bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical evaluation of scattering parameters for equivalent circuit of through silicon via array
Authors: Cecchetti R. , Piersanti S. , de Paulis F. , Orlandi A. , Fan J.
Published: June 2015

The high level of integration in digital electronic chips based on three‐dimensional (3D) technology requires accurate modelling of the vertical interconnects (the through silicon vias – TSVs). An accurate prediction of the signal propagation and crosstalk of the TSVs cannot be based on the single via since the interaction among adjacent TSVs in a high density array cannot be neglected. An algorithm is proposed that extends the approach for modelling a TSV array with a complete analytical evaluation of the final multiport scattering parameter matrix, thus making the electromagnetic modelling of such structures more efficient without relying on commercial circuit solvers. The proposed method requires much less processing time with respect to commercial solvers with a comparable accuracy.
Excitation mechanisms in 1 mJ picosecond laser induced low pressure He plasma and the resulting spectral quality enhancement
Authors: Idris Nasrullah , Lahna Kurnia , Abdulmadjid Syahrun Nur , Ramli Muliadi , Suyanto Hery , Marpaung Alion Mangasi , Pardede Marincan , Jobiliong Eric , Hedwig Rinda , Suliyanti Maria Margaretha , Lie Zener Sukra , Lie Tjung Jie , Kagawa Kiichiro , Tjia May On , Kurniawan Koo Hendrik
Published: June 2015

We report in this paper the results of an experimental study on the spectral and dynamical characteristics of plasma emission induced by 1 mJ picoseconds (ps) Nd-YAG laser using spatially resolved imaging and time resolved measurement of the emission intensities of copper sample. This study has provided the experimental evidence concerning the dynamical characteristics of the excitation mechanisms in various stages of the plasma formation, which largely consolidate the basic scenarios of excitation processes commonly accepted so far. However, it is also clearly shown that the duration of the shock wave excitation process induced by ps laser pulses is much shorter than those observed in laser induced breakdown spectroscopy employing nanosecond laser at higher output energy. This allows the detection of atomic emission due exclusively to He assisted excitation in low pressure He plasma by proper gating of the detection time. Furthermore, the triplet excited state associated with He I 587.6 nm is shown to be the one most likely involved in the process responsible for the excellent spectral quality as evidenced by its application to spectrochemical analysis of a number of samples. The use of very low energy laser pulses also leads to minimal destructive effect marked by the resulted craters of merely about 10 μm diameter and only 10 nm deep. It is especially noteworthy that the excellent emission spectrum of deuterium detected from D-doped titanium sample is free of spectral interference from the undesirable ubiquitous water molecules without a precleaning procedure as applied previously and yielding an impressive detection limit of less than 10 μg/g. Finally, the result of this study also shows a promising application to depth profiling of impurity distribution in the sample investigated.
Growth of perpendicularly magnetized thin films on a polymer buffer and voltage-induced change of magnetic anisotropy at the MgO|CoFeB interface
Authors: Lam D. D. , Bonell F. , Shiota Y. , Miwa S. , Nozaki T. , Tamura E. , Mizuochi N. , Shinjo T. , Suzuki Y. , Yuasa S.
Published: June 2015

We show that perpendicularly magnetized thin films can be grown onto polyimide, a potentially flexible substrate. With polar Kerr magnetometry, we demonstrate that the coercive field of CoFeB thin film can be modulated by applying a back gate voltage. Our proposed multi-layered structure is suitable for surface-sensitive measurements of the voltage-induced change in anisotropy, and could be used to realize flexible spintronics devices.
Total evidence analysis of the phylogenetic relationships of Lycosoidea spiders (Araneae, Entelegynae)
Authors: Polotow Daniele , Carmichael Anthea , Griswold Charles E.
Published: June 2015

Phylogenetic relationships within the superfamily Lycosoidea are investigated through the coding and analysis of character data derived from morphology, behaviour and DNA sequences. In total, 61 terminal taxa were studied, representing most of the major groups of the RTA-clade (i.e. spiders that have a retrolateral tibial apophysis on the male palp). Parsimony and model-based approaches were used, and several support values, partitions and implied weighting schemes were explored to assess clade stability. The morphological–behavioural matrix comprised 96 characters, and four gene fragments were used: 28S (~737 base pairs), actin (~371 base pairs), COI (~630 base pairs) and H3 (~354 base pairs). Major conclusions of the phylogenetic analysis include: the concept of Lycosoidea is restricted to seven families: Lycosidae, Pisauridae, Ctenidae, Psechridae, Thomisidae, Oxyopidae (but Ctenidae and Pisauridae are not monophyletic) and also Trechaleidae (not included in the analysis); the monophyly of the ‘Oval Calamistrum clade’ (OC-clade) appears to be unequivocal, with high support, and encompassing the Lycosoidea plus the relimited Zoropsidae and the proposed new family Udubidae (fam. nov.); Zoropsidae is considered as senior synonym of Tengellidae and Zorocratidae (syn. nov.); Viridasiinae (rank nov.) is raised from subfamily to family rank, excluded from the Ctenidae and placed in Dionycha. Our quantitative phylogenetic analysis confirms the synonymy of Halidae with Pisauridae. The grate-shaped tapetum appears independently at least three times and has a complex evolutionary history, with several reversions.
Techniques for evaluating wildfire simulators via the simulation of historical fires using the AUSTRALIS simulator
Authors: Kelso Joel K. , Mellor Drew , Murphy Mary E. , Milne George J.
Published: June 2015

A methodology for validating fire spread simulation systems using historical fire data is presented. The key features of this methodology are (a) quantitative comparison between simulator-generated fire perimeters and fire perimeters from an independently produced fire reconstruction at multiple time points during the fire, and (b) extensive sensitivity analyses on simulation variables including simulation spatial resolution, weather, vegetation coverage and fire behaviour model selection to determine the effect of each simulation input on the simulation output. The methodology is demonstrated in a case study in which the ability of the Australis high-performance wildfire simulator to replicate a large wildfire in Western Australia was examined. Simulation accuracy was found to be lower in extreme fire danger conditions and exhibited under-prediction of the head fire rate of spread. This was caused by inaccuracies in at least one of wind speed data, vegetation data or the fire behaviour model applied; however, the source of the inaccuracy could not be further diagnosed with the available data. The gathering of accurate data during and after active wildfires would facilitate more rigorous simulator and fire behaviour model validation studies as well as more accurate prediction of ‘live’ wildfires.
Sleep monitoring of a six‐day microcycle in strength and high‐intensity training
Authors: Kölling Sarah , Wiewelhove Thimo , Raeder Christian , Endler Stefan , Ferrauti Alexander , Meyer Tim , Kellmann Michael
Published: June 2015

This study examined the effect of microcycles in eccentric strength and high‐intensity interval training (HIT) on sleep parameters and subjective ratings. Forty‐two well‐trained athletes (mean age 23.2 ± 2.4 years) were either assigned to the strength (n = 21; mean age 23.6 ± 2.1 years) or HIT (n = 21; mean age 22.8 ± 2.6 years) protocol. Sleep monitoring was conducted with multi‐sensor actigraphy (SenseWear Armband™, Bodymedia, Pittsburg, PA, USA) and sleep log for 14 days. After a five‐day baseline phase, participants completed either eccentric accented strength or high‐intensity interval training for six days, with two training sessions per day. This training phase was divided into two halves (part 1 and 2) for statistical analyses. A three‐day post phase concluded the monitoring. The Recovery‐Stress Questionnaire for Athletes was applied at baseline, end of part 2, and at the last post‐day. Mood ratings were decreased during training, but returned to baseline values afterwards in both groups. Sleep parameters in the strength group remained constant over the entire process. The HIT group showed trends of unfavourable sleep during the training phase (e.g., objective sleep efficiency at part 2: mean = 83.6 ± 7.8%, F3,60 = 2.57, P = 0.06, = 0.114) and subjective improvements during the post phase for awakenings (F3,60 = 2.96, P = 0.04, = 0.129) and restfulness of sleep (F3,60 = 9.21, P < 0.001, = 0.315). Thus, the HIT protocol seems to increase higher recovery demands than strength training, and sufficient sleep time should be emphasised and monitored.
The protagonist's first perspective influences the encoding of spatial information in narratives
Authors: Hatzipanayioti Adamantini , Galati Alexia , Avraamides Marios N.
Published: June 2015

Three experiments examined the first-perspective alignment effect that is observed when retrieving spatial information from memory about described environments. Participants read narratives that described the viewpoint of a protagonist in fictitious environments and then pointed to the memorized locations of described objects from imagined perspectives. Results from Experiments 1 and 2 showed that performance was best when participants responded from the protagonist's first perspective even though object locations were described from a different perspective. In Experiment 3, in which participants were physically oriented with the perspective used to describe object locations, performance from that description perspective was better than that from the protagonist's first perspective, which was, in turn, better than performance from other perspectives. These findings suggest that when reading narratives, people default to using a reference frame that is aligned with their own facing direction, although physical movement may facilitate retrieval from other perspectives.
Ḥizb al-Nahḍah: from revolution to government and to a second referendum
Authors: Sofi Mohammad Dawood
Published: June 2015

The year 2011 witnessed watershed events in the countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), resulting in long-awaited political and social transformation, with Tunisia acting as catalyst and modus operandi for the other countries of the region. Although the so-called ‘Arab Spring’ now seems to be gripped in a stalemate in Egypt, where vagueness still prevails, and in Syria and Libya, where the security situation continues to be extremely precarious and unstable, there seems to be a wind of change in the political context in Tunisia, where on 26 October 2014 the population witnessed the second post-revolution elections. The political party Ḥizb al-Nahḍah (Renaissance Party), officially founded in 1981, has been having a considerable impact on the political milieu of the region since its political career has experienced a renewed boost. Furthermore, Salafism has emerged as a legitimate force in the country demanding al-Nahḍah to redefine its role and strategy. While in power al-Nahḍah faced multifarious political, social and economic challenges that compelled it to devise new strategies and policies to suit the changing sociopolitical climate. In addition to exploring post-revolution transitions and transformations in Tunisia, this paper focuses on Ḥizb al-Nahḍah, the issues and challenges it encountered while in power, and those that lie ahead.
Minimal Length Effects on Schwinger Mechanism*
Authors: Mu Ben-Rong , Wang Peng , Yang Hai-Tang
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we investigate effects of the minimal length on the Schwinger mechanism using the quantum field theory (QFT) incorporating the minimal length. We first study the Schwinger mechanism for scalar fields in both usual QFT and the deformed QFT. The same calculations are then performed in the case of Dirac particles. Finally, we discuss how our results imply for the corrections to the Unruh temperature and the Hawking temperature due to the minimal length.
Multi-Solitons and Combined Solitons with Self-Similar Behaviors in a Birefringent Fiber with Higher-Order Effects*
Authors: Wu Hong-Yu , Jiang Li-Hong
Published: June 2015

A coupled variable-coefficient higher-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation in birefringent fiber is studied, and analytical multi-soliton, combined bright and dark soliton, W-shaped and M-shaped soliton solutions are obtained. Nonlinear tunnelling of these combined solitons in dispersion barrier and dispersion well on an exponential background is discussed, and the decaying or increasing, even lossless tunnelling behaviors of combined solitons are decided by the decaying or increasing parameter.
Evolution Properties of Atomic Fidelity in the Combined Multi-Atom-Cavity Field System*
Authors: Wang Ju-Xia , Zhang Xiao-Juan , Zhang Xiu-Xing
Published: June 2015

The atom fidelity is investigated in a system consisting of Mtwo-level atoms and M single-mode fields by use of complete quantum theory and numerical evaluation method. The influences of various system parameters on the evolution of atomic fidelity are studied. The results show that the atomic fidelity evolves in a Rabi oscillation manner. The oscillation frequency is mainly modulated by the coupling strength between atoms and light field, the atomic transition probabilities and the average photon numbers. Other factors hardly impact on the atomic fidelity. The present results may provide a useful approach to the maintenance of the atomic fidelity in the atom cavity field systems.
Magnetically Controlled Electronic Transport Properties of a Ferromagnetic Junction on the Surface of a Topological Insulator*
Authors: Liu Zheng-Qin , Wang Rui-Qiang , Deng Ming-Xun , Hu Liang-Bin
Published: June 2015

We have investigated the transport properties of the Dirac fermions through a ferromagnetic barrier junction on the surface of a strong topological insulator. The current-voltage characteristic curve and the tunneling conductance are calculated theoretically. Two interesting transport features are predicted: observable negative differential conductances and linear conductances tunable from unit to nearly zero. These features can be magnetically manipulated simply by changing the spacial orientation of the magnetization. Our results may contribute to the development of high-speed switching and functional applications or electrically controlled magnetization switching.
oposSOM: R-package for high-dimensional portraying of genome-wide expression landscapes on bioconductor
Authors: Löffler-Wirth Henry , Kalcher Martin , Binder Hans
Published: June 2015

Motivation: Comprehensive analysis of genome-wide molecular data challenges bioinformatics methodology in terms of intuitive visualization with single-sample resolution, biomarker selection, functional information mining and highly granular stratification of sample classes. oposSOM combines those functionalities making use of a comprehensive analysis and visualization strategy based on self-organizing maps (SOM) machine learning which we call ‘high-dimensional data portraying’. The method was successfully applied in a series of studies using mostly transcriptome data but also data of other OMICs realms.

Availability and implementation: oposSOM is now publicly available as Bioconductor R package.

Contact: wirth@izbi.uni-leipzig.de

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Domain adaptation for semantic role labeling of clinical text
Authors: Zhang Yaoyun , Tang Buzhou , Jiang Min , Wang Jingqi , Xu Hua
Published: June 2015

Objective Semantic role labeling (SRL), which extracts a shallow semantic relation representation from different surface textual forms of free text sentences, is important for understanding natural language. Few studies in SRL have been conducted in the medical domain, primarily due to lack of annotated clinical SRL corpora, which are time-consuming and costly to build. The goal of this study is to investigate domain adaptation techniques for clinical SRL leveraging resources built from newswire and biomedical literature to improve performance and save annotation costs.

Materials and Methods Multisource Integrated Platform for Answering Clinical Questions (MiPACQ), a manually annotated SRL clinical corpus, was used as the target domain dataset. PropBank and NomBank from newswire and BioProp from biomedical literature were used as source domain datasets. Three state-of-the-art domain adaptation algorithms were employed: instance pruning, transfer self-training, and feature augmentation. The SRL performance using different domain adaptation algorithms was evaluated by using 10-fold cross-validation on the MiPACQ corpus. Learning curves for the different methods were generated to assess the effect of sample size.

Results and Conclusion When all three source domain corpora were used, the feature augmentation algorithm achieved statistically significant higher F-measure (83.18%), compared to the baseline with MiPACQ dataset alone (F-measure, 81.53%), indicating that domain adaptation algorithms may improve SRL performance on clinical text. To achieve a comparable performance to the baseline method that used 90% of MiPACQ training samples, the feature augmentation algorithm required <50% of training samples in MiPACQ, demonstrating that annotation costs of clinical SRL can be reduced significantly by leveraging existing SRL resources from other domains.
Einstein's legacy in galaxy surveys
Authors: Camera Stefano , Maartens Roy , Santos Mário G.
Published: June 2015

Non-Gaussianity in the primordial fluctuations that seeded structure formation produces a signal in the galaxy power spectrum on very large scales. This signal contains vital information about the primordial Universe, but it is very challenging to extract, because of cosmic variance and large-scale systematics – especially after the Planck experiment has already ruled out a large amplitude for the signal. Whilst cosmic variance and experimental systematics can be alleviated by the multitracer method, we here address another systematic – introduced by not using the correct relativistic analysis of the power spectrum on very large scales. In order to reduce the errors on fNL, we need to include measurements on the largest possible scales. Failure to include the relativistic effects on these scales can introduce significant bias in the best-fit value of fNL from future galaxy surveys.
High-resolution ALMA observations of SDP.81. I. The innermost mass profile of the lensing elliptical galaxy probed by 30 milli-arcsecond images
Authors: Tamura Yoichi , Oguri Masamune , Iono Daisuke , Hatsukade Bunyo , Matsuda Yuichi , Hayashi Masao
Published: June 2015

We report the detailed modeling of the mass profile of a z = 0.2999 massive elliptical galaxy using 30 milli-arcsecond resolution 1 mm Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) images of the galaxy–galaxy lensing system SDP.81. The detailed morphology of the lensed multiple images of the z = 3.042 infrared-luminous galaxy, which is found to consist of tens of ≲ 100 pc-sized star-forming clumps embedded in a ∼ 2 kpc disk, are well reproduced by a lensing galaxy modeled by an isothermal ellipsoid with a 400 pc core. The core radius is consistent with that of the visible stellar light, and the mass-to-light ratio of ${\sim}\,2\,M_{\odot }\,L_{\odot }^{-1}$ is comparable to the locally measured value, suggesting that the inner 1 kpc region is dominated by luminous matter. The position of the predicted mass centroid is consistent to within ≃ 30 mas with a non-thermal source detected with ALMA, which likely traces an active galactic nucleus of the foreground elliptical galaxy. While the black hole mass and the core radius of the elliptical galaxy are degenerate, a point source mass of > 3 × 108 M⊙ mimicking a supermassive black hole is required to explain the non-detection of a central image of the background galaxy. The required mass is consistent with the prediction from the well-known correlation between black hole mass and host velocity dispersion. Our analysis demonstrates the power of high resolution imaging of strong gravitational lensing for studying the innermost mass profile and the central supermassive black hole of distant elliptical galaxies.
Effect of Laser Peripheral Iridotomy on Anterior Chamber Angle Anatomy in Primary Angle Closure Spectrum Eyes
Authors: Kansara Seema , Blieden Lauren S. , Chuang Alice Z. , Baker Laura A. , Bell Nicholas P. , Mankiewicz Kimberly A. , Feldman Robert M.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To evaluate the change in trabecular-iris circumference volume (TICV) after laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) in primary angle closure (PAC) spectrum eyes.

Patients and Methods:

Forty-two chronic PAC spectrum eyes from 24 patients were enrolled. Eyes with anterior chamber abnormalities affecting angle measurement were excluded. Intraocular pressure, slit lamp examination, and gonioscopy were recorded at each visit. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) with 3D mode angle analysis scans were taken with the CASIA SS-1000 before and after LPI. Forty-two pre-LPI ASOCT scans and 34 post-LPI ASOCT scans were analyzed using the Anterior Chamber Analysis and Interpretation (ACAI) software. A mixed-effect model analysis was used to compare the trabecular-iris space area (TISA) changes among 4 quadrants, as well as to identify potential factors affecting TICV.

Results:

There was a significant increase in all average angle parameters after LPI (TISA500, TISA750, TICV500, and TICV750). The magnitude of change in TISA500 in the superior angle was significantly less than the other angles. The changes in TICV500 and TICV750 were not associated with any demographic or ocular characteristics.

Conclusions:

TICV is a useful parameter to quantitatively measure the effectiveness of LPI in the treatment of eyes with PAC spectrum disease.
PIK3CA Mutations are Common in Many Tumor Types and are Often Associated With Other Driver Mutations
Authors: Stachler Matthew D. , Rinehart Elizabeth M. , Garcia Elizabeth , Lindeman Neal I.
Published: June 2015

Objectives:

Genotyping clinical cancer specimens determines a fuller spectrum of mutations that an individual tumor harbors, and thus provides better insight into its molecular pathogenesis. Using genotyping data collected during routine clinical care our objective was to better determine the genomic landscape associated with PIK3CA mutations since much interest has been placed on PIK3CA targeted therapy.

Methods:

We performed multiplexed tumor genotyping within our CLIA-certified clinical laboratory on all consenting cancer patients who presented to the Brigham and Women's Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Center, regardless of histologic subtype. A total of 3252 cancers were genotyped for 471 mutations in 41 cancer-associated genes (including 23 mutations in PIK3CA), using a PCR-mass spectrometry assay.

Results:

A total of 288 (9%) samples contained a mutation in PIK3CA, involving 25 different primary sites. In 117 (41%) cases, the PIK3CA mutation was found with at least 1 other mutation, many known oncogenic drivers, while only 7% of the non-PIK3CA mutated cases, when comparing like tumor types, had >1 mutation (P<0.0001). Breast cancers had the highest rate of PIK3CA mutations (34%), which correlated with estrogen receptor + status (P=0.0002).

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that PIK3CA mutations may be a relatively late event and may function primarily in a supporting/modifying role, and not as a primary driver of oncogenesis. Although further studies are needed, our observations during clinical tumor genotyping suggest that when other pro-oncogenic pathways are mutated along with PIK3CA, then, PIK3CA inhibition alone may not be effective and combination therapy may be warranted.
Loss of ARID1A Expression is Related to Gastric Cancer Progression, Epstein-Barr Virus Infection, and Mismatch Repair Deficiency
Authors: Han Nayoung , Kim Min A. , Lee Hye Seung , Kim Woo Ho
Published: June 2015

The AT-rich interactive domain 1A (ARID1A) gene encodes a member of the switch/sucrose nonfermentable (SWI-SNF) chromatin remodeling complex, and is considered to work as a tumor suppressor in concert with p53. We investigated the clinical significance of ARID1A protein expression in gastric cancer (GC), and examined its association with Epstein-Barr virus–associated (EBV) GC, mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency, and p53 alteration. We performed immunohistochemistry for ARID1A in 417 GC specimens using tissue microarray. EBV infection was examined using EBV-encoded small RNA in situ hybridization. Evaluation of MMR protein deficiency and p53 alteration was performed using immunohistochemistry, and microsatellite instability status was also assessed. Loss of ARID1A expression was observed in 21.1% of GC (88/417), but was not observed in gastric adenoma tissues or non-neoplastic gastric mucosa tissues. Loss of ARID1A showed positive correlations with advanced pTNM stage and tumor invasion (P=0.029 and 0.001, respectively). Overall survival was significantly influenced by the loss of ARID1A expression in wild-type p53 group (P=0.016, log-rank test). Moreover, ARID1A loss was significantly associated with EBV positivity, loss of MMR protein expression, and microsatellite instability high status (P=0.028, <0.001, and 0.011, respectively). All of the results from our cohort were verified using data from the Cancer Genome Atlas. In conclusion, loss of ARID1A is more common in advanced GC and is related to EBV positivity and MMR deficiency.
Warburg Micro syndrome is caused by RAB18 deficiency or dysregulation
Authors: Handley Mark T. , Carpanini Sarah M. , Mali Girish R. , Sidjanin Duska J. , Aligianis Irene A. , Jackson Ian J. , FitzPatrick David R.
Published: June 2015

RAB18
,
RAB3GAP1
,
RAB3GAP2
and
TBC1D20
are each mutated in Warburg Micro syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive multisystem disorder. RAB3GAP1 and RAB3GAP2 form a binary ‘RAB3GAP’ complex that functions as a guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for RAB18, whereas TBC1D20 shows modest RAB18 GTPase-activating (GAP) activity
in vitro
. Here, we show that in the absence of functional RAB3GAP or TBC1D20, the level, localization and dynamics of cellular RAB18 is altered. In cell lines where TBC1D20 is absent from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), RAB18 becomes more stably ER-associated and less cytosolic than in control cells. These data suggest that RAB18 is a physiological substrate of TBC1D20 and contribute to a model in which a Rab-GAP can be essential for the activity of a target Rab. Together with previous reports, this indicates that Warburg Micro syndrome can be caused directly by loss of RAB18, or indirectly through loss of RAB18 regulators RAB3GAP or TBC1D20.
Knowledge sharing, commitment and opportunism in new product development
Authors: Yam Richard C M , Chan Cliff
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– In today’s market, firms are riding on the wave of globalisation to enhance competitiveness through corporate collaboration in new product development (NPD). In joint NPD, huge amounts of information and knowledge are interchanged among business partners. However, industrial experience and past research have indicated that knowledge sharing among firms invite opportunism, that is, knowledge being leaked or misused by others. To determine the means to rectify the problems of opportunism in joint NPD, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of commitment and knowledge sharing on opportunism.

Design/methodology/approach

– An online questionnaire survey was conducted to verify the research model with 312 valid responses from manufacturing firms. The survey data were analysed by structural equation modelling, and the findings were verified by follow-up interviews.

Findings

– Contradictory to most studies, this study finds that knowledge sharing among committed business partners suppresses, rather than invites, opportunism.

Research limitations/implications

– This finding is new in the literature with strong managerial implication. Firms that hesitate to share their knowledge with others because of the fear of opportunism should commit more seriously to their business partners so that they could share knowledge for better NPD.

Originality/value

– This study has reversed the sceptical belief of knowledge sharing leading to opportunism. This new belief will encourage corporate collaboration in joint NPD. However, for a comprehensive view on opportunism in inter-firm NPD, other governance mechanisms, that is, contract and trust, should also be studied in future research.
The NICHD protocol: a review of an internationally-used evidence-based tool for training child forensic interviewers
Authors: La Rooy David , Brubacher Sonja P , Aromäki-Stratos Anu , Cyr Mireille , Hershkowitz Irit , Korkman Julia , Myklebust Trond , Naka Makiko , Peixoto Carlos E. , Roberts Kim P , Stewart Heather , Lamb Michael E
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review an evidence-based tool for training child forensic interviewers called the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Protocol (NICHD Protocol), with a specific focus on how the Protocol is being adapted in various countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors include international contributions from experienced trainers, practitioners, and scientists, who are already using the Protocol or whose national or regional procedures have been directly influenced by the NICHD Protocol research (Canada, Finland, Israel, Japan, Korea, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, and USA). Throughout the review, these experts comment on: how and when the Protocol was adopted in their country; who uses it; training procedures; challenges to implementation and translation; and other pertinent aspects. The authors aim to further promote good interviewing practice by sharing the experiences of these international experts.

Findings

– The NICHD Protocol can be easily incorporated into existing training programs worldwide and is available for free. It was originally developed in English and Hebrew and is available in several other languages.

Originality/value

– This paper reviews an evidence-based tool for training child forensic interviewers called the NICHD Protocol. It has been extensively studied and reviewed over the past 20 years. This paper is unique in that it brings together practitioners who are actually responsible for training forensic interviewers and conducting forensic interviews from all around the world.
Mental distress and human rights of asylum seekers
Authors: Campbell Emma Jean , Steel Emily Jean
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This paper studies the experiences of asylum seekers in Australia. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between mental wellbeing, living conditions, and Australia’s detention policies in light of human rights.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using grounded theory, data were collected via observations, semi-structured interviews, key-informant interviews, and document analysis. Participants included seven asylum seekers and three professionals working with them.

Findings

– In light of a human rights framework, this paper reports on the mental distress suffered by asylum seekers in detention, the environments of constraint in which they live, and aspects of detention centre policy that contribute to these environments. The findings highlight a discrepancy between asylum seekers’ experiences under immigration detention policy and Australia’s human rights obligations.

Research limitations/implications

– This research indicates human rights violations for asylum seekers in detention in Australia. This research project involved a small number of participants and recommends systemic review of the policy and practices that affect asylum seekers’ mental health including larger numbers of participants. Consideration is made of alternatives to detention as well as improving detention centre conditions. The World Health Organization’s Quality Rights Tool Kit might provide the basis for a framework to review Australia’s immigration detention system with particular focus on the poor mental wellbeing of asylum seekers in detention.

Originality/value

– This study links international human rights law and Australian immigration detention policies and practices with daily life experiences of suffering mental distress within environments of constraint and isolation. It identifies asylum seekers as a vulnerable population with respect to human rights and mental wellbeing. Of particular value is the inclusion of asylum seekers themselves in interviews.
Mental health and houses in multiple occupation
Authors: Barratt Caroline , Green Gillian , Speed Ewen
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Previous research has established that there is a relationship between housing and mental health, however, understanding about how and why housing affects mental health is still limited. The purpose of this paper is to address this deficit by focusing on the experiences of residents of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 20 HMO residents who were asked about their housing career and experience of living in a HMO. Participants were recruited with assistance from community organisations and landlords.

Findings

– The physical properties and social environment of the property, as well as personal circumstances experienced prior to the move into the property, all influenced how mental health was affected. The authors identify and discuss in detail three key meditating factors: safety, control and identity which may affect how living in the property impacts the mental health of tenants.

Practical implications

– Good property management can lessen the potential harmful effects of living in a HMO. However, poorly run properties which house numerous vulnerable people may increase the risk of poor mental health due to attendant high levels of stress and possible risk of abuse.

Originality/value

– Based on the reports of HMO residents, the authors outline the key mediating processes through which living in HMOs may affect mental wellbeing, as well as illuminating the potential risks and benefits of HMOs, an overlooked tenure in housing research.
Diagnostic and prognostic role of procalcitonin (PCT) and MR‐pro‐Adrenomedullin (MR‐proADM) in bacterial infections
Authors: Angeletti Silvia , Spoto Silvia , Fogolari Marta , Cortigiani Marco , Fioravanti Marta , De Florio Lucia , Curcio Brunella , Cavalieri Danilo , Costantino Sebastiano , Dicuonzo Giordano
Published: June 2015

Rapid diagnosis of bacterial infections is crucial for adequate antibiotic treatment. Serum molecules such as Procalcitonin (PCT) have been used as biomarkers of infection. Recently, the mid‐regional pro‐Adrenomedullin (MR‐proADM) has been evaluated in combination with PCT for sepsis diagnosis. The diagnostic role of PCT and MR‐proADM both in sepsis and in localized infections together with their contribution to effective antibiotic therapy has been evaluated. One hundred and eighty‐two patients with bacterial infection has been enrolled: PCT and MR‐proADM were measured at admission (T = 0), at 12–24 h (T = 1) and in the third or fifth day of antibiotic therapy (T = 3–5). ROC curve (receiver operating characteristic) and post‐test probability were calculated. MR‐proADM increased with the severity of the infection. PCT resulted significantly higher in sepsis than localized infection. After antibiotic therapy, PCT significantly decreased in localized respiratory infections and in sepsis, while MR‐proADM decreased significantly after antibiotic therapy only in patients with severe sepsis/septic shock. The threshold values of PCT and MR‐proADM were >0.1 ng/mL and >0.8 nmol/L, respectively. The combined use of PCT and MR‐proADM increased the post‐test probability of the diagnosis of bacterial infections compared to PCT alone. In conclusion, PCT and MR‐proADM combination improves the diagnosis of bacterial infection and contribute to prognosis and antibiotic therapy effectiveness.
Carbon Stocks in Silvopastoral Systems: A Study from Four Communities in Southeastern Ecuador
Authors: McGroddy Megan E. , Lerner Amy M. , Burbano Diana V. , Schneider Laura C. , Rudel Tom K.
Published: June 2015

Agriculture, particularly pasture, is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from tropical regions. Silvopastoral systems may increase carbon pools in pastures while maintaining productivity. Adding trees to pasture provides carbon sinks in woody biomass, and may improve degraded soils and increase the stability of soil carbon pools. In this study we quantified the biomass carbon stored in spontaneous silvopastoral systems in southeastern Ecuador. We compared the stem density, basal area, aboveground biomass, and organic carbon in the top 20 cm of soil in 100 pastures, ranging from 3 to 250 hectares, in four different communities. Aboveground live woody biomass, calculated using allometric equations and two different wood densities, varied from 10.99 to 66.1 Mg per hectare. Soil organic carbon pools ranged from 85.0 to 97.6 Mg per hectare. Stem density, basal area, and aboveground live biomass all positively correlated with pasture age. We found no relationship between pasture age or stem density and soil organic carbon pools. We measured live woody biomass carbon pools of 34–1070 Mg of carbon per farm in these silvopastoral systems. We found no effects on productivity of the herbaceous layer, suggesting that having a low density of trees in pastures could substantially increase the number of trees and the associated carbon sequestration without affecting cattle production.
Social Justice and South African University Student Enrolment Data by ‘Race’, 1998–2012: From ‘Skewed Revolution’ to ‘Stalled Revolution’
Authors: Cooper David
Published: June 2015

The paper looks closely at student enrolment trends through a case study of South African ‘race’ enrolment data, including some hypotheses about how student social class has influenced these trends. First, data on 1988–1998 enrolments showing a ‘skewed revolution’ in student africanisation are summarised. Then, using 2000–2012 data for the 23 new post‐2000 universities and universities of technology, it is argued that the ‘official’ categorisation of these institutions masks new socio‐economic inequalities; and a better understanding of the ‘skewed’ and ‘stalled’ africanisation revolution is possible using classification into three proposed new categories based on postgraduate enrolments and staff publications as indices of research‐intensivity at each institution: (1) five ‘upper band’ universities; (2) seven ‘middle band’ universities; and (3) eleven ‘lower band’ universities. The paper concludes by distinguishing between ‘reformist’ and ‘radical’ national transformation policies in order to identify their impact on these new race‐ and class‐based student inequalities.
Enhanced Luminescence in the SrMgAl10O17: Eu2+ Blue Phosphor Prepared by a Hybrid Urea‐Sol Combustion Route
Authors: Wang Le , Zhang Hong , Li YangHui , Liang Pei , Shen Ye , Jiao Feng
Published: June 2015

A phase‐pure and high‐brightness blue phosphor, Eu2+ doped SrMgAl10O17 (SAM), was synthesized through a hybrid urea‐sol combustion route. The structure, photoluminescence spectra, and thermal stability of the SAM were investigated in this work. The phosphor had a homogeneous and rod‐like microstructure, showing a broad emission band centered at 465 nm under the 330 nm excitation. The concentration for luminescence quenching of SAM: Eu2+ occurred at 10 mol%, which doubled that of the phosphor prepared by the conventional combustion method. Compared with the traditional combustion method, the hybrid route led to improvements in luminescence by 52.2%, external quantum efficiency by 16.2%, and thermal stability by 8.8% at 435 K. The blue phosphor prepared by the new method could thus be potentially used with near ultraviolet light‐emitting diodes.
Food insecurity and dietary intake among US youth, 2007–2010
Authors: Rossen L. M. , Kobernik E. K.
Published: June 2015

Background

There is limited research describing associations between food insecurity and dietary intake.

Objective

To examine differences in dietary intake by food security status among a nationally representative sample of children and adolescents in the USA.

Methods

The sample included 5136 children, ages 2–15 years, from the National Nutrition and Health Examination Survey, 2007–2010. Propensity score weighting was used to improve covariate balance between food‐secure and food‐insecure (marginal, low or very low food security) participants. Multivariate measurement error models were used to model usual intake of various dietary components and assess differences by food security status.

Results

Initial analyses using multivariate measurement error models determined there were no differences between food‐insecure and food‐secure children across several dietary components. In sensitivity analyses, children experiencing very low food security consumed fewer whole grains and more solid fats and added sugars compared with their food‐secure counterparts. Some of these differences were attenuated after propensity score weighting, although intake of whole grains and added sugars remained significantly different.

Conclusions

Food insecurity was largely not associated with dietary intake among 2–15‐year‐old US children, although some differences were observed comparing food‐secure children to those experiencing very low food security.
Caregiver burden for informal caregivers of patients with dementia: A systematic review
Authors: Chiao C.‐Y. , Wu H.‐S. , Hsiao C.‐Y.
Published: June 2015

Background

Dementia is an irreversible illness. The caregiver is expected to assume increased responsibility as the condition of the person with dementia declines. It is important to explore the factors constituting caregiver burden on the informal caregivers of people with dementia.

Aims

The purpose of this article is to identify the factors constituting caregiver burden on the informal caregivers of people with dementia living in the community.

Methods

A systematic review of the four databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library, was carried out to access relevant articles published between 2003 and 2012. Twenty‐one articles met the inclusion criteria of this study.

Results

Behavioural problems or psychological symptoms were the primary factor of the person with dementia that is associated with caregiver burden. Caregiver socio‐demographical factors and psychological factors were the two primary factors of the caregiver burden.

Limitations

Several results of this study were based on studies that had their own limitations. Furthermore, the concept of caregiver ‘burden’ was not clearly defined in some of the studies; instead, the term was broadly defined.

Conclusion

Factors of caregiver burden in regard to people with dementia living in the community were clarified in this review study. By identifying all of the factors, healthcare professionals can deliver appropriate assistance to relieve caregiver burden and improve the quality of caregiving for people with dementia.

Implications for Nursing and Health Policy

It is important to identify the factors of the burden on the caregivers of people with dementia living in the community to prevent early nursing home placement, deterioration of caregiver's health and reduce the adverse health outcomes for care recipients. A health‐related policy should be formulated to help informal caregivers receive more professional assistance. Training opportunities should be provided for family caregivers to reduce the impact of caregiving on the delivery of effective care.
Acne and quality of life – impact and management
Authors: Gieler U. , Gieler T. , Kupfer JP.
Published: June 2015

Acne is a common skin disease with a high prevalence in adolescents and young adults. In addition to physical effects such as permanent scarring and disfigurement, acne has long‐lasting psychosocial effects that affect the patient's quality of life. Depression, social isolation and suicidal ideation are frequent comorbidities of acne that should not be neglected in the therapy of acne patients. Research evidence suggests that the impairment of quality of life can be alleviated by appropriate topical acne treatment.
A field survey of the partially edentate elderly: Investigation of factors related to the usage rate of removable partial dentures
Authors: Murai S. , Matsuda K. , Ikebe K. , Enoki K. , Hatta K. , Fujiwara K. , Maeda Y.
Published: June 2015

Although the shortened dental arch (SDA) concept has been known to all over the world, acceptance of the SDA concept as an oral health standard can be questionable from the patients' point of view, even if it is biologically reasonable. Furthermore, because the health insurance system covers removable partial dentures (RPDs) for all citizens in Japan, SDA patients seem to prefer to receive prosthetic treatment to replace the missing teeth. However, there were few field surveys to investigate the usage rate of RPDs in Japan. The purpose of this study was to determine the usage rate of RPDs in older Japanese subjects and to investigate the factors related to the usage of RPDs. Partially edentate participants (n = 390) were included in this study. Oral examinations were conducted to record several indices. The Cochran–Armitage trend test was used to evaluate the relationship between the number of missing teeth and the usage rate of RPDs. Chi‐squared tests and logistic regression analysis were conducted to evaluate the factors related to the usage rate of RPDs. Usage of RPDs had a significantly positive association with the number of missing distal extension teeth and bilaterally missing teeth. The usage rate of RPDs increased as the number of missing distal extension teeth increased (P for trend < 0·001). The conclusion of this study was that participants with missing distal extension teeth had higher usage rates of RPDs than other participants, and the usage rate increased as the number of missing distal extension teeth increased.