bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Ulcerative Necrobiosis Lipoidica with Topical Calcineurin Inhibitor: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Binamer Yousef , Sowerby Laura , El-Helou Therese
Published: January 2017

Background:

Ulcerative necrobiosis lipoidica (UNL) is an uncommon disease, which is frequently recalcitrant to available therapies. It is characterized by well-defined, ulcerated plaques with indurated borders and atrophic centers. Multiple therapeutic options have been described, with variable success rates.

Objective:

To report the efficacy of using topical tacrolimus in treating UNL.

Method:

Topical tacrolimus was used in the treatment of two patients with UNL.

Result:

Topical tacrolimus is effective in treating UNL.

Conclusion:

Topical tacrolimus is a reasonably effective choice in treating UNL.

Contexte:

La nécrobiose lipoïdique ulcérée (NLU) est une maladie rare, qui est souvent réfractaire au traitement. Elle se caractérise par des placards ulcérés et bien définis, des bords indurés et des centres atrophiques. Différentes formes de traitement ont été utilisées et se sont soldées par des taux variables de réussite.

Objectif:

L'étude visait à faire état de l'efficacité du tacrolimus topique dans le traitement de la NLU.

Méthode:

Nous avons fait usage de tacrolimus topique dans le traitement de la NLU chez deux patients.

Résultat:

Le tacrolimus topique s'est montré efficace dans le traitement de la NLU.

Conclusion:

Le tacrolimus topique est un moyen relativement efficace de traitement de la NLU.
Intralesional Cidofovir in the Treatment of Cutaneous Warts in a Renal Transplant Patient
Authors: Blouin Marie-Michèle , Cloutier Richard , Noël Réal
Published: January 2017

Background:

Cutaneous warts are often recalcitrant to conventional therapy in immunocompromised patients. Cidofovir is a potent antiviral agent shown to have a broad spectrum of action against DNA virus, including human papillomavirus.

Objective:

To determine the efficacy of intralesional cidofovir in the treatment of florid warts in an immunocompromised renal transplant patient.

Method:

The patient received seven injections of intralesional cidofovir at 4 week intervals in his numerous palmar warts.

Conclusion:

Based on our results, intralesional cidofovir is a promising therapeutic modality in the treatment of cutaneous warts in the renal transplant population.

Contexte:

Les verrues cutanées se montrent souvent réfractaires au traitement habituel chez les immunodéficients. Le cidofovir est un antiviral puissant, doté d'un large spectre d'action contre les virus à ADN, y compris contre le papillomavirus humain.

Objectif:

L'étude visait à déterminer l'efficacité du cidofovir intralésionnel dans le traitement de verrues florides chez un patient immunodéprimé, ayant subi une transplantation rénale.

Méthode:

Le patient a reçu sept injections de cidofovir intralésionnel, à 4 semaines d'intervalle, dans les nombreuses verrues palmaires.

Conclusion:

D'après les résultats obtenus, le cidofovir intralésionnel serait porteur d'avenir dans le traitement des verrues cutanées chez les patients ayant subi une transplantation rénale.
Use of a Perimeter Technique with Mohs Micrographic Surgery in the Resection of a Giant Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Nolan Katherine , Henry Michelle , Shohet Michael , Elahi Ebrahim , Marmur Ellen
Published: January 2017

Background:

Giant basal cell carcinomas (GBCC) can demonstrate very malignant behavior and pose a surgical challenge.

Objective:

To present a surgical technique utilizing Mohs and the resection of narrow bands of tissue to excise a GBCC that created a large facial defect of 5 cm x 2 cm.

Methods:

A unique combination of Mohs micrographic surgery and the recently described perimeter techniques used for lentigo maligna were used to resect the tumor.

Results:

This hybrid technique was tissue sparing and therefore helped prevent the complications associated with a larger resection and allowed for an easier reconstruction. At 2 months post resection the patient had no known metastasis or tumor recurrence.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the importance of early recognition of basal cell carcinoma and the complications that can arise when lesions are left untreated for a long duration. Also, we describe a surgical technique that could help reduce the complications associated with these large tumors.

Contexte:

Les carcinomes basocellulaires géants (CBCG) peuvent se montrer très malins, en plus d'être difficiles à opérer.

Objectif:

L'étude visait à présenter une technique chirurgicale, reposant sur la méthode de Mohs et nécessitant l'exérèse de bandes étroites de tissu afin d'enlever un CBCG qui avait créé une importante perte de substance faciale de 5 cm × 2 cm.

Méthodes:

Nous avons procédé à l'ablation de la tumeur grâce à une association tout à fait particulière de la chirurgie micrographique de Mohs et des techniques de détermination du périmètre, décrites dernièrement pour l'exérèse des lentigos malins.

Résultats:

Cette technique hybride offrait l'avantage de conserver du tissu et, par le fait même, aidait à prévenir les complications associées à des exérèses étendues, et facilitait la reconstruction. Deux mois après l'opération, le patient ne présentait pas de métastase décelable ni de récidive de la tumeur.

Conclusions:

Le présent cas fait ressortir l'importance de la reconnaissance précoce du carcinome basocellulaire et des complications auxquelles peut donner lieu l'absence prolongée de traitement des lésions. L'article contient aussi une description d'une technique chirurgicale, susceptible de diminuer les complications liées à ces grosses tumeurs.
The Prediction of Industrial Fan Sound Power Levels
Authors: Cory W. T. W.
Published: January 2017

In this paper, the aerodynamic, mechanical and electromagnetic sources of noise within a fan are considered. The results of measurement are also included and the observed phenomena are described. The concept of fan similarity for the prediction of sound power is described and various proposed similarity laws discussed. It is concluded that there are not universally applicable similarity laws and that there is not a linear relationship between sound power and fan speed, even at a fixed rating point on the fan's characteristic.
A Preliminary Study for a ‘Music Intelligibility’ Test for Rooms
Authors: Jeon J. Y. , Fricke F. R.
Published: January 2017

In order to get more useable evaluations of the acoustics of rooms for music it would seem to be important to have a test which is the musical equivalent of a speech intelligibility test. This paper reports on several experiments carried out to find the effects of sound pressure level difference on duration discrimination using pairs of tones with a view to using this as a possible basis for such a test. Experiments were also carried out to evaluate the relative contribution of amplitude envelopes on the perception of sound duration.

Pairs of signals were presented with the difference in SPL, shape of rise/decay, and duration. Duration judgements for the signals were investigated together with those of the standard stiniuli. From the results of experiments, it was found that the duration discrimination tasks are affected by a SPL difference of more than 3 dB. It appears that the more information a signal carries the more effect there is on duration judgement, i.e., the more the signal envelope is modulated in a space by the presence of room acoustic parameters the greater the difficulty in determining the duration of the sounds in music or speech. From the results it would seem that discrimination between sounds could form a useful measure of how good a room is for musical performances.
Speech Intelligibility and Confidentiality in Open Premises
Authors: Rossi Mario N.
Published: January 2017

This article presents the results of an acoustic study in open premises in banks, where the main problem is to guarantee the confidentiality of the conversations between the customers and the bank advisor. The open architectural concept considered here is a generalisation the “Garden office”: although it does give concrete expression to the desire for openness and availability to the public, it poses new difficulties on an acoustic level. How can we in fact avoid the conversations being heard in an area that has neither doors nor complete partitions and for which the main characteristic is precisely to have as few partitions as possible? Based on measurements carried out in premises of this type, we have been able to establish the quantities that best characterise the situation. We observed that the intelligibility still remained good despite the attenuation brought about by the addition of screens, which obviously meant that the confidentiality could not be guaranteed. Once this was established, a certain amount of acoustic layouts were defined – which should already be defined during the pilot phase - that were able to reconcile the need for openness to the public with the confidentiality of the conversations.
On the Single Number Rating of Sound Absorption
Authors: Garai M.
Published: January 2017

The International Standards Organisation (ISO) is currently developing a standard by which the frequency dependent values of the sound absorption coefficient of building materials can be expressed as a single number rating. This paper describes the new rating procedure and relates it to measurement techniques currently employed. The practical implications are discussed and some examples of results presented. The new rating procedure was tested on various brickwork to be employed for building facades. Some of them were variants of common products, only differing in surface roughness; others were of new material not yet commercially available. Modifications to the production process allowed bricks with a perforated surface to be measured where the depth and the width of the holes could be varied to give a strong reactive absorption at various frequencies. The measurements were performed in an impedance tube, using both the conventional pure-tone technique and a variant of the transfer-function method, which is also described.
Sound Radiation Characteristics of Lightweight Roof Constructions Excited by Rain
Authors: Suga Hiromi , Tachibana Hideki
Published: January 2017

In order to investigate the sound radiation characteristics of lightweight roof constructions when excited by rainfall, an artificial rainfall apparatus was constructed to simulate natural rainfall conditions. From the measurement results, it can be seen that the facility developed is practically applicable for the examination of the sound radiation characteristics of rain noise. It was therefore used in the measurement of sound power of 20 lightweight roofs.

In addition, the relationship between sound power level and sound transmission loss measured by the sound intensity method was investigated statistically. As a result, it has been shown that a linear relationship exists between them and there is a possibility of estimating the sound power level from the transmission loss.
Control of Axial Flow Fan Noise by Design
Authors: Hunnaball P.J.
Published: January 2017

This paper discusses the present methods of controlling tonal noise in axial flow fans and puts forward some basic parameters for use in the design and selection of this product. Descriptions are given of the effects of fan casing geometry, the interaction of fixed duct elements and fan rotating parts, the effect of inlet disturbance and changes in noise level with radial clearance. Finally, guidelines are given for users of axial How fans in order to minimise noise levels.
The Measurement of Double Decay Rates in Small Enclosures Containing Highly Absorbent Samples
Authors: Greaves M.J. , Homer J.L.
Published: January 2017

One common method of obtaining the absorption properties of a sample of material is to measure the decay of sound in an enclosure partially lined with the sample. In order to infer absorption coefficients from decay rate measurements, it is assumed that the sound field in the enclosure is diffuse. When measurements are made in enclosures which are small compared with wavelength, and contain non-uniform absorption, the diffuse field may no longer be three-dimensional in nature. Descriptions are given of measurements made in a small rectangular enclosure with one surface lined with highly absorbent material, and the results presented. Predictions are made of the decay rates in this situation and compared with the experimental results. Finally, the different field states present during the decay are explored.
Survey Test Methods for Acoustic Measurements in Buildings
Authors: Vorländer Michael
Published: January 2017

A survey test method was developed for measuring the airborne and impact sound insulation and the noise from equipment in buildings. The method is based on manual scanning to obtain the average sound pressure level in a room and on the use of tabular reverberation time data. The uncertainty produced by manual scanning is quite small. The influence of the reverberation time table can also be kept small if a certain complexity of the table is taken as the limit of simplification. Furnished rooms, and several types of unfurnished room constructions are therefore treated separately. The basic principle of the CEN survey method was recently agreed upon by the working group responsible. Additional field measurements should be carried out with reference to ISO 140-4, –5 and –7 to obtain more reliable data on the accuracy in all cases of furnished and unfurnished rooms. If, with reference to the methods of ISO 140, the preliminary estimated uncertainty of single number quantities of ±2 dB proved to be correct, the CEN survey method would be a useful alternative for measurements and verification tests in the field. As to the measurement of noise from housing equipment, some open questions remain to be solved.
The Effects of Coupled Source/cavity modes on the Acoustic Insertion Loss of Close-Fitting Enclosures
Authors: Lee Y.Y. , Ng C.F.
Published: January 2017

This paper reports a theoretical and experimental study of the prediction of the insertion loss for low frequency noise from close-fitting enclosures. Experimental work has been carried out for various small panel designs with several common structural materials using a special test rig. The theoretical model considers not only the modal response of the enclosure plate but also the 3 dimensional acoustic modes in the air gap and the modal component of the source plate. The theory and the experiments show two important points; 1) the contribution of the non-fundamental mode of the source plate is important for the insertion loss of the enclosure; and 2) the cavity modes have significant effects on insertion loss not just at the acoustic resonances but they also affect the coupling between the source and enclosure plates. The effects of stiffness and damping on the higher structural and acoustic modes are also studied in the experiments. Comparisons of various tested plates suggest that wood is potentially a good material for low frequency noise reduction due to the high stiffness-mass ratio. The attachment of stiffeners can improve the insertion loss at some frequencies, but may decrease the insertion loss at other frequencies.
The Attenuation of Road Traffic Noise Entering Buildings Using Quarter-Wave Resonators: Mechanism of Attenuation and Model Experiments
Authors: Field C.D. , Fricke F.R.
Published: January 2017

This paper describes research into the use of quarter-wave resonators for the attenuation of noise entering buildings. Previous work1 demonstrated the effectiveness of a single cavity resonator, achieving over 6dB attenuation in the third octave band to which it was tuned. Proposed mechanisms of resonator attenuation are discussed and model results with a multiple cavity system, which achieved 8dB and 6dB in the third octaves to which the cavities were tuned, are now presented. Research is also extended to a resonator system with cavities tuned to three frequencies. Model results are presented using a scaled DAT recording of road traffic noise as the noise source. This technique gives an indication of the results expected for a working prototype.
Indices of Collective Urban Noise Load on Populations: Their Use for Design and Fees-Setting
Authors: Dunayevsky Leonid V.
Published: January 2017

General principles for designing quantitative indices of urban environment noise pollution and the collective noise load on a population in a given area are discussed, as well as models for economic estimation of these indices. Some common and original types of indicator for individual and collective noise load estimation are compared in terms of their adequacy in describing noise load. The term “contribution to the values” of these indices is introduced with reference to the incremental effect of a noise pollution source. The functions of urban noise standards in different countries are discussed. General optimization models are considered, as well as the principles of using these indices for design and for setting fees for noise sources.
Determination of Acoustical Impedance of Absorbing Surfaces by Two-Microphone Transfer Function Techniques: Theoretical Models
Authors: Waddington D.C. , Orlowski R.J.
Published: January 2017

In the first of a series of papers on the measurement of acoustical impedance of absorbing surfaces in-situ, the development of the theoretical methods for the determination of acoustic impedance by the two-microphone transfer function technique is outlined. Each method is based upon a model for propagation of sound above a plane. The impedance calculation models include an expression based on the Weyl-van der Pol equation for propagation over an impedance plane, an exact method based on specular reflection, and an approximate equation based upon specular reflection. The algorithm proposed by Vigran is also derived, and a plane wave model developed for comparison. Conditions under which the results from the different models are equivalent are discussed, along with the practical considerations in programming each model.
A Method for Predicting L'nT,w for Lightweight Floating Floors Comprising Low Density Flexible Polyurethane Foam on Concrete Supporting Floors
Authors: Hall Robin , Bougdah Hocine , Mackenzie Robin K.
Published: January 2017

Lightweight floating floors of medium density fibreboard supported by a resilient layer of flexible polyurethane foam are increasingly being used in both new build and refurbishment projects. BS EN 29052–1 describes the Standard Method for determining the dynamic stiffness of resilient layers used under floating floors: this states that the Standard does not apply for loadings of less than 0.4 kPa, which is higher than the static load imposed by medium density fibreboard. The Standard also states that it does not apply to materials whose airflow resistivity is less than 10 kPa.s/m2 if the dynamic stiffness of the air enclosed in the material is not negligible compared with the apparent dynamic stiffness of the test specimen. Despite these restrictions it was found that, when sections of flooring were tested in the field, the Standard Method provided data which allowed the prediction of the improvement in impact sound insulation over a range of 40 dB and also the prediction of the weighted standardised impact noise level according to BS 5821. 1984. Part 2. This was achieved by taking account of the stiffness of the air in laboratory samples and the effect of the mass impedance of the hammers on the standard tapping machine used in field tests.
Acoustical Design of a Circular Screen Cinema for Children in Shanghai
Authors: Wang Ji-Qing
Published: January 2017

In general, the acoustic effect in a room with a circular plan or a domed ceiling would never be satisfactory and could be even worse for a hemispherical room. Consultation was requested on the acoustic design for a circular screen cinema with such a unique shape after the completion of the reinforced concrete shell. The measures taken were some special absorbing and scattering treatment, i.e., fiberglass sleeve tubes and flotation toys of extra light weight material were used to decorate the walls and ceiling in order to reduce the focusing and creeping effects and to control the reverberation time. Thus, a satisfactory acoustic performance of the cinema and also a good interior appearance have been achieved.
The Location of Building Defects Using Structural Intensity
Authors: Craik Robert J.M. , Wilson R. , Ming R.
Published: January 2017

Many defects in the construction of buildings act as transmission paths across which unwanted sound can travel. The resulting increase in power flow can be measured using structural intensity techniques and the location of the source found from the intersection of two or more intensity vectors. This technique can be used to locate a source (or sometimes a sink) when the intensity being measured is above the residual or background intensity.

Some applications of this technique are discussed and it is used to locate a point source on a concrete floor and a line source exciting a concrete block wall. The technique was found to work well for a point source but was less reliable for a line source. This was partly because a line source is less well spatially defined and partly because the damping of the wall was low, resulting in a high residual intensity.
Construction Noise Prediction at the Planning Stage of New Developments
Authors: Carpenter Frank
Published: January 2017

Construction noise prediction during the planning of new developments is recommended in BS5228, to identify where adjustments may be made to reduce noise from the works to acceptable levels. The standard includes a set of deterministic prediction methods, which it suggests may be used for this purpose. However, there seems to be little evidence that they are so used, probably because of the precise data and comprehensive application required to provide useful results. These data requirements are examined, in conjunction with the timing of the generation of information in pre-contract activities, to show that the level of detail necessary is not available. The various calculations involved, and the complexity of the construction process, are described briefly to illustrate the prohibitive amount of work that may be necessary for comprehensive application. The paper concludes that deterministic methods are not effectively usable in this context, and suggests some areas for study that may be helpful.
Standard Calculation of Outdoor Noise Propagation – Errors Due to Propagation Effect
Authors: Lam Y.W.
Published: January 2017

This paper looks at the common errors that may occur when applying existing standard methods of outdoor noise calculation to realistic environments. The two methods investigated are those described in the CONCAWE report 4/81 and the international standard ISO 9613 Part 2. These standard methods are based mainly on empirical developments and are therefore limited by the environmental conditions upon which the methods were derived. Based on comparisons obtained in real outdoor measurements, this paper shows that significant errors occur when the methods are applied to situations where the ground cover changes from the assumed types, when a finite length barrier is used on soft ground, or when the meteorological condition is significant. The error tends to increase with greater interactions between the ground, barrier and meteorological conditions. The result of this paper should provide a better understanding of the limitations of these standard methods and should therefore help to reduce the chance of these methods being used in inapplicable surroundings.
Determination of Acoustical Impedance of Absorbing Surfaces by Two-Microphone Transfer Function Techniques: Geometrical and Measurement Errors
Authors: Waddington D.C. , Vigran T.E. , Orlowski R.J.
Published: January 2017

In the second of a series of papers on the measurement of acoustical impedance of absorbing surfaces in-situ, geometrical and measurement errors for the two microphone transfer function technique are detailed. The effects of finite sample area on the impedance measured are considered, and experimental results show that for edge effects to be negligible, the minimum dimension of a sample should be two wavelengths. The method also becomes inaccurate when the transfer function tends to unity. This is shown to occur at low frequencies, but more importantly, at higher frequencies when an integral number of half wavelengths exists between the path length differences to the microphones. The results of the error analysis show that great care should be taken in determining the precise locations of the microphones. In particular, care should be taken in the alignment of the microphones with respect to the normal to the sample, since errors due to the alignment of the probe combine features of errors not only in the microphone positions, but also in the source location and the angle of sound incidence. In comparison with typical errors in the experimental geometry, errors due to the precision of typical transfer function estimates are very small.
Practical Implementation Issues and Future Directions for Active Noise Control
Authors: Hansen Colin H.
Published: January 2017

The basic physical principles underlying active noise control are discussed from a physical viewpoint with a view to understanding the issues which must be addressed in a practical implementation of the technology. Applications which should be feasible are identified and applications which are impractical for physical acoustics reasons are also identified. Finally, current and future research directions are explored and their relevance to commercial application of the technology discussed.
The Best Remaining Seat: Evaluating Auditorium Plans for Desirability
Authors: Vaupel B.G.L.
Published: January 2017

It is important that an auditorium be designed to have as many good seats as possible. Not all seats in an auditorium are judged to be equally good. This is manifested in that the audience does not choose its seats randomly. The audience understands intuitively that, generally speaking, the closer a seat is to the performers, and the more straight on the better it is. Acoustics should be the most important consideration in selecting a seat, prior to a concert. However, the visual, comfort and economic factors are also important, along with others, not easy to isolate or define.

Imagine an auditorium with open seating and the audience entering one at a time. People will in turn make a selection of what in their opinion is the best remaining seat. The order in which the seats are chosen is an indicator of the rank order of the desirability of the individual seats.

As the audience makes its seat selection, a geometric pattern of the occupied seats unfolds, and reveals the boundary of the preferred seats. The perimeters describe the equal desirability curves and outlines the auditorium plan with as many good seats as possible.

The audience choice of seat is recorded by time lapse photography. The data is analysed in a combined computer drawing and mathematics program. A mathematical model has been developed that evaluates the desirability of the seating in an auditorium from the audience point of view.
Active Noise Control in a Y-Shaped Duct: Simulation and Experimental Results
Authors: Nunes Ronaldo Fernandes , Arruda José Roberto De França , Santos José Maria Campos Dos
Published: January 2017

There are different approaches to active noise control (ANC). The time domain Filtered-X LMS adaptive control scheme is currently used in most applications. The purpose of this paper is to describe an experiment consisting of a Y-shaped duct with two loudspeakers attached to the two branches of the Y duct. One of the loudspeakers acts as the perturbation source and the other acts as the control source. Tonal noise control is investigated, and control implementation issues such as number of filter weights, value of step-size parameter, and sampling frequency are discussed. The reference signal is taken from the signal sent to the perturbation loudspeaker and the error signal is taken from a microphone that can be placed anywhere along the stem of the Y-shaped duct. Simulations and experimental results are presented. The setup is simple and may be easily implemented for leaching purposes.
Acoustic Modelling and Measurements of Engine Mufflers
Authors: Gerges Samir N.Y. , Kimura Márcio R. , Coelho J.L. Bento
Published: January 2017

Most buildings such as hospitals, hotels, governmental offices, data processing rooms, etc, are equipped with internal combustion engines, diesel motors and generators to supply energy in emergencies. These same IC engines are used for industrial applications, building services and transportation. Exhaust noise are the predominant noise source with most internal combustion engines and thus exhaust systems incorporating mufflers have been designed to reduce the noise. This paper describes the analysis of several configurations of mufflers and also presents comparisons between the results for the transmission loss obtained by numerical modelling (FEM), Transfer Matrix Method (TMM) and measurements.
Experimental Study of Acoustic Wave Propagation through Resonating Devices
Authors: Lai Y.K. , Ng C.F.
Published: January 2017

The acoustic filter effects of periodic obstructions in a square section of duct are studied experimentally. The two-microphone transfer function method is employed to measure the transmission loss across the periodic elements of different profiles. The experiments aim to measure the Bragg Stop Band and the Resonance Scattering Stop Band and their interaction. The experimental data show that the Bragg effect is spatial dependent. The Resonance Scattering Stop Band is strongly affected by obstacles and demonstrates a possibly useful interaction between the Bragg Stop Band and the Resonance Scattering Stop Band. Results also indicate that for specific situations, the overall Resonance Scattering Stop Band contribution can be dominant and effective, both in terms of magnitude and bandwidth control. The asymmetric placement of the obstructing elements is shown to be nonreversible.
The Use of Virtual Reflectors to Improve Speech Intelligibility in Open Stage Auditoria
Authors: El-Zeky L. , Oldham D.J.
Published: January 2017

A potential problem encountered with open stage auditoria is poor speech intelligibility arising from the directional nature of human speech sources. The conventional technique of employing large overhead reflecting surfaces to ensure a large early energy fraction to improve intelligibility is shown to be unsuitable in this situation. The use of Virtual Reflectors consisting of microphones and loudspeakers symmetrically located relative to the stage is proposed as a possible solution to the problems of open stage auditoria. It is suggested that the Speech Transmission Index is a suitable parameter for assessing the performance of Virtual Reflectors when in use and that computer modelling could provide a suitable method for investigating the action of Virtual Reflectors.
Low Frequency Acoustic Performance of Close-Fitting Sandwich Panels
Authors: Tang W.C. , Ng C.F.
Published: January 2017

The experiment presented in this paper was to investigate and analyse the noise reduction at low frequency of porous material used to line the cavity between two panels of a double-panel structure. The effects of panel construction, fibreglass and cavity depth have also been studied. The structural-acoustic coupled system of a sandwich structure, backed by a rectangular acoustic cavity of rigid walls is discussed. It is found that the sound insulation of a combination of a stiff thick and a thin flexible plate panel, with air cavities and porous material in-between, is more effective than that of the conventional double-wall panel at low frequency.
The Application of Computational Fluid Dynamics to the Prediction of Flow Generated Noise: Part 2: Turbulence-Based Prediction Technique
Authors: Mak C M , Oldham D J
Published: January 2017

In this paper an engineering approach is followed to investigate the feasibility of developing a method in which information provided by standard CFD turbulence models can be employed as the basis of an airflow noise prediction technique. To this end, experimental results obtained by previous investigators have been processed and compared with CFD predictions.

The turbulence-based predictive technique investigated was based on the relationship between the acoustic power radiated due to the interaction of airflow and a spoiler and the turbulent kinetic energy generated in the region of the spoiler. The sound power level of regenerated noise determined experimentally was related to the turbulent kinetic energy in the vicinity of spoiler provided by CFD simulations of the relevant configurations. A collapse of the data from the simulation models was obtained against the experimental data. The data collapse for a particular spoiler was generally excellent for the higher Strouhal numbers but was less good at lower Strouhal numbers where considerable scatter was observed.
Acoustic Insulation of Single Leaf Masonery Walls of Aerated AutoClaved Concrete Blocks and Clay Brick
Authors: Gomes José António Furtado Figueiredo , Tadeu António José Barreto
Published: January 2017

This paper aims to characterise the acoustic insulation provided by interior walls made of aerated autoclaved concrete blocks and clay bricks. Characterisation is accomplished by measuring airborne sound insulation between rooms in residential and service buildings, using sound pressure techniques. These results are then compared with those yielded by simplified mathematical models and laboratory measurements. Additionally, a sound intensity procedure to evaluate sound insulation was tested on a brick wall by comparing the results with those obtained from the sound pressure techniques.
Application of the “IMPACT” Noise Prediction Model for the Assessment of the Acoustical Effectiveness of Traffic Noise Barriers
Authors: Wu Weixiong , Migneron Jean Gabriel , Coté Pierre
Published: January 2017

The computer model IMPACT was developed at the “Centre de recherche en aménagement et développement” (CRAD). Universite Laval in the late 1980's. The model calculates traffic noise levels using original acoustical algorithms based on measured acoustical power levels of three types of vehicles: automobiles, heavy trucks, and buses. The model has also been used for research purposes to gain insight into the complex relationships involved in noise generation and propagation. Model applications have been made to traffic. industrial and railroad noise. In this study, the IMPACT model is used as an assessment method for predicting traffic noise levels and for evaluating noise barrier effectiveness.
Variation of Sound Level Difference in Dwellings Due to Room Modal Characteristics
Authors: Maluski Sophie , Gibbs Barry
Published: January 2017

Sound insulation at low frequencies is known to be difficult to measure accurately and to produce poor reproducibility. The use of numerical or analytical methods with the help of powerful computers allows us to understand the phenomenon of sound transmission at such frequencies. In this review, the sound insulation of party walls are shown to be strongly dependant on the acoustical modal characteristics of the connected rooms and of the structural modal characteristics of the party wall. Equal room configurations give a poorer sound insulation, compared with unequal room configuration. The sound insulation is strongly dependant on room dimensions, as well as size, type and edge conditions of the party wall.
MS clinical trial design for the future
Authors: Goodkin Donald E
Published: January 2017

The Clinical Outcomes Task Force has been challenged to develop new easily administered composite outcomes that are more sensitive, highly reliable, properly validated, and measure more effectively the broad spectrum of independent dimensions of MS. The Task Force on Use of MRI in MS Clinical Trials has already provided important position statements and recommendations for the use of magnetic imaging technologies in MS clinical trials. It appears mat T1WGd+activity and change in T2W lesion burden will be most useful as outcomes in patients who recently have experienced frequent relapses. It is anticipated that improved composite outcomes and more powerful statistical methods will facilitate improved predictive validity for MR imaging techniques. If we are successful in meeting these challenges, we should be able to conduct future definitive clinical trials more expeditiously and with fewer patients.
Transcription of myelin basic protein promoted by regulatory elements in the proximal 5’ sequence requires myelinogenesis
Authors: Stankoff B , Demerens C , Goujet-Zalc C , Monge M , Peyron F , Mikoshiba K , Zalc B , Lubetzki C
Published: January 2017

Myelination in the central nervous system requires synthesis by oligodendrocytes of enormous amounts of lipids and proteins for incorporation in the developing myelin membranes. To approach the regulatory events coordinating the transcriptional activation of the genes that encode myelin proteins, we examined control of the myelin basic protein (MBP) locus. MBP plays a major role in myelin compaction. During development, MBP is already expressed in mature non-myelinating oligodendrocytes. Here we show that, in transgenic animals in which the E. coli lacZ reporter gene is under the control of increasingly large portions (256, 1900 and 3200 bp) of the MBP promoter, 5’ of the initiation of transcription site, reporter gene expression was initiated after myelin formation had started. This delayed expression of the transgene compared to MBP, strongly suggests that premyelinating expression is dependent on regulatory elements located outside of the 3200 bp sequence studied, while expression occurring at the time of myelin formation is dependent on the proximal promoter sequence.
Possible association between multiple sclerosis and the human T cell leukemia virus (HTLV)-related endogenous element, HRES-I
Authors: Rasmussen HB , Heltberg A , Christensen K , Clausen J
Published: January 2017

In the present study we searched for an association between the human endogenous retroviral element HRES-I and multiple sclerosis (MS). Fragments of this endogenous retrovirus were amplified for subsequent examination by single strand conformational analysis. We did not find HRES-I markers exclusively linked with MS and only the two already known polymorphisms, which define three alleles of HRES-I, were detected. However, we found a significant difference in the distribution of these alleles between a group of 87 MS patients and a control group of 158 healthy individuals (P=0.014). There were no differences in the distribution of the HRES-I allelic forms between MS patients with a relapsing-remitting course and patients with chronic progressive MS. Our results provide evidence of an association between HRES-I and MS. Possible explanations for this are discussed.
Primary progressive multiple sclerosis: a distinct syndrome?
Authors: McDonnell GV , Hawkins SA
Published: January 2017

Multiple sclerosis (MS) has long been recognised to have both a relapsing-remitting and progressive course. More recently patients with progressive disease have been further sub-divided into those with a progressive course from onset (primary progressive MS) and those with progressive decline following an initially relapsing-remitting period (secondary progressive MS). Diversity in MS may not however be restricted to clinical course. There is growing evidence that the subgroups of MS also differ with respect to clinical features, epidemiology, pathogenesis, genetics and neuroimaging appearances. In this review we outline the criteria variously applied in the classification of MS patients, addressing the need for a dear nomenclature. We evaluate the proposition that primary progressive MS has a prof ile distinct from other MS categories, contrasting the separate differential diagnoses and examining the implications for future therapeutic trials.
Comparative evaluations of neuroperformance and clinical outcome assessments in chronic progressive multiple sclerosis: I. reliability, validity and sensitivity to disease progression
Authors: Syndulko Karl , Ke Dershin , Ellison George W , Baumhefner Robert W , Myers Lawrence W , Tourtellotte Wallace W
Published: January 2017

There remains controversy regarding the most sensitive and valid outcome assessments to use in multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trials. A double blind, placebo controlled, parallel group multicenter clinical trial to evaluate the clinical efficacy of cyclosporine A in chronic progressive MS incorporated several major clinical and performance outcome assessment modalities and a large sample size, both of which provide a unique opportunity to explore the relationship among MS disease status and the various outcome measures over time. The measures included a structured neurological examination, the Kurtzke Functional System scales and Expanded Disability Status Score, and the Incapacity Status Scale from the MS Minimal Record of Disability, die Harvard Ambulation Index, and neuroperformance testing. A test-retest reliability index, principal component analyses and a signal-to-noise ratio metric were used to comparatively evaluate the reliability, validity and sensitivity to disease progression of the various outcome assessments. The goal was to provide a rational basis for selection of behavioral outcome assessments in future MS clinical trials by identifying the primary dimensions of MS measured by the candidate outcome assessments and providing an objective basis for selecting tests that are most sensitive to MS disease and its progression over a two year trial period. We conclude that the components of the major clinical and performance measures show excellent reliability and cross validation. Principal component analyses of all outcome assessments yielded six primary underlying factors for describing disease status in chronic progressive MS that included lower extremity/pyramidal dysfunction, cerebellar/brainstem and upper extremity dysfunction, somatosensory dysfunction, visual dysfunction, mental or intellectual dysfunction and bowel/bladder problems. Signal-to-noise ratios indicated that upper and lower extremity composites of neuroperformance test kerns provided the most sensitive indicators of MS disease progression in the placebo group over the 2 year trial period.
Desferrioxamine in chronic progressive Multiple Sclerosis: a pilot study
Authors: Lynch Sharon G , Peters Kathy , LeVine Steven M
Published: January 2017

Chronic progressive Multiple Sclerosis is refractory to many conventional treatments. We performed a pilot study testing desferoxamine (DFO) as a candidate in the treatment of chronic progressive Multiple Sclerosis. DFO was given daily by 8 h subcutaneous infusions at a dose of 2 grams daily for 7 days, followed by 1 gram daily for 7 days. Eighteen of 19 individuals completed the full dose of 21 grams. One patient was unable to complete the course due to nausea. No acute deterioration of neurological status was seen during the administration of DFO. No worsening of vision or hearing was noted except that the one patient who was unable to tolerate the medication had a transient reduction in hearing. All patients had a local redness at the injection site. None of the patients had any sudden worsening during or shortly after the treatment This pilot study suggests that DFO is relatively well tolerated by Multiple Sclerosis patients when given in a short course of therapy.
Plastic Design of Steel Arches
Authors: Trahair N.S. , Pi Y-L. , Clarke M.J. , Papangelis J.P.
Published: January 2017

The in-plane failure modes of steel arches range from the extremes of plastic collapse for stocky arches with significant bending actions to elastic buckling for slender arches in uniform compression. Between these extremes, failure involves an interaction between plastic collapse and elastic buckling which depends on the arch profile, support conditions, loading, and slenderness, and is influenced by geometrical imperfections and residual stresses.

Few design codes give methods for designing steel arches against in-plane failure. The methods that are used are essentially based either on the buckling strengths of equivalent columns, or on the use of moment amplification or second-order elastic analysis and the attainment of a limiting stress. Any method based solely on elastic analysis and a limiting stress is necessarily conservative for stocky arches with negligible stability effects, since it ignores the often substantial redistributions that take place after first yield.

This paper discusses the use of the method of plastic collapse analysis for the in-plane design of steel arches.
The In-Plane Ultimate Load of I-section Beam-Columns with Slender Web
Authors: Gu Qian , Chen Shaofan
Published: January 2017

Similar to plate girders with slender web, a welded I-section beam-column does not fail when its web buckles. To take advantage of this post-local-buckling strength, this paper at first presents a method for calculating the M-P-φ relationship of I-sections with buckled web and residual stresses. The in-plane ultimate load of beam-columns with slender web can then be calculated by using this M-P-φ relationship. Nine eccentrically loaded specimens were tested to failure. The agreement between the calculated and test results confirms the validity of the analytical method. Furthermore, a simplified design formula is presented for predicting the in-plane capacity of beam-columns with slender web.
Integrated Design System for Semi-Rigidly Connected Steel Frames
Authors: Li T Q , Nethercot D A , Tizani W M K
Published: January 2017

A prototype Integrated Design System (IDS) for semi-rigid steel frames is reported. The aim of this system is: (i) to assist designers in conducting the overall analysis required for the frames, (ii) to provide designers with a tool to design the frames economically in terms of the total cost of the frame. The system works by guiding the users towards appropriate design decisions that recognise the cost of the frames — not just material costs but also fabrication costs. Recognition of the semi-rigid and partial strength characteristics of beam-to-column connections means that the internal force distribution in a frame depends on the analysis method adopted. A successful design for a frame requires a balanced internal force distribution between the connections and the members. To assist in achieving this, a number of analysis methods have been incorporated into the system. A detailed economic appraisal of semi-rigid frame designs is presented by means of a worked example. This illustrates global comparisons between the use of alternative analysis methods as well as between alternative options in the detailing of the connections. The benefits that can be obtained from using the system at both the conceptual and the detailed design stages are demonstrated.
The Generalized Conforming Element (GCE) — Theory and Applications
Authors: Long Yuqiu , Long Zhifei , Xu Yin
Published: January 2017

The concept of generalized conforming elements and their applications to membrane, plate and shell problems are introduced in this paper. The generalized conforming element method proposed by the first author in 1987 provides a simple and efficient means to deal with structural problems, especially the C1continuous problems.

In the first part of this paper, the theoretical basis of GCE is presented. GCE is a limiting-conforming element which is non-conforming in coarse meshes but tends to be conforming in the limiting case of refined meshes. It is formulated based on the modified potential energy principle and the concept of generalized compatibility conditions. It is a new way to construct the finite elements — combined application of the energy method and the weighted residual method.

In the second part of this paper, various models of GCE are illustrated. A series of generalized conforming elements with excellent performance have been constructed, that is, thin and thick plate bending GCE, membrane GCE with drilling freedoms and thin shell GCE.