bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical study of SH-wave propagation in piezoelectric/piezomagnetic layered periodic structures
Authors: Zhao Jinfeng , Zhong Zheng , Pan Yongdong
Published: April 2012

The propagation of SH wave in the single and periodically-layered piezoelectric piezoelectric/piezomagnetic structures is studied. Both the dispersion equation and transmission coefficients are derived to reveal the wave behavior of the corresponding structures when the piezoelectricity/piezomagnetivity is ignored, or the electrical/magnetic circuit is open and closed. The zero-order mode of the piezoelectricity/piezomagnetivity ignored single plate is not dispersive and every higher order mode is dispersive with a cut-off frequency. Same features are found for the electrically/magnetically open and closed cases, except that the zero-order mode of the latter cases is no more non-dispersive. The pass bands of the piezoelectricity/piezomagnetivity ignored periodically-layered structure appear when the normalized frequency is an even integer under the normal incidence, and new stop bands will appear from the pass bands as the incident angle increases. Same features are observed for the band gaps of the electrically/magnetically open and closed cases, except that the zero-order mode of the latter case is dispersive.
Noise control policy in Brazil and South America
Authors: Gerges Samir N. Y.
Published: April 2012

There are noise policies and regulations in Brazil for occupational, community, and product noise. (1)Noise in the workplace, MTE 3214-1978, is a regulation of the Minister of Labor which specifies 85 dBA – 8 hours sift with 5 dBA rate (this should be changes to 3 dB). (2)Community Noise: There are two regulations of the Minister of the Environment covering noise which affects industrial, commercial, social, recreation, and political activities. A- Silence regulation NBR10151: SPL= 35-45 dBA between 10 PM to 6 AM. B- Comfort regulation NBR10152: Table of SPL (35 to 60 dBA) or NC curves for each place (hospital, hotel, residence, offices, school, etc.) range from C= 30 to 55. (3)Brazil also has Standard NBR 13910-1, 2, and 3:1999 which recommends noise labeling using the sound power level. Since 2001 the working party has been in power in Brazil, and since then industrial noise regulations have been enforced. If industrial noise cannot be reduced at the source, hearing protectors are required. All hearing protection devices must go through attenuation measurements in Brazil (ANSI S12.9-2008(B) subject fit method. Most of South America countries have similar regulations as those in Brazil. The Ibro-American Federation of Acoustics (FIA)in the last years has played an important role in noise control engineering education through its congresses in 1998 (Brazil), 2000 (Spain), 2002 (Cancun with ASA), 2004 (Portugal), and 2006 (Chile).
Differences in instrument construction and performance practices among musical traditions reveal and guide different aesthetic attitudes towards timbre
Authors: Vassilakis Pantelis
Published: April 2012

Musical aesthetic judgments reflect how each musical tradition chooses to interpret and value contextual, functional, performance, formal, and sonic aspects of musical pieces. Elaborate instrument construction techniques and performance practices devoted to the exploration of timbre (sound color) variations across musical traditions indicate that timbre is a sonic aspect on which musical aesthetic judgments are often based. Intercultural differences and intra-cultural consistency of timbre interpretation illustrate the cultural bases of understanding and evaluating sound color. Close examination of musical instrument construction and performance practices, accompanied by acoustical analyses of the relevant sound signals, can reveal the types of musical timbres and timbre variation degrees a given tradition is after, providing insights on the relationship between timbre and a tradition's musical aesthetic values. The sophisticated ways devised to produce and manipulate auditory roughness within the musical contexts addressed in this presentation (Indian tambura accompaniments; Middle Eastern mijwiz improvisations; Bosnian ganga songs) will be contrasted to the limited opportunities for such explorations afforded within western art musical contexts, paralleled by equally contrasting aesthetic attitudes towards auditory roughness's meaning and value.
Phonation in nine languages
Authors: Keating Patricia , Kuang Jianjing , Esposito Christina , Garellek Marc , Khan Sameer ud Dowla
Published: April 2012

This study compares the phonations of 9 languages. Some of the languages use phonation types contrastively, independently of any pitch contrasts (Gujarati: modal, breathy; White Hmong and Black Miao: modal, breathy; Jalapa Mazatec: modal, breathy, creaky; Southern Yi, Bo, and Hani: tense, lax), while some use phonation as correlates of pitch contrasts (White Hmong: creaky low tone; Black Miao: creaky low tone and pressed high tone; Mandarin: creaky low and falling tones; Santiago Matatlán Zapotec and San Juan Guelavia Zapotec: creaky large-falling tone and breathy small-falling tone). Acoustic measures of phonation are compared for all 9 languages, and electroglottographic measures are compared for all but Mazatec. Multi-dimensional scaling of the production measures is then used to derive a lower-dimension phonation space, and the use of that production space by the different languages is compared. [Work supported by NSF]
Dolphin echolocation—synthetic aperture or “raster scanning”?
Authors: Hoffmann-Kuhnt Matthias , Chitre Mandar , Mátrai Eszter , Yeo Kelvin , Lee Jason
Published: April 2012

A bottlenose dolphin performing a cross-modal matching-to-sample task was stationed on a biteplate while echolocating on a sample object concealed in an opaque box. This procedure prevented the animal from gaining different aspects of the stimulus. Despite these restrictions on his location the dolphin was still able to recognize the object and successfully perform a match. The echolocation signals emitted by the dolphin were recorded with a rectangular array of 16 hydrophones mounted on a frame and placed between the dolphin on the biteplate and the object inside the box. A custom high-frequency data acquisition system recorded the signals at 500 kS per second and also collected synchronized video from several locations around the animal. The collected data was filtered and processed. The results presented here show that the dolphin was scanning the object and steering his echolocation beam without moving his head thus avoiding the possible acoustic clutter from multiple reflections from the object. The acquired data was also analyzed for the backscattered echo from the object.
Decreasing casing deformation by using cross-dipole acoustic logging data
Authors: Huang Baohua , Chen Hao , Han Jianqiang
Published: April 2012

For increasing oil production, it is necessary to inject water into formations continuously during the oil field development. If the injection pressures are not controlled in a proper range according to in-situ stresses, it can lead to a serious imbalance of horizontal geostresses around the borehole and a higher reservoir pressure. And this will therefore cause casing deformations after a long-term exploitation. The paper presents an approach to acquire anisotropy parameters of the formation and evaluate the distribution and magnitude of in-situ stresses by using cross-dipole acoustic logging data (XMAC). Together with electronic imaging results, we can conclude an appropriate design of injection wells and thus decrease casing deformation. This approach conducted on Daqing Oilfield shows efficiency and greatly increases the economic profit.
Easy confusion issues for non-Chinese scholar studying China traditional singing voices (CTSVs)
Authors: Gu Lide
Published: April 2012

In recent years, more and more non-Chinese scientists interested in investigation China Traditional Singing Voices (CTSVs). Misunderstandings then emerged out owing to cultural background differences. In order to make research more effective and to be carried out smoothly, some of the easy confusion issues are mentioned as reference. A. Clearly indicates background of investigating voice sample It is important to give clear indications of your investigating object(s) rather than using a general substantive expression, e.g. “China Native Folk Singing Voice”, “Peking Opera Singing Voice”, etc. because China traditional Singing Voice is varied. B. Avoid misleading by accustomed terms With Peking Opera example, she obviously missing some important elements of western opera must have. Her exact name is “Jing Ju”, which means “Drama of Capital”. C. Concerned about the different aesthetic standards Chinese native folk singers and local dramas performers usually have their own aesthetic standards, which is quite different from the western vocal music. D. Try to know habitual used words of singing voices and techniques For example, big voice or big natural voice vs chest voice, small voice vs falsetto, position of the larynx, opening of the mouth, support of the breath, etc. E. Others
Air-to-water sound propagation at low frequency in shallow water
Authors: Peng Zhaohui , Wang Guangxu
Published: April 2012

Owing to great difference of acoustic characteristic impedance between air and water, sound transmission loss from an airborne source into underwater is very high. So, it is very difficult to do experimental research on air-to-water sound propagation. High power of air source is needed to receive signals with high signal-noise-ratio at long range. A fog whistle was used as the source during an experiment conducted for air-to-water sound propagation in the South China Sea in July 2011. A HLA was laid on the sea bottom at the depth of 90m. The high-power fog whistle was hung on a research ship floating near the HLA. The maximum distance between the whistle and the HLA was 7.5km. The transmission at low frequencies were analyzed and compared with the theoretical predictions.
Study on how to create a comfortable soundscape for commercial open space
Authors: Song Jianwei , Ma Hui
Published: April 2012

Commercial open space plays a vital role in urban life and the soundscape design of those areas becomes a new problem worthy of researching. In this study, the sound situation of two famous commercial open areas in Tianjin, China, including sound type, sound expectation, and environmental evaluation was analyzed through physical measurement and social surveys. Finally, ten sound samples were obtained from those commercial open areas. Except noise level, both temporal and spatial factors of the sound samples were analyzed. Combined the laboratory experiments and sound signal analysis, the principle of how to create a comfortable soundscape in commercial open space was explored from block design, architecture style and material selection.
Intraspecific variation in vocal repertoire among dugong populations
Authors: Ichikawa Kotaro , Akamatsu Tomonari , Adulyanukosol Kanjana , Damiani Giovanni , Lanyon Janet , Nawata Hiroshi
Published: April 2012

Previous studies have demonstrated that vocal signals facilitate acoustic communication of dugongs. We recorded wild dugong calls from around Talibong Island, Thailand (n = 586) and in Moreton Bay, Australia (n = 331). We also recorded vocalizations of a newborn calf (n = 315) kept at Phuket Marine Biological Center, Thailand, a 19 year old female (n = 73) at Toba Aquarium, Japan, and a 7 year old female (n = 203) at Underwater World, Singapore. Dominant frequency, duration and coefficient of frequency modulation were compared across populations and age. Statistical differences were found for almost all pairwise comparisons (p < 0.05) except between the captive dugongs kept in Japan and also between wild dugongs in Thailand and in Australia. A negative correlation was found between variance of the dominant frequency and dugong age, and a positive correlation was found between variance of the duration and age. The average dominant frequency of wild dugong calls collected in Thailand and in Australia were 5205.4 and 5760.2 Hz, respectively. These acoustic characteristics ranged between those of the 7 and 19 year old female. Our results suggest that dugongs change their vocal repertoire as they grow.
Analysis of passive acoustic recordings made during a three month survey of cetaceans off the Northern Mariana Islands in the western North Pacific
Authors: Norris Thomas
Published: April 2012

Passive acoustic monitoring using was used to complement a line-transect survey of marine mammals for a large (~580,000 km2) study site centered on the Northern Mariana Islands in the western North Pacific. A two-element towed hydrophone array was used to monitor and record during daylight hours. Sonobuoys were deployed opportunistically on sightings and areas of interest. Extremely poor sighting conditions hindered visual efforts but not the passive acoustics effort. Over 70 days of survey effort was completed from mid-January to April, 2007. Approximately 220 `unique acoustic detections' were made, of which 155 (70%) were preliminarily identified to 14 different species. The most frequent whale detected was the sperm whale (65), followed by minke whales (30) and humpback whales (12), respectively. The first recordings of calls from Sei whales in this region are characterized. Post-processing of minke and sperm whales recordings resulted in approximately 30 and over 70 localizations, respectively. We present the first acoustic-based estimates for minke whales abundance in this region. Numerous unidentified odontocete whistles were analyzed using ROCCA, a semi-automated whistle classification program, with promising results. We provide recommendations for additional analyses and improvements to methods of collecting and post-processing passive acoustic data on marine mammals.
High Curie temperature relaxor piezoelectric single crystal broadband transducers
Authors: Xia Jindong , Li Junbao , Xu Guisheng , Xing Jianxin , Zhao Gaolei , Chen Zhe
Published: April 2012

Lead indium niobate-lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PIMNT) crystals have been used to fabricate longitudinal vibrator broadband tonpilz transducers as active piezoelectric material. Compared to lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMNT), rhombohedral-to-tetragonal phase transition temperature (Trt) of PIMNT increases to higher than 120° C and coercive field (Ec) can reach 5kV/cm, while possessing the similar electromechanical properties. The PIMNT single crystal transducer can work under high temperature exceeding 80° C and large drive voltage over 0.6MVpp/m with a DC bias field of 0.27MV/m.Simultaneously, the device shows a smaller size, as much as 10dB higher transmitting voltage response and 8dB higher receiving voltage response than lead zirconate titanate (PZT) longtitudinal vibrator(tonpliz) transducer with a broad bandwidth over 150%. The PIMNT device demonstrates tremendous performance for sonar and ultrasonic technology.
Comparisons between various cavity and panel noise reduction control methods in double-panel structures
Authors: Ho Jen-Hsuan , Berkhoff Arthur
Published: April 2012

This paper presents comparisons between various panel and cavity resonance control methods to reduce the transmitted sound in a double-panel structure. The double-panel, which consists of two panels with air in the gap, has the advantages of low weight and effective transmission-loss at high frequency. Therefore, it is widely applied in many areas such as aerospace. Nevertheless, the resonance of the cavity and the poor transmission-loss at low frequency limit its noise control performance. Applying active control forces on the panels or utilizing loudspeakers in the cavity to reduce the noise problem have been discussed in many papers. In this paper, an acoustic-structure coupled model is used to investigate and to compare the transmitted sound reduction of various cavity and panel resonance control methods. The control performance comparison is based on the same stability control margins. Moreover, an adaptive control method is used in the system to further improve the control performance. Finally, experimental results will be presented and discussed.
On-board telemetry of biosonar sounds from free-flying bats
Authors: Hiryu Shizuko , Matsuta Naohiro , Mantani Shigeki , Fujioka Emyo , Riquimaroux Hiroshi , Watanabe Yoshiaki
Published: April 2012

Analysis of the bat's reactions to relevant target echoes enables us to directly assess biosonar performance. Here, we recorded the sonar broadcast and its echoes the bat received during flight by using an on-board telemetry microphone (Telemike) mounted on the bat's back. Telemike recordings confirmed that flying bats adjust the amplitude and frequency of their sonar broadcasts to compensate for increases in echo amplitude and for Doppler-shifts. For insect capturing, the bat exhibited Doppler-shift compensation for echoes from the static target ahead, but not for echoes from the target moth even though the flying bat attended to the moth for capture. Positive and negative Doppler shifts (acoustic glints) caused by insect fluttering were observed in the constant-frequency component of observed echoes, which synchronized with wingbeat cycle of the moth. Combined frequency and amplitude compensation for the static target may be advantageous for detection of acoustic glints of target prey. We also constructed multiple-microphone arrays for tagging wild aerial-feeding insectivorous bats. Not only the location of the bat, but also direction and directivity of the bat's broadcast can be measured. This will allow us to investigate 3-D search algorithm of multiple targets by the bat. [supported by JSPS and ONR]
Obesity: It’s (Kind of) Genetic
Authors: Skarke Carsten
Published: April 2012

Dysfunction of the lipid sensor GPR120 leads to obesity in both mouse and human.
Connecting the Dots to Describe a Mechanism for IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Obhrai Jagdeep
Published: April 2012

Transglutaminase 2 may contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune kidney disease.
Effect of body mass index and physical exercise on risk of knee and hip osteoarthritis: longitudinal data from the Norwegian HUNT Study
Authors: Mork Paul Jarle , Holtermann Andreas , Nilsen Tom Ivar Lund
Published: April 2012

Background

Mechanical joint stress imposed by high body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased risk of knee and hip osteoarthritis. This prospective study investigated the independent and joint association of BMI and physical exercise on risk of knee and hip osteoarthritis.

Methods

The study includes 15 191 women and 14 766 men in the Norwegian HUNT Study without pain or physical impairment at baseline. Occurrence of self-reported physician-diagnosed osteoarthritis was assessed at 11 years of follow-up.

Results

BMI was positively related to risk of knee osteoarthritis (Ptrend<0.001), with an RR of 4.37 (95% CI 3.01 to 6.33) in women and 2.78 (95% CI 1.59 to 4.84) in men, comparing obese and normal weight persons. No clear association was observed for hip osteoarthritis. Obesity increased the risk of severe activity-limiting osteoarthritis, with an RR of 2.30 (95% CI 1.68 to 3.15) and 2.50 (95% CI 1.56 to 4.03) in women and men, respectively. Physical exercise did not modify the above associations (Pinteraction>0.34). Exercise intensity was not associated with risk of osteoarthritis in any BMI category; that is, obese persons reporting high-intensity exercise had an RR of 1.28 (95% CI 0.59 to 2.79) for severe osteoarthritis compared with inactive persons.

Conclusion

High BMI increases the risk of knee osteoarthritis and severe osteoarthritis. Physical exercise does not increase the risk of osteoarthritis at any level of BMI, suggesting that exercise could be encouraged also among individuals with excessive body mass, without concern for an increased risk of osteoarthritis.
PROJECTIVE SYNCHRONIZATION OF DIFFERENT CHAOTIC SYSTEMS WITH NONLINEARITY INPUTS
Authors: NIU YUJUN , WANG XINGYUAN
Published: April 2012

In this paper, projective synchronization of different chaotic systems is studied, in the presence of uncertainties of system parameter variation, external noise disturbance and nonlinearity inputs. Using adaptive technique, sliding mode control method and pole assignment technique, an adaptive projective synchronization scheme is proposed to ensure the drive system and the response system with nonlinearity inputs can be rapidly synchronized up to the given scaling factor, without requiring the bounds of the system uncertainties and external noise disturbances be known in advance. The results of numerical simulation further verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed scheme.
SLIDING MODE CONTROL ON ISOLATED BRIDGES WITH COLUMNS OF IRREGULAR HEIGHTS USING POLE ASSIGNMENT AND PSO-SA HYBRID ALGORITHM
Authors: LEE TZU-YING , CHEN PO-CHUAN , JUANG DER-SHIN
Published: April 2012

The effectiveness of sliding mode control on the seismic response of an isolated bridge with columns of irregular heights, which exhibit hysteretic behaviors at both the columns and isolators, is studied. The bridge of concern consists of a two-span continuous deck and three columns of irregular heights, adjoining two single-span approaches each at the two ends. The irregular isolated bridge is idealized by an equivalent model to reduce the number of degrees of freedom involved. Compared with typical isolated bridges, the irregular isolated bridge has more poles of sliding surface, which dominates the dynamic characteristics of the controlled system and should be determined for the sliding mode control. The particle swarm optimization-simulated annealing (PSO-SA) hybrid searching algorithm is thus employed and shown to outperform the PSO algorithm and a parametric approach in finding the best sliding surface. Numerical simulations reveal that the sliding mode control together with the PSO-SA hybrid searching algorithm provides a simple and powerful technique for controlling the nonlinear seismic responses of irregular isolated bridges. Such a technique combining the control and optimization technology can be applied to practical bridges or structures, which are generally complicated and should be idealized by sophisticated numerical models.
MD INVESTIGATIONS FOR MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF COPPER NANOWIRES WITH AND WITHOUT SURFACE DEFECTS
Authors: GU Y. T. , ZHAN H. F.
Published: April 2012

Based on the molecular dynamics (MD) method, the single-crystalline copper nanowire with different surface defects is investigated through tension simulation. For comparison, the MD tension simulations of perfect nanowire are first carried out under different temperatures, strain rates, and sizes. It has concluded that the surface–volume ratio significantly affects the mechanical properties of nanowire. The surface defects on nanowires are then systematically studied in considering different defect orientation and distribution. It is found that the Young's modulus is the insensitive of surface defects. However, the yield strength and yield point show a significant decrease due to the different defects. Different defects are observed to serve as a dislocation source.
EFFECT OF ELEVATED TEMPERATURE ON CONCRETE STRUCTURES BY BOUNDARY ELEMENTS
Authors: PROCHAZKA PETR P. , LOK TAT S.
Published: April 2012

Extreme elevation of temperature principally threatens tunnel linings and may cause fatal disaster; the recovery of it may take a long time and significant traffic troubles. System of equations is to be described and solution in terms of boundary element method (BEM) is suggested. Moreover, a technique of time-dependent eigenparameters enables one to apply parallel computations and converts the strongly nonlinear system to pseudo-linear one using the influence and polarization tensors. Consequently, instead of repeated solution of large systems of equations, the multiplication of pre-calculated influence matrices has to be carried out instead. In order to properly create the above-outlined procedure, internal cells are selected in the regions primarily connected by the change of temperature. Some examples follow the theory.
A CURVATURE-CONSTRUCTED METHOD FOR BENDING ANALYSIS OF THIN PLATES USING THREE-NODE TRIANGULAR CELLS
Authors: CUI X. Y. , LIU G. R. , LI G. Y.
Published: April 2012

This paper presents a curvature-constructed method (CCM) for bending analysis of thin plates using three-node triangular cells and assumed piecewisely linear deflection field. In the present CCM, the formulation is based on the classic thin plate theory, and only deflection field is treated as the field variable that is assumed piecewisely linear using a set of three-node triangular background cells. The slopes at nodes and/or the mid-edge points of the triangular cells are first obtained using the gradient smoothing techniques (GST) over different smoothing domains. Three schemes are devised to construct the curvature in each cell using these slopes at nodes and/or the mid-edge points. The generalized smoothed Galerkin weak form is then used to create the discretized system equations. The essential rotational boundary conditions are imposed in the process of constructing the curvature field, and the translational boundary conditions are imposed in the same way as in the standard FEM. A number of numerical examples, including both static and free vibration analyses, are studied using the present CCM and the numerical results are compared with the analytical ones and those in the published literatures. The results show that outstanding schemes can obtain very accurate solutions.
Immunocompatibility of Bacteriophages as Nanomedicines
Authors: Kaur Tranum , Nafissi Nafiseh , Wasfi Olla , Sheldon Katlyn , Wettig Shawn , Slavcev Roderick
Published: April 2012

Bacteriophage-based medical research provides the opportunity to develop targeted nanomedicines with heightened efficiency and safety profiles. Filamentous phages also can and have been formulated as targeted drug-delivery nanomedicines, and phage may also serve as promising alternatives/complements to antibiotics. Over the past decade the use of phage for both the prophylaxis and the treatment of bacterial infection, has gained special significance in view of a dramatic rise in the prevalence of antibiotic resistance bacterial strains. Two potential medical applications of phages are the treatment of bacterial infections and their use as immunizing agents in diagnosis and monitoring patients with immunodeficiencies. Recently, phages have been employed as gene-delivery vectors (phage nanomedicine), for nearly half a century as tools in genetic research, for about two decades as tools for the discovery of specific target-binding proteins and peptides, and for almost a decade as tools for vaccine development. As phage applications to human therapeutic development grow at an exponential rate, it will become essential to evaluate host immune responses to initial and repetitive challenges by therapeutic phage in order to develop phage therapies that offer suitable utility. This paper examines and discusses phage nanomedicine applications and the immunomodulatory effects of bacteriophage exposure and treatment modalities.
Finite Difference Method for Solving a System ofThird‐Order Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Noor Muhammad Aslam , Al-Said Eisa , Noor Khalida Inayat
Published: April 2012

We develop a new‐two‐stage finite difference method for computing approximate solutions of a system of third‐order boundary value problems associated with odd‐order obstacle problems. Such problems arise in physical oceanography (Dunbar (1993) and Noor (1994), draining and coating flow problems (E. O. Tuck (1990) and L. W. Schwartz (1990)), and can be studied in the framework of variational inequalities. We show that the present method is of order three and give numerical results that are better than the other available results. Numerical example is presented to illustrate the applicability and efficiency of the new method.
Approaches for the Development of Rapid Serological Assays for Surveillance and Diagnosis of Infections Caused by Zoonotic Flaviviruses of the Japanese Encephalitis Virus Serocomplex
Authors: Hobson-Peters Jody
Published: April 2012

Flaviviruses are responsible for a number of important mosquito-borne diseases of man and animals globally. The short vireamic period in infected hosts means that serological assays are often the diagnostic method of choice. This paper will focus on the traditional methods to diagnose flaviviral infections as well as describing the modern rapid platforms and approaches for diagnostic antigen preparation.
Sino-European Transcontinental Basic and Clinical High-Tech Acupuncture Studies—Part 3: Violet Laser Stimulation in Anesthetized Rats
Authors: Gao Xin-Yan , Litscher Gerhard , Liu Kun , Zhu Bing
Published: April 2012

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of violet laser stimulation on three acupuncture points in anesthetized rats and to test the hypothesis that violet laser light can modulate neurovegetative parameters like heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP). Recordings were performed in 10 male anesthetized rats under three conditions in Beijing, and monitored with equipment from Graz, where also data analysis was performed. For stimulation a violet laser (emitted wavelength 405 nm, laser output 1 mW, continuous mode) was used. The electrocardiograms were recorded by an HRV Medilog AR12 system during laser acupuncture stimulation of the head, ear, and body (Baihui, “heart” ear acupoint, Zusanli). HR changed significantly only during (P=0.013) and after (P=0.038) stimulation at Baihui. Total HRV and the low frequency/high frequency ratio showed insignificant changes. There was an insignificant decrease in MAP after stimulation of Baihui acupoint. Violet laser stimulation offers a method to induce acute effects in HR and HRV in rats. Although the precise mechanism of this effect remains to be determined, alterations are significant. Violet laser stimulation on the Baihui acupoint could readily be translated to clinical studies.
Paradigms and Controversies in the Treatment of HIV-Related Burkitt Lymphoma
Authors: Petrich Adam M. , Sparano Joseph A. , Parekh Samir
Published: April 2012

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a very aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that occurs with higher frequency in patients with HIV/AIDS. Patients with HIV-related BL (HIV-BL) are usually treated with high-intensity, multi-agent chemotherapy regimens. The addition of the monoclonal antibody Rituximab to chemotherapy has also been studied in this setting. The potential risks and benefits of commonly used regimens are reviewed herein, along with a discussion of controversial issues in the practical management of HIV-BL, including concurrent anti-retroviral therapy, treatment of relapsed and/or refractory disease, and the role of stem cell transplantation.
Giant Cell Angiofibroma in Unusual Localization: A Case Report
Authors: Pala Emel Ebru , Beyhan Rafet , Bayol Umit , Cumurcu Suheyla , Kucuk Ulku
Published: April 2012

Giant cell angiofibroma (GCA) was initially described as a potentially recurrent tumor in the orbit of adults. However, it is now recognized that it can also present in other locations. The morphological hallmark is a richly vascularized patternless spindle cell proliferation containing pseudovascular spaces and floret like multinucleate giant cells. Our case was a 32-years-old female complaining of painless solitary nodule arising on the occipital region of the scalp, which was diagnosed as giant cell angiofibroma. We report the case because of its extremely rare localization.
Some Stability and Convergence of Additive Runge‐Kutta Methods for Delay Differential Equations with Many Delays
Authors: Yuan Haiyan , Zhao Jingjun , Xu Yang
Published: April 2012

This paper is devoted to the stability and convergence analysis of the additive Runge‐Kutta methods with the Lagrangian interpolation (ARKLMs) for the numerical solution of a delay differential equation with many delays. GDN stability and D‐Convergence are introduced and proved. It is shown that strongly algebraically stability gives D‐Convergence DA, DAS, and ASI stability give GDN stability. Some examples are given in the end of this paper which confirms our results.
The Role of Airway Epithelial Cells in Response to Mycobacteria Infection
Authors: Li Yong , Wang Yujiong , Liu Xiaoming
Published: April 2012

Airway epithelial cells (AECs) are part of the frontline defense against infection of pathogens by providing both a physical barrier and immunological function. The role of AECs in the innate and adaptive immune responses, through the production of antimicrobial molecules and proinflammatory factors against a variety of pathogens, has been well established. Tuberculosis (TB), a contagious disease primarily affecting the lungs, is caused by the infection of various strains of mycobacteria. In response to mycobacteria infection, epithelial expression of Toll-like receptors and surfactant proteins plays the most prominent roles in the recognition and binding of the pathogen, as well as the initiation of the immune response. Moreover, the antimicrobial substances, proinflammatory factors secreted by AECs, composed a major part of the innate immune response and mediation of adaptive immunity against the pathogen. Thus, a better understanding of the role and mechanism of AECs in response to mycobacteria will provide insight into the relationship of epithelial cells and lung immunocytes against TB, which may facilitate our understanding of the pathogenesis and immunological mechanism of pulmonary tuberculosis disease.
Castor (Ricinus communisL.) Tolerance to Postemergence Herbicides and Weed Control Efficacy
Authors: Grichar W. James , Dotray Peter A. , Trostle Calvin L.
Published: April 2012

Potential US castor production is limited due to only one labeled herbicide (trifluralin). Field studies were conducted at two Texas locations during 2008 and 2009 to evaluate postemergence herbicides for castor tolerance and weed control efficacy. Clethodim and fluazifop-P-butyl caused no castor stunting while acifluorfen, bentazon, imazethapyr, and lactofen caused stunting which ranged from 5 to 46%. Imazapic and 2,4-DB caused the greatest stunting (44 to 99%) and resulted in castor yields of 0 to 45% of the untreated check. Acifluorfen, imazapic, imazethapyr, lactofen, and 2,4-DB controlled at least 80% smellmelon (Cucumis meloL. var. Dudaim Naud.) while clethodim and fluazifop-P-butyl controlled at least 98% Texas millet [Urochloa texana(Buckl.) R.Webster]. Imazapic and imazethapyr provided 57 to 75% Texas millet control. Results suggest that castor tolerance to the graminicides, clethodim, and fluazifop-P-butyl is high; however, castor injury and yield reductions with the postemergence applications of broadleaf herbicides suggest that these herbicides should not be used in castor production.
Chaos in a Tumor Growth Model with Delayed Responses of the Immune System
Authors: Saleem M. , Agrawal Tanuja
Published: April 2012

A simple prey‐predator‐type model for the growth of tumor with discrete time delay in the immune system is considered. It is assumed that the resting and hunting cells make the immune system. The present model modifies the model of El‐Gohary (2008) in that it allows delay effects in the growth process of the hunting cells. Qualitative and numerical analyses for the stability of equilibriums of the model are presented. Length of the time delay that preserves stability is given. It is found that small delays guarantee stability at the equilibrium level (stable focus) but the delays greater than a critical value may produce periodic solutions through Hopf bifurcation and larger delays may even lead to chaotic attractors. Implications of these results are discussed.
Moment of Inertia Dependence of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines in Pulsating Winds
Authors: Hara Yutaka , Hara Koichi , Hayashi Tsutomu
Published: April 2012

Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) are unaffected by changes in wind direction, and they have a simple structure and the potential for high efficiency due to their lift driving force. However, VAWTs are affected by changes in wind speed, owing to effects originating from the moment of inertia. In this study, changes in the rotational speed of a small VAWT in pulsating wind, generated by an unsteady wind tunnel, are investigated by varying the wind cycle and amplitude parameters. It is shown that the responses observed experimentally agree with simulations based on torque characteristics obtained under steady rotational conditions. Additionally, a simple equation expressing the relationship between the rotational change width and amplitude of the pulsating wind is presented. The energy efficiency in a pulsating wind remains constant with changes in both the moment of inertia and the wind cycle; however, the energy efficiency decreases when the wind amplitude is large.
Expression of SOCS1 and SOCS3 Is Altered in the Nasal Mucosa of Patients with Mild and Moderate/Severe Persistent Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Kim Tae Hoon , Kim Kihyoung , Park Se Jin , Lee Seung Hoon , Hwang Jae Woong , Park Sang Heon , Yum Gun Hwee , Lee Sang Hag
Published: April 2012

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) molecules, SOCS1 and SOCS3, which act as negative regulators of cytokine signaling in various allergic diseases, in patients with mild and moderate/severe persistent allergic rhinitis. Methods: The expression and distribution pattern of SOCS1 and SOCS3 were analyzed in nasal mucosa and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of healthy controls, and patients with mild and moderate/severe persistent allergic rhinitis using RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. IL-4, IL-13, IL-15 and IFN-γ expression was also analyzed in the nasal mucosa of each individual using RT-PCR and Western blotting. Results: SOCS1 and SOCS3 mRNA and protein expression was significantly increased in the nasal mucosa and PBMC of patients with mild and moderate/severe persistent allergic rhinitis compared with healthy controls. In healthy and allergic nasal mucosa, they were commonly localized to the epithelium, submucosal glands and endothelium, showing stronger staining intensity in mild and moderate/severe persistent allergic nasal mucosa than in healthy nasal mucosa. Tissue levels of IL-4 and IL-13 were increased in moderate/severe persistent allergic nasal mucosa whereas IL-15 and IFN-γ were decreased in moderate/severe persistent allergic nasal mucosa. Conclusions: Upregulation of SOCS1 and SOCS3 in mild and moderate/severe persistent allergic rhinitis suggests that SOCS proteins may be important regulators in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis and play a role as molecular determinants of allergic rhinitis persistence.
IL-2-Inducible T-Cell Kinase Deficiency with Pulmonary Manifestations due to Disseminated Epstein-Barr Virus Infection
Authors: Mansouri D. , Mahdaviani S.A. , Khalilzadeh S. , Mohajerani S.A. , Hasanzad M. , Sadr S. , Nadji S.A. , Karimi S. , Droodinia A. , Rezaei N. , Linka R.M. , Bienemann K. , Borkhardt A. , Masjedi M.R. , Velayati A.A.
Published: April 2012

IL-2-inducible T-cell kinase (ITK) deficiency is a rare inherited immunodeficiency disease characterized by homozygous mutations in the ITK gene and the inability to control Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection leading to EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders of B cell origin. Many aspects of its clinical presentation and immunologic phenotype are still unclear to clinicians. We report on a 14-year-old female patient with complaints of an 8-month history of cough and fever. Imaging studies revealed diffuse pulmonary nodules and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Transbronchial lung biopsy showed nonmalignant polyclonal B cell proliferation. High titers of EBV DNA were detected by PCR analysis in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, bone marrow, and blood. Genomic analysis revealed a homozygous single base pair deletion in exon 5 of the ITK gene (c.468delT) in this patient. Treatment with rituximab (anti-CD20 mab) resulted in complete clinical remission with resolution of pulmonary lesions and a negative EBV titer in serum. All patients with EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders should be analyzed for mutations in ITK.
Current National Patterns of Comorbid Diabetes among Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Towfighi Amytis , Markovic Daniela , Ovbiagele Bruce
Published: April 2012

Background: Type 2 diabetes rates in the general population have risen with the growing obesity epidemic. Knowledge of temporal patterns and factors associated with comorbid diabetes among stroke patients may enable health practitioners and policy makers to develop interventions aimed at reducing diabetes rates, which may consequently lead to declines in stroke incidence and improvements in stroke outcomes. Methods: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), a nationally representative data set of US hospital admissions, we assessed trends in the proportion of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with comorbid diabetes from 1997 to 2006. Independent factors associated with comorbid diabetes were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Over the study period, the absolute number of AIS hospitalizations declined by 17% (from 489,766 in 1997 to 408,378 in 2006); however, the absolute number of AIS hospitalizations with comorbid type 2 diabetes rose by 27% [from 97,577 (20%) in 1997 to 124,244 (30%) in 2006, p < 0.001]. The rise in comorbid diabetes over time was more pronounced in patients who were relatively younger, Black or ‘other’ race, on Medicaid, or admitted to hospitals located in the South. Factors independently associated with higher odds of diabetes in AIS patients were Black or ‘other’ versus White race, congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, history of myocardial infarction, renal disease and hypertension. Conclusions: Although hospitalizations for AIS in the US decreased from 1997 to 2006, there was a steep rise in the proportion with comorbid diabetes (from 1 in 5 to almost 1 in 3). Specific patient populations may be potential targets for mitigating this trend.
The Burden Associated with Ocular Symptoms in Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Klossek J.M. , Annesi-Maesano I. , Pribil C. , Didier A.
Published: April 2012

Background: Ocular symptoms remain widely neglected while they concern the majority of subjects with allergic rhinitis (AR) and impair their daily activities. We describe the characteristics of ocular symptoms in subjects suffering from AR in the French INSTANT study and their impact on daily activities. Methods: This cross-sectional observational survey was carried out in November 2006 using face-to-face interviews. Results: 31.7% of the population-based sample (n = 4,019) suffered from AR and 52.0% of AR subjects (n = 663) described ocular symptoms. Men had significantly less ocular symptoms than women (odds ratio 0.71, 95% CI 0.57–0.89). 57.5% of subjects suffered from ocular symptoms for >5 years, 30.2% for >6 months in the past 12 months, and 92.2% during the pollen season. The troublesome ocular symptoms were itching eyes (51.1%), watery eyes (38.6%), red eyes (6.6%) and swollen eyelids (3.6%). The trigger factors were pollens (51.3%), household dust and mites (34.8%), pets (12.2%) and air pollution (3.8%). Ocular symptoms had a negative impact on daily activities (blurred sight 47.8%, reduction in daily activities 38.8%, reduction in efficacy at work 25.8%, sleep disturbances 16.3%, and sick leave 12.9%). They were diagnosed in 38.9% of subjects and followed up in 34.8%. Treatment for ocular symptoms was prescribed to 35.4% of subjects and to 61.9% of subjects with a regular follow-up care. Conclusions: This survey confirms the impact of ocular symptoms on AR patients’ lives and suggests that they are still neglected and undertreated.
The Potential Role of Prostaglandin D2 in Nasal Congestion Observed in a Guinea Pig Model of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Takahashi Go , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Higuchi Naoko , Ikeda Minoru , Inagaki Naoki , Shichijo Michitaka
Published: April 2012

Background: Allergic rhinitis is the most common allergic disease, displaying the typical nasal symptom of congestion. Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), a chemical mediator released in large amounts by mast cells upon allergic stimulation in humans, is known to be involved in nasal congestion. However, the mechanism by which this congestion occurs remains unclear. Methods: The effect of PGD2 on the nasal airflow in guinea pigs was measured using a noninvasive approach that avoided any anesthetic effect. Isometric tension of isolated nasal mucosa and the nasal vascular corrosion resin cast technique were used to clarify the area of nasal mucosal vessels affected by PGD2, and to examine the mechanism of PGD2-induced nasal congestion. Moreover, the involvement of second messengers in PGD2-induced mucosal relaxation was investigated. Results: PGD2 induced an increase in intranasal pressure in a guinea pig model of rhinitis. Additionally, sinusoidal microvessel dilatation appeared around the septum using the vascular corrosion resin cast technique in the nasal mucosa. Moreover, relaxation of the nasal mucosa following stimulation of the prostanoid DP-1 receptor was associated with cAMP levels in the tissue. Conclusions: PGD2-induced nasal congestion is caused by direct dilatation of the sinusoid vessels through the increase of cAMP levels in the nasal mucosa, demonstrating that the mechanism of PGD2-induced nasal congestion is different from other chemical mediators. Consequently, antagonists for the prostanoid DP-1 receptor would be an alternative approach for the relief of nasal congestion. Alternatively, the combined administration with antagonists for other mediators involved in nasal congestion may also be a valuable therapy for allergic rhinitis.
Lavender Essential Oil in the Treatment of Migraine Headache: A Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Sasannejad Payam , Saeedi Morteza , Shoeibi Ali , Gorji Ali , Abbasi Maryam , Foroughipour Mohsen
Published: April 2012

Lavender essential oil has been used as an anxiolytic drug, a mood stabilizer, a sedative, spasmolytic, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, analgesic agent as well as a wound healing accelerator. We have studied for the first time the efficacy of lavender essential oil inhalation for the treatment of migraine in a placebo-controlled clinical trial. Methods: Forty-seven patients with definite diagnosis of migraine headache were divided into cases and controls. Cases inhaled lavender essential oil for 15 min, whereas the control group used liquid paraffin for the same time period. Patients were asked to record their headache severity and associated symptoms in 30-min intervals for a total of 2 h. We matched the two groups for key confounding factors. Results: The mean reduction of headache severity in cases was 3.6 ± 2.8 based on Visual Analogue Scale score. The reduction was 1.6 ± 1.6 in controls. This difference between the controls and cases was statistically significant with p < 0.0001. From 129 headache attacks in cases, 92 responded entirely or partially to lavender. In the control group, 32 out of 68 recorded headache attacks responded to placebo. The percentage of responders was significantly higher in the lavender group than the placebo group (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The present study suggests that inhalation of lavender essential oil may be an effective and safe treatment modality in acute management of migraine headaches.