bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ‘Wise List’– A Comprehensive Concept to Select, Communicate and Achieve Adherence to Recommendations of Essential Drugs in Ambulatory Care in Stockholm
Authors: Gustafsson Lars L. , Wettermark Björn , Godman Brian , Andersén‐Karlsson Eva , Bergman Ulf , Hasselström Jan , Hensjö Lars‐Olof , Hjemdahl Paul , Jägre Ingrid , Julander Margaretha , Ringertz Bo , Schmidt Daniel , Sjöberg Susan , Sjöqvist Folke , Stiller Carl‐Olav , Törnqvist Elisabeth , Tryselius Rolf , Vitols Sigurd , von Bahr Christer ,   for the Regional Drug Expert Consortium
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  The aim was to present and evaluate the impact of a comprehensive strategy over 10 years to select, communicate and achieve adherence to essential drug recommendations (EDR) in ambulatory care in a metropolitan healthcare region. EDRs were issued and launched as a ‘Wise List’ by the regional Drug and Therapeutics Committee in Stockholm. This study presents the concept by: (i) documenting the process for selecting, communicating and monitoring the impact of the ‘Wise List’; (ii) analysing the variation in the number of drug substances recommended between 2000 and 2010; (iii) assessing the attitudes to the ‘Wise List’ among prescribers and the public; (iv) evaluating the adherence to recommendations between 2003 and 2009. The ‘Wise List’ consistently contained 200 drug substances for treating common diseases. The drugs were selected based on their efficacy, safety, suitability and cost‐effectiveness. The ‘Wise List’ was known among one‐third of a surveyed sample of the public in 2002 after initial marketing campaigns. All surveyed prescribers knew about the concept and 81% found the recommendations trustworthy in 2005. Adherence to recommendations increased from 69% in 1999 to 77% in 2009. In primary care, adherence increased from 83% to 87% from 2003 to 2009. The coefficient of variation (CV%) decreased from 6.1% to 3.8% for 156 healthcare centres between these years. The acceptance of the ‘Wise List’ in terms of trust among physicians and among the public and increased adherence may be explained by clear criteria for drug recommendations, a comprehensive communication strategy, electronic access to recommendations, continuous medical education and involvement of professional networks and patients.
Persistent Sexual Side Effects of Finasteride for Male Pattern Hair Loss
Authors: Irwig Michael S. , Kolukula Swapna
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Finasteride has been associated with reversible adverse sexual side effects in multiple randomized, controlled trials for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (MPHL). The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency of the United Kingdom and the Swedish Medical Products Agency have both updated their patient information leaflets to include a statement that “persistence of erectile dysfunction after discontinuation of treatment with Propecia has been reported in post-marketing use.”

Aim

We sought to characterize the types and duration of persistent sexual side effects in otherwise healthy men who took finasteride for MPHL.

Methods

We conducted standardized interviews with 71 otherwise healthy men aged 21–46 years who reported the new onset of sexual side effects associated with the temporal use of finasteride, in which the symptoms persisted for at least 3 months despite the discontinuation of finasteride.

Main Outcome Measures

The types and duration of sexual dysfunction and the changes in perceived sexual frequency and sexual dysfunction score between pre- and post-finasteride use.

Results

Subjects reported new-onset persistent sexual dysfunction associated with the use of finasteride: 94% developed low libido, 92% developed erectile dysfunction, 92% developed decreased arousal, and 69% developed problems with orgasm. The mean number of sexual episodes per month dropped and the total sexual dysfunction score increased for before and after finasteride use according to the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (P <0.0001 for both). The mean duration of finasteride use was 28 months and the mean duration of persistent sexual side effects was 40 months from the time of finasteride cessation to the interview date. Study limitations include a post hoc approach, selection bias, recall bias for before finasteride data, and no serum hormone levels.

Conclusion

Physicians treating MPHL should discuss the potential risk of persistent sexual side effects associated with finasteride.
WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR GMO LABELING POLICIES: THE CASE OF KOREA
Authors: LEE J.‐S. , YOO S.‐H.
Published: March 2011

With the increasing interest in food safety, genetically modified organisms (GMO) have been a topic of intense public debate. To provide a basis for rational debate and develop an appropriate GMO labeling policy, the Korean government is interested in consumer attitudes and responses to GMO labeling policies. In this light, by employing a survey approach that is called “contingent valuation,” the present study attempted to measure the public's willingness to pay (WTP) that are more stringent than the prevailing policies in Korea. Furthermore, in order to enhance statistical efficiency in WTP estimation and reduce the response effect in the context of WTP elicitation, this study employed a one‐and‐one‐half bound dichotomous choice format. The estimate of the annual mean WTP for GMO labeling policies is 3,756 Korean won (USD 4.04) per household. This quantitative information can be utilized in developing policies related to genetically modified foods.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The contingent valuation in this article provided a powerful tool for measuring the public's willingness to pay for genetically modified organisms labeling policies.
DETECTION OF CRONOBACTER IN INFANT FORMULA AND PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS ON α‐GLUCOSIDASE GENES
Authors: YE YINGWANG , WU QINGPING , ZHANG JUMEI , LU JIANFENG , LIN LIN
Published: March 2011

The infant formula has been identified as the main transmission vehicle of Cronobacter infections that have been implicated in severe diseases in neonates. Therefore, the accurate detection of Cronobacter is required for microbiological safety of infant formulas. In this study, the duplex‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting α‐glucosidase genes was developed and could detect as few as 103 cfu/mL in artificially contaminated infant formulas. Positive signals were generated from Cronobacter but not from other non‐Cronobacter. Newly developed dot hybridization further confirmed that the PCR was specific to detect Cronobacter in infant formula. Positive fragment sequencing was carried out for phylogenetic analysis and a high heterogeneity between Cronobacter and related species was observed. The phylogenetic analysis is helpful for enriching knowledge of genetic diversity and potential taxonomic complexity.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

This new PCR method has a potential application for detection of Cronobacter in infant formulas prior to entry into markets and will be helpful in routine monitoring and risk assessment in large‐scale screening of disease outbreaks. Phylogenetic analysis is helpful for enriching knowledge of genetic diversity, further supporting and confirming the taxonomic complexity within Cronobacter.
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES OF A FOOD‐GRADE DILUTION‐STABLE MICROEMULSION
Authors: ZHANG HUI , LI DONGDONG , ZHU SONGMING , FENG FENGQIN , ZHENG XIAODONG
Published: March 2011

The antibacterial activities of a food‐grade dilution‐stable microemulsion, which has an oil phase of glycerol monolaurate (5% w/w), propionic acid (15%) and a surfactant phase of Tween 80 (21%), sodium benzoate (21%), have been studied in this work. By broth dilution method, the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of the microemulsion against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis were achieved at 250, 500 and 250 ppm, respectively. The bactericidal kinetic results showed that over 90% viable bacterial cells were killed within 5 min by the microemulsion at the concentrations determined by MBC; a nearly 4 log reduction in S. aureus or B. subtilis titer was obtained while a complete loss of viability was achieved against E. coli in 60 min. The fast‐killing kinetics of the microemulsion was in good agreement with the cell surface hydrophobicity, membrane permeability experiments and the observation of transmission electron microscopy.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This work suggests the potential use of food‐grade fully dilutable microemulsions for antimicrobial purposes in food products.
PRESENCE OF AFLATOXIN M1 IN UHT MILK IN TABRIZ (NORTHWEST OF IRAN)
Authors: MOVASSAGH MOHAMMAD HOSEIN
Published: March 2011

Mycotoxins in milk is a public health concern and has to be regularly monitored. The role of milk in human nutrition is well known. The aim of this study was to evaluate aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination in ultra‐high‐temperature (UHT) milk samples in Tabriz city (Iran) by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Forty‐nine UHT milk samples from different supermarkets in Tabriz city were collected during 6 months (July to December 2008). AFM1 was found in 100% of the examined milk samples; 83.67% of the samples had AFM1 greater than the maximum tolerance limit (50 ng/L) accepted by European Union. It can be concluded that AFM1 levels in the samples purchased in Tabriz city appear to be a serious public health problem at the moment and is much higher than some other countries.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Aflatoxins are both acutely and chronically toxic for animals and humans, and can produce dangerous illnesses including acute liver damage, liver cirrhosis, tumor induction, and are also teratogenic. AFM1 is resistant to thermal inactivation; pasteurization, autoclaving and other varieties of food processing procedures are not effective in the reduction of this toxin. The results obtained from this study can be use to decrease the level of AFM1 in milk, dairy cows' feed samples from various cows' herds, and it must be controlled periodically for aflatoxins and kept away from fungal contamination as much as possible.
The Dodd‐Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act: Accomplishments and Limitations*
Authors: Acharya Viral V. , Cooley Thomas , Richardson Matthew , Sylla Richard , Walter Ingo
Published: March 2011

The Dodd‐Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 is widely described as the most ambitious and far‐reaching overhaul of financial regulation in the United States since the 1930s. Together with other regulatory reforms introduced by regulatory agencies globally, the Act aims to put an end to the too‐big‐to‐fail problem and is expected to alter the structure of financial markets in profound ways.

This article provides an overall assessment of the Act in three different ways: first, in light of first economic principles, or how theory suggests we should regulate the financial sector, given the systemic risk externality each financial firm imposes on other firms and the rest of the economy; second, from a comparative perspective that views the proposed reforms in relation to those undertaken in the 1930s following the Great Depression; and, finally, in the form of an assessment of how the proposed reforms would have fared in preventing and dealing with the crisis of 2007–2009 had they been in place at the time. The article also highlights key areas that are left wholly or partly unaddressed by the Dodd‐Frank Act—notably, the pricing of explicit and implicit government guarantees; dealing with inevitable opportunities for the financial sector to engage in regulatory arbitrage; and containing the systemic risk arising from collections of small institutions and markets such as money market funds and repo contracts.
China Adopts EVA: An Essential Step in the Great Leap Forward*
Authors: Stern Erik
Published: March 2011

At the start of 2010, the Central SASAC initiated a three‐year “Performance Assessment Policy” that has the potential to transform Chinese business practices. Since 2010, return on capital has been a major criterion in the performance evaluation and compensation of the senior managements of the 100 largest Chinese state‐owned enterprises. Although sales growth will still count for 60% of executive assessment, 40% will be determined by a simplified version of EVA, or Economic Value Added. The guiding principle behind the new policy is simple and straightforward: Executives of state‐owned enterprises are now being asked to manage capital more efficiently than they have in the past—and in much the same way that private enterprises are now expected to do.

Observers might be inclined to downplay this change. The assessed cost for capital, at 5.5%, is well below the market's required rate of return. And SASAC may not allow the firms to close plants, make positions redundant, and lay off employees. Veteran managers may try to outlive the interest in EVA, expecting SASAC's new standards to be unenforced.

But SASAC's leaders expect a few pioneering companies to take the framework farther than the guidelines demand. To the extent they succeed in creating value for their shareholders, these companies could help bring about important change at many other Chinese companies.
The serine hydrolases MAGL, ABHD6 and ABHD12 as guardians of 2‐arachidonoylglycerol signalling through cannabinoid receptors
Authors: Savinainen J. R. , Saario S. M. , Laitinen J. T.
Published: March 2011

The endocannabinoid 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) is a lipid mediator involved in various physiological processes. In response to neural activity, 2‐AG is synthesized post‐synaptically, then activates pre‐synaptic cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) in a retrograde manner, resulting in transient and long‐lasting reduction of neurotransmitter release. The signalling competence of 2‐AG is tightly regulated by the balanced action between ‘on demand’ biosynthesis and degradation. We review recent research on monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), ABHD6 and ABHD12, three serine hydrolases that together account for approx. 99% of brain 2‐AG hydrolase activity. MAGL is responsible for approx. 85% of 2‐AG hydrolysis and colocalizes with CB1R in axon terminals. It is therefore ideally positioned to terminate 2‐AG‐CB1R signalling regardless of the source of this endocannabinoid. Its acute pharmacological inhibition leads to 2‐AG accumulation and CB1R‐mediated behavioural responses. Chronic MAGL inactivation results in 2‐AG overload, desensitization of CB1R signalling and behavioural tolerance. ABHD6 accounts for approx. 4% of brain 2‐AG hydrolase activity but in neurones it rivals MAGL in efficacy. Neuronal ABHD6 resides post‐synaptically, often juxtaposed with CB1Rs, and its acute inhibition leads to activity‐dependent accumulation of 2‐AG. In cortical slices, selective ABHD6 blockade facilitates CB1R‐dependent long‐term synaptic depression. ABHD6 is therefore positioned to guard intracellular pools of 2‐AG at the site of generation. ABHD12 is highly expressed in microglia and accounts for approx. 9% of total brain 2‐AG hydrolysis. Mutations in ABHD12 gene are causally linked to a neurodegenerative disease called PHARC. Whether ABHD12 qualifies as a bona fide member to the endocannabinoid system remains to be established.
Effectiveness and Safety of Valsartan in Children Aged 6 to 16 Years With Hypertension
Authors: Wells Thomas , Blumer Jeffrey , Meyers Kevin E.C. , Neto Jose P.R. , Meneses Rejane , Litwin Mieczysław , Vande Walle Johan , Solar‐Yohay Susan , Shi Victor , Han Guangyang ,   The Valsartan Pediatric Hypertension Study Group
Published: March 2011

The effectiveness and safety of valsartan have not been assessed in hypertensive children. Therefore, hypertensive patients aged 6 to 16 years (n=261) were randomized to receive weight‐stratified low‐ (10/20 mg), medium‐ (40/80 mg), or high‐dose (80/160 mg) valsartan for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, patients were randomized to a 2‐week placebo‐controlled withdrawal phase. Dose‐dependent reductions in sitting systolic blood pressure (SSBP) and sitting diastolic blood pressure (SDBP) were observed after 2 weeks (low dose, −7.9/−4.6 mm Hg; medium dose, −9.6/−5.8 mm Hg; high dose, −11.5/−7.4 mm Hg [P<.0001 for all groups]). During the withdrawal phase, SSBP and SDBP were both lower in the pooled valsartan group than in the pooled placebo group (SSBP, −2.7 mm Hg [P=.0368]; SDBP, −3.0 mm Hg [P=.0047]). Similar efficacy was observed in all subgroups. Valsartan was well tolerated and headache was the most commonly observed adverse event during both the double‐blind and 52‐week open‐label phases. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:357–365. ©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Safety and Tolerability of the Direct Renin Inhibitor Aliskiren in Combination With Angiotensin Receptor Blockers and Thiazide Diuretics: A Pooled Analysis of Clinical Experience of 12,942 Patients
Authors: White William B. , Bresalier Robert , Kaplan Allen P. , Palmer Biff F. , Riddell Robert H. , Lesogor Anastasia , Chang William , Keefe Deborah L.
Published: March 2011

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:506–516. ©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Combinations of the direct renin inhibitor aliskiren with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or diuretics are effective therapeutic regimens for the treatment of hypertension. A large database of safety information has become available during the past several years with aliskiren in combination trials. Data were pooled from 9 short‐term (8‐week) and 4 longer‐term (26‐ to 52‐week) randomized controlled trials of aliskiren in patients with hypertension. Adverse event (AE) rates were assessed for aliskiren combination therapy compared with component monotherapies. In short‐term studies, overall AE rates were similar for patients receiving aliskiren/valsartan or aliskiren/diuretic combinations (32.2%–39.8%) and those receiving the component monotherapies (30.0%–39.6%). In longer‐term studies, AE rates with aliskiren/losartan (55.5%) and aliskiren/diuretic (45.0%) combination therapy were similar to those with losartan (53.9%) and diuretic (48.9%) alone. Angioedema and hyperkalemia occurred in similar proportions of patients taking combination therapies vs monotherapy. The safety and tolerability profile of aliskiren in combination with the ARBs valsartan or losartan, or diuretic, is similar to aliskiren, ARBs, or diuretics alone.
The assessment, monitoring, and enhancement of treatment fidelity in public health clinical trials
Authors: Borrelli Belinda
Published: March 2011

Objectives: To discuss methods of preservation of treatment fidelity in health behavior change trials conducted in public health contexts.

Methods: The treatment fidelity framework provided by the National Institutes of Health's Behavioral Change Consortium includes five domains of treatment fidelity (Study Design, Training, Delivery, Receipt, and Enactment). A measure of treatment fidelity was previously developed and validated using these categories.

Results: Strategies for assessment, monitoring, and enhancing treatment fidelity within each of the five treatment fidelity domains are discussed. The previously created measure of treatment fidelity is updated to include additional items on selecting providers, additional confounders, theory testing, and multicultural considerations.

Conclusions: Implementation of a treatment fidelity plan may require extra staff time and costs. However, the economic and scientific costs of lack of attention to treatment fidelity are far greater than the costs of treatment fidelity implementation. Maintaining high levels of treatment fidelity with flexible adaptation according to setting, provider, and patient is the goal for public health trials.
A framework for implementing sustainable oral health promotion interventions
Authors: Simpson D. Dwayne
Published: March 2011

The present paper addresses basic evaluation and procedural concepts that are involved in the process of implementing sustainable oral health behavioral and social interventions. It is part of a series of thematic articles describing cutting‐edge methods for conducting oral health interventions research. Core components for effective intervention implementation are presented as part of a comprehensive model composed of four stages (training, adoption, implementation, and practice), along with sustaining influences involving preparation and maintenance. This model systematically addresses common barriers that can reduce innovation success and permanence. Special attention is given to the measurement and impact of organizational and related contextual influences across stages of the implementation process. Assessment tools and research strategies are recommended and illustrated based on evaluations of interventions implemented in addiction and mental health treatment systems. These tools and research strategies also hold promise for use within the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Practice‐Based Research Networks, as well as other systems of oral health care delivery.
What is a planning model? An introduction to PRECEDE‐PROCEED
Authors: Crosby Richard , Noar Seth M.
Published: March 2011

Planning models exist at a macroscopic level; they serve as an organizing framework for an entire health promotion effort aimed at fostering reduction in a given disease. A particularly useful, widely applied, and easy‐to‐follow example of a planning model is the PRECEDE‐PROCEED planning model (PPM). The PPM is very much an ecological approach to health promotion. The PPM is actually quite simple to understand once one realizes that it embodies two key aspects of intervention: a) planning, and (b) evaluation. The PPM guides the program planner to think logically about the desired end point and work “backwards” to achieve that goal. Through community participation, the planning process is broken down into objectives, step 3 sub‐objectives, and step 4 sub‐objectives. Conceptually, this approach to health promotion provides context to the use of theory, with theory being applied at the fourth step. This observation teaches a vital lesson, namely that program planning is larger and is a more comprehensive task compared to the subservient function of theory selection and application.
Statistical analysis for identifying mediating variables in public health dentistry interventions
Authors: MacKinnon David P. , Luecken Linda J.
Published: March 2011

Objective: This article provides an overview of statistical mediation analysis methods in the evaluation of public health dentistry interventions.

Methods and Results: First, reasons for conducting mediation analysis are outlined, followed by a discussion of the link between the mediation model and theoretical bases of interventions. Second, the basic statistical procedures in mediation analysis are presented. An example application to data from a hypothetical intervention is provided in Appendix A. Third, interpretation of the results from statistical mediation analysis is described along with additional information pertinent to identifying true mediation relations.

Conclusions: Guidelines for describing mediation analyses in research articles related to public health dentistry intervention studies are outlined.
Mobilising the State? Social Mobilisation and State Interaction in India, Brazil and South Africa
Authors: Mohanty Ranjita , Thompson Lisa , Coelho Vera Schattan
Published: March 2011

This paper explores how social mobilisation and the state interact, influence and mutually constitute each other in India, Brazil and South Africa. Given their broad similarities of democratic political structures, as emerging economies that now often commonly characterise them as ‘middle‐income’ and of their persistent socioeconomic inequalities, a focus on these three countries offers opportunities for a comparative analysis on whether and to what extent democracy is deepened to meet the needs of the poor through state‐society interactions. Through a political process approach that combines historical analysis with select cases from each country, we critically examine the modes of interaction between forms of mobilisation that raise citizen demands and the state response.

The findings show that these states find it comfortable to adopt participatory modes and to engage with forms of mobilisation that are perceived (from within their institutional ranks) to be close to their own framework and strategy of action. However, the cases in which citizens raise legitimate yet contentious demand through protests and other forms of contestations are highly likely to meet state resistance. However, from the citizen's point of view, action is important, and despite the potential lack of state response, contributes to a sense of agency and empowerment which is crucial for democracy. Not letting the state off the hook, the paper argues, is in itself an empowering expression of citizenship and political identity.
Anodic TiO2 nanotube layers electrochemically filled with MoO3 and their antimicrobial properties
Authors: Lorenz Kathrin , Bauer Sebastian , Gutbrod Kai , Guggenbichler Josef Peter , Schmuki Patrik , Zollfrank Cordt
Published: March 2011

In the present work, the authors produce a Ti surface with a TiO2 nanotube coating and investigate the electrochemical filling of these layers with MoO3. The authors demonstrate that using a potential cycling technique, a homogenous MoO3 coating can be generated. Controllable and variable coating thicknesses are achieved by a variation of the number of cycles. Thicknesses from a few nanometers to complete filling of the nanotube layers can be obtained. A thermal treatment is used to convert the as-deposited amorphous MoOx phases into MoO3. These MoO3 loaded nanotube layers were then investigated regarding their antimicrobial properties using strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The authors found that the combination of crystalline MoO3 on TiO2 nanotubes shows excellent antimicrobial properties.
Ag/Cu(100) Surface Alloy and Polycrystalline Cu(Ag) Alloy Studied by XPS
Authors: Jussila Petri , Lahtonen Kimmo , Lampimäki Markus , Hirsimäki Mika , Honkanen Mari , Lepistö Toivo , Taskinen Pekka , Valden Mika
Published: March 2011

In this work, polycrystalline Cu(Ag) bulk alloy (1 wt.% Ag) and Ag/Cu(100) surface alloy (0.9 ML Ag) have been characterized by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) employing Al Kα and Mg Kα radiation. XPS spectra of the principal core levels (Cu, Ag) are presented together with XAES (x-ray induced Auger electron spectroscopy) spectra of the Cu LMM transition. The samples were prepared in situ by argon ion sputtering at room temperature and subsequent annealing at 700 K. Ag overlayer was deposited on the Cu(100) surface by a resistively heated Ag evaporator. The absence of contaminants such as C or O was confirmed by XPS. Together, the industrial Cu(Ag) alloy and the well defined Ag/Cu(100) model system serve as a template for studies of nanoscale surface oxidation and segregation phenomena.
From La2O3 To LaCoO3: XPS Analysis
Authors: Natile Marta Maria , Galenda Alessandro , Glisenti Antonella
Published: March 2011

Nanostructured LaCoO3 powder was prepared by a new approach: cobalt oxide nanoparticles were deposited, by wet impregnation, on the La2O3 surface. The La2O3 support was prepared by precipitation from a basic solution of La(NO3)3⋅6H2O. The precipitate was dried at 353 K for 2 h and calcined at 923 K for 6 h in air. Nanostructured LaCoO3 was obtained by wet impregnation of La2O3 with aqueous solutions of Co(NO3)2⋅6H2O: [Co/La]nomimal = 1.0 (nominal atomic ratio is obtained from the precursors weighed quantities). The obtained suspension was maintained under stirring for two days and then kept in rest for one day. Water was evaporated in air and the obtained solid was dried at 353 K for 2 h and at 923 K for 6 h in air. The thermal treatment in air promotes a solid state reaction between La-O and Co-O and then the formation of LaCoO3.
Piranha Treated Titanium Compared to Passivated Titanium as Characterized by XPS
Authors: Martin Holly J. , Schulz Kirk H. , Walters Keisha B.
Published: March 2011

Titanium is commonly used as an implant material because of its strength, durability, density, and ability to passivated. Two titanium surfaces were compared, one produced by passivation following the ASTM F87 standard and one produced by treating coupons with piranha. The XPS spectra of the two treated titanium surfaces were collected with a Mg Kα (1253.6 eV) x-ray source operated at 300 W and 15 kV. This report includes XPS spectra of the elements associated with the treated titanium, which consisted of carbon, oxygen, and titanium. Significantly more titanium and oxygen were seen when comparing the piranha treated titanium to the passivated titanium, while significantly more carbon was present on the passivated titanium as compared to the piranha treated titanium.
CuO/La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ Powder by XPS
Authors: Natile Marta Maria , Galenda Alessandro , Poletto Fabio , Glisenti Antonella
Published: March 2011

A CuO/La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ supported system was obtained by depositing, by wet impregnation, 10 wt% CuO loading on the La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ surface. The surface properties are investigated by means of XPS. Besides the wide scan spectrum, detailed spectra for the La 3d, Sr 3d, Co 2p, Fe 2p, Cu 2p, O 1s, and C 1s regions, and related data, are presented and discussed.
Finite element modeling of reverberation and transmission loss in shallow water waveguides with rough boundaries
Authors: Isakson Marcia J. , Chotiros Nicholas P.
Published: March 2011

A finite element model for the reverberation and propagation in a shallow water waveguide with a sandy bottom was calculated for five different environments at a center frequency of 250 Hz. The various environments included a rough water/sediment interface, a rough air/water interface, roughness at both interfaces and downward and upward refracting sound speed profiles with roughness at both interfaces. When compared to other models of reverberation such as ray theory, coupled modes, and parabolic equations, finite elements predicted higher levels of reverberation. At early times, this is due to the “fathometer” return, energy that is normally incident on the boundaries at zero range. At later times, the increased reverberation was due to high angle scattering paths between the two interfaces. Differences in reverberation levels among the environments indicated that scattered energy from the air/water interface is transmitted into the bottom at steep angles. This led to a large decrease in reverberation for a rough air/water interface relative to a rough water/sediment interface. Sound speed profile effects on reverberation were minimal at this frequency range. Calculations of the scintillation index of the different environments indicated that most of the reverberation was relatively Rayleigh-like with heavier tailed distributions at longer ranges.
Failure of the precedence effect with a noise-band vocoder
Authors: Seeber Bernhard U. , Hafter Ervin R.
Published: March 2011

The precedence effect (PE) describes the ability to localize a direct, leading sound correctly when its delayed copy (lag) is present, though not separately audible. The relative contribution of binaural cues in the temporal fine structure (TFS) of lead–lag signals was compared to that of interaural level differences (ILDs) and interaural time differences (ITDs) carried in the envelope. In a localization dominance paradigm participants indicated the spatial location of lead–lag stimuli processed with a binaural noise-band vocoder whose noise carriers introduced random TFS. The PE appeared for noise bursts of 10 ms duration, indicating dominance of envelope information. However, for three test words the PE often failed even at short lead–lag delays, producing two images, one toward the lead and one toward the lag. When interaural correlation in the carrier was increased, the images appeared more centered, but often remained split. Although previous studies suggest dominance of TFS cues, no image is lateralized in accord with the ITD in the TFS. An interpretation in the context of auditory scene analysis is proposed: By replacing the TFS with that of noise the auditory system loses the ability to fuse lead and lag into one object, and thus to show the PE.
Non-diffuseness of vibration fields in ribbed plates
Authors: Brunskog Jonas , Chung Hyuck
Published: March 2011

This paper presents numerical simulations of structural intensity in a rib-reinforced plate, investigating the diffuseness. Many prediction models of building and structural acoustics, such as statistical energy analysis or energy flow methods, assume the vibrational wave fields to be diffuse. However, the diffuseness assumption is not always valid. One such example is a rib-reinforced plate typically found in a lightweight floor with wooden joists. Other examples can be found in aircraft and ship structures. The structural intensity of a ribbed plate is computed at low to mid frequencies using the Fourier sine expansion of the transverse displacement of the plate. Hamilton’s principle is used in combination with thin plate theory and Euler beam theory. The model takes into account interactions between components. The Fourier sine modes are re-formulated as plane waves in a radial coordinate system, which can express the structural intensity in terms of the angular component of the modes. In the simulations, ensemble averages and rain-on-the-roof excitations are used. The numerical results show that the structural intensity varies significantly as the angle of propagation changes and cannot be assumed to form a diffuse field.
Directional perception of distributed sound sources
Authors: Santala Olli , Pulkki Ville
Published: March 2011

The perception of spatially distributed sound sources was investigated by conducting two listening experiments in anechoic conditions with 13 loudspeakers evenly distributed in the frontal horizontal plane emitting incoherent noise signals. In the first experiment, widely distributed sound sources with gaps in their distribution emitted pink noise. The results indicated that the exact loudspeaker distribution could not be perceived accurately and that the width of the distribution was perceived to be narrower than it was in reality. Up to three spatially distributed loudspeakers that were simultaneously emitting sound could be individually perceived. In addition, the number of loudspeakers that were indicated as emitting sound was smaller than the actual number. In the second experiment, a reference with 13 loudspeakers and test cases with fewer loudspeakers were presented and their perceived spatial difference was rated. The effect of the noise bandwidth was of particular interest. Noise with different bandwidths centered around 500 and 4000 Hz was used. The results indicated that when the number of loudspeakers was increased from four to seven, the perceived auditory event was very similar to that perceived with 13 loudspeakers at all bandwidths. The perceived differences were larger in wideband noise than in narrow-band noise.
On optimal retreat distance for the equivalent source method-based nearfield acoustical holography
Authors: Bai Mingsian R. , Chen Ching-Cheng , Lin Jia-Hong
Published: March 2011

As a basic form of the equivalent source method (ESM) that is used to nearfield acoustical holography (NAH) problems, discrete monopoles are utilized to represent the sound field of interest. When setting up the virtual source distribution, it is vital to maintain a “retreat distance” between the virtual sources and the actual source surface such that reconstruction would not suffer from singularity problems. However, one cannot increase the distance without bound because of the ill-posedness inherent in the reconstruction process with large distance. In prior research, 1–2 times lattice spacing, or the inter-element distance of microphones, is generally recommended as retreat distance in using the ESM-based NAH. While this rule has shown to yield good results in many cases, the optimal choice is a complicated issue that depends on frequency, geometry of the physical source, content of evanescent waves, distribution of sensors and virtual sources, etc. This paper deals about attaining the best compromise between the reconstruction errors induced by the point source singularity; the reconstruction ill-posedness is an interesting problem in its own right. The paper revisits this issue, with the aid of an optimization algorithm based on the golden section search and parabolic interpolation. Numerical simulations were conducted for a baffled planar piston source and a spherically baffled piston source. The results revealed that the retreat distance appropriate for the ESM ranged from 0.4 to 0.5 times the spacing for the planar piston, while from 0.8 to 1.7 times average spacing for the spherical piston. Experiments carried out for a vibrating aluminum plate also revealed that the retreat distance with 0.5 times the spacing yielded better reconstructed velocity than those with 1/20 and 1 times the spacing.
The Norwegian Façade Insulation Study: The efficacy of façade insulation in reducing noise annoyance due to road traffic
Authors: Amundsen Astrid H. , Klæboe Ronny , Aasvang Gunn Marit
Published: March 2011

The efficacy of façade insulation in providing an improved indoor noise environment and in reducing indoor noise annoyance was examined in a socio-acoustic before-and-after study with a control group. An average equivalent noise reduction inside the dwellings of 7 dB was obtained from the façade insulation. Whereas 42% of the respondents were highly annoyed in the before-situation, this dropped to 16% in the after study. The conclusion is therefore that the façade insulation provided a substantial improvement in the indoor noise environment. The advantage with respect to indoor noise annoyance, of having the bedroom facing the least noise-exposed side of the dwelling corresponded to a 6 dB noise reduction. The changes in annoyance from noise reduction due to the façade insulation were in accordance with what would be expected from the exposure-response curves obtained in the before-situation. A total of 637 respondents participated in the before-study. Of these, 415 also participated in the after study. Indoor and outdoor noise exposure calculations for each of the dwellings were undertaken before and after the façade insulation was implemented.
Buckling resistance of solid shell bubbles under ultrasound
Authors: Marmottant Philippe , Bouakaz Ayache , Jong Nico de , Quilliet Catherine
Published: March 2011

Thin solid shell contrast agents bubbles are expected to undergo different volume oscillating behaviors when the acoustic power is increased: small oscillations when the shell remains spherical, and large oscillations when the shell buckles. Contrary to bubbles covered with thin lipidic monolayers that buckle as soon as compressed: the solid shell bubbles resist compression, making the buckling transition abrupt. Numerical simulations that explicitly incorporate a shell bending modulus give the critical buckling pressure and post-buckling shape, and show the appearance of a finite number of wrinkles. These findings are incorporated in a model based on the concept of effective surface tension. This model compares favorably to experiments when adjusting two main parameters: the buckling tension and the rupture shell tension. The buckling tension provides a direct estimation of the acoustic pressure threshold at which buckling occurs.
Temperature effects on the band gaps of Lamb waves in a one-dimensional phononic-crystal plate (L)
Authors: Cheng Y. , Liu X. J. , Wu D. J.
Published: March 2011

This study investigates the temperature-tuned band gaps of Lamb waves in a one-dimensional phononic-crystal plate, which is formed by alternating strips of ferroelectric ceramic Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 and epoxy. The sensitive and continuous temperature-tunability of Lamb wave band gaps is demonstrated using the analyses of the band structures and the transmission spectra. The width and position of Lamb wave band gaps shift prominently with variation of temperature in the range of 26 °C–50 °C. For example, the width of the second band gap increases from 0.066 to 0.111 MHz as the temperature is increased from 26 °C to 50 °C. The strong shift promises that the structure could be suitable for temperature-tuned multi-frequency Lamb wave filters.
An anatomically based, time-domain acoustic model of the subglottal system for speech production
Authors: Ho Julio C. , Zañartu Matías , Wodicka George R.
Published: March 2011

A time-domain model of sound wave propagation in the branching airways of the subglottal system is presented. The model is formulated as an extension to an acoustic transmission-line modeling scheme originally developed for simulating the supraglottal system in the time-domain during speech production [Maeda (1982). Speech Commun. 1, 199–229; Mokhtari et al. (2008). Speech Commun. 50, 179–190]. The approach allows for predictions of time-varying acoustic pressure and volume velocity at any point along the various generations of subglottal airways from trachea to alveoli. In addition, the model can be configured so that its overall structure simulates different geometric forms, including airways that branch in a symmetric or asymmetric pattern. Three subglottal configurations, two symmetric and one asymmetric, were represented based on reported anatomical dimensions of the subglottal airways. Estimates of the acoustic input impedances of these subglottal configurations revealed resonant characteristics similar to those found in the previous studies. Simulations of voiced sound propagation into the subglottal airways, achieved by coupling the subglottal model to a two-mass vocal fold model and a supraglottal tract configured for different vowels, yielded predictions of time-domain sound pressure waveforms below the vocal folds that compare favorably to previous measurements in human subjects.
Diffraction of sonic booms around buildings resulting in the building spiking effect
Authors: Cho Sang-Ik T. , Sparrow Victor W.
Published: March 2011

The diffraction of a sonic boom around a building of finite dimensions yields amplification of the front shock and a positive spike that follows the tail shock in the pressure waveform recorded at the incident side of the building’s exterior surface. This physical phenomenon is consistently found both in the data obtained from a 2006 NASA flight test and field experiment, and in the finite-difference time-domain simulation that models this particular experiment, and the authors call it the “building spiking” effect. This paper presents an analysis of the numerical and the accompanying experimental results used to investigate the cause of this effect. The simulation assumes linear acoustics only, which sufficiently describes the physics of interest. Separating the low and high frequency components of boom recordings using optimal finite impulse response filters with complementary magnitude responses shows that the building spiking effect can be attributed to the frequency dependent nature of diffraction. A comparison of the building spiking effect of a conventional N-wave and a low-amplitude sonic boom shows that a longer shock rise time leads to less pronounced amplification of the exterior pressure loading on buildings, and thus reveals an advantage of shaping a boom to elongate its rise time.
Investigation of non-linear acoustic losses at the open end of a tube
Authors: Buick James M. , Atig M. , Skulina D. J. , Campbell D. M. , Dalmont J. P. , Gilbert J.
Published: March 2011

At high acoustic level, non-linear losses at the end of a tube are usually interpreted as the consequence of a jet formation at the tube end resulting in annular vortices dissipating part of the acoustic energy. Previous work has shown that two different regimes may occur. The present work, using particle image velocimetry visualization, lattice Boltzmann method simulation in 2D, and an analytical model, shows that the two different regimes correspond to situations for which the annular vortices remain attached to the tube (low acoustic particle velocity) or detached (high acoustic particle velocity).
Evidence for the central origin of lexical tone normalization (L)
Authors: Huang Jingyuan , Holt Lori L.
Published: March 2011

Huang and Holt [(2009). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 125, 3983–3994] suggest that listeners may dynamically tune lexical tone perception via general auditory sensitivity to the mean f0 of the preceding context, effectively normalizing pitch differences across talkers. The present experiments further examine the effect using the missing-f0 phenomenon as a means of determining the level of auditory processing at which lexical tone normalization occurs. Speech contexts filtered to remove or mask low-frequency f0 energy elicited contrastive context effects. Central, rather than peripheral, auditory processes may be responsible for the context-dependence that has been considered to be lexical tone normalization.
Mapping the sound field of an erupting submarine volcano using an acoustic glider
Authors: Matsumoto Haru , Haxel Joseph H. , Dziak Robert P. , Bohnenstiehl Delwayne R. , Embley Robert W.
Published: March 2011

An underwater glider with an acoustic data logger flew toward a recently discovered erupting submarine volcano in the northern Lau basin. With the volcano providing a wide-band sound source, recordings from the two-day survey produced a two-dimensional sound level map spanning 1 km (depth) × 40 km(distance). The observed sound field shows depth- and range-dependence, with the first-order spa tial pattern being consistent with the predictions of a range-dependent propagation model. The results allow constraining the acoustic source level of the volcanic activity and suggest that the glider provides an effective platform for monitoring natural and anthropogenic ocean sounds.
Mammalian Genes Are Transcribed with Widely Different Bursting Kinetics
Authors: Suter David M. , Molina Nacho , Gatfield David , Schneider Kim , Schibler Ueli , Naef Felix
Published: March 2011

Real-time monitoring of gene expression reveals transcription kinetics of mammalian genes.
Glutamate Receptor–Like Genes Form Ca
2+
Channels in Pollen Tubes and Are Regulated by Pistil

d

-Serine
Authors: Michard Erwan , Lima Pedro T. , Borges Filipe , Silva Ana Catarina , Portes Maria Teresa , Carvalho João E. , Gilliham Matthew , Liu Lai-Hua , Obermeyer Gerhard , Feijó José A.
Published: March 2011

Amino acid modulation of Ca
2+
signaling guides growth of plant pollen tubes.
Predicting parents' use of booster seats
Authors: Bruce Beth S , Snowdon Anne W , Cunningham Charles , Cramm Carolyn L , Whittle Krista , Correale Heather , Barwick Melanie , Piotrowski Caroline , Warda Lynne , Harrold Jessie
Published: March 2011

Objective

To examine the simultaneous contribution of multiple factors associated with parents' use of booster seats.

Methods

Using the theory of planned behaviour framework, constructs of the theory were tested for usefulness in predicting self-reported intent and behaviour with respect to parents' use of booster seats. Through the use of structural equation modelling, the study demonstrated the most significant predictors of the intent to use a booster seat and reported use of booster seats in a Canadian sample (n=1480) of parents of school-aged children, 4–9 years.

Results

The strongest predictors of intent to use booster seats were attitudes (benefits of booster seat use) and second, subjective norms (perceived booster seat use in the community). Parent barriers were inversely associated with intent and use of booster seats and child barriers with use. Intent and norms had the greatest effect on use, both positive and equally influential. The final model explains 30% of the variance in booster seat use.

Conclusion

Messages that address the benefit to the child in preventing injury could be beneficial if spread more diversely, establishing a social norm. Legislation, enforcement and local policy could positively influence the perceived culture that supports and expects booster seat use for school-aged children.