bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cause analysis for unsatisfactory results in proficiency
testing activities: a case study of Brazilian calibration laboratories accredited under
ISO/IEC 17025:2005
Authors: Silva M.A.F. , Moura M.H. , Nogueira R. , Costa S.R.R.
Published: November 2013

This work presents the results of a survey carried out among Brazilian calibration
laboratories accredited under ISO/IEC 17025:2005 with the objective to identify how these
laboratories investigate the root causes of unsatisfactory results in proficiency testing.
The survey was coordinated by the Brazilian accreditation body, the General Coordination
for Accreditation (Cgcre), of the Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology
(Inmetro).
The metrological approach: a major key factor for the accreditation and continuous improvement of the wood preservation laboratory of Cirad
Authors: Martin L. , Baudassé Ch. , Leménager N. , Thévenon M.-F.
Published: November 2013

Since 2006, the wood preservation laboratory of Cirad is accredited by COFRAC (French accreditation committee – accreditation No. 1-1686) for tests on the durability of wood and wood-based products and on protective efficacy of wood preservatives and termite control products. The metrological approach adopted by the wood preservation laboratory is a key factor on the continuous improvement of practices. Tests to determine the resistance against wood-destroying biological agents are the most difficult of all wood analysis tests. They are aimed at assessing and quantifying the impact of living organism, such as fungi and termites, on a lignocellulosic material. The extent of variability of this impact, which in turn is linked with the diversity of these organisms and of the material, can be readily determined. The validity and reliability of the findings therefore depend directly on the quality of the metrological process, including the choice of measurement devices, their management and compliance with international standards.
Measurement of the perceived quality of a product
Authors: Maire J.-L. , Pillet M. , Baudet N.
Published: November 2013

For some companies, visual inspection has become an essential step when seeking to improve the quality of their products. The aim of this control is to be sure of the perceived quality of the product, which often goes well beyond the quality expected by the customer. For this type of control, the controller should be able to detect any anomaly on a product, characterize this anomaly, and then evaluate it in order to decide if the product should be accepted or rejected. This paper describes how this characterization can be carried out and, more specifically, how to measure the impact of the local environment of an anomaly on the perceived quality of the product.
Radio-transparent multi-layer insulation for radiowave receivers
Authors: Choi J. , Ishitsuka H. , Mima S. , Oguri S. , Takahashi K. , Tajima O.
Published: November 2013

In the field of radiowave detection, enlarging the receiver aperture to enhance the amount of light detected is essential for greater scientific achievements. One challenge in using radio transmittable apertures is keeping the detectors cool. This is because transparency to thermal radiation above the radio frequency range increases the thermal load. In shielding from thermal radiation, a general strategy is to install thermal filters in the light path between aperture and detectors. However, there is difficulty in fabricating metal mesh filters of large diameters. It is also difficult to maintain large diameter absorptive-type filters in cold because of their limited thermal conductance. A technology that maintains cold conditions while allowing larger apertures has been long-awaited. We propose radio-transparent multi-layer insulation (RT-MLI) composed from a set of stacked insulating layers. The insulator is transparent to radio frequencies, but not transparent to infrared radiation. The basic idea for cooling is similar to conventional multi-layer insulation. It leads to a reduction in thermal radiation while maintaining a uniform surface temperature. The advantage of this technique over other filter types is that no thermal links are required. As insulator material, we used foamed polystyrene; its low index of refraction makes an anti-reflection coating unnecessary. We measured the basic performance of RT-MLI to confirm that thermal loads are lowered with more layers. We also confirmed that our RT-MLI has high transmittance to radiowaves, but blocks infrared radiation. For example, RT-MLI with 12 layers has a transmittance greater than 95% (lower than 1%) below 200 GHz (above 4 THz). We demonstrated its effects in a system with absorptive-type filters, where aperture diameters were 200 mm. Low temperatures were successfully maintained for the filters. We conclude that this technology significantly enhances the cooling of radiowave receivers, and is particularly suitable for large-aperture systems. This technology is expected to be applicable to various fields, including radio astronomy, geo-environmental assessment, and radar systems.
Ultrafast carrier dynamics in single-crystal In2Se3 thin layers
Authors: Tao Xin , Mafi Elham , Gu Yi
Published: November 2013

Carrier dynamics in single-crystal In2Se3 thin layers with various thicknesses was studied by femtosecond optical pump-probe reflectivity and ultrafast photocurrent measurements. The results suggest that, in thinner (thicker) layers, the carrier recombination dynamics is dominated by three-carrier (bimolecular) Auger process. The Auger time constant was found to decrease with deceasing layer thickness. Surface states were suggested to be the origin of the transition between different Auger processes as the layer thickness varies.
Spear-anvil point-contact spectroscopy in pulsed magnetic fields
Authors: Arnold F. , Yager B. , Kampert E. , Putzke C. , Nyéki J. , Saunders J.
Published: November 2013

We describe a new design and experimental technique for point-contact spectroscopy in non-destructive pulsed magnetic fields up to \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$70\,\rm {T}$\end{document}70T. Point-contact spectroscopy uses a quasi-dc four-point measurement of the current and voltage across a spear-anvil point-contact. The contact resistance could be adjusted over three orders of magnitude by a built-in fine pitch threaded screw. The first measurements using this set-up were performed on both single-crystalline and exfoliated graphite samples in a 150\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\,\rm {ms}$\end{document} ms , pulse length \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$70\,\rm {T}$\end{document}70T coil at 4.2\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\,\rm {K}$\end{document}K and reproduced the well known point-contact spectrum of graphite and showed evidence for a developing high field excitation above 35 T, the onset field of the charge-density wave instability in graphite.
Comparison of Navier-Stokes simulations with long-wave theory: Study of wetting and dewetting
Authors: Mahady K. , Afkhami S. , Diez J. , Kondic L.
Published: November 2013

The classical long-wave theory (also known as lubrication approximation) applied to fluid spreading or retracting on a solid substrate is derived under a set of assumptions, typically including small slopes and negligible inertial effects. In this work, we compare the results obtained by using the long-wave model and by simulating directly the full two-phase Navier-Stokes equations employing a volume-of-fluid method. In order to isolate the influence of the small slope assumption inherent in the long-wave theory, we present a quantitative comparison between the two methods in the regime where inertial effects and the influence of gas phase are negligible. The flow geometries that we consider include wetting and dewetting drops within a broad range of equilibrium contact angles in planar and axisymmetric geometries, as well as liquid rings. For perfectly wetting spreading drops we find good quantitative agreement between the models, with both of them following rather closely Tanner's law. For partially wetting drops, while in general we find good agreement between the two models for small equilibrium contact angles, we also uncover differences which are particularly evident in the initial stages of evolution, for retracting drops, and when additional azimuthal curvature is considered. The contracting rings are also found to evolve differently for the two models, with the main difference being that the evolution occurs on the faster time scale when the long-wave model is considered, although the ring shapes are very similar between the two models.
Electrical transport properties of isolated carbon nanotube/Si heterojunction Schottky diodes
Authors: Uchino T. , Shimpo F. , Kawashima T. , Ayre G. N. , Smith D. C. , de Groot C. H. , Ashburn P.
Published: November 2013

A detailed study of the electrical transport properties of Pd contacted carbon nanotube (CNT)/Si heterojunctions is presented. The CNT with a diameter ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 nm on n-type Si substrates showed rectifying behavior with the ideality factor of 1.1–2.2 and turn on voltage of 0.05–0.34 V. The current-voltage characteristics of the CNT/n+-Si diodes were investigated in the temperature range from 50 to 300 K. The transition from thermionic emission to tunneling process was seen in the forward current around 150 K and the Schottky barrier height at Pd/CNT interface is estimated to be 0.3–0.5 eV.
Tensely strained GeSn alloys as optical gain media
Authors: Wirths S. , Ikonic Z. , Tiedemann A. T. , Holländer B. , Stoica T. , Mussler G. , Breuer U. , Hartmann J. M. , Benedetti A. , Chiussi S. , Grützmacher D. , Mantl S. , Buca D.
Published: November 2013

This letter presents the epitaxial growth and characterization of a heterostructure for an electrically injected laser, based on a strained GeSn active well. The elastic strain within the GeSn well can be tuned from compressive to tensile by high quality large Sn content (Si)GeSn buffers. The optimum combination of tensile strain and Sn alloying softens the requirements upon indirect to direct bandgap transition. We theoretically discuss the strain-doping relation for maximum net gain in the GeSn active layer. Employing tensile strain of 0.5% enables reasonable high optical gain values for Ge0.94Sn0.06 and even without any n-type doping for Ge0.92Sn0.08.
First principle analyses of direct bandgap solar cells with absorbing substrates versus mirrors
Authors: Kirk Alexander P. , Kirk Wiley P.
Published: November 2013

Direct bandgap InP, GaAs, CdTe, and Ga0.5In0.5P solar cells containing backside mirrors as well as parasitically absorbing substrates are analyzed for their limiting open circuit voltage and power conversion efficiency with comparison to record solar cells. From the principle of detailed balance, it is shown quantitatively that mirror solar cells have greater voltage and power conversion efficiency than their substrate counterparts. Next, the radiative recombination coefficient and maximum radiative lifetime of GaAs mirror and substrate solar cells are calculated and compared to the nonradiative Auger and Shockley-Read-Hall (SRH) lifetimes. Mirror solar cells have greater radiative lifetime than their substrate variants. Auger lifetime exceeds radiative lifetime for both substrate and mirror cells while SRH lifetime may be less or greater than radiative lifetime depending on trap concentration and capture cross section. Finally, the change in free energy of the photogenerated carriers is analyzed in a comparison between InP, GaAs, CdTe, and Ga0.5In0.5P mirror and substrate solar cells in order to characterize the relationship between solar photon quality and free energy management in solar cells with differing bandgaps. Wider bandgap visible threshold Ga0.5In0.5P solar cells make better use of the available change in free energy of the photogenerated charge carriers, even when normalized to the bandgap energy, than narrower bandgap near-IR threshold InP, GaAs, and CdTe solar cells.
Dynamics of ultrafast laser plasma expansion in the presence of an ambient
Authors: Farid N. , Harilal S. S. , Ding H. , Hassanein A.
Published: November 2013

We investigated the role of ambient gas pressure on the expansion and the emission features during ultrafast laser ablation of metal target. Plasma plumes were generated using 800 nm, 40 fs laser pulses on a copper target and the ambient air pressure was varied more than seven orders (1 × 10−5 – 760 Torr) of magnitude. Fast-gated images showed a complex interaction between the plume and ambient leading to changes in the plume geometry with pressure as well as time. The ambient pressure levels are found to affect both the line intensities and broadening along with signal to noise (S/N) and signal to background (S/B) ratios. The optimum pressure condition for analytical applications is found to be ∼100 Torr.
Periodically multilayered planar optical concentrator for photovoltaic solar cells
Authors: Solano Manuel E. , Faryad Muhammad , Monk Peter B. , Mallouk Thomas E. , Lakhtakia Akhlesh
Published: November 2013

A planar optical concentrator comprising a periodic multilayered isotropic dielectric material backed by a metallic surface-relief grating was theoretically examined for silicon photovoltaics. The concentrator was optimized using a differential evolution algorithm for solar-spectrum-integrated power-flux density. Further optimization was carried out for tolerance to variations in the incidence angle, spatial dimensions, and dielectric properties. The average electron-hole pair density in a silicon solar cell can be doubled, and the material costs substantially diminished by this concentrator, whose efficacy is due to the excitation of waveguide modes and multiple surface-plasmon-polariton waves in a broad spectral regime.
Ultralow-power all-optical tunable dual Fano resonances in nonlinear metamaterials
Authors: Zhang Fan , Hu Xiaoyong , Zhu Yu , Yang Hong , Gong Qihuang
Published: November 2013

Dual Fano resonances are realized in a nonlinear photonic metamaterial consisting of periodic arrays of asymmetrical meta-molecules etched in a gold film coated with azobenzene polymer layer made of poly[(methyl methacrylate)-co-(disperse red 13 acrylate)]. Enormously enhanced photoisomerization associated with resonant excitation brings about a large refractive index variation in the azobenzene polymer. Under excitation of a weak pump light as low as 0.61 kW/cm2, a large shift of 50 nm in the Fano resonance wavelength is obtained. Compared with previous reports, the threshold pump intensity is reduced by seven orders of magnitude while a large tunability is maintained simultaneously.
Spatial Distribution of Attention during Attentional Blink is Influenced by Eye Movements
Authors: Du Feng , Qi Yue , Zhang Kan
Published: November 2013

The present study examined three factors that might influence the spatial distribution of attention after the identification of a first target during attentional blink: The maximum distance between the two targets, the spatial configuration of stimuli, and eye movements. Results showed that the U-shaped distribution of attention during attentional blink persisted in the circular configuration of stimuli irrespective of the radius of the circle. In addition, the U-shaped distribution of attention during attentional blink depends on the circular configuration of stimuli and the central fixation. When two targets appeared in noncircular configurations and eye movements were not strictly restrained, a large proportion of observers showed a gradient for the accuracy of the second target (T2) during attentional blink. However, when observers kept fixating on the central cross in a noncircular configuration, they showed a U-shaped distribution of T2 performance during attentional blink. Furthermore, observers are more likely to show a gradient distribution of T2 performance during attentional blink as their probability of fixating the first target (T1) increases. These results suggest that maintaining equal eccentricity for each stimulus is critical for producing the U-shaped distribution of attention during attentional blink.
I like My Voice Better: Self-Enhancement Bias in Perceptions of Voice Attractiveness
Authors: Hughes Susan M , Harrison Marissa A
Published: November 2013

Previous research shows that the human voice can communicate a wealth of nonsemantic information; preferences for voices can predict health, fertility, and genetic quality of the speaker, and people often use voice attractiveness, in particular, to make these assessments of others. But it is not known what we think of the attractiveness of our own voices as others hear them. In this study eighty men and women rated the attractiveness of an array of voice recordings of different individuals and were not told that their own recorded voices were included in the presentation. Results showed that participants rated their own voices as sounding more attractive than others had rated their voices, and participants also rated their own voices as sounding more attractive than they had rated the voices of others. These findings suggest that people may engage in vocal implicit egotism, a form of self-enhancement.
The Rubber Hand Illusion in a Patient with Hand Disownership
Authors: van Stralen Haike E , van Zandvoort Martine J E , Kappelle L Jaap , Dijkerman H Chris
Published: November 2013

A 78-year-old patient with a right hemispheric sensorimotor ischemic stroke suffered from problems in ownership of her left arm (somatoparaphrenia). After recovering from motor weakness, however, body ownership problems remained present. To assess whether disturbed feelings of ownership coincided with an enhanced or diminished susceptibility for gaining ownership over a foreign hand, we applied the ‘Rubber Hand Illusion’ (RHI) to the ipsi- and contralesional hand. The RHI was significantly stronger for the contralesional left arm than for the right arm. In addition, solely visual exposure to the left rubber hand was sufficient to elicit strong feelings of ownership over the rubber hand. These findings suggest that disturbances in the feeling of body ownership allow a foreign hand to be incorporated more easily.
Diastereoselective Pictet–Spengler Reactions of a Tethered 2-Aminoimidazole
Authors: Shengule Sudhir R. , Karuso Peter
Published: November 2013

The diastereoselective Pictet–Spengler reaction of aminopropyl-2-aminoimidazole with enantiopure aldehydes has been investigated. With amino acid-derived aldehydes, anti stereochemistry is favoured, with a diastereoselectivity up to 92 % achievable. The absolute stereochemistry of the products was determined through synthesis of a rigid derivative and from NMR data in combination with molecular modelling. The diastereoselectivity was shown to be dependent on the steric bulk of the amino acid side chain and independent of the nitrogen protecting group. Lewis acids catalysed the reaction but did not affect the diastereoselectivity.
The Periplasmic PDZ Domain–Containing Protein Prc Modulates Full Virulence, Envelops Stress Responses, and Directly Interacts with Dipeptidyl Peptidase ofXanthomonas oryzaepv.oryzae
Authors: Deng Chao-Ying , Deng Ai-Hua , Sun Shu-Tao , Wang Li , Wu Jie , Wu Yao , Chen Xiao-Ying , Fang Rong-Xiang , Wen Ting-Yi , Qian Wei
Published: November 2013

PDZ domain–containing proteases, also known as HtrA family proteases, play important roles in bacterial cells by modulating disease pathogenesis and cell-envelope stress responses. These proteases have diverse functions through proteolysis- and nonproteolysis-dependent modes. Here, we report that the genome of the causative agent of rice bacterial blight, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, encodes seven PDZ domain–containing proteins. Systematic inactivation of their encoding genes revealed that PXO_01122 and PXO_04290 (prc) are involved in virulence. prc encodes a putative HtrA family protease that localizes in the bacterial periplasm. Mutation of prc also resulted in susceptibility to multiple environmental stresses, including H2O2, sodium dodecylsulfate, and osmolarity stresses. Comparative subproteomic analyses showed that the amounts of 34 periplasmic proteins were lower in the prc mutant than in wild-type. These proteins were associated with proteolysis, biosynthesis of macromolecules, carbohydrate or energy metabolism, signal transduction, and protein translocation or folding. We provide in vivo and in vitro evidence demonstrating that Prc stabilizes and directly binds to one of these proteins, DppP, a dipeptidyl peptidase contributing to full virulence. Taken together, our results suggest that Prc contributes to bacterial virulence by acting as a periplasmic modulator of cell-envelope stress responses.
Single Amino Acid Changes in the 6K1-CI Region Can Promote the Alternative Adaptation of Prunus- and Nicotiana-Propagated Plum pox virus C Isolates to Either Host
Authors: Calvo María , Malinowski Tadeusz , García Juan Antonio
Published: November 2013

Plum pox virus (PPV) C is one of the less common PPV strains and specifically infects cherry trees in nature. Making use of two PPV-C isolates that display different pathogenicity features, i.e., SwCMp, which had been adapted to Nicotiana species, and BY101, which had been isolated from cherry rootstock L2 (Prunus lannesiana) and propagated only in cherry species, we have generated two infective full-length cDNA clones in order to determine which viral factors are involved in the adaptation to each host. According to our results, the C-P3(PIPO)/6K1/N-CI (cylindrical inclusion) region contains overlapping but not coincident viral determinants involved in symptoms development, local viral amplification, and systemic movement capacity. Amino acid changes in this region promoting the adaptation to N. benthamiana or P. avium have trade-off effects in the alternative host. In both cases, adaptation can be achieved through single amino acid changes in the NIapro protease recognition motif between 6K1 and CI or in nearby sequences. Thus, we hypothesize that the potyvirus polyprotein processing could depend on specific host factors and the adaptation of PPV-C isolates to particular hosts relies on a fine regulation of the proteolytic cleavage of the 6K1-CI junction.
Performance Assessment in Airway Management Training for Nonanesthesiology Trainees
Authors: Grissom Thomas E. , Sappenfield Joshua , Galvagno Samuel M. , Cherry Shane V. , Chang Yu-Cherng Channing , Hu Peter F.
Published: November 2013

Background:

Although the use of an anesthesiology “airway” rotation to train the nonanesthesiologist is commonly employed, little data exist on the utility, clinical exposure, and outcomes of these programs.

Methods:

A prospectively collected observational dataset of airway procedures completed by trainees in a 4-week, anesthesiology-based, airway rotation at an academic, level-1 trauma center from July 2010 to September 2012 was reviewed. Prospectively defined data points were collected through an online data tool and included patient demographics, location, date, best laryngoscopic view, and attempt details. At the authors’ institution, an attending trauma anesthesiologist is present for all intubation attempts. The primary outcome was first-attempt success.

Results:

A total of 4,282 self-reported, airway procedures were identified. The median number of procedures performed was 50.4 ± 13.2 (range, 20 to 93; 25th quartile = 41; 75th quartile = 57). Multivariate logistic regression analysis modeling of first-attempt success rate identified two independent predictors of success: rotation week (odds ratio, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.32 to 1.61; P < 0.0001) and number of previous intubation attempts before rotation (odds ratio, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.46; P = 0.02. In addition, the percentage of cases with a self-reported laryngoscopic grade 1 view increased significantly from 61 to 74% (P = 0.015) from week 1 to week 4 of the rotation.

Conclusions:

An anesthesiology-based program for airway training of nonanesthesiologists demonstrates improved self-reported, perceived first-attempt success over the course of training with improved ability to visualize glottic structures.
Cnuella takakiae gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the phylum Bacteroidetes isolated from Takakia lepidozioides
Authors: Zhao Ran , Chen Xin Yao , Li Xue Dong , Tian Yang , Kong Bi He , Chen Zhi Ling , Li Yan Hong
Published: November 2013

A Gram-staining-negative, rod-shaped and non-spore-forming bacterium, designated strain RG1-1T, was isolated from Takakia lepidozioides collected from Gawalong glacier in Tibet, China, and characterized by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The predominant fatty acids of strain RG1-1T were iso-C15 : 0 (19.8 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c, 17.0 %), C16 : 0 (9.9 %) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (9.4 %); its major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, four unidentified aminolipids, one unidentified phospholipid, one unidentified aminoglycolipid, one unidentified glycolipid, and three unidentified lipids. Strain RG1-1T contained MK-7 as the dominant menaquinone, and the G+C content of its genomic DNA was 49.1 mol%. Strain RG1-1T exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (91.8 %) with

Flavisolibacter ginsengiterrae

Gsoil 492T and
Flavisolibacter ginsengisoli
Gsoil 643T. Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain RG1-1T was a member of the family

Chitinophagaceae

, phylum

Bacteroidetes

. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, and phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, strain RG1-1T is considered to represent a novel species of a novel genus, for which the name Cnuella takakiae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RG1-1T ( = CGMCC 1.12492T = DSM 26897T).
Powder diffraction: what's in a name?
Authors: Von Dreele Robert B.
Published: November 2013

The development of powder diffraction is briefly described; the extent of this development from studies of metals to protein crystal structures shows that powder diffraction is at the cutting edge of crystallography. A new name `polycrystallography' is proposed for these endeavours.
The interaction between environment and strategic orientation in born globals’ choice of entry mode
Authors: Efrat Kalanit , Shoham Aviv
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– Entry modes are a central aspect of international business, particularly for young firms lacking organizational experience and capital, such as born global (BG) firms. Few studies on BG internationalization have addressed the antecedents to entry mode decisions in BG firms. Based on the two main groups of factors impacting entry mode decisions in general, namely environmental (external) conditions and firms’ strategic characteristics, the purpose of this paper is to explore how the interaction between country and market factors and BGs’ strategic orientation affects BGs’ choice of low- vs high-commitment entry modes.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data from 104 Israeli high-tech BG firms were gathered in field interviews with managers. Preliminary analyses assessed non-response bias.

Findings

– Most BGs showed a strong Prospector orientation manifested by exploration and exploitation of opportunities. This in turn moderated the impact of several host market factors on the choice of entry mode, encouraging BGs to choose high-commitment entry modes.

Practical implications

– Contrary to earlier research claiming that BGs minimize risk by choosing low-commitment entry modes, the findings show that BGs’ choice of commitment level is affected by host market characteristics.

Originality/value

– It is often thought that BGs’ choice of entry mode is decisively affected by the host market risk profile, encouraging the choice of low-commitment entry modes in riskier markets. As the findings show, however, BGs are also sensitive to the opportunities provided by the host market, sometimes resulting in high-commitment entry modes.
Co-producing care services in rural areas
Authors: Munoz Sarah-Anne
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– Current policy context in the UK promotes the “co-production” of health and care services – with service users and providers working in partnership. However, the assumption that all individuals and communities have the personal resources, skills and willingness to get involved in co-produced services may have implications for social and geographical equity of access to health and care services. The paper presents the results of a nine-month action research project with a remote and rural community in Scotland to discuss the implications of co-produced health and care services for remote and rural community members – particularly those with ageing populations.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research project worked with community members, health care providers and commissioners to develop a community social enterprise model for home care delivery. Textual resources collected during this action research process were subject to thematic analysis in order to explore community perceptions and experiences of service co-production development in the remote and rural context.

Findings

– The qualitative analysis showed that community members identified some positive aspects of being involved in service co-production relating to sense of community, empowerment and personal satisfaction. However, negative impacts included increased feelings of pressure, strain and frustration among those who took part in the co-production process. Overall, the community was reluctant to engage with “transformative” co-production and traditional provider-user dynamics were maintained.

Originality/value

– The example is used to demonstrate the types of resources that rural individuals and communities draw on in order to create social enterprises and how the potentially negative impacts of co-produced services for different types of social and geographical community may be overlooked in contemporary policy and practice.
Extreme trust: the new competitive advantage
Authors: Peppers Don , Rogers Martha
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The authors posit that leading companies are achieving competitive advantage by designing their information system and operations to protect and promote each customer's interest proactively.

Design/methodology/approach

– Called “extreme trust,” this approach requires a re-assessment of value produced by the systems that produce the customer journey experience.

Findings

– Companies need to revisit customer relationship management in the light of three principles: Seeing opportunities to create value from the perspective of the customer; taking extra steps when necessary to ensure that a customer does not make a mistake, or overlook some benefit or service; and not failing to do something that would have significant benefit for the customer.

Research limitations/implications

– Case examples are offered.

Practical implications

– Trustability is in fact financially attractive for a business, even though in many situations it may cost money up front in the form of forgone profits or newly incurred expenses, as many business improvements do.

Originality/value

– The authors promote the proposition that quantifying the benefits of establishing “extreme trust” – including the value of increased customer loyalty, referrals and additional sales – requires a robust customer analytics capability, as well as a financial perspective that fairly balances short-term and long-term results.
Implementation of mindfulness training for adolescent residential clients
Authors: Orlando Edelen Maria , L. Cerully Jennifer , A. Verni Ken , S. Tucker Joan , Fox Eriach
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– Interest in using mindfulness as a clinical intervention technique has increased, with evidence suggesting that it can be successfully integrated both into treatment for adolescents and for people with substance use disorders. The purpose of this paper is to explore the degree to which mindfulness training can be implemented among adolescents undergoing residential substance abuse treatment.

Design/methodology/approach

– Nine adolescent males in a residential therapeutic community (TC) substance use treatment center enrolled in a voluntary mindfulness training program consisting of eight 90 minute sessions, each led by a clinical psychologist trained in mindfulness-based stress reduction. After the training program concluded, a brief participant survey and participant and staff focus groups were conducted.

Findings

– Both survey and focus group discussions indicate that the mindfulness training program was perceived as helpful, acceptable, and feasible. Suggestions for integrating mindfulness training into residential treatment facilities for adolescents are discussed.

Originality/value

– This study highlights the potential of mindfulness training to augment traditional TC treatment for adolescents, and provides enough information for practitioners to implement mindfulness training in their treatment settings.
Antibiotic‐induced Cardiac Arrhythmias
Authors: Abo‐Salem Elsayed , Fowler John C. , Attari Mehran , Cox Craig D. , Perez‐Verdia Alejandro , Panikkath Ragesh , Nugent Kenneth
Published: November 2013

This review aims to clarify the underlying risk of arrhythmia associated with the use of macrolides and fluoroquinolones antibiotics. Torsades de pointes (TdP) is a rare potential side effect of fluoroquinolones and macrolide antibiotics. However, the widespread use of these antibiotics compounds the problem. These antibiotics prolong the phase 3 of the action potential and cause early after depolarization and dispersion of repolarization that precipitate TdP. The potency of these drugs, as potassium channel blockers, is very low, and differences between them are minimal. Underlying impaired cardiac repolarization is a prerequisite for arrhythmia induction. Impaired cardiac repolarization can be congenital in the young or acquired in adults. The most important risk factors are a prolonged baseline QTc interval or a combination with class III antiarrhythmic drugs. Modifiable risk factors, including hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, drug interactions, and bradycardia, should be corrected. In the absence of a major risk factor, the incidence of TdP is very low. The use of these drugs in the appropriate settings of infection should not be altered because of the rare risk of TdP, except among cases with high‐risk factors.
Identification of mutant genes with high‐frequency, high‐risk, and high‐expression in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Guiyuan , Yi Shengming , Yang Fan , Zhou Yongxin , Ji Qiang , Cai Jianzhi , Mei Yunqing
Published: November 2013

Background

To identify mutant genes with high‐frequency‐risk‐expression between lung adenocarcinoma and normal samples.

Methods

The ribonucleic acid RNA‐Seq data GSE34914 and GSE37765 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, including 12 lung adenocarcinoma samples and six controls. All RNA‐Seq reads were processed and the gene‐expression level was calculated. Single nucleotide variation (SNV) was analyzed and the locations of mutant sites were recorded. In addition, the frequency and risk‐level of mutant genes were calculated. Gene Ontology (GO) functional analysis was performed. The reported cancer genes were searched in tumor suppressor genes, Cancer Genes, and the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) database.

Results

The SNV annotations of somatic mutation sites showed that 70% of mutation sites in the exon region occurred in the coding sequence (CDS). Thyroid hormone receptor interactor (TRIP)12 was identified with the highest frequency. A total of 118 mutant genes with high frequency and high‐risk were selected and significantly enriched into several GO terms. No base mutation of cyclin C (CCNC) or RAB11A was recorded. At fragments per kilobase per million reads (FPKM) ≥ 56.5, reported tumor suppressor genes catenin (cadherin‐associated protein), delta (CTNND)1, dual specificity phosphatase (DUSP)6, malate dehydrogenase (MDH)1 and RNA binding motif protein (RBM)5, were identified. Notably, signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2) was the only transcription factor (TF) with high‐risk mutation and its expression was detected.

Conclusion

For the mutant genes with high‐frequency‐risk‐expression, CTNND1, DUSP6, MDH1 and RBM5 were identified. TRIP12 might be a potential cancer‐related gene, and expression of TF STAT2 with high‐risk was detected. These mutant gene candidates might promote the development of lung adenocarcinoma and provide new diagnostic potential targets for treatment.
A History of Australian Corporate Bonds
Authors: Black Susan , Kirkwood Joshua , Williams Thomas , Rai Alan
Published: November 2013

We compile a new unit‐record data set of Australian corporate bond issuance, which sheds light on developments in the bond market since the early twentieth century. Reflecting the evolution of the economy, privatisations, and changes in the regulatory landscape the following trends are noteworthy: (i) issuance today is largely by private entities whereas government‐owned corporations dominated historically; (ii) the issuer base has shifted away from non‐financial corporations towards banks, with corporations now raising a large share of funds offshore; and (iii) the investor base has shifted away from direct holdings by households towards holdings through superannuation/managed funds and holdings by non‐residents.
Opinions on the counselling, care and outcome of extremely premature birth among healthcare professionals in Finland
Authors: Taittonen L , Korhonen PH , Palomäki O , Luukkaala T , Tammela O
Published: November 2013

Aim

To study the opinions of paediatric and obstetric personnel on the perinatal treatment and delivery outcome of infants from 22+0 to 27+6 weeks' gestation.

Methods

An email questionnaire was sent to 2963 professionals in 32 maternity hospitals in Finland.

Results

The questionnaire survey was completed by 856 (28%) professionals in 30 hospitals. Opinions on outcome were most pessimistic if the infant was very premature. More than a third (37%) assumed no survival at the earliest gestational age, but none dismissed the possibility at 26 weeks' gestation. Paediatric professionals took a more active approach to the treatment of a premature birth and baby than obstetric personnel. Opinions on treatment activity were based firstly on what was best for the baby and secondly on experience. Gynaecologists reported discussing matters regarding premature birth with the parents more often than paediatricians and were much more likely to be influenced by these discussions.

Conclusion

Paediatric personnel showed a more positive attitude and a more active approach to extremely premature deliveries and babies than obstetric personnel. There would appear to be some inconsistency between prenatal counselling and treatment activity after birth at the limit of viability.
Examining workload models in online and blended teaching
Authors: Tynan Belinda , Ryan Yoni , Lamont‐Mills Andrea
Published: November 2013

Over the past decade, most Australian universities have moved increasingly towards “blended” and online course delivery for both undergraduate and graduate programs. In almost all cases, elements of online teaching are part of routine teaching loads. Yet detailed and accurate workload data associated with “e‐teaching” are not readily available. A search of the international literature indicated that there is limited rigorous literature and research that points to the actual effects on workload in online and blended higher education teaching environments. This paper reports on a research project in four Australian universities, and the perceptions of a representative group of staff who perceived that e‐teaching had increased their “teaching time” workload, and that Workload Allocation Models (WAMs) did not take account of contemporary teaching modalities.
Reconstructing apology: David Cameron's Bloody Sunday apology in the press
Authors: McNeill Andrew , Lyons Evanthia , Pehrson Samuel
Published: November 2013

While there is an acknowledgement in apology research that political apologies are highly mediated, the process of mediation itself has lacked scrutiny. This article suggests that the idea of reconstruction helps to understand how apologies are mediated and evaluated. David Cameron's apology for Bloody Sunday is examined to see how he constructs four aspects of apology: social actors, consequences, categorization, and reasons. The reconstruction of those aspects by British, Unionist, and Nationalist press along with reconstructions made by soldiers in an online forum are considered. Data analysis was informed by thematic analysis and discourse analysis which helped to explore key aspects of reconstruction and how elements of Cameron's apology are altered in subsequent mediated forms of the apology. These mediated reconstructions of the apology allowed their authors to evaluate the apology in different ways. Thus, in this article, it is suggested that the evaluation of the apology by different groups is preceded by a reconstruction of it in accordance with rhetorical goals. This illuminates the process of mediation and helps to understand divergent responses to political apologies.
Molecular Modeling of 5HT2A Receptor – Arylpiperazine Ligands Interactions
Authors: Sencanski Milan , Sukalovic Vladimir , Shakib Kaveh , Soskic Vukic , Dosen‐Micovic Ljiljana , Kostic‐Rajacic Sladjana
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we report the molecular modeling of the 5HT2A receptor and the molecular docking of arylpiperazine‐like ligands. The focus of the research was on explaining the effects the ligand structure has on the binding properties of the 5HT2A receptor and on the key interactions between the ligands and the receptor‐binding site. To see what the receptor–ligand interactions were, various substituents were introduced in one part of the ligand, keeping the rest unchanged. In this way, using a docking analysis on the proposed 5HT2A receptor model, we identified key receptor–ligand interactions and determined their properties. Those properties were correlated with experimentally determined binding affinities in order to determine the structure to activity relationship of the examined compounds.
Subjective well‐being in dentists: the role of intrinsic aspirations
Authors: Montasem Alexander , Brown Stephen L. , Harris Rebecca
Published: November 2013

Objectives

To take a motivational approach, testing an idea derived from self‐determination theory (SDT) that the pursuit of intrinsic life and professional aspirations is associated with enhanced subjective well‐being.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of a cluster sample of 583 dentists in England provided data on the subjective importance of their intrinsic and extrinsic aspirations and their perceived likelihood of achieving those aspirations. The dependent variable was a four‐domain measure of subjective well‐being.

Results

Controlling measures of core self‐evaluations and trait emotional intelligence, the perceived importance and likelihood of achieving intrinsic aspirations were uniquely related to positive affect; the perceived likelihood of achieving intrinsic aspirations was uniquely related to job and life satisfaction and positive affect, and the perceived likelihood of achieving extrinsic aspirations was uniquely related to life satisfaction. No aspiration variables uniquely predicted negative affect.

Conclusions

These findings lend support to self‐determination theory and provide a platform for the future development of interventions that can promote and maintain well‐being in dentists.
SFRP5 correlates with obesity and metabolic syndrome and increases after weight loss in children
Authors: Tan Xinrui , Wang Xiaoli , Chu Haiping , Liu Honghong , Yi Xiaoqing , Xiao Yanfeng
Published: November 2013

Objective

Secreted frizzled‐related protein 5 (SFRP5) is a novel anti‐inflammatory adipokine, which has been shown as a mediator between obesity and its comorbidities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations of SFRP5 with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the effects of lifestyle interventions on circulating SFRP5 levels in children.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 111 obese children and 49 lean controls, and a lifestyle intervention was performed in a subgroup of 31 obese children for 6 months. Anthropometric parameters, clinical data and circulating SFRP5 levels were measured at baseline and after lifestyle intervention.

Results

Secreted frizzled‐related protein 5 was significantly lower in obese children, especially in those with MetS, and negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Independent of other well‐known risk factors, SFRP5 was a significant predictor of MetS in children. In the longitudinal study, lifestyle intervention led to significant weight loss and higher SFRP5 levels. Furthermore, changes in BMI significantly correlated with the rising magnitude of SFRP5.

Conclusions

Serum SFRP5 is regulated by weight status and seems to be correlated with metabolic disorders in children.
Preventing ovarian cancer through genetic testing: a population‐based study
Authors: Finch A. , Bacopulos S. , Rosen B. , Fan I. , Bradley L. , Risch H. , McLaughlin J.R. , Lerner‐Ellis J. , Narod S.A.
Published: November 2013

Genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, in conjunction with preventive salpingo‐oophorectomy for mutation carriers, may be used to prevent a proportion of invasive ovarian cancers (‘personalized medicine’). We evaluated the potential utility of this approach at a population level by reviewing the pedigree information and genetic test results from 1342 ovarian cancer patients in Ontario. Of the 1342 patients tested, 176 patients had a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation; of these, 48 women would have qualified for testing prior to the development of cancer based on the eligibility criteria in place for the province of Ontario. In summary, 48 of 1342 unselected cases of ovarian cancer (3.6%) might have been prevented if genetic testing criteria were universally applied to all women in Ontario at risk for ovarian cancer.
Asian‐Chinese patient perceptions of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery cholecystectomy
Authors: Teoh Anthony Yuen Bun , Ng Enders Kwok Wai , Chock Alana , Swanstrom Lee , Varadarajulu Shyam , Chiu Philip Wai Yan
Published: November 2013

Background and Aim

Patient and physician perceptions of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) have been reported for the Western population. However, whether Asian‐Chinese patients share the same perspectives as compared to the Western population is unknown.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional survey carried out in the surgical outpatient's clinic at the Prince of Wales Hospital between June and September 2011. Patients were provided with an information leaflet and asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their perceptions of and preferences for NOTES cholecystectomy. Female patients attending the clinic were given an additional questionnaire regarding attitudes towards transvaginal surgery.

Results

Two hundred patients were recruited to complete the questionnaire(s) and the male to female ratio was 1:1. One hundred and fourteen patients (57%) preferred to undergo NOTES cholecystectomy for cosmetic reasons (P = 0.009). Oral and anal routes were both acceptable for NOTES accesses in males andfemales. Forty‐one percent of the female patients would consider transvaginal NOTES. Of these patients, significantly more patients indicated that the reason for choosing transvaginal NOTES was to minimize the risk of hernia (P = 0.016) and to reduce pain associated with the procedure (P = 0.017). The risk of complications (84.5%) and the cost of the procedure (58%) were considered the most important aspects when choosing a surgical approach by Asian‐Chinese patients.

Conclusions

Asian‐Chinese preferred NOTES mainly for cosmetic reasons. However, the transvaginal route was less acceptable to females. Significant differences in patient perception on NOTES were observed between Asian‐Chinese and Western patients.