bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maximum-likelihood and other processors for incoherent and coherent matched-field localization
Authors: Dosso Stan E. , Wilmut Michael J.
Published: October 2012

This paper develops a series of maximum-likelihood processors for matched-field source localization given various states of information regarding the frequency and time variation of source amplitude and phase, and compares these with existing approaches to coherent processing with incomplete source knowledge. The comparison involves elucidating each processor’s approach to source spectral information within a unifying formulation, which provides a conceptual framework for classifying and comparing processors and explaining their relative performance, as quantified in a numerical study. The maximum-likelihood processors represent optimal estimators given the assumption of Gaussian noise, and are based on analytically maximizing the corresponding likelihood function over explicit unknown source spectral parameters. Cases considered include knowledge of the relative variation in source amplitude over time and/or frequency (e.g., a flat spectrum), and tracking the relative phase variation over time, as well as incoherent and coherent processing. Other approaches considered include the conventional (Bartlett) processor, cross-frequency incoherent processor, pair-wise processor, and coherent normalized processor. Processor performance is quantified as the probability of correct localization from Monte Carlo appraisal over a large number of random realizations of noise, source location, and environmental parameters. Processors are compared as a function of signal-to-noise ratio, number of frequencies, and number of sensors.
A quasi two-dimensional model for sound attenuation by the sonic crystals
Authors: Gupta A. , Lim K. M. , Chew C. H.
Published: October 2012

Sound propagation in the sonic crystal (SC) along the symmetry direction is modeled by sound propagation through a variable cross-sectional area waveguide. A one-dimensional (1D) model based on the Webster horn equation is used to obtain sound attenuation through the SC. This model is compared with two-dimensional (2D) finite element simulation and experiment. The 1D model prediction of frequency band for sound attenuation is found to be shifted by around 500 Hz with respect to the finite element simulation. The reason for this shift is due to the assumption involved in the 1D model. A quasi 2D model is developed for sound propagation through the waveguide. Sound pressure profiles from the quasi 2D model are compared with the finite element simulation and the 1D model. The result shows significant improvement over the 1D model and is in good agreement with the 2D finite element simulation. Finally, sound attenuation through the SC is computed based on the quasi 2D model and is found to be in good agreement with the finite element simulation. The quasi 2D model provides an improved method to calculate sound attenuation through the SC.
Acoustic metamaterials with circular sector cavities and programmable densities
Authors: Akl W. , Elsabbagh A. , Baz A.
Published: October 2012

Considerable interest has been devoted to the development of various classes of acoustic metamaterials that can control the propagation of acoustical wave energy throughout fluid domains. However, all the currently exerted efforts are focused on studying passive metamaterials with fixed material properties. In this paper, the emphasis is placed on the development of a class of composite one-dimensional acoustic metamaterials with effective densities that are programmed to adapt to any prescribed pattern along the metamaterial. The proposed acoustic metamaterial is composed of a periodic arrangement of cell structures, in which each cell consists of a circular sector cavity bounded by actively controlled flexible panels to provide the capability for manipulating the overall effective dynamic density. The theoretical analysis of this class of multilayered composite active acoustic metamaterials (CAAMM) is presented and the theoretical predictions are determined for a cascading array of fluid cavities coupled to flexible piezoelectric active boundaries forming the metamaterial domain with programmable dynamic density. The stiffness of the piezoelectric boundaries is electrically manipulated to control the overall density of the individual cells utilizing the strong coupling with the fluid domain and using direct acoustic pressure feedback. The interaction between the neighboring cells of the composite metamaterial is modeled using a lumped-parameter approach. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the performance characteristics of the proposed CAAMM and its potential for generating prescribed spatial and spectral patterns of density variation.
Determination of effective mass density and modulus for resonant metamaterials
Authors: Park Jeongwon , Park Buhm , Kim Deokman , Park Junhong
Published: October 2012

This work presents a method to determine the effective dynamic properties of resonant metamaterials. The longitudinal vibration of a rod with periodically attached oscillators was predicted using wave propagation analysis. The effective mass density and modulus were determined from the transfer function of vibration responses. Predictions of these effective properties compared favorably with laboratory measurements. While the effective mass density showed significant frequency dependent variation near the natural frequency of the oscillators, the elastic modulus was largely unchanged for the setup considered in this study. The effective mass density became complex-numbered when the spring element of the oscillator was viscoelastic. As the real part of the effective mass density became negative, the propagating wavenumber components disappeared, and vibration transmission through the metamaterial was prohibited. The proposed method provides a consistent approach for evaluating the effective parameters of resonant metamaterials using a small number of vibration measurements.
An improved broadband matched field processor for geoacoustic inversion (L)
Authors: Tolstoy A.
Published: October 2012

The approach proposed here requires that for each parameter combination in a search space only a minimum processor value (over frequencies) be retained. Thus all frequencies considered at that point will have processor values at least as great as the final value. Consequently, (1) the frequency most sensitive to a parameter dominates the search automatically and (2) resolution has improved with major sidelobe reduction. The method is intended primarily for geoacoustic inversion methods (where the signal-to-noise levels are high).
Vowel formant dispersion as a measure of articulation proficiency
Authors: Karlsson Fredrik , Doorn Jan van
Published: October 2012

The articulatory range of a speaker has previously been estimated by the shape formed by first and second formant measurements of produced vowels. In a majority of the currently available metrics, formant frequency measurements are reduced to a single estimate for a condition, which has adverse consequences for subsequent statistical testing. Other metrics provide estimates of size of vowel articulation changes only, and do not provide a method for studying the direction of the change. This paper proposes an alternative approach. Vowel formant frequencies are redefined as vectors originating from a defined center point of the vowel space fixed to a basic three-vowel frame. The Euclidean length of the vectors, the vowel formant dispersion (VFD), can be compared across conditions for evidence of articulatory expansions or reductions across conditions or speaker groups. Further, the angle component of the vowel vectors allows for analyses of direction of the reduction or expansion. Based on the range of investigations afforded by the VFD metric, and simulation experiments that compare its statistical properties with those of other proposed metrics, it is argued that the VFD procedure offers an enhanced view of vowel articulation change over rival metrics.
Experimental localization of an acoustic sound source in a wind-tunnel flow by using a numerical time-reversal technique
Authors: Padois Thomas , Prax Christian , Valeau Vincent , Marx David
Published: October 2012

The possibility of using the time-reversal technique to localize acoustic sources in a wind-tunnel flow is investigated. While the technique is widespread, it has scarcely been used in aeroacoustics up to now. The proposed method consists of two steps: in a first experimental step, the acoustic pressure fluctuations are recorded over a linear array of microphones; in a second numerical step, the experimental data are time-reversed and used as input data for a numerical code solving the linearized Euler equations. The simulation achieves the back-propagation of the waves from the array to the source and takes into account the effect of the mean flow on sound propagation. The ability of the method to localize a sound source in a typical wind-tunnel flow is first demonstrated using simulated data. A generic experiment is then set up in an anechoic wind tunnel to validate the proposed method with a flow at Mach number 0.11. Monopolar sources are first considered that are either monochromatic or have a narrow or wide-band frequency content. The source position estimation is well-achieved with an error inferior to the wavelength. An application to a dipolar sound source shows that this type of source is also very satisfactorily characterized.
Intelligibility of whispered speech in stationary and modulated noise maskers
Authors: Freyman Richard L. , Griffin Amanda M. , Oxenham Andrew J.
Published: October 2012

This study investigated the role of natural periodic temporal fine structure in helping listeners take advantage of temporal valleys in amplitude-modulated masking noise when listening to speech. Young normal-hearing participants listened to natural, whispered, and/or vocoded nonsense sentences in a variety of masking conditions. Whispering alters normal waveform temporal fine structure dramatically but, unlike vocoding, does not degrade spectral details created by vocal tract resonances. The improvement in intelligibility, or masking release, due to introducing 16-Hz square-wave amplitude modulations in an otherwise steady speech-spectrum noise was reduced substantially with vocoded sentences relative to natural speech, but was not reduced for whispered sentences. In contrast to natural speech, masking release for whispered sentences was observed even at positive signal-to-noise ratios. Whispered speech has a different short-term amplitude distribution relative to natural speech, and this appeared to explain the robust masking release for whispered speech at high signal-to-noise ratios. Recognition of whispered speech was not disproportionately affected by unpredictable modulations created by a speech-envelope modulated noise masker. Overall, the presence or absence of periodic temporal fine structure did not have a major influence on the degree of benefit obtained from imposing temporal fluctuations on a noise masker.
Bottom interacting sound at 50 km range in a deep ocean environment
Authors: Udovydchenkov Ilya A. , Stephen Ralph A. , Duda Timothy F. , Bolmer S. Thompson , Worcester Peter F. , Dzieciuch Matthew A. , Mercer James A. , Andrew Rex K. , Howe Bruce M.
Published: October 2012

Data collected during the 2004 Long-range Ocean Acoustic Propagation Experiment provide absolute intensities and travel times of acoustic pulses at ranges varying from 50 to 3200 km. In this paper a subset of these data is analyzed, focusing on the effects of seafloor reflections at the shortest transmission range of approximately 50 km. At this range bottom-reflected (BR) and surface-reflected, bottom-reflected energy interferes with refracted arrivals. For a finite vertical receiving array spanning the sound channel axis, a high mode number energy in the BR arrivals aliases into low mode numbers because of the vertical spacing between hydrophones. Therefore, knowledge of the BR paths is necessary to fully understand even low mode number processes. Acoustic modeling using the parabolic equation method shows that inclusion of range-dependent bathymetry is necessary to get an acceptable model-data fit. The bottom is modeled as a fluid layer without rigidity, without three dimensional effects, and without scattering from wavelength-scale features. Nonetheless, a good model-data fit is obtained for sub-bottom properties estimated from the data.
Phonation threshold pressure and the elastic shear modulus: Comparison of two-mass model calculations with experiments
Authors: Fulcher Lewis P. , Scherer Ronald C. , Waddle John M.
Published: October 2012

Ishizaka and Flanagan’s classic two-mass model of vocal fold motion is applied to small oscillations where the equations become linear and the aerodynamic driving force is described by an effective stiffness. The solution of these equations includes an analytic formula for the two eigenfrequencies; this shows that conjugate imaginary parts of the frequencies emerge beyond eigenvalue synchronization and that one of the imaginary parts becomes zero at a pressure signaling the instability associated with the onset of threshold. Using recent measurements by Fulcher et al. of intraglottal pressure distributions [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 129, 1548–1553 (2011).] to inform the behavior of the entrance loss coefficients, an analytic formula for threshold pressure is derived. It fits most of the measurements Chan and Titze reported for their 2006 physical model of the vocal fold mucosa. Two sectors of the mass-stiffness parameter space are used to produce these fits. One is based on a rescaling of the typical glottal parameters of the original Ishizaka and Flanagan work. The second requires setting two of the spring constants equal and should be closer to the experimental conditions. In both cases, values of the elastic shear modulus are calculated from the spring constants.
Model-independent range localization of a moving source in shallow water
Authors: Rakotonarivo S. T. , Kuperman W. A.
Published: October 2012

A method for range localization with a single sensor in an ocean waveguide is derived. Range localization typically requires an accurate environmental acoustics model used for processing acoustic data on a multi-element array. Recently, an alternative method for estimating range has emerged based on the waveguide invariant which still requires either an array of sufficient horizontal extent or data from a moving source for which range rate is known. In analogy to the waveguide invariant derivation, it is shown that the magnitude of the square of the difference between the acoustic field at two different ranges contains information about the range interval, Δr. Since the range interval is manifest in the time interval, Δt between field measurements, range rate can be ascertained. Experimental results confirm this single sensor localization method.
Audibility of aliasing distortion in sawtooth signals and its implications for oscillator algorithm design
Authors: Lehtonen Heidi-Maria , Pekonen Jussi , Välimäki Vesa
Published: October 2012

This paper investigates the audibility threshold of aliasing in computer-generated sawtooth signals. Listening tests were conducted to find out how much the aliased frequency components below and above the fundamental must be attenuated for them to be inaudible. The tested tones comprised the fundamental frequencies 415, 932, 1480, 2093, 3136, and 3951 Hz, presented at 60-dB SPL and 44.1-kHz sampling rate. The results indicate that above the fundamental the aliased components must be attenuated 0, 19, 26, 27, 32, and 41 dB for the corresponding fundamental frequencies, and below the fundamental the attenuation of 0, 3, 6, 11, 12, and 11 dB, respectively, is sufficient. The results imply that the frequency-masking phenomenon affects the perception of aliasing and that the masking effect is more prominent above the fundamental than below it. The A-weighted noise-to-mask ratio is proposed as a suitable quality measure for sawtooth signals containing aliasing. It was shown that the bandlimited impulse train, the differentiated parabolic waveform, and the fourth-order polynomial bandlimited step function synthesis algorithms are perceptually alias-free up to 1, 2, and 4 kHz, respectively. General design rules for antialiasing sawtooth oscillators are derived based on the results and on knowledge of level-dependence of masking.
Time-frequency domain filtering of evoked otoacoustic emissions
Authors: Moleti Arturo , Longo Federica , Sisto Renata
Published: October 2012

Time-domain filtering is a standard analysis technique, which is used to disentangle the two main vector components of the distortion product otoacoustic emission response, exploiting their different phase-frequency relation. In this study, a time-frequency filtering technique based on the continuous wavelet transform is proposed to overcome the intrinsic limitations of the time-domain filtering technique and to extend it also to the analysis of stimulus-frequency and transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions. The advantages of the proposed technique are first discussed on a theoretical basis, then practically demonstrated by applying it to the analysis of synthesized and real otoacoustic data. The results show that the time-frequency approach can be empirically optimized to get effective separation of the components of the otoacoustic response associated with either different generation mechanisms or different generation places. Focusing on a single component of the otoacoustic response with a given time-frequency signature may also improve significantly the signal-to-noise ratio, because the random noise contribution tends to be uniformly distributed on the time-frequency plane.
Inflammatory Factors Contribute to Depression and Its Comorbid Conditions
Authors: Anisman Hymie , Hayley Shawn
Published: October 2012

Manipulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators may improve treatments for depression.
Rapid Whole-Genome Sequencing for Genetic Disease Diagnosis in Neonatal Intensive Care Units
Authors: Saunders Carol Jean , Miller Neil Andrew , Soden Sarah Elizabeth , Dinwiddie Darrell Lee , Noll Aaron , Alnadi Noor Abu , Andraws Nevene , Patterson Melanie LeAnn , Krivohlavek Lisa Ann , Fellis Joel , Humphray Sean , Saffrey Peter , Kingsbury Zoya , Weir Jacqueline Claire , Betley Jason , Grocock Russell James , Margulies Elliott Harrison , Farrow Emily Gwendolyn , Artman Michael , Safina Nicole Pauline , Petrikin Joshua Erin , Hall Kevin Peter , Kingsmore Stephen Francis
Published: October 2012

Rapid whole-genome sequencing of neonates can shorten time to genetic disease diagnosis and thus genetic and prognostic counseling.
New Approaches to Sepsis: Molecular Diagnostics and Biomarkers
Authors: Reinhart Konrad , Bauer Michael , Riedemann Niels C. , Hartog Christiane S.
Published: October 2012

Sepsis is among the most common causes of death in hospitals. It arises from the host response to infection. Currently, diagnosis relies on nonspecific physiological criteria and culture-based pathogen detection. This results in diagnostic uncertainty, therapeutic delays, the mis- and overuse of antibiotics, and the failure to identify patients who might benefit from immunomodulatory therapies. There is a need for new sepsis biomarkers that can aid in therapeutic decision making and add information about screening, diagnosis, risk stratification, and monitoring of the response to therapy. The host response involves hundreds of mediators and single molecules, many of which have been proposed as biomarkers. It is, however, unlikely that one single biomarker is able to satisfy all the needs and expectations for sepsis research and management. Among biomarkers that are measurable by assays approved for clinical use, procalcitonin (PCT) has shown some usefulness as an infection marker and for antibiotic stewardship. Other possible new approaches consist of molecular strategies to improve pathogen detection and molecular diagnostics and prognostics based on transcriptomic, proteomic, or metabolic profiling. Novel approaches to sepsis promise to transform sepsis from a physiologic syndrome into a group of distinct biochemical disorders and help in the development of better diagnostic tools and effective adjunctive sepsis therapies.
West Nile Virus: Biology, Transmission, and Human Infection
Authors: Colpitts Tonya M. , Conway Michael J. , Montgomery Ruth R. , Fikrig Erol
Published: October 2012

West Nile Virus was introduced into the Western Hemisphere during the late summer of 1999 and has been causing significant and sometimes severe human diseases since that time. This article briefly touches upon the biology of the virus and provides a comprehensive review regarding recent discoveries about virus transmission, virus acquisition, and human infection and disease.
Carbapenemases in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Other Enterobacteriaceae: an Evolving Crisis of Global Dimensions
Authors: Tzouvelekis L. S. , Markogiannakis A. , Psichogiou M. , Tassios P. T. , Daikos G. L.
Published: October 2012

The spread of
Enterobacteriaceae
, primarily
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, producing KPC, VIM, IMP, and NDM carbapenemases, is causing an unprecedented public health crisis. Carbapenemase-producing enterobacteria (CPE) infect mainly hospitalized patients but also have been spreading in long-term care facilities. Given their multidrug resistance, therapeutic options are limited and, as discussed here, should be reevaluated and optimized. Based on susceptibility data, colistin and tigecycline are commonly used to treat CPE infections. Nevertheless, a review of the literature revealed high failure rates in cases of monotherapy with these drugs, whilst monotherapy with either a carbapenem or an aminoglycoside appeared to be more effective. Combination therapies not including carbapenems were comparable to aminoglycoside and carbapenem monotherapies. Higher success rates have been achieved with carbapenem-containing combinations. Pharmacodynamic simulations and experimental infections indicate that modification of the current patterns of carbapenem use against CPE warrants further attention. Epidemiological data, though fragmentary in many countries, indicate CPE foci and transmission routes, to some extent, whilst also underlining the lack of international collaborative systems that could react promptly and effectively. Fortunately, there are sound studies showing successful containment of CPE by bundles of measures, among which the most important are active surveillance cultures, separation of carriers, and assignment of dedicated nursing staff.
Occurrence and Evolution of the Paralogous Zinc Metalloproteases IgA1 Protease, ZmpB, ZmpC, and ZmpD in Streptococcus pneumoniae and Related Commensal Species
Authors: Bek-Thomsen Malene , Poulsen Knud , Kilian Mogens
Published: October 2012

The distribution, genome location, and evolution of the four paralogous zinc metalloproteases, IgA1 protease, ZmpB, ZmpC, and ZmpD, inStreptococcus pneumoniaeand related commensal species were studied byin silicoanalysis of whole genomes and by activity screening of 154 representatives of 20 species. ZmpB was ubiquitous in the Mitis and Salivarius groups of the genusStreptococcusand in the generaGemellaandGranulicatella, with the exception of a fragmented gene inStreptococcus thermophilus, the only species with a nonhuman habitat. IgA1 protease activity was observed in all members ofS. pneumoniae,S. pseudopneumoniae,S. oralis,S. sanguinis, andGemella haemolysans, was variably present inS. mitisandS. infantis, and absent inS. gordonii,S. parasanguinis,S. cristatus,S. oligofermentans,S. australis,S. peroris, andS. suis. Phylogenetic analysis of 297zmpsequences and representative housekeeping genes provided evidence for an unprecedented selection for genetic diversification of theiga,zmpB, andzmpDgenes inS. pneumoniaeand evidence of very frequent intraspecies transfer of entire genes and combination of genes. Presumably due to their adaptation to a commensal lifestyle, largely unaffected by adaptive mucosal immune factors, the corresponding genes in commensal streptococci have remained conserved. The widespread distribution and significant sequence diversity indicate an ancient origin of the zinc metalloproteases predating the emergence of the humanoid species.zmpB, which appears to be the ancestral gene, subsequently duplicated and successfully diversified into distinct functions, is likely to serve an important but yet unknown housekeeping function associated with the human host.

IMPORTANCEThe paralogous zinc metalloproteases IgA1 protease, ZmpB, ZmpC, and ZmpD have been identified as crucial for virulence of the human pathogenStreptococcus pneumoniae. This study maps the presence of the corresponding genes and enzyme activities inS. pneumoniaeand in related commensal species of the generaStreptococcus,Gemella, andGranulicatella. The distribution, genome location, and sequence diversification indicate thatzmpBis the ancestral gene predating the evolution of today’s humanoid species. The ZmpB protease may play an important but yet unidentified role in the association of streptococci of the Mitis and Salivarius groups with their human host, as it is ubiquitous in these two groups, except for a fragmented gene inStreptococcus thermophilus, the only species not associated with humans. The relative sequence diversification of the IgA1 protease, ZmpB, and ZmpD is striking evidence of differences in selection for diversification of these surface-exposed proteins in the pathogenS. pneumoniaecompared to the closely related commensal streptococci.
An Evolutionary Link between Natural Transformation and CRISPR Adaptive Immunity
Authors: Jorth Peter , Whiteley Marvin
Published: October 2012

Natural transformation by competent bacteria is a primary means of horizontal gene transfer; however, evidence that competence drives bacterial diversity and evolution has remained elusive. To test this theory, we used a retrospective comparative genomic approach to analyze the evolutionary history of
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
, a bacterial species with both competent and noncompetent sister strains. Through comparative genomic analyses, we reveal that competence is evolutionarily linked to genomic diversity and speciation. Competence loss occurs frequently during evolution and is followed by the loss of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs), bacterial adaptive immune systems that protect against parasitic DNA. Relative to noncompetent strains, competent bacteria have larger genomes containing multiple rearrangements. In contrast, noncompetent bacterial genomes are extremely stable but paradoxically susceptible to infective DNA elements, which contribute to noncompetent strain genetic diversity. Moreover, incomplete noncompetent strain CRISPR immune systems are enriched for self-targeting elements, which suggests that the CRISPRs have been co-opted for bacterial gene regulation, similar to eukaryotic microRNAs derived from the antiviral RNA interference pathway.

IMPORTANCE
The human microbiome is rich with thousands of diverse bacterial species. One mechanism driving this diversity is horizontal gene transfer by natural transformation, whereby naturally competent bacteria take up environmental DNA and incorporate new genes into their genomes. Competence is theorized to accelerate evolution; however, attempts to test this theory have proved difficult. Through genetic analyses of the human periodontal pathogen
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
, we have discovered an evolutionary connection between competence systems promoting gene acquisition and CRISPRs (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats), adaptive immune systems that protect bacteria against genetic parasites. We show that competent
A. actinomycetemcomitans
strains have numerous redundant CRISPR immune systems, while noncompetent bacteria have lost their CRISPR immune systems because of inactivating mutations. Together, the evolutionary data linking the evolution of competence and CRISPRs reveals unique mechanisms promoting genetic heterogeneity and the rise of new bacterial species, providing insight into complex mechanisms underlying bacterial diversity in the human body.
Secondary hypokalaemic paralysis: Figure 1
Authors: Gupta Ankush , Khanna Vibhu Narain , Rizvi Imran , Gupta Anirban
Published: October 2012

A 28-year-old man presented with acute onset, ascending-type and bilateral symmetrical areflexic motor paralysis. There was a history of fever 3 days prior to paralysis, multiple episodes of vomiting, chloroquine use and intravenous dextrose administration. Investigations revealed metabolic alkalosis with normal serum potassium level but ECG showed characteristic changes of hypokalaemia based on which patient was managed successfully. This case highlights the importance of ECG findings of hypokalaemia in the presence of non-confirmatory laboratory values while evaluating a case of acute flaccid quadriplegia.
Ketamine bladder syndrome: an important differential diagnosis when assessing a patient with persistent lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Srirangam Shalom , Mercer Joe
Published: October 2012

The recreational use of ketamine is increasing in popularity due to its dissociative and paralytic effects, ease of availability and low cost. However, serious and frequently irreversible damage to the urinary tract is a recently recognised side effect of recreational ketamine use. The authors present a case of a young male patient with a 2-year history of troublesome lower urinary tract symptoms and a 5-year history of ketamine consumption. Medical management of such patients is largely limited to analgesia alone, and cessation of ketamine use before irreversible damage occurs remains the best means of avoiding the radical reconstructive surgery required in end-stage disease. This case and an accompanying review of the available literature illustrate the importance of early recognition of ketamine bladder syndrome in recreational users.
Abnormal head movement in a patient with tuberculous meningitis
Authors: Garg Ravindra Kumar , Singh Sunil Kumar , Malhotra Hardeep Singh , Singh Maneesh Kumar
Published: October 2012

The bobble-head doll syndrome is characterised by abnormal head movements. These head movements are usually ‘yes–yes’ (up and down) type; rarely, head movements are ‘no–no’ (side-to-side) type. Commonly described causes of the bobble-head doll syndrome include third ventricular tumours, suprasellar arachnoid cysts, aqueductal stenosis and other lesions in the region of the third ventricle of the brain. We report a case of tuberculous meningitis with hydrocephalus; in this patient bobble-head doll syndrome developed following external ventricular drainage. In our patient, placement of intraventricular drain led to massive dilatation of the frontal horn of the left lateral ventricle because of blocked foramina of Monro on the left side. The bobble-head doll syndrome, presumably, developed because of the pressure effect of the dilated third ventricle on the dorsomedial nucleus of the thalamus, red nucleus and dentatorubrothalamic pathways. We think that distortion of the third ventricle was responsible for the impairment of the functions of all these structures.
An autopsy case of acute cor pulmonale and paradoxical systemic embolism due to tumour cell microemboli in a patient with breast cancer
Authors: Uga Sayuri , Ikeda Shuntaro , Matsukage Sho-ichi , Hamada Mareomi
Published: October 2012

A 62-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of severe respiratory distress. Diagnostic imaging studies suggested the existence of inexplicable cor pulmonale. Although we immediately sought the aetiology of her severe condition, she died suddenly on the fourth day after admission. Postmortem autopsy revealed tumour cell microemboli in the small pulmonary arteries. In addition, tumour cell embolisation identical to that in primary breast cancer cells was also observed in microvessels in systemic multiple organs, such as the liver, brain, kidneys, spleen, uterus, bone marrow and adrenal glands—with simultaneous findings of peripheral infarction. Systemic tumour cell embolism mediated through the patent foramen ovale superimposed on pulmonary tumour cell emboli (PTCE) is considered to be the mechanism underlying inexplicable cor pulmonale. The rapid aggravation of her condition terminated in death.
An unusual cause of haemoptysis: a diagnostic challenge for clinicians
Authors: Talukdar Arunansu , Mukherjee Kabita , Khanra Dibbendhu , Saha Manjari
Published: October 2012

A 32-year-old male patient presented with haemoptysis in the background of high-grade fever for 3 weeks. Chest examination and x-ray were suggestive of right-sided moderate pleural effusion. On finding tender hepatomegaly in abdominal examination, an ultrasonography of abdomen was performed which was suggestive of ruptured hepatic abscess. Cytological examination of both sputum and aspirate from hepatic abscess showed neutrophilic debris mixed with red blood cells. The serological test for antibody toEntamoeba histolyticawas positive. Computerised tomography-guided trans-tracheal fistulogram demonstrated presence of hepato-bronchial fistula. Our case responded to conservative management. Follow-up ultrasonography after 6 months showed total abolition of abscess cavity and sealing of bronchial connection. Amoebic liver abscess complicating into hepato-bronchial fistula is thought to be an obsolete entity in contemporary world. But possibility of amoebic liver abscess should be kept in mind while managing a patient of haemoptysis in appropriate clinical setting in endemic areas.
Tumour-seeding: a rare complication of ablative therapy for clinically localised renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Akhavein Arash , Neuberger Molly M , Dahm Philipp
Published: October 2012

Current evidence-based clinical practice guidelines identify surgical resection as the recommended treatment of small renal masses. Ablative approaches such as laparoscopic and percutaneous cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation offer the promise of complete tumour destruction by a less-invasive approach with regard to outcomes such as anaesthesia requirements, blood loss, length of stay and time to recovery, making them appealing to patients. However, evidence of therapeutic benefits, harms and costs for these methods remains limited. We report a case of applicator tract seeding by tumour following percutaneous cryoablation of renal cell carcinoma; a rare and potentially under-reported, yet catastrophic complication of ablative therapy.
YEAR-ROUND BEHAVIOR FOR INORGANIC COMPOSITION OF SIZE-RESOLVED AIRBORNE PARTICLES IN HIMEJI CITY, JAPAN
Authors: SAITOH KATSUMI , SHIMA MASAYUKI , YODA YOSHIKO , NAKATSUBO RYOUHEI , TSUNETOMO DAISUKE , HIRAKI TAKATOSHI , SERA KOICHIRO
Published: October 2012

As a part that, an epidemiological study on the effects of physicochemical characterization of airborne particulate matter (PM) and ozone on asthma attacks, we carried out size-resolved sampling of PM in Himeji City, and elemental and ionic composition analyses of the PM sample. Size-resolved PM was collected using a 3-stage NLAS impactor (Tokyo Dylec Co., Ltd.; particle cut size at sampling stages was 10, 2.5 and 1.0 μm for a flow rate of 3 L/min) with a one-week base sampling interval, and the PM sampling was begun in November, 2009. Concentrations of several elemental and ionic species in the PM sample were determined by PIXE and ion chromatography analysis, respectively. The research results are important for the physicochemical characterization of PM in atmosphere, enabling detailed analysis of the year-round behavior. Of particular note, is that the PM10 was mainly NO3- and SO42- and PM2.5 was only SO42-. This is believed to suggest the different formation processes of NO3- and SO42-.
DECREASING SIZE OF RADIOSENSITIVE CAPSULES FROM MICRO TO NANO, AND ITS INCREASED ANTITUMOR EFFECT AND DECREASING ADVERSE EFFECT
Authors: HARADA S. , EHARA S. , ISHII K. , YAMAZAKI H. , MATSUYAMA S. , SATO T. , KAMIYA T. , SERA K. , SAITO Y.
Published: October 2012

We have been developing microcapsules that release anticancer drug with response to radiation. We attempted to decrease the diameter of capsules. Then, two categories were tested in VIVO in C3He mice: (1) the antitumor effect in combination with radiation and subcutaneously injected nanocapsules, (2) the kidnetics of nanocapsules when they were injected intravenously.

Microcapsules were produced by spraying a mixture of 3.0 % hyaluronic acid, 2.0 % alginate, 3.0 % H2O2, and 0.3 mmol carboplatin (Pt containing anticancer drug) onto a mixture of vibrated 0.3 mol FeCl 2 and 0.15 mol CaCl 2. The antitumor effect was measured by measuring tumor diameter every day. The kinetics of microcapsules were expressed as the numbers of capsules in 5 views (25 × 25 μm) of micro PIXE camera and Pt concentration of quantiative PIXE.

The generated microcapsules 752 ± 64 nm, which were significantly downsized relative to previous capsules. The accumulations of capsules in lungs, liver, and kidneys were decreased by downsizing, whereas those of tumors were increased. By adjusting Pt concentration in tumor, there were no significant differences in antitumor effect between not downsized and downsized microcapsules with combination with radiation.

Decreased trapping of downsized microcapsules to lungs, liver, and kidneys, also increased trapping in tumors will lead to new targeted chemoradiotherapy via intravenous injection of microcapsules.
ANALYSIS OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN PRE- AND POST-NATAL TOOTH ENAMEL USING MICRO-PIXE
Authors: IGARI K. , TAKAHASHI A. , GOTOH N. , SASAKI K. , ISHII K. , MATSUYAMA S. , SUGAI H. , FUJIKI K. , HATORI Y. , ITOU Y. , HIRAISHI S. , MIURA Y. , YAMAZAKI H.
Published: October 2012

Naturally shed deciduous teeth are potentially useful as a biomarker of environmental exposure. To assess the prenatal environment of child, we tried to present the neonatal line on the elemental maps and investigate the trace elements in pre- and post-natally formed tooth enamel using micro-PIXE. Generally, the neonatal line is observed more clearly in the tooth from child who has some difficulties at birth. In this study, five deciduous teeth from five children with developmental disorders were used for analysis. Seven trace elements ( Na , Mg , Si , Cl , Fe , Zn , and Sr ) were detected in enamel of all five teeth. The line, it was thought neonatal line, was observed on the elemental map of Ca and P in the tooth from the child with serious birth complications. In order to compare the elemental concentration between pre- and post-natal enamel, concentration variation of elements were projected along the line perpendicular to the neonatal line. Lower Ca concentration in prenatal enamel was observed. By tracing the location of neonatal line on the other elemental maps, the concentrations of detected trace elements were compared in the same way. The differences of concentration of these trace elements between pre- and post-natal enamel were not clear because of much statistic variation. We could determine the trace elemental profiles and concentrations around the neonatal line in the enamel from the child with serious birth complications.
PIXE ANALYSIS OF DYES USED IN TRADITIONAL JAPANESE CARPETS (NABESHIMA-DANTSU)
Authors: MIURA Y. , HIRAI I. , ISHII K. , MATSUYAMA S. , TERAKAWA A. , KIKUCHI Y. , FUJIWARA M. , SUGAI H. , HIRAISHI S. , FUKAYA A. , YAMAZAKI H. , TADA T. , SERA K.
Published: October 2012

NABESHIMA-DANTSU is the name of the first Japanese-made carpets which have been produced in the Nabeshima domain (Saga Prefecture) since the later Edo period. The NABESHIMA-DANTSU carpets have been woven from one kind of cotton, and have been dyed with various dyes and color fixatives. We analyzed pieces of the NABESHIMA-DANTSU carpets stored in the Saga Prefectural Museum and the Saga Prefectural Art Museum, by using PIXE method in order to detect dyeing methods used in them. We also analyzed dyes, color fixatives and cotton used in the traditional Japanese dyeing method. From the NABESHIMA-DANTSU carpets, small amounts of dyed and non-dyed samples were picked up and were analyzed by in-air PIXE system at Tohoku University. It was found that Fe and Cu are related to the parts dyed orange, and Al is related to the parts dyed green. The analysis of cotton dyed by the traditional Japanese method shows the similar results. It means that both colors in the NABESHIMA-DANTSU carpets were dyed by the traditional Japanese method which uses natural dyes. From literature documentation, it is considered that synthetic dyes were mainly used during the Taisho era. The present result shows that natural dyes might have been used in the Taisho era. In this research the PIXE method has proved to be very effective for the analysis of dyeing methods.
APPLICATION OF PIXE TO MONITOR THE QUALITY OF SALT FROM SALT FARMING AREAS IN THAILAND
Authors: MURAO S. , KIRDMANEE C. , SERA K. , GOTO S. , TAKAHASHI C. , LIMSUWAN R.
Published: October 2012

In salt farms of Thailand, saline ground water is pumped up and then solar-evaporated to produce salt for commercial purpose. However, when they continue to precipitate salt in the same pools, the product is stained yellow or brown in color. In order to recover only white salt, workers cut trees and create a new pool next to the old one. Due to this practice, year by year, salt-farming area loses vegetation cover and expands barren section of salt damage. In order to understand the changes of in salt grains, salt was collected and measured by PIXE. The result indicates that manganese is clearly responsible for the coloring, and possibly also irons. This information is expected to base the discussion to stop deforestation in the salt-damaged area.
MEASURES AGAINST RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION DUE TO FUKUSHIMA FIRST NUCLEAR POWER PLANT ACCIDENTS PART III: REMOVING AND DECONTAMINATION OF CONTAMINATED SOIL
Authors: ISHII K. , TERAKAWA A. , MATSUYAMA S. , HASEGAWA A. , NAGAKUBO K. , SAKURADA T. , KIKUCHI Y. , FUJIWARA M. , YAMAZAKI H. , YUHKI H. , KIM S. , SATOH I.
Published: October 2012

We studied the structure of radioactive cesium distribution in soil and found the exponential dependence. This behavior could be explained theoretically. We developed a useful method to decontaminate the soil contaminated with radioactive cesium atoms. We applied our method to the contaminated school yards of elementary schools of Marumori town and decontaminated total area of about 7000 m2.
Bone Marrow Microenvironment in Multiple Myeloma Progression
Authors: Manier S. , Sacco A. , Leleu X. , Ghobrial I. M. , Roccaro A. M.
Published: October 2012

Substantial advances have been made in understanding the biology of multiple myeloma (MM) through the study of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. Indeed, the BM niche appears to play an important role in differentiation, migration, proliferation, survival, and drug resistance of the malignant plasma cells. The BM niche is composed of a cellular compartment (stromal cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells) and a noncellular compartment including the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the liquid milieu (cytokines, growth factors, and chemokines). In this paper we discuss how the interaction between the malignant plasma cell and the BM microenvironment allowed myeloma progression through cell homing and the new concept of premetastatic niche.
A Mathematical Model for the Analysis of Elastic Field in a Stiffened Cantilever of Laminated Composite
Authors: Huq N. M. L. , Afsar A. M.
Published: October 2012

A mathematical model is developed for the analytical solution to elastic filed in a deep stiffened cantilever beam of laminated composite under mixed boundary conditions. The two displacement parameters associated with the two-dimensional elasticity problems are defined in terms of a single displacement potential function such that one of the equilibrium equations is satisfied automatically. This reduces the problem to the solution of a single fourth-order partial differential equation, which is solved in terms of Fourier series. To present some numerical results, cantilever beams of glass/epoxy cross-ply and angle-ply laminated composites are considered and different components of stress and displacement at different sections of the beam are presented. The effects of laminate stacking sequence and ply-angle of the cross-ply and angle-ply composite beams, respectively, on the elastic field are analyzed. The numerical results justify that the present mathematical model is simple whereas capable to generate exact results of elastic field in a cantilever beam even at the critical regions of supports and loadings.
Krasnosel’skii Type Fixed Point Theorems for Mappings on Nonconvex Sets
Authors: Alghamdi Maryam A. , O′Regan Donal , Shahzad Naseer
Published: October 2012

We prove Krasnosel′skii type fixed point theorems in situations where the domain is not necessarily convex. As an application, the existence of solutions for perturbed integral equation is considered in p‐normed spaces.
On Simple Graphs Arising from Exponential Congruences
Authors: Malik M. Aslam , Mahmood M. Khalid
Published: October 2012

We introduce and investigate a new class of graphs arrived from exponential congruences. For each pair of positive integers a and b, let G(n) denote the graph for which V = {0, 1, …, n − 1} is the set of vertices and there is an edge between a and b if the congruence ax ≡ b (mod n) is solvable. Let be the prime power factorization of an integer n, where p1 < p2 < ⋯<pr are distinct primes. The number of nontrivial self‐loops of the graph G(n) has been determined and shown to be equal to . It is shown that the graph G(n) has 2r components. Further, it is proved that the component Γp of the simple graph G(p2) is a tree with root at zero, and if n is a Fermat′s prime, then the component Γϕ(n) of the simple graph G(n) is complete.
Formulation and Solution of nth‐Order Derivative Fuzzy Integrodifferential Equation Using New Iterative Method with a Reliable Algorithm
Authors: Hemeda A. A.
Published: October 2012

The nth‐order derivative fuzzy integro‐differential equation in
parametric form is converted to its crisp form, and then the new iterative method
with a reliable algorithm is used to obtain an approximate solution for this crisp
form. The analysis is accompanied by numerical examples which confirm efficiency and power of this method in solving fuzzy integro‐differential equations.
Adipose Tissue Regeneration: A State of the Art
Authors: Casadei Alessandro , Epis Roberta , Ferroni Letizia , Tocco Ilaria , Gardin Chiara , Bressan Eriberto , Sivolella Stefano , Vindigni Vincenzo , Pinton Paolo , Mucci Giuseppe , Zavan Barbara
Published: October 2012

Adipose tissue pathologies and defects have always represented a reconstructive challenge for plastic surgeons. In more recent years, several allogenic and alloplastic materials have been developed and used as fillers for soft tissue defects. However, their clinical use has been limited by further documented complications, such as foreign-body reactions potentially affecting function, degradation over time, and the risk for immunogenicity. Tissue-engineering strategies are thus being investigated to develop methods for generating adipose tissue. This paper will discuss the current state of the art in adipose tissue engineering techniques, exploring the biomaterials used, stem cells application, culture strategies, and current regulatory framework that are in use are here described and discussed.