bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for detection of botulinum toxin‐antibodies
Authors: Dressler Dirk , Gessler Frank , Tacik Pawel , Bigalke Hans 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTIntroductionAntibodies against botulinum neurotoxin (BNT‐AB) can be detected by the mouse protection assay (MPA), the hemidiaphragm assay (HDA), and by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Both MPA and HDA require sacrifice of experimental animals, and they are technically delicate and labor intensive. We introduce a specially developed ELISA for detection of BNT‐A‐AB and evaluate it against the HDA.MethodsThirty serum samples were tested by HDA and by the new ELISA. Results were compared, and receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to optimize ELISA parameter constellation to obtain either maximal overall accuracy, maximal test sensitivity, or maximal test specificity. When the ELISA is optimized for sensitivity, a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 55% can be reached. When it is optimized for specificity, a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 90% can be obtained.ResultsWe present an ELISA for BNT‐AB detection that can be—for the first time—customized for special purposes. Adjusted for optimal sensitivity, it reaches the best sensitivity of all BNT‐AB tests available.ConclusionsUsing the new ELISA together with the HDA as a confirmation test allows testing for BNT‐AB in large numbers of patients receiving BT drugs in an economical, fast, and more animal‐friendly way. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Chameleon – a group communication framework for smartphones
Authors: Dvinsky Alex , Friedman Roy 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThis paper reports about our experience in designing and developing Chameleon, a highly portable and adaptable group communication framework for smartphones. Chameleon owes its level of portability to several design choices, including the following: (i) a layered architecture, where the headers of each layer have a standard XML‐based format, enabling automatic, error‐resistant generation of efficient serialization code in any platform; (ii) reliance only on the J2ME library, which serves as least common denominator for Java dialects and facilitates automatic translation to.NET; (iii) having flexible membership models; and (iv) supporting multiple concurrent protocol stacks.Through a single codebase, Chameleon is currently available as an open‐source project for J2ME, J2SE, Android,.NET CF, and.NET. Chameleon is easily extendable and is bundled with tools, configurations, and third‐party code tuned in a way that lifts some of the burden normally associated with multiplatform development for smartphones. Both the header generation from XML and automatic translation to.NET features of Chameleon are readily available to any application that is based on it. Chameleon's threading model separates between execution of internal layers and application's code and by that protects one from the other. As we describe in the paper, it simplifies layers' development and allows the protocol stack to easily block application calls when this is required by internal algorithms. Additionally, this model simplifies testing, and an extensive testing framework is supplied along with Chameleon, which is also usable for testing of application‐specific layers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ezrin silencing remodulates the expression of Phosphoinositide‐specific Phospholipase C enzymes in human osteosarcoma cell lines
Authors: Lo Vasco V. R. , Leopizzi M. , Puggioni C. , Della Rocca C. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractEzrin, a protein belonging to the Ezrin, radixin and moesin (ERM) family, was engaged in the metastatic spread of osteosarcoma. The Protein 4.1, Ezrin, radixin, moesin (FERM) domain of Ezrin binds the membrane Phosphatydil inositol (4,5) bisphosphate (PIP2), a crucial molecule belonging to the Phosphoinositide (PI) signal transduction pathway. The cytoskeleton cross‐linker function of Ezrin largely depends on membrane PIP2 levels, and thus upon the activity of related enzymes belonging to the PI‐specific phospholipase C (PI‐PLC) family. Based on the role of Ezrin in tumour progression and metastasis, we silenced the expression of Vil2 (OMIM *123900), the gene which codifies for Ezrin, in cultured human osteosarcoma 143B and Hs888 cell lines. After Ezrin silencing, the growth rate of both cell lines was significantly reduced and morphogical changes were observed. We also observed moderate variations both of selected PI‐PLC enzymes within the cell and of expression of the corresponding PLC genes. In 143B cell line the transcription of PLCB1 decreased, of PLCG2 increased and of PLCE differed in a time‐dependent manner. In Hs888, the expression of PLCB1 and of PLCD4 significantly increased, of PLCE moderately increased in a time dependent manner; the expression of PLCG2 was up‐regulated. These observations indicate that Ezrin silencing affects the transcription of selected PLC genes, suggesting that Ezrin might influence the expression regulation of PI‐PLC enzymes.
Summary Report on the 2012 Sun Grant National Conference: Science for Biomass Feedstock Production and Utilization
Authors: McCord Jessica , Owens Vance , Rials Tim , Stokes Bryce 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The 2012 Sun Grant National Conference on Science for Biomass Feedstock Production and Utilization was held on 2–5 October 2012, in New Orleans, LA, USA. The Sun Grant Initiative set out to highlight recent advances in science and technology contributing to the deployment of conventional and advanced biofuels and bioproducts from agricultural and forest systems. The Initiative, with sponsorship from the Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), assembled an agenda focusing on promoting collaboration between academic, industry, non-profit, and government partners. This special issue is comprised of a small sample of conference presentations selected to reflect important research progress and to highlight the range of issues that must be considered as the transition to biomass energy takes hold.
The favorite-longshot bias and the impact of experience
Authors: Feess Eberhard , Müller Helge , Schumacher Christoph 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWith a unique data set from New Zealand which allows us to assign each bet to individual bettors, we analyze the impact of experience on behavior and success in non-parimutuel (fixed odds) sports betting markets. We find that experienced bettors bet more on favorites than inexperienced bettors do. Average returns, which we use as success measure, increase with experience even after controlling for odds. This means that the higher return of experienced bettors cannot only be attributed to betting more on favorites. To get a more detailed picture, we divide the data set into ten equally large subgroups, sorted by experience. We find that odds decrease from subgroup to subgroup, while success consistently increases. This shows that the positive impact of experience is not mainly driven by professional bettors.
Explaining the Breakdown of Dominant Party Systems: Party Splits and the Mechanisms of Factional Bargaining
Authors: SAKAIYA SHIRO , MAEDA KENTARO 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis paper presents an explanation for the breakdown of dominant party systems. In contrast to previous works that examine how ruling parties lose their dominant position as a result of interparty competition, this paper focuses on how they are undermined from within by factional conflict. Through an overview of dominant party systems in the postwar world, we show that most of the ruling parties suffered from major splits that significantly reduced their electoral strengths before their final electoral defeat. In order to explain why large groups of politicians decide to leave dominant parties that are likely to remain in power, we develop simple game-theoretic models of intraparty bargaining between party factions over the distribution of benefits from office. Our results suggest two mechanisms through which dominant parties break up. First, factional defections from dominant parties are likely to occur when they are experiencing a significant decline in public support. Second, factional defections are likely to occur when a non-mainstream faction is rapidly losing its bargaining power against the party leadership. Importantly, our results show that under certain conditions, dominant parties will break up even when their electoral prospects are much better than the opposition. We briefly discuss how these mechanisms can be applied to actual cases of dominant party systems.
A Comparative Analysis of Political Confidence in the BRICS Countries
Authors: LU PENG 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to describe and analyze people's confidence in political institutions in the so-called BRICS countries, that is, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. I argue that the quality of macroeconomic indicators cannot explain the variation in political confidence between the five most dynamic new emerging economies, and that there is no substantial difference among the young, middle-aged, and senior-aged groups. By combing data from the Asia Barometer Survey and the World Value Survey, I provide two complementary approaches, one sociocultural and the other micropolitical, to reveal the factors that influence people's confidence in four major political institutions. The explanatory effects of these two approaches are mixed. Political identity and values, in most cases, have a significant impact on political confidence. On the other hand, high levels of interpersonal social trust, individual happiness, and satisfaction with living standards also show positive influences.
Photo-antagonism of the GABAA receptor
Authors: Mortensen Martin , Iqbal Favaad , Pandurangan Arun P. , Hannan Saad , Huckvale Rosemary , Topf Maya , Baker James R. , Smart Trevor G. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractNeurotransmitter receptor trafficking is fundamentally important for synaptic transmission and neural network activity. GABAA receptors and inhibitory synapses are vital components of brain function, yet much of our knowledge regarding receptor mobility and function at inhibitory synapses is derived indirectly from using recombinant receptors, antibody-tagged native receptors and pharmacological treatments. Here we describe the use of a set of research tools that can irreversibly bind to and affect the function of recombinant and neuronal GABAA receptors following ultraviolet photoactivation. These compounds are based on the competitive antagonist gabazine and incorporate a variety of photoactive groups. By using site-directed mutagenesis and ligand-docking studies, they reveal new areas of the GABA binding site at the interface between receptor β and α subunits. These compounds enable the selected inactivation of native GABAA receptor populations providing new insight into the function of inhibitory synapses and extrasynaptic receptors in controlling neuronal excitation.
Anisotropic zero-index waveguide with arbitrary shapes
Authors: Luo Jie , Lai Yun 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe design a series of waveguides composed of uniform anisotropic epsilon-near-zero media. Unlike normal waveguides in which the transmission rate strongly depends on the width and the boundary shape, such waveguides can achieve high transmission with almost arbitrary width and boundary shapes, leading to applications such as unusual waveguides, wave expanders and compressors, splitters, bends and devices with combined purposes. The physical origin of such high transmission can be explained by using transformation optics and the condition for total transmission is derived. Numerical simulations with multilayers consisting of dielectric and negative-permittivity materials proved our theory. Our work provides a unified physical picture for waveguide structures based on anisotropic epsilon-near-zero media.
A Feasibility Scale for Language Acquisition Routing for Young Hearing-Impaired Children
Authors: Rupp Ralph R. , Smith Marquerite , Briggs Patricia , Litvin Karen , Banachowski Sharon , Williams Robert 
Published: July 2014

This clinical report describes an evaluation scale for use in early habilitative planning for hearing-impaired children. The scale is designed to assist clinical audiologists and other concerned professionals in recommending an appropriate approach for early language stimulation based on the needs of each child. The report describes and explains the various factors considered in the evaluation scale. Individual case studies are included to illustrate various aspects of the scale and to highlight its value as an evaluation tool.
To the extent that learning can be understood, methods for directing and guiding learning can be devised and tested, but the focus of education is upon learning and not upon method (Haskew, 1959, p. 21).
Cluttering as a Complex of Learning Disabilities
Authors: Tiger Ruth J. , Irvine Terry L. , Reis Ronald P. 
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this paper is to identify support for cluttering as a syndrome of learning disability symptoms. According to Van Riper (1970), American speech-language pathologists consider cluttering to be a fluency problem. Consequently, many do not fully understand the diverse speech, language, and behavioral symptoms which typify the disorder.
Cluttering was first considered a psychological incongruity with speech manifestations as the foremost symptom (Froeschels, 1946). More recent descriptions of cluttering emphasize an hereditary or constitutional central nervous system disability affecting all modalities of communication and general behavior (Freund, 1952; 1970).
The syndrome may be more adequately defined when viewed as a complex of learning disabilities. A review of literature is summarized for both cluttering and learning disabilities, in which it is apparent the two groups exhibit striking resemblances. All major cluttering symptoms fit three basic categories consistent with learning deficits: language disorders in all modalities, speech disturbances, and perceptual/motor deficits. A fourth, seemingly unique yet universally noted characteristic involves the person's lack of awareness of his disabilities.
A case study of a 22-year-old male is presented, which supports the strong affiliation between cluttering and learning disabilities. Clinical implications concerning the, need for thorough assessment of individuals complaining of prosody disorders are discussed.
Teaching Complex Sentences
Authors: Tyack Dorothy L. 
Published: July 2014

This report presents a case study of a ten-year-old girl referred for language training. Diagnostic labels included "learning disabilities, especially in the area of receptive and expressive language," "poor auditory processing, " and "poor auditory memory. " Careful analysis of both expressive and receptive language revealed that this girl had mastered rules governing simple sentence structure, but her failure to acquire rules for complex sentence structure had apparently affected comprehension of classroom instruction and reading comprehension.
This case study suggests that many other children, similarly labeled, may have difficulty with highly specific features of English grammar, rather than global auditory deficits. Examples of testing for specific complex sentence types, two training programs, and pre- and post-test data are included.
Speech-Language Pathologists' Attitudes and Involvement regarding Language and Reading
Authors: Casby Michael W. 
Published: July 2014

A survey was conducted to explore public school speech-language pathologists' attitudes and perceptions of their knowledge, competencies, educational needs, and involvement with children regarding the relationship between oral language and reading disorders. Data indicated that public school speech-language pathologists believe they ought to be involved with children with reading disorders, yet they report that they are not involved to a great extent. Those surveyed also reported a present lack of competencies and available training to assist them in assuming a more integral role in the management of children who possess a reading disorder.
...the speech pathologist's role in reading instruction is something more than the identification and remediation of coexisting defects of articulation or auditory perception.... The speech pathologist has an essential contribution to make to the process of reading acquisition, in normal and language disordered children ?. The speech pathologist has the responsibility to assess and develop the linguistic prerequisites for reading, as well as to assist the child in developing the specific linguistic awareness required for reading (Rees, 1974, pp. 257-258).
...we believe that there is a significant amount of evidence to indicate that speech pathologists can make a very important contribution to the prevention and treatment of reading problems (Stark, 1975, p. 834).
Because the speech-language pathologist is a specialist in the area of language, he/she is, in many cases, the best qualified to identify, assess and remediate the language-based reading problems exhibited by many reading-disordered children (Catts & Kamhi, 1986, p. 335).
Language Resource Room Level of Service
Authors: Farber Judith , Denenberg Mary Ellen , Klyman Susan , Lachman Patricia 
Published: July 2014

This article describes the Philadelphia School District’s approach for providing an intensive level of language treatment by combining aspects of the traditional itinerant pull-out method with instruction received in the classroom. The speech-language pathologist assumes the roles of co-teacher, consultant, and direct treatment provider. This innovative program allows flexibility of programming and adjusts the level of effort to individual and classroom needs.
Students with moderate to severe speech-language disorders are selected on a system-wide basis for this level of service. Initial resistance to the presence of speech-language pathologists in classrooms eases as students’ speech-language performance shows marked improvement. Preliminary data analysis indicates that the Language Resource Room model is a successful adjunct to traditional treatment modes.
A Study of Noise Exposure and Hearing Sensitivity in a High School Woodworking Class
Authors: Lankford James E. , West Denise M. 
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine if noise in a high school woodworking class could contribute to the incidence of hearing loss. Students in the woodworking class served as the experimental group, and students in a technical drawing class were the control group. Four separate experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 consisted of measuring and comparing the sound levels in the woodworking and the technical drawing class environments. In Experiment 2, dosimetry samples of the students in both classrooms were collected. In Experiment 3, the temporary threshold shifts (TTSs) were determined for students in both groups by assessing hearing thresholds at the beginning and end of a single class period. The focus of Experiment 4 was to determine if a threshold shift had occurred in the hearing of the students in the woodworking class over a semester.
Results of this study suggest that hazardous noise levels in the high school woodworking shop caused statistically significant TTS among the students. Relatively low noise doses were recorded, but no significant changes in hearing thresholds from the beginning to the end of the semester were noted. It was concluded that repeated noise exposure in a woodworking class may be a contributing factor to hearing loss among a student population and that a hearing conservation program should be instituted in these high school environments.
Phonological Treatment Efficacy and Developmental Norms
Authors: Gierut Judith A. , Morrisette Michele L. , Hughes Mary T. , Rowland Susan 
Published: July 2014

The efficacy of teaching sounds in developmental sequence as defined by age norms was evaluated in two independent investigations. Study I was a within-subject evaluation using an alternating treatments design, with three children each receiving treatment on one early-acquired and one later-acquired phoneme relative to chronological age. Study II was an across-subject evaluation involving six children in a staggered multiple baseline paradigm, whereby three subjects were each taught one early-acquired sound and three other subjects were taught one later-acquired sound relative to chronological age. Phonological change was measured on probes of sounds excluded from each child's phonemic inventory.
General results indicated that: (a) quantitatively, change in treated phonemes and manner classes was equivocal following treatment of early-acquired and later-acquired phonemes; (b) qualitatively, the onset of change was immediate following treatment of later-acquired phonemes, but delayed following treatment of early-acquired phonemes; and (c) treatment of later-acquired phonemes led to system-wide changes in untreated sound classes, whereas treatment of early-acquired phonemes did not. These findings were considered relative to clinical intervention and theories of phonological acquisition.
Meeting the Critical Shortage of Speech-Language Pathologists to Serve the Public Schools—Collaborative Rewards
Authors: Rosa-Lugo Linda I. , Rivera Elizabeth A. , McKeown Susan W. 
Published: July 2014

This article presents a collaborative approach to providing graduate education to speech-language pathologists who are employed in public school districts. A partnership called the Central Florida Speech-Language Consortium was established among the University of Central Florida, 10 Central Florida school districts, and community agencies to address the issue of the critical shortage of speech-language pathologists in the public schools. The consortium program provided bachelor-level speech-language pathologists in the public schools the opportunity to obtain a master’s degree while they continued to work in the schools.
Key innovations of the program included: (a) additional graduate slots for public school employees; (b) modifications in the location and time of university courses, as well as practica opportunities in the schools; and (c) the participation and support of public school administrators in facilitating supervision and practicum experiences for the consortium participants. The consortium program resulted in an increase in the number of master’s level and culturally and linguistically diverse speech-language pathologists available for employment in the public schools of Central Florida. Recommendations for facilitating future endeavors are discussed.
Articulation Disorders Among Speakers of Mandarin Chinese
Authors: Fang Xu , Ping-an Ha 
Published: July 2014

The data reported show similarities to the English phonological system, especially with respect to (a) fronting of consonants, (b) phonologic context dependence, (c) non-native language phoneme substitution (e.g., glottal replacement), and (d) omission and addition of phonemes. It appears that a major phonological simplification process common to English speakers, final consonant deletion, or replacement, can only occur in the /n/ or /η/ final consonants of Mandarin, but that initial consonant deletion or replacement may be a more frequent pattern.
We hope that Americans working with English as a Second Language students from Mandarin-speaking homes might join colleagues in China in studying articulatory error patterns in Mandarin.