bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Individual Differences in Behavioral and Electrophysiological Measures of Binaural Processing Across the Adult Life Span
Authors: Roup Christina M. , Leigh Elizabeth D. 
Published: February 2015

PurposeThe purpose of the present study was to examine individual differences in binaural processing across the adult life span.MethodSixty listeners (aged 23–80 years) with symmetrical hearing were tested. Binaural behavioral processing was measured by the Words-in-Noise Test, the 500-Hz masking level difference, and the Dichotic Digit Test. Electrophysiologic responses were assessed by the auditory middle latency response binaural interaction component.ResultsNo correlations among binaural measures were found. Age accounted for the greatest amount of variability in speech-in-noise performance. Age was significantly correlated with the Words-in-Noise Test binaural advantage and dichotic ear advantage. Partial correlations, however, revealed that this was an effect of hearing status rather than age per se. Inspection of individual results revealed that 20% of listeners demonstrated reduced binaural performance for at least 2 of the binaural measures.ConclusionsThe lack of significant correlations among variables suggests that each is an important measurement of binaural abilities. For some listeners, binaural processing was abnormal, reflecting a binaural processing deficit not identified by monaural audiologic tests. The inclusion of a binaural test battery in the audiologic evaluation is supported given that these listeners may benefit from alternative forms of audiologic rehabilitation.
Modeling the Influence of Acoustic Coupling of Hearing Aids on FM Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Authors: Norrix Linda W. , Van Tasell Dianne , Ross Jessie , Harris Frances P. , Dean James 
Published: February 2015

Purpose
A model was developed to examine variables that influence signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the tympanic membrane (TM) when using a hearing aid (HA) and frequency modulated (FM) system. The model was used to explore how HA coupling influences SNR.

Method
To generate the model, HA output was measured in a coupler. Known coupler to real-ear transformations and known values for vent (gain) loss as a function of coupling were also used. The model was verified by measuring sound pressure level (SPL) at the TM in 6 ears.

Results
The model predicts similar overall SNRs at the TM regardless of coupling method when HA and FM microphones are active. The primary difference in SNR is in the low frequencies and depends on the amount of low frequency insertion gain and the noise levels at the HA and FM microphones.

Conclusions
A model was developed to explore how complex variables contribute to SNR at the TM. One variable, HA coupling, is predicted to have only a minimal effect on SNR at the TM when there is HA gain. Further studies will be needed to assess the real-world effectiveness of an FM system coupled to an open- versus closed-fit HA.
Role of calcium-binding sites in calcium-dependent membrane association of annexin A4
Authors: Arii Yasuhiro , Butsusihta Kohei , Fukuoka Shin-Ichi 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Annexin A4 (Anx4) is a cytosolic calcium-binding protein with four repeat domains, each containing one calcium-binding site (CBS). The protein interacts with the phospholipid membrane through the CBS-coordinated calcium ion, although the role of each CBS in the calcium-dependent association is unclear. To determine the role of each CBS, 15 CBS-abolished variants were produced in various combinations by substitution of a calcium-liganding residue on each CBS by Ala. Various mutant combinations produced different influences on calcium-dependent membrane-binding behavior and on the sodium-dependent dissociation of membrane-bound Anx4. Our data suggest the interaction of Anx4 with the lipid membrane consists of strong and weak interactions. CBSs I and IV mediate formation of strong interactions, while CBSs II and III are important for weak interactions. We also suggest Anx4 binds the lipid membrane through CBSs I and IV in the cytoplasmic fluids.
A putative porin gene of Burkholderia sp. NK8 involved in chemotaxis toward β-ketoadipate
Authors: Yamamoto-Tamura Kimiko , Kawagishi Ikuro , Ogawa Naoto , Fujii Takeshi 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Burkholderia sp. NK8 can utilize 3-chlorobenzoate (3CB) as a sole source of carbon because it has a megaplasmid (pNK8) that carries the gene cluster (tfdT-CDEF) encoding chlorocatechol-degrading enzymes. The expression of tfdT-CDEF is induced by 3CB. In this study, we found that NK8 cells were attracted to 3CB and its degradation products, 3- and 4-chlorocatechol, and β-ketoadipate. Capillary assays revealed that a pNK8-eliminated strain (NK82) was defective in chemotaxis toward β-ketoadipate. The introduction of a plasmid carrying a putative outer membrane porin gene, which we name ompNK8, into strain NK82 restored chemotaxis toward β-ketoadipate. RT-PCR analyses demonstrated that the transcription of the ompNK8 gene was enhanced in the presence of 3CB.
Suppressing effect of cordycepin on the lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells
Authors: Imamura Kenta , Asai Momoko , Sugamoto Kazuhiro , Matsumoto Tomoko , Yamasaki Yumi , Kamei Ichiro , Hattori Takahiro , Kishimoto Masaoki , Niisaka Seiji , Kubo Masaomi , Nishiyama Kazuo , Yamasaki Masao 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn this study, we focused on the anti-inflammatory effect of cordycepin, 3′-deoxyadenosine. Cordycepin potently suppressed nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells in an adenosine receptor-independent manner. In addition, inhibitors for adenosine kinase and nucleoside transporter abrogated the action of cordycepin. Thus, we considered that intracellular metabolism cordycepin is important for the anti-inflammatory effect of cordycepin.
Multicenter Surveillance of Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates From Middle Ear and Mastoid Cultures in the 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Era
Authors: Kaplan Sheldon L. , Center Kimberly J. , Barson William J. , Ling-Lin Philana , Romero José R. , Bradley John S. , Tan Tina Q. , Hoffman Jill A. , Peters Timothy R. , Gurtman Alejandra , Scott Daniel A. , Trammel James , Gruber William C. , Hulten Kristina G. , Mason Edward O. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Background.  Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of otitis media (OM) in children; mastoiditis remains an important complication of OM. Limited data are available on the impact of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) on pneumococcal otitis.
Methods.  Investigators from 8 children's hospitals in the United States prospectively collected pneumococcal isolates from middle ear or mastoid cultures from children from 2011 to 2013. Serotype and antibiotic susceptibilities were determined and PCV13 doses for children documented.
Results.  Over the 3-year period, the proportion of isolates included in PCV13 (plus a related serotype) decreased significantly (P = .0006) among the middle ear/mastoid isolates (2011, 50% [74/149]; 2012, 40.5% [47/116]; 2013, 29% [34/118]). The number of serotype 19A isolates in 2013 (n = 12, 10.2% of total) decreased 76% compared with the number of 19A isolates in 2011 (n = 50, 33.6% of total). Of the children from whom serotype 19A was isolated (n = 93), 55% had previously received &lt;3 doses of PCV13. The most common non-PCV13 serotypes for the combined years were 35B (n = 37), 21 (n = 20), 23B (n = 20), 15B (n = 18), 11 (n = 17), 23A (n = 14), 15A (n = 14), and 15C (n = 14). The proportion of isolates with a penicillin minimal inhibitory concentration &gt;2 µg/mL decreased significantly over the 3 years (2011, 22% [35/154]; 2012, 20% [24/118]; 2013, 10% [12/120]; P &lt; .02).
Conclusions.  The number of pneumococcal isolates and the percentage of isolates with high-level penicillin resistance from cultures taken from children with OM or mastoiditis for clinical indications have decreased following PCV13 use, largely related to decreases in serotype 19A isolates.
Education
Authors: Cowan Richard 
Published: February 2015

AbstractWhy should young children learn mathematics? What mathematics should be in the curriculum and how should it be taught? Why do children differ so much in their mastery of primary school mathematics? What are the factors responsible for the production and maintenance of number difficulties? These questions continue to elicit strongly held and divergent views. Although discussion and empirical research can contribute much they are unlikely to settle them. Discussions of these questions provide a context for appreciating the chapters in this section. Improving how we understand mathematical development and how we can provide better support to young mathematics learners are worthwhile aspirations. These chapters outline very promising approaches.
Cultivation Theory and the Construction of Political Reality
Authors: Jamieson Patrick E. , Romer Dan 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Cultivation theory hypothesizes that over time, heavy television viewers will see the world through TV’s lens. A review of nearly 1,000 media effects articles from sixteen major journals (1993–2005) identified cultivation theory as the most frequently cited communication theory. Despite the controversies it has elicited, a meta-analysis found small but consistent effects in line with the theory. This chapter identifies six broad political effects cultivation theorists attribute to heavy viewing of television or specific genres of television content: increased fear of crime and identification of crime as a significant problem, activation of racialized perceptions, support for punitive policies and embrace of protective behaviors, identification as a political moderate, reduction in social trust and capital in adolescents, and activation of cynicism and depressed learning in political campaigns.
Plant Cultivation in the Bronze Age
Authors: Stika Hans-Peter , Heiss Andreas G. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractCultivated plants have long been considered as the main foundation of human nutrition. This article assesses the regional dominance and basic importance of several crops in Bronze Age Europe. The discussion is limited to rough regional classifications of the Early, Middle, and Late Bronze Age, and the three main groups of cultivated crops most important for nutrition, namely legumes and pulses, oilseeds, and cereals. Regional overviews of the agricultural development and practices in Europe are included. The article also discusses separately the types of plants that were cultivated during the Bronze Age, and determines how much the observed or assumed patterns of crop cultivation during the Bronze Age followed social and natural environmental conditions.
A case of contact‐lens‐related keratitis caused by fluoroquinolone‐ and tobramycin‐resistant Capnocytophaga sputigena
Authors: Iimori Hirohito , Suzuki Takashi , Inoue Tomoyuki , Mitani Arisa , Miyamoto Hitoshi , Ohkusu Kiyofumi , Ohashi Yuichi 
Published: February 2015

Introduction:

Capnocytophaga species are rare keratitis‐causing pathogens. We herein report a case of keratitis caused by a drug‐resistant Capnocytophaga species in association with contact lenses.

Case presentation:
A 64‐year‐old female who wore a contact lens in her right eye to facilitate repair of the corneal epithelium complained of infection and discharge. Slit‐lamp biomicroscopy showed corneal abscessation and hypopyon. Thus, infectious keratitis was diagnosed. Direct microscopy and bacterial culture of a corneal scraping were performed. Because direct microscopy demonstrated the presence of Gram‐negative rods, we began treatment with topical 1.5 % levofloxacin and 0.3 % tobramycin every hour. The corneal infiltration increased 4 days after initiating the therapy. The culture report confirmed the presence of a Capnocytophaga species with fluoroquinolone and aminoglycoside resistance and susceptibility to cephalosporins and minocycline. We switched to topical 0.5 % cefmenoxime every hour and oral minocycline at 200 mg day−1. The corneal inflammation subsided within 2 weeks. The bacterial isolate was identified as Capnocytophaga sputigena using 16S rRNA sequencing.

Conclusions:
We encountered a case of keratitis caused by C. sputigena with reduced fluoroquinolone and aminoglycoside susceptibility.
Infection caused by the yeast form of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
Authors: Loth Eduardo Alexandre , Dos Santos José Henrique Fermino , De Oliveira Carla Sakuma , Uyeda Hirofumi , De Cássia Garcia Simão Rita , Gandra Rinaldo Ferreira 
Published: February 2015

Introduction:
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Infection occurs mainly through the upper airways of the host by inhalation of spores or propagules of the micro‐organism that settle initially in the lungs. Here, we describe a clinical case report of PCM acquired by a researcher following a scientific laboratory accident; to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of infection with the yeast form of P. brasiliensis.

Case presentation:
A 40‐year‐old, white, healthy, male researcher, while undertaking experimental activities in a laboratory environment with P. brasiliensis fungus infection in guinea pigs, pierced the thumb of the left hand, with a 1 ml syringe containing 50 μl of a suspension of P. brasiliensis at a concentration of 1×106 c.f.u. ml−1. Seven days after the accident, the region had local swelling, redness and pain on stimulation. He was started on medical treatment and opted for surgical removal. A biopsy revealed an inflammatory infiltrate, numerous epithelioid granulomas and a discrete quantity of yeast organisms on the dermis, some with multiple budding yeast cells presenting characteristics of viability, with conclusive diagnosis of PCM. After 90 days of itraconazole treatment at 200 mg day−1, he reported healing with scar formation.

Conclusion:
The yeast form of P. brasiliensis is able to cause infection. According to our knowledge, this is the first time that this has been reported in the medical literature.
HRD challenges faced in the post-global financial crisis period – insights from the UK
Authors: Keeble-Ramsay Diane Rose , Armitage Andrew 
Published: February 2015

Purpose– The paper aims to report initial empirical research that examines UK employees’ perceptions of the changing nature of work since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) to consider how the financial context may have constrained HRD practice and more sustainable approaches.Design/methodology/approach– Focus group research was facilitated through collective group discussion. Through template analysis of the findings, thematic analysis was undertaken to extend prior research. Themes used by Hassardet al.(2009) in terms of the changing nature of the workplace between 2000 and 2008, were used to provide new data on HRD realities.Findings– Participants reported diminishing personal control over changes within the workplace and a cultural shift towards a harsher work climate. HRD was considered as silenced or absent and associated solely with low cost-based e-learning rather than acting in strategic role supporting sustainable business objectives.Research limitations/implications– Whilst providing only indications from employee perceptions, the research identifies a weakened HRD function. The key contribution of this paper lies with empirical evidence of post-GFC constraints placed upon HRD strategies. It further identifies whether alternative development approaches, mediated by organisational learning capabilities, might emancipate UK HRD.Social implications– This paper engenders a debate around the status of HRD within the UK organisations, further to the global financial crisis (GFC), where HRD might be viewed as at a juncture to argue a need for a shift from a financialised mode for people management towards one of greater people focus.Originality/value– This research provides initial findings of the impact of the economic climate. It considers new approaches which might resolve expiring HRD through more sustainable practices.
Developing the Model for Optimal Learning and Transfer (MOLT) following an evaluation of outdoor groupwork skills programmes
Authors: Cooley Sam Joseph , Cumming Jennifer , Holland Mark J. G , Burns Victoria E 
Published: February 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to evaluate the perceived efficacy of outdoor groupwork skills programmes for the undergraduate and postgraduate students, and the factors that influence its success. It also illustrates the use of Kirkpatrick’s (1994) 4-level model of training evaluation as a framework for qualitative investigation of learning and transfer, from the perspective of key stakeholders.Design/methodology/approach– Over 24 hours of recorded data were collected using a video diary room, one-to-one interviews and focus group discussions. Participants were current students (n= 66), alumni (n= 12), outdoor education instructors (n= 6) and academic staff (n= 5). The data were transcribed, and then analysed by conducting conventional content analysis. Prolonged engagement, triangulation, peer debriefing and referential adequacy were used to establish the trustworthiness and reliability of the analyses.Findings– Outdoor groupwork skills programmes were widely viewed as being effective for developing interpersonal skills, attitudes and knowledge that were then further developed and applied during degree courses and later in the workplace. Four of the main perceived benefits were increased social integration amongst peers, academic success, personal development and employability. A range of psychological and environmental factors were reported to influence the extent of skill development and transfer, and are presented in the Model for Optimal Learning and Transfer.Practical implications– This study supports outdoor groupwork skills programmes as an effective method of groupwork skills training during higher education, and offers recommendations for promoting learning and transfer following training courses.Originality/value– This is the first study to systematically evaluate the long-term impact of outdoor groupwork skills programmes in higher education. A novel methodological approach is also demonstrated, which can be replicated in other contexts of training evaluation.
Understanding Semantic Web: a conceptual model
Authors: Calaresu Michael , Shiri Ali 
Published: February 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this article is to explore and conceptualize the Semantic Web as a term that has been widely mentioned in the literature of library and information science. More specifically, its aim is to shed light on the evolution of the Web and to highlight a previously proposed means of attempting to improve automated manipulation of Web-based data in the context of a rapidly expanding base of both users and digital content.

Design/methodology/approach
– The conceptual analysis presented in this paper adopts a three-dimensional model for the discussion of Semantic Web. The first dimension focuses on Semantic Web’s basic nature, purpose and history, as well as the current state and limitations of modern search systems and related software agents. The second dimension focuses on critical knowledge structures such as taxonomies, thesauri and ontologies which are understood as fundamental elements in the creation of a Semantic Web architecture. In the third dimension, an alternative conceptual model is proposed, one, which unlike more commonly prevalent Semantic Web models, offers a greater emphasis on describing the proposed structure from an interpretive viewpoint, rather than a technical one. This paper adopts an interpretive, historical and conceptual approach to the notion of the Semantic Web by reviewing the literature and by analyzing the developments associated with the Web over the past three decades. It proposes a simplified conceptual model for easy understanding.

Findings
– The paper provides a conceptual model of the Semantic Web that encompasses four key strata, namely, the body of human users, the body of software applications facilitating creation and consumption of documents, the body of documents themselves and a proposed layer that would improve automated manipulation of Web-based data by the software applications.

Research limitations/implications
– This paper will facilitate a better conceptual understanding of the Semantic Web, and thereby contribute, in a small way, to the larger body of discourse surrounding it. The conceptual model will provide a reference point for education and research purposes.

Originality/value
– This paper provides an original analysis of both conceptual and technical aspects of Semantic Web. The proposed conceptual model provides a new perspective on this subject.
Adding fuel to the fire
Authors: Khan Mohammad Saud , Breitenecker Robert J. , Schwarz Erich J. 
Published: February 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine how diversity in need for achievement (nfA) a well-established entrepreneurial personality trait impacts team performance (effectiveness and efficiency) in Austria. In addition, it investigates the interaction effects of Team Mean nfA and relationship conflicts on the nfA diversity-performance relationship.Design/methodology/approach– Data originated from 44 entrepreneurial teams based in nine business incubators in Austria. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to estimate the model.Findings– Results indicate that, in general, nfA diversity has a negative impact on entrepreneurial team effectiveness and efficiency. However, acknowledging the importance of nfA for being entrepreneurial, diversity in nfA could improve team effectiveness when the prevailing team nfA (mean) is low. The dysfunctional role of relationship conflicts for entrepreneurial team performance is confirmed; nonetheless, similarity in nfA could help teams to cope more successfully with these potentially negative consequences.Originality/value– The paper puts forth one of the first empirical investigations of nfA and performance at a team level in an entrepreneurial field setting. Moreover, a contextually specific contribution of examining nfA diversity, team nfA (mean), relationship conflicts and team performance also augments team deep-level diversity and conflict literature. Finally, this study highlights that entrepreneurial teams could effectively leverage their human capital by realizing that some types of deep-level homogeneity (nfA) might prove helpful in neutralizing the damaging effects of relationship conflicts.
One-shot Wikipedia: an edit-sprint toward information literacy
Authors: Oliver John Thomas 
Published: February 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate which learning targets can be achieved by using Wikipedia as a tool for teaching information literacy within the context of brief one-shot library instruction sessions.Design/methodology/approach– In this case study, a Wikipedia-editing activity was incorporated into 2-hour one-shot instruction sessions. A variety of qualitative data were collected during these sessions: Student reflections during a facilitated discussion, student responses to exit-survey questions and instructor observations about the extent to which students completed Wikipedia-editing tasks.Findings– Students found Wikipedia-editing activities and Wikipedia-related discussions engaging, and as a result they seemed to learn valuable lessons about research and writing. Students participating in this project effectively identified gaps in Wikipedia entries, critically evaluated and used sources to address those gaps and appropriately documented those materials. Students were easily encouraged to be critical about information sources, including Wikipedia and the more traditionally scholarly resources alike.Originality/value– While a great deal of attention has been paid to teaching with multi-week Wikipedia assignments and coursework, evidence from this project suggests that Wikipedia-related activities can be used effectively within much narrower time constraints, including during brief one-shot library instruction sessions.