bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance-Intensity Functions of Mandarin Word Recognition Tests in Noise: Test Dialect and Listener Language Effects
Authors: Liu Danzheng , Shi Lu-Feng 
Published: June 2013

Purpose
This study established the performance-intensity function for Beijing and Taiwan Mandarin bisyllabic word recognition tests in noise in native speakers of Wu Chinese. Effects of the test dialect and listeners' first language on psychometric variables (i.e., slope and 50%-correct threshold) were analyzed.

Method
Thirty-two normal-hearing Wu-speaking adults who used Mandarin since early childhood were compared to 16 native Mandarin-speaking adults. Both Beijing and Taiwan bisyllabic word recognition tests were presented at 8 signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) in 4-dB steps (−12 dB to +16 dB). At each SNR, a half list (25 words) was presented in speech-spectrum noise to listeners' right ear. The order of the test, SNR, and half list was randomized across listeners. Listeners responded orally and in writing.

Results
Overall, the Wu-speaking listeners performed comparably to the Mandarin-speaking listeners on both tests. Compared to the Taiwan test, the Beijing test yielded a significantly lower threshold for both the Mandarin- and Wu-speaking listeners, as well as a significantly steeper slope for the Wu-speaking listeners.

Conclusion
Both Mandarin tests can be used to evaluate Wu-speaking listeners. Of the 2, the Taiwan Mandarin test results in more comparable functions across listener groups. Differences in the performance-intensity function between listener groups and between tests indicate a first language and dialectal effect, respectively.
Tool Kit for Screening Otologic Function of Older Adults1
Authors: Weinstein Barbara E. 
Published: June 2013

Purpose
To propose a hearing health care tool kit, for use in primary care, that includes a new, comprehensive, and easy-to-administer self-report tool, namely, the Screening for Otologic Functional Impairments (SOFI). The target population for the proposed tool kit includes older adults with multimorbidity who are (a) at risk for hearing-related functional deficits and/or (b) likely to benefit from targeted audiologic interventions designed to optimize function, support independence, maximize safety, and cultivate self-sufficiency and social connectedness (American Academy of Nursing's Expert Panel on Acute and Critical Care, 2012).

Method
Twenty-nine older adults with varying levels of hearing impairment drawn from 2 ear, nose, and throat clinics and 1 university clinic underwent hearing testing and completed a series of self-report tools designed to assess otologic function and depression. All of the participants completed the SOFI on 2 occasions.

Results
The SOFI has high reliability and validity and the potential for identifying older adults requiring audiologic intervention.

Conclusion
The proposed tool kit, for use in primary care, includes several components that are integral to help-seeking behavior. The goal is to identify older adults with multimorbidity who are at risk for otologic conditions, that, once identified and treated, may help promote older adults' quality of care and life.
Adult Hearing Screening: Health Policy Issues—What Happens Next?
Authors: Davis Adrian , Smith Pauline 
Published: June 2013

Purpose
Ten percent of adults in England have some type of hearing loss and would greatly benefit from hearing aids or other forms of hearing management. However, 76% of these adults do not have hearing aids or other management. The impact of this unmet need can be substantial and has been linked to depression, social isolation, employment problems, loss of independence, and dementia. This article explores how hearing screening—universal, targeted, or opportunistic—can address prevalent, incident, and future needs for hearing services as well as better define the extent of need.

Method
Adults age ≥60 years living at home in England took part in a health survey, part of which was to determine the extent of need for hearing services in this population. Survey methods included a face-to-face interview and hearing screening using pure tones as well as a self-report questionnaire on other health issues.

Results
The survey highlighted additional hearing-related factors that will enable referral decisions in primary care to be made with reasonable confidence that patients will use hearing aids and benefit from them. Some relevant nonhearing factors are also reported.

Conclusion
There is a growing aging population with increasing needs and expectations for hearing services. Targeted screening and triage in primary care, as well as use of advanced technologies, are discussed for the future.
Intelligibility of Clear Speech: Effect of Instruction
Authors: Lam Jennifer , Tjaden Kris 
Published: June 2013

Purpose
The authors investigated how clear speech instructions influence sentence intelligibility.

Method
Twelve speakers produced sentences in habitual, clear, hearing impaired, and overenunciate conditions. Stimuli were amplitude normalized and mixed with multitalker babble for orthographic transcription by 40 listeners. The main analysis investigated percentage-correct intelligibility scores as a function of the 4 conditions and speaker sex. Additional analyses included listener response variability, individual speaker trends, and an alternate intelligibility measure: proportion of content words correct.

Results
Relative to the habitual condition, the overenunciate condition was associated with the greatest intelligibility benefit, followed by the hearing impaired and clear conditions. Ten speakers followed this trend. The results indicated different patterns of clear speech benefit for male and female speakers. Greater listener variability was observed for speakers with inherently low habitual intelligibility compared to speakers with inherently high habitual intelligibility. Stable proportions of content words were observed across conditions.

Conclusions
Clear speech instructions affected the magnitude of the intelligibility benefit. The instruction to overenunciate may be most effective in clear speech training programs. The findings may help explain the range of clear speech intelligibility benefit previously reported. Listener variability analyses suggested the importance of obtaining multiple listener judgments of intelligibility, especially for speakers with inherently low habitual intelligibility.
Deeper SSC estimator used as CDR
Authors: Zhang Yaming , Gai Weixin 
Published: June 2013

A deeper SSC estimator used as a CDR with a low power mechanism based on third‐order architecture is proposed to suppress the disadvantage of the conventional third‐order CDR happening at the switching points of SSC (spread spectrum clocking). For 10 Gbit/s data speed, the depth of its SSC tracking may be up to 10000ppm at 30 kHz which helps to reduce more EMI.
K‐band RF‐MEMS uniplanar reconfigurable‐bandwidth bandpass filter using multimodal immittance inverters
Authors: Contreras A. , Ribó M. , Pradell L. , Casals‐Terré J. , Giacomozzi F. , Iannacci J. 
Published: June 2013

A K‐band RF‐MEMS uniplanar second‐order bandpass filter with reconfigurable bandwidth is presented. The filter is based on inductively‐coupled half‐wavelength slotline resonators and CPW‐slotline multimodal immittance inverters (MIIs). The coupling inductance and the MII length are reconfigured using RF‐MEMS ohmic‐contact switches. Experimental results show a 3 dB relative‐bandwidth change from 4.5 to 8.5% (maintaining a Butterworth response), and insertion losses of 5.2 and 3.7 dB for either state.
0.0012 mm2, 8 mW, single‐to‐differential converter with < 1.1% data cross error and < 3.4 ps RMS jitter up to 14 Gbit/s data rate
Authors: Chen Yong , Mak Pui‐In , Zhang Li , Qian He , Wang Yan 
Published: June 2013

An extremely compact, doubly balancing single‐to‐differential converter (S2D) for high‐speed wireline systems is reported. It incorporates a two‐stage topology with ‘coarse balancing’ in the first stage and ‘fine balancing’ in the second stage by adopting a compact ‘positive‐feedback active inductor’ that simultaneously boosts the signal bandwidth. Fabricated in 65 nm CMOS, the S2D measures < 1.1% data cross error and < 3.4 ps RMS jitter up to a 14 Gbit/s data rate. The die occupies 0.0012 mm2 and consumes 8 mW.
Physical‐contact‐type fan‐out device for multicore fibre
Authors: Abe Y. , Shikama K. , Yanagi S. , Takahashi T. 
Published: June 2013

Demonstrated is a fan‐out device using small diameter fibres for 7‐core singlemode multicore fibre, which realises a compact size with ferrules and a split sleeve, and also achieves physical contact connection with an average connection loss of 0.17 dB and a return loss exceeding 49 dB.
Molecular circuit involving KLK4 integrates androgen and mTOR signaling in prostate cancer
Authors: Jin Yang , Qu Su , Tesikova Martina , Wang Ling , Kristian Alexandr , Mælandsmo Gunhild M. , Kong Haiying , Zhang Tianzhou , Jerónimo Carmen , Teixeira Manuel R. , Yuca Erkan , Tekedereli Ibrahim , Gorgulu Kivanc , Alpay Neslihan , Sood Anil K. , Lopez-Berestein Gabriel , Danielsen Håvard E. , Ozpolat Bulent , Saatcioglu Fahri 
Published: June 2013

Significance
All cancer lesions sustain alterations in signaling pathways, which are the drivers of disease initiation and progression. Study of altered signaling in cancer is thus important to develop more effective therapeutic regimens as well as better prognostic markers. In this study, we show that two of the most frequently altered signaling pathways in prostate cancer, the androgen receptor and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathways, are dependent on kallikrein related peptidase 4 (KLK4), whose expression is highly prostate enriched. Our results suggest that KLK4 has a central role in prostate cancer survival and that KLK4 silencing may have significant therapeutic efficacy.
Decorin causes autophagy in endothelial cells via Peg3
Authors: Buraschi Simone , Neill Thomas , Goyal Atul , Poluzzi Chiara , Smythies James , Owens Rick T. , Schaefer Liliana , Torres Annabel , Iozzo Renato V. 
Published: June 2013

Significance
We identified a function for a member of the extracellular matrix in the regulation of autophagy. Decorin, a member of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan family and an established pan-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, evokes endothelial cell autophagy and inhibits angiogenesis. This process is mediated by a high-affinity interaction with VEGFR2 which leads to increased levels of Peg3, a tumor-suppressor gene. We provide mechanistic evidence that Peg3 is required to maintain basal levels of Beclin 1, a major autophagic marker. These data provide a paradigmatic shift for other soluble matrix constituents to regulate autophagy.
Permeation rates of penicillins indicate that
Escherichia coli
porins function principally as nonspecific channels
Authors: Kojima Seiji , Nikaido Hiroshi 
Published: June 2013

Significance
Porin channels in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria were originally thought to be nonspecific channels that discriminate among solutes only by their gross physicochemical properties, such as size, hydrophobicity, and charge. Since the discovery of the ampicillin-binding site inside one porin channel, however, such “specific” interactions are hypothesized to play significant roles especially for the permeation of drugs. We show, by the careful examination of influx and efflux of ampicillin and benzylpenicillin, that the original nonspecific model is still valid and that it is misleading to overemphasize the role of specific binding sites.
Patterns of Nosocomial Infections, Multidrug-Resistant Microorganisms, and Mold Detection after Extensive Black-Water Flooding: A Survey from Central Thailand
Authors: Apisarnthanarak Anucha , Khawcharoenporn Thana , Mundy Linda M. 
Published: June 2013

Central Thailand was severely affected by black-water flooding between September and November 2011, with resultant closure of 30 regional hospitals. Few data are available for the incidence of nosocomial infections and patterns of preflood versus postflood multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) and mold. We therefore conducted a survey of the hospitals in central Thailand in order to evaluate the patterns of nosocomial infections, MDROs, mold, and flood preparedness plans after these floods.On the basis of a hospital list from the Ministry of Public Health, we identified 104 hospitals in 15 provinces of central Thailand that were affected, but not necessarily closed, by extensive floods. We designed and then conducted a survey, from July 1 through October 31, 2012, that inquired about hospital characteristics, postflood hospital preparedness plans, administrative support, institutional safely culture, incidence of nosocomial infections, and prevalence of MDROs and mold colonization or infection. All 104 secondary care (>100 beds) and tertiary care (>250 beds) hospitals in 15 central Thailand provinces were invited to participate.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Children
Authors: Islek Ali , Sayar Ersin , Yilmaz Aygen , Artan Reha 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTBackground:Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the preferred method to provide nutritional support for patients with normal gastrointestinal function but cannot be fed orally for a variety of reasons. Owing to safety concerns, the first feeding after PEG tube placement is generally delayed. Early feeding may be an option; however, childhood studies regarding early feeding after the PEG procedure are highly insufficient.Methods:A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted to compare early (4th hour) and late (12th hour) feeding after the PEG procedure. The PEG process was performed with the standard pull technique. Prophylactic antimicrobial drugs were not used. Complications such as gastric residue after feeding, vomiting, fever, systemic signs of infection, and duration of hospital stay were recorded. Tube feeding training was given to parents during their stay in the hospital in both groups. In the first and third days following PEG, the patients were visited by an experienced nurse in their homes and evaluated in terms of potential complications.Results:The study was completed with a total of 69 patients: 35 in the early feeding group and 34 in the late feeding group. The demographic characteristics of the groups were similar. Vomiting was rare and detected as similar in both groups (early feeding group 8.5% [3/35], late feeding group 8.8% [3/34], P = 1.00). Rarely, minor gastric residue was observed in both groups (early feeding group 11.4%, late feeding group 8.8% [P = 1.00]). The amount of gastric residue in the early feeding group was a maximum of 13.2 mL, whereas the late feeding group had a maximum of 14.3 mL. The average duration of stay in the hospital for the early and late feeding groups was calculated as 6.7 ± 0.64 and 28.3 ± 3.74 hours, respectively (P < 0.001). Leakage from gastrostomy fistulas, peritonitis, and aspiration were not observed in any patients.Conclusions:The feeding at the fourth hour after PEG placement was safe and well tolerated by patients and shortened the duration of the hospital stay. The use of prophylactic antibiotics seems to be unnecessary before the procedure.
Visualization of BRI1 and BAK1(SERK3) Membrane Receptor Heterooligomers during Brassinosteroid Signaling
Authors: Bücherl Christoph A. , van Esse G. Wilma , Kruis Alex , Luchtenberg Jeroen , Westphal Adrie H. , Aker José , van Hoek Arie , Albrecht Catherine , Borst Jan Willem , de Vries Sacco C. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase BRASSINOSTEROID-INSENSITIVE1 (BRI1) is the main ligand-perceiving receptor for brassinosteroids (BRs) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Binding of BRs to the ectodomain of plasma membrane (PM)-located BRI1 receptors initiates an intracellular signal transduction cascade that influences various aspects of plant growth and development. Even though the major components of BR signaling have been revealed and the PM was identified as the main site of BRI1 signaling activity, the very first steps of signal transmission are still elusive. Recently, it was shown that the initiation of BR signal transduction requires the interaction of BRI1 with its SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE (SERK) coreceptors. In addition, the resolved structure of the BRI1 ectodomain suggested that BRI1-ASSOCIATED KINASE1 [BAK1](SERK3) may constitute a component of the ligand-perceiving receptor complex. Therefore, we investigated the spatial correlation between BRI1 and BAK1(SERK3) in the natural habitat of both leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases using comparative colocalization analysis and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. We show that activation of BR signaling by exogenous ligand application resulted in both elevated colocalization between BRI1 and BAK1(SERK3) and an about 50% increase of receptor heterooligomerization in the PM of live Arabidopsis root epidermal cells. However, large populations of BRI1 and BAK1(SERK3) colocalized independently of BRs. Moreover, we could visualize that approximately 7% of the BRI1 PM pool constitutively heterooligomerizes with BAK1(SERK3) in live root cells. We propose that only small populations of PM-located BRI1 and BAK1(SERK3) receptors participate in active BR signaling and that the initiation of downstream signal transduction involves preassembled BRI1-BAK1(SERK3) heterooligomers.
Mycorrhizal abundance affects the expression of plant resistance traits and herbivore performance
Authors: Vannette Rachel L. , Hunter Mark D. 
Published: June 2013

Summary

The effects of mutualistic interactions on partner phenotype and fitness can vary with many factors, including the abundance of interacting partners. Partner abundance may determine the relative costs and benefits associated with the interaction. Although arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can strongly influence plant phenotype and community interactions, the effects of AMF abundance on plant resistance traits and multitrophic interactions are not well understood. We tested the hypothesis that increasing AMF abundance in soil will increase mycorrhizal colonization and affect plant biomass, foliar phosphorus concentration, the expression of plant resistance and herbivore performance.

We inoculated Asclepias syriaca seedlings with Glomus etunicatum, Scutellospora fulgida and a mix of the two species in 11 AMF abundance treatments. We quantified plant phosphorus (P), growth and resistance phenotype and the performance of a specialist herbivore, Danaus plexippus on plants associated with varying amounts of fungi.

Increasing abundance of S. fulgida or G. etunicatum in soil increased the proportion of plant root colonized by AMF, but root colonization by a mix of the fungi was not related to inoculum density. The abundance of S. fulgida, but not G. etunicatum, increased per cent foliar P and trichome density, but decreased latex exudation. Abundance of all AMF treatments tended to decrease specific leaf mass (SLM), and the two single‐species treatments unimodally affected the expression of total foliar cardenolides. Increasing abundance of the mix of AMF species also increased above‐ground biomass, foliar P and trichome density, but had little effect on other traits. The presence of AMF, species identity and the AMF abundance all explained significant variation in the expression of plant traits, although their relative contribution varied depending on the trait examined. Mycorrhizal abundance strongly increased caterpillar growth rate, which was associated with a decline in SLM.

Synthesis. Variation in mycorrhizal abundance can profoundly influence the expression of plant resistance and subsequent herbivore performance. AMF abundance may be a key, but overlooked factor in determining the outcome of mycorrhizal mutualisms.
Regional and remote occupational therapy: A preliminary exploration of private occupational therapy practice
Authors: Merritt Judith , Perkins David , Boreland Frances 
Published: June 2013

Background/aimPrivate providers of Medicare funded services are an integral part of the Australian primary health‐care system. Evidence on private occupational therapy practice in rural and remote Australian settings is sparse.MethodsProviders of private occupational therapy services in outer regional and remote areas were surveyed regarding location and type of services provided, practice models and demographics. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the findings.ResultsThirty‐seven respondents completed the survey. In remote areas a number of occupational therapy services are not provided and no practices are based in very remote towns. One quarter of respondents visit at least five towns each week and one third had other paid employment. Nearly half indicated they will leave private practice within the next five years and nearly one third believed they could not sustain their practice. Medicare Chronic Disease Management was the main income source of only around half the respondents.ConclusionsThere is a potential market failure of private occupational therapy in rural and remote areas, impacting on people who need these services and on workforce replacement. Contributing factors include population imbalance between cities and regional/remote areas, financial implications where only face‐to‐face contact is paid for and low incomes and levels of health insurance in regional/remote areas. Potential strategies include addressing the lack of reimbursement for travel, enabling private providers to overcome barriers to providing student placements and recognising rural practice as a specialist field.
Relationship between the quality of children's handwriting and the Beery Buktenica developmental test of visuomotor integration after one year of writing tuition
Authors: Duiser Ivonne H. F. , van der Kamp John , Ledebt Annick , Savelsbergh Geert J. P. 
Published: June 2013

ObjectiveWe examined whether the three subtests of the Beery Buktenica developmental test of visuomotor integration predicted quality of handwriting across and within groups of boys and girls classified as proficient, at risk or non‐proficient writers according to the Concise Assessment Scale for Children's Handwriting.MethodThe Beery Buktenica developmental test of visuomotor integration and the Concise Assessment Scale for Children's Handwriting tests were administered to 240 grade 2 children.ResultsProficient writers scored better on the visuomotor integration subtest than non‐proficient writers, while proficient and at risk writers scored better than non‐proficient writers on the motor coordination subtest. No differences were found on the visual perception subtest. Girls were more often classified as proficient writers than boys, and they scored better on the motor coordination subtest. Across groups, regression indicated that gender and both the visuomotor integration subtest and the motor coordination subtest were significant predictors for the quality of handwriting (i.e., accounted for 17% of the variance).ConclusionsAfter one year of writing tuition, the visuomotor integration subtest (and to a lesser extent the motor coordination subtest) but not the visual perception subtest significant relates to quality of children's handwriting as measured with the Concise Assessment Scale for Children's Handwriting. However, the relatively little variance explained also points to other abilities and/or task constraints that underlie quality of handwriting.