bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteus mirabilis fimbriae (PMF) are important for both bladder and kidney colonization in mice
Authors: Zunino Pablo , Sosa Vanessa , Allen Andrew G. , Preston Andrew , Schlapp Geraldine , Maskell Duncan J.
Published: November 2003

Proteus mirabilis expresses different types of fimbriae simultaneously. Several fimbrial types have been described and their role in the colonization of the urinary tract is under study. Previously, P. mirabilis fimbriae (PMF) have been shown to be associated with bacterial colonization of the lower urinary tract but not of the kidneys. In this study, a pmfA mutant was generated and used in several in vivo and in vitro studies. Two different urinary tract infection models in the mouse and two in vitro assays of bacterial adhesion to uroepithelial cells were performed. Expression of PmfA in a collection of P. mirabilis strains of different sources was also assessed. The results shown here indicate that PMF are involved in both bladder and kidney colonization by P. mirabilis and that these fimbriae are widely distributed among P. mirabilis isolates from different origins since all strains tested expressed PmfA.
Biosynthetic specificity of the rhamnosyltransferase gene of Mycobacterium avium serovar 2 as determined by allelic exchange mutagenesis
Authors: Maslow Joel N. , Irani Vida R. , Lee Sun-Hwa , Eckstein Torsten M. , Inamine Julia M. , Belisle John T.
Published: November 2003

In prior studies, through recombinant expression inMycobacterium smegmatis, thertfAgene ofMycobacterium aviumwas shown to encode a rhamnosyltransferase that catalyses the addition of rhamnose (Rha) to the 6-deoxytalose of serovar 2-specific glycopeptidolipid (GPL). Whether RtfA also catalyses the transfer of Rha to the alaninol of the lipopeptide core is unknown. An isogenicrtfAmutant ofM. aviumserovar 2 strain TMC724 was derived using a novel allelic exchange mutagenesis system utilizing a multicopy plasmid that contained thekatGgene ofMycobacterium bovisand the gene encoding green fluorescent protein (gfp). Overexpression of KatG inM. aviumresulted in increased susceptibility to isoniazid, thus providing counter-selection by enriching for clones that had lost plasmid DNA. Plasmid loss was confirmed by screening forgfp-negative clones to select putative allelic exchange mutants. Two exchange mutants were created, confirmed by Southern hybridization, and demonstrated loss of serovar 2-specific GPL by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Gas chromatography of alditol acetate derivatives revealed the loss of Rha and the terminal 2,3-O-Me-fucose and preservation of 3-O-Me-Rha and 3,4-O-Me-Rha substituents at the terminal alaninol of the lipopeptide core. Complementation ofrtfAin transthrough an integrative plasmid restored serovar 2-specific GPL expression identical to wild-type TMC724. This result shows thatrtfAencodes an enzyme responsible only for the transfer of Rha to the serovar 2-specific oligosaccharide and provides a system of allelic exchange forM. aviumas a tool for future genetic studies involving this species.
The 64 508 bp IncP-1β antibiotic multiresistance plasmid pB10 isolated from a waste-water treatment plant provides evidence for recombination between members of different branches of the IncP-1β group
Authors: Schlüter A. , Heuer H. , Szczepanowski R. , Forney L. J. , Thomas C. M. , Pühler A. , Top E. M.
Published: November 2003

The complete 64 508 bp nucleotide sequence of the IncP-1βantibiotic-resistance plasmid pB10, which was isolated from a waste-water treatment plant in Germany and mediates resistance against the antimicrobial agents amoxicillin, streptomycin, sulfonamides and tetracycline and against mercury ions, was determined and analysed. A typical class 1 integron with completely conserved 5′ and 3′ segments is inserted between thetraandtrbregions. The two mobile gene cassettes of this integron encode aβ-lactamase of the oxacillin-hydrolysing type (Oxa-2) and a gene product of unknown function (OrfE-like), respectively. The pB10-specific gene load present between the replication module (trfA1) and the origin of vegetative replication (oriV) is composed of four class II (Tn3family) transposable elements: (i) a Tn501-like mercury-resistance (mer) transposon downstream of thetrfA1gene, (ii) a truncated derivative of the widespread streptomycin-resistance transposon Tn5393c, (iii) the insertion sequence element IS1071and (iv) a Tn1721-like transposon that contains the tetracycline-resistance genestetAandtetR. A very similar Tn501-likemertransposon is present in the same target site of the IncP-1βdegradative plasmid pJP4 and the IncP-1βresistance plasmid R906, suggesting that pB10, R906 and pJP4 are derivatives of a common ancestor. Interestingly, large parts of the predicted pB10 restriction map, except for the tetracycline-resistance determinant, are identical to that of R906. It thus appears that plasmid pB10 acquired as many as five resistance genes via three transposons and one integron, which it may rapidly spread among bacterial populations given its high promiscuity. Comparison of the pB10 backbone DNA sequences with those of other sequenced IncP-1βplasmids reveals a mosaic structure. While the conjugative transfer modules (trbandtraregions) and the replication module are very closely related to the corresponding segments of the IncP-1βresistance plasmid R751 and even more similar to the IncP-1βdegradative plasmids pTSA and pADP-1, the stable inheritance operonsklcAB–korCandkleAEFare most similar to those of the IncP-1βresistance plasmid pB4, and clearly less similar to the other IncP-1βplasmids. This suggests that IncP-1βplasmids can undergo recombination in the environment, which may enhance plasmid diversity and bacterial adaptability.
The aquaporin gene aqpX of Brucella abortus is induced in hyperosmotic conditions
Authors: Hernández-Castro Rigoberto , Rodríguez María Cruz , Seoane Asunción , García Lobo Juan María
Published: November 2003

An aquaporin gene (aqpX) was previously detected in the pathogenic bacteriumBrucella abortus. Earlier studies showed that AqpX mediated rapid and large water fluxes in both directions in response to sudden osmotic up- or downshifts. Here, to study the role and the expression of theaqpXgene inB. abortus, anaqpXnull mutant was constructed using anaqpX : : lacZgene fusion. This mutant showed no significant difference in growth rate compared to the wild-type strain when grown in rich and minimal media, demonstrating that disruption of theaqpXgene was not lethal forB. abortus. The role of theB. abortusAqpX water channel was investigated by exposing the cells to hypo- and hyperosmolar conditions. While in hyperosmolar environments the growth rate of the knockout mutant was not affected, in hypo-osmolar conditions this mutant showed reduced viability after 50 h of growth.β-Galactosidase assays and RT-PCR revealed thataqpXgene expression and the amount ofaqpXmRNA were markedly increased in hyperosmolar conditions. Moreover,B. abortusaqpXexpression levels were enhanced during the mid-exponential phase of growth. These results indicated that the expression ofaqpXwas regulated during the growth curve and induced in hyperosmolar conditions. This report is believed to be the first example of the induction of a bacterial aquaporin in hypertonic conditions.
Student perceptions of the effectiveness of Web‐based distance education
Authors: Gregory Vicki L.
Published: November 2003

Web‐based distance education is rapidly vying to become one of the preferred norms for teaching in many library and information science programs, especially in the USA. Within the distance education paradigm, courses taught utilizing the Web may be classified as either totally asynchronous, or synchronous when there are provisions, to a greater or lesser degree, for “real‐time” interaction, such as by means of Internet chat or a limited number of face‐to‐face classes. The results of this study show that, although library and information science students in Web‐based distance education course environments remain generally satisfied with the quality of the instruction and education that they are receiving through courses with significant Web‐based content, it is nevertheless clear that they have generally come to perceive that the quality of their educational experience is significantly improved when there is included within or as an integral part of the course offering some meaningful level of real‐time interaction.
Editorial: From p‐services to e‐services
Authors: Li Eldon Y. , Zhao Xiande
Published: November 2003

An issue devoted to the Second International Conference on Electronic Business, in December 2002, in Taiwan. Included are six papers, taken from a total of 205 papers that were originally submitted, accepted and included in the conference proceedings.
Internet retail customer loyalty: the mediating role of relational benefits
Authors: Ju Rebecca Yen Hsiu , Gwinner Kevin P.
Published: November 2003

The application of technology‐based self‐service in service delivery has grown rapidly in recent years, but our current understanding of customer retention and satisfaction in such contexts remains limited. This paper proposes a conceptual framework that utilizes the construct of relational benefits to explain the link between Internet‐based self‐service technology attributes and customer loyalty and satisfaction. The framework posits that confidence and special treatment benefits mediate the impact of Internet self‐service technology attributes on customer loyalty and satisfaction. The results of an empirical study using two contexts finds support for a fully mediated model. That is, confidence benefits mediate the impact of perceived control and performance on customer loyalty and satisfaction, while special treatment benefits mediate the relationship of efficiency and convenience with customer loyalty and satisfaction. The findings afford not only practical implications for marketers but also directions for future research on customer relational benefits and Internet‐based self‐service.
Determinants of user acceptance of Internet banking: an empirical study
Authors: Wang Yi‐Shun , Wang Yu‐Min , Lin Hsin‐Hui , Tang Tzung‐I
Published: November 2003

The explosion of Internet usage and the huge funding initiatives in electronic banking have drawn the attention of researchers towards Internet banking. In the past, the conventional focus of Internet banking research has been on technological development, but this is now shifting to user‐focused research. Although millions of dollars have been spent on building Internet banking systems, reports have shown that potential users may not use the systems in spite of their availability. This points out the need for research to identify the factors that determine acceptance of Internet banking by the users. According to the technology acceptance model (TAM), perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness constructs are believed to be fundamental in determining the acceptance and use of various IT. These beliefs may however not fully explain the user's behavior toward newly emerging IT, such as Internet banking. Using the technology acceptance model (TAM) as a theoretical framework, this study introduces “perceived credibility” as a new factor that reflects the user's security and privacy concerns in the acceptance of Internet banking. It also examines the effect of computer self‐efficacy on the intention to use Internet banking. Based on a sample of 123 users from a telephone interview, the results strongly support the extended TAM in predicting the intention of users to adopt Internet banking. It also demonstrates the significant effect of computer self‐efficacy on behavioral intention through perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived credibility.
E‐service: enhancing internal customer service through e‐procurement
Authors: Croom Simon , Johnston Robert
Published: November 2003

E‐business developments represent a significant step in the evolution of inter‐organisational systems (IOS). Their impact on external supply chains is a major area of discussion and analysis in the literature, principally examining issues of governance structure and process efficiencies. This paper, however, addresses issues relating to the impact of e‐business developments on internal customer service with a focus on electronic procurement introduction – in other words it concentrates on the intra‐organisational system dynamics of e‐business. The procurement process is the basis for one of the primary internal customer‐provider interfaces and thus presents a valid and useful domain of study in internal customer service. In contributing to the emerging e‐service field the article first contends that much of the recent research into e‐service has taken a primarily external customer focus. However, reports suggest that the potential of e‐business comes from applications both within and between businesses. Consequently, this paper focuses on the findings relating to internal e‐service obtained from an extensive, primarily qualitative and exploratory, research programme incorporating 97 organisations. The article concludes that internal customer satisfaction is central to the success of e‐procurement deployment and is a significant determinant of the cost benefits to be gained from its adoption.
Strategic communities for knowledge creation: a Western proposal for the Japanese concept ofBa
Authors: Fayard Pierre‐Marie
Published: November 2003

The concept ofbawas introduced in 1996 by Ikujiro Nonaka and Noboru Konno. Since then, it has played a major role in the Japanese way of knowledge creation. It now belongs to the specialized jargon of KM out of the archipelago whose approach of KM is different from the IT oriented one in the USA. The print of Japanese culture in this concept makes it not so easy to understand through Western languages using a unique word, clear, distinct and without any shadow. Therefore this paper proposes an equivalent through the formulation of strategic knowledge community. This contribution is organized in three parts. First, it strives to define thebaconcept from a Japanese cultural point of view. Then, it considers some philosophical implications of the concept, and last, it presents some case studies from the Human Health Care’s program from the Eisai Company. This paper was made possible because of an investigation program about the Japanese way of knowledge creation that is supported by the French Embassy in Japan. The global results of this investigation will be available in a book this year.
Knowledge management beyond codification: knowing as practice/concept
Authors: Styhre Alexander
Published: November 2003

Knowledge has been theorized as being an elementary form of organization in the so‐called knowledge management literature. Although there are numerous analytical strengths in this literature, a reductionist view of knowledge dominates the field. From a reductionist view, knowledge is an extension from data and information. As opposed to this image of knowledge, this paper suggests that knowledge is what is inherent in practices and concepts employed and invented to denote such practices. The notion of knowledge is therefore constituted on a single plane or surface wherein practices and concepts are entangled. As a consequence, knowledge is always indeterminate and fluid because it is immanent in a multiplicity of undertakings and changing language games. In addition, data and information only represents a sub‐set of what we call knowledge. This processual and fluid view of knowledge represents an epistemological break with reductionist views of knowledge and enables for new perspectives on how knowledge is managed as an intangible resource in organizations.
The connection between trust and knowledge management: what are its implications for team performance
Authors: Politis John D.
Published: November 2003

The latest buzzwords in organizational change and development literature are “knowledge management” and “knowledge transfer”, which proponents claim are successful ways of improving and enhancing employees’ performance. Moreover, trust and the ability of employees to work in an autonomous manner are often cited as being essential for the effectiveness of self‐managed teams. Little however, is known on the effect of interpersonal trust on knowledge management (acquisition) of team members, and the consequences for team performance. A survey of 49 self‐managing teams was carried out to investigate the relationship between the dimensions of interpersonal trust, knowledge acquisition, and team performance. Overall, findings support that most interpersonal trust dimensions are positively related to the variables of knowledge acquisition. The results also showed that the effects of interpersonal trust on team performance to a large extent are mediated by the intervening variables of knowledge acquisition.
To manage knowledge by intranet
Authors: Edenius Mats , Borgerson Janet
Published: November 2003

Identification, generation, transfer, storage and efficient integration of knowledge occupy today’s corporate managers, and there is increasing interest in different strategies for managing knowledge. Many strategies correspond to different kinds of information technology, for example, intranet. An intranet can be regarded both as an information and strategic management tool in the context of knowledge management. A lack of reflexivity in intranet use is based on the assumption that an intranet is a tool in its masters’ hands. Key elements in managing an intranet (such as, activity level and information input) are not just tools to control the transportation of information and knowledge in a convenient and efficient way. Rather, as constituents, these elements create the intranet. Several empirical examples suggest how information presented in an intranet – and knowledge about the information – is co‐created in the process of using an intranet. A Foucauldian vision of knowledge as discursive practices, including representation, extends the overly static realist version of knowledge found in much KM. Furthermore, if highest demand for intranet activity levels were met, professional investment managers would be forced to become generalists
Time-dependent seafloor acoustic backscatter (10–100 kHz)
Authors: Sternlicht Daniel D. , de Moustier Christian P.
Published: November 2003

A time-dependent model of the acoustic intensity backscattered by the seafloor is described and compared with data from a calibrated, vertically oriented, echo-sounder operating at 33 and 93 kHz. The model incorporates the characteristics of the echo-sounder and transmitted pulse, and the water column spreading and absorption losses. Scattering from the water–sediment interface is predicted using Helmholtz–Kirchhoff theory, parametrized by the mean grain size, the coherent reflection coefficient, and the strength and exponent of a power-law roughness spectrum. The composite roughness approach of Jackson et al. [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 79, 1410–1422 (1986)], modified for the finite duration of the transmitted signal, is used to predict backscatter from subbottom inhomogeneities. It depends on the sediment’s volume scattering and attenuation coefficients, as well as the interface characteristics governing sound transmission into the sediment. Estimation of model parameters (mean grain size, roughness spectrum strength and exponent, volume scattering coefficient) reveals ambiguous ranges for the two spectral components. Analyses of model outputs and of physical measurements reported in the literature yield practical constraints on roughness spectrum parameter settings appropriate for echo-envelope-based sediment classification procedures.
Discrimination and identification of vowels by young, hearing-impaired adults
Authors: Richie Carolyn , Kewley-Port Diane , Coughlin Maureen
Published: November 2003

This study examined the effects of mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss on vowel perception abilities of young, hearing-impaired (YHI) adults. Stimuli were presented at a low conversational level with a flat frequency response (approximately 60 dB SPL), and in two gain conditions: (a) high level gain with a flat frequency response (95 dB SPL), and (b) frequency-specific gain shaped according to each listener’s hearing loss (designed to simulate the frequency response provided by a linear hearing aid to an input signal of 60 dB SPL). Listeners discriminated changes in the vowels /ɪ e ɛ ʌ æ/ when F1 or F2 varied, and later categorized the vowels. YHI listeners performed better in the two gain conditions than in the conversational level condition. Performances in the two gain conditions were similar, suggesting that upward spread of masking was not seen at these signal levels for these tasks. Results were compared with those from a group of elderly, hearing-impaired (EHI) listeners, reported in Coughlin, Kewley-Port, and Humes [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 104, 3597–3607 (1998)]. Comparisons revealed no significant differences between the EHI and YHI groups, suggesting that hearing impairment, not age, is the primary contributor to decreased vowel perception in these listeners.
Investigation of the convergence of the mixed displacement-pressure formulation for three-dimensional poroelastic materials using hierarchical elements
Authors: Rigobert S. , Atalla N. , Sgard F. C.
Published: November 2003

Recently, a mixed pressure displacement {u, P} formulation based on Biot’s poroelasticity equations has been presented for porous materials. This model leads to a reduction of the number of degrees of freedom required for the modeling of three-dimensional porous media in comparison to classical displacement–displacement {u, U} formulations. In this paper, an extension of the {u, P} formulation based on hierarchical elements is presented. First, a variant of the weak integral form of the {u, P} formulation is presented and its numerical implementation using hierarchical elements is detailed, together with the application of boundary and loading conditions. Numerical results are presented to show the accuracy and performance of the present approach. In particular, the importance of correctly capturing the coupling effects between the two phases is highlighted.
Ultrasonic wave interaction with multidirectional composites: Modeling and experiment
Authors: Wang L. , Rokhlin S. I.
Published: November 2003

Phenomena of wave transmission through a multidirectional composite laminate immersed in a fluid have been investigated. Based on a recently-developed recursive stiffness matrix method time-domain beam models have been developed to simulate the problem. Experimental and theoretical results at frequency 2.25 MHz show that the transmission amplitude is highly dependent on lamina orientation and angle of incidence. Large transmission amplitude appears at small (<10°) and large incident angles (45°–60°). At intermediate incident angles (16°–40°) the transmission amplitude is almost zero. At high frequency, the residue epoxy layers between each lamina become important and corresponding resonances may be observed. These transmission phenomena have been interpreted in terms of Floquet waves. It shows that the pass and stop bands of the three Floquet waves obtained from the unit cell stiffness matrix determine the transmission amplitude distribution in frequency, incident angle and rotation angle domains. The effect of random deviation of the laminated structure periodicity has also been assessed. At normal incidence, the variation of the thickness of the epoxy residual layer between composite lamina has little effect on the overall stop and pass band structures but introduces random reverberation and scattering in the pass bands. It is shown that for oblique incidence the transmittivity spectrum of a composite with random lamina lay-up converges with increase of randomness to that of a [0/−45/90/45]2s quasi-isotropic composite. Randomization of lamina lay-up produces a small effect in the transmittivity spectrum for a quasi-isotropic composite.
Structural acoustic silencers—Design and experiment
Authors: Ramamoorthy Sripriya , Grosh Karl , Nawar Tony G.
Published: November 2003

The effectiveness of introducing flexible structural layers into air conveying ducts for controlling noise is investigated through theoretical and experimental means, focusing at low frequencies where conventional passive silencing technology is least effective. Previous theoretical work has shown that using flexible rather than rigid walls has the potential to achieve high transmission losses. The physical mechanisms responsible for structural acoustic silencing, including the relation between transmission loss peaks and structural resonance corresponding to different transverse structural modes, are presented. Sensitivity of the performance to acoustic and structural boundary conditions is discussed. To eliminate radiated noise from these walls (breakout noise), a rigid walled cavity is introduced under the flexible plate. The challenge is to find means to reject plane waves in the two-duct system. Designs that overcome these issues and achieve appreciable transmission loss are investigated. Results based on three-dimensional finite element simulations are compared with experimental results.
Reverberant acoustic energy in auditoria that comprise systems of coupled rooms
Authors: Summers Jason E.
Published: November 2003

A frequency-dependent model for reverberant energy in coupled rooms is developed and compared with measurements for a 1:10 scale model and for Bass Hall, Ft. Worth, TX. At high frequencies, prior statistical-acoustics models are improved by geometrical-acoustics corrections for decay within sub-rooms and for energy transfer between sub-rooms. Comparisons of computational geometrical acoustics predictions based on beam-axis tracing with scale model measurements indicate errors resulting from tail-correction assuming constant quadratic growth of reflection density. Using ray tracing in the late part corrects this error. For mid-frequencies, the models are modified to account for wave effects at coupling apertures by including power transmission coefficients. Similarly, statical-acoustics models are improved through more accurate estimates of power transmission measurements. Scale model measurements are in accord with the predicted behavior. The edge-diffraction model is adapted to study transmission through apertures. Multiple-order scattering is theoretically and experimentally shown inaccurate due to neglect of slope diffraction. At low frequencies, perturbation models qualitatively explain scale model measurements. Measurements confirm relation of coupling strength to unperturbed pressure distribution on coupling surfaces. Measurements in Bass Hall exhibit effects of the coupled stage house. High frequency predictions of statistical acoustics and geometrical acoustics models and predictions of coupling apertures all agree with measurements.
A contribution to simulating a three-dimensional larynx model using the finite element method
Authors: de Oliveira Rosa Marcelo , Pereira José Carlos , Grellet Marcos , Alwan Abeer
Published: November 2003

A three-dimensional model is presented to simulate the larynx during vocalization. The finite element method is used to calculate the airflow velocity and pressure along the larynx as well as tissue displacement. It is assumed that the larynx tissue is transversely isotropic and divided into three tissues: cover, ligament, and body. A contact-impact algorithm is incorporated to deal with the physics of the collision between both true vocal folds. The results show that the simulated larynx can reproduce the vertical and horizontal phase difference in the tissue movements and that the false vocal folds affect the pressure distribution over the larynx surfaces. The effects of exciting the larynx with different pressure drops are also investigated.
Basic types of discontinuity in circular acoustic wave guide
Authors: Solokhin Nick
Published: November 2003

It is considered the interaction of acoustic waves with two basic discontinuities—“diameter step” and “diaphragm with coaxial opening”—in a cylindrical acoustic waveguide with a rigid wall. The problem is considered and solved in rigorous formulation for the case of axial symmetry and below first radial resonance (fr1) in the waveguide. Obtained data demonstrate that a one-dimensional (1-D) model provides good results for the “diameter step” if the frequency does not exceed 18%–50% of fr1. Calculated data for the “diameter step” demonstrate that this discontinuity follows the reciprocity principle (below fr1)—the parameter of nonreciprocity does not exceed calculation errors. Data for the “diaphragm” demonstrate good agreement with the Lamb formula for a rigid screen with parallel slots—a 2-D problem in the Cartesian coordinates. Calculation errors for the both discontinuities were evaluated with the energy conservation law. The difference between sum of power fluxes in reflected and transmitted waves and the power flux in the incident wave does not exceed 1%.
The structural dynamics of the American five-string banjo
Authors: Dickey Joe
Published: November 2003

The American five-string banjo is unique among musical instruments in that many significant parameters that effect tone are easily adjusted. This is probably why so many banjo players fiddle with their banjo. The instrument is a combination of canonical vibrating systems (strings, and a circular membrane) and therefore more amenable to analysis and modeling than most other musical instruments (e.g., the violin). Such an analysis is presented here. The model is a harmonically driven string which excites the other strings and a membrane under tension, causing the membrane to radiate sound. Three figures-of-merit, FOMs, are assumed. They are loudness, brightness, and decay of the sound. The effects of a number of parameters on the proposed FOMs are investigated. Among these are the loss factor and tension of the membrane, the mass of the bridge, and the location on the string of the excitation. It is noted that the calculated effects of the changes agree with generally accepted setup practices.
Multiple bursts, multiple looks, and stream coherence in the release from informational masking
Authors: Kidd Gerald , Mason Christine R. , Richards Virginia M.
Published: November 2003

In the simultaneous multitone masking paradigm introduced by Neff and Green [Percept. Psychophys. 41, 409–415 (1987)] the masker typically is a small number of tones having frequencies and levels that are randomly drawn on every presentation. Large amounts of masking for a pure-tone signal often occur that are thought to reflect central, rather than peripheral, limitations on processing. Previous work from this laboratory has indicated that playing a rapid succession of randomly drawn multitone maskers in each observation interval dramatically reduces the amount of masking that is observed relative to a single burst (SB). In this multiple-bursts-different (MBD) procedure, the signal tone is the only constant frequency component during the sequence of bursts and tends to perceptually segregate from the masker. In this study, the number of masker bursts and the interburst interval (IBI) were varied. The goals were to determine how the release from masking relative to the SB condition depends on the number of bursts and to examine whether increasing the IBI would cause each burst to be processed independently. If the latter were true, it might disrupt the perception of signal stream coherence, thereby diminishing the MBD advantage. However, multiple independent looks could also lead to an improvement in performance. For those subjects showing large amounts of informational masking in the SB condition, substantial reduction in masked thresholds occurred as the number of masker bursts increased, while masking increased as IBI lengthened. The results were not consistent with a simple version of a multiple-look model in which the information from each burst was combined optimally, but instead appear to be attributable to mechanisms involved in the perceptual organization of sounds.
Prediction of performance for ordinary and higher order correlation detection of prefiltered transients
Authors: Dean Marcella E. , Ioup George E. , Ioup Juliette W. , Pflug Lisa A.
Published: November 2003

It has been shown by simulations that bandpass filtering can give significant detection gains [Pflug et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 95, 1459–1473 (1994) and M. E. Dean, Ph.D. dissertation, 2003]. Prediction formulas have been derived for known and unknown transient source detection at the minimum detectable level by Pflug et al. [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 98, 248–260 (1995); 103, 2469–2477 (1998)]. These results have been extended by the derivation of formulas which predict performance for prefiltered signals. The main advantage of prefiltering is noise cancellation, which increases with the order of the correlation and which is represented in the prediction formulas as increasing powers of the ratio of the bandpass filter width to the foldover frequency. Signal moments are also modified by prefiltering. The prediction formulas are tested by comparison with previously given simulation results, in which signal-to-noise ratio values at the minimum detectable level are found using hypothesis testing and Monte Carlo computer simulations. [Research supported by ONR.]
Multimicrophone-technology in hearing systems. Benefits and trends
Authors: Niederdraenk Torsten
Published: November 2003

Hearing impaired people often suffer from reduced communication skills in real-life situations. In order to increase the signal-to-noise ratio, directional microphones are applied in hearing instruments. Repelling noise from backward directions and focusing on sounds coming to the face of the listener, they provide the hearing impaired with better communication abilities. This contribution reports on higher-order directional microphones in hearing instruments. While the hearing aid user demands an improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio, the directional microphones of hearing instruments should be very small or rather invisible. Some higher-order directional microphone solutions that are positioned on top of a spectacle frame or body-worn devices are already known on the market. Of course, these arrangements are not very practicable in use and cosmetically unappealing. The only relevant approach for the customer seems to be the integration of higher-order directional microphones in the hearing instrument. In terms of the distorted sound field around the head and small microphone distances a special approach has been implemented, that adaptively combines directive microphones of different order.
Sensitivity of bubble resonance to environmental inputs using the Anderson model
Authors: Wood Warren , Richardson Michael
Published: November 2003

The Anderson model relates the expected sound speed and attenuation (both a function of bubble resonance) through bubbly sediment to physical properties of the gas (including shape and temperature) as well as the anelastic properties of the surrounding sediment. This mathematical formulation allows relatively straightforward assessment of the sensitivity of the sound speed and attenuation to each of the approximately 20 inputs to the model. Our sensitivity analysis was performed at several locations in model space that correspond to realizations of frequently encountered, realistic, bubbly sediments. We first determine a baseline multi-frequency acoustic response from a starting sediment and gas type, then compare the baseline response to responses from a perturbed model. Coupled parameters are perturbed simultaneously (by differing percentages) such that at no time are we simulating the response of an unrealistic sediment. Results suggest a generally greater sensitivity to gas and pore fluid properties than to sediment grain, or frame properties.
Seeds Induced to Germinate Rapidly by Mentally Projected 'Qi Energy' Are Apparently Genetically Altered
Authors: Bai Feng , Sun Chulin , Liu Zhiyi , Shen Jinchuan , Shen Yinzhu , Ge Rongchao , Bei Caili , Zhang Jindong , Shi Xiaohong , Liu Yicheng , Liu Xuiecheng
Published: November 2003

Mentally controlled qi energy can induced crop seeds to sprout and root for several cm within about 20 min. The RAPD method was used to compared treated groups of wheat and pea seeds and their controls using 11 selected primers. Seven primers amplified polymorphisms in wheat seeds and 5 in pea seeds. It was thought preliminarily that qi energy changed the structure of a germination-correlated gene site speeding up expression and advancing it in time.
Studies on the Psychosomatic Functioning of Ill-Health According to Eastern and Western Medicine 4: The Verification of Possible Links between Ill-Health, Lifestyle Illness and Stress-Related Disease
Authors: Takeichi Masashi , Sato Takeshi
Published: November 2003

In our previous reports on the same general topic, we exploited research in Oriental psychosomatic medicine to obtain diagnoses through visual observation of the sublingual vein (useful for the early detection of vital energy stagnation and blood stasis) from a computerized color analysis of the tongue proper, its coating, and the sublingual vein. This led us to develop the concept of the anxiety-affinitive constitution, based on unbalanced qi, blood, and body fluid in ill-health as a causative factor for stress-related diseases and lifestyle illnesses. As a development of this research, the present report examines the verification of possible links of ill-health, lifestyle illness, and stress-related disease through the diagnosis and treatment of functional subclinical psychosomatic disorders detected as a clinical expression of the anxiety-affinitive constitution. First, a diagnosis of functional subclinical psychosomatic disorders (ill-health) in 197 medical school students, including 156 first-year students at medical and nursing schools made it clear that the trait anxiety forming the core of the anxiety-affinitive constitution is linked to Dr. Lester Breslow's seven good health habits, and the manner of respiration. Second, it was revealed during the treatment of functional subclinical psychosomatic disorders in eight medical students that kampo medication and relaxation training (RT) produce lowered scores for STAI trait anxiety, and transform respiration from thoracic pattern to a balanced thoracic and abdominal respiratory pattern. This was particularly true for RT. Finally, we concluded that a high score for trait anxiety correlates to the formation of inappropriate health habits, and the habituation of inadequate respiration (thoracic pattern). Therefore, lifestyle illness or stress-related diseases will develop unless an anxiety-affinitive constituation is improved with kampo medication and/or RT.
Effect of Acupuncture on Pain Management in Patients Before and After Lumbar Disc Protrusion Surgery - A Randomized Control Study
Authors: Wang Richard Rong , Tronnier Volker
Published: November 2003

Management of acute and chronic low back and leg pain often includes the use of acupuncture. The effectiveness of this form of therapy is dependent upon compliance, which in turn is dependent on availability, response, treatment of proper acupoints, and the placebo effect. We hypothesized that classical acupuncture would be more effective than placebo acupuncture. One hundred and thirty-two patients with acute and chronic low back and leg pain were examined before and after surgery for lumbar disc protrusion. Diagnosis was based on CT and MRT findings. Patients received acupuncture drugfree throughout the study period. The visual analogue scale was used to assess pain intensity before and after (i.e. 30min. 60min. 2h and 6h) acupuncture. Classical acupuncture resulted in a significant reduction in pain that become increasingly stronger during the 6h study period. Placebo acupuncture lead to same early pain relief that did not reach statistic significant and then declined thereafter.
Inhibition of Mast Cell-Mediated Anaphylaxis by Sochungryong-Tang
Authors: Kim H. M. , Yoon G. S. , Seo J. U. , Moon G. , Kim H. R. , Shin T. Y.
Published: November 2003

According to traditional Asian philosophy, Sochungryong-Tang (S-Tang) is a prescription for treating exterior syndrome. In this study, we investigated the effect of S-Tang on mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis. S-Tang completely inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic shock at a dose of 100 mg/kg. When S-Tang was given as pretreatment at concentrations ranging from 1 to 1000 mg/kg, the serum histamine levels induced by compound 48/80 were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. S-Tang inhibited the local anaphylaxis activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE anti-body, and also inhibited the histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. These results indicate that S-Tang may contain substances with actions that inhibit mast cell degranulation.
Anti-aging Effects of The Traditional Chinese Medicine Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang in Mice
Authors: Shih Hung-Che , Chang Kaung-Hsiung , Chen Fang-Lung , Chen Chiu-Mei , Chen Shu-Chen , Lin Yi-Tsung , Shibuya Takeishi
Published: November 2003

Among the "alternative medicines," which may ably supplement modern Western medicine in the treatment of certain diseases, the holistic approach and mild nature of the majority of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may make it particularly suitable for the treatment of diseases associated with old age, as the general health of elderly patients is already compromised. The TCM formulation of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang (B.Z.Y.Q.T.), prescribed mainly for the improvement of circulation and in particular that to the gastroenteric regions, may have anti-aging effects. In the present study, possible anti-aging effects of B.Z.Y.Q.T. were studied using normal (ICR) mice and the Dull, P/8 and R/1 strains of the Senescence Accelerated Mouse (S.A.M.). Following repeated oral administrations of B.Z.Y.Q.T. at 250 and 500 mg/kg the test mice were assessed for (1) endurance (2) learning and memory (3) neuromuscular coordination and (4) changes in the levels of monoamines in the brain. The results indicated that B.Z.Y.Q.T. improved endurance in all strains in a dose-dependent manner. At the higher dose of 500 mg/kg, it improved memory in the R/1 and P/8 S.A.M. mice. In prolonged rota-rod tests, which assessed both motor coordination and endurance, B.Z.Y.Q.T. significantly improved performance in the P/8 S.A.M. mice. Elevated dopamine and noradrenaline were observed in cortical tissues of the S.A.M./Dull and ICR mice respectively with the high dose of 500 mg/kg, B.Z.Y.Q.T. Taken together, the results indicated that B.Z.Y.Q.T. appeared to exert anti-aging effects in mice and elevation in certain monoamines in brain cortical tissues. How and whether the monoamines changes after B.Z.Y.Q.T. treatment might be related to the behavioral effects await further investigation.
The Effects of Traditional Tonics on Fatigue in Mice Differ from Those of the Antidepressant Imipramine: A Pharmacological and Behavioral Study
Authors: Tadano Takeshi , Nakagawasai Osamu , Niijima Fukie , Tan-No Koichi , Kisara Kensuke
Published: November 2003

The present studies were undertaken to investigate the differences between the antidepressant drug, imipramine, and liquid nutritive and tonic drugs (NTDs) that consist of Ginseng radix, Epimedii herba, Holen and an additional eight to twelve crude drugs. After preloading forced swimming, the NTD (applied orally, 0.1 ml/10 g) significantly increased the duration time of swimming and decreased the duration time of immobility, while the administration of imipramine (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) under the same conditions and after the same treatment did not produce these positive effects. After pretreatment with 100 mg/kg tetrabenazine, the NTDs also elicited both the increased locomotor activity and the decreased duration time of immobility. The behavioral effect was similar to treatment with imipramine. The NTDs showed a long lasting effect on swimming behavior in the forced swimming test for 15 min, indicating a prolonged efficacy, not like the short effect of imipramine. The present results indicate that the effect of NTDs on fatigued subjects is different from that of imipramine, probably due to involvement of another factor in addition to the antidepressant effect.
The Hepatoprotective Effects ofSolanum alatumMoench. on Acetaminophen-induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Lin Song-Chow , Chung Tsao-Chuen , Ueng Tzuu-Huei , Lin Yun-Ho , Hsu Shih-Hsien , Chiang Chia-Lien , Lin Chun-Ching
Published: November 2003

Solanum alatum Moench. has been shown to have a protective effect against carbon tetrachloride (CCI4)-induced liver injury. Solanum alatum treatment (100 mg/kg, p.o) decreased the elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT; GPT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST; GOT) induced by acetaminophen (paracetamol) (600 mg/kg, i.p.) administration. It also decreased the extent of visible necrosis in liver tissue. In addition, Solanum alatum treatment restored hepatic glutathione (GSH) depletion induced by acetaminophen (600 mg/kg, i.p.) administration. Microsomal enzyme levels such as P-450, reductas and aniline hydroxylation enzyme were also restored to normal levels after Solanum alatum administration. The hepatoprotective mechanism may function through direct binding with acetaminophen toxic metabolites, decreasing the attraction of acetaminophen metabolites for other cellular GSH or thiol protein. Additionally, Solanum alatum treatment increased the concentration of hepatic GSH and maintained a high level activity of GSTase, which led to acceleration of the excretion of toxic acetaminophen metabolites.
Hepatoprotaction by "Dangqui-Long-Hwei-Wan" in Male Mice
Authors: Chen Jay-Ho , Ho Hsiu-O , Yen Kun-Ying , Yang Ling-Ling
Published: November 2003

Dangqui-Long-Hwei-Wan (D.L.H.W.) is a traditional Chinese prescription for treatment of hepatitis. The hepatoprotective effects of D.L.H.W. and its constituents were investigated on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage mice. The hepatoprotective effect is more prominent for aqueous extracts of the complete formula of D.L.H.W., especially the one cited in the Chinese medical book Hsuan-Ming-Lun (H.M.L.). Our results are in accordance with those described in the Chinese medical literature and the indications suggested in clinical treatment (Wang, 1982). The results further indicate that Scutellariae Radix plays an important role in the hepatoprotective activity. Moschus could be omitted from D.L.H.W. with no significant influence on its effect. The underlying mechanism for the hepatoprotective effect of D.L.H.W. possibly results from the inhibition of the formation of •CCI3 and the enhancement of immunity of hepatitis-carrying patients.
Yang-Gan-Wan Protects Mice Against Experimental Liver Damage
Authors: Yang Melissa , Chen Kevin , Shih Jean Chen
Published: November 2003

The hepatoprotective effect of Yang-Gan-Wan (YGW, Pro-Liver pill), a Chinese herbal remedy, was investigated in mice that were treated with allyl alcohol (AlOH), acetaminophen (AA) or carbon tetrachloride ( CCl4). Mice were pretreated daily with 200 mg/kg YGW for 10, 14 and 18 days before treatment with 85 mg/kg AlOH, 475 mg/kg AA or 20 μl/kg CCl4, respectively. YGW dramatically abolished the elevated activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) and reduced the nectosis induced by AlOH. YGW also decreased the elevated activities of ALT and SDH and reduced the necrosis induced by AA and CCl4. This study demonstrates that YGW has protective effects against liver damage induced by AlOH, AA, and CCl4.