bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and visualization of the underwater sound field associated with underwater pile driving
Authors: Farrell Dara M. , Dahl Peter H.
Published: September 2012

As communities seek to expand and upgrade marine and transportation infrastructure, underwater noise from pile driving associated with marine construction is a significant environmental regulatory challenge. This work explores results of different transmission loss models for a site in Puget Sound and the effect of improved understanding of modeling on the extents of zones of influence. It has been observed that most of the energy associated with impact pile driving is less than about 1000 Hz. Here, analysis of the spectral content of pile driving noise is undertaken to ascertain the optimal surrogate frequency to model the broadband nature of the noise. Included is a comparison of a normal mode model, which is motivated by work presented by Reinhall and Dahl [JASA 130, 1209 (2011)], with other methods. A GIS (Geographic Information System) tool, ArcMap, is used to map the sound level over the bathymetry, which has proved to be a useful way of visualizing the impact of the noise. [Work supported by Washington Sea Grant.]
Fiber-optic probe hydrophone measurement of lithotripter shock waves under in vitro conditions that mimic the environment of the renal collecting system
Authors: Li Guangyan , McAteer James , Williams James , Bailey Michael
Published: September 2012

The fiber-optic probe hydrophone (FOPH) is the accepted standard for characterization of lithotripter shock waves, and measurements are typically conducted in water in the unconstrained free-field. To sort out potential factors that may affect in vivo measurements within the collecting system of the kidney, we assessed for the effect of contact between the fiber tip and tissue as might occur when working “blind” within the urinary tract, and contamination of the fluid medium (isotonic saline) by blood as often occurs during endourological procedures. Studies were performed using a Dornier Compact-S electromagnetic lithotripter. Contact of the optical fiber with ex vivo kidney tissue lowered pressure readings. The effect was greatest (~45% reduction) when the fiber was oriented normal to tissue, but pressures were also reduced when a length of fiber rested parallel against tissue (~5-10% reduction). Placing the fiber tip near, but not touching tissue, increased variability in peak negative pressure (P-). Adding porcine blood to the medium (up to 10% V/V) had no effect on readings. These findings suggest that position/orientation of the FOPH relative to surrounding tissue is critical and must be controlled, but that micro-hematuria will not be a confounding factor for in vivo measurements. (NIH-DK43881)
Highly efficient piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer for the application of parametric array in air
Authors: Je Yub , Moon Wonkyu , Lee Haksue
Published: September 2012

A highly efficient piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer was achieved for the application of parametric array in air. It is not easy to generate high-intensity sound required for nonlinear interaction in air due to huge impedance mismatch between the air and the transducer. A thin-film transducer such as micromachined ultrasonic transducer can achieve high mechanoacoustic efficiency by reducing the mechanical characteristic impedance of the radiating plate. By theoretical analysis, the power efficiency of the micromachined ultrasonic transducer and its maximum achievable value were considered. Also, based on the theoretical model, the design issues which reduce the power efficiency and radiation intensity were listed and discussed. The effects of the leakage current through the parasitic impedances, resistance of the electrode pad, and unit-to-unit variation of the MUT array on transducer efficiency were verified as the problems. By adapting proper design approaches, a highly efficient pMUT array was designed, fabricated, and tested as a source transducer for parametric array in air. The pMUT array may promote the practical uses of a parametric array source in air.
The physics and sound design of flue organ pipes
Authors: Angster Judit , Miklós András , Rucz Péter , Augusztinovicz Fülöp
Published: September 2012

Sound design methods for flue organ pipes can be developed for the practical application in organ building due to the high performance of modern computers and the advanced level of the scientific research on flue organ pipe acoustics. The research of Neville Fletcher and the team around him has contributed in a high extent to the scientific understanding of the behaviour of flue organ pipes. By extending this knowledge sound design methods and dimensioning software for different special flue organ pipes have been developed in the frames of European research projects. As examples the following topics will be mentioned: -the development of optimal scaling and a software for designing the depth and width of wooden organ pipes without changing the sound character; -the development of optimal scaling, design and software of chimney flutes by means of appropriate laboratory experiments and computer simulations.
Acoustical aspects of the flute
Authors: Strong William
Published: September 2012

Neville Fletcher's wide ranging interests in excitation mechanisms and sound production in musical instruments and other sound sources have resulted in many related reports and publications. The presenter had the good fortune to work with Fletcher while holding a Senior Fulbright Fellowship at the University of New England. The joint research on acoustical aspects of the flute resulted in two papers: “Acoustical characterization of flute head joints” (Fletcher, Strong, and Silk, JASA 71, 1255-1260) and “Numerical calculation of flute impedances and standing waves” (Strong, Fletcher, and Silk, JASA 77, 2166-2172). These two papers will be reviewed in the presentation.
Free reeds as pressure-controlled valves
Authors: Cottingham James P.
Published: September 2012

The analysis of excitation mechanisms in pressure-controlled wind instruments by Neville Fletcher in a 1979 paper [Acustica 43, 63-72 (1979)] and later papers has been applied in understanding the operation of free reed instruments. This analysis enables calculation of impedance curves for reed generators and yields the well-known result that an inward striking reed coupled to a pipe operates at a frequency below the reed resonance and below but close to the frequency of an impedance maximum of the pipe, while an outward striking reed has operating frequency above both the reed resonance and the frequency of the pipe impedance maximum. This is useful, since free reeds can function as either inward striking or outward striking reeds, depending on details of the reed design and possible coupling with resonators. Fletcher’s analysis was first applied to free reeds in the harmonica by Johnston [Acoustics Australia, 16, 69-75 (1987)] and has subsequently been applied to free reeds and free reed instruments in a variety of ways, which are summarized in this paper. These include modeling the change in sounding frequency with blowing pressure as well as determining the sounding frequency of both inward and outward striking reed-resonator combinations.
Acoustic contributions and characteristics of floor treatments for elementary school classroom background noise levels
Authors: Celmer Robert , Giacomoni Clothilde , Hornecker Alex , Lesser Ari M. , Wells Adam P. , Vigeant Michelle C.
Published: September 2012

A two part investigation involving the effect of floor treatments on classroom background noise levels will be presented. Phase 1 determined the effects of hard versus soft flooring on overall speech and activity noise levels using long-term calibrated sound recordings in elementary classrooms. Two similar-sized classrooms were used: one with vinyl composition tile (VCT) flooring, and one with short-pile commercial carpeting. After parsing the recordings into separate segments of (a) teacher/student speech (alone), and (b) classroom activity noise, including footfalls, chair scrapes, and impacts (no speech), a significant decrease in overall levels was found in the carpeted rooms. Phase 2 determined the acoustical properties of nine different flooring materials ranging from resilient athletic floors to VCT to commercial carpeting. Sound absorption was measured following ISO 10534-2, while ISO 3741 sound power measurements were made while either (a) using a standard tapping machine, or (b) scraping a classroom chair back/forth over the floor surface in a reciprocating manner. In general, both carpet samples resulted in the lowest sound levels and the highest absorption. Relative performances of each material will be presented along with additional classroom usability factors, such as maintenance, cost and durability. [Work supported by Paul S. Veneklasen Research Foundation.]
Non-linear infrasound signal distortion and yield estimation from stratospheric and thermospheric arrivals
Authors: Lonzaga Joel B. , Waxler Roger , Assink Jelle
Published: September 2012

The propagation of sound through gases and fluids is intrinsically non-linear. The degree of non-linearity increases as the density of the propagation medium decreases. As a consequence, signals traveling through the upper atmosphere undergo severe non-linear distortion. This distortion takes two forms: waveform steepening and pulse stretching. These nonlinear effects are numerically investigated using non-linear ray theory. On one hand, waveform steepening is generally associated with stratospheric arrivals with sufficiently large amplitude for which the decreased density of the atmosphere causes shock fronts to form. On the other hand, pulse stretching is generally associated with thermospheric arrivals where severe attenuation prevents significant shock formation but severe non-linearity causes significant pulse stretching. Since non-linear effects increase with increasing signal amplitude, it is possible to use non-linear distortion to estimate signal source strength. Uncertainties in propagation path and in thermospheric attenuation will limit the accuracy of this approach. Using the non-linear propagation model, the fundamental limits of this approach are also investigated. Comparisons with available data will be made.
Infrasound as a remote sensing technique for the upper atmosphere
Authors: Assink Jelle D. , Waxler Roger , Lonzaga Joel , Frazier Garth
Published: September 2012

Understanding and specification of the higher altitudes of the atmosphere with global overage over all local times is hampered by the challenges of obtaining direct measurements in the upper atmosphere. Methods to measure the properties of the atmosphere above the stratopause is an active area of scientific research. In this presentation, we revisit the use of infrasound as a passive remote sensing technique for the upper atmosphere. In the past, various studies focused on the sensitivity of infrasound to various upper atmospheric processes. It has been shown that the current state-of-the-art climatologies for the middle and upper atmosphere are not always in agreement with the acoustic data, suggesting a use of infrasound as a complementary remote sensing technique. Previously, we reported on the error in thermospheric celerities which was found to be in accord with the typical uncertainty in upper atmospheric winds and temperature. In this presentation, we report on the expected variation of the various infrasound observables from a forward modeling perspective. This information, in combination with the experimental measurement error provides constraints on the expected resolution from the inverse problem. With this information, we minimize misfits in travel time and source location using a Levenberg-Marquardt search algorithm in combination with ray theory.
Physical quantities measurement by using the fiber optic sensor in the pendulum ball collision
Authors: Lee Jongkil , Vakakis Alex , Bergman Larry
Published: September 2012

It is interesting to measure the impact force when the moving pendulum ball collides to the fixed body. In this paper physical quantities were measured using by fiber optic sensor when a pendulum ball collides to the fixed ball on the wall. Both steel ball dimensions are 1 inch in diameter. The fiber optic Sagnac interferometer is well established as a sensor for acoustic and vibration. It is made a 1mm penetrated hole and optical fiber in the Saganac loop passed through the hole. The ball was welded on the wall as a fixed ball. When the external force applied to the fixed ball the optical fiber in the Sagnac loop detects the impact force. The output signal is proportional to the output voltage in the oscilloscope. Based on the result suggested fiber optic sensor can measure the impact intensity and this technique can be expanded to the moving bodies.
Phonological neighborhood density and vowel production in children and adults
Authors: Munson Benjamin , Beckman Mary E. , Edwards Jan
Published: September 2012

Previous studies have shown that vowels in words with high phonological neighborhood densities (ND) are produced closer to the periphery of the vowel space than are vowels in low-ND words (Munson & Solomon, 2004; Scarborough, 2010; Wright, 2003). Different explanations for this phenomenon have been proposed. One hypothesis is that they reflect a speaker's attempt to maintain acoustic distinctiveness among similar-sounding words. If this were true, then we might expect that the effect of ND on vowel production would be smaller in children than in adults, given that children have overall smaller-sized lexicons than adults. To evaluate this, we examined the effect of ND on vowel production in children and adults. The productions were taken from the paidologos corpus (Edwards & Beckman, 2008). Preliminary analyses of the productions of 8 high-ND and 8 low-ND words by 10 2-year-olds, 10 5-year-olds and 20 adults have been completed. There are no effects of ND on vowel-space size or vowel duration for either group of children. There were strong, statistically significant effects found the group of adults. These were in the opposite than predicted direction: low-ND words were produced with more-expanded vowel spaces than high-ND words. Analysis of a larger group of participants is ongoing [support: NIDCD 02932.]
The effect of age on phonetic imitation in children
Authors: Nielsen Kuniko
Published: September 2012

This study aims to examine the effect of age on phonetic imitation in children. Previous studies have shown that adult speakers implicitly imitate the phonetic properties of recently heard speech (e.g. Goldinger, 1998). Recently, Nielsen (2011) reported that third-graders show similar patterns of phonetic imitation, including word-specific patterns of imitation. The current study extends these findings and investigates the effect of age on phonetic imitation, by comparing the pattern of imitation between third-graders and preschoolers. According to Piaget (1962), development of imitation is a manifestation of the increasing distinctiveness between assimilation and accommodation in early childhood, predicting greater imitation for older children. At the same time, findings on motor imitation by newborns (e.g., Meltzoff & Moore, 1997) suggest that the intermodal mapping necessary for imitation is at least partly innate. The experiment employed a picture-naming task: participants' speech production was compared before and after they were exposed to model speech with extended VOT on the target phoneme /p/. A preliminary data analysis revealed a greater degree of imitation for older children, while both groups showed significant imitation. These findings are in agreement with the effects of age and developmental level on motor imitation observed in Fouts and Liikanen (1975).
Audio/visual compensation for coarticulation
Authors: Kang Shinae , Finley Greg , Johnson Keith , Miller Rigoli Carson
Published: September 2012

This study investigates how visual phonetic information affects compensation for coarticulation in speech perception. A series of CV syllables with fricative continuum from [s] to [sh] before [a],[u] and [y] was overlaid with a video of a face saying [s]V, [∫]V, or a visual blend of the two fricatives. We made separate movies for each vowel environment. We collected [s]/[∫] boundary locations from 24 native English speakers. In a test of audio-visual integration, [∫] videos showed significantly lower boundary locations (more [sh] responses) than [s] videos (t[23]=2.9, p<0.01) in the [a] vowel environment. Regardless of visual fricative condition, the participants showed a compensation effect with [u] (t[23] > 3, p<0.01), but not with the unfamiliar vowel [y]. This pattern of results was similar to our findings from an audio-only version of the experiment, implying that the compensation effect was not strengthened by seeing the lip rounding of [y].
Sumby and Pollack revisted: The influence of live presentation on audiovisual speech perception.
Authors: Deonarine Justin M. , Dawber Emily J. , Munhall Kevin G.
Published: September 2012

In their classic paper, Sumby and Pollack (1954) demonstrated that the sight of a talker’s face enhanced the identification of auditory speech in noise. Recently, there has been interest in the influence of some of their methodologies on audiovisual speech perception. Here, we examine the effects of presenting the audiovisual stimuli live, like Sumby and Pollack. Live presentation yields 3D visual stimuli, higher resolution images, and social conditions not present in modern replications with recorded stimuli and display monitors. Subjects were tested in pairs and alternated in the same session between a live talker (Live Condition) and a live feed of the talker to a television screen (Screen Condition). Order of presentation mode and word lists (monosyllabic English words) were counterbalanced across subjects. Subjects wore sound isolating headphones and signal intensity was controlled across conditions. Word lists were counterbalanced for spoken word frequency and initial consonant structure. Stimuli were presented in 7 signal-to-noise ratios (pink noise). Accuracy of identification was higher in the Live Condition than the Screen Condition. Possible causes of this effect are explored through manipulations of monocular and binocular depth cues and through testing with modern 3D display technology.
Comparison of compressive sampling beamforming to adaptive and conventional beamforming
Authors: Ballard Jeffrey A.
Published: September 2012

Interest in the application of compressive sampling to beamforming has increased in recent years [G.F. Edelmann and C.F. Gaumond, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 130(4) EL232-EL237 (2011)]. This work compares the performance of a compressive sampling beamformer to conventional beamforming and to an adaptive beamforming algorithm which utilizes dominant mode rejection. The algorithms are applied to measured data collected on a horizontal line array off the southeast coast of Florida in 2008 [K. D. Heaney and J. J. Murray, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 125(3), 1394-1402 (2009)]. Several factors affecting performance are considered: high and low SNR signals, amount of clutter (number of other targets), and varying degrees of array health (force failing 50%, 75%, & 90% of the array). To assess the ability of each beamformer to differentiate signals from noise, known signals are injected into the data at decreasing SNR. The analysis compares the frequency-azimuth data and bearing-time-records that each beamformer outputs. [Work supported by ARL:UT IRD.]
Measurements of the acoustical properties of iron slag panels as porous media using scale models
Authors: Kim Ho Jun , Jang Hyung Suk , Jeon Jin Yong
Published: September 2012

Iron slag, by-product of smelting iron ore, has been widely recycled to road pavement material and concrete for environmental-friendly effect. In the present study, the acoustical characteristics of iron slag panels (porous media) were investigated by using scale model approach. The scale models of the iron panels were constructed by considering different sizes of slags. The measurements of absorption and scattering/diffusion coefficients using scale models were conducted in a 1:10 scale reverberation chamber. Through the measurements, the effects of diameters and thicknesses of slags on acoustical properties of iron slag panels were investigated.
A comparison of the precedence effect with specular and diffusive reflections
Authors: Pastore Michael T.
Published: September 2012

Despite early reflections arriving along many trajectories, humans can localize sounds based on the direction of the direct sound source. The ‘precedence effect’ describes a set of phenomena thought to be involved in this human ability to localize sound in what could be confusing reverberant environments. Acousticians often apply diffusive surfaces to remove echoes and reduce spatial variation in rooms designed for speech and music, yet the perceptual effects of these treatments are not well understood. The ability of listeners to localize sound is crucial to the success of an enclosed acoustic environment. Therefore the precedence effect under diffusive conditions bears some exploration. A psychoacoustic experiment attempts to characterize the effect of diffusion on the precedence effect. Using an acoustic pointer, lead/lag stimuli at inter-stimulus intervals ranging from 0–4 ms are used for comparing listeners’ perceived lateralization of a target stimulus in the presence of a single simulated specular or diffuse reflection. Bandpass noise bursts centered at 500 Hz, (ITD ±300 μs) are used for the creation of all stimuli. Listeners’ performance is evaluated using existing cross-correlation models.
Community and individual variation in response to noise from high amplitude impulsive sounds
Authors: Nykaza Edward T. , Valente Dan
Published: September 2012

It is common for residents living on and around military installations to be exposed to a significant amount of high amplitude impulsive noise, primarily from large weaponry and other blast noise producing sources. Yet in comparison to transportation noise, there have been relatively few studies of how communities and individuals respond to this type of noise. This presentation will report the latest findings from recent human response to blast noise studies conducted at three military installations. Across all sites, blast noise has been found to be the most annoying noise source, despite the fact that a large percentage of respondents reported that their neighborhood was a good or excellent place to live. It has also been found that each community and individual has a unique tolerance to blast noise. Furthermore, individuals use a different and finite portion of the response scale, suggesting that the current methodology of fixating on the percent of the population that is highly annoyed may inadvertently be discarding useful response information. Comparisons between respondents living on- and off-post within and between study sites will be made, with special emphasis placed on differences between the community tolerance level and the community tolerance spread for each site.
A study of background noise variability in acoustical measurement laboratories
Authors: Bard Seth
Published: September 2012

Presently the background noise level is included the background correction procedures in the noise emissions standards, ISO 3741, ISO 3744, ISO 3745, and ISO 11201, but the variability of the background noise is not assessed in the corrections. This paper continues the work presented in a previous paper [Proc. Inter-Noise 2012, Paper 1045] by identifying the standard deviations of the background noise sound pressure levels in multiple acoustical test laboratories for the purpose of defining the measurement capability. The foundational paper proposes using both the variability of the background noise and the difference between the source-plus-background measurement and the background measurement to calculate the background noise correction. The data obtained in the background noise study are converted into sound pressure level minima for a source measurement conforming to the requirements of the new proposal in the aforementioned foundational paper. These results are then compared with the smallest source measurements conforming to the current noise emission standards.
Spectrographic analysis as an indicator of perceived progress during speech therapy
Authors: Siren Kathleen , Katz Shannon
Published: September 2012

Despite a respectable data set in speech literature documenting acoustic features of disordered speech, there is a notable scarcity of investigations documenting use of acoustic analysis during speech therapy. In 1999, Kent, Weismer, Kent, Vorperian and Duffy predicted that “joint perceptual-acoustic analysis” would soon be common in clinics due to the lower cost and ease of use of acoustic analysis procedures. Given the paucity of published data, such joint analyses are either still not occurring or are limited to use in clinical settings where information is not shared. Although some clinicians are beginning to use spectrograms as visual biofeedback during speech therapy for children, few studies have documented the effectiveness of this clinical use. Additionally, no studies have attempted to assess the relationship between spectrographic change and change in clinician perception of sound production. This investigation will assess the utility of spectrographic analysis in a clinical setting with children as they progress through speech therapy for misarticulation of /s/ by measuring the acoustic changes occurring over time as sound production matures, and providing additional information about the relationship between acoustic features and perception of accurate sound production.
Using partially separable functions to image spatiotemporal aspects of Arabic pharyngealization
Authors: Shosted Ryan , Fu Maojing , Benmamoun Abbas , Liang Zhi-Pei , Sutton Bradley P.
Published: September 2012

It has been challenging to estimate the temporal domain of pharyngealization in Arabic. Conventional MRI has limited assessment of dynamic pharyngeal shape during speech. In this study, fast spiral sequences, combined with partially separable functions, were used to achieve a relatively high spatiotemporal resolution (2.2 mm × 2.2 mm × 8.0 mm, at a frame rate of 86 fps) during dynamic speech imaging of a single midsagittal slice. One male speaker of Levantine Arabic produced pairs of words that differed minimally by one speech sound: pharyngeal fricative /ħ/ or non-pharnyngeal /b/. Each word was produced 23 times. The temporal extent of pharyngeal tissue displacement associated with /ħ/ was investigated. Sounds were segmented with reference to a simultaneous, noise-canceled acoustic recording. Spatiotemporal maps of differential pixel intensity (interpreted as tissue displacement) were generated for each segment preceding the pharyngeal / non-pharyngeal test segment. Average differential pixel intensity in the pharyngeal area was then sampled during these preceding segments. T-tests revealed significant differences (p < 0.01) up to two segments away from the pharyngeal / non-pharyngeal test segment. This technique should permit investigation of spatiotemporal aspects of pharyngealization across different varieties of Arabic, where distance and direction of pharyngealization are said to vary systematically.
High-frequency acoustic backscattering from a sand sediment: Experiments and data/model comparisons
Authors: Hefner Brian T. , Ivakin Anatoliy N. , Jackson Darrell R.
Published: September 2012

In the Spring of 2012, high-frequency backscattering from a sandy sediment was measured in the Gulf of Mexico at the site of the upcoming, ONR-sponsored reverberation experiment. The measurements were made using an array of sources and receivers that collected data from 200 to 500 kHz and that could be rotated such that the incident grazing angles varied from 10 to 50 degrees. This array was used previously to measure scattering from a sand/mud sediment during the Sediment Acoustics Experiment 2004 (SAX04). To support data/model comparisons, the seabed roughness, sediment shell content, sediment sound speed, and sediment attenuation were also measured. For scattering below the critical grazing angle, sediment roughness is found to be the dominant scattering mechanism while above the critical angle, roughness scattering underpredicts the measured scattering strength. To understand the scattering strength at high grazing angles, scattering from shells and shell hash is considered. The measured scattering strengths and environmental properties at the experiment site are also compared to those made during SAX04. (Work supported by the US Office of Naval Research)
An inverse method for estimating sediment sound speed in the ocean
Authors: Lin Tao , Michalopoulou Zoi-Heleni
Published: September 2012

In this work, a new inverse method for estimating sediment sound-speed profiles is investigated. Stickler and Deift derived a trace formula for recovering a seiment sound-speed profile by simply using a reflection coefficient at very low frequencies. The method may be sensitive to noise and also involves computationally cumbersome calculations. In our approach, we first design a linear approximation for the trace formula based on the Born approximation, in order to reduce the computational cost. The stability of the modified inverse algorithm is then tested with synthetic noisy data. Finally, we look into ways for relaxing the limiting assumptions of the approach. [Work supported by ONR and the NSF CSUMS program.]
iNKT Cells Reduce Obesity
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: September 2012

Invariant natural killer T cells produce anti-inflammatory cytokines in the adipose tissue and protect against diet-induced obesity.
Neutrophils Suppress Insulin Signaling
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: September 2012

Neutrophils secrete elastase, which not only recruits other immune cells but also inhibits insulin signaling in adipose and liver.
Virulence Through Cysteine Phosphorylation
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: September 2012

Reversible phosphorylation of cysteine regulates the DNA binding activity of a virulence protein in
Staphylococcus aureus
.
Genome Sequence of the Plant Pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. panici LMG 2367
Authors: Liu He , Qiu Hui , Zhao Wenjun , Cui Zhouqi , Ibrahim Muhammad , Jin Gulei , Li Bin , Zhu Bo , Xie Guan Lin
Published: September 2012

Pseudomonas syringae
pv. panici is a phytopathogenic bacterium causing brown stripe disease in economically important crops worldwide. Here, we announce the draft genome sequence of
Pseudomonas syringae
pv. panici LMG2367 to provide further valuable insights for comparison of the pathovars among species
Pseudomonas syringae
.
Draft Genome Sequences of Helicobacter pylori Isolates from Malaysia, Cultured from Patients with Functional Dyspepsia and Gastric Cancer
Authors: Gunaletchumy Selva Perumal , Teh Xinsheng , Khosravi Yalda , Ramli Nur Siti Khadijah , Chua Eng Guan , Kavitha Thevakumar , Mason Joanne N. , Lee Huey Tyng , Alias Halimah , Zaidan Nur Zafirah , Yassin Norzawani Buang M. , Tay Liang Chung , Rudd Stephen , Mitchell Hazel M. , Kaakoush Nadeem O. , Loke Mun Fai , Goh Khean Lee , Vadivelu Jamuna
Published: September 2012

Helicobacter pylori
is the main bacterial causative agent of gastroduodenal disorders and a risk factor for gastric adenocarcinoma and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. The draft genomes of 10 closely related
H. pylori
isolates from the multiracial Malaysian population will provide an insight into the genetic diversity of isolates in Southeast Asia. These isolates were cultured from gastric biopsy samples from patients with functional dyspepsia and gastric cancer. The availability of this genomic information will provide an opportunity for examining the evolution and population structure of
H. pylori
isolates from Southeast Asia, where the East meets the West.
Genome Sequences of Pseudomonas luteola XLDN4-9 and Pseudomonas stutzeri XLDN-R, Two Efficient Carbazole-Degrading Strains
Authors: Liu Xiaorui , Gai Zhonghui , Tao Fei , Yu Hao , Tang Hongzhi , Xu Ping
Published: September 2012

Pseudomonas luteola
XLDN4-9 and
Pseudomonas stutzeri
XLDN-R are two efficient carbazole-degrading pseudomonad strains. Here we present 4.63- and 4.70-Mb assemblies of their genomes. Their annotated key genes for carbazole catabolism are similar, which may provide further insights into the molecular mechanism of carbazole degradation in
Pseudomonas
.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of Borrelia garinii BgVir, Isolated from Taiga Ticks (Ixodes persulcatus)
Authors: Brenner Evgeniy V. , Kurilshikov Alexander M. , Stronin Oleg V. , Fomenko Nataliya V.
Published: September 2012

Most Lyme borreliosis cases in Russia result fromBorrelia gariniiNT29 group infection. Borrelias of this group circulate exclusively inIxodes persulcatusticks, which are seldom found beyond Russia and the far east. Here we report the whole-genome sequence ofBorrelia gariniiBgVir isolated from anI. persulcatusfemale.
Genome Sequence of a Nicotine-Degrading Strain of Arthrobacter
Authors: Yao Yuxiang , Tang Hongzhi , Ren Huixue , Yu Hao , Wang Lijuan , Xu Ping
Published: September 2012

We announce a 4.63-Mb genome assembly of an isolated bacterium that is the first sequenced nicotine-degrading
Arthrobacter
strain. Nicotine catabolism genes of the nicotine-degrading plasmid pAO1 were predicted, but plasmid function genes were not found. These results will help to better illustrate the molecular mechanism of nicotine degradation by
Arthrobacter
.
Genome Sequence of a Highly Efficient Aerobic Denitrifying Bacterium, Pseudomonas stutzeri T13
Authors: Li Ang , Gai Zhonghui , Cui Di , Ma Fang , Yang Jixian , Zhang Xiaoxin , Sun Yilu , Ren Nanqi
Published: September 2012

Pseudomonas stutzeri
T13 is a highly efficient aerobic denitrifying bacterium. Information about the genome of this aerobic denitrifying bacterium has been limited until now. We present the draft genome of
P. stutzeri
T13. The results could provide further insight into the aerobic denitrification mechanism in strain T13.
Change in striatal metabolism in diabetic haemichorea-haemiballism
Authors: Hashimoto Takao , Oguchi Kazuhiro , Takeuchi Ryo
Published: September 2012

We studied metabolic changes in relation to chorea in two patients with diabetic haemichorea-haemiballism using positron emission tomography with18F-fluorodeoxyglucose. Metabolism of the striatum and globus pallidus did not change in the acute choreic stage, but it decreased in the later stage after the amelioration of chorea. Striatal and pallildal hypometabolism in the late stage in diabetic haemichorea-haemiballism may reflect tissue ischaemia with gliosis. Previous studies have demonstrated striatal hypometabolism in neurodegenerative choreic disorders and striatal hypermetabolism in acute inflammatory choreic disorders. Previous findings as well as our results suggest that striatal and pallidal metabolic changes may be correlated with histological changes more than with functional changes relevant to chorea.
A mesenteric hernia complicated with a triple necrotic volvulus
Authors: Tassinari Davide , Santoro Stefano , Bernardi Filippo , Lima Mario
Published: September 2012

A 6-year-old girl was admitted to the paediatric emergency department with colicky abdominal pain. She had a significant medical history, with four previous admissions due to recurrent abdominal pain in the past year. On examination the abdomen was soft, there was no rebound tenderness and Rovsing's sign was negative. Her blood tests revealed a raised white cells count, although her C reactive protein was within the normal range. Abdominal x-ray revealed small bowel obstruction. During her assessment the patient rapidly deteriorated and seemed to go into shock. Her clinical state in addition to the radiological findings meant that she was taken to theatre for surgical exploration. This showed a triple volvulus with necrotic bowel loops that had herniated through a mesenteric defect. The necrotic bowel was subsequently resected.
Candida glabrata: an unusual fungal infection following a total hip replacement
Authors: Hall Rebecca Louise , Frost Rebecca Meghan , Vasukutty Nijil Lal , Minhas Hasnat
Published: September 2012

A 60-year-old woman, after a femoral neck fracture and joint replacement, underwent a Girdlestone's procedure and received aggressive antimicrobial therapy in order to completely eradicate the fungal infectionCandida glabrata. In the majority of such cases, a revised hip arthroplasty would be considered following debridement. However, due to the recurrence of this infection and a key associated risk factor, radical removal with concurrent drug therapy was the only option.
Successful resection of complicated bleeding arteriovenous malformation of the jejunum in patients starting dual-antiplatelet therapy just after implanting a drug-eluting coronary stent
Authors: Fujikawa Takahisa , Maekawa Hisatsugu , Shiraishi Kei , Tanaka Akira
Published: September 2012

We report a case of a 57-year-old man who started dual-antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel following implantation of drug-eluting coronary stent and developed persistent active gastrointestinal bleeding. After detecting the origin of bleeding by double-balloon enteroscopy, successful laparoscopy-assisted partial jejunal resection was performed and the patient condition was promptly recovered, without any thrombotic or bleeding complications. Pathology revealed arteriovenous malformation of the jejunum without any malignancy. We should care for and be aware of this lesion as a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding when strong antithrombotic therapy is initiated. Under rigorous assessment and perioperative management, as well as meticulous intraoperative dissection and haemostasis, satisfactory outcome was achieved even in this complicated situation.
Spastic foot-drop as an isolated manifestation of neurocysticercosis
Authors: Sahu Ritesh , Garg Ravindra Kumar , Malhotra Hardeep Singh , Lalla Rakesh
Published: September 2012

Foot-drop is a rare but important manifestation of intracranial pathologies ranging from space-occupying lesions to cerebrovascular accidents. Being most commonly associated with peripheral nerve lesions or radicular compressions, it remains an underappreciated feature of central-structural abnormalities. We describe an interesting case of a 14-year-old boy who had presented with acute onset right-sided foot-drop due to a left-sided parasagittal neurocysticercus lesion, without seizures and discuss the location of the lesion in the precentral area in reference to Penfield's motor homunculus.
Does the ‘Scottish effect’ apply to all ethnic groups? All-cancer, lung, colorectal, breast and prostate cancer in the Scottish Health and Ethnicity Linkage Cohort Study
Authors: Bhopal Raj S , Bansal Narinder , Steiner Markus , Brewster David H ,   on behalf of the Scottish Health and Ethnicity Linkage Study
Published: September 2012

Background and objectives

Although ethnic group variations in cancer exist, no multiethnic, population-based, longitudinal studies are available in Europe. Our objectives were to examine ethnic variation in all-cancer, and lung, colorectal, breast and prostate cancers.

Design, setting, population, measures and analysis

This retrospective cohort study of 4.65 million people linked the 2001 Scottish Census (providing ethnic group) to cancer databases. With the White Scottish population as reference (value 100), directly age standardised rates and ratios (DASR and DASRR), and risk ratios, by sex and ethnic group with 95% CI were calculated for first cancers. In the results below, 95% CI around the DASRR excludes 100. Eight indicators of socio-economic position were assessed as potential confounders across all groups.

Results

For all cancers the White Scottish population (100) had the highest DASRRs, Indians the lowest (men 45.9 and women 41.2) and White British (men 87.6 and women 87.3) and other groups were intermediate (eg, Chinese men 57.6). For lung cancer the DASRRs for Pakistani men (45.0), and women (53.5), were low and for any mixed background men high (174.5). For colorectal cancer the DASRRs were lowest in Pakistanis (men 32.9 and women 68.9), White British (men 82.4 and women 83.7), other White (men 77.2 and women 74.9) and Chinese men (42.6). Breast cancer in women was low in Pakistanis (62.2), Chinese (63.0) and White Irish (84.0). Prostate cancer was lowest in Pakistanis (38.7), Indian (62.6) and White Irish (85.4). No socio-economic indicator was a valid confounding variable across ethnic groups.

Conclusions

The ‘Scottish effect’ does not apply across ethnic groups for cancer. The findings have implications for clinical care, prevention and screening, for example, responding appropriately to the known low uptake among South Asian populations of bowel screening might benefit from modelling of cost-effectiveness of screening, given comparatively low cancer rates.
Gastrointestinal cancers reactive for the PAb416 antibody against JCV/SV40 T-Ag lack JCV DNA sequences while showing a distinctive pathologic profile
Authors: Chiaravalli Anna Maria , Longhi Erika , Vigetti Davide , De Stefano Francesca Isabella , Deleonibus Sara , Capella Carlo , Solcia Enrico , Parravicini Carlo
Published: September 2012

Aim

Immunohistochemical and molecular studies have suggested an oncogenic role for JCV in gastrointestinal carcinomas, but at least in colorectal cancers, the data are far from being unambiguous.

Methods

Two large series of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded gastric and colorectal cancers were analysed for the expression of JCV large T Antigen (T-Ag) with a panel of five antibodies, and for the presence of T-Ag DNA sequences using two PCR systems.

Results

Intense nuclear staining was observed in 54/116 (46%) colorectal, and in 92/234 (39%) gastric cancers, using the PAb416 monoclonal antibody against large T-Ag. In colorectal cancers, PAb416-positivity was directly related to the presence of chromosomal instability, lymph node metastases and a more advanced tumour stage, and inversely related to proximal tumour site and the presence of microsatellite instability (MSI). In gastric cancers, the glandular histotype, the presence of lymph node metastases, a low frequency of MSI and EBV infection, and a worse prognosis were significantly associated with PAb416 immunoreactivity. Moreover, at both these sites, PAb416 expression was significantly associated with p53 nuclear accumulation. No positivity was obtained with all the other four anti-T-Ag-antibodies, and molecular analysis failed to demonstrate the presence of JCV DNA sequences in tested cases.

Conclusions

Our immunohistochemical and molecular results do not support the idea that JCV T-Ag has a role in gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. It is possible that PAb416, besides binding the viral protein, may cross-react with a hitherto undefined protein whose expression is associated with a distinct pathological profile and, at least in gastric cancers, with worse prognosis.
Republished: Defining impact of a rapid response team: qualitative study with nurses, physicians and hospital administrators
Authors: Benin Andrea L , Borgstrom Christopher P , Jenq Grace Y , Roumanis Sarah A , Horwitz Leora I
Published: September 2012

Objective

The objective of this study was to qualitatively describe the impact of a Rapid Response Team (RRT) at a 944-bed, university-affiliated hospital.

Methods

We analysed 49 open-ended interviews with administrators, primary team attending physicians, trainees, RRT attending hospitalists, staff nurses, nurses and respiratory technicians.

Results

Themes elicited were categorised into the domains of (1) morale and teamwork, (2) education, (3) workload, (4) patient care, and (5) hospital administration. Positive implications beyond improved care for acutely ill patients were: increased morale and empowerment among nurses, real-time redistribution of workload for nurses (reducing neglect of non-acutely ill patients during emergencies), and immediate access to expert help. Negative implications were: increased tensions between nurses and physician teams, a burden on hospitalist RRT members, and reduced autonomy for trainees.

Conclusions

The RRT provides advantages that extend well beyond a reduction in rates of transfers to intensive care units or codes but are balanced by certain disadvantages. The potential impact from these multiple sources should be evaluated to understand the utility of any RRT programme.
Republished: Daily consultant gastroenterologist ward rounds: reduced length of stay and improved inpatient mortality
Authors: Singh Salil , Lipscomb George , Padmakumar Kadukkavil , Ramamoorthy Radha , Ryan Shirley , Bates Vivien , Crompton Sandra , Dermody Emma , Moriarty Kieran
Published: September 2012

Background

For gastroenterology, The Royal College of Physicians reiterates the common practice of two to three consultant ward rounds per week. The Royal Bolton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust operated a 26-bed gastroenterology ward, covered by two consultants at any one time. A traditional system of two ward rounds per consultant per week operated, but as is commonplace, discharges peaked on ward round days.

Objective

To determine whether daily consultant ward rounds would improve patient care, shorten length of stay and reduce inpatient mortality.

Methods

A new way of working was implemented in December 2009 with a single consultant taking responsibility for all ward inpatients. Freed from all other direct clinical care commitments for their 2 weeks of ward cover, they conducted ward rounds each morning. A multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting followed immediately. The afternoon was allocated to gastroenterology referrals and reviewing patients on the medical admissions unit.

Results

The changes had an immediate and dramatic effect on average length of stay, which was reduced from 11.5 to 8.9 days. The number of patients treated over 12 months increased by 37% from 739 to 1010. Moreover, the number of deaths decreased from 88 to 62, a reduction in percentage mortality from 11.2% to 6%. However, these major quality outcomes involved a reduction in consultant-delivered outpatient and endoscopy activity.

Conclusion

This new method of working has both advantages and disadvantages. However, it has had a major impact on inpatient care and provides a compelling case for consultant gastroenterology expansion in the UK.
Effects of freezing and thawing cycles on the shear resistance of concrete lift joints
Authors: Martin Félix-Antoine , Rivard Patrice
Published: September 2012

Previous studies have shown that 19% of dam deterioration cases are due to freezing and thawing cycles. Considering that lift joints are planes of weakness and that the mechanical properties of concrete are diminished with increasing freeze and thaw cycles, the aim of this paper is to capture the impact of these cycles on the shear resistance of lift joints. Identical concrete joint replicas were subjected to different levels of alteration prior to being sheared in accordance with the standard direct shear test method. The results found in this study showed that initially (up to 87 cycles) frost action has a positive effect on the shear resistance of lift joints due to the increase in roughness the process generates exposed surfaces of concrete joints. However, as the process continues the internal micro-cracking and loss in compressive strength of concrete is such that they offset the positive effects of the increasing roughness and a lost in shear resistance is noticeable thereafter.