bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matrix modulation of compensatory lung regrowth and progenitor cell proliferation in mice
Authors: Hoffman A. M. , Shifren A. , Mazan M. R. , Gruntman A. M. , Lascola K. M. , Nolen-Walston R. D. , Kim C. F. , Tsai L. , Pierce R. A. , Mecham R. P. , Ingenito E. P.
Published: November 2009

Mechanical stress is an important modulator of lung morphogenesis, postnatal lung development, and compensatory lung regrowth. The effect of mechanical stress on stem or progenitor cells is unclear. We examined whether proliferative responses of epithelial progenitor cells, including dually immunoreactive (CCSP and proSP-C) progenitor cells (CCSP+/SP-C+) and type II alveolar epithelial cells (ATII), are affected by physical factors found in the lung of emphysematics, including loss of elastic recoil, reduced elastin content, and alveolar destruction. Mice underwent single lung pneumonectomy (PNY) to modulate transpulmonary pressure (mechanical stress) and to stimulate lung regeneration. Control mice underwent sham thoracotomy. Plombage of different levels was employed to partially or completely abolish this mechanical stress. Responses to graded changes in transpulmonary pressure were assessed in elastin-insufficient mice (elastin +/−, ELN+/−) and elastase-treated mice with elastase-induced emphysema. Physiological regrowth, morphometry (linear mean intercept; Lmi), and the proliferative responses of CCSP+/SP-C+, Clara cells, and ATII were evaluated. Plombage following PNY significantly reduced transpulmonary pressure, regrowth, and CCSP+/SP-C+, Clara cell, and ATII proliferation following PNY. In the ELN+/− group, CCSP+/SP-C+ and ATII proliferation responses were completely abolished, although compensatory lung regrowth was not significantly altered. In contrast, in elastase-injured mice, compensatory lung regrowth was significantly reduced, and ATII but not CCSP+/SP-C+ proliferation responses were impaired. Elastase injury also reduced the baseline abundance of CCSP+/SP-C+, and CCSP+/SP-C+ were found to be displaced from the bronchioalveolar duct junction. These data suggest that qualities of the extracellular matrix including elastin content, mechanical stress, and alveolar integrity strongly influence the regenerative capacity of the lung, and the patterns of cell proliferation in the lungs of adult mice.
Airway narrowing assessed by anatomical optical coherence tomography in vitro: dynamic airway wall morphology and function
Authors: Noble Peter B. , West Adrian R. , McLaughlin Robert A. , Armstrong Julian J. , Becker Sven , McFawn Peter K. , Williamson Jonathan P. , Eastwood Peter R. , Hillman David R. , Sampson David D. , Mitchell Howard W.
Published: November 2009

Regulation of airway caliber by lung volume or bronchoconstrictor stimulation is dependent on physiological, structural, and mechanical events within the airway wall, including airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction, deformation of the mucosa and cartilage, and tensioning of elastic matrices linking wall components. Despite close association between events in the airway wall and the resulting airway caliber, these have typically been studied separately: the former primarily using histological approaches, the latter with a range of imaging modalities. We describe a new optical technique, anatomical optical coherence tomography ( aOCT), which allows changes at the luminal surface (airway caliber) to be temporally related to corresponding dynamic movements within the airway wall. A fiber-optic aOCT probe was inserted into the lumen of isolated, liquid-filled porcine airways. It was used to image the response to ASM contraction induced by neural stimulation and to airway inflation and deflation. Comparisons with histology indicated that aOCT provided high-resolution images of the airway lumen including mucosal folds, the entire inner wall (mucosa and ASM), and partially the cartilaginous outer wall. Airway responses assessed by aOCT revealed several phenomena in “live” airways (i.e., not fixed) previously identified by histological investigations of fixed tissue, including a geometric relationship between ASM shortening and luminal narrowing, and sliding and bending of cartilage plates. It also provided direct evidence for distensibility of the epithelial membrane and anisotropic behavior of the airway wall. Findings suggest that aOCT can be used to relate changes in airway caliber to dynamic events in the wall of airways.
Eccentric contractions lead to myofibrillar dysfunction in muscular dystrophy
Authors: Blaauw Bert , Agatea Lisa , Toniolo Luana , Canato Marta , Quarta Marco , Dyar Kenneth A. , Danieli-Betto Daniela , Betto Romeo , Schiaffino Stefano , Reggiani Carlo
Published: November 2009

It is commonly accepted that skeletal muscles from dystrophin-deficient mdx mice are more susceptible than those from wild-type mice to damage from eccentric contractions. However, the downstream mechanisms involved in this enhanced force drop remain controversial. We studied the reduction of contractile force induced by eccentric contractions elicited in vivo in the gastrocnemius muscle of wild-type mice and three distinct models of muscle dystrophy: mdx, α-sarcoglycan ( Sgca)-null, and collagen 6A1 ( Col6a1)-null mice. In mdx and Sgca-null mice, force decreased 35% compared with 14% in wild-type mice. Drop of force in Col6a1-null mice was comparable to that in wild-type mice. To identify the determinants of the force drop, we measured force generation in permeabilized fibers dissected from gastrocnemius muscle that had been exposed in vivo to eccentric contractions and from the contralateral unstimulated muscle. A force loss in skinned fibers after in vivo eccentric contractions was detectable in fibers from mdx and Sgca-null, but not wild-type and Col6a1-null, mice. The enhanced force reduction in mdx and Sgca-null mice was observed only when eccentric contractions were elicited in vivo, since eccentric contractions elicited in vitro had identical effects in wild-type and dystrophic skinned fibers. These results suggest that 1) the enhanced force loss is due to a myofibrillar impairment that is present in all fibers, and not to individual fiber degeneration, and 2) the mechanism causing the enhanced force reduction is active in vivo and is lost after fiber permeabilization.
Central and peripheral contributors to skeletal muscle hyperemia: response to passive limb movement
Authors: McDaniel John , Fjeldstad Anette S. , Ives Steve , Hayman Melissa , Kithas Phil , Richardson Russell S.
Published: November 2009

The central and peripheral contributions to exercise-induced hyperemia are not well understood. Thus, utilizing a reductionist approach, we determined the sequential peripheral and central responses to passive exercise in nine healthy men (33 ± 9 yr). Cardiac output, heart rate, stroke volume, mean arterial pressure, and femoral blood flow of the passively moved leg and stationary (control) leg were evaluated second by second during 3 min of passive knee extension with and without a thigh cuff that occluded leg blood flow. Without the thigh cuff, significant transient increases in cardiac output (1.0 ± 0.6 l/min, Δ15%), heart rate (7 ± 4 beats/min, Δ12%), stroke volume (7 ± 5 ml, Δ7%), passive leg blood flow (411 ± 146 ml/min, Δ151%), and control leg blood flow (125 ± 68 ml/min, Δ43%) and a transient decrease in mean arterial pressure (3 ± 3 mmHg, 4%) occurred shortly after the onset of limb movement. Although the rise and fall rates of these variables differed, they all returned to baseline values within 45 s; therefore, continued limb movement beyond 45 s does not maintain an increase in cardiac output or net blood flow. Similar changes in the central variables occurred when blood flow to the passively moving leg was occluded. These data confirm the role of peripheral factors and reveal an essential supportive role of cardiac output in the hyperemia at the onset of passive limb movement. This cardiac output response provides an important potential link between the physiology of active and passive exercise.
Laser-Guided Repair of Complex Bile Duct Strictures
Authors: van Gulik Thomas , Beek Johan , de Reuver Philip , Aronson Daniel , van Delden Otto , Busch Olivier , Gouma Dirk
Published: November 2009

Background: The repair of bile duct strictures (BDS) requires identification of healthy bile duct proximal to the stenosis. Identification may be difficult in complex bile duct injuries after cholecystectomy or partial liver resection. Aim: We describe a technique to identify the prestenotic bile duct using the sentinel light of a laser fiber passed through the catheter after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTD). Methods: Seven patients were seen with hepatic duct or segmental BDS after (extended) right hemihepatectomy (4), cholecystectomy (2) or previous hepaticojejunostomy (1). All patients underwent preoperative PTD for imaging of stricture site and drainage. During operation for repair, a laser fiber (0.2–0.6 mm) connected to a (low-power) red light-emitting diode laser was passed through the PTD catheter into the proximal end of the stricture. Results: In 6 patients, the prestenotic bile duct was identified and exposed with the aid of the sentinel light of the laser fiber. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was carried out in all patients. Postoperative cholangiographies showed complete restoration of biliary continuity. In one patient, positioning of the laser fiber failed because of angulation of the PTD catheter. Conclusion: Laser-guided identification of prestenotic bile duct facilitates exposure of the stricture site without unnecessary and usually difficult dissection in complex postoperative BDS.
A New Prediction Model of Postoperative Complications after Major Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ueno Masaki , Uchiyama Kazuhisa , Ozawa Satoru , Hayami Shinya , Kiriyama Shigehisa , Yamaue Hiroki
Published: November 2009

Background/Aims: Serum hyaluronic acid (HA) concentrations reflect the degree of hepatic dysfunction and may have potential for predicting postoperative complications in a major hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Serum HA concentrations and other conventional liver function tests were measured prior to major hepatectomies in 52 patients. Independent predictors for postoperative complications were analyzed and the discriminant equation was established and validated. Results: Postoperative complications occurred in 17 patients. Serum HA concentrations and the estimated remnant liver volume ratio (remnantVol%) were recognized as independent predictors for postoperative complications (OR 1.03, 0.85; CI 95% 1.01–1.06, 0.76–0.95; p = 0.006, 0.006; respectively) and produced the discriminant equation: logit = 4.15 + 0.03 × (HA) –0.16 × (remnantVol%). The value of the area under the curve of a receiver operating characteristic analysis was 0.92. If the cut-off of the logit value was set to 0, then the predictive accuracy was 0.88. The validation accuracy performed by a leave-one-out cross-validation method was 0.83. Conclusions: The constructed discriminant equation model consisting of the preoperative serum HA concentrations and estimated remnantVol% could be useful for predicting postoperative complications in a major hepatectomy for HCC.
Epidemiology of Appendectomy and Appendicitis in the Valencian Community (Spain), 1998–2007
Authors: Andreu-Ballester J.C. , González-Sánchez A. , Ballester F. , Almela-Quilis A. , Cano-Cano M.J. , Millan-Scheiding M. , Ruiz del Castillo J.
Published: November 2009

Background/Aims: Our purpose was to study the incidence of appendectomy and appendicitis in the Valencian community (Spain) during a period of 10 years (1998–2007). Methods: Data on discharge diagnoses of appendectomy and appendicitis were downloaded from all public hospitals in the Valencian community. Results: We identified 44,683 cases of appendectomies and 42,742 cases of appendicitis (95.7%) during the study period. The age-standardized incidence rates among men ranked between 132.1 cases per 100,000 population in 2003 and 117.46 cases per 100,000 population in 2000 without a clear trend through the study period. The appendiceal perforation rate was 12.1% and the negative appendectomy rate 4.3%. The global mortality was 0.38%. Conclusions: The incidence of appendectomy in our community presents a slight descending trend. This decline is more intense in females. The appendix perforation rate is lower than in other studies. The death rate is similar to other studies; however, it is very low in patients of younger age.
The Completion Rate of Colonoscopy in Normal Daily Practice: Factors Associated with Failure
Authors: Loffeld R.J.L.F. , van der Putten A.B.M.M.
Published: November 2009

Background: Colonoscopy is an important diagnostic procedure for screening as well as for patients presenting with complaints. The completion of a colonoscopy is defined as cecal intubation. A large single center study was done in order to evaluate the completion rate of colonoscopy and identify reasons for failure. Patients and Methods: We reviewed all consecutive endoscopies of the lower digestive tract done over a period of 15 years by 2 endoscopists. The main outcome measure was a successful cecal intubation. Results: 14,139 consecutive colonoscopies were done. Overall cecal intubation was successful in 11,787 procedures (83.3%). Three hundred and sixty-one of the nonsuccessful procedures were due to insufficient colon cleansing, and no significant abnormalities were seen in 362 procedures. In the remaining 1,629 endoscopies, significant diagnoses were made. The presence of colorectal cancer, diverticula and inflammatory bowel disease were significant findings in nonsuccessful procedures. Conclusion: In normal daily practice, colonoscopy is completed in 83.3% of the procedures. Reasons for failure are obstructing tumors, diverticula and insufficient colon cleansing.
Cardiac Efficiency Improvement after Slow Continuous Ultrafiltration Is Assessed by Beat-to-Beat Minimally Invasive Monitoring in Congestive Heart Failure Patients: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Giglioli Cristina , Landi Daniele , Gensini Gian Franco , Valente Serafina , Cecchi Emanuele , Scolletta Sabino , Chiostri Marco , Romano Salvatore M.
Published: November 2009

Background: We have evaluate the effect of slow continuous ultrafiltration (SCUF) on cardiac output (CO) and other hemodynamic parameters related to the overall performance of the cardiovascular system in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Minimally invasive hemodynamic monitoring was performed via the radial artery using a pressure recording analytical method (PRAM) during SCUF treatment. Patients and Methods: Using PRAM, hemodynamic changes were assessed in 15 CHF patients (New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III–IV) treated with fluid overload removal by ultrafiltration. We analyzed the clinical and hemodynamic data recorded from 6 h before to 36 h after SCUF treatment. Results: Fluid removal was associated with clinical improvements, reductions in weight (7.4%, p < 0.01), edema and dyspnea, increased response to diuretics, and reductions in NYHA class (3.5 ± 0.52 to 2.4 ± 0.63, p < 0.01) and plasma pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels (21,810 ± 13,016 to 8,581 ± 5,549 pg/ml, p < 0.05). Clinical improvement was associated with significant variations in stroke volume (+17%, p < 0.05), CO (+19%, p < 0.05), cardiac power output (+19%, p < 0.05), dP/dtmax (+49%, p < 0.01), cardiac cycle efficiency (CCE; +0.44 units, p < 0.01), systemic vascular resistances (SVR; –12%, p < 0.05) and dicrotic pressure (–10%, p < 0.05) with respect to their baseline values. No significant variations in heart rate, and systolic and mean blood pressure were observed. Pro-BNP levels were found to correlate positively with both SVR (r = 0.96, p = 0.002) and NYHA class (r = 0.96, p = 0.037) and negatively with dP/dtmax (r = –0.83, p = 0.039), CCE (r = –0.93, p = 0.011) and CO (r = –0.94, p = 0.014). Conclusions: In CHF patients, ultrafiltration improves not only CO, as previously reported, but also contractile cardiac efficiency and performance. The PRAM system, a minimally invasive method, was able to record hemodynamic changes during SCUF treatment.
High Prevalence Rates of Anemia, Vitamin A Deficiency and Stunting Imperil the Health Status of Bedouin Schoolchildren in North Badia, Jordan
Authors: Khatib Ibrahim M.D. , Elmadfa Ibrahim
Published: November 2009

Aims: This survey aimed to identify nutritional deficits affecting Bedouin children as they enter school age and illustrate their families’ dietary consumption patterns. Methods: 560 healthy schoolchildren aged 5.5–10 years from 8 Badia hamlets were nutritionally investigated by applying anthropometric, laboratory and dietary assessment methods. Results: Mean and median serum retinol concentrations (SRCs) were 228 and 218 μg/l, respectively. Mean prevalence of nutritional deficits among children were stunting (23.4%), anemia (57.5%), vitamin A deficiency (29.5%), iron deficiency (28.4%), and vitamin E deficiency (17.1%). Including those with borderline values, the proportion of children vulnerable to VAD threats reached 90%. Compared to normal subjects, anemic children had lower SRC (207 vs. 233 μg/l; p < 0.001) and ferritin (9.6 vs. 11.3 μg/l; p < 0.001) levels; stunted children had lower serum vitamin E (6.5 vs. 7.3 mg/l; p < 0.001) and ferritin (10.3 vs. 11.1 μg/l; p < 0.001) levels; vitamin A-deficient children had lower hemoglobin (11.3 vs. 11.8 g/dl; p < 0.001), serum vitamin E (6.69 vs. 7.23 mg/l; p < 0.01), and serum ferritin (10.4 vs. 11.2 μg/l; p < 0.001) levels, and vitamin E-deficient subjects had lower SRC levels (206 vs. 232 μg/l; p < 0.001). Except for hemoglobin status, no significant differences between genders were detected. SRC correlated strongly with hemoglobin, vitamin E, BMI and serum ferritin. The frequency of consumption of meat and fats seemed to be among the determinants of SRC and hemoglobin values. Conclusion: Urbanization has brought Bedouins towards poverty and undernutrition, with older children suffering more severe consequences in comparison with preschool-age children. This multifaceted nutritional problem requires implementation of multicomponent interventions.
Seizure Semiology: An Overview of the ‘Inverse Problem’
Authors: Rossetti Andrea O. , Kaplan Peter W.
Published: November 2009

In clinical practice, a classification of seizures based on clinical signs and symptoms leads to an improved understanding of epilepsy-related issues and therefore strongly contributes to a better patient care. The inverse problem involves inferring the anatomical brain localization of a seizure from the scalp surface EEG, a concept we apply here to correlate seizure origin with seizure semiology. The spheres of sensorium, motor features, consciousness changes and autonomic alterations during ictal and postictal manifestations are reviewed, including several subdivisions used to better categorize particular features. Particular attention is given to behavioral features, as well as to features occurring in idiopathic generalized epileptic syndromes and psychogenic nonepileptic spells.
Combined Damage to the Right Hemispheric Hand Area in the Primary Motor and Sensory Area Plays a Critical Role in Motor Hemineglect
Authors: Shinoura N. , Yoshida M. , Yamada R. , Tabei Y. , Saito K. , Suzuki Y. , Yagi K.
Published: November 2009

Direct evidence of the anatomical localization of brain function is provided by functional neurological changes during awake surgery combined with data from preoperative functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging studies. The goal of the present study was to analyze the etiology and mechanism of motor hemineglect using these techniques. Of 29 patients with brain tumors within and near the primary motor area (M1) in whom awake surgery was employed from April 2004 through March 2007, 2 patients evinced motor hemineglect of the left hand during awake surgery. The brain tumors in these 2 cases alone were located just beside the hand area of M1 and the primary sensory area (S1) in the right hemisphere. In case 1, the U fibers that connected the areas activated by hand clenching in M1 with S1 were compressed by the brain tumor. These results suggest that the combination of damage to the right hemispheric hand area in M1 and S1 plays a critical role in the development of motor hemineglect.
Postconflict Behaviour in Brown Capuchin Monkeys (Cebus apella)
Authors: Daniel João R. , Santos António J. , Cruz Mónica G.
Published: November 2009

Postconflict affiliation has been mostly studied in Old World primates, and we still lack comparative research to understand completely the functional value of reconciliation. Cebus species display great variability in social characteristics, thereby providing a great opportunity for comparative studies. We recorded 190 agonistic interactions and subsequent postconflict behaviour in a captive group of brown capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella). Only 26.8% of these conflicts were reconciled. Reconciliation was more likely to occur between opponents that supported each other more frequently and that spent more time together. Postconflict anxiety was mostly determined by conflict intensity, and none of the variables thought to measure relationship quality had a significant effect on postconflict stress.
Toxicity and Dose Response of Intra-Abdominally Administered Poly-L-α-Lysine and Poly-L-Glutamate for Postoperative Adhesion Protection
Authors: Isaksson K. , Åkerberg D. , Andersson R. , Tingstedt B.
Published: November 2009

Background/Aims: Two differently charged polypeptides, poly-L-lysine (PL) and poly-L-glutamate (PG), have previously been shown to reduce postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions. This study aims to investigate the possible toxic effects and to establish a lowest effective antiadhesive dose. Methods: 152 mice were investigated with a well-known adhesion model and given different concentrations of the two differently charged polypeptides as well as only the cationic PL. Results: For the first time, a probable toxic level of PL given intraperitoneally (40 mg/kg) and the lowest significant concentration of PL and PG for antiadhesive purposes (1.6 mg/kg) could be established. Conclusion: The gap between the possible toxicity level of PL and the lowest efficient antiadhesive dose is probably too narrow, and the shape and charge of PL warrant continuous research for another polycation in the concept of differently charged polypeptides used as antiadhesive agents.
Hand-Foot Syndrome (Hand-Foot Skin Reaction, Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia): Focus on Sorafenib and Sunitinib
Authors: Lipworth Adam D. , Robert Caroline , Zhu Andrew X.
Published: November 2009

Hand-foot syndrome (HFS), also called hand-foot skin reaction, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, acral erythema, and Burgdorf reaction, is a dose-limiting cutaneous toxicity of many chemotherapeutic agents. Recently, the multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor class of novel targeted therapies, including sorafenib and sunitinib, has emerged as an important cause of HFS, with 10–28% of patients treated with sunitinib and 10–62% of patients treated with sorafenib reporting HFS. This review examines the epidemiology, clinical features, histopathology, pathogenesis models, prognostic implications, and management of HFS, with particular attention to HFS induced by sorafenib and sunitinib. The high prevalence of HFS reported by patients treated with these medications underscores the need for greater understanding of the pathogenesis and management of this syndrome.
The Roles of National Cancer Research Institutions in Evolving a Comprehensive Cancer Control Program in a Developing Country: Experience from Uganda
Authors: Orem Jackson , Wabinga Henry
Published: November 2009

With the increasing global cancer burden, especially in the developing world, the World Health Organization made the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and development of comprehensive national cancer control programs as key responses. Most countries in Africa lack the capacity to evolve a national cancer control program. This is mainly due to lack of resources. However, established cancer institutions could be used as resources for evolving a comprehensive national cancer program. Moreover, this has the appeal of presenting cancer control as an essential part of the public health response to disease. In Uganda, two cancer research institutions, the Uganda Cancer Institute and Kampala Cancer Registry, have contributed to initiation of a cancer control program. They have provided evidence on disease causation, burden and strategy for prevention, treatment and community involvement. Further, these institutions have created opportunities for international partnerships and collaborations in cancer research. Given the challenges of evolving a national cancer control program, each country should look internally for opportunities in existing cancer institutions as starting points for developing a national program. Evidence for feasibility should be provided to governments to help in formulating policies supportive of cancer control in these countries.
Cisplatin and Vinorelbine Chemotherapy in Recurrent Vulvar Carcinoma
Authors: Cormio Gennaro , Loizzi Vera , Gissi Francesca , Serrati Giuseppe , Panzarino Mariantonietta , Carriero Carmine , Selvaggi Luigi
Published: November 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the activity and toxicity of the combination of cisplatin and vinorelbine in patients with recurrent carcinoma of the vulva that has not been previously treated with chemotherapy. Patients and Methods: Sixteen women with a median age of 65 years (range 43–79) with recurrent vulvar carcinoma were enrolled in the study. Nine patients had local recurrent disease (perineum, vagina and/or vulva), whereas 7 had disease in the groin; 9 patients had received prior radiotherapy. Cisplatin was administered intravenously on day 1 and vinorelbine was given on day 1 immediately after cisplatin and on day 8. Results: A total of 68 cycles of chemotherapy were administered. Fifteen women were assessed for response. Objective responses were recorded in 6 patients (40%) – with 4 patients (27%) achieving a complete response and 2 (13%) achieving a partial response –, whereas 4 patients (27%) had stable disease and 5 had progressive disease. The median progression-free survival was 10 months (range 3–17), whereas the overall survival from the beginning of the chemotherapy was 19 months (range 1–30). Due to the small number of patients, no significant correlation with site of recurrence could be found. Conclusion: The combination of cisplatin and vinorelbine is a well-tolerated and active regimen in the treatment of patients with recurrent vulvar carcinoma.
Relation entre la force subjective du son et le nombre de paliers de perception différentielle d’intensité pour quatre fréquences caractéristiques
Authors: Emerit E.
Published: November 2009

Having brought forward a new theory of auditory perception (Phonetica, vol. 14, 1966, and vol. 17, 1967), the author presents some new arguments sustaining that theory. Moreover, he finds a simple and accurate mathematical relation between the numbers of ‘just noticeable differences in intensity’ and the subjective loudness of sound, for 4,000 and 10,000 cps; whereas that relation is altered for 1,000 and 7,000 cps by a phenomenon of loss of auditory sensitivity from the threshold of hearing, which disappears at the average levels of intensity. That consideration seems to confirm once more the author’s hypothesis: low, average, and high frequencies are perceived by the brain as different sound ‘qualities’ which may be compared in every respect to the three fundamental hues of colour perception by the eye.
Speaking Fundamental Frequency of Polish Adult Males
Authors: Majewski W. , Hollien H. , Zalewski J.
Published: November 2009

The purpose of this research was to study the speaking fundamental frequency (SFF) levels of young Polish males and compare them with similar populations of US males. To this end 103 Polish university students read a standard passage which was recorded and analyzed for SFF. The mean SFF level for this population was approximately 138 Hz, a value somewhat higher than that for 157 US male university students. Since there was also a size difference between the two populations, this factor was tested and found not to relate to SFF. Possibly the differences between the two groups relate to crosscultural factors.
Phonemic and Morphemic Efficiency in Kalinga
Authors: Gieser C.R.
Published: November 2009

As a communication system, natural language employs two coterminous systems – the phonological and the grammatical. This paper describes the communicative efficiency and redundancy of this dual system in Kalinga, an Austronesian language of the Philippines. First, statistics are presented showing the degree to which each of the 17 phonemes is utilized in forming syllables of the patterns CV and CVC. Next, consideration is given to the utilization of these GV and CVC phoneme sequences in both polysyllabic and monosyllabic morphs. And finally, the phonemic and syllabic structure of morphs is described, and the extent to which the available phonemes and syllables are utilized in forming morphs is discussed.
Progressive Nasal Assimilation in French
Authors: Malécot A. , Metz G.
Published: November 2009

A new computer-assisted technique for analyzing large corpuses of natural speech, in this case 50 tape-recorded conversations with upper middle-class Parisians, has revealed a general rule of progressive nasal assimilation, in which the acoustic realization of the /b/ in une chamb (re) de bonne /yn∫ãbdÉ™bcn/ is identical to that of the /m/ in une âme de bonne /ynamdÉ™bcn/, at least as far as nasality is concerned. This phenomenon occurs in the context nasal vowel + stop + word juncture + consonant; (1) almost without exception in cases such as the above, where final -re or -le have been suppressed and where another word beginning with a stop or a fricative follows without pause; (2) quite frequently in cases such as grande ville where there is no suppressed –re or –le but the following word begins with a voiced stop or fricative, and in cases such asprend(re) le Metro where a liquid or a nasal consonant follows suppressed word-final –re or –le; and (3) occasionally in cases such as langue populaire where there are no suppressions but where the second word begins with a voiceless consonant, and in the words done, quand and cinq when their final consonant is exceptionally pronounced before another consonant. These results have been corroborated by instrumental measurements of nasal acoustic output versus closure timing and by the results of a questionnaire dealing with the Frenchmen’s preferences.
The Role of Articulation-Based Rules in Speech Synthesis
Authors: Ramasubramanian N. , Thosar R.B.
Published: November 2009

A phoneme is defined as a set of steady state characteristics, articulatory or acoustic, of a speech sound in a given time slot (segment). The generation of continuous speech from a given string of phonemes in a message is obtained through concatenation processes which are realized in terms of concatenation rules. These rules are used to assign actual values to the concatenation parameters (duration, etc.). The selection of the rules in a given context depends upon the attributes assigned to each of the phonemes. Finally, it is emphasized that it does not matter whether one makes use of articulatory or distinctive feature attributes in the concatenation rules.
Distributionelle Phonemähnlichkeit
Authors: Lehfeldt W.
Published: November 2009

The author of this paper develops a measure for distributional similarity between phonemes, which can be applied to dichotomous data. The phonemes of a language are classified on the basis of their distributional similarity. The classification is interpreted by means of a classificatory key in terms of distinctive features. The author develops a measure in order to evaluate the degree of concordance between classification and classificatory key. Finally, the author shows how the feature of distributional similarity between phonemes can be adopted for the comparison of languages. All devices are demonstrated by use of material drawn from the Roumanian language.
Sprachtypologie und die Rekonstruktion der gemeinindogermanischen Verschlüsse
Authors: Gamkrelidze T. , Ivanov V.
Published: November 2009

Typological considerations both of phonemic structure and of phonemic change call for a restatement of the system of primitive Indo-European stops. The two series so far taken to be voiced and voiceless are reinterpreted as glottalized and voiceless aspirate, respectively. The languages believed to have undergone major consonant shifts (Germanic, Armenian, Hittite) turn out to be very conservative as far as their consonant systems are concerned.
Über die Wechselbeziehung zwischen Verschluß- und Reibelauten im Phonemsystem
Authors: Gamkrelidze T.
Published: November 2009

Bundles of distinctive features (phonemes) are classified as more or less strongly marked, depending on their commonness in the languages of the world. In the voice correlation, /g γ\ are marked, /b v/ unmarked in the voiced series. In the voiceless series, /p f/ are marked, /k x/ unmarked. Among the dental fricatives, /Θ ð/ are more strongly marked than /s z/. The existence of /p g/ implies redundancy of /f γ and inversely.
Some Mechanical Properties of Lower Lip Movement During Speech Production
Authors: Abbs James H.
Published: November 2009

In an attempt to describe the mechanical properties of lower lip movement during speech production, EMG activity from the orbicularis oris inferior and depressor labii inferior muscles was observed along with jaw-independent movement of the lower lip in the inferior-superior dimension. A simple analog computer was employed to aid in the determination of this EMG movement transfer function. The results of the analysis suggested that one predominant mechanical limitation on lower lip movement in the inferior-superior dimension is the viscosity of muscle contraction, which varies most directly with the rate of active muscle shortening. There was also evidence of an elastic component which acted, in part, as an energy storage element to return the lip to the closure position.
Asymmetrie der Distribution linguistischer Einheiten
Authors: Altmann G.
Published: November 2009

The Harary-Paper distributional calculus is further developed by establishing the probability distributions of distributional aggressivity, attractivity and symmetry of linguistic units and by deriving statistical procedures to evaluate their degree and differences. To minimize the effort of evaluating the differences, a table is given where one can find the results mechanically. The procedure is illustrated by phonological examples.
The Human Vocal Cords: A Mathematical Model
Authors: Titze Ingo R.
Published: November 2009

A mathematical model for digital computer simulation of human-like utterances is developed. The overall system consists of a period structure of 16 coupled masses for each of the vocal cords, an 18-section cylindrical tube approximation of the pharynx and mouth, and a similar 12-section nasal tract. Special care has been taken to model separately the functions of the vocal ligament, the vocalic muscle, and the mucosa. Simulated phonation in modal, mixed and falsetto registers is possible. The parameters which control the nature of the phonation are lung pressure, external tension applied to ligament, vocalis, and mucosa, and the internal muscular action of the vocalis. Applications are cited in areas which include vocal physiology, pathology, and pedagogy.
Analyse des variables temporelles du français spontané
Authors: Grosjean François , Deschamps Alain
Published: November 2009

This second study of the time variables of spoken French unravels the main values of these variables in a forced language activity (the description of cartoons) and compares them with those found in radio interviews. As regards the primary variables, the difference between these two tasks is highly significant. A comparison with English in respect to a similar description task shows a great similarity at the level of the complex variables and the rate of articulation, but a significant difference in the length of the runs and of unfilled pauses. The comparison of the syntactic distribution of unfilled pauses in interviews and in descriptions shows a similarity in the occurrence of pauses at different syntactic positions (in particular finally and medially in sentences), but an increase in the number of pauses and – by about 100% – of their median length. Finally, a very great stability in the classification by order of size of the secondary variables (other hesitation pauses) is noted, which does not prevent these pauses from being distributed differently and two to three times as frequent in the descriptions.
The Perception of Coarticulated Emphaticness
Authors: Ali Latif H. , Daniloff Raymond G.
Published: November 2009

This study answers the question whether listeners could identify the presence of an emphatic class of consonants (m, ð, s, t, k), even when tape-splicing removed, from the word, the consonant in question. The speech materials consisted of 14 pairs of meaningful Arabic words contrasted in a single consonant; these consonants were removed from both members of each word pair with their CV- or VC-transitions. The resulting truncated word stems along with a carrier phrase were spliced at random onto a tape for presentation to listeners to predict whether the missing consonants were emphatic or nonem-phatic. Results indicate that the presence of emphatic consonants can be detected; and that emphaticness coarticulated in a left-to-right fashion was detectable, as in right-to-left direction.
Lingual Articulation of Stops in Sindhi
Authors: Nihalani Paroo
Published: November 2009

This paper is concerned with the examination of the positions of the supraglottal articulatory organs in the production of Sindhi stops. Phoneticians’ description of sounds is generally based on auditory impressions, and the sounds are classified with the help of the traditional phonetic categories. The articulatory positions have not been examined with the help of any instrumental techniques. Palatography and X-ray photography have therefore been used to confirm the validity of my proprioceptive impressions, and also to demonstrate the precision with which the physiological features of the stop articulations in Sindhi can be described with the help of these techniques.
Acoustic Measurements of the ‘Fake’ Vowel Length and Degrees of Vowel Length in St. Lawrence Island Eskimo
Authors: Koo Jang H. , Badten Linda
Published: November 2009

One peculiarity of St. Lawrence Island Eskimo is the ‘fake’ vowel length which is triggered by stress in a conditioned environment. The degree of the fake vowel length has been neither seriously questioned nor recognized in the Eskimo literature as being distinct, phonetically or phonemically, from the intrinsically long or short vowel. Based on acoustic evidence, the present paper argues that there are, phonetically but not phonemically, three distinct
degrees of vowel length and that the perceptual difficulties in identifying the fake vowel length are primarily due to its unsubstantial contrast with the other degrees of vowel length. Measurements of these vowel lengths were made on spectrographic displays.
Ein Überblick über die bisherigen Arbeiten zur Sprechpause
Authors: Drommel R.
Published: November 2009

With this article we intend to provide all people concerned with speech pauses under any aspect whatsoever with an exausting survey of the more recent work done on this phenomenon. The great number of publications on pauses does not permit a detailed critique of each work.
Arabic Emphatics: The Evidence for Cultural Determinants of Phonetic Sex-Typing
Authors: Kahn Margaret
Published: November 2009

Two studies compare men’s and women’s production of Arabic emphatics (pharyngealized consonants). The results of the first study with native speakers of Cairene Arabic indicate that women show significantly less acoustic differentiation between emphatic and nonemphatic segments. The results of the second study show that while Arab men and women differ significantly in their production of emphatics, American men and women who have been taught Arabic by male speakers are much more similar to each other in the pronunciation of emphatics. Among Arabs, the magnitude difference in formant frequencies between men and women was found to be much greater than anatomically predicted by FANT and the direction of the sex-related formant differences was opposite to FANT’s predictions. The results of these two experiments point toward nonphysiological bases of variation in vowel formants for men and women.
Contributions of Fundamental Frequency and Formant Frequencies to Speaker Identification
Authors: LaRiviere Conrad
Published: November 2009

This experiment in aural speaker identification attempts to ascertain the relative contributions of fundamental frequency and formant frequencies. Speech samples were four voiced, whispered, and low-pass filtered isolated vowels produced by eight male speakers. Twelve listeners were asked to make speaker identification choices from these stimuli. Utterances were subjected to acoustic analyses, and the parameters extracted were related to speaker identification confusions by rank order correlation techniques. Results indicate that both fundamental frequency and formant frequencies contribute (approximately equally) to speaker identification judgments.
Phonetic Expectation and Transcription Validity
Authors: Oller Kimbrough , Eilers Rebecca E.
Published: November 2009

This investigation presents evidence that in phonetic transcription the listener’s interpretation of the meaning of the speech signal influences how he hears it. Listeners who were asked to transcribe the same child speech sequences under two different meaning conditions changed their transcriptions when their interpretation of meaning was changed from treatment I to II. Treatment II transcriptions often included phonetic features which would be expected on the basis of the utterance meaning but were, in fact, not present in the acoustic signal. In most instances, however, knowledge of meaning helped the transcriber to improve his transcription, presumably by directing his attention to features of the signal which he had failed to notice during treatment I.
Tongue Musculature and the Feature of Tension in English Vowels
Authors: Raphael Lawrence J. , Bell-Berti Fredericka
Published: November 2009

Electromyographic techniques were employed to discover which, if any, intrinsic and extrinsic tongue muscles displayed a difference in overall amount of activity corresponding to the traditional tense-lax distinction between members of the English vowel pairs /i - á»Š/, /e - ε/, and /u - û/. Although some muscles revealed a consistent difference, most did not. Even for those muscles where a tense-lax difference was found, the data do not support the notion that tension was a necessary or sufficient differentia of production.
Velopharyngeal Opening in the Formation of Voiced Stops in Sindhi
Authors: Nihalani Paroo
Published: November 2009

It was proprioceptively felt that voiced and aspirated voiced stops in Sindhi are characterized by a slight nasalization. Nasal airflow during the production of voiced stops was therefore measured with a Frøkjaer-Jensen Electro-Aerometer. Results suggest that there is an incomplete velopharyngeal closure which helps to absorb the transglottal airflow and thus prevents the rise in the supraglottal pressure. For the affricated palatal stops of Sindhi, the vocal fold vibrations were, however, maintained by expanding the walls of the supraglottal cavities.
The Features of the Larynx: N-ary or Binary?
Authors: Gandour Jackson T.
Published: November 2009

Multivalued features have generally not been permitted on the classificatory level of representation by generative phonologists. It is found necessary, however, to posit a multivalued scalar feature ‘glottal width’ on the classificatory level of representation in order to provide a satisfactory explanation of the diachronic tone splits conditioned by the phonation type of the syllable-initial consonants among the languages and dialects of the Tai language family in Southeast Asia. The feature ‘glottal width’ consists of a linearly ordered set of terms along a single physical continuum that extends from the widest open position of the glottis to the fully closed position (i.e. glottal stop). Other proposed sets of laryngeal features are tested against this evidence and found to be inadequate. A binary feature ‘vibrating’ is also proposed within this theoretical framework.
The Neutralization of /ε/-/œ/ in French
Authors: Malécot André , Lindsay Patricia
Published: November 2009

This article, the seventh in a series of statistical analyses of a surreptitiously recorded corpus representing 50 half-hour conversations with cultivated middle-class Parisians, deals with the acoustic and articulatory parameters of the present-day product of the neutralization of the former /ε/-/œ/ opposition. A variety of techniques are used to study the question (the measurement of spectrograms, a synthetic speech experiment and high-speed full-face and profile motion pictures). The pronunciation patterns of a representative group of speakers show that the change is now consummated on that level, but that preference patterns are somewhat more conservative. It is furthermore demonstrated that the phenomenon has not developed through the gradual abandonment of /œ/ in favor of /ε/ but rather by a rapprochement of the features of both, with the resulting loss of distinctive lip position.
Systems of Ultimate Phonological Units
Authors: Plotkin V.Y.
Published: November 2009

The paper upholds the existence of a phonological unit smaller than the phoneme, serving as the component of the latter. This is the linguistic correlate of articulatory movements together with their auditory reflexes, i.e. Baudouin de Courtenay’ kinakeme. The acceptance of the kinakeme as the ultimate phonological unit makes the notion of distinctive phonemic features redundant in linguistic theory. The kinakemes of any given language form a paradigmatic system and combine syntagmatically in phonemes.
The Effect of Linguistic and Paralinguistic Variables on the Elision of the French Mute-e
Authors: Malécot André
Published: November 2009

This eighth report on the ‘Paris Project’ deals with a computer-assisted analysis of the frequency of elision among 10,891 mute-e’s in natural conversations as a function of phonetic context (number and nature of consonants contiguous to the /Ó™/, position in utterance, presence of other mute-e’s in contiguous syllables) and selected paralinguistic factors (sex, age, occupation, loudness, articulatory intensity, syllabic rate, degree of formality, attitude and posture vis-à-vis interlocutor, and subject matter). A separate analysis is made for coupled liquid and mute-e elision in cases such as I’autre jour /lot3ur/ and pane que /paskÓ™/. Finally, the frequency of occurrence of the hesitation vowel euh is calculated in the three demographic categories indicated above. The results of the investigation reveal a number of new details and indicate some modifications in the traditional rules for its maintenance and elision. The paralinguistic correlates confirm an important discovery that is emerging from our long-range research, namely that in the dialect in question the most diachronically advanced speakers belong to the central age groups (30–59 years), the youngest (20–29) and the oldest (60–69) manifesting marked conservative tendencies.