bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diabetes and end of life: ethical and methodological issues in gathering evidence to guide care
Authors: Dunning Trisha , Duggan Nicole , Savage Sally , Martin Peter
Published: May 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 203–211

Diabetes and end of life: ethical and methodological issues in gathering evidence to guide care

Introduction:  Providing palliative care for people with diabetes at the end of life is part of the chronic disease care trajectory, but end of life care is complex and the presence of diabetes further complicates management.

Aim:  The aim of the paper is to discuss the ethical and methodological issues encountered when undertaking research to develop guidelines for managing diabetes at the end of life and the strategies used to address the issues.

Method:  The issues emerged as we developed guidelines for managing diabetes at the end of life, which included conducting individual interviews with 14 people with diabetes requiring palliative care and 10 family members. A reflexive researcher journal was maintained throughout the guideline development process. The interview transcripts and researcher’s journal were analysed to determine key methodological, ethical and researcher‐related issues.

Findings:  Key themes were vulnerability of the sampling population, methodological issues included recruiting participants and ensuring rigor, ethical issues concerned benefit and risk, justice, autonomy, privacy, professional boundaries and informed consent. Researcher‐related issues were identified such as managing participant distress and their own emotional distress. People were willing to discuss end of life diabetes management preferences.

Conclusions:  Undertaking research with people at the end of life is complex because of their vulnerability and the ethical issues involved. However, the ethical principles of autonomy and justice apply and people should be given the relevant information and opportunity to decide whether to participate or not.
Are Some Forecasters Really Better Than Others?
Authors: D’AGOSTINO ANTONELLO , MCQUINN KIERAN , WHELAN KARL
Published: May 2012

In any data set with individual forecasts of economic variables, some forecasters will perform better than others. However, it is possible that these ex post differences reflect sampling variation and thus overstate the ex ante differences between forecasters. In this paper, we present a simple test of the null hypothesis that all forecasters in the U.S. Survey of Professional Forecasters have equal ability. We construct a test statistic that reflects both the relative and absolute performance of the forecaster and use bootstrap techniques to compare the empirical results with the equivalents obtained under the null hypothesis of equal forecaster ability. Results suggest little support for the idea that the best forecasters are actually innately better than others, though there is evidence that a relatively small group of forecasters perform very poorly.
Irving Fisher and Price‐Level Targeting in Austria: Was Silver the Answer?
Authors: BURDEKIN RICHARD C.K. , MITCHENER KRIS JAMES , WEIDENMIER MARC D.
Published: May 2012

The question of price level versus inflation targeting remains controversial. Disagreement concerns not so much the desirability of price stability but rather the means of achieving it. Irving Fisher argued for a commodity dollar standard where the purchasing power of money was fixed by indexing it to a basket of commodities. We show that movements in the price of silver closely track the movements in overall prices during the classical gold standard era. The one‐to‐one relationship between paper and silver bonds suggests that a simple “silver rule” could have sufficed to fix the purchasing power of money.
Effect of Crystallographic Anisotrophy and Lanthanum Stoichiometry on Microstructural Evolution of Lanthanum Silicate Electrolytes
Authors: Shin Dong‐Kyu , Kim Yong , Seo Hyun‐Ho , Ahn Pyung‐An , Shin Eui‐Chol , Fisher John G. , Kim Dong‐Ik , Lee Jong‐Ho , Lee Jong‐Sook
Published: May 2012

Lanthanum silicates with different lanthanum concentrations La9.33+x(SiO4)6O2+1.5x were prepared by solid state reaction using milling procedures of different degrees and sintered at 1700°C or 1750°C. The phase composition and the microstructural evolution were shown to depend strongly on the heat‐treatment temperature and history. The presence of the liquid phase in the lanthanum‐rich compositions at sintering temperatures is clearly evidenced, which, however, is not in accordance with the known phase relations of the material. Exaggerated growth of plate‐shaped grains in the c‐axis direction was induced by the inhomogeneous presence of the liquid phase. The solid solution region with excess lanthanum appears to extend with increasing temperature, as evidenced by intragranular second phase precipitation on heat treatments at lower temperature as well as the X‐ray powder diffraction results of differently treated samples. Lanthanum‐deficient compositions were shown to exist as a two‐phase mixture with La2Si2O7 in equilibrium, although the powders prepared by solid state reaction at 1300°C do not indicate the significant presence of a secondary phase, regardless of the composition. The groove profiles with both a maximum and minimum (or hump) indicate the surface diffusion mechanism controlled by bulk defect chemistry and defect migration in the material. This phenomenon can be explained by the transport anisotropy in La diffusion which controls the matter transport by the bulk ambipolar diffusion mechanism, supported by recent theoretical as well as experimental studies. Electron backscattered diffraction mapping clearly correlated the grains perpendicular to the c‐axis with the strong development of thermal grooving and vice versa by the transport anisotropy. There is little indication of the surface and grain‐boundary energy anisotropy regardless of the compositions.
Long‐term well‐being after surgical or conservative treatment of severe vulvar vestibulitis
Authors: TOMMOLA PÄIVI , UNKILA‐KALLIO LEILA , PAAVONEN JORMA
Published: May 2012

Objective. To compare long‐term well‐being of women who needed surgery or did not need surgery in the treatment of severe vulvar vestibulitis syndrome. We also attempted to identify factors explaining differences in the treatment response. Design. An observational case‐control study. Setting. University Hospital Vulva clinic. Population. Sixty‐six women diagnosed with severe vulvar vestibulitis and treated initially by conservative management during 1994–2005. Thirty‐nine women did not respond and underwent posterior vestibulectomy and 27 were managed without surgery. Methods. Baseline patient characteristics, degree of dyspareunia, and details of management were collected from hospital charts. At the follow‐up visit current dyspareunia, sexual well‐being, somatic and mental health, and social support were analyzed. Vestibular tenderness was measured by swab‐touch test. Main outcome measures. Visual analogue scale for dyspareunia, sexual well‐being, vestibular tenderness, and overall patient satisfaction at follow‐up. Results. Dyspareunia decreased significantly in both groups. The visual analogue scale decreased 66.7% in the surgery group and 78.1% in the conservative treatment group (p= 0.407). Posterior swab‐touch test was negative more frequently after vestibulectomy. Long‐term sexual well‐being did not differ between the two groups. Overall, 89% of the women in both groups were satisfied with the treatment. Women with atopic skin problems were less likely to need surgery (odds ratio 0.2; 95% confidence interval 0.1–0.7). Conclusion. Women with severe vulvar vestibulitis syndrome who do not respond to conservative management achieve good long‐term well‐being and decrease of dyspareunia by posterior vestibulectomy. The response is comparable to that achieved by conservative management among women who do not need surgery.
Dropping out of psychiatric treatment: a methodological contribution
Authors: Mazzotti E. , Barbaranelli C.
Published: May 2012

Mazzotti E, Barbaranelli C. Dropping out of psychiatric treatment: a methodological contribution.

Objective:  Treatment interruption rate among psychiatric patients varies from 26% to 82%. In order to evaluate the determinants of compliance and dropping out in out‐patient psychiatric clinics, we utilized Ajzen’s theory of planned behaviour.

Method:  In the pilot stage (n = 164), a questionnaire was administered to elicit the patient’s salient beliefs associated with the intention to contact the service. In the main stage, a new, broader sample (n = 239) was asked to fill in a structured questionnaire including the basic components of the Ajzen’s theory; a structural equation model was used for the evaluation of the fit between the relationships hypothesized by the theory and the empirical data gathered from the sample.

Results:  The most important predictor of ‘intention’ is ‘perceived behavioural control’, followed by ‘attitude’. It was found that ‘past behaviour’ vs. ‘intentions’ was significant predictor of dropping out.

Conclusion:  Dropout patients were more likely to have already been in psychiatric treatment and to have had a past history of missed appointments. Our results suggest that knowing previous treatment history and the role of interruptions could equip mental health carers for the rapid retrieval of dropouts, reducing the burden on patients’ families and the risk of patients themselves.
Diagnosis of blue nevus‐like metastatic uveal melanoma confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for monosomy 3
Authors: Busam Klaus J. , Fang Yuqiang , Jhanwar Suresh , Lacouture Mario
Published: May 2012

Metastatic melanoma can on rare occasion simulate the appearance of a blue nevus clinically and/or histopathologically, which may lead to diagnostic confusion and delay in treatment. Given the known difficulty in recognizing a small dermal blue nevus‐like melanoma metastasis by light microscopic findings alone, recent discoveries of unique cytogenetic aberrations in various types of melanomas have led pathologists to explore cytogenetic techniques as an ancillary diagnostic tool. Herein, we report a case of a 58‐year‐old man with a history of uveal melanoma, in which fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis for monosomy 3 helped confirm a diagnosis of blue nevus‐like uveal melanoma metastasis. The patient had presented clinically with a new small 1‐mm dark blue‐gray macule on the forehead. Histopathologically, a small dermal nodule of pigmented epithelioid melanocytes and melanophages was found with a rare mitotic figure. The pathologist's suspicion of a blue nevus‐like melanoma metastasis was confirmed by FISH analysis: both the tumor cells of the patient's prior uveal melanoma and the melanocytes of the new dermal blue nevus‐like nodule carried only one copy of chromosome 3. Furthermore, deletion of 1p36 and amplifications of 8q32 were also identified.

Busam KJ, Fang Y, Jhanwar S, Lacouture M. Diagnosis of blue nevus‐like metastatic uveal melanoma confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for monosomy 3.
Histopathological spectrum of cutaneous tuberculosis and non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infections
Authors: Min Kyueng‐Whan , Ko Joo Yeon , Park Chan Kum
Published: May 2012

The non‐specific clinical findings and variable histopathological features of cutaneous tuberculosis and non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infections often make it difficult to establish a diagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy. We investigated 25 patients diagnosed with mycobacterial infections of the skin in Hanyang University Hospital between 2001 and 2011. Skin biopsy specimens were re‐evaluated by various histopathological criteria and molecular studies. To identify the mycobacteria, we performed staining for acid‐fast bacilli and also completed polymerase chain reaction analysis. The non‐tuberculous mycobacterium species were identified by genetic sequencing of formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues. Immunocompromised status was more frequent in non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infections than in tuberculosis (p = 0.017) while disease duration was longer in tuberculosis (p = 0.026). Microscopically, neutrophil infiltration, interstitial granuloma, small vessel proliferation and increased numbers of bacilli were found to be associated with non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infections (all p < 0.05). In contrast, giant cells, plasma cells, tuberculoid granulomas and necrosis were associated with tuberculosis (all p < 0.05). There were no species‐specific histopathological findings in non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infections. The significant histopathological differences between cutaneous tuberculous and non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infections are helpful in considering differential diagnoses. In addition, molecular techniques together with clinico‐pathological findings may assist in making accurate diagnoses of cutaneous non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infections.

Min K‐W, Ko JY, Park CK. Histopathological spectrum of cutaneous tuberculosis and non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infections.
Targeting NADPH Oxidase Decreases Oxidative Stress in the Transgenic Sickle Cell Mouse Penis
Authors: Musicki Biljana , Liu Tongyun , Sezen Sena F. , Burnett Arthur L.
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a state of chronic vasculopathy characterized by endothelial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress, but the sources and mechanisms responsible for reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the penis are unknown.

Aims

We evaluated whether SCD activates NADPH oxidase, induces endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling, and decreases antioxidants in the SCD mouse penis. We further tested the hypothesis that targeting NADPH oxidase decreases oxidative stress in the SCD mouse penis.

Methods

SCD transgenic (sickle) mice were used as an animal model of SCD. Hemizygous (hemi) mice served as controls. Mice received an NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin (10 mM in drinking water) or vehicle. Penes were excised at baseline for molecular studies. Markers of oxidative stress (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal [HNE]), sources of ROS (eNOS uncoupling and NADPH oxidase subunits p67phox, p47phox, and gp91phox), and enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase [SOD]1, SOD2, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase-1 [GPx1]) were measured by Western blot in penes.

Main Outcome Measures

Sources of ROS, oxidative stress, and enzymatic antioxidants in the SCD penis.

Results

Relative to hemi mice, SCD increased (P < 0.05) protein expression of NADPH oxidase subunits p67phox, p47phox, and gp91phox, 4-HNE-modified proteins, induced eNOS uncoupling, and reduced Gpx1 expression in the penis. Apocynin treatment of sickle mice reversed (P < 0.05) the abnormalities in protein expressions of p47phox, gp91phox (but not p67phox) and 4-HNE, but only slightly (P > 0.05) prevented eNOS uncoupling in the penis. Apocynin treatment of hemi mice did not affect any of these parameters.

Conclusion

NADPH oxidase and eNOS uncoupling are sources of oxidative stress in the SCD penis; decreased GPx1 further contributes to oxidative stress. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase upregulation decreases oxidative stress, implying a major role for NADPH oxidase as a ROS source and a potential target for improving vascular function in the SCD mouse penis.
Bryophyte Species Diversity in Secondary Forests Dominated by the Introduced Species Spathodea campanulata Beauv. in Puerto Rico
Authors: Pérez Mervin E. , Sastre‐De Jesús Inés , Lugo Ariel E. , Abelleira Martínez Oscar J.
Published: May 2012

The introduced tree species Spathodea campanulata (Bignoniaceae) forms novel forests in Puerto Rico, these having emerged after the abandonment of fields in the mid‐20th century and resulting in forests with a new species composition. We assessed bryophyte species richness in these novel forests and sought correlations with geological substrate, past land use, forest edge and patch area, forest structure, elevation, microhabitat diversity, tree species richness, and microclimatic conditions. Transects were established (edge and forest interior) in nine moist forest patches dominated by Spathodea in north‐central Puerto Rico. These Spathodea forest patches ranged from 0.6 to 9 ha. ANOVA, Chi‐square, correlation, and cluster analyses were used in data analyses. We found 57 bryophyte species. There was a significant difference in bryophyte richness among patches. Those on karst exhibited highest bryophyte richness due to microhabitat diversity, past land use, and shorter hydroperiods. Alluvial sites scored lowest in bryophyte species richness, and forest structure was important for bryophyte communities on these sites. Significant differences in temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity were observed between edge and forest interior. These appeared important for establishing bryophyte species cover but not richness and composition. Microhabitat diversity, patch area, and forest age were more related to bryophyte species richness than elevation, exposed edge, and tree species richness, regardless of geologic substrate. Collectively, Spathodea patches were similar to mature forests on the Island with respect to bryophyte species richness and composition. Novel Spathodea forests have conservation value due to their habitat suitability for bryophyte communities.
A prone technique for treatment of the breast, supraclavicular and axillary nodes
Authors: Mason Nicole , Macfarlane Deborah , Guidi Robyn , Owen Rebecca , Poulsen Michael
Published: May 2012

Radiation therapy to women with large pendulous breasts presents dosimetric challenges when the whole breast (WB) and supraclavicular and axillary (SCF + AX) nodes need to be encompassed. The aim of this case study was to demonstrate the feasibility of planning and treating a pendulous breasted patient in the prone position. Computerised tomography (CT) images were acquired of the patient in both the prone and supine positions. A Perspex plate was added to the CDR Systems Inc. (Calgary, Canada) prone breastboard to minimize SCF + AX contour variations. Dosimetry was performed on both CT scans and the resultant treatment plans were evaluated for conformity, homogeneity, dose to the lung and maximum doses to the spinal cord (SC) and irradiated volume. The daily set‐up in the prone position was monitored for stability and reproducibility. The patient completed her treatment course in the prone position. Minimal daily interventions were required to ensure the position was reproduced. Grade 3 skin toxicity was recorded in the SCF + AX region where the Perspex plate was added to the prone positioning device. There was minimal difference in dosimetry between prone and supine plans in the SCF + AX region. The prone WB plan showed improved homogeneity (prone 0.15; supine 0.22) and conformity (prone 0.90; supine 0.77). A simple addition to the breastboard has enabled a pendulous breasted woman with SC + AX involvement to be treated in the prone position. Set‐up of this technique is achievable on a daily basis with minimal impact on workflow. It is a feasible alternative to supine treatment for this patient group.
Pax3GFP, a new reporter for the melanocyte lineage, highlights novel aspects of PAX3 expression in the skin
Authors: Djian‐Zaouche Johanna , Campagne Cécile , Reyes‐Gomez Edouard , Gadin‐Czerw Stéphanie , Bernex Florence , Louise Anne , Relaix Frédéric , Buckingham Margaret , Panthier Jean‐Jacques , Aubin‐Houzelstein Geneviève
Published: May 2012

The paired box gene 3 (Pax3) is expressed during pigment cell development. We tested whether the targeted allele Pax3GFP can be used as a reporter gene for pigment cells in the mouse. We found that enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) can be seen readily in every melanoblast and melanocyte in the epidermis and hair follicles of Pax3GFP/+ heterozygotes. The GFP was detected at all differentiation stages, including melanocyte stem cells. In the dermis, Schwann cells and nestin‐positive cells of the piloneural collars resembling the nestin‐positive hair follicle multipotent stem cells exhibited a weaker GFP signal. Pigment cells could be purified by fluorescent activated cell sorting and grown in vitro without feeder cells, giving pure cultures of melanocytes. The Schwann cells and nestin‐positive cells of the piloneural collars were FACS‐isolated based on their weak expression of GFP. Thus Pax3GFP can discriminate distinct populations of cells in the skin.
Art/Artefact/Commodity: Installation design and the exhibition of Oceanic things at two New York museums in the 1940s
Authors: Foster Robert J.
Published: May 2012

This article documents some of the experimentation in museum installation designs for the exhibition of non‐Western objects during the 1930s and 1940s. This is a period in which ethnographic artefacts were being displayed as artworks in natural history museums and in which the exhibition of such objects in art museums drew on techniques characteristic of not only natural history museums, but also commercial urban window displays (which were themselves enjoying a period of dazzling exuberance). The article focuses on one collection of Pacific Islands objects now housed at the Buffalo Museum of Science and on the installation designs of René d’Harnoncourt and Trevor Thomas. It responds to the provocation of Alfred Gell’s influential writings on art and agency, specifically, his conception of art as entrapment and enchantment—his claim that artworks captivate, and thus exert a kind of (secondary) agency on people (patients).
Phylogeography of an alpine plant Ligularia vellerea (Asteraceae) in the Hengduan Mountains
Authors: YANG Zhi‐Yun , YI Ting‐Shuang , PAN Yue‐Zhi , GONG Xun
Published: May 2012

Abstract  The Hengduan Mountains region is considered to be an important reservoir and a differentiation center for temperate and alpine plants during the Cenozoic. To reveal the effects of extreme topography and climate on an organism's population genetic structure in this region, a phylogeographic study has been carried out for Ligularia vellerea. We sequenced two chloroplast DNA fragments, trnH‐psbA and trnL‐rpl32, for 157 individuals of 15 populations and a total of 14 haplotypes were identified. These haplotypes clustered into five clades and each of them was mainly distributed in the restricted regions. A strong phylogeographic structure of this species was detected (NST= 0.851, GST= 0.713; NST > GST, P < 0.01). The strong population differentiation in L. vellerea could be attributed to the repeated glacial/interglacial cycles during the Pleistocene, which has been further enhanced by restricted gene flow caused by the complicated topography in the Hengduan Mountains region that formed during the uplift of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.
Phylogeography of Cyananthus delavayi (Campanulaceae) in Hengduan Mountains inferred from variation in nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequences
Authors: LI Guo‐Dong , YUE Liang‐Liang , SUN Hang , QIAN Zi‐Gang
Published: May 2012

Abstract  Phylogeographic studies on alpine plants endemic to the Hengduan Mountains of the southeastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau are still limited in number. In this study, we used sequence variation of one nuclear gene (ncpGS, which encodes the chloroplastic glutamine synthetase) and in two chloroplast DNA segments to investigate the phylogeographic structure and population demographic history of Cyananthus delavayi, a narrow‐range species endemic to this region. We identified eight chlorotypes and 16 nuclear genotypes in a survey of 10 populations sampled throughout the range of the species. The results of both phylogenetic and network analyses suggested that the genealogical relationships of both chlorotypes and nuclear genotypes showed a clear geographical correlation. High total genetic diversity, low levels of within‐population diversity, and strong population differentiation (chloroplast DNA: hT= 0.827, hS= 0.087, NST= 0.899, GST= 0.895; nuclear DNA: hT= 0.910, hS= 0.348, NST= 0719, GST= 0.618) were identified. Based on the mismatch distribution analyses, no evidence of recent demographic population expansion was found for this species. Nested clade analyses of both chlorotypes and nuclear genotypes indicated that restricted gene flow resulting from isolation by distance and allopatric fragmentation were likely to have been the major processes that shaped their present‐day spatial distribution. Our dating of the genetic divergences between three major geographic lineages suggested that the largest glaciation of the early Quaternary developed in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and mountainous isolation may have together led to deep intraspecific vicariance within this species.
Are all pharmacy staff interested in potential future roles?
Authors: Braund Rhiannon , Chesney Kate Marie , Keast Emilia Paulina , Ng Lye Jinn , Qi Sarah , Samaranayaka Sashika , Wang Eddie
Published: May 2012

Objectives

To determine the current perceived roles and responsibilities of pharmacy staff in community pharmacies in New Zealand, and attitudes to proposed new advanced roles for pharmacy staff.

Methods

Structured interviews were conducted within five community pharmacies, including at least two pharmacists, two dispensary staff and two pharmacy assistants. The interviews were structured to determine previous experience, current roles and responsibilities and the perceived future roles of pharmacy staff within a community pharmacy setting. Thematic analysis from 27 interviews identified key findings.

Key findings

Current roles appeared to be fairly well defined. Pharmacy assistants listed key roles as customer interactions and sales focus, noting that the dispensary was outside their area of responsibility. Technicians identified their role as being dispensary focused while pharmacists saw their role as the ‘final check’ to ensure accuracy as well as providing dispensing, counselling and managerial roles. With potential future roles, the assistants were less interested than the other groups, citing contentment with current situation and training as a barrier. Some technicians indicated an interest in furthering their roles, but many were reluctant and saw that additional training was too time consuming. Whilst pharmacists appeared to be interested in further scopes of practice, they appeared more reluctant to do this at the expense of handing dispensing responsibility to a non-pharmacist.

Conclusions

Whilst there is a push for pharmacists to provide advanced clinical services, it is important to acknowledge that many staff working within community pharmacies are satisfied with their current role.
Understanding the mediating role of toxic emotional experiences in the relationship between negative emotions and adverse outcomes
Authors: Kiefer Tina , Barclay Laurie J.
Published: May 2012

Research has demonstrated that experiencing negative emotions at work can have adverse consequences for individuals and organizations. However, little research has exploredwhynegative emotions can be associated with detrimental effects. To address this gap, the authors argue that it is critical to considerhowemotions are experienced. Across two field studies (N= 876 andN= 136), the authors investigate the mediating role of toxic emotional experiences (TEEs) in the relationship between negative emotions and adverse outcomes. The three TEEs dimensions (i.e., psychologically recurring, disconnecting, and draining) are examined as well as the composite score. Results indicated that the TEEs composite mediated the relationship between negative emotions and psychological health, attitudes towards the organization, performance, and helping behaviours. Mixed results were found for the three TEEs dimensions. A number of theoretical implications are explored including the differential roles of negative emotions versus TEEs, the distinct effects associated with each of the TEEs dimensions, and the importance of exploringhowemotions are experienced at work. Practical implications related to effectively managing negative emotions and preventing ‘toxic' experiences are also discussed.
Analysis of a Micro Gas Turbine Fed by Natural Gas and Synthesis Gas: MGT Test Bench and Combustor CFD Analysis
Authors: Cadorin M. , Pinelli M. , Vaccari A. , Calabria R. , Chiariello F. , Massoli P. , Bianchi E.
Published: May 2012

In recent years, the interest in the research on energy production systems fed by biofuels has increased. Gaseous fuels obtained through biomass conversion processes such as gasification, pyrolysis and pyrogasification are generally defined as synthesis gas (syngas). The use of synthesis gas in small-size energy systems, such as those used for distributed micro-cogeneration, has not yet reached a level of technological maturity that could allow a large market diffusion. For this reason, further analyses (both experimental and numerical) have to be carried out to allow these technologies to achieve performance and reliability typical of established technologies based on traditional fuels. In this paper, a numerical analysis of a combustor of a 100-kW micro gas turbine fed by natural gas and biomass-derived synthesis gas is presented. The work has been developed in the framework of a collaboration between the Engineering Department of the University of Ferrara, the Istituto Motori - CNR (Napoli), and Turbec S.p A. of Corporeno di Cento (FE). The main features of the micro gas turbine Turbec T100, located at the Istituto Motori - CNR, are firstly described. A decompression and distribution system allows the feeding of the micro gas turbine with gaseous fuels characterized by different compositions. Moreover, a system of remote monitoring and control together with a data transfer system has been developed in order to set the operative parameters of the machine. The results of the tests performed under different operating conditions are then presented. Subsequently, the paper presents the numerical analysis of a model of the micro gas turbine combustor. The combustor model is validated against manufacturer performance data and experimental data with respect to steady state performance, i.e., average outlet temperature and emission levels. A sensitivity analysis on the model capability to simulate different operating conditions is then performed. The combustor model is used to simulate the combustion of a syngas, composed of different ratios of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, carbon dioxide and water. The results in terms of flame displacement, temperature and emission distribution and values are analyzed and compared to the natural gas simulations. Finally, some simple modifications to the combustion chamber are proposed and simulated both with natural gas and syngas feeding.
Differential Contact Path and Conjugate Properties of Planar Gearing Transmission
Authors: Dong Huimin , Ting Kwun-Lon , Yu Bowen , Liu Jian , Wang Delun
Published: May 2012

This paper presents a general conjugation model based on the intrinsic kinematical properties of the contact path. The model is truly general for any planar transmission through contact curves, such as gearing. The effectiveness of the method is not affected by the type of centrodes or motion and path of contact. With the method, for any given centrodes and any chosen path of contact, the corresponding conjugate curves can be identified and the geometric properties of the conjugation can be determined even before the conjugate curves are found. The method is demonstrated with straight, circular, and polynomial paths of contact in both circular and noncircular gears. The versatility of the theory and the outstanding features of the method become obvious with treating arbitrary centrodes or any planar motion transmission. The freedom of selecting contact path suggests the possibility of optimal conjugation design.
Challenges for patterning process models applied to large scale
Authors: Sturtevant John L.
Published: May 2012

Full-chip patterning simulation has been utilized in semiconductor manufacturing for more than ten years, and has been a key enabler for multiple technology generations, from 130 nm to the emerging 14 nm node. This span has featured two wavelength changes, a progression of optical NA increases (and a subsequent decrease), and a variety of patterning processes and chemistries. Full-chip patterning simulations utilize quasirigorous optical models and semiempirical resist and etch process models. There has been steady improvement in the predictive power and computational efficiency of the patterning models used in full chip simulation tools, and this paper will review this progress as well as the factors that ultimately limit the predictive capability of such models. In addition, this paper will outline the new process simulation challenges that are emerging as the industry approaches sub-0.25 k1 patterning. These challenges lie principally in improving accuracy and predictive capability, including 3D effects, for an expanding set of processes and failure modes, while maintaining or improving full chip data preparation cycle times.
A Cross-Language Study of Larynx Height in Stops and Its Implications for Explaining Sound Change
Authors: Ewan William G.
Published: May 2012

There is strong systematic evidence that the whole larynx is lower during the production of voiced stops relative to voiceless aspirated stops intervocalically in English (Ewan and Krones, 1972). Using a device called the Thyroumbrometer, which measures vertical displacement of the laryngeal prominence to within 2 mm and horizontal displacement qualitatively, we now have similar evidence for French, Thai, Mandarin, Igbo, Japanese, Taiwanese, and other languages. A low larynx is associated with a low F0 and a high larynx with a high F0 ceteris paribus (Ohala and Ewan, 1972). Even though there is no F0 in voiceless aspirates, this correlation between larynx height and F0 leads me to speculate on a possible articulatory universal for plain stops and larynx height, and on possible relations between larynx height and sound change. There are many documented cases in Asian languages (Wang and Matisoff, personal communication) in which the merger of initial stops was related to tone change, e.g., pH → pV́ and b → pV̀. Apparently the relative difference in the positioning of the larynx forms a predisposition along with intrinsic factors which make such change possible.
Analysis of the Articulatory Gestures of /t/ and /d/
Authors: McGlone Robert E. , Proffit William , Mason Robert
Published: May 2012

The present study was designed to investigate anterior tongue activity during the production of alveolar stop consonants. Specific factors of interest were the distance the tongue moved to and from the consonantal occlusion, the time required for these movements, and the pressure at contact during the occlusion. Measures of these components were obtained from cineradiographic films and tongue pressure transducers. The subject for this study was a female speaker who produced /iti/, /idi/, /ata/, and /ada/ embedded in the phrase “say — again.” Distances the tongue tip moved to contact the alveolar ridge were greater for the open vowel /a/ combinations and less for /i/ combinations. The same relationship occurred when tongue moved away from occlusion. Time required to move to occlusion was equal for all utterances, but the time required for the opening movement was greater for /a/ combinations. Amounts of pressure associated with the occlusion showed opposite trend to that found for distance; pressures were greater for /i/ combinations than for /a/ combinations. Pressures exerted by the tongue to achieve closure appear to be unrelated to distance tongue must move to accomplish this gesture.
Electromyographic Analysis of Jaw Closing Frorces: Influence of an Instantaneous Center of Rotation of the Jaw
Authors: Abbs J. H. , Eilenberg G. R.
Published: May 2012

Biomechanical analyses of jaw movement suggest that considerable differences in mechanical advantage may exist for individual masticatory muscles as a function of the inferior-superior position of the jaw. These variations in mechanical advantage have been hypothesized from the knowledge that the jaw opening and closing muscles apply force around a center of rotation that moves with variations in the magnitude of jaw depression. The influence of these peripheral mechanical properties would appear significant for models of lip-jaw motor control. In the present study, to verify empirlcally the influence of a moving, instantaneous center of rotation for the jaw, changes in mechanical advantage were analyzed by recording EMG from the medial pterygoid, masseter, and anterior and posterior heads of the temporalis during isometric jaw closing manuevers. lntramuscular comparisons of EMG level for each closing muscle were obtained for a range of positions of the jaw while it was acting against a static load. Relative changes in EMG level for each muscle, as a function of jaw position, were interpreted in relation to variations in mechanical advantage predicted from an analysis of the instantaneous center of jaw rotation. These data will be discussed in relation to the motor control of the jaw in speech production.
Physical Significance of Cross-Correlation and Coherence Functions
Authors: Piersol Allan G.
Published: May 2012

The basic principles of cross-correlation and cross-spectral density functions, along with the correlation coefficient and coherence functions derived from them, are briefly reviewed and discussed in the context of noise control problems. Although theoretically related (correlation and spectral density functions are Fourier transform pairs), one form of analysis is often preferred over the other for specific applications. For example, the frequency domain format of the coherence function is generally more convenient for evaluating the simple linear dependence between a source and receiver, while broad-band cross-correlation functions are usually more desirable for applications involving the determination of transmission paths. In practice, usuallya combination of the techniques, obtained by Derforming cross-correlation analyses in contiguous narrow frequency increments, is commonly required to obtain meaningful results. These various considerations are outlined and illustrated with physical examples. The limitations of the variousanalysis considerationstechniques are emphasized throughout.
“Causality” Correlations as a Quantitative Tool in Acoustic Diagnostics
Authors: Siddon Thomas E.
Published: May 2012

In complicated machine noise problems involving arrays of many incoherently vibrating surfaces and/or pulsating fluids, the use of normalized correlation coefficients or coherence functions is of limited value and, in fact, can be misleading if the normalizing quantities are varying from point-to-point in the source region. A more rigorous approach establishes quantitative “causative” relationships between various source fluctuation variables and the overall radiated sound in a given direction. Starting with the Lighthill-Curle solution of the acoustic wave equation, it is shown how integral distribution functions may be deduced which reveal the relative contribution to acoustic intensity coming from each separate unit of surface area or volume in the vicinity of the source machine. The appropriate choice of source fluctuation quantity will enable the determination of spatial source strength distributions, their local spectral character, and their local spatial scales of coherence. Selection of convenient control surfaces enables simple experiments to be devised which yield accurate localization of source phenomena in field situations.
The Relative Roles of Microstructure and Envelope in Reducing Total Fusion
Authors: Sparks D. W. , Carhart R.
Published: May 2012

There has long been controversy regarding the question of whether similarities in signal microstructure or envelope are more powerful in precipitating the recognition of binaural inputs as being fused and, further, whether the relative roles of these two waveform parameters change with the frequency of the stimuli. Past investigations have not provided specific answers to these questions because, thus far, no experimenters have (1) developed signal generating equipment which has enabled them to independently manipulate both the microstructural and envelope content of complex waveforms and (2) equated the two forms of interaural signal manipulation so that they might be compared. The present experiment achieved both of these ends by (1) using clipping and amplitude modulating circuits to independently control micro- and macrostructure and (2) equating both forms of interchannel signal modifications in terms of empirically determined cross correlation. Three subjects were asked to make fusion judgments on a variety of narrow-band noise carrier and sinusoidal modulator frequency combinations while interaural microstructural and envelope relations were manipulated. The results indicated that the frequencies of both carrier and modulator affected fusion judgments and that envelope was more effective in the disruption of fusion than microstructure after being equated in terms of cross correlation.
Ultrasonic Absorption and Kinetics of Proton Exchange in Aqueous Solutions of 5′ AMP
Authors: Zana R. , Lang J. , Sturm J.
Published: May 2012

The excess ultrasonic absorption of aqueous solutions of 5′ adenosine monophosphate (5′ AMP) goes through a maximum at a pH of about 5.05 which is independent of frequency, concentration (between 0.06 and 0.148M), and ionic strength (between 0 and 0.15M KCl). The variation and ion excess absorption at pH = 5.05 with frequency in the range 1–115 MHz and for 5′ AMP concentration between 0.016 and 0.148M can be fitted by relaxation curves with a single relaxation time. This excess absorption has been assigned to a bimolecular proton exchange between the protonable nitrogen atom of the base moiety and the secondary phosphoric acid function, coupled with the stacking of the nucleotide. The assumption that stacking equilibrates much faster than proton exchange enabled us to obtain the values of the rate constants for the proton exchange and for the ionization of the secondary phosphoric acid function, as well as the volume changes upon stacking and proton exchange and the association constant for stacking (dimerization).
The Velocity of Sound in Superheated Liquids
Authors: Apfel R. E. , Trachtman H.
Published: May 2012

A simple technique, called the striation method, for visualizing an acoustic standing wave in a liquid [P. gang and F. C. Wong, Am. J. Phys. 40, 697–704 (1972)] is being used in measurements of the speed of sound in superheated liquids. To prevent the liquid from boiling, an immiscible liquid is placed at the free surface of the sample and the combination is hydraulically pressurized for a few minutes. This procedytre is designed to force pockets of gas trapped on container surfaces and suspended solid impurities into solution, thereby eliminating sites for the nucleation of the vapor phase [see, for instance, Harvey et al., J. Cell. Comp. Physiol. 24, 23 (1944)]. Preliminary results for water will be presented. [This work is supported by the Acoustics Branch of the U. S. Office of Naval Research and The Summer Research Program of the Department of Engineering and Applied Science, Yale University.]
Propagation of Transients in a Random Medium
Authors: Wenzel Alan R.
Published: May 2012

The propagation of transient scalar waves in a three-dimensional random medium is considered. The analysis is based on the smoothing method, which is equivalent to a second-order scattering theory. An integro-differential equation for the coherent (or average) wave is solved for the case of a statistically homogeneous and isotropic medium and a delta-function source. This yields the coherent Green's function of the medium. It is found that, in general, the randomness of the medium causes a gradual smoothing and broadening of the waveform with propagation distance, as well as a reduction in propagation speed of the wave. Depending on the distance from the source measured in terms of a certain dimensionless parameter, three propagation zones can be identified. In the near zone the waveform is determined primarily by attenuation of the high-frequency components of the wave, whereas in the far zone it is determined mainly by dispersion of the low-frequency components. The intermediate zone is a region of transition between the near and far zones. The theory yields order-of-magnitude estimates of sonic boom rise times which show good agreement with measured values.
Calculation of Energy Redistribtuion in a Gaussian Ultrasonic Beam Reflected from a Liquid-Solid Interface
Authors: Breazeale M. A. , Adlek Laszlo
Published: May 2012

Experimental studies of an ultrasonic beam incident onto a liquid-solid interface have been reported [J. A. Smith, R. L. Smith, and M. A. Breazeale, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 50, 105 (1971)]. The reflected beam was found to exhibit an energy redistribution (rather than a simple lateral displacement as predicted by Schoch and Brekhovskikh). In an attempt to find a theoretical model to describe this experimental observation, an expression for the “internal structure” of the reflected beam as given by Brekhovskikh was modified. By using a Gaussian distribution for the incident beam and including the second derivative of the phase shift in the reflection coefficient, the intensity of the reflected beam is expressed in terms of the distance along the interface. The expression for the intensity distribution of the reflected beam is given in terms of complex error functions of finite argument (suggested by Larry Flax of NRL). The calculated intensity distribution agrees reasonably well with the experimental data for four samples. [Research supported in part by the U. S. Office of Naval Research.]
The Modern Hearing Aid
Authors: Sinclair John C. , Larson Stephen R.
Published: May 2012

Hearing aid design is guided by understanding the needs of the hearing handicapped. State licensing requirements dictate that an ever increasing amount of knowledge be acquired by the hearing aid dispenser. Many dealers now own equipment to trace their own frequency response curves. Their knowledge is facilitating a greater exchange of information between the dealer and designer. One result is the realization that miniaturization has reached a point of diminishing returns. Instead the hearing aid is characterized by the proliferation of features available and by advanced components and sophisticated production techniques. Modern hearing aids offer options of amplitude compression, variable saturation output, directional pickup characteristics, low-frequency emphasis ceramic or electret microphones, ruggedized materials, and computer-assisted design.
Acoustic Characteristics of /w,r,l,y/ in Sentence Contexts
Authors: Klatt D.
Published: May 2012

Broad-band spectrograms have been made and the sonorant consonants /w,r,l,y/ observed in five sentences, which were read and recorded on two separate occasions by each of seven speakers. Formant frequency motions in sentence contexts have been compared with data in the literature on sonorants in citation-form utterances. Results indicate that, in stressed syllables, prevocalic and postvocalic allophones are similar in formant target values to corresponding citation-form data, although initial allophones have somewhat less extreme formant targets than previous data would imply. In unstressed syllables, sonorant segments were shorter in duration and displayed significant coarticulation in the form of substantial formant target undershoot. Several phonological recoding rules influence the acoustic realization of sonorant segments in consonant cluster sequences. Speaker differences in the implementation of optional word-boundary and junctural cues also have an effect on sonorant characteristics. [Research supported by the Advanced Research Projects Agency.]