bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ocular vestibular‐evoked myogenic potentials to bone‐conducted vibration in superior vestibular neuritis show utricular function
Authors: Manzari Leonardo , Tedesco AnnaRita , Burgess Ann M. , Curthoys Ian S.
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the first negative component (n10) of the ocular vestibular‐evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) to bone‐conducted vibration (BCV) is due primarily to activation of the utricular macula.

STUDY DESIGN

The n10 was recorded in response to brief BCV at the midline of the forehead at the hairline (Fz). If the n10 is due primarily to utricular activation, then diseases that affect only the superior division of the vestibular nerve in which all utricular afferents course (i.e., superior vestibular neuritis [SVN]) should reduce or eliminate n10 beneath the contralesional eye, whereas the n10 beneath the ipsilesional eye and the sacculo‐collic cervical vestibular‐evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) on the ipsilesional side should be preserved.

SETTING

A prospective study at a tertiary neurotological referral center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The n10 component of the oVEMP was measured in 133 patients with unilateral SVN but with inferior vestibular nerve function preserved, as shown by ipsilesional cVEMPs.

RESULTS

The n10 to Fz BCV of 133 SVN patients was reduced beneath the contralesional eye relative to the ipsilesional eye so that there was an n10 asymmetry that was significantly greater than the n10 asymmetry in the 50 healthy subjects. In terms of predicting the affected side (shown by canal paresis), using an n10 asymmetry ratio (asymmetry ratio for the relative size of the n10 of the oVEMPs for the two eyes [AR]) of 46.5 percent, the n10 AR has a diagnostic accuracy of 94 percent.

CONCLUSION

The n10 component of the oVEMP to BCV is probably mediated by the superior vestibular nerve and so mainly by the utricular receptors. The n10 AR is almost as good as canal paresis in identifying the affected side in patients.

© 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Feeding status after pediatric laryngotracheal reconstruction
Authors: Andreoli Steven M. , Nguyen Shaun A. , White David R.
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE

To determine the influence of pediatric laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) on postoperative feeding status and longitudinal weight gain after surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with chart review.

SETTING

Tertiary care pediatric hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We identified 30 consecutive pediatric patients undergoing LTR from November 2005 to October 2008. Demographics, stenosis grade, surgical procedure, decannulation status, preoperative feeding status and weight, discharge feeding status, and weights at follow‐up were collected. Weights were plotted on standardized growth charts at surgery, during the early postoperative period (1–3 months), and during the late postoperative period (10–14 months). Growth percentiles were compared by the use of Wilcoxon signed rank test.

RESULTS

Twenty‐eight patients (97%) maintained or advanced their feeding status after LTR. Twenty‐one patients (72%) were oral feeders at surgery. All of these patients continued the same oral diet postoperatively. Five patients (17%) were dependent on gastrostomy before and after surgery. Three patients (10%) were fed via naso‐ or orogastric tubes at surgery. Two of these patients were discharged on an oral diet, and one required a gastrostomy tube. The median growth percentiles at the time of surgery, early postoperative, and late postoperative periods were nine, 18, and 32, respectively. Differences between percentiles at the time of surgery compared with early (P = 0.081) and late follow‐up (P = 0.074) were not significant. In patients who were not dependent on gastrostomy, there was a significant increase in growth percentile at early follow‐up (P = 0.026).

CONCLUSION

The performance of LTR does not influence feeding status. An early increase in median growth percentile is observed in oral feeders, but overall long‐term median growth percentiles remain stable after LTR.

© 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Anatomic relationship between the spinal accessory nerve and internal jugular vein in the upper neck
Authors: Hinsley Matthew L. , Hartig Gregory K.
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to precisely detail the relationship between the spinal accessory nerve (SAN) and the internal jugular vein (IJV) in the upper neck, specifically at the level of the posterior belly of the digastric muscle.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with planned data collection.

SETTING

University hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This information was prospectively gathered intraoperatively in patients undergoing a neck dissection. The neck dissections were performed for the treatment or diagnosis of cancer, independent of the research goals. Eightysix subjects underwent neck dissections, 56 unilateral and 30 bilateral. The position of the SAN was determined to be oriented lateral to the IJV, medial to the IJV, posterior to the IJV, or directly through the IJV at the level of the posterior belly of the digastric muscle.

RESULTS

Of 116 neck dissections, 112 (96%) were oriented lateral to the IJV at the level of the superior border of the posterior belly of the digastric muscle. In three necks (3%), the SAN was positioned medial to the IJV, and one (1%) traveled directly through the IJV.

CONCLUSION

The SAN has an intimate anatomic relationship with the IJV as it travels through the neck. The SAN is nearly always oriented lateral to the IJV, and the IJV and SAN are likely at some increased risk of injury during neck dissection in cases where the nerve travels medial to or through the IJV.

© 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
The influence of various registration procedures upon surgical accuracy during navigated controlled petrous bone surgery
Authors: Hofer Mathias , Dittrich Elmar , Baumberger Christian , Strauß Mario , Dietz Andreas , Lüth Tim , Strauß Gero
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to investigate the dependence of surgical accuracy with a navigated controlled (NC) drill on selected registration procedures.

STUDY DESIGN

The target registration error of the instrument and the maximum proximity to a typical high‐risk structure (facial nerve) were determined within an artificial petrous bone.

SETTING

The studies took place in two groups: group 1, navigation bow with six integrated markers and attachment at the upper jaw, and group 2, landmark registration with four titanium microscrews. Measurement of the target registration error took place at three targets (3 titanium screws) with 20 repeated registration procedures via evaluation of the deviation between a target and the indicated position in the navigation data.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

For measurement of the conversion accuracy of the planned cavity, 20 petrous bone models were milled by inexperienced test subjects. The evaluation of 20 cavities was conducted via a microscope by five jurors.

RESULTS

Registration accuracy showed a maximum deviation between the actual position achieved and the computed position in the navigation system of 1.73 mm in group 1 and 0.93 mm in group 2. In group 1, the nerve in five of 20 cases was damaged, and a maximum penetration into the nerve of 1.5 mm (0.25 mm SD; milled beyond) was measured. In group 2, the facial nerve was not damaged at all, and a maximum deviation of 0.5 mm (0.63 mm SD; stopped before) was measured.

CONCLUSION

The results for registration and conversion accuracy are significantly better for the landmark‐based registration than with the registration of the patient model with registration bow on the upper jaw.

© 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Thyroid drains and postoperative drainage
Authors: Dunlap Wade W. , Berg Richard L. , Urquhart Andrew C.
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate postoperative drainage in patients undergoing thyroid lobectomy versus total thyroidectomy and to establish a correlation between intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with planned data collection.

SETTING

Tertiary medical center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients (n = 100) undergoing thyroid surgery from October 2006 through November 2008 were examined. Data collected included age, gender, postoperative drainage, estimated intraoperative blood loss, type of surgery, length of hospital stay, pathology, and postoperative complications. Standard descriptive statistics were used to summarize characteristics of subjects, surgical procedures, and outcomes. Spearman rank correlation was used to evaluate association of drainage with blood loss and Kruskal‐Wallis test to compare results by surgery type.

RESULTS

There were 100 surgeries performed: 52 lobectomies and 48 total thyroidectomies. Total postoperative drainage ranged from 0 to 230 mL, median was 32 mL. Estimated intraoperative blood loss ranged from 10 to 300 mL, median was 20 mL. We noted a statistically significant association of postoperative drainage with intraoperative blood loss (r = 0.39, P = 0.001), but substantial variability in drainage was observed even among patients with similar blood loss. Although there was significantly less drainage among thyroid lobectomies (P = 0.012), the distributions were quite similar apart from 10 patients (9 lobectomy) with exceptionally low drainage.

CONCLUSION

There was a statistically significant association of postoperative drainage with intraoperative blood loss and significantly less postoperative drainage among patients undergoing thyroid lobectomies. However, the observed associations do not appear to be strong enough to accurately predict patients who will experience substantial drainage.

© 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Proinflammatory mediators in nasal lavage of subjects with occupational rhinitis
Authors: Castano Roberto , Maghni Karim , Castellanos Lucero , Trudeau Carole , Malo Jean‐Luc , Gautrin Denyse
Published: July 2010

We sought to investigate the type and kinetics of late‐phase nasal inflammatory response after nasal challenge with occupational allergens. Participants were 10 subjects experiencing work‐related rhinitis symptoms who underwent specific inhalation challenge and tested positive for occupational rhinitis. During challenge, we monitored changes in inflammatory cells, eosinophil cationic protein, myeloperoxidase, and interleukin‐8 in nasal lavage samples. The challenge with the active agent induced a significant increase in the percentage of eosinophils at 30 minutes as compared with prechallenge values (P = 0.04). A significant increase in eosinophil cationic protein levels after challenge with the control (P = 0.01) and active agent (P = 0.02) was observed in the late phase after challenge. No significant changes in nasal levels of neutrophils, myeloperoxidase, and interleukin‐8 were observed on both control and active challenge days. Our results suggest a predominant nasal eosinophilic inflammatory response after occupational allergen challenge.

© 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Article Commentary: Shortfalls of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery's Clinical practice guideline: Hoarseness (Dysphonia)
Authors: Johns Michael M. , Sataloff Robert T. , Merati Albert L. , Rosen Clark A.
Published: July 2010

The Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) on hoarseness (dysphonia) has several shortcomings that undermine its initial intent to improve the care of patients with dysphonia. The purpose of this document is to identify and comment on those shortcomings. The guideline authors made curious and unsupported policy recommendations in some areas, such as the recommendation for performance of laryngoscopy for hoarseness. For example, the guideline provides a three‐month allowance for patients with voice change prior to examination of the larynx, which is a marked change from prior American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery (AAO‐HNS) documents suggesting laryngoscopy after two to four weeks of dysphonia and poses a health risk to patients with dysphonia without an established diagnosis. We believe the use of laryngoscopy for the evaluation is dysphonia is primal, plays a vital role in the care of our patients, and should be strongly advocated by the CPG. A significant challenge of the CPG is rooted in its basis on a symptom as opposed to a diagnosis. The decision to confuse the difference between a symptom (hoarseness) and a diagnosis leads to several misleading statements and recommendations. Finally, problems with insufficient peer review and ineffective processes in the guideline's development are discussed.

© 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
CHILDREN OF HOMOSEXUALS MORE APT TO BE HOMOSEXUALS? A REPLY TO MORRISON AND TO CAMERON BASED ON AN EXAMINATION OF MULTIPLE SOURCES OF DATA
Authors: SCHUMM WALTER R.
Published: July 2010

Ten narrative studies involving family histories of 262 children of gay fathers and lesbian mothers were evaluated statistically in response to Morrison's (2007) concerns about Cameron's (2006) research that had involved three narrative studies. Despite numerous attempts to bias the results in favour of the null hypothesis and allowing for up to 20 (of 63, 32%) coding errors, Cameron's (2006) hypothesis that gay and lesbian parents would be more likely to have gay, lesbian, bisexual or unsure (of sexual orientation) sons and daughters was confirmed. Percentages of children of gay and lesbian parents who adopted non-heterosexual identities ranged between 16% and 57%, with odds ratios of 1.7 to 12.1, depending on the mix of child and parent genders. Daughters of lesbian mothers were most likely (33% to 57%; odds ratios from 4.5 to 12.1) to report non-heterosexual identities. Data from ethnographic sources and from previous studies on gay and lesbian parenting were re-examined and found to support the hypothesis that social and parental influences may influence the expression of non-heterosexual identities and/or behaviour. Thus, evidence is presented from three different sources, contrary to most previous scientific opinion, even most previous scientific consensus, that suggests intergenerational transfer of sexual orientation can occur at statistically significant and substantial rates, especially for female parents or female children. In some analyses for sons, intergenerational transfer was not significant. Further research is needed with respect to pathways by which intergenerational transfer of sexual orientation may occur. The results confirm an evolving tendency among scholars to cite the possibility of some degree of intergenerational crossover of sexual orientation.
Viscous selection of an elliptical dipole
Authors: KIZNER ZIV , KHVOLES RUVIM , KESSLER DAVID A.
Published: July 2010

A theory of viscous evolution and selection of symmetric two-dimensional dipoles is suggested, based on a combination of numerical simulations and an asymptotic analysis, where the slow time scale associated with the vorticity diffusion due to viscosity is incorporated. It is shown that viscosity first brings a dipole to an intermediate asymptotic state, which is independent of the initial conditions, and then slowly takes the dipole away from this state. We demonstrate that, among the variety of possible ideal-fluid dipole solutions, viscosity going to zero selects a unique solution, which is described to high accuracy by the elliptical dipole solution with a separatrix aspect ratio of 1.037.
Indirect combustion noise
Authors: HOWE M. S.
Published: July 2010

An analysis is made of the noise generated during the passage of quiescent temperature/entropy inhomogeneities through regions of rapidly accelerated mean flow. This is an important source of jet engine core noise. Bake et al. (J. Sound Vib., vol. 326, 2009, pp. 574–598) have used an ‘entropy wave generator’ coupled with a converging–diverging nozzle to perform a series of canonical measurements of the sound produced when the inhomogeneity consists of a nominally uniform slug of hot gas. When flow separation and jet formation occur in the diffuser section of the nozzle, it is shown in this paper that the vortex sound generated by the jet is strongly correlated with the entropy noise produced by the slug and that the overall noise level is significantly reduced. Streamwise ‘stretching’ of the hot slug during high subsonic acceleration into the nozzle and the consequent attenuation of the entropy gradient in the nozzle are shown to significantly decrease the effective rate at which indirect combustion noise increases with the Mach number. Numerical predictions indicate that this is responsible for the peak observed by Bake et al. in the entropy-generated sound pressure at a nozzle Mach number near 0.6.
Are non-standard dialects more ‘natural’ than the standard? A test case from English verb morphology
Authors: ANDERWALD LIESELOTTE
Published: July 2010

In this article, I argue that at least in some subsets of grammar, non-standard dialects are indeed more natural than their standard counterparts. I present data from the new Freiburg English Dialect corpus FRED, for the first time comparing and quantifying traditional dialect data from across the whole of Great Britain. The most frequent non-standard verb forms cluster around forms likedrink–drunk–drunkandsing–sung–sung. The framework of Natural Morphology (Wurzel 1984, 1987) in combination with Bybee's Network Model (Bybee 1985, 1995) is employed to define the notion of naturalness and to explain why this verb class has been strengthened historically, and is still attracting new members today.
The linguistic landscape of Brittany and Corsica: A comparative study of the presence of France's regional languages in the public space
Authors: BLACKWOOD ROBERT J.
Published: July 2010

The linguistic landscape (LL) is emerging as a method by which to examine language practices of multilingual communities. Based on empirical research, carried out in Brittany and on Corsica in the summer of 2007, this project seeks to examine the extent to which two of France's regional heritage languages mark the public space. In categorising the signs recorded, it is possible to detect trends in the use of Breton and Corsican for different purposes within the LL. Given France's recent language management strategies, we are able to differentiate between the way in which cityscapes are marked by those in positions of authority and those with limited power. It is also practicable to examine the differences in multilingual signs within the survey areas. Collectively, these approaches to the LL of Brittany and Corsica will provide an overview of language practices and the relationships between these languages of France.
When Written is Spoken: Dislocation and the Oral Code
Authors: McLAUGHLIN MAIRI
Published: July 2010

This article suggests a refinement of the link between dislocated constructions and the oral code. The research is based on an investigation of a mixed-medium corpus of contemporary French, including spoken language, journalistic prose and literary fiction. It is shown first that the form and function of dislocations vary according to the level of orality of the voice in which they are found: in particular, the intermediary nature of citations in newspaper articles is emphasised. It is then argued that the strict association of dislocation with the stylistic function of orality should be modified, since conveying orality does not always seem to be the primary motivation for dislocation.
WEAK-STAR PROPERTIES OF HOMOMORPHISMS FROM WEIGHTED CONVOLUTION ALGEBRAS ON THE HALF-LINE
Authors: PEDERSEN THOMAS VILS
Published: July 2010

Let L1(ω) be the weighted convolution algebra L1ω(ℝ+) on ℝ+ with weight ω. Grabiner recently proved that, for a nonzero, continuous homomorphism Φ:L1(ω1)→L1(ω2), the unique continuous extension $\widetilde {\Phi }:M(\omega _1)\to M(\omega _2)$ to a homomorphism between the corresponding weighted measure algebras on ℝ+ is also continuous with respect to the weak-star topologies on these algebras. In this paper we investigate whether similar results hold for homomorphisms from L1(ω) into other commutative Banach algebras. In particular, we prove that for the disc algebra $A(\overline {\mathbb D})$ every nonzero homomorphism $\Phi :L^1({\omega })\to A(\overline {\mathbb D})$ extends uniquely to a continuous homomorphism $\widetilde {\Phi }:M(\omega )\to H^{\infty }(\mathbb D)$ which is also continuous with respect to the weak-star topologies. Similarly, for a large class of Beurling algebras A+v on $\overline {\mathbb D}$ (including the algebra of absolutely convergent Taylor series on $\overline {\mathbb D}$) we prove that every nonzero homomorphism Φ:L1(ω)→A+v extends uniquely to a continuous homomorphism $\widetilde {\Phi }:M(\omega )\to A^+_v$ which is also continuous with respect to the weak-star topologies.
Analysing graph transformation systems through constraint handling rules
Authors: RAISER FRANK , FRÜHWIRTH THOM
Published: July 2010

Graph transformation systems (GTS) and constraint handling rules (CHR) are non-deterministic rule-based state transition systems. CHR is well known for its powerful confluence and program equivalence analyses, for which we provide the basis in this work to apply them to GTS. We give a sound and complete embedding of GTS in CHR, investigate confluence of an embedded GTS and provide a program equivalence analysis for GTS via the embedding. The results confirm the suitability of CHR-based program analyses for other formalisms embedded in CHR.
Follow the methane: the search for a deep biosphere, and the case for sampling serpentinites, on Mars
Authors: Parnell John , Boyce Adrian J. , Blamey Nigel J.F.
Published: July 2010

If life occurs elsewhere in the Solar System, there is a strong likelihood that it occurs in a deep biosphere beneath the planetary surface. The evidence for methane in the martian atmosphere has drawn attention to the possible role of serpentinites in fuelling a deep biosphere through the generation of hydrogen and/or methane. Serpentinites represent a good target for the search for biosignatures in a range of reaction products. Isotopic measurements in each of methane, sulphide and carbonate in serpentinites can help determine evidence of biological activity. We show that ancient terrestrial serpentinites retain methane that could be subject to the measurement of carbon and hydrogen isotopes. There is, therefore, potential to sample serpentinites on Mars and test for evidence of life in the deep geological record of Mars.
Mobility Assistance in the Bremen Ambient Assisted Living Lab
Authors: Krieg-Brückner Bernd , Röfer Thomas , Shi Hui , Gersdorf Bernd
Published: July 2010

Various mobility assistants have been developed to enable the Rolland wheelchair and iWalker walker to behave intelligently in order to compensate for diminishing physical and cognitive faculties: A safety assistant ensures that the brakes are applied in time, a driving assistant avoids any obstacles and assists the user when going through doors, and the navigation assistant guides the unit along a route or can drive the user around in an autonomous manner. At the Bremen Ambient Assisted Living Lab, users can interact with these mobility assistants and the smart environment installed there. The goal is to evaluate new ambient assisted living technologies regarding their everyday usability. Various interaction modes are investigated, such as a head joystick, a touch screen, and natural language dialog.
Virtual Rehabilitation and Telerehabilitation for the Upper Limb
Authors: Gövercin Mehmet , Missala Isabelle M. , Marschollek Michael , Steinhagen-Thiessen Elisabeth
Published: July 2010

This paper provides a systematic overview of clinical trials investigating the effectiveness and usefulness of virtual rehabilitation (VR) and telerehabilitation (TR) for upper-limb recovery post stroke. Twenty-seven out of 116 hits showed positive results for outcome measurements. Whereas one randomized controlled trial (n = 81) showed no difference in outcome after VR, another (n = 10) yielded positive results in clinical outcome. Although general recommendations cannot be given, VR and TR approaches are feasible for upper-limb rehabilitation post stroke. Immersive VR approaches were shown to be effective compared to control groups. While nonimmersive VR did not prove to be effective, evidence from noncontrolled trials revealed that nonimmersive VR may prove to be effective compared to standard care.
Technological and Research Perspectives of Old-Age Ubiquitous Computing
Authors: Krüger Antonio , Schmidt Albrecht , Müller Jörg
Published: July 2010

Technological advances allow networked and context-aware computer systems to be integrated into devices, environments, everyday objects, and garments. The idea is that such smart environments and artifacts are able to perceive the users’ context and activity, anticipate their needs, and act to provide proactive support. Old-age ubiquitous computing has the potential to increase the length of time that both individuals and groups are able to lead independent lives, even at an advanced age. Examples of this range from smart reading-glasses that are capable of reading articles to the user, all the way to body implants designed to increase human perceptive, cognitive, and motor capabilities.
Drowsiness Monitoring with EEG-Based MEMS Biosensing Technologies
Authors: Chang Chih-Wei , Ko Li-Wei , Lin Fu-Chang , Su Tung-Ping , Jung Tzyy-Ping , Lin Chin-Teng , Chiou Jin-Chern
Published: July 2010

Electroencephalography (EEG) has been widely adopted to monitor changes in cognitive states, particularly stages of sleep, as EEG recordings contain a wealth of information reflecting changes in alertness and sleepiness. In this study, silicon dry electrodes based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) were developed to bring high-quality EEG acquisition to operational workplaces. They have superior conductivity performance, large signal intensity, and are smaller in size than conventional (wet) electrodes. An EEG-based drowsiness estimation system consisting of a dry-electrode array, power spectrum estimation, principal component analysis (PCA)-based EEG signal analysis, and multivariate linear regression was developed to estimate drivers’ drowsiness levels in a virtual-reality-based dynamic driving simulator. The proposed system can help elders who are often affected by periods of tiredness and fatigue.
Genetic Influences on Implicit Measures of Personality
Authors: Osinsky Roman , Alexander Nina , Schmitz Anja , Kuepper Yvonne , Müller Eva , Beer Laura , Koeppe Lena , Hennig Jürgen
Published: July 2010

Previous research has revealed various relationships between self-reported personality traits and specific variations in genes influencing serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways. In recent studies, however, personality was repeatedly assessed by the use of more indirect measures, such as the implicit association test (IAT). This tool is assumed to access automatic associations, reflecting the sum of former dispositional behavior and experience. The present study aimed to identify potential genetic effects on personality-related associations measured by the IAT. In a sample of 96 women we found correlations between genetic variations of the serotonin and dopamine transporters (5-HTTLPR and DAT 3’-VNTR) and indirectly measured traits of anxiety and agentic extraversion. In detail, the 5-HTTLPR was linked to the anxiety IAT, whereas the DAT 3-’VNTR was associated with performance in the agentic-extraversion IAT. These findings point out genetic influences on personality-related associations and emphasize the usefulness of the IAT in research on the biological foundations of dispositions.
Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS)
Authors: Ruch Willibald , Proyer René T. , Harzer Claudia , Park Nansook , Peterson Christopher , Seligman Martin E. P.
Published: July 2010

The Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS; Peterson, Park, & Seligman, 2005a ) is an English-language self-report questionnaire that measures 24 widely-valued character strengths. The present paper describes the creation and adaptation of the German version of the VIA-IS and its peer-rating form using a sample of 1,674 adults. The 24 subscales had high reliability (median α = .77; median corrected item-total correlations = .45) and high stability across 9 months (median test-retest correlation = .73). The VIA-IS peer form also had high reliability (median α = .81). Self- and peer-ratings of strengths converged as expected (median correlation = .40), and on average ordered the strengths in the same way, correlating .88 across the 24 strengths. There were low to modest correlations of the VIA subscales with demographic variables. Neither the VIA-IS nor the VIA-IS Peer was strongly influenced by social desirability. Correlations with three different measures of subjective well-being replicated findings from earlier studies of the original English VIA-IS and supported the validity of the scale. Furthermore, relations to self-reported behavior and contentment with various aspects of life were modest but congruent with the meaning of the scales (e.g., higher endorsement of religion among spiritual participants, less cigarette smoking among participants with higher self-regulation). Overall, the German VIA-IS and VIA-IS Peer demonstrated good psychometric properties and promising validity evidence. These scales can be recommended for the assessment of strengths of character in the German-speaking world.
Sun to 1 AU propagation and evolution of a slow streamer‐blowout coronal mass ejection
Authors: Lynch B. J. , Li Y. , Thernisien A. F. R. , Robbrecht E. , Fisher G. H. , Luhmann J. G. , Vourlidas A.
Published: July 2010

We present a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of the classic, slow streamer‐blowout CME of 1 June 2008 observed by the STEREO twin spacecraft to infer relevant properties of the pre‐eruption source region which includes a substantial portion of the coronal helmet streamer belt. The CME was directed ∼40° East of the Sun‐Earth line and the Heliospheric Imager observations are consistent with the CME propagating essentially radially to 1 AU. The elongation‐time J‐map constructed from the STEREO‐A HI images tracks the arrival of two density peaks that bound the magnetic flux rope ICME seen at STEREO‐B on 6 June 2008. From the STEREO‐A elongation‐time plots we measure the ICME flux rope radial size Rc(t) and find it well approximated by the constant expansion value Vexp = 24.5 km/s obtained from the STEREO‐B declining velocity profile within the magnetic cloud. The flux rope spatial orientation, determined by forward modeling fits to the STEREO COR2 and HI1 data, approaches the observed 1 AU flux rope orientation and suggests large‐scale rotation during propagation, as predicted by recent numerical simulations. We compare the ICME flux content to the PFSS model coronal field for Carrington Rotation 2070 and find sufficient streamer belt flux to account for the observed ICME poloidal/twist flux if reconnection during CME initiation process is responsible for the conversion of overlying field into the flux rope twist component in the standard fashion. However, the PFSS model field cannot account for the ICME toroidal/axial flux component. We estimate the field strength of the pre‐eruption sheared/axial component in the low corona and the timescales required to accumulate this energized pre‐eruption configuration via differential rotation and flux cancelation by supergranular diffusion at the polarity inversion line. We show that both mechanisms are capable of generating the desired shear component over time periods of roughly 1–2 months. We discuss the implications for slow streamer‐blowout CMEs arising as a natural consequence of the corona's re‐adjustment to the long term evolutionary driving of the photospheric fields.
Standard mixtures of ambient volatile organic compounds in synthetic and whole air with stable reference values
Authors: Grenfell R. J. P. , Milton M. J. T. , Harling A. M. , Vargha G. M. , Brookes C. , Quincey P. G. , Woods P. T.
Published: July 2010

Research into the role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the chemistry of the lower atmosphere has led to requirements for stable and accurate standard gas mixtures to underpin long‐term monitoring of global background and polluted urban concentrations. We describe a novel method for the preparation of standard mixtures containing thirty compounds in matrices of nitrogen and whole air. The estimated uncertainty in the amount fractions of the compounds in these mixtures is typically 2% (relative) and typical stability is better than 0.2% per annum. We also report the results of a comparison exercise between eight laboratories using these mixtures, which indicate that typical uncertainties achievable by laboratories making measurements of these compounds are better than demonstrated previously.
Vertical distributions of lightning sources and flashes over Kennedy Space Center, Florida
Authors: Hansen Amanda E. , Fuelberg Henry E. , Pickering Kenneth E.
Published: July 2010

Warm season vertical distributions of lightning sources and flash segments are presented using data from the lightning detection and ranging network at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. We emphasize the percentage of sources/flash segments at each level compared to the vertical total and present the distributions as a function of storm top above ground level (AGL). The vertical profiles of sources and flash segments are compared with each other and with those from previous studies. Results indicate that storms with tops higher than ∼10 km AGL often have a bimodal or multiple peak distribution of percentage sources and flash segments. However, distributions for storms with tops lower than ∼10 km AGL exhibit only a single dominant peak. Temporal variations in the vertical distributions of flash percentages are examined for four clusters of storms occurring on different days. Results reveal considerable storm‐to‐storm and intrastorm variability. However, two similarities are observed between the four cases: (1) maximum flash density (flash segments km−3) occurs as the maximum storm top is reached and (2) as the storms increase in intensity, both maximum flash density and flash segment percentage increase in altitude, and then both decrease in altitude as the storms decay. The distributions are useful for understanding lightning characteristics as a function of storm evolution, specifying the vertical distribution of lightning‐produced nitrogen oxides in chemical transport models and verifying model‐simulated lightning.
Gravity analysis of Parga and Hecate chasmata: Implications for rift and corona formation
Authors: Smrekar Suzanne E. , Hoogenboom Trudi , Stofan Ellen R. , Martin Paula
Published: July 2010

The two largest rift systems on Venus, Parga, and Hecate chasmata contain one third of all coronae. We map variations in elastic thickness and apparent depth of compensation (ADC) in these two regions using the admittance function for gravity and topography. We examine the relationship between rifting and coronae by comparing lithospheric structure with corona characteristics including volcanism, topographic shape, fracture pattern, diameter, and stratigraphic age. At Hecate chasmata, both ADC and elastic thickness correlate with two main rift branches, the fracture style and corona characteristics. Hecate chasma thus appears to be dominated by extensional processes. Parga chasma shows little correlation between lithospheric properties and the location of coronae or rift segments. The ADC at Hecate and Parga chasmata is mostly less than 75–100 km, implying that there is not large‐scale upwelling underlying the rift systems. The variations in the corona population sizes between Parga chasma, which has 131 coronae, and Hecate chasma, with 50 coronae, suggest differences in the evolution of the two rift systems. The much larger population of coronae at Parga contains more small coronae, many of which have relatively low volcanism and post date the rift. Further, many of the small coronae occur in chains and have similar diameters, as predicted by Rayleigh‐Taylor type instabilities. These characteristics suggest that the smaller coronae may form via a later, secondary decompression melting phase. Thus, Hecate chasma may be younger than Parga chasma and could experience a secondary stage of corona formation in the future.
Subseafloor seawater‐basalt‐microbe reactions: Continuous sampling of borehole fluids in a ridge flank environment
Authors: Wheat C. Geoffrey , Jannasch Hans W. , Fisher Andrew T. , Becker Keir , Sharkey Jessica , Hulme Samuel
Published: July 2010

Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Hole 1301A was drilled, cased, and instrumented with a long‐term, subseafloor observatory (CORK) on the eastern flank of the Juan de Fuca Ridge in summer 2004. This borehole is located 1 km south of ODP Hole 1026B and 5 km north of Baby Bare outcrop. Hole 1301A penetrates 262 m of sediment and 108 m of the uppermost 3.5 Ma basaltic basement in an area of warm (64°C) hydrothermal circulation. The borehole was instrumented, and those instruments were recovered 4 years later. Here we report chemical data from two continuous fluid samplers (OsmoSamplers) and temperature recording tools that monitored changes in the state of borehole (formation) fluids. These changes document the effects of drilling, fluid overpressure and flow, seawater‐basalt interactions, and microbial metababolic activity. Initially, bottom seawater flowed into the borehole through a leak between concentric CORK casing strings. Eventually, the direction of flow reversed, and warm, altered formation fluid flowed into the borehole and discharged at the seafloor. This reversal occurred during 1 week in September 2007, 3 years after drilling operations ceased. The composition of the formation fluid around Hole 1301A generally lies within bounds defined by springs on Baby Bare outcrop (to the south) and fluids that discharged from Hole 1026B (to the north); deviations likely result from reactions with drilling products. Simple conservative mixing of two end‐member fluids reveals reactions occurring within the crust, including nitrate reduction presumably by denitrifying microbes. The observed changes in borehole fluid composition provide the foundation for a conceptual model of chemical and microbial change during recharge of a warm ridge‐flank hydrothermal system. This model can be tested through future scientific ocean drilling experiments.
High‐frequency fluctuations in Denmark Strait transport
Authors: Haine T. W. N.
Published: July 2010

Denmark Strait ocean current transport exhibits quasi‐regular fluctuations immediately south of the sill with periods of 2–4 days. The transport variability is similar to the mean transport itself. Using a circulation model we explore prospects to monitor the fluctuations. The model has realistic transport and shows water leaving Denmark Strait in equivalent‐barotropic cyclones that are nearly geostrophic and correlate with sea‐surface height (SSH). Existing satellite altimeter observations of SSH have adequate space/time sampling to reconstruct the transport fluctuations using a regression developed from the model results, but measurement error overwhelms the signal. From the model results, the pending Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) wide‐swath altimeter appears accurate enough, and with good‐enough coverage, to allow the transport fluctuations to be reconstructed. Bottom pressure recorders at the exit of the Denmark Strait can also reproduce the transport variability.
Precipitation, radiative forcing and global temperature change
Authors: Andrews Timothy , Forster Piers M. , Boucher Olivier , Bellouin Nicolas , Jones Andy
Published: July 2010

Radiative forcing is a useful tool for predicting equilibrium global temperature change. However, it is not so useful for predicting global precipitation changes, as changes in precipitation strongly depend on the climate change mechanism and how it perturbs the atmospheric and surface energy budgets. Here a suite of climate model experiments and radiative transfer calculations are used to quantify and assess this dependency across a range of climate change mechanisms. It is shown that the precipitation response can be split into two parts: a fast atmospheric response that strongly correlates with the atmospheric component of radiative forcing, and a slower response to global surface temperature change that is independent of the climate change mechanism, ∼2‐3% per unit of global surface temperature change. We highlight the precipitation response to black carbon aerosol forcing as falling within this range despite having an equilibrium response that is of opposite sign to the radiative forcing and global temperature change.
Zn(II) ions co-secreted with insulin suppress inherent amyloidogenic properties of monomeric insulin
Authors: Noormägi Andra , Gavrilova Julia , Smirnova Julia , Tõugu Vello , Palumaa Peep
Published: July 2010

Insulin, a 51-residue peptide hormone, is an intrinsically amyloidogenic peptide, forming amyloid fibrils in vitro. In the secretory granules, insulin is densely packed together with Zn(II) into crystals of Zn2Insulin6 hexamer, which assures osmotic stability of vesicles and prevents fibrillation of the peptide. However, after release from the pancreatic β-cells, insulin dissociates into active monomers, which tend to fibrillize not only at acidic, but also at physiological, pH values. The effect of co-secreted Zn(II) ions on the fibrillation of monomeric insulin is unknown, however, it might prevent insulin fibrillation. We showed that Zn(II) inhibits fibrillation of monomeric insulin at physiological pH values by forming a soluble Zn(II)–insulin complex. The inhibitory effect of Zn(II) ions is very strong at pH 7.3 (IC50=3.5 μM), whereas at pH 5.5 it progressively weakens, pointing towards participation of the histidine residue(s) in complex formation. The results obtained indicate that Zn(II) ions might suppress fibrillation of insulin at its release sites and in circulation. It is hypothesized that misfolded oligomeric intermediates occurring in the insulin fibrillation pathway, especially in zinc-deficient conditions, might induce autoantibodies against insulin, which leads to β-cell damage and autoimmune Type 1 diabetes.
Sex-specific effects of habitual aerobic exercise on brachial artery flow-mediated dilation in middle-aged and older adults
Authors: Pierce Gary L. , Eskurza Iratxe , Walker Ashley E. , Fay Tara N. , Seals Douglas R.
Published: July 2010

Brachial artery FMD (flow-mediated dilation) is impaired with aging and is associated with an increased risk of CVD (cardiovascular disease). In the present study, we determined whether regular aerobic exercise improves brachial artery FMD in MA/O (middle-aged/older) men and post-menopausal women. In sedentary MA/O adults (age, 55–79 years) without CVD, 8 weeks of brisk walking (6 days/week for approx. 50 min/day; randomized controlled design) increased treadmill time approx. 20% in both MA/O men (n=11) and post-menopausal women (n=15) (P<0.01), without altering body composition or circulating CVD risk factors. Brachial artery FMD increased >50% in the MA/O men (from 4.6±0.6 to 7.1±0.6%; P<0.01), but did not change in the post-menopausal women (5.1±0.8 compared with 5.4±0.7%; P=0.50). No changes occurred in the non-exercising controls. In a separate cross-sectional study (n=167), brachial artery FMD was approx. 50% greater in endurance-exercise-trained (6.4±0.4%; n=45) compared with sedentary (4.3±0.3%; n=60) MA/O men (P<0.001), whereas there were no differences between endurance-trained (5.3±0.7%, n=20) and sedentary (5.6±0.5%, n=42) post-menopausal women (P=0.70). Brachial artery lumen diameter, peak hyperaemic shear rate and endothelium-independent dilation did not differ with exercise intervention or in the endurance exercise compared with sedentary groups. In conclusion, regular aerobic exercise is consistently associated with enhanced brachial artery FMD in MA/O men, but not in post-menopausal women. Some post-menopausal women without CVD may be less responsive to habitual aerobic exercise than MA/O men.
Discriminating Dysarthria Type From Envelope Modulation Spectra
Authors: Liss Julie M. , LeGendre Sue , Lotto Andrew J.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Previous research demonstrated the ability of temporally based rhythm metrics to distinguish among dysarthrias with different prosodic deficit profiles (J. M. Liss et al., 2009). The authors examined whether comparable results could be obtained by an automated analysis of speech envelope modulation spectra (EMS), which quantifies the rhythmicity of speech within specified frequency bands.

Method

EMS was conducted on sentences produced by 43 speakers with 1 of 4 types of dysarthria and healthy controls. The EMS consisted of the spectra of the slow-rate (up to 10 Hz) amplitude modulations of the full signal and 7 octave bands ranging in center frequency from 125 to 8000 Hz. Six variables were calculated for each band relating to peak frequency and amplitude and relative energy above, below, and in the region of 4 Hz. Discriminant function analyses (DFA) determined which sets of predictor variables best discriminated between and among groups.

Results

Each of 6 DFAs identified 2–6 of the 48 predictor variables. These variables achieved 84%–100% classification accuracy for group membership.

Conclusions

Dysarthrias can be characterized by quantifiable temporal patterns in acoustic output. Because EMS analysis is automated and requires no editing or linguistic assumptions, it shows promise as a clinical and research tool.
Voice and Fluency Changes as a Function of Speech Task and Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Van Lancker Sidtis Diana , Rogers Tiffany , Godier Violette , Tagliati Michele , Sidtis John J.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Speaking, which naturally occurs in different modes or “tasks” such as conversation and repetition, relies on intact basal ganglia nuclei. Recent studies suggest that voice and fluency parameters are differentially affected by speech task. In this study, the authors examine the effects of subcortical functionality on voice and fluency, comparing measures obtained from spontaneous and matched repeated speech samples.

Method

Subjects with Parkinson’s disease who were being treated with bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nuclei were tested with stimulators ON and OFF.

Results

The study found that a voice measure, harmonic to noise ratio, is improved in repetition and in the DBS-ON condition and that dysfluencies are more plentiful in conversation with little or variable influence of DBS condition.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that voice and fluency are differentially affected by DBS treatment and that task conditions, interacting with subcortical functionality, influence motor speech performance.