene and a cyclic olefin copolymer TOPAS® (Zeon). High-quality OFETs with sub-10 V operational voltages have been obtained this way using conventional polymer dielectrics and a high-mobility polymer semiconductor poly[2,5-bis(3-tetradecylthiophene-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene-2,5-diyl]. The transferred metal films can make reliable contacts without damaging ultrathin polymer films, self-assembled monolayers and graphene, which is not otherwise possible from evaporated or sputtered metal films.
A microfluidic device to apply shear stresses to polarizing ciliated airway epithelium using air flow
Authors: Trieu Dennis , Waddell Thomas K. , McGuigan Alison P.
Published: November 2014

Organization of airway epithelium determines ciliary beat direction and coordination for proper mucociliary clearance. Fluidic shear stresses have the potential to influence ciliary organization. Here, an in vitro fluidic flow system was developed for inducing long-term airflow shear stresses on airway epithelium with a view to influencing epithelial organization. Our system consists of a fluidic device for cell culture, integrated into a humidified airflow circuit. The fluidic device has a modular design and is made from a combination of polystyrene and adhesive components incorporated into a 6-well filter membrane insert. We demonstrate the system operates within physiologically relevant shear and pressure ranges and estimate the shear stress exerted on the epithelial cell layer as a result of air flow using a computational model. For both the bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS2B and primary human tracheal airway epithelial cells, we demonstrate that cells remain viable within the device when exposed to airflow for 24 h and that normal differentiation and cilia formation occurs. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utility of our device for exploring the impact of exposing cells to airflow: our tool enables quantification of cytoskeletal organization, and is compatible with in situ bead assays to assess the orientation of cilia beating.
Suppression of self-heating effect in AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors by substrate-transfer technology using h-BN
Authors: Hiroki Masanobu , Kumakura Kazuhide , Kobayashi Yasuyuki , Akasaka Tetsuya , Makimoto Toshiki , Yamamoto Hideki
Published: November 2014

We fabricated AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) on h-BN/sapphire substrates and transferred them from the host substrates to copper plates using h-BN as a release layer. In current–voltage characteristics, the saturation drain current decreased by about 30% under a high-bias condition before release by self-heating effect. In contrast, after transfer, the current decrement was as small as 8% owing to improved heat dissipation: the device temperature increased to 50 °C in the as-prepared HEMT, but only by several degrees in the transferred HEMT. An effective way to improve AlGaN/GaN HEMT performance by a suppression of self-heating effect has been demonstrated.
Minority carrier lifetime in mid-wavelength infrared InAs/InAsSb superlattices: Photon recycling and the role of radiative and Shockley-Read-Hall recombination mechanisms
Authors: Höglund L. , Ting D. Z. , Soibel A. , Fisher A. , Khoshakhlagh A. , Hill C. J. , Keo S. , Gunapala S. D.
Published: November 2014

The influence of radiative recombination on the minority carrier lifetime in mid-wavelength InAs/InAsSb superlattices was investigated. From the lifetime's dependence on temperature, photon recycling, and carrier concentration, it was demonstrated that radiative lifetime dominates for carrier concentrations >5 × 1014 cm−3, and Shockley-Read-Hall recombination starts to dominate the minority carrier lifetime for carrier concentrations <5 × 1014 cm−3. An observed increase of the minority carrier lifetime with increasing superlattice thickness was attributed to photon recycling, and good agreement between measured and theoretical values of the photon recycling factor was obtained.
The effect of presentation rate on foreign-language vocabulary learning
Authors: Zeelenberg René , de Jonge Mario , Tabbers Huib K. , Pecher Diane
Published: November 2014

The present study examined the effect of presentation rate on foreign-language vocabulary learning. Experiment 1 varied presentation rates from 1 s to 16 s per pair while keeping the total study time per pair constant. Speakers of English studied Dutch–English translation pairs (e.g., kikker– frog) for 16 × 1 s, 8 × 2 s, 4 × 4 s, 2 × 8 s, or 1 × 16 s. The results showed a nonmonotonic relationship between presentation rate and recall performance for both translation directions (Dutch → English and English → Dutch). Performance was best for intermediate presentation rates and dropped off for short (1 s) or long (16 s) presentation rates. Experiment 2 showed that the nonmonotonic relationship between presentation rate and recall performance was still present after a 1-day retention interval for both translation directions. Our results suggest that a presentation rate in the order of 4 s results in optimal learning of foreign-language vocabulary.
Feedback can be superior to observational training for both rule-based and information-integration category structures
Authors: Edmunds C. E. R. , Milton Fraser , Wills Andy J.
Published: November 2014

The effects of two different types of training on rule-based and information-integration category learning were investigated in two experiments. In observational training, a category label is presented, followed by an example of that category and the participant's response. In feedback training, the stimulus is presented, and the participant assigns it to a category and then receives feedback about the accuracy of that decision. Ashby, Maddox, and Bohil (2002. Observational versus feedback training in rule-based and information-integration category learning. Memory & Cognition, 30, 666–677) reported that feedback training was superior to observational training when learning information-integration category structures, but that training type had little effect on the acquisition of rule-based category structures. These results were argued to support the COVIS (competition between verbal and implicit systems) dual-process account of category learning. However, a number of nonessential differences between their rule-based and information-integration conditions complicate interpretation of these findings. Experiment 1 controlled between-category structures for participant error rates, category separation, and the number of stimulus dimensions relevant to the categorization. Under these more controlled conditions, rule-based and information-integration category structures both benefited from feedback training to a similar degree. Experiment 2 maintained this difference in training type when learning a rule-based category that had otherwise been matched, in terms of category overlap and overall performance, with the rule-based categories used in Ashby et al. These results indicate that differences in dimensionality between the category structures in Ashby et al. is a more likely explanation for the interaction between training type and category structure than the dual-system explanation that they offered.
Semantic interference in picture naming during dual-task performance does not vary with reading ability
Authors: Piai Vitória , Roelofs Ardi , Roete Ingeborg
Published: November 2014

Previous dual-task studies examining the locus of semantic interference of distractor words in picture naming have obtained diverging results. In these studies, participants manually responded to tones and named pictures while ignoring distractor words (picture–word interference, PWI) with varying stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) between tone and PWI stimulus. Whereas some studies observed no semantic interference at short SOAs, other studies observed effects of similar magnitude at short and long SOAs. The absence of semantic interference in some studies may perhaps be due to better reading skill of participants in these than in the other studies. According to such a reading-ability account, participants’ reading skill should be predictive of the magnitude of their interference effect at short SOAs. To test this account, we conducted a dual-task study with tone discrimination and PWI tasks and measured participants’ reading ability. The semantic interference effect was of similar magnitude at both short and long SOAs. Participants’ reading ability was predictive of their naming speed but not of their semantic interference effect, contrary to the reading ability account. We conclude that the magnitude of semantic interference in picture naming during dual-task performance does not depend on reading skill.
Robust relationship between yields and nitrogen inputs indicates three ways to reduce nitrogen pollution
Authors: Bodirsky Benjamin Leon , Müller Christoph
Published: November 2014

Historic increases in agricultural production came at the expense of substantial environmental burden through nitrogen pollution. Lassaletta et al (2014 Environ. Res. Lett.

9 105011) examine the historic relationship of crop yields and nitrogen fertilizer inputs globally and find a simple and robust relationship of declining nitrogen use efficiency with increasing nitrogen inputs. This general relationship helps to understand the dilemma between increased agricultural production and nitrogen pollution and allows identifying pathways towards more sustainable agricultural production and necessary associated policies.
Transfusion Requirements in Surgical Oncology Patients
Authors: Pinheiro de Almeida Juliano , Vincent Jean-Louis , Barbosa Gomes Galas Filomena Regina , Pinto Marinho de Almeida Elisangela , Fukushima Julia T. , Osawa Eduardo A. , Bergamin Fabricio , Lee Park Clarice , Nakamura Rosana Ely , Fonseca Silvia M. R. , Cutait Guilherme , Inacio Alves Joseane , Bazan Mellik , Vieira Silvia , Vieira Sandrini Ana C. , Palomba Henrique , Ribeiro Ulysses , Crippa Alexandre , Dalloglio Marcos , del Pilar Estevez Diz Maria , Kalil Filho Roberto , Costa Auler Jose Otavio , Rhodes Andrew , Hajjar Ludhmila Abrahao
Published: November 2014

Background:

Several studies have indicated that a restrictive erythrocyte transfusion strategy is as safe as a liberal one in critically ill patients, but there is no clear evidence to support the superiority of any perioperative transfusion strategy in patients with cancer.

Methods:

In a randomized, controlled, parallel-group, double-blind (patients and outcome assessors) superiority trial in the intensive care unit of a tertiary oncology hospital, the authors evaluated whether a restrictive strategy of erythrocyte transfusion (transfusion when hemoglobin concentration <7 g/dl) was superior to a liberal one (transfusion when hemoglobin concentration <9 g/dl) for reducing mortality and severe clinical complications among patients having major cancer surgery. All adult patients with cancer having major abdominal surgery who required postoperative intensive care were included and randomly allocated to treatment with the liberal or the restrictive erythrocyte transfusion strategy. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of mortality and morbidity.

Results:

A total of 198 patients were included as follows: 101 in the restrictive group and 97 in the liberal group. The primary composite endpoint occurred in 19.6% (95% CI, 12.9 to 28.6%) of patients in the liberal-strategy group and in 35.6% (27.0 to 45.4%) of patients in the restrictive-strategy group (P = 0.012). Compared with the restrictive strategy, the liberal transfusion strategy was associated with an absolute risk reduction for the composite outcome of 16% (3.8 to 28.2%) and a number needed to treat of 6.2 (3.5 to 26.5).

Conclusion:

A liberal erythrocyte transfusion strategy with a hemoglobin trigger of 9 g/dl was associated with fewer major postoperative complications in patients having major cancer surgery compared with a restrictive strategy.
The 20% solution?: a case study on the efficacy of reverse auctions
Authors: Stein Andrew , Hawking Paul , Wyld David C.
Published: November 2014

In the late 1990’s, online B2B auctions were proliferating and were being adopted in a wide variety of circumstances. The reverse auction tool has evolved to take advantage of internet technology, and online auctions have been identified by many large organisations as a tool to achieve procurement savings. As companies adopt this technology, it is important for them to understand the implications of this type of procurement. This paper adopts a case study approach to identify the issues for both buyers and sellers using this type of B2B application. It describes the conduct of a reverse auction, from the preliminary steps all the way to the final awarding of the contract. The case study is viewed through the eyes of a supplier, undertaking a reverse auction for the first time. The main outcomes show that the auction vendor and buyer were major winners – with the supplier expending considerable time and effort to participate in the auction, only to realise that the auction places cost above all other factors in awarding the contract. The importance of cost over service delivery, customer support and buyer‐supplier relationship was the “bitter pill” the supplier had to swallow.
Merger: institutional interplay with customer relationship management
Authors: Lukkari Pirjo
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss institutional influence on customer relationship management (CRM) practices and the restructuring of portfolios during the merger of two pharmaceutical companies.

Design/methodology/approach

An explanatory case study from the perspective of the focal actor.

Findings

Isomorphic pressures and some organizational conditions are identified as relevant factors in the redefinition of the customer, the outcome of which is the deinstitutionalization of some CRM practices and the restructuring of customer portfolios. It is also proposed that procedural legitimacy drives the change within the network organization.

Research limitations/implications

This study reported in this paper is idiographic and explores one case. Further longitudinal research is needed in order to generalize the findings.

Practical implications

CRM practices are contingent upon how isomorphic pressures are coped with and how the institutional arrangements are utilized during the merger.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the discussion on institutional influence on CRM in network organizations.
Improving auditor effectiveness in assessing KYC/AML practices
Authors: De Smet Dieter , Mention Anne‐Laure
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the suitability of an ISO standard to create an internal control assessment model, which effectively acts as a control system template and mental model to evaluate compliance with the Know Your Customer (KYC) and anti‐money laundering (AML) requirements in the Luxembourg retail and private banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a qualitative approach with various focus groups and case studies, to elaborate and validate the developed model through methodological triangulation.

Findings

The proposed assessment model has a matrix structure that facilitates the incorporation of checklists and narratives to ensure effective testing of controls and its structure allows targeting specific areas of risk in the identified KYC/AML processes.

Research limitations/implications

The development of the model tended to be time consuming and could explain why matrix formats are used less often and the traditional limitations of a qualitative research apply.

Practical implications

The model can be used to combine various reporting formats on internal control, hence the audit effectiveness can be increased and information asymmetries can be reduced.

Originality/value

The proposed assessment model offers an innovative approach because it combines a process view of the business with an internal control view. Research in internal control assessment models has been very limited in the past years.
A free market for kidneys: options, futures, forward, and spot
Authors: Barnett William , Saliba Michael
Published: November 2014

There is a significant body of literature explaining how a free market for kidneys would eliminate both the economic and the medical shortage of kidneys and thus, in addition to supplying sufficient kidneys for those who become needy in the future, remove the entire backlog of 40,000+ patients waiting for a kidney transplant in the United States. This article is an attempt to fathom the financial and market processes that would evolve were a free market for kidneys to be permitted. Issues addressed include the types of institutions that would likely develop, how transactions would be facilitated, and what would happen to the price of kidneys both in the short and long term.
An empirical examination of the involvement to external search relationship in services marketing
Authors: McColl‐Kennedy Janet R. , Fetter Richard E.
Published: November 2014

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of involvement on consumers’ external search activities across several service settings. Two of the services were credence services (life insurance and furnace overhaul) and two services were experiential services (exercise club and Caribbean vacation). Involvement was measured with a two‐dimensional nine‐item scale, the dimensions being importance and involvement. External search was assessed using a seven‐item two‐dimensional scale, source and effort in search. Self‐administered surveys were completed by 331 residents of a major Midwestern US city. The results indicate that, across all four services, involvement does indeed influence consumers’ propensity to search externally. Finally, the implications of the findings for marketing managers are discussed.
Virtual team trust: task, communication and sequence
Authors: Olson Joel , Olson Linda
Published: November 2014

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of task interdependence, communication medium, and sequence of conditions on trust in virtual teams.

Design/methodology/approach

A pilot experiment was conducted using 22 subjects in eight groups with a mixed 2×2 design. A within‐groups method with repeated measures was used to explore time pressure and task complexity, communication medium and individual perceptions of trust. A between‐groups method was used for sequence of conditions. The four study conditions were: a simple task in a face‐to‐face condition; a complex task in a face‐to‐face condition; a simple task in a computer‐mediated condition; and a complex task in a computer‐mediated condition. Groups were randomly assigned to a starting condition. Each group was rotated through all the conditions. Following each condition, subjects completed the modified Jarvenpaa‐Knoll‐Leidner trust measure assessing their individual perception of trust for that condition.

Findings

Significant effects were found on the relationships between the communication medium and condition sequences of task interdependence and communication medium on individual perceptions of trust. No significant effects were found on the relationship of task interdependence and individual perceptions of trust.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size makes the study more descriptive than inferential.

Originality/value

This study intends to add to the trust literature by examining the impact of task interdependence, communication medium, and sequence of conditions on trust in virtual teams. Its primary contribution is the sequence of conditions on trust. The trust affect of condition sequence is linked to task interdependence, communication predictability, and adpative structuration theory.