bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histamine H4 receptor antagonists as potent modulators of mammalian vestibular primary neuron excitability
Authors: Desmadryl G , Gaboyard‐Niay S , Brugeaud A , Travo C , Broussy A , Saleur A , Dyhrfjeld‐Johnsen J , Wersinger E , Chabbert C
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Betahistine, the main histamine drug prescribed to treat vestibular disorders, is a histamine H3 receptor antagonist.

Here, we explored the potential for modulation of the most recently cloned histamine receptor (H4 receptor) to influence vestibular system function, using a selective H4 receptor antagonist JNJ 7777120 and the derivate compound JNJ 10191584.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH RT‐PCR was used to assess the presence of H4 receptors in rat primary vestibular neurons. In vitro electrophysiological recordings and in vivo behavioural approaches using specific antagonists were employed to examine the effect of H4 receptor modulation in the rat vestibular system.

KEY RESULTS The transcripts of H4 and H3 receptors were present in rat vestibular ganglia. Application of betahistine inhibited the evoked action potential firing starting at micromolar range, accompanied by subsequent strong neuronal depolarization at higher concentrations. Conversely, reversible inhibitory effects elicited by JNJ 10191584 and JNJ 7777120 began in the nanomolar range, without inducing neuronal depolarization. This effect was reversed by application of the selective H4 receptor agonist 4‐methylhistamine. Thioperamide, a H3/H4 receptor antagonist, exerted effects similar to those of H3 and H4 receptor antagonists, namely inhibition of firing at nanomolar range and membrane depolarization above 100 µM. H4 receptor antagonists significantly alleviated the vestibular deficits induced in rats, while neither betahistine nor thioperamide had significant effects.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS H4 receptor antagonists have a pronounced inhibitory effect on vestibular neuron activity. This result highlights the potential role of H4 receptors as pharmacological targets for the treatment of vestibular disorders.
Evaluation of sustainable development strategies and policies: The need for more timely indicators
Authors: Lyytimäki Jari
Published: May 2012

Indicators are commonly used as tools to identify and highlight socio‐economic and ecological trends and to assess progress towards sustainability. Different quality criteria can be considered for indicators. This paper focuses on the timeliness of indicators used in the evaluation of sustainable development strategies. The analysis is based on indicators included in four assessment reports of the sustainable development strategy of the European Union and three assessment reports of the national strategy of Finland. Furthermore, a web‐based national level indicator portal is analysed. The results show that the timeliness of indicators has generally not improved during the past decade and that indicators used in strategy evaluations have a time lag of approximately two years. It is suggested that more attention should be given to efforts to improve the timeliness of indicators in order to increase the effectiveness of the evaluations. More generally, it is suggested that greater emphasis should be put on the empirical research on actual use of indicators.
Predation on the pollinating fig wasp of Ficus erecta by larvae of Silba sp. (Diptera: Lonchaeidae)
Authors: OKAMOTO Tomoko , MACGOWAN Iain , SU Zhi‐Hui
Published: May 2012

This study examined the insect assemblage within the syconium of the dioecious fig Ficus erecta Thunb., 1786 (Moraceae) on Kii‐Oshima Island, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. Species present included pollinating and non‐pollinating fig wasps Blastophaga nipponica Grandi, 1921 and Sycoscapter inubiae Ishii, 1934, respectively, as well as an undetermined species of Silba Macquart, 1851 (Diptera: Lonchaeidae). Larvae of Silba sp. were found only in fig syconia containing B. nipponica. Observations revealed that larvae of Silba sp. fed on female adults of B. nipponica within fig galls by thrusting their heads through the intersegmental membrane. Furthermore, larvae of Silba sp. had a high predation rate (90%). These observations suggest that larvae of Silba sp. are specialized for feeding on B. nipponica and have a negative effect on populations of this species.
A MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY OF ACROCHAETE AND OTHER ENDOPHYTIC GREEN ALGAE (ULVALES, CHLOROPHYTA)1
Authors: Rinkel Barbara E. , Hayes Paul , Gueidan Cécile , Brodie Juliet
Published: May 2012

A molecular phylogeny was reconstructed from a culture collection of >150 isolates of epi‐endophytic and endophytic green algae, based on nucleotide sequences of the plastid tufA and nuclear ITS2 loci. The cultures were isolated from a variety of algal hosts, notably the red algae Chondrus crispus, Mastocarpus stellatus, and Osmundea species, and the brown algae Chorda filum and Fucus serratus. The phylogeny revealed that in the Ulvales the majority of isolates fell into Acrochaete (Ulvellaceae), Ulva (Ulvaceae), Bolbocoleon (Bolbocoleaceae), and at least two unknown genera provisionally assigned to the Kornmanniaceae. Acrochaete was monophyletic. The genus was also more specious than previously described with 12 species, including up to six new species awaiting formal description. Isolates identified as Acrochaete repens, the type species of the genus, were polyphyletic. The remainder of the isolates were placed in the Ulotrichales. The results confirm that the endophytic habit supports a broad diversity of algal taxa and suggest that blade formation is a relatively recent innovation within the green algae.
Bacillus cereus septicemia attributed to a matched unrelated bone marrow transplant
Authors: Kelley James M. , Onderdonk Andrew B. , Kao Grace
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is performed in more than 25,000 patients annually. Clinically significant bacterial transmission from HCT products is rare.

CASE REPORT: A 36‐year‐old male of Asian descent with chronic myelogenous leukemia developed sepsis leading to acute renal failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation during infusion of matched unrelated donor bone marrow. This product later tested positive for Bacillus cereus.

DISCUSSION: This HCT product traveled 31 hours at room temperature before arriving at the transplant center. Reducing transport times, transporting at 4°C, and enhancing bacterial surveillance of HCT products may increase the ability to detect bacterial proliferation from transport.

CONCLUSION: To prevent a similar case in the future, we will begin Gram staining all HCT products in transit more than 24 hours to alert physicians of the need for prophylactic antibiotic therapy.
Fabrication of PMN–PZT Transparent Ceramics by Two‐Stage Sintering
Authors: Ruan Wei , Li Guorong , Zeng Jiangtao , Kamzina Liudmila S. , Zeng Huarong , Zheng Liaoying , Ding Aili
Published: May 2012

Highly optically transparent ceramics of (1−x)
Pb
(
Mg

1/3

Nb

2/3)
O

3–x

Pb
(
Zr

0.53,

Ti

0.47)
O

3 (
PMN
–
PZT
) were fabricated by a two‐stage sintering method without La‐modification. The ceramics exhibited high optical transparency (64% at 1500 nm) for visible and near infrared wavelength. The ferroelectric domain and microstructure of
PMN
–
PZT
transparent ceramics prepared were also investigated. Fully dense microstructure was observed in all
PMN
–
PZT
transparent ceramic samples. Higher
PMN
containing compositions exhibited pyrochlore phase and relatively lower transparency for near infrared wavelengths. Fine and irregular fingerprint ferroelectric domains were observed in all
PMN
–
PZT
compositions except in the
PMN
–
PZT
67/33 composition that had dense microstructure and pure perovskite phase. This
PMN
–
PZT
67/33 composition exhibited the lowest transparency (40% at 1500 nm) with large‐scale macrodomain structure.
Nucleation‐Growth Mode of Cubic‐Tetragonal Transition with Coexistence of Phases over a Wide Temperature Interval in the High Temperature Ferroelectric Systems PbTiO3–BiMeO3:Me = Sc, and Zn1/2Ti1/2
Authors: Lalitha K. V.   , Das Shamiparna , Kalyani Ajay Kumar , Garg Rohini , Ranjan Rajeev
Published: May 2012

Temperature dependent X‐ray powder diffraction and dielectric studies have been carried out on tetragonal compositions of (1−x)
PbTiO

3–(x)
BiMeO

3;
Me
 = 
Sc
and
Zn

1/2

Ti

1/2. The cubic and the tetragonal phases coexist over more than 100°C for 0.70
PbTiO

3–0.3
Bi
(
Zn

1/2

Ti

1/2)
O

3 and 0.66
PbTiO

3–0.34
BiScO

3. The wide temperature range of phase coexistence is shown to be an intrinsic feature of the system, and is attributed to the increase in the degree of the covalent character of the (
Pb
 + 
Bi
)–
O
bond with increasing concentration of
Bi
at the
Pb
‐site. The d‐values of the {111} planes of the coexisting phases are nearly identical, suggesting this plane to be the invariant plane for the martensitic type cubic‐tetragonal transformation occurring in these systems.
Association of HPV infections with second primary tumors in early‐staged oral cavity cancer
Authors: Huang S‐F , Li H‐F , Liao C‐T , Wang H‐M , Chen I‐H , Chang JT‐C , Chen Y‐J , Cheng A‐J
Published: May 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 809–815

Objective:  The infection of human papilloma virus (HPV) has been reported in head and neck cancer; however, the clinical significance of HPV infection on the pathogenesis of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is still uncertain.

Materials and Methods:  The study recruited 103 patients with pathological early‐stage OSCC between March 1997 and December 2003 from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan. Tumor specimens were HPV‐genotyped by the EasychipVR HPV Blot method. Clinical association study was performed by using chi‐square, Kaplan–Meier, and logrank tests.

Results:  Thirty‐one patients (30.1%) were positive for HPV infection. The most frequent HPV types were types 16 (16 patients, 51.6%) and 18 (seven patients, 22.6%). HPV infection was not associated with tumor aggressiveness (pathological tumor stage or differentiation status), risk exposure (alcohol, cigarette, or areca quid chewing habit), or the treatment outcome (disease‐free survival or overall survival). However, infection with HPV‐18 was associated with the occurrence of a second primary cancers (P = 0.033), indicating the infection of HPV in OSCC enhances the susceptibility of developing secondary malignancy.

Conclusions:  There are 30% of the patients with OSCC infected with HPV, with most high‐risk types. HPV‐18 infection may enhance the susceptibility of second primary tumors. Large scale of validation study will be needed to confirm this result.
Distinct biological activities of C3 and ADP‐ribosyltransferase‐deficient C3‐E174Q
Authors: Rohrbeck Astrid , Kolbe Tanja , Hagemann Sandra , Genth Harald , Just Ingo
Published: May 2012

Low‐molecular‐weight GTP‐binding proteins of the Rho family control the organization of the actin cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells. Dramatic reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton is caused by the C3 exoenzyme derived from Clostridium botulinum (C3), based on ADP‐ribosylation of RhoA/B/C. In addition, wild‐type as well as ADP‐ribosyltransferase‐deficient C3‐E174Q induce axonal outgrowth of primary murine hippocampal neurons and prevent growth cone collapse, indicating a non‐enzymatic mode of action. In this study, we compared the effects of C3‐E174Q and wild‐type C3 in the murine hippocampal cell line HT22. Treatment of HT22 cells with C3 resulted in Rho ADP‐ribosylation and cell rounding. The ADP‐ribosyltransferase‐deficient mutant C3‐E174Q did not induce either Rho ADP‐ribosylation or morphological changes. C3 as well as C3‐E174Q treatment resulted in growth arrest, reduced expression of cyclin D levels, and increased expression of RhoB, a negative regulator of cell‐cycle progression. Serum starvation induced apoptosis in HT22 cells, as determined on the basis of increased expression of caspase‐9 and Bax. C3 but not C3‐E174Q protected serum‐starved HT22 cells from apoptosis. This is the first study separating ADP‐ribosyltransferase‐dependent from ADP‐ribosyltransferase‐independent effects of C3. While morphological changes and anti‐apoptotic activity strictly depend on ADP‐ribosyltransferase activity, the anti‐proliferative effects are independent of ADP‐ribosyltransferase activity.

Structured digital abstract

 Rhotekin physicallyinteracts with RHOA by pulldown (Viewinteraction)
Arabidopsis Acetyl‐Amido Synthetase GH3.5 Involvement in Camalexin Biosynthesis through Conjugation of Indole‐3‐Carboxylic Acid and Cysteine and Upregulation of Camalexin Biosynthesis GenesF
Authors: Wang Mu‐Yang , Liu Xue‐Ting , Chen Ying , Xu Xiao‐Jing , Yu Biao , Zhang Shu‐Qun , Li Qun , He Zu‐Hua
Published: May 2012

Camalexin (3‐thiazol‐2′‐yl‐indole) is the major phytoalexin found in Arabidopsis thaliana. Several key intermediates and corresponding enzymes have been identified in camalexin biosynthesis through mutant screening and biochemical experiments. Camalexin is formed when indole‐3‐acetonitrile (IAN) is catalyzed by the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase CYP71A13. Here, we demonstrate that the Arabidopsis GH3.5 protein, a multifunctional acetyl‐amido synthetase, is involved in camalexin biosynthesis via conjugating indole‐3‐carboxylic acid (ICA) and cysteine (Cys) and regulating camalexin biosynthesis genes. Camalexin levels were increased in the activation‐tagged mutant gh3.5–1D in both Col‐0 and cyp71A13–2 mutant backgrounds after pathogen infection. The recombinant GH3.5 protein catalyzed the conjugation of ICA and Cys to form a possible intermediate indole‐3‐acyl‐cysteinate (ICA(Cys)) in vitro. In support of the in vitro reaction, feeding with ICA and Cys increased camalexin levels in Col‐0 and gh3.5–1D. Dihydrocamalexic acid (DHCA), the precursor of camalexin and the substrate for PAD3, was accumulated in gh3.5–1D/pad3–1, suggesting that ICA(Cys) could be an additional precursor of DHCA for camalexin biosynthesis. Furthermore, expression of the major camalexin biosynthesis genes CYP79B2, CYP71A12, CYP71A13 and PAD3 was strongly induced in gh3.5–1D. Our study suggests that GH3.5 is involved in camalexin biosynthesis through direct catalyzation of the formation of ICA(Cys), and upregulation of the major biosynthetic pathway genes.
Floor of mouth carcinoma: Surgery still the dominant mode of treatment
Authors: Smee Robert I , Broadley Kathryn , Bridger G Patrick , Williams Janet
Published: May 2012

Introduction: To evaluate the care and outcomes for patients presenting with floor of mouth (FOM) cancers.

Methods: In this Ethics‐approved audit, all eligible patients were evaluated with eligibility defined as having a squamous cell carcinoma originating in the FOM. Patient, disease and treatment factors were defined. Primary end points were ultimate local/regional control and cancer‐specific survival. These were analysed according to the Kaplan‐Meier method. The log‐rank test was used to determine statistical significance between survival curves. Multivariate analysis was conducted using Cox regression.

Results: A total of 157 patients were eligible for analysis, 76% males and 24% females, with 38 (24%) having a prior diagnosis of cancer. Surgery was performed in 126 patients (54 with pre/postoperative radiotherapy), radiotherapy only in 30 patients and chemotherapy only in 1 patient. Surgery had the best local control (85%), with 23/30 (77%) patients having radiotherapy failing locally. Ultimate regional control was achieved in 89% of patients, while new primaries occurred in 45 (29%)

Conclusions: Surgery remains an essential component of the treatment of patients with FOM cancers, with a high likelihood of other cancers developing.
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Video‐Urodynamic Characteristics of Women with Clinically Unsuspected Bladder Outlet Obstruction
Authors: CHUANG Fei‐Chi , HUANG Kuan‐Hui , KUO Hann‐Chorng
Published: May 2012

Objective: To analyze the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and video‐urodynamic characteristics of women with clinically unsuspected bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).

Methods: From 1997 to 2010, a total of 1605 women with bothersome LUTS received video‐urodynamic study in our unit. We reviewed the charts of 212 women diagnosed with BOO based on video‐urodynamic criteria and 264 women without abnormal findings. LUTS and urodynamic parameters were compared between obstructed and unobstructed cases and among the BOO subgroups.

Results: The mean ages of the BOO (58.2 years) and control groups (58.8 years) were similar. The mean values of detrusor pressure at maximum urinary flow rate (PdetQmax)/maximum flow rate (Qmax) of the BOO and control groups were 51.83 cm H2O/10.22 mL/s versus 18.81 cm H2O/20.52 mL/s. In the BOO group, cinefluoroscopy revealed dysfunctional voiding in 168 patients (79.2%), urethral stricture in 17 (8.0%), and bladder neck dysfunction in 27 (12.7%). Patients with dysfunctional voiding had significantly lower urethral resistance compared with the other two BOO subgroups. Combined lower urinary tract symptoms were present most often in all BOO patients (69.3%), followed by isolated storage symptoms (30.2%) and isolated voiding symptoms (0.5%). Seventy‐seven patients (37.3%) had dysuria and 79 patients (36.3%) had frequency as their main symptom.

Conclusion: Women with BOO usually have nonspecific LUTS. Dysfunctional voiding was the most common form among women with clinically unsuspected BOO, but the degree of obstruction was less severe than with primary bladder neck obstruction and urethral stricture.
Compassionate medicine-use programmes in Turkey: a report on current status
Authors: Vural Elif H. , Kockaya Guvenc , Tanyeri Pelin , Babacan Salih , Vural İ. Mert , Akbulat Akif , Artıran Güven , Akar Halil , Tokaç Mahmut , Kerman Saim
Published: May 2012

Objective

In Turkey, compassionate use (CU) programmes were started in 2006. Patients suffering from a serious or urgent life-threatening disease, who have not responded to currently licensed and available medicinal products, who have not been enrolled in related clinical studies and who need access to products that are unlicensed in Turkey, but which are licensed/not licensed in other countries, can apply to CU programmes. These were described with the last guidelines of the Compassionate Use For Humanity Program in 2009.

Methods

We sought to find out how many programmes have been launched, which disease areas and medicines are common in the programmes and how many patients were included in CU programmes in Turkey. A computer search was performed in the General Directorate of Pharmaceuticals and Pharmacy database.

Key findings

The first programme was launched in 2006. Forty-two different CU programmes have been launched, 26 different compounds have been used in CU programmes and 1247 patients have been included in CU programmes since they began in Turkey. This means that 1247 patients, mostly with oncology-related conditions, were treated without any government funding between 2006 and 2011.

Conclusion

CU programmes are becoming more important for Turkish patients who suffer from life-threatening diseases for which no alternative authorized treatment exists. CU programmes can give options to patients, physicians and even the government for treating life-threatening diseases. Health authorities and reimbursement agencies may support the opening of new CU programmes.
Does an increase in non-antihypertensive pill burden reduce adherence with antihypertensive drug therapy?
Authors: Zuckerman Ilene H. , Sato Masayo , Rattinger Gail B. , Zacker Christopher , Stuart Bruce
Published: May 2012

Objectives

Hypertensive patients often are prescribed multiple medications for their hypertension as well as for other chronic conditions. Poor adherence has been both positively and negatively associated with increasing numbers of medications or required daily doses. We sought to determine whether adherence with antihypertensive drugs changes in response to a change in non-antihypertensive pill burden.

Methods

This retrospective cohort analysis used 2006–2007 US MarketScan Medicare Supplemental and Coordination of Benefits administrative data. The study sample comprised 471 359 beneficiaries diagnosed with hypertension. We measured monthly proportion of days covered (PDC) with antihypertensive medications and average number of daily doses with non-antihypertensive drugs (pill burden). We assessed the effect of changes in pill burden on subsequent changes in antihypertensive PDC using difference equations with sensitivity tests for the sign and magnitude of monthly change in pill burden and the presence of physician visits.

Key findings

Changes in monthly non-antihypertensive pill burden had essentially no impact on antihypertensive adherence rates for Medicare beneficiaries in retiree health plans. A monthly addition of one non-antihypertensive pill/day resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the following month's antihypertensive medication PDC of approximately one percentage point (−0.98). Similar results were obtained in a 3-month lag model (−0.88). These findings were insensitive to changes in model parameters.

Conclusions

while physicians should pay close attention to individual factors that may affect their patients' adherence to antihypertensive medications, our findings indicate that changes in medications used to treat concomitant diseases should have little short-term impact on antihypertensive adherence.
A three‐year retrospective study of emergency visits at an oral health clinic in south‐east Queensland
Authors: Wong NHY , Tran C , Pukallus M , Holcombe T , Seow WK
Published: May 2012

Background:  There is little information available regarding dental emergencies for children in Australia. The aim of this study was to investigate the reasons for dental emergency cases which were treated at a public oral health clinic in a low socioeconomic district in south‐east Queensland.

Methods:  From a register kept at a public oral health clinic, we analysed the monthly number of emergency visits for children over a three‐year period (January 2008 to August 2010) with respect to numbers treated, reasons for presentation and types of treatment rendered.

Results:  During the period 2008–2010, there was a mean of 196 ± 86 cases presenting for emergency care each month. The proportions of the various types of emergencies remained fairly consistent over the three‐year period, with the majority presenting for caries related problems (74–75%), followed by trauma (8–9%), orthodontic treatment related (2–5%) and other reasons (16–11%). Between 8–11% of cases were preschool children who were added to the waitlist for treatment for caries under general anaesthesia at the public hospital.

Conclusions:  Trends in the past three years at a public oral health clinic in a low socioeconomic district in south‐east Queensland show that dental caries constitute nearly three‐quarters of all paediatric emergency appointments.
Real-Time Measurements of Engine-Out Trace Elements: Application of a Novel Soot Particle Aerosol Mass Spectrometer for Emissions Characterization
Authors: Cross E. S. , Sappok A. , Fortner E. C. , Hunter J. F. , Jayne J. T. , Brooks W. A. , Onasch T. B. , Wong V. W. , Trimborn A. , Worsnop D. R. , Kroll J. H.
Published: May 2012

Lubricant-derived trace element emissions are the largest contributors to the accumulation of incombustible ash in diesel particulate filters (DPF), eventually leading to filter plugging and an increase in engine fuel consumption. Particulate trace element emissions also pose adverse health effects and are the focus of increasingly stringent air quality regulations. To date, the rates and physical and chemical properties of lubricant-derived additive emissions are not well characterized, largely due to the difficulties associated with conducting the measurements. This work investigated the potential for conducting real-time measurements of lubricant-derived particle emissions. The experiment used the Soot Particle Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (SP-AMS) developed by Aerodyne Research to measure the size, mass and composition of submicron particles in the exhaust. Results confirm the ability of the SP-AMS to measure engine-out emissions of calcium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorous, and sulfur. Further, emissions of previously difficult to detect elements, such as boron, and low-level engine wear metals, such as lead, were also measured. This paper provides an overview of the results obtained with the SP-AMS, and demonstrates the utility of applying real-time techniques to engine-out and tailpipe-out trace element emissions. Application of the SP-AMS for engine exhaust characterization followed a two-part approach: (1) measurement validation, and (2) measurement of engine-out exhaust. Measurement validation utilized a diesel burner with precise control of lubricant consumption. Results showed a good correlation between CJ-4 oil consumption and measured levels of lubricant-derived trace elements in the particle phase. Following measurement validation, the SP-AMS measured engine-out emissions from a medium-duty diesel engine, operated over a standard speed/load matrix. This work demonstrates the utility of state-of-the-art online techniques (such as the SP-AMS) to measure engine-out emissions, including trace species derived from lubricant additives. Results help optimize the combined engine-lubricant-aftertreatment system and provide a real-time characterization of emissions. As regulations become more stringent and emission controls more complex, advanced measurement techniques with high sensitivity and fast time response will become an increasingly important part of engine characterization studies.
Standardized assessment of new electromagnetic field generators in an interventional radiology setting
Authors: Maier‐Hein L. , Franz A. M. , Birkfellner W. , Hummel J. , Gergel I. , Wegner I. , Meinzer H.‐P.
Published: May 2012

Purpose:

Two of the main challenges associated with electromagnetic (EM) tracking in computer‐assisted interventions (CAIs) are (1) the compensation of systematic distance errors arising from the influence of metal near the field generator (FG) or the tracked sensor and (2) the optimized setup of the FG to maximize tracking accuracy in the area of interest. Recently, two new FGs addressing these issues were proposed for the well‐established Aurora® tracking system [Northern Digital, Inc. (NDI), Waterloo, Canada]: the Tabletop 50–70 FG, a planar transmitter with a built‐in shield that compensates for metal distortions emanating from treatment tables, and the prototypical Compact FG 7–10, a mobile generator designed to be attached to mobile imaging devices. The purpose of this paper was to assess the accuracy and precision of these new FGs in an interventional radiology setting.

Methods:

A standardized assessment protocol, which uses a precisely machined base plate to measure relative error in position and orientation, was applied to the two new FGs as well as to the well‐established standard Aurora® Planar FG. The experiments were performed in two different settings: a reference laboratory environment and a computed tomography (CT) scanning room. In each setting, the protocol was applied to three different poses of the measurement plate within the tracking volume of the three FGs.

Results:

The two new FGs provided higher precision and accuracy within their respective measurement volumes as well as higher robustness with respect to the CT scanner compared to the established FG. Considering all possible 5 cm distances on the grid, the error of thePlanar FG was increased by a factor of 5.94 in the clinical environment (4.4 mm) in comparison to the error in the laboratory environment (0.8 mm). In contrast, the mean values for the two new FGs were all below 1 mm with an increase in the error by factors of only 2.94 (Reference: 0.3 mm; CT: 0.9 mm) and 1.04 (both: 0.5 mm) in the case of the Tabletop FG and the Compact FG, respectively.

Conclusions:

Due to their high accuracy and robustness, theTabletop FG and the Compact FG could eliminate the need for compensation of EM field distortions in certain CT‐guided interventions.
Theory of Vocal-Cord Vibration and Its Relation to Laryngeal Features
Authors: Stevens K. N.
Published: May 2012

The Ishizaka-Matsudaira theory of vocal-cord vibration specifies ranges of physical properties of the vocal cords and of aerodynamic parameters necessary for vocal-cord vibration, and indicates how these parameters influence the fundamental frequency. This theory is reviewed and interpreted with particular reference to reported observations of glottal configurations for vowels and consonants. The theory provides support for a pitch-lowered mode of vibration with slack vocal cords [J. J. Ohala, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 52, 124 (1972)]. In this mode, fundamental frequency (F0) is sensitive to subglottal pressure [J. E. Atkinson, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 54, 319(A) 1973], and vocal-cord vibration is allowed at the reduced transglottal pressures characteristic of voiced obstruent consonants. The theory also predicts a mode of larynx operation with stiffened vocal cords, increased F0, and inhibition of vocal-cord vibration at reduced transglottal pressures. Observations of larynx behavior for voiceless consonants suggest that this mode is achieved through a posterior displacement of the arytenoid cartilages. It is hypothesized that the same mode is used to produce high tones in vowels. [Research supported by an NIH grant.]
Noise Source Identification on a V-6 Diesel Engine by Means of the Coherence Function Method
Authors: Chung Jing Y. , Crocker Malcolm J.
Published: May 2012

Noise source identification on a V-6 diesel engine has been performed by means of the “coherence function method.” The multiple coherence function between the cylinder pressure and the engine noise has been measured. Utilizing the measured coherence function, the engine “combustion noise” is separated from the mechanical impact noise. The frequency response function between the excitation (cylinder pressure) and the response (engine noise) has also been measured. Utilizing the measured frequency response, the engine “combustion noise” has been predicted for some specific cylinder pressure diagrams. A digital Fourier analyzer has been used for measuring the auto- and cross-spectrum of the signals. Calibrations of the transducers and the instrumentation for this particular experiment are discussed. [Work performed under a grant from the National Science Foundation, Washington, D. C.]
An Attempt to Obtain a Fused Image for a Low-Frequency Sinusoid and a Low-Pitched Residue
Authors: Young Lamar L. , Carhart Raymond
Published: May 2012

We reported earlier [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 54, 310 (A) (1973)] that the time-intensity trade for the residue is comparable to that of a low-frequency tone equal in pitch to the residue, and different from the function for a signal of the carrier frequency. Consequently, the question arises as to whether the more central processing of the residue and a low-frequency signal are sufficiently similar that they form a fused image when the residue is sent to one ear and a low-frequency signal to the other. An experiment was conducted in which a 200-Hz tone and a residue were presented simultaneously to opposite ears at various interaural phase relationships. Under such conditions, the subjects perceived the 200-Hz tone in one ear and the residue in the contralateral ear, irrespective of the interaural phase relationship. Thus, it is suggested that the lateralization of the low-pitched residue is mediated by a neurological mechanism substantially different from that activated by the 200-Hz tone, even though both incorporate time-intensity trading. This result is in keeping with other dissimilarities between psychoacoustic responses to the residue and to low-frequency tones.
Identification of the Temporal Order of Three Tones: Effect of an Added Tone
Authors: Divenyi Pierre L. , Hirsh Ira J.
Published: May 2012

Experienced and musically trained monaural listeners had to identify the order of three 20-msec tones whose frequency covered a 1/3-octave range (891, 1000, 1118 Hz) and which were followed by a fourth tone of variable frequency. The listeners were instructed to ignore this added tone. Overall identification performance was relatively unaffected when the frequency of this tone was far from the range of pattern frequencies, and was most affected when the frequency of the added tone was slightly (up to 1/3 octave) higher than the highest frequency in the pattern. When the added tone and one of the three pattern tones had the same frequency, the patterns in which the first tone coincided with the added tone became less identifiable. Results of another experiment showed that lengthening of the added tone actually improved identification of the three-tone permutations.
Discrimination and Labeling of Noise-Buzz Sequences with Varying Noise-Lead Times
Authors: Miller J. D. , Pastore R. E. , Wier C. C. , Kelly W. J. , Dooling R. J.
Published: May 2012

The onset of a noise (0.9-2.1 kHz, 55 dB SPL) preceded that of a buzz (100 Hz, 0.5-3.0 kHz, 70 dB SPL, 500 msec) by —10 to 80 msec and both terminated simultaneously. Eight adults discriminated among noise-lead times in an oddity task. In separate sessions, they labeled singly presented stimuli with two responses of their choice such as “short noise” and “long noise” or “no noise” and “noise.” The results are highly similar to those reported for the phoneme boundary between voiced and voiceless synthetic plosive consonants. Discrimination was optimal across a 16-msec noise-lead time boundary and labeling shifted abruptly at the same noise-lead time. The results can probably be accounted for in terms of judgment of temporal order or the difference limen for duration of the leading part (noise-alone) of the stimulus.
Ultrasonic Vibration Potentials of Electrolytes in Organic Solvents
Authors: Zana R. , Kawaizum F.
Published: May 2012

Ultrasonic vibration potentials (uvp) are alternating potential differences which arise when sound waves are propagated through electrolytic solutions. The amplitude of the uvp depends on the masses of the hydrated ions which in turn are related to their partial molal volumes. 200-kHz pulse-modulated ultrasonic waves were used for the measurement of the uvp's of uni-univalent electrolytes in methanol, ethanol, and dimethylformamide (DMF). Uvp's were found to depend little on concentration in the range 3.10−4-3.10−2 M for nitrates and chlorides, but showed small decreases for bromides and large decreases for iodides. The amplitudes of the measured uvp's were strongly dependent on the nature of the electrolyte and of the solvent. The uvp data were combined to data of partial molal volume of electrolytes to yield the partial molal volumes V̄10 of monovalent ions in methanol, ethanol, and DMF. Hepler's equation was used to split the V̄10's into their geometric and electrostrictive contributions. It was found that the geometric contribution depends essentially on the packing of the solvent molecules about ions. The electrostrictive contribution appeared to be mostly dependent on the nature of the content of the layer of atoms, 3–4 Å thick, in contact with the ion.
Vibrational Relaxation in O2/H2O Mixtures at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Bass H. E. , Shields F. Douglas
Published: May 2012

Sound absorption in mixtures of O2/H2O has been measured at 400°K and 500°K for 0.29%, 0.58%, 1.2%, and 2.4% mole fractions of H2O. Curves of the absorption as a function of frequency divided by pressure have been compared with theory to provide rate constants for both vibration-to-translation and vibration-to-vibration energy exchange processes. These results have been compared to room temperature measurements by others. [This work was supported by the Office of Naval Research.]
The Properties and Some Potential Applications of a New High Damping Alloy
Authors: Sinclair Rex
Published: May 2012

The properties and some potential applications of a high damping copper-manganese-based alloy are described. The applications illustrated include the use of the high damping property to suppress mechanical vibrations in engineering structures and machine parts and hence to reduce radiated sound levels. [This study is supported by The International Copper Research Association.]
Automatic Extraction of Glottal Pulses by Linear Estimation
Authors: Allen J. B. , Curtis T. H.
Published: May 2012

Three automatic procedures using linear prediction for determining the glottal velocity pulses by inverse filtering are discussed and examples are given. These procedures accurately separate the vocal tract poles from the glottal velocity pulses. The velocity pulse appears to be a better signal to use for further analysis than the more common error signal because of its greater simplicity and more direct interpretation. The three methods give essentially identical results and thus add credibility to the procedure.
Formant Estimation from Linear Prediction Spectra and Their Second Derivatives
Authors: Strong William J. , Palmer E. Paul
Published: May 2012

Merging of adjacent formants is probably the most common cause of failure to extract formants from smoothed spectra of typical voiced speech. Computation of spectra inside the unit circle is often used to resolve merged formants. This paper describes a method in which the second derivative of the smoothed spectrum is used to detect merged formants. Frequencies of the five largest peaks in the smoothed spectrum are measured. Frequencies of the five largest peaks in the second derivative of the spectrum are also measured. The frequencies of the two sets of five peaks are compared and second derivative peaks that duplicate spectral peaks are eliminated. The spectrum is considered to have unresolved peaks at the frequencies of the second derivative peaks which are not eliminated. The five highest amplitude peaks and/or unresolved peaks in the spectrum are considered to be the formants. The method has successfully resolved merged peaks in more than 80% of the cases tested. It is more efficient than computing spectra inside the unit circle, although probably somewhat less precise. Examples of speech spectra will be shown to illustrate the behavior of the method.
Acoustic Invariants for Vowels
Authors: Port Robert , Nearey Terrance M.
Published: May 2012

In seeking acoustic parameters that would be invariant with respect to phonetic quality regardless of sex and vocal tract size, we reexamined the data of Peterson [J. Speech Hearing Res. 4, 10–29 (1961)]. He obtained measurements of four formants for 10 steady-state English vowels and two non-English vowels by several men, women, and children. The subjects in consultation with Peterson imitated as closely as possible a set of his reference vowels. A variety of measures were made of these data in both hertz and technical mel scales including the differences between formants, the averages of approximating formants, and various ratios and cross ratios. When examining a single vowel in isolation across all subjects, reasonably good acoustic invariants were found only for [i] and [a]. For many other vowels, much better invariants were found when each vowel was considered in relation to other vowels of the same speaker, that is, by an analysis termed “self-normalization” by Gerstman [IEEE Trans. Audio Electroacoust. AV-16, 78–80 (1968)].
An Acoustic Evaluation, a Phonetic Count, and a Similarity Scale to Assess the Speech Patterns of Young Deaf Children as a Function of Therapy
Authors: Asp C. W. , Keller J. E. , Shipley C. E. , Stewart A. P. , Robinette L. N.
Published: May 2012

Sixteen deaf children received therapy and were tested at four-month intervals with 15 one- and two-syllable words. These samples were judged on a 9-point similarity scale. A significant improvement was detected over the testing times. This testing procedure was described at the 79th Meeting of the Acoustical Society [C. W. Asp, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 48, 87(A) (1970)] and some results were reported at the 84th Meeting [C. W. Asp, E. M. French, J. S. Berry, and J. E. Keller, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 53, 349(A) (1973)]. Next, a spectrogram and a phonetic count were made of each sample which included the oral stimulus and response. For the group, there was a decrease in (1) mean F0, (2) range of F0,(3) voiced duration, (4) total duration, and (5) latency. There was an increase (improvement) in (1) syllable match and (2) phonetic count. Spectro-graphic measures were compared to similarity scores. Envelope match and syllable match had the highest correlation coefficients.
On the Generation of Jet Noise
Authors: Laufer J. , Kaplan R. , Chu W.
Published: May 2012

It is proposed that the rate of subharmonic production, that is, the rate at which large-scale vortex-ring-like structures interact with each other, is the primary mechanism responsible for most of the noise generation of a subsonic jet. The interaction consists of simultaneous acceleration and deceleration of vorticity containing coherently moving regions followed by a pairing process. This picture is consistent with Lighthill's quadrupole-like sources, as well as with the formulation of Powell's “vortex sound” theory. [This work has been supported by the Department of Transportation under Grant No. DOT-OS-00002.]
On the Influence of Temperature Gradients in Jet Flows on the Radiation of Sound
Authors: Whitesides J. L. , Mungur P.
Published: May 2012

The convected wave equation governing the propagation of sound from an axisymmetric jet with mean temperature and flow gradients (axial and transverse) is derived. A seminumerical technique is proposed and used to integrate the wave equation and satisfy boundary conditions to give the directivity, as modified by the jet, and phase velocities. Parametric studies are presented which show the effects of frequency, nozzle Mach number, and nozzle exit temperature ratio on the directivity. Decreases in the relative sound pressure level similar to Grande's [NASA CR-840 (1967)] measured refraction valleys are obtained on the axis of symmetry due to the temperature and velocity variations across; hot jets. For cold jets the effects of flow and temperature are in opposition, and this results in the directivity pattern being a function of the relative magnitudes of the maximum temperature ratio (relative to ambient) and the Mach number. Some comparisons between experimentally measured directivity patterns and the present solutions are presented.
Turbulent Convection Velocities in Supersonic Compression-Induced Separated Flow
Authors: Plotkin Kenneth J.
Published: May 2012

Fluctuating aerodynamic pressure environments, including those associated with compression-induced separated flow, are an important consideration to the structural integrity of launch vehicles during atmospheric flight. A considerable body of experimental data enables adequate predictions to be made for many vehicle configurations. However, extension to certain configurations cannot be made without an understanding of the mechanisms involved and, to some degree, knowledge of the causality of the fluctuating flow. In particular, application of data obtained in a wedge compression corner cannot be directly applied to plume-induced separated regions without knowledge as to which parts of the pressure fluctuation depend only on the inflowing turbulent boundary layer and which depend on the wedge itself. To provide some understanding of this, a simple model is proposed. It is assumed that, at least over some frequency range, surface pressure fluctuations result only from radiation from the turbulent free shear layer. The turbulent properties of the free shear layer are assumed dependent only on the turbulent boundary layer properties at separation, as modified by mass entrainment from the dead water region. Computation of narrow-band convection velocities from this model shows excellent agreement with available published data at medium and high frequencies. The breakdown of the theory at low frequencies coincides with an obvious geometric limitation of the entrainment model. From the success of this model, together with an earlier model for motion of the separation point, it is concluded that pressure fluctuations above a certain frequency (which corresponds to overall hydrodynamic properties of the separated region) depend only on the turbulent properties of the inflowing boundary layer. [This work was supported by NASA, George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Aero-Astrodynamic Laboratory, Huntsville, Alabama, under Contract NAS8-26919.]
Measurement of Low-Wavenumber Components of Turbulent Boundary Layer Wall Pressure Fluctuations
Authors: Leehey P. , Morris J. K. , Martin N. C.
Published: May 2012

A taut 2 in. by 20 in. rectangular membrane was mounted flush in one wall of a subsonic wind tunnel with its long dimension in the direction of mean flow. Measurements were taken of the displacement response at the membrane midpoint to turbulent boundary layer excitation. The determination of response spectral density at resonances up to that of the (19, 1) mode for several tunnel speeds, together with measurement of membrane loss factors at these resonances, permitted calculation of low-wave-number components of wall pressure wavenumber-frequency spectral density well separated from the convective ridge. Results are compared with convective ridge levels measured previously in the same facility. Acoustic contamination was determined from the cross spectrum of settling chamber pressure and test section wall pressure. The membrane response to acoustic excitation alone was found to be appreciably below the total response. [Work supported by the Naval Ship Systems Command.]
Auditory Masked Detection during Marihuana Intoxication
Authors: Carrier Sam C. , Weber Daniel L.
Published: May 2012

The most commonly reported effect of marihuana is an auditory one: “I can hear more subtle changes in “”sounds,” and I can understand the words of songs which are not clear when straight [C. T. Tart, On Being Stoned (Science and Behavior Books, Palo Alto, Calif., 1971)]. These observations have been interpreted as an improvement in auditory acuity during intoxication. To test this idea a simple auditory masked detection experiment was conducted using a single-interval YES-NO paradigm. The signal was a monaural 500-Hz tone, 100 msec in duration, presented in monaural continuous noise (45-dB spectrum level). Psychometric functions were generated in no-drug and drug conditions. For the drug conditions the six observers, all experienced marihuana users, smoked natural marihuana containing 5 mg of Δ9-THC supplied by NIMH. There were only slight differences between conditions in the slopes and locations of the resulting psychometric functions. However, there was a significant shift in the observers' response criterion; during intoxication observers were less strict in reporting the presence of a signal. The results suggest that the changes in auditory perception so often reported by marihuana users are due primarily to modifications in cognitive, not sensory, processes. Data for response latencies are also reported. [Supported by a Grant-in-Aid from Oberlin College.]
Underwater Sound from a Water Jet Impinging on an Air/Water Interface
Authors: Wilby J. F. , White P. H.
Published: May 2012

The pump jet is a very effective propulsion device for high-speed surface craft such as hydrofoils and surface effect vehicles. However, noise from the jet may interfere with sonar performance. Model studies of a water jet have been made to determine the physical mechanisms of the noise generation process and the characteristics of the noise. Parametric studies of the effect of nozzle diameter, exit velocity, angle of inclination, and upstream turbulence were made. The noise appears to have at least three distinct mechanisms which scale differently. Bubble entrainment and impact of the jet core on the water surface appear to play the predominant generation roles. A high-speed motion picture illustrates the postulated mechanism.