bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cochlear Sources and Otoacoustic Emissions
Authors: Johnson Tiffany A.
Published: April 2011

Current understanding suggests that there are two different mechanisms by which otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are generated in the cochlea. These mechanisms include a nonlinear-distortion mechanism and a coherent-reflection mechanism. Distortion product OAEs (DPOAEs) are believed to
include contributions from both mechanisms, while stimulus frequency OAEs (SFOAES), at least at low and moderate levels, are believed to be generated primarily by the coherent-reflection mechanism. In the case of DPOAEs, the interaction of the two mechanisms produces a series of alternating
peaks and valleys in the response level when recorded in small frequency increments. This pattern of peaks and valleys typically is referred to as fine structure. There has been much speculation that the interaction of the two mechanisms and the resulting fine structure limits the clinical
test performance of DPOAEs. There are few data to address this speculation. Here, we review the literature that describes the cochlear source mechanisms and their potential relationship to clinical applications. We then present results for preliminary data collected in a group of 10 normal-hearing
subjects where we explore the influence of common approaches to setting DPOAE stimulus parameters on the resulting fine structure. These preliminary results suggest that, at the moderate stimulus levels used in clinical applications, each of the different stimulus parameters results in a similar
amount of fine structure and, therefore, fine structure cannot be eliminated through manipulation of stimulus parameters. We also review the results of some preliminary efforts to identify stimulus parameters that can be used to record SFOAEs (OAEs generated by the reflection mechanism). The
potential clinical applications of SFOAEs have received little attention in the literature. By identifying stimulus parameters producing robust responses in normal-hearing ears, it may be possible to more fully evaluate clinical applications of SFOAEs.
Comparison of Traditional Bone-Conduction Hearing Aids with the Baha® System
Authors: Christensen Lisa , Smith-Olinde Laura , Kimberlain Jillian , Richter Gresham T. , Dornhoffer John L.
Published: April 2011

Background:Little research exists to demonstrate efficacy and verification measures of the Baha® system versus traditional bone-conduction hearing aids. This study gives statistical data about 10 children who have used traditional bone-conduction hearing aids, Baha coupled
to a Softband, and the Baha system implanted.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to compare functional gain at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz for infants and children with bilateral conductive hearing loss who were initially fit with traditional bone-conduction devices then progressed
to Baha with Softband and finally to unilateral Baha implants.Research Design:Retrospective five-year chart review.Study Sample:10 children with bilateral conductive hearing loss due to congenital atresia and/or microtia. Participants ranged in age from 6 mo to 16 yr;
three were male and seven were female. Two participants were African-American, five Caucasian, and three Hispanic.Intervention:The intervention was the Baha system used in children via a Softband or implanted as compared to traditional bone-conduction hearing aids.Data Collection
and Analysis:Single-factor, repeated analyses of variance were run to examine the amount of functional gain delivered by the various devices as well as the threshold measures with each device at each frequency.Results:Participants in this study showed a statistically significant
improvement when using the Baha Softband over traditional bone-conduction hearing aids. An implanted Baha has statistically as much gain as a bone-conduction transducer at all frequencies tested.Conclusions:The Baha system is a valid treatment in conductive hearing loss via a Softband
or implanted. It statistically outperforms the traditional bone-conduction hearing aids and should be used as a first choice in intervention rather than a last option for inoperable conductive hearing loss.
The Detection of Infant Cortical Auditory Evoked Potentials (CAEPs) Using Statistical and Visual Detection Techniques
Authors: Carter Lyndal , Golding Maryanne , Dillon Harvey , Seymour John
Published: April 2011

Background:With the advent of newborn hearing screening programs, the need to verify the fit of hearing aids in young infants has increased. The recording of cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) for this purpose is quite feasible, but rapid developmental changes that affect
response morphology and the presence of electrophysiological noise can make subjective response detection challenging.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an automated statistic versus experienced examiners in detecting the presence of infant CAEPs
when stimuli were present and reporting the absence of CAEPs when no stimuli were present.Research Design:A repeated-measures design was used where infant-generated CAEPs were interpreted by examiners and an automated statistic.Study Sample:There were nine male and five female
infants (mean age, 12 mo; SD, 3.4) who completed behavioral and electrophysiological testing using speech-based stimuli.Data Collection and Analysis:In total, 87 infant CAEPs were recorded to three sensation levels, 10, 20 and 30 dB relative to the behavioral thresholds
and to nonstimulus trials. Three examiners were presented with these responses: (1) “in series,” where waveforms were presented in order of decreasing stimulus presentation levels, and (2) “nonseries,” where waveforms were randomized completely and presented as independent
waveforms. The examiners were given no information about the stimulus levels and were asked to determine whether responses to auditory stimulation could be observed and their degree of certainty in making their decision. Data from the CAEP responses were also converted to multiple dependent
variables and analyzed using Hotelling's T2. Results from both methods of response detection were analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA (analysis of variance) and parameters of signal detection theory known as d-prime (d′) and the area under the receiver operating characteristic
(ROC) curve.Results:Results showed that as the stimulus level increased, the sensitivity index, d′, increased for both methods of response detection, but neither reached the maximum possible d′ value with a sensation level of 30 dB. The examiners with the greatest
experience and Hotelling's T2 were equally sensitive in differentiating the CAEP from noise.Conclusions:Hotelling's T2 appears to detect CAEPs from normal hearing infants at a rate equal to that of an experienced examiner. A clinical instrument that applies Hotelling's
T2 on-line, so that the likelihood of response detection can be assessed objectively, should be of particular benefit to the novice or less experienced examiner.
Auditory Temporal Gap Detection in Children with and without Auditory Processing Disorder
Authors: Phillips Dennis P. , Comeau Michel , Andrus Jessica N.
Published: April 2011

Background:Auditory gap detection is a measure of temporal acuity. The paradigm comes in two forms, distinguished by whether the sounds bounding the silent period are the same (within channel [WC]) or different (between channel [BC]).Purpose:The purpose of this study was
to test normal children and children referred for auditory processing disorder (APD) assessment, with both gap detection paradigms.Research Design:Best gap durations (i.e., shortest reliably detected gaps) were measured in a two-interval, two-alternative forced-choice design embedded
within a modified method of limits, for both WC and BC paradigms, with stimuli presented at 55 dB HL.Study Sample:Sixteen control children and 20 children referred for APD assessment participated in the study. Of the 20 referred children, 9 were diagnostically positive for APD
(APD+), and 11 were negative (APD−). The mean age of children in all three groups was 10‐11 yr.Data Collection and Analysis:Data collected were best gap durations for each paradigm, for each child. Group differences were assessed using Kruskal-Wallis analyses of
variance.Results:WC best gap durations were very similar across the three participant groups. BC best gap durations varied significantly between listener groups, with the greatest difference being between controls and APD+ samples.Conclusions:BC best gap durations differed among
the listener groups while WC ones did not. This suggests that the relative timing perceptual operations required by the BC task are more susceptible to the perceptual disturbances in APD than is the simple event detection required by the WC task.
Auditory Conflict Processing: Behavioral and Electrophysiologic Manifestations of the Stroop Effect
Authors: Henkin Yael , Yaar-Soffer Yifat , Gilat Shlomo , Muchnik Chava
Published: April 2011

Background:One of the most extensively studied phenomena in cognitive neuroscience is the Stroop effect. In an enormous corpus of literature, the Stroop task has been used to study conflict processing in the visual modality; however, scarce data exist in the auditory modality.Purpose:The
main goal of the present study was to investigate auditory conflict processing by means of behavioral and electrophysiologic measures elicited during standard and reversed Stroop tasks. A secondary goal was to examine practice-related effects.Research Design:Event-related potentials
(ERPs) were recorded from 16 adults during tasks requiring classification of word meaning or speaker's gender while ignoring the irrelevant (congruent or incongruent) speaker's gender or word meaning, respectively. The behavioral measures, reaction time and performance accuracy, were simultaneously
obtained.Results:Results indicated (1) a significant behavioral Stroop effect manifested by prolonged reaction time and reduced performance accuracy. In contrast, ERP latencies were unaffected by the processing of incongruent versus congruent stimuli, supporting postperceptual conflict
processing associated with response selection and execution; (2) reduced N1 amplitude while processing incongruent versus congruent stimuli; (3) similar behavioral Stroop effects in both tasks together with nonsignificant task by stimulus type (incongruent, congruent) interactions for N1 and
N4; (4) significantly prolonged N4 and reaction time together with reduced N1 amplitude in the speaker's gender task (to both congruent and incongruent stimuli) compared to those found in the word meaning task; and (5) practice-related improvement in processing efficacy based on enhanced N1
amplitude, as well as shorter N4 and reaction time.Conclusions:Auditory conflict processing was predominantly postperceptual and was located at the response selection and execution stages. Alterations in the N1 component, however, provided support for an auditory conflict-processing
“signature” at the initial stages of the arrival of information to the auditory cortex. The current data indicate that speaker's gender and word meaning intruded on one another in a similar fashion, supporting symmetry between standard and reversed auditory Stroop effects. Nonetheless,
improved processing efficacy was evident while classifying word meaning. Utilization of the present methodology may prove advantageous for studying clinical populations exhibiting auditory and/or linguistic processing deficits.
Assessing Binaural Hearing: Results Using the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale
Authors: Noble William
Published: April 2011

Background:Binaural hearing is important for hearing target signals against competing ones, and for spatial hearing.Purpose:Survey of results using the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing scale (SSQ), a measure emphasizing contexts that rely on binaural hearing ability.
Results show that self-rating can identify binaural hearing influences and benefits.Research Designs:Retrospective design compared fitting with one versus two hearing aids. Prospective design compared one versus two cochlear implants. Brief descriptions are made of studies using other
comparative designs.Study Samples:There were 69 new adult-age clients of an audiology clinic with unilateral hearing aid fittings, 34 with bilateral (and n = 63 in a pre-aided sample); there were 14 people with one cochlear implant (CI), 18 with two; in both CI groups, age
ranged from 20 to 90 yr.Data Collection and Analysis:The data are scores on the 49 items comprising the SSQ, grouped into 10 “pragmatic” subscales, analyzed using t-tests and ANOVA.Results:Two aids offer advantage for challenging conditions (e.g., multistream
signal monitoring), for dynamic spatial hearing, and in reducing listening effort. These outcomes are observable, though less distinctly, in one versus two implants. Overall advantage of two implants is very clear in a 20‐59-yr-old cohort of patients. Recent application and development
of the SSQ indicates sensitivity to subtle differences in abilities.Conclusions:Self-report data are valuable in revealing the everyday listening domains in which improvement in binaural hearing function provides beneficial outcomes.
Is There a Hearing Aid for the Thinking Person?
Authors: Hafter Ervin R.
Published: April 2011

Background:The history of auditory prosthesis has generally concentrated on bottom-up processing, that is, on audibility. However, a growing interest in top-down processing has focused on correlations between success with a hearing aid and such higher order processing as the
patient's intelligence, problem solving and language skills, and the perceived effort of day-to-day listening.Purpose:Examination of two cases of cognitive effects in hearing that illustrate less-often-studied issues: (1) Individual subjects in a study use different listening strategies,
a fact that, if not known to the experimenter, can lead to errors in interpretation; (2) A measure of shared attention can point to otherwise unknown functional effects of an algorithm used in hearing aids.Research design:In the two examples described above: (1) Patients with cochlear
implants served in a study of the binaural precedence effect, that is, echo suppression. (2) Individuals identifying speech-in-noise benefit from noise reduction (NR) when the criterion was improved performance in simultaneous tests of verbal memory or visual reaction times.Conclusions:Studies
of hearing impairment, either in the laboratory or in a fitting session, should include study of the complex stimuli that make up the natural environment, conditions where the thinking auditory brain adopts strategies for dealing with large amounts of input data. In addition to well-known
factors that must be included in communication, such things as familiarity, syntax, and semantics, the work here shows that strategic listening can affect even how we deal with seemingly simpler requirements, localizing sounds in a reverberant auditory scene and listening for speech in noise
when busy with other cognitive tasks.
Dichotic Speech Recognition Using CVC Word and Nonsense CVC Syllable Stimuli
Authors: Findlen Ursula M. , Roup Christina M.
Published: April 2011

Background:The effects of stimulus material, lexical content, and response condition on dichotic speech recognition performance characteristics were examined for normal-hearing young adult listeners. No previous investigation has systematically examined the effects of stimulus
material with constant phonetic content but varied lexical content across three response conditions typically used to evaluate binaural auditory processing abilities.Purpose:To examine how dichotic speech recognition performance varies for stimulus materials with constant phonetic content
but varied lexical content across the free recall, directed recall right, and directed recall left response conditions.Research Design:Dichotic speech recognition was evaluated using consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) word and nonsense CVC syllable stimuli administered in the free recall,
directed right, and directed left response conditions, a repeated measures experimental design.Study Sample:Thirty normal-hearing young adults (15 male, 15 female) served as participants. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 31 yr and were all right-handed.Data Collection and
Analysis:Participants engaged in monaural speech recognition and dichotic speech recognition tasks. Percent correct recognition per ear, as well as ear advantage for dichotic speech recognition, were calculated and evaluated using a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical
procedure.Results:Dichotic speech recognition performance for nonsense CVC syllables was significantly poorer than performance for CVC words, suggesting that lexical content impacts performance on dichotic speech recognition tasks. Performance also varied across response condition,
which is consistent with previous studies of dichotic speech recognition.Conclusions:Lexical content of stimulus materials impacts performance characteristics for dichotic speech recognition tasks in the normal-hearing young adult population. The use of nonsense CVC syllable material
may provide a way to assess dichotic speech recognition performance while potentially lessening the effects of lexical content on performance.
Hearing Aids in the Real World: Typical Automatic Behavior of Expansion, Directionality, and Noise Management
Authors: Banerjee Shilpi
Published: April 2011

Background:Automatic DSP (digital signal processing) features, widely available in hearing aids today, are useful because they alleviate the need for the hearing aid wearer to manually adjust the hearing aid as listening conditions change. Although the theoretical basis for the
design of these features may be sound, little is known about their behavior in the real world. Data logging offers a glimpse into the life of the individual hearing aid wearer, but there are no published data to date that provide a frame of reference for the interpretation of this information.
Further, data logging in hearing aids provides only aggregate summaries for individual features, ignoring complex interactions including the differences between the left and right sides of a bilateral pair.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to determine the typical behavior of three
automatic DSP hearing aid features—expansion, directionality, and noise management—in daily life.Data Collection and Analysis:Ten individuals with hearing impairment were fitted bilaterally with BTE (behind the ear) hearing aids. The hearing aids were programmed for the
individual's hearing loss with expansion, directionality, and noise management set to activate automatically. A PDA (personal digital assistant) logged the input level and status of expansion, directionality, and noise management from both devices at 5 sec intervals. Data were gathered in
this manner over a period of 4‐5 wk.Results:A total of 741 hr of hearing aid use were logged, 50% of which were spent in environments no louder than 50 dB SPL. Expansion, directionality, and noise management were active 45, 10, and 21% of the time, respectively; the median
amount of gain reduction for noise management was ∼1 dB. Although expansion and noise management were always active at the low and high input levels, respectively, activation of directionality never exceeded 50%. Expansion and noise management were sometimes active simultaneously,
as were directionality and noise management. Bilateral agreement in feature activation typically exceeded 80%, except when the input level was at the cusp of a threshold for activation of a specific feature and at high input levels.
Associations between Diet and Both High and Low Pure Tone Averages and Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions in an Older Adult Population-Based Study
Authors: Spankovich Christopher , Hood Linda J. , Silver Heidi J. , Lambert Warren , Flood Victoria M. , Mitchell Paul
Published: April 2011

Background:Evidence from animal models suggests that redox homeostasis (the balance between oxidative stressors and antioxidants) and vascular health are important in the pathogenesis of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and that dietary nutrients that have roles in these processes
could influence the susceptibility to SNHL.Purpose:To examine associations between total nutrient intakes and auditory function outcomes in an older human population.Research Design:Descriptive characteristics and dietary data from food frequency questionnaires were collected
in a cross-sectional study design and analyzed for associations with auditory function outcomes (i.e., otoacoustic emissions and pure tone audiometry measured in a sound-treated room by an audiologist).Study Sample:2111 adults, 49‐99 yr of ageResults:Higher carbohydrate,
vitamin C, vitamin E, riboflavin, magnesium, and lycopene intakes were all significantly associated with larger TEOAE amplitude and better pure tone thresholds. Higher cholesterol, fat, and retinol intakes were significantly associated with lower TEOAE amplitude and worse pure tone thresholds.Conclusions:These
data suggest that nutrients with known roles in redox homeostasis and vascular health are associated with auditory function measures in a human population. Further investigation is warranted to determine direct and indirect influences of dietary intake on measures of auditory function and
to explore which nutrients/nutrient combinations are predictive of SNHL.
Use of Non‐Normalized, Non‐Amplified cDNA for 454‐Based RNA Sequencing of Fleshy Melon Fruit
Authors: Portnoy Vitaly , Diber Alex , Pollock Sarah , Karchi Hagai , Lev Shery , Tzuri Galil , Harel‐Beja Rotem , Forer Relly , Portnoy Vitaly H. , Lewinsohn Efraim , Tadmor Yaakov , Burger Joseph , Schaffer Arthur , Katzir Nurit
Published: April 2011

The melon (Cucumis melo L.) fruit is an important crop and model system for the genomic study of both fleshy fruit development and the Cucurbitaceae family. To obtain an accurate representation of the melon fruit transcriptome based on expressed sequence tag (EST) abundance in 454‐pyrosequencing data, we prepared double‐stranded complementary DNA (cDNA) of melon without the usual amplification and normalization steps. A purification step was also included to eliminate small fragments. Complementary DNAs were obtained from 14 individual fruit libraries derived from two genotypes, separated into flesh and peel tissues, and sampled throughout fruit development. Pyrosequencing was performed using Genome Sequencer FLX (GS FLX) technology, resulting in 1,215,359 reads, with mean length of >200 nucleotides. The global digital expression data was validated by comparative reverse transcription quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) of 40 selected genes and expression patterns were similar for the two methods. The results indicate that high‐quality, nonbiased cDNA for next‐generation sequencing can be prepared from mature, fleshy fruit, which are notorious for difficulties in ribonucleic acid (RNA) preparation.
The Genetics of Winterhardiness in Barley: Perspectives from Genome‐Wide Association Mapping
Authors: von Zitzewitz Jarislav , Cuesta‐Marcos Alfonso , Condon Federico , Castro Ariel J. , Chao Shiaoman , Corey Ann , Filichkin Tanya , Fisk Scott P. , Gutierrez Lucia , Haggard Kale , Karsai Ildikó , Muehlbauer Gary J. , Smith Kevin P. , Veisz Otto , Hayes Patrick M.
Published: April 2011

Winterhardiness is a complex trait that involves low temperature tolerance (LTT), vernalization sensitivity, and photoperiod sensitivity. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for these traits were first identified using biparental mapping populations; candidate genes for all loci have since been identified and characterized. In this research we used a set of 148 accessions consisting of advanced breeding lines from the Oregon barley (Hordeum vulgare L. subsp vulgare) breeding program and selected cultivars that were extensively phenotyped and genotyped with single nucleotide polymorphisms. Using these data for genome‐wide association mapping we detected the same QTL and genes that have been systematically characterized using biparental populations over nearly two decades of intensive research. In this sample of germplasm, maximum LTT can be achieved with facultative growth habit, which can be predicted using a three‐locus haplotype involving FR‐H1, FR‐H2, and VRN‐H2. The FR‐H1 and FR‐H2 LTT QTL explained 25% of the phenotypic variation, offering the prospect that additional gains from selection can be achieved once favorable alleles are fixed at these loci.
MODIFICATION OF PROPERTIES OF STRUCTURAL LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE WITH STEEL FIBRES / LENGVOJO BETONO SAVYBIŲ MODIFIKAVIMAS PLIENINĖMIS FIBROMIS
Authors: Domagała Lucyna
Published: April 2011

Structural lightweight aggregate concrete (SLWAC) is an alternative building material to normal-weight one, due to its ability to reach a relatively high compressive strength at still significantly lower density. Nevertheless, the application of lightweight aggregate instead of normal-weight one to concrete must result in deterioration of some characteristics of the composite. One of the methods of improving SLWAC properties is incorporation of fibers into concrete. This paper focuses on the influence of steel fibres on modification of properties of structural lightweight concrete with sintered fly ash aggregate. Two different concrete mixtures, producing various levels of matured composite density and compressive strength, were modified with three dosages of fibers: 30, 45 and 60 kg/m3. The applied amounts did not result in significant deterioration of the rheological parameters of concrete mixtures. Despite relatively low volume content of fibres, a considerable increase of flexural and tensile splitting strength was observed. Fibres also improved concrete shrinkage as well as post-peak deformability in uni-axial compression. The effect of steel addition on compressive strength proved to be dependent on specimen type. Nevertheless, it was not as crucial as in the case of the above characteristics. However, the modulus of elasticity of SLWAC was not affected by fibre addition. Santrauka Konstrukcinis su lengvaisiais užpildais betonas (SLWAC) yra normalaus svorio statybinių medžiagų alternatyva, turinti mažesnį tankį ir gebėjimą pasiekti gana didelį gniuždomąjį stiprį. Nepaisant to, lengvieji užpildai, naudojami vietoj normalaus svorio užpildų, realiai gali pabloginti kai kurias kompozito savybes. Vienas iš lengvojo betono SLWAC savybių tobulinimo būdų yra plieninių fibrų įterpimas į betono sudėtį. Šiame darbe aptariamas plieninių fibrų poveikis konstrukcinio lengvojo betono su lakiaisiais pelenais savybėms. Tikslui pasiekti buvo parinktos pagal tankį ir gniuždomąjį stiprį dvi skirtingos betono sudėtys su skirtingais (30, 45 ir 60 kg/m3) plieninių fibrų tankiais. Paruošti bandiniai buvo naudoti gniuždomajam stipriui ir kitoms savybėms nustatyti. Tyrimų rezultatai parodė, kad plieninių fibrų priedas nepablogino reologinių betono mišinio rodiklių. Nepaisant palyginti mažo fibrų kiekio, labai padidėjo bandinių lenkiamasis ir tempiamasis stipris. Fibros taip pat pagerino deformacines betono savybes. Gauto kompozito gniuždomasis stipris iš dalies priklausė nuo naudojamų plieninių fibrų charakteristikų. Tačiau plieninių fibrų priedas nepakeitė SLWAC tamprumo modulio.
A SIMPLIFIED APPROACH FOR PREDICTING EARLY-AGE CONCRETE PAVEMENT DEFORMATION / SUPAPRASTINTAS METODAS, PROGNOZUOJANTIS ANKSTYVOJO BETONO DANGOS DEFORMACIJAS
Authors: Kim Sunghwan , Gopalakrishnan Kasthurirangan , Ceylan Halil
Published: April 2011

Studies on deformation characteristics of early-age Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements (JPCP) due to environmental effects have drawn significant interest over the years. However, the complex nature of the problem arising from interacting environmental factors has resulted in difficulties in predicting the JPCP deformation characteristics. This study introduces a simplified approach for predicting the early-age deformation of JPCP due to environmental factors using an equivalent temperature difference concept. A newly constructed JPCP section on highway US–30 near Marshalltown, Iowa was instrumented to monitor the pavement response to variations in temperature and moisture during the first seven days after construction. Based on the collected field data, the total equivalent linear temperature difference (ΔTteltd ) corresponding to the actual deformation was quantified using Finite Element (FE) based approach, namely ISLAB 2000. The FE-based calculations were compared with the field measured slab deformation properties. Better predictions were obtained when employing a simplified equivalent temperature difference (ΔTteltd) concept for FE based primary response model. Santrauka Pastaraisiais metais ypač domimasi ankstyvojo betono kelio dangos (JPCP) deformacijos charakteristikomis ir poveikio aplinkai tyrimais, tačiau dėl aplinkos veiksnių sąveikos kyla sunkumų prognozuojant JPCP būdingąsias deformacines savybes. Šiame darbe pateikiamas supaprastintas metodas, kaip galima būtų prognozuoti ankstyvojo betono deformacijas JPCP, kylančias dėl aplinkos veiksnių, vartojant ekvivalentinės temperatūros skirtumo sąvoką. Naujai statomame JPCP US-30 plente prie Maršaltauno Ajovoje buvo sukonstruota bandymų įranga ir stebėta dangų reakcija į temperatūros bei drėgmės pokyčius per pirmąsias septynias dienas po statybų pabaigos. Remiantis gautais rezultatais, visų lygiaverčio linijinės temperatūros skirtumų (ΔTteltd ), atitinkančių faktinę deformaciją, vertės buvo skaičiuojamos taikant baigtinių elementų (FE) metodą su ISLAB 2000. Apskaičiuotos FE vertės buvo palygintos su natūrinėmis sąlygomis išmatuotomis deformacinėmis savybėmis. Tikslesnė prognozė buvo gauta taikant supaprastintą temperatūrų skirtumo (ΔTteltd ) metodiką, grindžiamą pirminiu FE modeliu.
PRICING MODELS OF COVERED BONDS—A NORDIC STUDY / PADENGTŲ OBLIGACIJŲ KAINODAROS MODELIS: ŠIAURĖS ŠALIŲ TYRIMAS
Authors: Sulku Petri , Falkenbach Heidi
Published: April 2011

Covered bonds are an alternative way of investing indirectly in the debt side of real estate, which is beneficial for investors looking for alternatives to government or corporate bonds. Due to the dual nature of the protection offered by covered bonds, they have a justified place in investors' portfolios. This paper studies the pricing of covered bonds and tests it with data gathered from the nordic countries. Using the tested reduced form model, it was possible to price covered bonds with satisfactory results. The estimated model was highly statistically significant and performed according to the economic reasoning behind it. The estimated model also worked well in comparison to research conducted earlier on competing models, such as the structural models.

Santrauka

Padengtos obligacijos yra alternatyvus netiesioginio investavimo į nekilnojamąjį turtą būdas, naudingas investuotojams, ieškantiems vyriausybės ir įmonių obligacijų alternatyvų. Padengtoms obligacijoms siūlomos dvejopos apsaugos priemonės turi nustatytą vietą investuotojų vertybinių popierių portfeliuose. Straipsnyjetiriama padengtų obligacijų kainodara, kuri patikrinama naudojant duomenis, surinktus iš Šiaurės šalių. Taikant patikrintą modelį buvo galima nustatyti padengtų obligacijų kainą ir gauti patenkinamus rezultatus. apytikris modelis buvo statistiškai labai reikšmingas ir parengtas remiantis jam priešingu ekonominiu pagrindimu. Apytikrį modelį sėkmingai taikyti, lyginant su anksčiau atliktu tyrimu, padėjo konkurencingi modeliai, pvz., struktūriniai modeliai.
RISK MANAGEMENT IN PROJECTS: PECULIARITIES OF LITHUANIAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES / RIZIKOS VALDYMAS PROJEKTUOSE: LIETUVOS STATYBOS ĮMONIŲ SAVITUMAI
Authors: Banaitienė Nerija , Banaitis Audrius , Norkus Artūras
Published: April 2011

Risk analysis and management is nowadays a critical factor to successful construction project management, as construction projects tend to be more complex, dynamic, always unique, and competition increasingly tougher. risk management helps the project participants—client, contractor or developer, consultant, and supplier—to meet their commitments and minimize negative impacts on construction project scope, cost, schedule (and quality, as a Result). The benefits of the risk management process include identifying and analyzing risks, and improvement of construction project management processes and effective use of resources. This paper reports the research that aims to discover how construction companies perceive the significance of the construction projects risks they face and the extent to which they employ potential risk responses. Santrauka Šiandien rizikos analizė ir valdymas yra svarbūs sėkmingam statybos projektų valdymui, nes statybos projektai tampa vis sudėtingesni, dinamiškesni, visada unikalūs, o konkurencija tarp statybos bendrovių taip pat didėja. Rizikos valdymas padeda projekto dalyviams—užsakovui, plėtotojui, rangovui, konsultantui ir tiekėjui—vykdyti savo įsipareigojimus ir sumažinti neigiamą taką statybos projekto apimčiai, išlaidoms, tvarkaraščiui ir kokybei kaip rezultatui. Rizikos valdymo proceso metu sistemingai nustatomi, analizuojami ir reaguojama į potencialius rizikos veiksnius, todėl statybos projektai valdomi efektyviau, veiksmingai naudojami ištekliai. Šiame straipsnyje trumpai pristatomas tyrimas, kuriuo siekiama sužinoti, kaip statybos bendrovės suvokia statybos projektų rizikos veiksnius, su kuriais jiems tenka susidurti, ir kokią reagavimo strategiją ir atsakomuosius veiksmus jos renkasi.
INTEGRATED MODEL AND SYSTEM FOR PASSIVE HOUSES MULTIPLE CRITERIA ANALYSIS / INTEGRUOTAS PASYVIŲJŲ NAMŲ DAUGIAKRITERINĖS ANALIZĖS MODELIS IR SISTEMA
Authors: Kaklauskas Artūras
Published: April 2011

In order to design and implement a high-quality passive house project, it is neces sary to take care of its efficiency from the brief stage to the end of its life's service. The entire process should be planned and executed with a consideration of the goals that are aspired to by the participating and interested parties and the micro, meso and macro environment levels. In order to realize the above purposes, an original Model for an Integrated analysis of Passive Houses and Passive Houses Design Multiple Criteria Decision Support System was developedby the authors, enabling one to analyze a passive house's life cycle, the parties involved in the project and its micro, meso and macro environment as one integrated entity.

Santrauka

Norint suprojektuoti ir įgyvendinti kokybišką pasyvųjį namą, reikia jo efektyvumu rūpintis nuo projekto idėjos iki pasyviojo namo gyvavimo ciklo pabaigos. Visas procesas turi būti suplanuotas ir įgyvendintas atsižvelgiant į suinteresuotų projekto grupių siekiamus tikslus ir mikro-, mezo- bei makroaplinką. Tikslams įgyvendinti buvo sukurtas originalus integruotas pasyviųjų namų analizės modelis ir pasyviųjų namų projektų analizės daugiakriterinė sprendimų paramos sistema, kuria remiantis galima analizuoti pasyviojo namo gyvavimo ciklą, suinteresuotas projekto grupes ir projekto mikro-, mezo- bei makroaplinką kaip vieną integruotą visumą.
ERROR ANALYSIS OF THE INERTIAL MEASUREMENT UNIT / INERCINIO MATAVIMŲ BLOKO KLAIDŲ ANALIZĖ
Authors: Adamcík František
Published: April 2011

The paper describes the results of error analysis of the new inertial measurement unit ADIS16364 produced by Analog Devices. This error analysis concerns stochastic sensor errors identified by the Allan variance method. In order to improve the performance of the inertial sensors, the users are keen to know more details about the noise components in each axis for a better modelling of the stochastic parts to improve the navigation solution. The main contribution of this paper is to present data necessary for further inertial sensors signal processing by means of Kalman filtering. Santrauka Straipsnyje pateikiami naujojo inercinio matavimų bloko ADIS16364 klaidų analizės rezultatai. Aprašyta klaidų analizė yra susijusi su stochastinio jutiklio klaidomis, nustatytomis Allano variacijos metodu. Siekiant pagerinti inercinių jutiklių našumą, naudotojai yra linkę daugiau sužinoti apie kiekvienoje ašyje esančius komponentus, kad būtų pagerintas stochastinių dalių modeliavimas bei rasti pažangesni navigacijos sprendimai. Šiuo darbu siekiama pristatyti duomenis, kurie yra reikalingi tolimesniam inercinių jutiklių signalų apdorojimui panaudojant Kalmano filtravimą.
Molecular Mechanisms of Induction of Antigen-Specific Allograft Tolerance by Intranasal Peptide Administration
Authors: Derbyshire Katy , Addey Caroline , Coe David , Stuckey Daniel W. , Muezzin Hasan , Bubier Jason A. , Shaffer Daniel J. , Roopenian Derry C. , Chai Jian-Guo , Scott Diane M.
Published: April 2011

We have previously shown that intranasal (i.n.) administration of a single MHC class II-restricted HY peptide to female mice induces tolerance to up to five additional epitopes expressed on test male grafts, a phenomenon known as linked suppression. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms involved both in the induction phase following peptide administration and during linked suppression after grafting. We report that following initial i.n. administration, peptide is widely disseminated and is presented by functionally immature dendritic cells. These fail to cause optimal stimulation of the responding HY-specific CD4+ T cells that express genes characteristic of regulatory T cells. Following i.n. peptide plus LPS administration, causing immunization, HY-specific CD4+ T cells express genes characteristic of activated T cells. We further find that following male skin grafting, HY-specific CD8+ T cells from peptide-treated tolerant mice display both quantitative and qualitative differences compared with similar cells from untreated mice that reject their grafts. In tolerant mice there are fewer HY-specific CD8+ cells and they express several genes characteristic of exhausted T cells. Furthermore, associated with specific chemokine receptor and integrin expression, HY-specific CD8+ T cells show more limited migration from the graft draining lymph node into other tissues.
Epicutaneous Immunotherapy Results in Rapid Allergen Uptake by Dendritic Cells through Intact Skin and Downregulates the Allergen-Specific Response in Sensitized Mice
Authors: Dioszeghy Vincent , Mondoulet Lucie , Dhelft Véronique , Ligouis Mélanie , Puteaux Emilie , Benhamou Pierre-Henri , Dupont Christophe
Published: April 2011

Epicutaneous immunotherapy onto intact skin has proved to be an efficient and safe alternative treatment of allergy in an animal model with various allergens and in children for cow’s milk allergy. The aim of this study was to analyze the different steps of the immunological handling of the allergen when deposited on intact skin using an epicutaneous delivery system and its immune consequences in sensitized BALB/c mice. As expected, when applied on intact skin, OVA exhibits neither a passive passage through the skin nor any detectable systemic delivery. The current study demonstrates that, after a prolonged application on intact skin, OVA is taken up by dendritic cells in the superficial layers of the stratum corneum and transported, after internalization, to the draining lymph nodes, with variations according to the previous level of sensitization of the mice. When OVA is applied with the epicutaneous delivery system repeatedly, specific local and systemic responses are down-modulated in association with the induction of regulatory T cells. Besides providing new insights into skin function in the presence of allergens, this study indicates that the skin might have a tolerogenic role, at least when kept intact.
Blockade of B7-H1 (Programmed Death Ligand 1) Enhances Humoral Immunity by Positively Regulating the Generation of T Follicular Helper Cells
Authors: Hams Emily , McCarron Mark J. , Amu Sylvie , Yagita Hideo , Azuma Miyuki , Chen Lieping , Fallon Padraic G.
Published: April 2011

T follicular helper (TFH) cells are critical initiators in the development of T cell-dependent humoral immunity and the generation of protective immunity. We demonstrate that TFH cell accumulation and Ab production are negatively regulated by B7-H1 (programmed death ligand 1) in response to both helminth infection and active immunization. Following immunization of B7-H1−/− mice with keyhole limpet hemocyanin or helminth Ags, there is a profound increase in induction of TFH cells as a result of increased cell cycling and decreased apoptosis relative to wild-type mice. The increase in TFH cells in the absence of B7-H1 was associated with significant elevations in Ag-specific Ig response. Cotransfer experiments in vivo demonstrated that B7-H1 expression on B cells was required for negatively regulating TFH cell expansion and production of Ag-specific Ig. Treatment of immunized wild-type mice with anti–B7-H1 or anti-programmed death 1 mAbs, but not anti–B7-DC, led to a significant expansion of the TFH cell population and an enhanced Ag-specific Ig response. Our results demonstrate that the coinhibitory B7-H1/programmed death 1 pathway can limit the expansion of TFH cells and constrain Ag-specific Ig responses. This finding has direct implications for investigations examining the feasibility of therapeutically manipulating this pathway and reveals new insights into the regulation of the humoral immune response.
Escherichia coliHeat-Labile Enterotoxin Promotes Protective Th17 Responses against Infection by Driving Innate IL-1 and IL-23 Production
Authors: Brereton Corinna F. , Sutton Caroline E. , Ross Pádraig J. , Iwakura Yoichiro , Pizza Mariagrazia , Rappuoli Rino , Lavelle Ed C. , Mills Kingston H. G.
Published: April 2011

Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) is a powerful mucosal adjuvant; however, it is associated with toxic effects when delivered intranasally, and its mechanism of action is poorly understood. In this article, we demonstrate that LT acts as a highly effective adjuvant when administered parenterally, promoting Ag-specific IL-17, as well as IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10 production in response to coadministered Ags. We found that the adjuvant activity of LT was mediated in part by inducing dendritic cell (DC) activation; LT promoted CD80 and CD86 expression by DCs and enhanced IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-23 production. An LT mutant, LTK63, that lacks enzyme activity was less effective than the wild-type toxin in promoting DC maturation and the development of Ag-specific Th17 cells. LT enhanced IL-23 and IL-1α production from DCs via activation of ERK MAPK and IL-1β secretion through activation of caspase-1 and the NLRP3 inflammasome. These cytokines played a major role in promoting Th17 responses by LT and LTK63. The induction of Th17 cells in vivo in response to LT and LTK63 as adjuvants was significantly reduced in IL-1RI–deficient mice. Finally, using a murine respiratory infection model, we demonstrated that LT can act as a highly effective adjuvant for a pertussis vaccine, promoting Ag-specific Th17 cells and protection against Bordetella pertussis challenge, which was significantly reduced in IL-17–defective mice. Our findings provide clear evidence that LT can promote protective immune responses in part through induction of innate IL-1 and, consequently, Th17 cells.
M-Ficolin Interacts with the Long Pentraxin PTX3: A Novel Case of Cross-Talk between Soluble Pattern-Recognition Molecules
Authors: Gout Evelyne , Moriscot Christine , Doni Andrea , Dumestre-Pérard Chantal , Lacroix Monique , Pérard Julien , Schoehn Guy , Mantovani Alberto , Arlaud Gérard J. , Thielens Nicole M.
Published: April 2011

Ficolins and pentraxins are soluble oligomeric pattern-recognition molecules that sense danger signals from pathogens and altered self-cells and might act synergistically in innate immune defense and maintenance of immune tolerance. The interaction of M-ficolin with the long pentraxin pentraxin 3 (PTX3) has been characterized using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy and electron microscopy. M-ficolin was shown to bind PTX3 with high affinity in the presence of calcium ions. The interaction was abolished in the presence of EDTA and inhibited by N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, indicating involvement of the fibrinogen-like domain of M-ficolin. Removal of sialic acid from the single N-linked carbohydrate of the C-terminal domain of PTX3 abolished the interaction. Likewise, an M-ficolin mutant with impaired sialic acid-binding ability did not interact with PTX3. Interaction was also impaired when using the isolated recognition domain of M-ficolin or the monomeric C-terminal domain of PTX3, indicating requirement for oligomerization of both proteins. Electron microscopy analysis of the M-ficolin–PTX3 complexes revealed that the M-ficolin tetramer bound up to four PTX3 molecules. From a functional point of view, immobilized PTX3 was able to trigger M-ficolin–dependent activation of the lectin complement pathway. These data indicate that interaction of M-ficolin with PTX3 arises from its ability to bind sialylated ligands and thus differs from the binding to the short pentraxin C-reactive protein and from the binding of L-ficolin to PTX3. The M-ficolin–PTX3 interaction described in this study represents a novel case of cross-talk between soluble pattern-recognition molecules, lending further credit to the integrated view of humoral innate immunity that emerged recently.
Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Is a Key Mediator of Breast Cancer Progression
Authors: Olkhanud Purevdorj B. , Rochman Yrina , Bodogai Monica , Malchinkhuu Enkhzol , Wejksza Katarzyna , Xu Mai , Gress Ronald E. , Hesdorffer Charles , Leonard Warren J. , Biragyn Arya
Published: April 2011

Inflammation is a double-edged sword that can promote or suppress cancer progression. In this study, we report that thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an IL-7–like type 1 inflammatory cytokine that is often associated with the induction of Th2-type allergic responses in the lungs, is also expressed in human and murine cancers. Our studies with murine cancer cells indicate that TSLP plays an essential role in cancer escape, as its inactivation in cancer cells alone was sufficient to almost completely abrogate cancer progression and lung metastasis. The cancer-promoting activity of TSLP primarily required signaling through the TSLP receptor on CD4+ T cells, promoting Th2-skewed immune responses and production of immunosuppressive factors such as IL-10 and IL-13. Expression of TSLP therefore may be a useful prognostic marker, and its targeting could have therapeutic potential.
A Woman with a Lower Lip Nodule: What Is Your Diagnosis?
Authors: Sarma Deba P. , Chen Mingui , Stevens Todd , Albertson Daniel , Rusin Spencer , Ortman Stephanie
Published: April 2011

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE), also known as epitheliod hemangioma is an uncommon benign vascular tumor of the skin. It usually presents as nodules and erythema over the ears, forehead, or scalp. Histologically, the lesion is composed of a combination of immature blood vessels, endothelial cells with distinct epitheliod appearance and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration with numerous eosinophils.
Such a case occurring on the lower lip of a 55-year-old woman is presented. The lesion was completely excised with clear margins. Surgical resection is the preferred mode of treatment and is curative.
A Mahler Measure of a K3 Surface Expressed as a Dirichlet L-Series
Authors: Bertin Marie José
Published: April 2011

We present another example of a 3-variable polynomial defining a K3-hypersurface and having a logarithmic Mahler measure expressed in terms of a Dirichlet L-series.
Equivalence of Lp Stability and Exponential Stability of Nonlinear Lipschitzian Semigroups
Authors: Xueli Song , Jigen Peng
Published: April 2011

Lp stability and exponential stability are two important concepts for nonlinear dynamic systems. In this paper, we prove that a nonlinear exponentially bounded Lipschitzian semigroup is exponentially stable if and only if the semigroup is Lp stable for some p > 0. Based on the equivalence, we derive two sufficient conditions for exponential stability of the nonlinear semigroup. The results obtained extend and improve some existing ones.