bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of radiotherapy patients in provision of student interpersonal skills feedback
Authors: Bridge P. , Pirihi C. , Carmichael M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundAt Queensland University of Technology, student radiation therapists receive regular feedback from clinical staff relating to clinical interpersonal skills. Although this is of great value, there is anecdotal evidence that students communicate differently with patients when under observation.PurposeThe aim of this pilot was to counter this perceived observer effect by allowing patients to provide students with additional feedback.Materials and methodsRadiotherapy patients from two departments were provided with anonymous feedback forms relating to aspects of student interpersonal skills. Clinical assessors, mentors and students were also provided with feedback forms, including questions about the role of patient feedback. Patient perceptions of student performance were correlated with staff feedback and assessment scores.ResultsResults indicated that the feedback was valued by both students and patients. Students reported that the additional dimension focused them on communication, set goals for development and increased motivation. These changes derived from both feedback and study participation, suggesting that the questionnaires could be a useful teaching tool. Patients scored more generously than mentors, although there was agreement in relative grading.ConclusionsThe anonymous questionnaire is a convenient and valuable method of gathering patient feedback on students. Future iterations will determine the optimum timing for this method of feedback.
Digital PA with voltage-mode topology using envelope delta-sigma modulation
Authors: Wentzel Andreas , Hori Shinichi , Hayakawa Makoto , Kunihiro Kazuaki , Heinrich Wolfgang 
Published: July 2013

This paper reports on digital transmitter architecture for the 450 MHz band using an envelope delta-sigma modulator realized in CMOS and a voltage-mode class-S (VMCS) power amplifier (PA) based on GaN monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs). The class-S PA is characterized for narrowband single-tone signals and a single- as well as a four-carrier downlink wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) signal with a peak-to-average power ratio of 7.5 dB. Using single-tone excitation the PA shows a maximum drain efficiency of 86% and a peak output power of 4.4 W. At 6 and 10 dB back-off, 59 and 36% efficiency are achieved, respectively. With the single- and four-carrier WCDMA input signals maximum drain efficiencies of 64 and 53% are reached, respectively, and peak output power is 0.7 W. The adjacent channel leakage ratio shows values of about −34 dBc (5 MHz) and −38 dBc (10 MHz) for single-carrier WCDMA excitation. This is the first complete VMCS PA chain characterized with standard communication signals.
Static properties of planar Mach‐Zehnder optical modulator on (110) InP substrate
Authors: Ogiso Y. , Arai M. , Sato T. , Shibata Y. , Kohtoku M. 
Published: July 2013

A single drive Mach‐Zehnder optical modulator with a new simple planar structure was investigated by utilising a lateral electric field. To obtain the Pockels effect induced by the lateral electric field, a (110)‐oriented InP substrate is introduced. The device exhibits an extinction ratio of > 25 dB over the entire C‐band, a wide operating wavelength bandwidth of 80 nm and temperature insensitivity.
In‐phase antiguided bottom‐emitting vertical cavity laser arrays
Authors: Johnson M.T. , Siriani D.F. , Leisher P.O. , Choquette K.D. 
Published: July 2013

In‐phase emission from a bottom‐emitting, coherently coupled, vertical cavity surface‐emitting laser array is demonstrated for the first time. Various array geometries are examined. An antiguided index profile is used to obtain the preferred on‐axis far‐field peak from a 2 × 1 array up to 0.9 mW, representing a critical step towards coherent, high‐brightness two‐dimensional laser arrays.
Isolated pseudo–RNA-recognition motifs of SR proteins can regulate splicing using a noncanonical mode of RNA recognition
Authors: Cléry Antoine , Sinha Rahul , Anczuków Olga , Corrionero Anna , Moursy Ahmed , Daubner Gerrit M. , Valcárcel Juan , Krainer Adrian R. , Allain Frédéric H.-T. 
Published: July 2013

Significance
Serine/arginine (SR) proteins are key regulators of eukaryotic gene expression and have been associated with multiple human diseases including cancers. Several members of this protein family contain a noncanonical RNA recognition motif (RRM), the pseudo-RRM, for which the mode of RNA recognition is unknown. Here, we solved the structure of SRSF1 pseudo-RRM bound to RNA. It reveals the RNA motif recognized and a very unusual mode of interaction, which is conserved for all the SR proteins containing pseudo-RRMs. Finally, we show that the pseudo-RRM in isolation often is sufficient to regulate splicing, and we reveal its mechanism of action.
Community adaptation to climate change: exploring drought and poverty traps in Gituamba location, Kenya
Authors: Sherwood Amy 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Globally, many communities are vulnerable to weather-pattern variability. Climate change will act as a threat multiplier by increasing this variability. To combat growing vulnerability, strategies for adaptation must be developed. This study uses interviews and participatory research techniques to examine the effects of a year-long drought on women and poverty dynamics in Gituamba location, Kenya. It concludes that drought has the ability to create poverty traps and produce a poverty of time and energy among women. Some possible adaptation strategies include livelihood diversification, creation of cooperatives, conservation farming, and rehabilitation of communal boreholes.
The origin of blueshifted absorption features in the X-ray spectrum of PG 1211+143: outflow or disc
Authors: Gallo L. C. , Fabian A. C. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
In some radio-quiet active galactic nuclei (AGN), high-energy absorption features in the X-ray spectra have been interpreted as ultrafast outflows (UFOs) – highly ionized material (e.g. Fe xxv and Fe xxvi) ejected at mildly relativistic velocities. In some cases, these outflows can carry energy in excess of the binding energy of the host galaxy. Needless to say, these features demand our attention as they are strong signatures of AGN feedback and will influence galaxy evolution. For the same reason, alternative models need to be discussed and refuted or confirmed. Gallo and Fabian proposed that some of these features could arise from resonance absorption of the reflected spectrum in a layer of ionized material located above and corotating with the accretion disc. Therefore, the absorbing medium would be subjected to similar blurring effects as seen in the disc. A priori, the existence of such plasma above the disc is as plausible as a fast wind. In this work, we highlight the ambiguity by demonstrating that the absorption model can describe the ∼7.6 keV absorption feature (and possibly other features) in the quasar PG 1211+143, an AGN that is often described as a classic example of a UFO. In this model, the 2–10 keV spectrum would be largely reflection dominated (as opposed to power law dominated in the wind models) and the resonance absorption would be originating in a layer between about 6 and 60 gravitational radii. The studies of such features constitute a cornerstone for future X-ray observatories like Astro-H and Athena+. Should our model prove correct, or at least important in some cases, then absorption will provide another diagnostic tool with which to probe the inner accretion flow with future missions.
Viral Co‐infections Are Common and Are Associated With Higher Bacterial Burden in Children With Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Feghaly Rana E. El , Stauber Jennifer L. , Tarr Phillip I. , Haslam David B. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTClostridium difficile infections in children are increasing. In this cohort study, we enrolled 62 children with diarrhea and C difficile. We performed polymerase chain reaction assays to detect viral agents of gastroenteritis and quantify C difficile burden. Fifteen (24%) children diagnosed as having C difficile infection had a concomitant viral co‐infection. These patients tended to be younger and had a higher C difficile bacterial burden than children with no viral co‐infections (median difference = 565,957 cfu/mL; P = 0.011), but were clinically indistinguishable. The contribution of viral co‐infection to C difficile disease in children warrants future investigation.
Bilateral Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Hayreh Sohan Singh , Zimmerman M. Bridget 
Published: July 2013

Background:
In patients with bilateral sequential nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NA-AION), previous studies have reported conflicting results on whether or not the visual outcome is similar in the 2 eyes. The authors investigated this issue in 174 consecutive patients with bilateral NA-AION.

Methods:
At the first visit, all patients had a detailed ophthalmic and medical history and comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation. Visual evaluation was performed by recording Snellen visual acuity and visual fields with kinetic perimetry. The same ophthalmic evaluation was performed at each follow-up visit. The data on the difference in visual acuity, which was converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) form, and visual field defects between the first eye and the second eye of each patient at the initial visit and at the final follow-up were analyzed. A similar subgroup analysis was performed on patients treated with systemic corticosteroids.

Results:
At presentation, both initial visual acuity and visual field defects were significantly better in the second eye than in the first eye (P < 0.0001). As a predictor of initial visual acuity in the second eye, the initial logMAR of the first eye only explained 7.0% (R2) of the total variation in the initial logMAR of the second eye. Intraclass correlation (ICC) between the paired eyes was 0.19 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04–0.33), indicating poor agreement. The absolute difference in initial visual field grade between the 2 eyes was 0.5 or greater in 78%. The weighted kappa statistic for agreement between visual field defects of the 2 eyes was 0.27 (95% CI, 0.19–0.36), indicating poor agreement. At the final follow-up, a difference in logMAR of at least 0.3 between the paired eyes was found in 38% of the steroid-treated group and 45% of the untreated group. For visual field grade, there was a difference of at least 0.5 in 70% of those who were treated with steroid and in 76% of those not treated. The ICC for logMAR and weighted kappa for visual field grade for the paired eyes was below 0.60 for both the groups. The findings indicated poor agreement between the 2 eyes.

Conclusion:
The results show that in patients with bilateral sequential NA-AION, there are large differences between the visual acuity and visual field findings of paired eyes at initial and final visit, whether or not treated with steroids. It is not possible to predict the visual acuity and visual field grade in the second eye based solely on the first eye.
Metabolic Interaction between Anthocyanin and Lignin Biosynthesis Is Associated with Peroxidase FaPRX27 in Strawberry Fruit
Authors: Ring Ludwig , Yeh Su-Ying , Hücherig Stephanie , Hoffmann Thomas , Blanco-Portales Rosario , Fouche Mathieu , Villatoro Carmen , Denoyes Béatrice , Monfort Amparo , Caballero José Luis , Muñoz-Blanco Juan , Gershenson Jonathan , Schwab Wilfried 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPlant phenolics have drawn increasing attention due to their potential nutritional benefits. Although the basic reactions of the phenolics biosynthetic pathways in plants have been intensively analyzed, the regulation of their accumulation and flux through the pathway is not that well established. The aim of this study was to use a strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) microarray to investigate gene expression patterns associated with the accumulation of phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins in strawberry fruit. An examination of the transcriptome, coupled with metabolite profiling data from different commercial varieties, was undertaken to identify genes whose expression correlated with altered phenolics composition. Seventeen comparative microarray analyses revealed 15 genes that were differentially (more than 200-fold) expressed in phenolics-rich versus phenolics-poor varieties. The results were validated by heterologous expression of the peroxidase FaPRX27 gene, which showed the highest altered expression level (more than 900-fold). The encoded protein was functionally characterized and is assumed to be involved in lignin formation during strawberry fruit ripening. Quantitative trait locus analysis indicated that the genomic region of FaPRX27 is associated with the fruit color trait. Down-regulation of the CHALCONE SYNTHASE gene and concomitant induction of FaPRX27 expression diverted the flux from anthocyanins to lignin. The results highlight the competition of the different phenolics pathways for their common precursors. The list of the 15 candidates provides new genes that are likely to impact polyphenol accumulation in strawberry fruit and could be used to develop molecular markers to select phenolics-rich germplasm.
Electronic word of mouth
Authors: Ahrens Jan , Coyle James R. , Strahilevitz Michal Ann 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this work is to test several incentive strategies for attaining new customers via electronic referrals, or e‐referrals. The paper aims to examine: the roles of both the magnitude of the incentive offered to the sender and the magnitude of the incentive offered to the receiver; and the effect of equity versus inequity of financial incentives for the two parties.Design/methodology/approachThe study consisted of a large‐scale field experiment conducted with 45,000 members of an online mall. The participants were divided into eight conditions in an incomplete two‐factor 4×4 between‐subjects design, where not every combination of incentive magnitudes was utilized and the magnitude of the incentive offered the receiver and sender varied in size such that sometimes rewards were equal, sometimes receivers of the e‐referral had larger rewards, and sometimes senders of the e‐referral s received more. Dependent measures included the number of e‐referrals sent, the number of those e‐referrals that lead to a new customer registering, and the number of new registrants that converted to buyers from completing a purchase.FindingsThe results demonstrate that both the magnitude of financial incentives, and the relative magnitude of the incentives for the senders and receivers both influence e‐referral rates. Specifically, it was found that offering higher incentives to senders and receivers led to an increase in referral invitations sent, new member sign‐ups and new buyers. It was also found that the disparity between incentives offered to senders and receivers affected e‐referral rates and that inequity should favor the sender to enhance results.Originality/valueThis paper offers marketers valuable insights as to how different combinations of financial incentives to receivers and senders can affect e‐referral rates. The findings suggest that potential referrers respond not only to referral incentives but also to the disparity between their incentives and the receivers' incentives.
The influence of cold mercerization on comfort properties of summer cotton fabrics
Authors: Ayatollahi Pegah , Asghar Alamdar‐Yazdi Ali , Javad Sarraf‐Shirazi Mohammad 
Published: July 2013

PurposeMercerization is one of the finishing treatments that often are used to improve the dye uptake properties and increase cotton fabrics' luster. Since comfort is a necessity of clothing and customers desire it more than ever, the finishing treatments that improve some properties of the fabric should not reduce clothing comfort. The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of cold mercerization on the comfort properties of cotton fabrics.Design/methodology/approachA total of 15 woven fabric samples in different structures were randomly chosen. The samples were divided into two groups: the finished fabrics (i.e. those which were run through singing, desizing, and bleaching processes) and the mercerized fabrics (i.e. samples which underwent the singing, desizing, bleaching and mercerizing processes). The mechanical and thermo‐physiological comfort properties of these two groups were evaluated and results were compared.FindingsThe results showed that bending rigidity, shearing rigidity, air permeability, water vapour transmission and thermal resistance increased by cold mercerization. Moreover, frictional restraint, extensibility and wicking decreased. In other words, mercerization can improve some comfort properties of cotton fabrics and weaken the others.Originality/valueThe current literatures don't consider the effect of mercerization on the clothing comfort. The present work intends to evaluate the effect of cold mercerization on the mechanical (tactile) and thermo‐physiological comfort properties of cotton fabrics which are used as summer clothing.
Toward advanced three‐dimensional modeling of garment prototype from draping technique
Authors: Tao Xuyuan , Bruniaux Pascal 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe study in this article aims to focus on a novel design concept of virtual 3D garment which is realized with the help of traditional patternmaking methodology and the CAD softwares in order to directly conceive the virtual clothing on a mannequin morphotype in cyberspace in consideration of the ease allowance between the body shape and the garment.Design/methodology/approachThe method of acquisition of 3D human body was explained at first. Then the process of creation of garment 3D model associated with the draping technique was presented. The superposition of patterns from the 3D modeling and the traditional method used in industries was done in order to visualize the right results. At last, the dynamic validation of the garment was carried out in order to analyze the fitting results of try‐on simulation.FindingsThe 3D modeling technique method based on the draping technique shows that the garment fits perfectly to the body shape of the wearer.Social implicationsFor the ready‐to‐wear manufacture, this method can be also involved on the parametric mannequin in order to reduce the lifetime of development by eliminating the process of pattern grading in the future.Originality/valueThe originality of this article comes from the combination of the traditional draping technique with the advanced CAD softwares in consideration of the fitting and draping of the garment. This concept is used not only in the context of mass customized product but also in mass production for the ready‐to‐wear apparel industries. The patterns are directly adjusted in 3D and can immediately be tried on in 3D simulation. As a result, the process in 2D patternmaking design can be eliminated.
Thermomechanical analysis of vehicles gray iron brake discs
Authors: Belhocine Ali , Bouchetara Mostefa 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is to analyse the thermomechanical behavior of the dry contact between the brake disc and pads during the braking phase.Design/methodology/approachThe simulation strategy is based on computer code ANSYS11. The modeling of transient temperature in the disc is actually used to identify the factor of geometric design of the disc to install the ventilation system in vehicles. The thermal‐structural analysis is then used coupling to determine the deformation and the Von Mises stress established in the disc, the contact pressure distribution in pads.FindingsThe analysis results showed that temperature field and stress field in the process of braking phase were fully coupled.Originality/valueThe results are satisfactory when compared with those of the specialized literature.
Automation in action at the latest PackExpo show
Authors: Bloss Richard 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a review of the most recent PackExpo show in Chicago with emphasis on the new automation innovations and applications on display.Design/methodology/approachIn‐depth interviews are carried out with exhibitors of automated packaging machinery at the show.FindingsAutomation continues to address an ever‐increasing number of packaging tasks.Practical implicationsCustomers may be surprised at the extent to which automation innovations are available and the new applications that are being addressed.Originality/valueThis paper is a review of some of the latest packaging automation innovations and applications that one might have seen if they had been on the exhibition floor at the most recent Chicago PackExpo show.
Demand responsive planning: workload control implementation
Authors: Akillioglu Hakan , Ferreira Joao , Onori Mauro 
Published: July 2013

PurposeEvolvable production systems enable fully reconfiguration capabilities on the shop floor through process‐oriented modularity and multi‐agent‐based distributed control. To be able to benefit architectural and operational characteristics of evolvable systems, there is a need of a new planning approach which links shop floor characteristics and planning operations. This paper seeks to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachEvolvable production system has a structured methodology in itself. Consistent to this, a reference planning architecture is developed aiming to achieve agility on planning activities. Besides a workload control method is proposed and implemented as a part of the planning architecture.FindingsFirst applications of evolvable systems have been implemented through European research projects. Shop floor working principles and architectural characteristics are consistent to facilitate more agility on planning activities which are framed at a planning reference architecture called demand responsive planning. As an implementation case, an agent‐based workload control method is proposed and implemented. The characteristics of EPS and proposed planning architecture enable continuous and dynamic workload control of the shop floor to be implemented.Originality/valueThis paper presents a new planning model compatible with evolvable production systems targeting to agility to demand on planning and control activities benefiting shop floor enhancements of a fully reconfigurable system which enables to relax constraints imposed from production systems to planning. In addition, a continuous and dynamic workload control method is proposed and implemented.
A virtual reality‐based maintenance time measurement methodology for complex products
Authors: Dong Zhou , Le Kang , Chuan Lv 
Published: July 2013

PurposeMaintainability is a critical design characteristic that shows how well a product can be maintained; maintenance time is a comprehensive parameter of product maintainability design. This paper aims to provide an integrated methodology for complex product maintainability verification and maintenance time prediction using virtual prototypes and humans in a virtual dynamic simulation of the maintenance process.Design/methodology/approachAn integrated platform for maintainability verification and maintenance time prediction is designed. Decomposition of maintenance tasks, corrective measurement time method, and an impact matrix of maintenance therbligs and time are presented.FindingsThe proposed methodology can efficiently conduct complex product maintainability verification and maintenance time prediction.Practical implicationsEarly and effective verification and prediction of the maintainability and maintenance time program can significantly improve the maintainability and availability of a complex product.Originality/valueA universally applicable method for product maintainability verification and maintenance time prediction is presented.