bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sound localization in noise in hearing-impaired listeners
Authors: Lorenzi Christian , Gatehouse Stuart , Lever Catherine
Published: July 2012

The present study assesses the ability of four listeners with high-frequency, bilateral symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss to perform horizontal localization of a click train in the presence of a white noise masker. The speaker array and stimuli are identical to those described in the preceding abstract. The localization performance of hearing-impaired listeners is inferior to that of normal-hearing listeners in all conditions. Both groups of listeners show the same pattern of performance when noise is presented straight ahead: Performance is not affected by noise when the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) is greater than 0 dB; below this value, performance degrades when S/N decreases. When noise is presented at the side, the performance of impaired listeners starts to worsen at higher S/N’s (6 to 12-dB S/N) than normal-hearing listeners and reaches a lower level. The normal-hearing listeners in the low-pass conditions reproduce the general form of the effects of noise on hearing-impaired listeners, but not the absolute level of performance. Parallel measures of clicks detectability are available to assess the extent to which audibility is responsible for the lower absolute level of performance observed in impaired listeners.
Applications of the 2 DOF network representation of violin cavity modes A0 and A1 to partial cavity volume and f-hole geometry changes in an Aluminum violin surrogate
Authors: Bissinger George
Published: July 2012

Lack of uniqueness in the circuit elements of the 2 DOF Network model [E. A. G. Shaw, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 87, 398–410 (1990)] for the two lowest violin cavity modes A0 and A1 is one difficulty in its application, e.g., Shaw provided three possible parameter sets with substantial variation among them. To provide constraints on the range of parameters, global fitting of a large database of A0 and A1 frequencies, and their upper bout–lower bout pressure ratios—obtained by adding measured quantities of water (up to 250 cm3) to a flat-plated Al violin-shaped cavity (volume =1800 cm3) and varying its orientation—produced an optimized set of parameters close to Shaw’s preferred set. With this optimized set of parameters, it was possible to estimate: (1) the mutual inertance contribution to the f-hole inertance; (2) a volume dependence of the A0 mode frequency of f V-0.254 in good agreement with the experimental value of V-0.269; and (3) predictions of the effect of sliding, rotating, and flipping the f holes.
Evidence from a simple two-channel model for asymptotic gap detection
Authors: Formby C. , Gerber M. J. , Sherlock L. P. , Magder L. S.
Published: July 2012

Detection of silent temporal gaps is characterized by two prominent features when measured as a function of frequency separation between two sinusoids that mark the silent gap. First, over a range of about an octave separation, gap detection thresholds (GDTs) routinely increase as the frequency difference is increased between the two sinusoids. Second, GDTs become asymptotic for greater sinusoidal frequency separations. This characteristic GDT pattern probably reflects two different processes. The first process almost certainly reflects gap detection measured within a single auditory filter or channel. The nature of the second process is less certain, but may reflect across-channel processing of the silent gap stimulus in two or more independent frequency channels. To evaluate the idea that asymptotic GDTs can be explained with a simple two-channel model, GDTs were measured as a function of frequency separation between a pre-gap sinusoid presented to the left ear (channel 1) and a post-gap sinusoid presented to the right ear (channel 2). The resulting GDTs for standard pre-gap sinusoids from 250 to 2000 Hz correspond closely with asymptotic GDTs measured for three listeners for the same set of stimulus conditions presented monaurally. This correspondence of the data supports a two-channel hypothesis. [Research supported by NIH.]
The PSTD algorithm: A time-domain method combining the pseudospectral technique and perfectly matched layers
Authors: Liu Qing-Huo
Published: July 2012

Simulations of underwater acoustic wave propagation require solutions for large-scale multidimensional problems. The traditional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method needs a fine discretization of 8–20 cells per wavelength in order to give accurate results. On the other hand, the pseudospectral method, even though efficient, suffers from the wraparound effect due to the use of discrete Fourier transform. This effect severely limits the applications of the pseudospectral method to large-scale problems. Hence, a popular way of simulating underwater acoustic wave propagation is to use the parabolic equation (PE) methods which neglect backscattering. In this work, Berenger’s perfectly matched layers (PML) are used in the pseudospectral method to eliminate the wraparound effect. To achieve a high accuracy, this method requires only two cells per wavelength which is dictated by the Nyquist sampling theorem. As a result, it can solve at least 64 times larger 3-D problems than the FDTD method with the same requirement in computer memory and CPU time. Hence, full-wave solutions of long-range underwater acoustic wave propagation become possible. Numerous simulations show the superiority of the PSTD method for large-scale problems. [Work supported by a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers through EPA and by Sandia National Laboratories.]
Excitation and detection of Lamb waves by cylindrical ultrasonic waveguides
Authors: Yen C. Eric , Tittmann Bernhard R.
Published: July 2012

In this paper a novel technique to generate and detect Lamb waves by use of cylindrical ultrasonic waveguides with off-shelf ultrasound transducers attached to the ends will be investigated. Due to the impedance mismatch between the transducer and the cylindrical rod waveguide, the energy transmission from an off-shelf transducer to the rod is not very efficient. An unique technique, which makes use of solid conical waveguide as an impedance transformer between the transducer and the rod waveguide, was investigated to solve the problem. Insertion loss measurements for two different waveguide systems, i.e., transducer rod and transducer-conical waveguide rod, were conducted to verify the improvement of the acoustic energy transmission of a transducer-conical waveguide-rod combination. Transient plate waves excited by Nelson–Hsu pencil lead breaks were detected and recorded on an aluminum plate by the as-developed waveguides. Dispersion analysis was conducted to verify the plate modes excited by pencil lead breaks at different locations of the plate. Excitation of Lamb waves was also exercised by use of the waveguides. Experimental measurement of the mode velocity was compared with the theoretical predication.
Learning new stimulus–response relationships in a localization paradigm: Modeling bias and resolution
Authors: Shinn-Cunningham Barbara G. , Lin Gregory
Published: July 2012

In previous work [Shinn-Cunningham, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 97, 3411(A) (1995)], the context-coding model of Braida and Durlach [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 51, 483–502 (1970)] was extended to account for changes in subject performance that occurred in a spatial adaptation paradigm. In these earlier experiments, subjects were trained to identify the azimuthal location of a source in a way that contradicted their normal experience (e.g., they were taught to respond that a stimulus normally perceived at 30 deg was actually at the position labeled 40 deg). The extended model was able to account for observed changes in both response bias and the ability to resolve stimuli. The model assumes that changes in bias and resolution are linked, and that there are limits in the plasticity of the stimulus–response relationship. In the current work, the model was further tested by examining how performance changed when subjects were asked to learn two different stimulus–response sets over the course of an experimental session. Observed changes in bias and resolution were predicted by the model, lending further support to its basic structure and assumptions. [Work supported by the AFOSR.] a)Currently at Cognitive and Neural Systems, Boston University.
Nonstationary vibroacoustical excitation for passive-active acoustical nondestructive evaluation of cracks
Authors: Gelman Leonid M. , Ossokina Nataliya Yu.
Published: July 2012

For nondestructive evaluation of fatigue cracks the passive-active low-frequency acoustical method of forced oscillations is used. In the case when natural frequencies of tested details are unknown but natural frequency range is known the use of vibroacoustical nonstationary excitation with variable (in natural frequency range) frequency is proposed. The new model of mentioned excitation is proposed and developed. New analytical expressions of current correlation function and spectral density are received and investigated.
Sonic stop bands for cubic arrays of rigid inclusions in air
Authors: Kushwaha M. S. , Djafari-Rouhani B. , Dobrzynski L. , Vasseur J. O.
Published: July 2012

Extensive band structures have been computed for cubic arrays of rigid spheres and cubes in air. Complete stop bands are obtained for face-centered-cubic (fcc) structure; however, there is no gap for the body-centered-cubic (bcc) and simple-cubic (sc) structures. These gaps start opening up for a volume fraction of ≊54% (27%) for spherical (cubic) inclusions and tend to increase with the filling fraction, exhibiting a maximum at the close-packing. A tandem structure that allows us to achieve an ultrawideband filter for environmental or industrial noise in the desired frequency range is proposed. This work is motivated by the recent experimental observation of sound attenuation on the sculpture, by Eusebio Sempere, exhibited at the Juan March foundation in Madrid [Nature 378, 241 (1995)] and complements the corresponding theoretical work [Appl. Phys. Lett. 70, 3218 (1997)].
Spatial Structure and Lamarckian Adaptation Explain Extreme Genetic Diversity at CRISPR Locus
Authors: Haerter Jan O. , Sneppen Kim
Published: July 2012

Even within similar bacterial strains, it has been found that the clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) shows a large variability of spacers. Modeling bacterial strains with different levels of immunity to infection by a single virulent phage, we find that coexistence in a well-mixed environment is possible only when these levels are distinctly different. When bacterial strains are similar, one subpopulation collapses. In the case of bacteria with various levels of CRISPR immunity to a range of phages, small differences in spacer composition will accordingly be suppressed under well-mixed conditions. Using a numerical model of populations spreading in space, we predict that it is the Lamarckian nature of CRISPR evolution that combines with spatial correlations to sustain the experimentally observed distribution of spacer diversity.
Positional cloning of a gene responsible for the cts mutation of the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Ito Katsuhiko , Kidokoro Kurako , Katsuma Susumu , Shimada Toru , Yamamoto Kimiko , Mita Kazuei , Kadono-Okuda Keiko
Published: July 2012

The larval head cuticle and anal plates of the silkworm mutant cheek and tail spot (cts) have chocolate-colored spots, unlike the entirely white appearance of the wild-type (WT) strain. We report the identification and characterization of the gene responsible for the cts mutation. Positional cloning revealed a cts candidate on chromosome 16, designated BmMFS, based on the high similarity of the deduced amino acid sequence between the candidate gene from the WT strain and the major facilitator superfamily (MFS) protein. BmMFS likely encodes a membrane protein with 11 putative transmembrane domains, while the putative structure deduced from the cts-type allele possesses only 10-pass transmembrane domains owing to a deletion in its coding region. Quantitative RT–PCR analysis showed that BmMFS mRNA was strongly expressed in the integument of the head and tail, where the cts phenotype is observed; expression markedly increased at the molting and newly ecdysed stages. These results indicate that the novel BmMFS gene is cts and the membrane structure of its protein accounts for the cts phenotype. These expression profiles and the cts phenotype are quite similar to those of melanin-related genes, such as Bmyellow-e and Bm-iAANAT, suggesting that BmMFS is involved in the melanin synthesis pathway.
Aware Computing in Spatial Language Understanding Guided by Cognitively Inspired Knowledge Representation
Authors: Yokota Masao
Published: July 2012

Mental image directed semantic theory (MIDST) has proposed an omnisensory mental image model and its description languageLmd. This language is designed to represent and compute human intuitive knowledge of space and can provide multimedia expressions with intermediate semantic descriptions in predicate logic. It is hypothesized that such knowledge and semantic descriptions are controlled by human attention toward the world and therefore subjective to each human individual. This paper describesLmdexpression of human subjective knowledge of space and its application to aware computing in cross-media operation between linguistic and pictorial expressions as spatial language understanding.
Identification of Four Novel Synonymous Substitutions in the X-Linked GenesNeuroligin 3andNeuroligin 4Xin Japanese Patients with Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Yanagi Kumiko , Kaname Tadashi , Wakui Keiko , Hashimoto Ohiko , Fukushima Yoshimitsu , Naritomi Kenji
Published: July 2012

Mutations in the X-linked genesneuroligin 3 (NLGN3)andneuroligin 4X (NLGN4X)were first implicated in the pathogenesis of X-linked autism in Swedish families. However, reports of mutations in these genes in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients from various ethnic backgrounds present conflicting results regarding the etiology of ASD, possibly because of genetic heterogeneity and/or differences in their ethnic background. Additional mutation screening study on another ethnic background could help to clarify the relevance of the genes to ASD. We scanned the entire coding regions ofNLGN3andNLGN4Xin 62 Japanese patients with ASD by polymerase chain reaction-high-resolution melting curve and direct sequencing analyses. Four synonymous substitutions, one inNLGN3and three inNLGN4X, were identified in four of the 62 patients. These substitutions were not present in 278 control X-chromosomes from unrelated Japanese individuals and were not registered in the database of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms build 132 or in the Japanese Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms database, indicating that they were novel and specific to ASD. Though further analysis is necessary to determine the physiological and clinical importance of such substitutions, the possibility of the relevance of both synonymous and nonsynonymous substitutions with the etiology of ASD should be considered.
Low-Grade Central Osteosarcoma: A Difficult Condition to Diagnose
Authors: Malhas A. M. , Sumathi V. P. , James S. L. , Menna C. , Carter S. R. , Tillman R. M. , Jeys L. , Grimer R. J.
Published: July 2012

Low-grade central osteosarcoma (LGCO) is a rare variant of osteosarcoma which is difficult to diagnose. If not treated appropriately, the tumour can recur with higher-grade disease. We reviewed our experience of this condition to try and identify factors that could improve both diagnosis and outcome. 18 patients out of 1540 osteosarcoma cases (over 25 years) had LGCO (1.2%). Only 11 patients (61%) were direct primary referrals. Almost 40% (7 of 18) cases were referred after treatment elsewhere when the diagnosis had not been made initially and all presented with local recurrence. Of the 11 who presented primarily, the first biopsy was diagnostic in only 6 (55%) cases. Of the remaining cases, up to three separate biopsies were required before a definitive diagnosis was made. Overall survivorship at 5 years was 90%. 17 patients were treated with limb salvage procedures, and one patient had an amputation. The diagnosis of LGCO remains challenging due to the relatively nonspecific radiological and histological findings. Since treatment of LGCO is so different to a benign lesion, accurate diagnosis is essential. Any difficult or nondiagnostic biopsies of solitary bone lesions should be referred to specialist tumour units for a second opinion.
Evaluation of Health-Related Quality of Life according to Carbohydrate Metabolism Status: A Spanish Population-Based Study (Di@bet.es Study)
Authors: Marcuello C. , Calle-Pascual A. L. , Fuentes M. , Runkle I. , Soriguer F. , Goday A. , Bosch-Comas A. , Bordiú E. , Carmena R. , Casamitjana R. , Castaño L. , Castell C. , Catalá M. , Delgado E. , Franch J. , Gaztambide S. , Girbés J. , Gomis R. , Gutiérrez G. , López-Alba A. , Martínez-Larrad M. T. , Menéndez E. , Mora-Peces I. , Ortega E. , Pascual-Manich G. , Rojo-Martínez G. , Serrano-Rios M. , Valdés S. , Vázquez J. A. , Vendrell J.
Published: July 2012

Objective. To evaluate the association between diabetes mellitus and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) controlled for several sociodemographic and anthropometric variables, in a representative sample of the Spanish population.Methods. A population-based, cross-sectional, and cluster sampling study, with the entire Spanish population as the target population. Five thousand and forty-seven participants (2162/2885 men/women) answered the HRQOL short form 12-questionnaire (SF-12). The physical (PCS-12) and the mental component summary (MCS-12) scores were assessed. Subjects were divided into four groups according to carbohydrate metabolism status: normal, prediabetes, unknown diabetes (UNKDM), and known diabetes (KDM). Logistic regression analyses were conducted.Results. Mean PCS-12/MCS-12 values were50.9±8.5/47.6±10.2, respectively. Men had higher scores than women in both PCS-12 (51.8±7.2versus50.3±9.2;P<0.001) and MCS-12 (50.2±8.5versus45.5±10.8;P<0.001). Increasing age and obesity were associated with a poorer PCS-12 score. In women lower PCS-12 and MCS-12 scores were associated with a higher level of glucose metabolism abnormality (prediabetes and diabetes), (P<0.0001for trend), but only the PCS-12 score was associated with altered glucose levels in men (P<0.001for trend). The Odds Ratio adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI) and educational level, for a PCS-12 score below the median was 1.62 (CI 95%: 1.2–2.19;P<0.002) for men with KDM and 1.75 for women with KDM (CI 95%: 1.26–2.43;P<0.001), respectively.Conclusion. Current study indicates that increasing levels of altered carbohydrate metabolism are accompanied by a trend towards decreasing quality of life, mainly in women, in a representative sample of Spanish population.
Expression of the PTTG1 Oncogene Is Associated with Aggressive Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wondergem Bill , Zhang Zhongfa , Huang Dachuan , Ong Choon Kiat , Koeman Julie , Hof David Van't , Petillo David , Ooi Aikseng , Anema John , Lane Brian , Kahnoski Richard J. , Furge Kyle A. , Teh Bin Tean
Published: July 2012

The pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG1) is a recently discovered oncogene implicated in malignant progression of both endocrine and nonendocrine malignancies. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is cytogenetically characterized by chromosome 3p deletions that harbor the ccRCC-related von Hippel-Lindau, PBRM1, BAP1, and SETD2 tumor suppressor genes, along with chromosome 5q amplifications where the significance has been unclear. PTTG1 localizes to the chromosome 5q region where amplifications occur in ccRCC. In this study, we report a functional role for PTTG1 in ccRCC tumorigenesis. PTTG1 was amplified in ccRCC, overexpressed in tumor tissue, and associated with high-grade tumor cells and poor patient prognosis. In preclinical models, PTTG1 ablation reduced tumorigenesis and invasion. An analysis of gene expression affected by PTTG1 indicated an association with invasive and metastatic disease. PTTG1-dependent expression of the RhoGEF proto-oncogene ECT2 was observed in a number of ccRCC cell lines. Moreover, ECT2 expression correlated with PTTG1 expression and poor clinical features. Together, our findings reveal features of PTTG1 that are consistent with its identification of an oncogene amplified on chromsome 5q in ccRCC, where it may offer a novel therapeutic target of pathologic significance in this disease. Cancer Res; 72(17); 4361–71. ©2012 AACR.
Biomarker and Pharmacologic Evaluation of the γ-Secretase Inhibitor PF-03084014 in Breast Cancer Models
Authors: Zhang Cathy C. , Pavlicek Adam , Zhang Qin , Lira Maruja E. , Painter Cory L. , Yan Zhengming , Zheng Xianxian , Lee Nathan V. , Ozeck Mark , Qiu Ming , Zong Qing , Lappin Patrick B. , Wong Anthony , Rejto Paul A. , Smeal Tod , Christensen James G.
Published: July 2012

Purpose: We aimed to assess the biologic activity of PF-03084014 in breast xenograft models. The biomarkers for mechanism and patient stratification were also explored.

Experimental Design: The in vitro and in vivo properties of PF-03084014 were investigated. The mRNA expressions of 40 key Notch pathway genes at baseline or after treatment were analyzed to link with the antitumor efficacy of PF-03084014 in a panel of breast cancer xenograft models.

Results: In vitro, PF-03084014 exhibited activity against tumor cell migration, endothelial cell tube formation, and mammosphere formation. In vivo, we observed apoptosis, antiproliferation, reduced tumor cell self-renewal ability, impaired tumor vasculature, and decreased metastasis activity after the treatment of PF-03084014. PF-03084014 treatment displayed significant antitumor activity in 10 of the 18 breast xenograft models. However, the antitumor efficacy in most models did not correlate with the in vitro antiproliferation results in the corresponding cell lines, suggesting the critical involvement of tumor microenvironment during Notch activation. In the tested breast xenograft models, the baseline expressions of the Notch receptors, ligands, and the cleaved Notch1 failed to predict the antitumor response to PF-03084014, whereas several Notch pathway target genes, including HEY2, HES4, and HES3, strongly corresponded with the response with a P value less than 0.01. Many of the best molecular predictors of response were also significantly modulated following PF-03084014 treatment.

Conclusions: PF-03084014 showed antitumor and antimetastatic properties via pleiotropic mechanisms. The Notch pathway downstream genes may be used to predict the antitumor activity of PF-03084014 and enrich for responders among breast cancer patients. Clin Cancer Res; 18(18); 5008–19. ©2012 AACR.
Calcium Channel TRPV6 as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Estrogen Receptor–Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Peters Amelia A. , Simpson Peter T. , Bassett Johnathon J. , Lee Jane M. , Da Silva Leonard , Reid Lynne E. , Song Sarah , Parat Marie-Odile , Lakhani Sunil R. , Kenny Paraic A. , Roberts-Thomson Sarah J. , Monteith Gregory R.
Published: July 2012

Calcium signaling is a critical regulator of cell proliferation. Elevated expression of calcium channels and pumps is a characteristic of some cancers, including breast cancer. We show that the plasma membrane calcium channel TRPV6, which is highly selective for Ca2+, is overexpressed in some breast cancer cell lines. Silencing of TRPV6 expression in a breast cancer cell line with increased endogenous TRPV6 expression leads to a reduction in basal calcium influx and cellular proliferation associated with a reduction in DNA synthesis. TRPV6 gene amplification was identified as one mechanism of TRPV6 overexpression in a subset of breast cancer cell lines and breast tumor samples. Analysis of two independent microarray expression datasets from breast tumor samples showed that increased TRPV6 expression is a feature of estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast tumors encompassing the basal-like molecular subtype, as well as HER2-positive tumors. Breast cancer patients with high TRPV6 levels had decreased survival compared with patients with low or intermediate TRPV6 expression. Our findings suggest that inhibitors of TRPV6 may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ER-negative breast cancers. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(10); 2158–68. ©2012 AACR.
Administration of Perflutren Contrast Agents during Transthoracic Echocardiography Is Not Associated with a Significant Increase in Acute Mortality Risk
Authors: Goldberg Ythan H. , Ginelli Paul , Siegel Robert , Ostfeld Robert J. , Schaefer Michael , Spevack Daniel M.
Published: July 2012

Background: Despite the 2008 revision of a previously issued black box warning of the US Food and Drug Administration against the use of perflutren ultrasound contrast agents, the warning still reports fatalities having occurred following their administration. We sought to assess 1-day mortality associated with contrast use across a wide range of clinical settings and co-morbidities. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study involving 96,705 transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) in 63,189 adults at our institution between July 2003 and June 2008. A contrast agent was used in 2,518 TTE during this time. The primary outcome was total mortality within 1 day of TTE. Results: Death occurred in 10 patients (0.44%) in the contrast group and in 421 patients (0.69%) in the non-contrast group (p = 0.14). In a multivariate model, use of contrast enhancement was not associated with increased mortality (p = 0.67) after adjustment for age, gender, race, patient location, ejection fraction, and the presence of various co-morbidities. Cause of death analysis did not identify any cases where contrast played a likely role. Conclusion: Definity contrast use during TTE was not associated with increased acute mortality risk. Contrast administration during TTE should not be withheld when the additional information obtained could potentially improve patient management.
Serum Levels of Omentin in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients
Authors: Alcelik Aytekin , Tosun Mehmet , Ozlu Mehmet Fatih , Eroglu Mustafa , Aktas Gulali , Kemahli Eray , Savli Haluk , Yazici Mehmet
Published: July 2012

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, evaluation and prevention of cardiovascular diseases in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are very important. The plasma level of omentin was found to be associated with different conditions such as insulin resistance. It is one of the novel adipokines synthesized mainly in the visceral adipose tissue. In this study, we aimed to investigate the level of omentin in patients with ESRD receiving hemodialysis. Methods: The study population consisted of 59 adult chronic hemodialysis patients (30 women and 29 men) and age-matched control subjects were selected from apparently healthy subjects (28 participants; 14 women and 14 men). Blood samples were obtained before the dialysis session. Omentin concentrations were determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Plasma levels of omentin were found to be markedly higher in ESRD patients (606.6 ± 313.0 ng/ml) than in the control group (357.5 ± 147.4 ng/ml; p < 0.0001). Also, serum omentin levels were found to be correlated with creatinine (r = 0.333, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Omentin levels were found to be elevated in patients with ESRD receiving hemodialysis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical study that demonstrated the association between omentin and ESRD.
Correlation between Early Subjective Response to Antipsychotics and the Number of Hospitalizations and Hospitalization Days in a Period of 10–11 Years in Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Murawiec Slawomir , Boutros Nash N.
Published: July 2012

Introduction: Research into the significance of early subjective response to antipsychotic medication has so far only involved observation periods of up to 1 year. Method: The Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI-10) questionnaires, completed by patients with the diagnosis of schizophrenia in 1997–1998, were the bases for this study. In 2009, data on 36 patients (18 women and 18 men) with 10–11 years of follow-up information were found whose completed DAI questionnaires were on record in the hospital register. The data included the number of hospitalizations, which enabled to calculate the total number of days spent in hospital for each patient. Statistical analysis examined possible correlations between the DAI scale results and the number of hospitalizations in 1997/1998–2009 and the number of days spent in the hospital during that period of time. Results: The total number of hospitalizations in the period of 11–12 years has shown no correlations with the results of the DAI-10 scale (p = 0.23). However, the number of days spent in hospital in the period of observation has shown a reverse correlation between the results of the DAI-10 scale in 1997–1998 and the number of days spent in hospital (p = 0.037). The higher the result of the DAI-10 scale was in 1997–1998 (indicating the absence of a dysphoric response to antipsychotic medications), the fewer days of hospitalization were found in the researched period. Conclusions: Early subjective response to antipsychotic drugs shows a relation to the number of days spent in hospital in the period of observation over 10 years. The data suggest that an early dysphoric response to antipsychotic medications is associated with more days spent in the hospital during subsequent years.
In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of SinuSurf™
Authors: Kofonow Jennifer M. , Adappa Nithin D.
Published: July 2012

Background: Topical surfactant therapy has been found to be effective in the management of recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis. Objective: To determine in vitro the antibacterial potential of SinuSurf™, a previously commercially available sinonasal surfactant. Methods: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) cultures were grown in the presence or absence of serial dilutions of mupirocin or gentamicin with and without SinuSurf and quantified by colony-forming units (CFUs). Biofilm formation was also assessed. Finally, bacterial growth was evaluated in sinus irrigation bottles inoculated with MRSA or PA and rinsed daily with SinuSurf. Results: SinuSurf alone evinced a 3-log (1,000-fold) and 6-log (106-fold) reduction in CFUs for MRSA and PA, respectively. The combination of SinuSurf with a 1:10 dilution mupirocin and 1:100 dilution gentamicin demonstrated complete bacterial eradication. Similar concentrations of antibiotic dilutions alone demonstrated bacterial growth. SinuSurf averaged an 83% MRSA and 76% PA reduction in biofilm formation. Bottle contamination evaluation demonstrated reduction of MRSA and PA (p < 0.05) with SinuSurf. Conclusion: Biofilms have been demonstrated in chronic rhinosinusitis patients and implicated in recalcitrant disease. Our in vitro data demonstrates the addition of SinuSurf improved the effectiveness of a lower concentration of topical antibiotics in biofilm mass and viability.
Hearing Preservation after Cochlear Implantation Using Deeply Inserted Flex Atraumatic Electrode Arrays
Authors: Tamir Sharon , Ferrary Evelyne , Borel Stéphanie , Sterkers Olivier , Bozorg Grayeli Alexis
Published: July 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate hearing preservation in adults receiving cochlear implants with Flex arrays. Fifteen adults (19 ears) implanted with Flex EAS® (n = 4) or Flex Soft® (n = 15; MedEL, Innsbruck, Austria) were included in this retrospective study. The mean array insertion length was 25 ± 0.9 mm (n = 19), and the mean cochlear coverage was 435 ± 14.5° (n = 19), with no difference between EAS and Soft arrays. Residual low-frequency hearing was preserved in all implanted ears but deteriorated [pure-tone average (125–1000 Hz) 55.1 ± 2.90 dB before vs. 81.0 ± 3.02 dB after surgery (n = 19, p < 0.01)]. Both Flex arrays allow deep insertion with reproducible hearing preservation.
Gentamicin Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics during Short-Daily Hemodialysis
Authors: Decker Brian S. , Mohamed Ahmed N. , Chambers Mary , Kraus Michael A. , Moe Sharon M. , Sowinski Kevin M.
Published: July 2012

Background/Aims: Gentamicin pharmacokinetics have not been described in patients undergoing short-daily hemodialysis (SDHD). The aim of this study is to describe gentamicin pharmacokinetics and dialytic clearance (Cldial) in SDHD patients and simulate gentamicin exposure after six dosing regimens to help guide future dosing. Methods: Six anuric patients undergoing SDHD were enrolled. Patients received intravenous infusion of 2 mg/kg gentamicin on day 1 after the first HD session followed by HD sessions on days 2, 3, and 4. Blood samples for determination of gentamicin concentrations were serially collected. Gentamicin pharmacokinetic parameters and Cldial and interindividual variability terms (IIV) were estimated using NONMEM VII. Influence of patient weight on systemic clearance (Cls) and central volume of distribution (Vc) and influence of urea removal estimates on Cldial were assessed. The model was used to simulate gentamicin concentrations after six dosing regimens including pre- and postdialysis as well as daily and every-other-day dosing. Results: A two-compartment model with first-order elimination from central compartment described gentamicin pharmacokinetics. Population estimates for Cls and Cldial were 7.6 and 134 ml/min, respectively. Patient weight was statistically significantly associated with Cls and Vc. Predialysis every-other-day regimens were as effective (Cmax ≥8 mg/l and AUC48 h ≥140 mg·h/l) and less toxic (Cmin <2 mg/l and AUC48 h <240 mg·h/l) than postdialysis regimens. Conclusions: Estimated gentamicin Cldial is higher than previous estimates with thrice-weekly regimens. Predialysis every-other-day dosing may be recommended during SDHD.
Risk Score for Intracranial Hemorrhage in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Treated With Intravenous Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator
Authors: Menon Bijoy K. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Prabhakaran Shyam , Reeves Mathew , Liang Li , Olson DaiWai M. , Peterson Eric D. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Schwamm Lee H. , Smith Eric E.
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose—

There are few validated models for prediction of risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) after intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator treatment for ischemic stroke. We used data from Get With The Guidelines–Stroke (GWTG-Stroke) to derive and validate a prediction tool for determining sICH risk.

Methods—

The population consisted of 10 242 patients from 988 hospitals who received intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator within 3 hours of symptom onset from January 2009 to June 2010. This sample was randomly divided into derivation (70%) and validation (30%) cohorts. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator-related sICH in the derivation sample; model β coefficients were used to assign point scores for prediction.

Results—

sICH within 36 hours was noted in 496 patients (4.8%). Multivariable adjusted independent predictors of sICH were increasing age (17 points), higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (42 points), higher systolic blood pressure (21 points), higher blood glucose (8 points), Asian race (9 points), and male sex (4 points). The C-statistic was 0.71 in the derivation sample and 0.70 in the independent internal validation sample. Plots of observed versus predicted sICH showed good model calibration in the derivation and validation cohorts. The model was externally validated in National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke trial patients with a C-statistic of 0.68.

Conclusions—

The GWTG-Stroke sICH risk “GRASPS” score provides clinicians with a validated method to determine the risk of sICH in patients treated with intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator within 3 hours of stroke symptom onset.
Automakers' Short-Run Responses to Changing Gasoline Prices*
Authors: Langer Ashley , Miller Nathan H.
Published: July 2012

We provide empirical evidence that automobile manufacturers use cash incentives to offset how gasoline price fluctuations affect the expected fuel expenses of automobile buyers. Regressions based on a database of incentives over 2003 to 2006 suggest that on average, manufacturers offset 40% of the change in relative fuel costs between vehicles due to gasoline price fluctuations. The results highlight that carbon taxes and emissions trading programs likely would generate substantial substitution within vehicle classes, and studies that ignore manufacturer discounting likely underestimate consumer demand for fuel economy. The results also have implications for the optimal design of feebate programs.
Consumption Smoothing after the Final Mortgage Payment: Testing the Magnitude Hypothesis
Authors: Scholnick Barry
Published: July 2012

We examine whether the magnitude of an anticipated income change affects consumption smoothing (the magnitude hypothesis). Although this hypothesis has been discussed for fifty years, we are one of the first to provide formal statistical evidence to support it. We consider the natural experiment of an individual's final mortgage payment, an anticipated income change, and examine how it affects credit card expenditure. We can identify causality because the dates of final mortgage payments across individuals are uncorrelated with unobserved determinants of consumption. Using an event study methodology, we provide evidence to support the magnitude hypothesis.
Short-Term Climate Extremes: Prediction Skill and Predictability
Authors: Becker Emily J. , van den Dool Huug , Peña Malaquias
Published: July 2012

Forecasts for extremes in short-term climate (monthly means) are examined to understand the current prediction capability and potential predictability. This study focuses on 2-m surface temperature and precipitation extremes over North and South America, and sea surface temperature extremes in the Niño-3.4 and Atlantic hurricane main development regions, using the Climate Forecast System (CFS) global climate model, for the period of 1982–2010. The primary skill measures employed are the anomaly correlation (AC) and root-mean-square error (RMSE). The success rate of forecasts is also assessed using contingency tables.

The AC, a signal-to-noise skill measure, is routinely higher for extremes in short-term climate than those when all forecasts are considered. While the RMSE for extremes also rises, especially when skill is inherently low, it is found that the signal rises faster than the noise. Permutation tests confirm that this is not simply an effect of reduced sample size. Both 2-m temperature and precipitation forecasts have higher anomaly correlations in the area of South America than North America; credible skill in precipitation is very low over South America and absent over North America, even for extremes. Anomaly correlations for SST are very high in the Niño-3.4 region, especially for extremes, and moderate to high in the Atlantic hurricane main development region. Prediction skill for forecast extremes is similar to skill for observed extremes. Assessment of the potential predictability under perfect-model assumptions shows that predictability and prediction skill have very similar space–time dependence. While prediction skill is higher in CFS version 2 than in CFS version 1, the potential predictability is not.
Trust, trustworthiness and trust-building in international policing missions
Authors: Goldsmith Andrew , Harris Vandra
Published: July 2012

Trust is widely accepted as being central to domestic police effectiveness and legitimacy. It facilitates dealings between the public and the police, and eases relationships between the individuals within police services. In this article, we argue that trust has an equally fundamental role in international policing missions, yet establishing trustworthy policing arrangements is even more difficult, for a variety of reasons. We examine a number of these reasons here. The data used is drawn from interviews with Australian police on international deployment in Timor-Leste, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. As the data from case studies indicate, international policing missions often take place in countries with low levels of public trust in the police. For many in these countries, international interventions can be matters of ambivalence or even induce active resistance and resentment. Finding ways of cooperating and collaborating, if not trusting, are fundamental to achieving international policing mission objectives. The article therefore considers some ways in which these missions may minimize distrust and earn trust.
Efficacy Trade-Offs in Individuals’ Support for Climate Change Policies
Authors: Rosentrater Lynn D. , Sælensminde Ingrid , Ekström Frida , Böhm Gisela , Bostrom Ann , Hanss Daniel , O’Connor Robert E.
Published: July 2012

Using survey data, the authors developed an architecture of climate change beliefs in Norway and their correlation with support for policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A strong majority of respondents believe that anthropogenic climate change is occurring and identify carbon dioxide emissions as a cause. Regression analysis shows that respondents recognize the effectiveness of direct actions that require difficult trade-offs, such as imposing a carbon tax. Yet, their voting intentions suggest a preference for policies that have at best an indirect effect on reducing climate change. Most respondents favor policy options that are generally good for the environment and cause no personal hardship. The disconnection between perceptions about the effectiveness of direct actions and support for less effective mitigation approaches may reflect the respondents’ collective distancing from the problem of climate change. This could be an important consideration in the design of communication strategies that promote emission abatement policies.
Polyethylene/Na+-montmorillonite composites prepared by slurry-fed melt intercalation: Response surface analysis of rheological behavior
Authors: Shahabadi Seyed Ismail Seyed , Garmabi Hamid
Published: July 2012

Water-assisted melt-intercalation process is a relatively new method for nanocomposite production. Technical challenges notwithstanding, this process is capable of bringing forth good results and promising advantages. Having used this process, we produced composites in a twin-screw extruder. The aim of this study was to find, through a designed set of experiments, the conditions that result in producing nanocomposites. In this study, the main focus of our characterization phase was on rheological behavior. We then used mechanical testing, X-ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy for verification purposes. The results obtained from these techniques were manifold; therefore, we used response surface method to present them intelligibly. After examining different modifiers, we concluded that chain length, packing density, and cation exchange selectivity are important parameters for choosing proper modifier type. Plus, as has been reported by other groups, this process was found to be mainly diffusion-controlled rather than shear-controlled.
Mechanical properties of nanoclay reinforced polypropylene composites at cryogenic temperature
Authors: Soleimani Neda , Khalili S Mohammadreza , Farsani Reza Eslami , Hedayatnasab Ziba
Published: July 2012

Polymer–clay nanocomposites are a new class of materials which improve the properties at low levels of addition of nanoclay as compared with conventional filler composites. In this article, a comparative study on the mechanical behavior of nanoclay filled polypropylene composites at both room and cryogenic temperatures is presented. Nanoclays of 1–5% by weight are added to polypropylene matrix using maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene as compatibilizer. Polypropylene/clay nanocomposites are prepared by melt intercalation in a twin-screw extruder followed by injection molding. Composite properties such as tensile and impact at both room (25°C) and cryogenic (−196°C) temperatures are calculated. The addition of clay to polypropylene matrix showed a remarkable enhancement in the mechanical properties at temperatures of 25°C and −196°C. Nearly 36.4% and 17.6% increase in the Young’s modulus and about 45% and 62.5% increase in the impact strength are observed at both room and cryogenic temperatures, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy is used to assess the surface morphology of the fractured surfaces and dispersion of the nanoclay. The morphology of polypropylene/clay nanocomposites is also characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy.
Effect of organoclay loading on the crosslinking and degradation of irradiated ethylene(vinyl acetate) copolymer/natural rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Munusamy Yamuna , Ismail Hanafi , Ratnam Chantara Thevy
Published: July 2012

The effects of organoclay loading and electron beam irradiation on the crosslinking and degradation of ethylene(vinyl acetate) copolymer (EVA)/natural rubber, grade Standard Malaysian Natural Rubber (SMR L) nanocomposites was studied. The nanocomposites were prepared through the melt blending technique with the ratio of EVA: SMR L fixed at 50:50 and organoclay loading varied from 0 to10 phr. The samples were irradiated using a 3.0 MeV EB machine with doses ranging from 50 to 200 kGy. At irradiation dose 50–150 kGy organoclay reduces the crosslinking yield significantly as evidenced from the gel fraction results and thus, storage modulus decreases and tan deltamax values increases for the nanocomposites compared to neat EVA/SMR L. However, at 200 kGy the crosslinking yield was not much affected by the organoclay and thus, the storage modulus increased and tan deltamax decreased. Scanning electron micrograph images show that different level of irradiation dose form different phase morphology on the nanocomposites. Analysis on Fourier transform infrared spectrums and carbonyl index values proved that the nanoscale dispersion and barrier effect of organoclay influence the crosslinking and degradation of the nanocomposites thus gives a significant effect on the dynamic mechanical properties.
Case Report of Subdural Hematoma in a Patient With Sturge–Weber Syndrome and Literature Review
Authors: Lopez Jonathan , Yeom Kristen W. , Comi Anne , Van Haren Keith
Published: July 2012

Sturge–Weber syndrome is a neurocutaneous disorder associated with vascular abnormalities in the skin, eye, and brain leading to both acute and chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and, in some affected children, brain injury. Aspirin can reduce stroke-like events and seizure episodes and prevent further brain injuries in these patients. Although a few cases of intracranial hemorrhage in patients with Sturge–Weber syndrome have been reported, prior reports have not discussed this complication with regard to particular therapies. The authors present a toddler with Sturge–Weber syndrome who developed a subdural hematoma in the setting of a mechanical fall with minor head trauma. They discuss the possible role of aspirin in contributing to, or perhaps protecting against, intracranial hemorrhage in patients with Sturge–Weber syndrome. Further data are needed to establish the utility of aspirin in Sturge–Weber syndrome.
Understanding, evaluating and assessing what students learn from leadership activities: student research in Woodlea Primary
Authors: Thomson Pat
Published: July 2012

Student involvement in leadership activities is now common in English schools. It is generally assumed to have beneficial learning outcomes and there is some research which suggests that this is the case. However, there is still work to do to detail these learning outcomes − and to assess them. I present one case in which primary school students researched what they learned from leadership activities. I then illustrate how these learnings could be amenable to student-led monitoring and tracking and thus formative assessment. I argue that adult school leaders need to find time to work with students on assessing student leadership and that such work might provide experience useful for other pedagogical changes.