bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of solitary waves and oscillatory shocklets in a two-temperature electron κ–distributed plasma
Authors: Naeem Ismat , Ali S. , Sakanaka P. H. , Mirza Arshad M.
Published: April 2017

Large-amplitude electron acoustic (EA) waves and shocklets are investigated in a two-temperature electron plasma. For this purpose, dynamical cold electrons are described by the fully nonlinear continuity and momentum equations, while superthermal (hot) inertialess electrons are described by the κ–distribution function with a neutralizing background of static positive ions. The fluid equations along with a quasineutrality equation are solved to obtain a set of two characteristic wave equations that admit analytical and numerical solutions. It is shown that variation due to hot electron superthermality and hot-to-cold electron density ratio strongly affects the profiles of nonlinear EA structures in terms of negative potential, cold electron velocity and density. In particular, at time τ=0, symmetric solitary pulses are formed, which develop into oscillatory shocklets with the course of time. Our results should be useful for understanding solitary excitations and associated nonstationary large-amplitude shocklets in laboratory κ–distributed plasmas, where superthermal (hot) energetic electrons exist.
A simple digital control system with field-programmable gate array for stabilization of CO2 laser output
Authors: Huang Renshuai , Guo Xiaoyang , Meng Qinglong , Zhang Bin
Published: April 2017

A simple digital control system was designed to stabilize CO2 laser based on digital signal processing with the Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) controlling chip and Very-High-Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language program. In this system, the control parameters were easily determined by software real-time control, and the control circuit was also designed compactly. In addition, the theoretical analysis on the stabilization of CO2 laser output characteristics was presented based on the photoacoustic effect, and the corresponding experiments on the stabilization of CO2 laser output characteristics were further performed. The results show that the output power of CO2 laser is stabilized at the peak with a relative power stability of 2.71%. Furthermore, the frequency of CO2 laser 9P(36) line is stabilized at the center of the laser gain curve with a relative stability of (1.57 ± 0.37)×10−8. This system has a potential of further improvements by optimizing the algorithm and choosing higher-speed signal processor.
Experimental prototype of a spin-wave majority gate
Authors: Fischer T. , Kewenig M. , Bozhko D. A. , Serga A. A. , Syvorotka I. I. , Ciubotaru F. , Adelmann C. , Hillebrands B. , Chumak A. V.
Published: April 2017

Featuring low heat dissipation, devices based on spin-wave logic gates promise to comply with increasing future requirements in information processing. In this work, we present the experimental realization of a majority gate based on the interference of spin waves in an Yttrium-Iron-Garnet-based waveguiding structure. This logic device features a three-input combiner with the logic information encoded in a phase of 0 or π of the input spin waves. We show that the phase of the output signal represents the majority of the three phase states of the spin waves in the three inputs. A switching time of about 10 ns in the prototype device provides evidence for the ability of sub-nanosecond data processing in future down-scaled devices.
Investigation of the radially resolved oxygen dissociation degree and local mean electron energy in oxygen plasmas in contact with different surface materials
Authors: Tsutsumi T. , Greb A. , Gibson A. R. , Hori M. , O'Connell D. , Gans T.
Published: April 2017

Energy Resolved Actinometry is applied to simultaneously measure the radially resolved oxygen dissociation degree and local mean electron energy in a low-pressure capacitively coupled radio-frequency oxygen plasma with an argon tracer gas admixture. For this purpose, the excitation dynamics of three excited states, namely, Ar(2p1), O(3p3P), and O(3p5P), were determined from their optical emission at 750.46 nm, 777.4 nm, and 844.6 nm using Phase Resolved Optical Emission Spectroscopy (PROES). Both copper and silicon dioxide surfaces are studied with respect to their influence on the oxygen dissociation degree, local mean electron energy, and the radial distributions of both quantities and the variation of the two quantities with discharge pressure and driving voltage are detailed. The differences in the measured dissociation degree between different materials are related back to atomic oxygen surface recombination probabilities.
Multi-excitation adiabatic quantum-flux-parametron
Authors: Fang Kun , Takeuchi Naoki , Ando Takumi , Yamanashi Yuki , Yoshikawa Nobuyuki
Published: April 2017

Adiabatic quantum-flux-parametron (AQFP) circuits are very low-power due to zero static power consumption and adiabatic switching operations. However, compared to other superconducting circuits, such as rapid single-flux-quantum logic, the operation frequency is relatively low and the latency is relatively large. In this work, we propose multi-excitation AQFP (ME-AQFP) circuits for high-speed and low-latency operations. In ME-AQFP, the intrinsic periodicity of the potential energy of a Josephson device with respect to applied magnetic fluxes is utilized to multiply operation frequencies and reduce latency. In a numerical simulation, we demonstrated an ME-AQFP AND gate, which operates at 10 GHz or 20 GHz with 5-GHz excitation currents. We also evaluated the energy efficiency of ME-AQFP circuits. In an experiment, we successfully demonstrated an ME-AQFP XOR gate and an ME-AQFP full adder.
A linear polarization converter with near unity efficiency in microwave regime
Authors: Xu Peng , Wang Shen-Yun , Geyi Wen
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we present a linear polarization converter in the reflective mode with near unity conversion efficiency. The converter is designed in an array form on the basis of a pair of orthogonally arranged three-dimensional split-loop resonators sharing a common terminal coaxial port and a continuous metallic ground slab. It converts the linearly polarized incident electromagnetic wave at resonance to its orthogonal counterpart upon the reflection mode. The conversion mechanism is explained by an equivalent circuit model, and the conversion efficiency can be tuned by changing the impedance of the terminal port. Such a scheme of the linear polarization converter has potential applications in microwave communications, remote sensing, and imaging.
Dynamic characteristics of azimuthally correlated structures of axial instability of wire-array Z pinches
Authors: Dan Jia Kun , Huang Xian Bin , Ren Xiao Dong , Chen Guang Hua , Xu Qiang , Wang Kun Lun , Ouyang Kai , Wei Bing
Published: April 2017

Particular attention was placed on observations of dynamic properties of the azimuthally correlated structures of axial instability of wire-array Z pinches, which were conducted at 10-MA (for short circuit load) pulsed power generator-the Primary Test Stand facility. Not well fabricated loads, which were expected to preset bubble or spike in plasma, were used to degrade the implosion symmetry in order to magnify the phenomenon of instability. The side-view sequence of evolution of correlation given by laser shadowgraphy clearly demonstrates the dynamic processes of azimuthal correlation of the bubble and spike. A possible mechanism presented here suggests that it is the substantial current redistribution especially in regions surrounding the bubble/spike resulting from change of inductance due to the presence of the bubble/spike that plays an essential part in establishment of azimuthal correlation of wire array and liner Z pinches.
The structure of the collisionless transient pinch
Authors: Allen J. E. , Gibson J.
Published: April 2017

The mechanism of the transient pinch at low densities, outlined in an early paper by Rosenbluth, has been studied in detail. The collapse velocity is comparable to the Alfvén velocity although the theory of magnetohydrodynamics is not applicable to collision-free plasmas. The thickness of the surface current layer is found to be the electron inertial length (c/ωpe). The electron and ion trajectories have been calculated, the latter being essentially due to the electrostatic field which transfers the j × B force from the electrons to the positive ions.
Travelling-travelling and travelling-standing electromagnetic solitary waves interactions
Authors: Rostampooran Shabnam , Aslaninejad Morteza
Published: April 2017

We have investigated various interactions of electromagnetic solitary waves in a plasma. For co-propagating and counter-propagating moving solitons with various phase differences, contacts between the solitons were examined. It is shown that group velocities of the interacting solitons and their phase difference play essential roles in the evolutions of the waves. The interaction of a moving soliton with a standing soliton has also been investigated; it is shown that the standing solitons start to move, whereas the moving solitons go to a standing state. For small density perturbation in the plasma, the solutions of the nonlinear Schrodinger equations are discussed.
Silicon-immersed terahertz plasmonic structures
Authors: Iguchi T. , Sugaya T. , Kawano Y.
Published: April 2017

A Bull's eye (BE) plasmonic structure exhibits a powerful property of highly enhanced light transmission through a sub-wavelength aperture. However, the BE structure in the terahertz (THz) region exhibits the problems of a relatively low THz-field enhancement factor and a large area with an increasing groove number. Here, we report on a design of a THz BE structure that utilizes a solid immersion method based on the high refractive index of a silicon (Si) material. By fabricating a deep-etched Si template covered with a gold film, we achieved a greatly enhanced THz transmission with an enhancement factor of up to ∼108 and also miniaturized the structure size by the factor of 11. These features demonstrate that the BE performance can be further improved by engineering dielectric materials.
Field-level characterization of the optical response in J-aggregate/metal hybrid nanostructures by chirp-compensated spectral interferometry
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Hong , Vogelgesang Ralf , Vasa Parinda , Lienau Christoph
Published: April 2017

We use chirp-compensated spectral interferometry to fully probe the optical response of strongly coupled excitons (Xs) and surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in J-aggregate/metal hybrid nanostructures at a field level. The effect of higher order chirp in the interferometric arms on the spectral phase retrieval is theoretically and experimentally analyzed. A quantitative description of the X-SPP polariton response is precisely obtained by simultaneously fitting the measured spectra and phases to a Fano lineshape model. We further deduced the time structure of the reemitted polariton field by Fourier transform to the time domain, which shows clear damped polarization oscillations within an ultrashort time scale of 100 fs.
Modelling the distribution of fish around an artificial reef
Authors: Smith James A. , Cornwell William K. , Lowry Michael B. , Suthers Iain M.
Published: April 2017

Artificial reefs are a widely used tool aimed at fishery enhancement, and measuring the scale at which fish assemblages associate with these artificial habitat patches can aid reef design and spatial arrangement. The present study used rapidly deployed underwater video (drop cameras) to determine the magnitude and spatial scale of associations between a fish assemblage and a coastal artificial reef. Count data from drop cameras were combined with distance and bathymetry information to create a suite of explanatory generalised linear mixed models (GLMMs). The GLMMs showed that artificial reefs can influence surrounding fish abundance, but that the magnitude and scale is species specific. Three of the eight taxonomic groups examined showed a positive association with the artificial reef (with model fit poor for the remaining groups); and depth and bottom cover were also influential variables. The spatial scales of these associations with the artificial reef were small, and it was generally the presence of reef (i.e. a reef bottom type) that explained more variation in fish abundance than did distance to reef. The schooling baitfish yellowtail scad was an exception, and had elevated abundance >50m from the artificial reef. Further distribution modelling of artificial reefs will benefit species-specific design and management of artificial reefs.
Corrigendum to: Interdependencies between flame length and fireline intensity in predicting crown fire initiation and crown scorch height
Authors: Alexander Martin E. , Cruz Miguel G.
Published: April 2017

This state-of-knowledge review examines some of the underlying assumptions and limitations associated with the inter-relationships among four widely used descriptors of surface fire behaviour and post-fire impacts in wildland fire science and management, namely Byram's fireline intensity, flame length, stem-bark char height and crown scorch height. More specifically, the following topical areas are critically examined based on a comprehensive review of the pertinent literature: (i) estimating fireline intensity from flame length; (ii) substituting flame length for fireline intensity in Van Wagner's crown fire initiation model; (iii) the validity of linkages between the Rothermel surface fire behaviour and Van Wagner's crown scorch height models; (iv) estimating flame height from post-fire observations of stem-bark char height; and (v) estimating fireline intensity from post-fire observations of crown scorch height. There has been an overwhelming tendency within the wildland fire community to regard Byram's flame length–fireline intensity and Van Wagner's crown scorch height–fireline intensity models as universal in nature. However, research has subsequently shown that such linkages among fire behaviour and post-fire impact characteristics are in fact strongly influenced by fuelbed structure, thereby necessitating consideration of fuel complex specific-type models of such relationships.
Borrowing, incomplete lexical diffusion and the High German tenues shift
Authors: Callender Craig
Published: April 2017

Building on Callender 2012, this paper argues that residue from the High German tenues shift may be the result of incomplete lexical
diffusion (as opposed to later northern borrowing). Although unshifted forms rarely appear in OHG texts (see Braune 2004 [1886]), an
examination of the TITUS corpus and Schützeichel 1995 revealed that their shifted counterparts were also largely absent. This suggests that
these forms were simply not the types of words written in OHG texts. Incomplete lexical diffusion thus remains a plausible explanation. I
also argue that affrication and spirantization may have been phonologically (perceptually) abrupt. Furthermore, there was little distinction
between the two post-vocalically for old short stops, a position where affricates do not survive today.
Greeting and leave-taking in Texas
Authors: Michno Jeff
Published: April 2017

The present study reveals how 16 Mexican-Americans residing in Texas perceive and follow politeness norms (e.g.Brown and Levinson 1987;Locher and Watts 2005;Scollon and Scollon 2001) related to greetings and leave-takings in different cultural and linguistic contexts. Data from online questionnaires identify a significant difference in perceived level of social expectation (i.e. politeness) for employing the speech acts with Spanish- versus non-Spanish speakers. The data support previous research in identifying a sense of solidarity among Mexican-American extended families, but also suggest that this bond extends to other Spanish-speaking acquaintances. Better understanding of these norms should facilitate inter-cultural exchanges between linguistic in- and out-group members.
The relationship between language proficiency and language attitudes
Authors: Miller Lauren
Published: April 2017

To determine how attitudes toward the minority language change with age, sixty-five Spanish/English bilingual children completed an attitude questionnaire. Results show that first graders have roughly equal attitudes to Spanish and English, while second, third, and fourth graders increasingly state a preference for English. However, among fifth graders, a decrease in this preference for English is found. Results from a matched guise task show that the Spanish and English versions are not rated significantly differently, suggesting that, while children prefer speaking English, they may not project negative attitudes onto Spanish-speakers themselves. Finally, a shift in language preference is found before a shift in language dominance, which may suggest that negative attitudes toward the heritage language lead to a dominance shift.
A relevance-theoretic account of the use of the discourse markerwellin translation from Chinese into English
Authors: Guangjun Wu
Published: April 2017

Discourse markers are a special category of words or expressions which have been shown to pose challenges during the translation process. This article adopts a relevance-theoretic perspective and, based on the two English translations of the Chinese playLeiyu(Thunderstorm), explores the use of the discourse markerwellin translation from Chinese into English. The findings show that the discourse markerwellin translation from Chinese into English is added in two scenarios: to intensify weaker forms of a similar Chinese discourse marker or as an addition when omitted in Chinese. Moreover, interlingual pragmatic enrichment will ensue and the English translations, in comparison with their Chinese originals, become more determinate. Based on this study, we can conclude that discourse markers are important pragmatic elements in translation from Chinese into English. Likewise, contrastive pragmatics is shown to be of potential in the process of translation.
Addendum to A Note on the 25 Most Frequent Surnames from the 2000 United States Census Bureau List
Authors: Nuessel Frank
Published: April 2017

This addendum to Nuessel discusses very recently released results on surname frequency in the US provided by the US Census Bureau. That bureau said that it would no longer prepare an updated list of the 1,000 most frequent surnames in the US because of limited resources. In late 2016, the US Census Bureau released these data from the 2010 census. This note provides information based on that unanticipated release.
The myth of economic growth in Africa
Authors: Obeng-Odoom Franklin
Published: April 2017

Most of the models in economics were formulated based on experiences outside Africa, raising questions about their relevance to the continent where conditions can be markedly different to those that inspired those models. This debate must be revisited in the light of recent economic controversies about Africa.
Characterisation of adipocyte‐derived extracellular vesicle subtypes identifies distinct protein and lipid signatures for large and small extracellular vesicles
Authors: Durcin Maëva , Fleury Audrey , Taillebois Emiliane , Hilairet Grégory , Krupova Zuzana , Henry Céline , Truchet Sandrine , Trötzmüller Martin , Köfeler Harald , Mabilleau Guillaume , Hue Olivier , Andriantsitohaina Ramaroson , Martin Patrice , Le Lay Soazig
Published: April 2017

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are biological vectors that can modulate the metabolism of target cells by conveying signalling proteins and genomic material. The level of EVs in plasma is significantly increased in cardiometabolic diseases associated with obesity, suggesting their possible participation in the development of metabolic dysfunction. With regard to the poor definition of adipocyte‐derived EVs, the purpose of this study was to characterise both qualitatively and quantitatively EVs subpopulations secreted by fat cells. Adipocyte‐derived EVs were isolated by differential centrifugation of conditioned media collected from 3T3‐L1 adipocytes cultured for 24 h in serum‐free conditions. Based on morphological and biochemical properties, as well as quantification of secreted EVs, we distinguished two subpopulations of adipocyte‐derived EVs, namely small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) and large extracellular vesicles (lEVs). Proteomic analyses revealed that lEVs and sEVs exhibit specific protein signatures, allowing us not only to define novel markers of each population, but also to predict their biological functions. Despite similar phospholipid patterns, the comparative lipidomic analysis performed on these EV subclasses revealed a specific cholesterol enrichment of the sEV population, whereas lEVs were characterised by high amounts of externalised phosphatidylserine. Enhanced secretion of lEVs and sEVs is achievable following exposure to different biological stimuli related to the chronic low‐grade inflammation state associated with obesity. Finally, we demonstrate the ability of primary murine adipocytes to secrete sEVs and lEVs, which display physical and biological characteristics similar to those described for 3T3‐L1. Our study provides additional information and elements to define EV subtypes based on the characterisation of adipocyte‐derived EV populations. It also underscores the need to distinguish EV subpopulations, through a combination of multiple approaches and markers, since their specific composition may cause distinct metabolic responses in recipient cells and tissues.
In vivo evasion of MxA by avian influenza viruses requires human signature in the viral nucleoprotein
Authors: Deeg Christoph M. , Hassan Ebrahim , Mutz Pascal , Rheinemann Lara , Götz Veronika , Magar Linda , Schilling Mirjam , Kallfass Carsten , Nürnberger Cindy , Soubies Sébastien , Kochs Georg , Haller Otto , Schwemmle Martin , Staeheli Peter
Published: April 2017

Zoonotic transmission of influenza A viruses can give rise to devastating pandemics, but currently it is impossible to predict the pandemic potential of circulating avian influenza viruses. Here, we describe a new mouse model suitable for such risk assessment, based on the observation that the innate restriction factor MxA represents an effective species barrier that must be overcome by zoonotic viruses. Our mouse lacks functional endogenous Mx genes but instead carries the human MX1 locus as a transgene. Such transgenic mice were largely resistant to highly pathogenic avian H5 and H7 influenza A viruses, but were almost as susceptible to infection with influenza viruses of human origin as nontransgenic littermates. Influenza A viruses that successfully established stable lineages in humans have acquired adaptive mutations which allow partial MxA escape. Accordingly, an engineered avian H7N7 influenza virus carrying a nucleoprotein with signature mutations typically found in human virus isolates was more virulent in transgenic mice than parental virus, demonstrating that a few amino acid changes in the viral target protein can mediate escape from MxA restriction in vivo. Similar mutations probably need to be acquired by emerging influenza A viruses before they can spread in the human population.
Production of activated carbon by using pyrolysis process in an ammonia atmosphere
Authors: Indayaningsih N , Destyorini F , Purawiardi R I , Insiyanda D R , Widodo H
Published: April 2017

Activated carbon is materials that have wide applications, including supercapacitor materials, absorbent in chemical industry, and absorbent material in the chemical industry. This study has carried out for the manufacturing of activated carbon from inexpensive materials through efficient processes. Carbon material was made from coconut fibers through pyrolysis process at temperature of 650, 700, 750 and 800°C. Aim of this study was to obtain carbon material that has a large surface area. Pyrolysis process is carried out in an inert atmosphere (N2gas) at a temperature of 450°C for 30 minutes, followed by pyrolysis process in an ammonia atmosphere at 800°C for 2 hours. The pyrolysis results showed that the etching process in ammonia is occurred; as it obtained some greater surface area when compared with the pyrolisis process in an atmosphere by inert gas only. The resulted activated carbon also showed to have good properties in surface area and total pore volume.
Surface modification of ZSM-5 zeolite: effect of cation on selective conversion of biomass-derived oil
Authors: Widayatno W B
Published: April 2017

This paper reports the surface modification of high silica ZSM-5 zeolite, particularly emphasizing the effect of cation type on selective conversion of biomass-derived oil. XRD spectra of the NaOH-treated HZSM-5 showed notable crystallinity decrease at specific crystal plane orientation. The N2-physisorption tests confirmed mesoporosity evolution as NaOH concentration was increased. NH3-desorption tests revealed a significant change on surface acidity which involved realumination and cation replacement processes. The utilization of untreated HZSM-5 as well as hierarchical NaZSM-5 for catalytic conversion of bio-oil showed the effect of cation type and mesoporosity on chemicals distribution. The untreated HZSM-5 showed high selectivity to aromatics, which degraded gradually due to deactivation and poisoning of the acid sites. Meanwhile, hierarchical NaZSM-5 showed high selectivity to phenolic compound, which became more stable for 0.4M NaOH-treated zeolite (Na04). The current findings provide an additional insight on the potentials of NaZSM-5 for bio-oil valorization.
Comparison of Hemorrhagic Risk in Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations Between Conservative Management and Embolization as the Single Treatment Modality
Authors: Yang Wuyang , Porras Jose L , Xu Risheng , Braileanu Maria , Khalid Syed , Hung Alice L , Caplan Justin M , Garzon-Muvdi Tomas , Rong Xiaoming , Colby Geoffrey P , Coon Alexander L , Tamargo Rafael J , Huang Judy
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Embolization has been discussed as a feasible single modality treatment for intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

OBJECTIVE

To compare hemorrhagic risk between embolization and conservative management in a multivariate survival analysis.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed records of patients with intracranial AVMs evaluated at our institution from 1990 to 2013. We included patients recommended to undergo embolization without other treatment modalities and patients managed conservatively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis of hemorrhage-free survival was performed, with the survival interval right-censored to date of either last follow-up or salvage treatment.

RESULTS

We identified 205 patients matching our inclusion criteria, with 160 patients in the noninterventional group and 45 in the embolization group. The average age of all patients was 40.2 ± 19.5 yr, with younger patients undergoing embolization more often (P = .026). Fifty-one (31.9%) conservatively managed patients and 13 (28.9%) patients treated by embolization (P = .703) presented with hemorrhage. Other baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 management groups. During an average follow-up period of 7.7 yr, 30 patients (14.6%) experienced hemorrhage recurrence. Multivariate Cox regression revealed older age (P = .031) and hemorrhagic presentation (P < .001) to be statistically associated with follow-up hemorrhage. In a subset analysis of unruptured AVMs, embolization was associated with a 4-fold hazard ratio of hemorrhage compared to conservative management (P = .044).

CONCLUSION

Older age and initial presentation with hemorrhage were associated with increased risk of hemorrhage during follow-up. Treatment of AVMs with embolization as the sole modality may increase hemorrhagic risk compared with conservative management, especially in unruptured AVMs.
Can a Community of Practice Improve Physical Therapists’ Self-Perceived Practice in Developmental Coordination Disorder?
Authors: Camden Chantal , Rivard Lisa M. , Hurtubise Karen , Héguy Léa , Berbari Jade
Published: April 2017

Background. Communities of practice (CoPs) are useful knowledge translation (KT) strategies, but little is known about their impact on physical therapists’ self-perceived practice.

Purpose. The impact of a CoP on physical therapists’ self-perceived practice was evaluated, and factors influencing changes in self-perceived knowledge, skills, and practice related to developmental coordination disorder (DCD) were explored.

Design. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was used, guided by the Theory of Reasoned Action and Theory of Planned Behavior.

Methods. Physical therapists participated in a DCD physical therapist CoP, which included 2 full-day, face-to-face workshops, with access to a 5-month online forum between the workshops, and completed questionnaires at 3 time-points: before the first workshop, before accessing the online forum, and following the second workshop. Measures completed before and after the CoP included closed-ended questions providing global scores on therapists’ self-perceived knowledge, skills, and practice. Physical therapists’ sociodemographic characteristics, information-seeking style, use of the online forum, and behavioral change goals were also collected. Paired t-tests, ANCOVAs, and linear regression models were used to analyze the data.

Results. Forty-one physical therapists completed all questionnaires. Their self-perceived knowledge, skills, and practice change scores were significantly higher (+0.47, +1.23, and +2.61, respectively; P < .001) at the end of the CoP compared with the beginning. Few of the factors explored significantly influenced therapists’ self-reported change scores.

Limitations. No observational data on practice change was collected. The small sample may have limited the ability to identify factors influencing self-perceived practice changes.

Conclusions. The CoP increased physical therapists’ self-perceived knowledge, skills, and practice. More research is needed to explore CoP impact on physical therapist practices and how behavioral changes influence patient outcomes.
Exploring the Philosophical, Paradigmatic, Conceptual-Theoretical Underpinnings of Qualitative Research
Authors: Cypress Brigitte S.
Published: April 2017

Qualitative research has become more accepted as a legitimate mode of inquiry in the social and behavioral sciences for many years but not without controversy and confusion even now in the 21st century. The procedures for conducting a qualitative research study evolve from a philosophical, paradigmatic, and interpretive frameworks. These are the aspects of a naturalistic inquiry where inconsistency is evident related to its complexity. The purpose of this article is to describe qualitative methods focusing on these aspects that included phenomenology to set the stage for discussion and using a phenomenological study as an exemplar to further illustrate the process.
Listening to How Experienced Nurses Care for the Dying Husband and His Spouse
Authors: McLouth Kanacki Lana , Winslow Betty Wehtje
Published: April 2017

Background:

Although most nurses in critical care settings provide nursing care for marital couples when 1 of the partners is dying, this is a relatively new area of research.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to describe the nature of nursing care provided for marital couples in the critical care unit when the husbands were dying.

Method:

A qualitative interpretive description was used to construct this study. Data were collected by conducting semistructured individual interviews with 15 experienced critical care nurses in quiet conference rooms. The initial sample was recruited by invitation, and then followed by the snowball method. Institutional review board approval was obtained at the supporting institution. Interviews were recorded and transcribed to facilitate analysis. Data were analyzed line by line with constant comparison to formulate key ideas and then organized into themes.

Results:

Three themes were identified: (a) experienced nurses support the wife and husband, (b) experienced nurses connect spiritually with the wife and husband, and (c) experienced nurses provide skillful care for the wife and her husband who is dying. These themes form a description of the nature of nursing care needed by novice nurses. Emphasis for novice nurses includes focusing on the uniqueness of the marital couple as the patient, being less task oriented, and being more emotionally sensitive to the needs of the marital dyad. In this study, experienced nurses relay the importance of engaging self with these couples and being present at the end of life.

Discussion:

Future research directions are to explore innovative ways nurses may provide spiritual and emotional support to these marital couples and to measure what care activities the wife deems most beneficial for her and her husband at his end of life.
The Cardioprotective Effect of Dexmedetomidine in Rats Is Dose-Dependent and Mediated by BKCa Channels
Authors: Behmenburg Friederike , Pickert Eileen , Mathes Alexander , Heinen André , Hollmann Markus W. , Huhn Ragnar , Berger Marc M.
Published: April 2017

The alpha-2 receptor agonist Dexmedetomidine (Dex) protects the heart against ischemia–reperfusion injury. We investigated the signaling cascade underlying Dex-induced acute cardioprotection, with special emphasis on large-conductance Ca2+-sensitive potassium (BKCa) channels. Rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital. Hearts were isolated, mounted on a Langendorff system and perfused with Krebs–Henseleit buffer. Hearts underwent 33 minutes of ischemia followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion. Before the beginning of ischemia, Dex was administered at different doses (0.1–30 nM) for characterization of a dose-effect relationship. In another set of experiments, Dex (3 nM) was administered together with the BKCa channel inhibitor paxilline and the connexin-43 inhibitor peptide Gap27. Also, the BKCa channel opener NS1619 was administered. In control animals, infarct size was 49% ± 5%. Dex at 3–30 nM reduced infarct size to ∼22%, whereas lower (0.1–1 nM) doses reduced infarct size to ∼38%. Paxilline (1 μM) and GAP27 (6 μM) blocked the Dex-induced cardioprotection. NS1619 (10 μM) reduced infarct size to about the same magnitude as did the higher doses of Dex. Functional heart parameters and coronary flow were not different between the study groups. In male rats, the Dex-induced protection against ischemia–reperfusion injury involves connexin-43 and activation of BKCa channels.
Optimizing the Care Coordinator Role in Primary Care: A Qualitative Case Study
Authors: Clark Elizabeth C. , Howard Jenna , Ferrante Jeanne , Heath Cathryn , Li Kang , Albin Susan , Hudson Shawna V.
Published: April 2017

Background:

Care coordinators (CCs) are increasingly employed in primary care as a means to improve health care quality, but little research examines the process by which CCs are integrated into practices. This case study provides an in-depth examination of this process and efforts to optimize the role.

Methods:

Two CCs' work was observed and assessed, and attempts were made to optimize the role using workflow modeling and “Plan-Do-Study-Act” cycles. Rolling qualitative analyses of field notes from key informant interviews and team meetings were conducted using iterative cycles of “immersion/crystallization” to identify emerging themes.

Results:

Expected roles of CCs included case management of high-risk patients, transitions of care, and population management. Case management was the least difficult to implement; transition management required more effort; and population management met with individual and institutional obstacles and was difficult to address.

Conclusions:

The process by which CCs are integrated into primary care is not well understood and will require more attention to optimally use this role to improve health care quality. Understanding aspects of CCs' roles that are the least and most difficult to integrate may provide a starting place for developing best practices for implementation of this emerging role.
Structural models and considerations on the COA6, COX18 and COX20 factors that assist assembly of human cytochrome c oxidase subunit II
Authors: Abriata Luciano A
Published: April 2017

The soluble domain of cytochromecoxidase subunit II (COX2), located in the outer side of the inner mitochondrial membrane, contains a binuclear copper site (CuA) through which electrons flow from cytochromecto the core of the oxidase where oxygen reduction takes place. Being COX2 encoded in the mitochondrial genome, newly synthesized protein undergoes maturation steps in which it is translocated through and inserted into the inner mitochondrial membrane, and copper ions are loaded to form the CuA site. These steps are ensured by several protein factors in a complex pathway that is not fully understood, including copper-loading and disulfide-reduction proteins plus chaperones that assist proper membrane insertion. While the structure and function of copper-loading and disulfide-reducing proteins Sco1 and Sco2 have been quite studied at atomistic level, the latest biological studies have uncovered roles for other proteins that are not yet much understood at the structural level. In particular, recent experiments showed that membrane protein COX18 is a membrane-protein insertase for COX2, whereas membrane protein COX20 is a chaperone that stabilizes COX2 during translocation through the inner mitochondrial membrane, and soluble protein COA6 is part of the copper-loading pathway in conjunction with Sco1 and Sco2. This work reports structural models for COX18, COX20 and COA6, built judiciously from homology modeling, contact prediction-based modeling and transmembrane helix predictions, while considering the underlying biology. Implications and limitations of the models are discussed, and possible experimental routes to pursue are proposed. All models are provided as PyMOL sessions in the Supporting Information and can be visualized online athttp://lucianoabriata.altervista.org/modelshome.html.
Index switching causes “spreading-of-signal” among multiplexed samples in Illumina HiSeq 4000 DNA sequencing
Authors: Sinha Rahul , Stanley Geoff , Gulati Gunsagar S. , Ezran Camille , Travaglini Kyle J. , Wei Eric , Chan Charles K.F. , Nabhan Ahmad N. , Su Tianying , Morganti Rachel M. , Conley Stephanie D. , Chaib Hassan , Red-Horse Kristy , Longaker Michael T. , Snyder Michael P. , Krasnow Mark A. , Weissman Irving L.
Published: April 2017

Illumina-based next generation sequencing (NGS) has accelerated biomedical discovery through its ability to generate thousands of gigabases of sequencing output per run at a fraction of the time and cost of conventional technologies. The process typically involves four basic steps: library preparation, cluster generation, sequencing, and data analysis. In 2015, a new chemistry of cluster generation was introduced in the newer Illumina machines (HiSeq 3000/4000/X Ten) called exclusion amplification (ExAmp), which was a fundamental shift from the earlier method of random cluster generation by bridge amplification on a non-patterned flow cell. The ExAmp chemistry, in conjunction with patterned flow cells containing nanowells at fixed locations, increases cluster density on the flow cell, thereby reducing the cost per run. It also increases sequence read quality, especially for longer read lengths (up to 150 base pairs). This advance has been widely adopted for genome sequencing because greater sequencing depth can be achieved for lower cost without compromising the quality of longer reads. We show that this promising chemistry is problematic, however, when multiplexing samples. We discovered that up to 5-10% of sequencing reads (or signals) are incorrectly assigned from a given sample to other samples in a multiplexed pool. We provide evidence that this “spreading-of-signals” arises from low levels of free index primers present in the pool. These index primers can prime pooled library fragments at random via complementary 3’ ends, and get extended by DNA polymerase, creating a new library molecule with a new index before binding to the patterned flow cell to generate a cluster for sequencing. This causes the resulting read from that cluster to be assigned to a different sample, causing the spread of signals within multiplexed samples. We show that low levels of free index primers persist after the most common library purification procedure recommended by Illumina, and that the amount of signal spreading among samples is proportional to the level of free index primer present in the library pool. This artifact causes homogenization and misclassification of cells in single cell RNA-seq experiments. Therefore, all data generated in this way must now be carefully re-examined to ensure that “spreading-of-signals” has not compromised data analysis and conclusions. Re-sequencing samples using an older technology that uses conventional bridge amplification for cluster generation, or improved library cleanup strategies to remove free index primers, can minimize or eliminate this signal spreading artifact.
On the principles of cell decision-making: intracellular coupling improves cell responses fidelity of noisy signals
Authors: Reppas Andreas I. , Jorswieck Eduard A. , Hatzikirou Haralampos
Published: April 2017

Reliability of cell fate decision-making is crucial to biological development. Until today it has not been clear what are biology’s design principles that allow for reliable cell decision making under the influence of noise. Here, we attempt to answer this question by drawing an analogy between cell decision-making and information theory. We show that coupling of intracellular signalling pathway networks makes cell phenotypic responses reliable for noisy signals. As a proof of concept, we show how cis-interaction of the Notch-Delta pathway allows for increased performance under the influence of noise. Interestingly, in this case, the coupling principle leads to an efficient energy management. Finally, our postulated principle offers a compelling argument why cellular encoding is organized in a non-linear and non-hierarchical manner.
Hypermarket private-label products, brand strategies and spokesperson persuasion
Authors: Chou Hsuan-Yi , Wang Tuan-Yu
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of brand strategies and spokesperson expertise on consumer responses to hypermarket private-label products by combining concepts from consumer attitude change, resistance to persuasion and construal level theory (CLT).

Design/methodology/approach

Two experiments were conducted to test the propositions.

Findings

Consumers perceived the low-price (low-quality) characteristic of private-label products as a high-level (low-level) construal consideration when forming purchase decisions. Product relevance negatively affected consumers’ perceived product distance. Compared with store brands, separate brands enhanced consumer product attitudes and purchase intentions. Brand strategies and product distance affected consumer message-processing mindset (i.e. resistant to persuasion or open to persuasion) when processing advertisements, ultimately moderating the effect of spokesperson expertise.

Practical implications

The findings are useful for hypermarkets seeking to implement brand strategies and select spokespersons for private-label products. Additionally, the findings show that advertisers should design advertising elements to match consumers’ construal approaches to product-related information.

Originality/value

This study contrasts two common hypermarket brand strategies, identifies the construal levels corresponding to the dual roles of private-label products and expands CLT dimensions. Additionally, the results bridge two research approaches (persuasion and resistance to persuasion) and demonstrate the pivotal influence of brand strategies. The findings also advance understanding of the effects of spokesperson expertise and contribute to resistance theory by showing how to effectively reduce attitude certainty after resistance to persuasion.
Communication-in-use: customer-integrated marketing communication
Authors: Finne Åke , Grönroos Christian
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This conceptual paper aims at developing a customer-centric marketing communications approach that takes the starting point in the customer ecosystem.

Design/methodology/approach

After a critical analysis of existing marketing communications and integrated marketing communication (IMC) approaches, a customer-driven view of marketing communications is developed using recent developments in relationship communication, customer-dominant logic and the notion of customer value formation as value-in-use.

Findings

A customer-integrated marketing communication (CIMC) approach centred on a communication-in-use concept is conceptually developed and introduced. The analysis results in a CIMC model, where a customer in his or her individual ecosystem, based on integration of a set of messages from different sources, makes sense of the many messages he or she is exposed to.

Research limitations/implications

The paper presents a customer-driven perspective on marketing communication and IMC. The analysis is conceptual and should trigger future empirical grounding. It indicates the need for a change in mindset in research.

Practical implications

CIMC requires a turnaround in the mindset that steers how companies and their marketers communicate with customers. The CIMC model provides guidelines for planning marketing communication.

Originality/value

The customer-driven communication-in-use concept and the CIMC model challenge traditional inside-out approaches to planning and implementing marketing communication.
Measuring integrated marketing communication by taking a broad organisational approach
Authors: Porcu Lucia , Del Barrio-García Salvador , Kitchen Philip J.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this research is twofold: first, to conceptualise integrated marketing communication (IMC) by adopting a more inclusive and broader organisational perspective, and second, to empirically develop and validate a new measurement scale to assess firm-wide IMC.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a multistage research design adopting qualitative and quantitative approaches. First, a comprehensive literature review and a two-round Delphi study served as the primary basis for the development of the IMC theoretical framework, including generation of items and content validation. Second, a pilot study (n= 39) enabled us to purify the measurement tool. Third, the data gathered via an online survey conducted among CEOs and other senior managers (n= 180) led to empirical validation of the proposed firm-wide IMC scale applying second-order confirmatory factor and structural equation modelling analyses.

Findings

This research produced the firm-wide IMC scale, a 25-item Likert-format measure exhibiting adequate dimensionality, reliability and construct (convergent, discriminant and nomological) validity.

Originality/value

The need for a more holistic approach emerged from both the academic literature and the professional arena. However, even very recent attempts to measure integration have involved the adoption of a narrow marketing communications-centred approach. Thus, the value and uniqueness of this paper lies in its novel definition of IMC as a four-dimensional construct and the development of a theoretically consistent, valid and reliable measurement tool for the assessment of integration based on a firm-wide organisational approach.