bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behaviour of debris flows located in a mountainous torrent on the Ohya landslide, Japan
Authors: Imaizumi Fumitoshi , Tsuchiya Satoshi , Ohsaka Okihiro
Published: July 2005

Although information on the behaviour of debris flow in the initiation zone is important for the development of mitigative measures, field data regarding this behaviour are scarce. This research examines the behaviour of debris flow in the initiation zone, based on field observations in the upper Ichinosawa catchment of the Ohya landslide in Japan. In spring 1998, a monitoring system, consisting of video cameras, ultrasonic sensors, capacitive water depth probes, and water pressure sensors (WPS), was installed to assess the behaviour of debris flows in the initiation zone. On the basis of video image analysis, we found that main flow phases during debris-flow events consisted of flow containing largely muddy water and flow containing largely cobbles and boulders. Data obtained from ultrasonic sensors and WPS show that the former flow type (muddy flow) has large amounts of interstitial water throughout its mass, whereas the latter flow type has an unsaturated layer in the upper portion. Results indicate that the concentration of solids in debris flows differs from flow to flow. Debris flows in the upper Ichinosawa catchment cause both erosion and deposition and exhibit changes in their concentration of solids.Key words: debris flow, Ohya landslide, flow behaviour, observation, initiation zone.
ADJUSTING A PROGRAM TRANSFORMATION FOR LEGALITY
Authors: BASTOUL CÉDRIC , FEAUTRIER PAUL
Published: July 2005

Program transformations are one of the most valuable compiler techniques to improve parallelism or data locality. However, restructuring compilers have a hard time coping with data dependences. A typical solution is to focus on program parts where the dependences are simple enough to enable any transformation. For more complex problems is only addressed the question of checking whether a transformation is legal or not. In this paper we propose to go further. Starting from a transformation with no guarantee on legality, we show how we can correct it for dependence satisfaction. Two directions are explored: first when transformation properties can be explicitly expressed and second when they are implicit as in the data locality transformation case. Generating code having the best properties is a direct application of this result.
A DYNAMIC MPI-OPENMP MODEL FOR STRUCTURED ADAPTIVE MESH REFINEMENT
Authors: RANTAKOKKO JARMO
Published: July 2005

We compare experimentally different parallelization models using MPI and OpenMP for structured adaptive mesh refinement on a shared-memory parallel computer, a SunFire 15K. Due to the dynamic properties of the mesh no static parallelization model with fixed number of processes and threads performs best in all stages. Different combinations of MPI and OpenMP are preferable in different settings of the application and grid hierarchy. We suggest a new dynamic approach using a mixed MPI-OpenMP model that adapts the number of threads during run time and gives good performance in all stages throughout the whole run as the solution state changes, i.e. the resolution in the computational grid changes.
THE IMPACT OF MESSAGE-BUFFER ALIGNMENT ON COMMUNICATION PERFORMANCE
Authors: ARBER LEON , PAKIN SCOTT
Published: July 2005

Of the many factors that contribute to communication performance, perhaps one of the least investigated is that of message-buffer alignment. Although the generally accepted practice is to page-align buffer memory for best performance, our studies show that the actual relationship of buffer alignment to communication performance cannot be expressed with such a simple formula. This paper presents a case study in which porting a simple network performance test from one language to another resulted in a large performance discrepancy even though both versions of the code consist primarily of calls to messaging-layer functions. Careful analysis of the two code versions revealed that the discrepancy relates to the alignment in memory of the message buffers. Further investigation revealed some surprising results about the impact of message-buffer alignment on communication performance: (1) different networks and node architectures prefer different buffer alignments; (2) page-aligned memory does not always give the best possible performance, and, in some cases, actually yields the worst possible performance; and, (3) on some systems, the most significant factor affecting network performance is the relative alignment of send and receive buffers with respect to each other.
AGGREGATING VARIABLES FOR ASYNCHRONOUS ITERATIONS
Authors: YALÇINKAYA YASEMIN , STEIHAUG TROND
Published: July 2005

The deteriorating effect of old history in asynchronous implementations of Jacobi-type iterative methods applied to linear least squares problem is well documented. A partially asynchronous algorithm is developed which employs a combination of synchronization, a relaxation parameter and an aggregation of variables. It is shown by numerical experiments that this combined effort to decrease the effect of old history is effective.
STATION PLACEMENT IN NETWORKS
Authors: GALDI CLEMENTE , KAKLAMANIS CHRISTOS , MONTANGERO MANUELA , PERSIANO GIUSEPPE
Published: July 2005

In this paper we study the Station Placement problem on directed graphs, a problem that has applications to efficient multicasting in circuit-switched networks. We first argue that the problem on general directed graphs can be efficiently reduced to computing bounded depth Steiner tree on complete weighted directed graphs. Then, we concentrate on the case in which the graph is a directed tree and we give polynomial time algorithms to solve the problem and a natural variant of the problem.
$\diamondsuit {\mathcal P}_{mute}$-BASED CONSENSUS for ASYNCHRONOUS BYZANTINE SYSTEMS
Authors: FRIEDMAN ROY , MOSTEFAOUI ACHOUR , RAYNAL MICHEL
Published: July 2005

This paper presents a consensus protocol for asynchronous distributed systems made up of n processes, where up to f<n/4 processes can behave arbitrarily (Byzantine processes). The protocol assumes that the underlying system is equipped with an unreliable failure detector of the class [Formula: see text]. The failure detectors of the class [Formula: see text] ensure that (1) all mute processes are detected (a mute process is a process that, after some time, stops sending protocol messages), and (2) after some unknown but finite time, no correct process is suspected (mute processes are a subset of the Byzantine processes). The proposed protocol enjoys the following properties. It is based on the round coordinator paradigm and its design principle is particularly simple. Its message complexity is O(n2) per round. In addition to a round number, the message size is O(1), except for one message per round (sent by the round coordinator) whose size is O(n). The protocol does not use message "proofs", certificates, or application level signatures. When no process is faulty, all processes propose the same value, and the failure detector makes no mistake, the processes decide in one round (4 communication steps). Finally, when a process decides, it only needs a simple unreliable broadcast mechanism to prevent the other processes from deadlocking. All these features make the protocol attractive to cope with the net effect of Byzantine failures and asynchrony.
TRANSMISSION PROPERTIES OF LIGHT THROUGH THE FAMILY A OF GENERALIZED THUE–MORSE MULTILAYERS
Authors: CHEN FUMING , YANG XIANGBO
Published: July 2005

In this paper, we study the transmission properties of light through the Family A of Generalized Thue–Morse [FAGTM(n)] aperiodic multilayers and find that for the normal incidence of light there exist three kinds of cases for propagation matrices and corresponding transmission coefficients: (1) when n is even, the former are two-circular and the latter are constant; (2) when n = 1, the former and the latter are all constant; (3) when n is odd but does not equal to 1, the former are all diagonal except the 1st-generation system. The two nonzero elements are countdowns for each other and decrease or improve rapidly with the increase of both the generation number l and the parameter n. The latter are constant when l≤2 and tend to be zero when l≥3. The analytic results are confirmed by numerical simulations.
A NEW HAMILTONIAN OF INTERACTION FOR FERMIONS
Authors: DOLOCAN ANDREI , DOLOCAN VOICU OCTAVIAN , DOLOCAN VOICU
Published: July 2005

Using the Lagrangian formalism we attempt to introduce a new Hamiltonian for fermions. On this basis we have evaluated the expectation values for the interaction energy between fermions via bosons. The interaction energy between two fermions via phonons becomes attractive in a degenerate fermion-gas. The interaction energy between two fermions via photons appears to be attractive in certain conditions. The self-energy of the fermion + boson system, e.g. polaron and polariton, was evaluated.
EARLY PHASES OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF ISOLATED NEUTRON STAR
Authors: ANKAY AŞKIN , ŞAHIN SERKAN , KARANFIL GÖKÇE , YAZGAN EFE
Published: July 2005

Two Galactic isolated strong X-ray pulsars seem to be in the densest environments compared to other types of Galactic pulsar. X-ray pulsar J1846-0258 can be in an early phase of anomalous X-ray pulsars and soft gamma repeaters if its average braking index is ~1.8–2.0. X-ray pulsar J1811-1925 must have a very large average braking index (~11) if this pulsar was formed by SN 386AD. This X-ray pulsar can be in an early phase of the evolution of the radio pulsars located in the region P ~ 50–150 ms and Ṗ ~ 10-14–10-16 ss -1 of the P–Ṗ diagram. X-ray/radio pulsar J0540-69 seems to be evolving in the direction to the dim isolated thermal neutron star region on the P–Ṗ diagram. Possible progenitors of different types of neutron star are also discussed.
EXACT SOLUTIONS OF THE PHOTON EQUATION IN ANISOTROPIC SPACETIMES
Authors: HAVARE ALI , KORUNUR MURAT , AYDOGDU OKTAY , SALTI MUSTAFA , YETKIN TAYLAN
Published: July 2005

In this paper we study the solution of the photon equation (the Massless Duffin–Kemmer–Petiau equation (mDKP)) in anisotropic expanding the Bianchi-I type spacetime using the Fourier analyze method. The harmonic oscillator behavior of the solutions is found. It is shown that Maxwell equations are equivalent to the photon equation.
COLLAPSING SCALAR FIELD WITH KINEMATIC SELF-SIMILARITY OF THE SECOND KIND IN (2+1) GRAVITY
Authors: CHAN R. , DA SILVA M. F. A. , VILLAS DA ROCHA J. F. , WANG ANZHONG
Published: July 2005

All the (2+1)-dimensional circularly symmetric solutions with kinematic self-similarity of the second kind to the Einstein-massless-scalar field equations are found and their local and global properties are studied. It is found that some of them represent gravitational collapse of a massless scalar field, in which black holes are always formed.
MULTIDIMENSIONAL INHOMOGENEOUS COSMOLOGY IN SCALAR TENSOR THEORY
Authors: PANIGRAHI D. , CHATTERJEE S. , ZHANG Y. Z.
Published: July 2005

Exact cosmological solutions are obtained for a five-dimensional inhomogeneous fluid distribution along with a Brans–Dicke type of scalar field. The set includes varied forms of matter field including ρ+p = 0, where p is the 3D isotropic pressure. Depending on the signature of 4-space curvature, our solutions admit of indefinite expansion in the usual 3-space and dimensional reduction of the fifth dimension. Due to the presence of the scalar field, the case p = -ρ does not yield an exponential expansion of the scale factor, which strikingly differs from our earlier investigations without scalar field. The effective four-dimensional values of entropy and matter are calculated and possible consequences of entropy and matter generation in the 4D world as a result of dimensional reduction of the extra space are also discussed. It is encouraging to point out that aside from the well known big bang singularity, our inhomogeneous cosmology is spatially regular everywhere. Further, our model seems to suggest an alternative mechanism pointing to a smooth pass over from a primordial, inhomogeneous cosmological phase to a 4D homogeneous one.
DIRECT INTERACTION ENERGY: A COMPUTATIONAL QUANTITY FOR PARAMETERIZATION OF CONDENSED-PHASE FORCE FIELDS AND ITS APPLICATION TO HYDROGEN BONDING
Authors: WANG ZHI-XIANG , DUAN YONG
Published: July 2005

Using N-Methylacetamide (NMA) dimer and NMA–water as model complexes, the solvent effect on the protein inter- N – H ⋯ O =C and intra- N – H ⋯ OH 2, and C = O ⋯ H 2 O hydrogen bonding have been studied by the polarizable continuum model (PCM) ab initio calculations in the four media (vacuum, ether, nitromethane and water). In contrast to the empirical approaches, we suggested using the direction interaction energies (DE) to consider the solvent polarization, which can be derived from PCM ab initio calculations. The DEs of the model compounds in solvents are larger than their in vacuo binding energies, which reflect the solvent polarization effect. As the solvents become increasingly polar, the binding free energies decrease while DEs increase. The increasing DE is consistent with the increasing hydrogen bond length. Considering the protein environment, the DEs of NMA-NMA dimer in ether, 9.14 and 9.41 kcal/mol for NMADI and NMADII, are recommended for the intra N – H ⋯ O =C hydrogen bonding. The DEs of NMA–water complex in water, -5.47 (NMAWI) and -5.41 kcal/mol (NMAWI'), -8.44 (NMAWII) and -8.68 kcal/mol (NMAWII'), respectively, are suggested for the inter- N – H ⋯ OH 2 and C – O ⋯ H 2 O hydrogen bonding of proteins. Using the same approach, we have also computed the DE of water dimer in liquid water. The computed DE of water dimer (-5.63 kcal/mol) is larger than the in vacuo water dimerization energy (-5.14 kcal/mol) and in reasonable agreement with the dimerization energies (ranging from –6.0 to 6.8 kcal/mol) of polarization-included empirical water models.
From concept towards reality: developing the attributed 3D geological model of the shallow subsurface
Authors: Culshaw M.G.
Published: July 2005

In recent years, engineering geology has been trying to redefine itself in terms of a set of ‘core values’ or ‘special scientific principles.’ John
Knill (2003)
illustrated the essence of engineering geology in the engineering geological triangle. One way of trying to understand the relationships between some of the ‘core values’ is through the engineering geological ground model, which seeks to combine understanding of the spatial distribution of engineering boundaries with knowledge of rock and soil material, and mass, properties and the geological processes that alter these through time. The rapid development in information technology over the last twenty years and the digitization of increasing amounts of geological data has brought engineering geology to a situation in which the production of meaningful 3D spatial models of the shallow subsurface is feasible. The paper describes how this can be done and points the way to the next stage that involves the attribution of these spatial models with physical, mechanical and chemical property data. Some new developments in the provision of geohazard susceptibility information at the national scale are also discussed. A future is proposed in which site investigation sets out to test a pre-existing spatial model based on real data, rather than trying to create such a model based on concepts alone.
Activation of CFTR by ASBT-mediated bile salt absorption
Authors: Bijvelds Marcel J. C. , Jorna Huub , Verkade Henkjan J. , Bot Alice G. M. , Hofmann Franz , Agellon Luis B. , Sinaasappel Maarten , de Jonge Hugo R.
Published: July 2005

In cholangiocytes, bile salt (BS) uptake via the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) may evoke ductular flow by enhancing cAMP-mediated signaling to the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) anion channel. We considered that ASBT-mediated BS uptake in the distal ileum might also modulate intestinal fluid secretion. Taurocholate (TC) induced a biphasic rise in the short circuit current across ileal tissue, reflecting transepithelial electrogenic ion transport. This response was sensitive to bumetanide and largely abrogated in Cftr-null mice, indicating that it predominantly reflects CFTR-mediated Cl−secretion. The residual response in Cftr-null mice could be attributed to electrogenic ASBT activity, as it matched the TC-coupled absorptive Na+flux. TC-evoked Cl−secretion required ASBT-mediated TC uptake, because it was blocked by a selective ASBT inhibitor and was restricted to the distal ileum. Suppression of neurotransmitter or prostaglandin release, blocking of the histamine H1receptor, or pretreatment with 5-hydroxytryptamine did not abrogate the TC response, suggesting that neurocrine or immune mediators of Cl−secretion are not involved. Responses to TC were retained after carbachol treatment and after permeabilization of the basolateral membrane with nystatin, indicating that BS modulate CFTR channel gating rather than the driving force for Cl−exit. TC-induced Cl−secretion was maintained in cGMP-dependent protein kinase II-deficient mice and only partially inhibited by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor H89, suggesting a mechanism of CFTR activation different from cAMP or cGMP signaling. We conclude that active BS absorption in the ileum triggers CFTR activation and, consequently, local salt and water secretion, which may serve to prevent intestinal obstruction in the postprandial state.
Ischemic preconditioning enhances scavenging activity of reactive oxygen species and diminishes transmural difference of infarct size
Authors: Morihira Masahiko , Hasebe Naoyuki , Baljinnyam Erdenechimeg , Sumitomo Kazuhiro , Matsusaka Tomoyuki , Izawa Kazuma , Fujino Takayuki , Fukuzawa Jun , Kikuchi Kenjiro
Published: July 2005

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) enhance myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Ischemic preconditioning (PC) provides potent cardioprotective effects in I/R. However, it has not been elucidated whether PC diminishes ROS stress in I/R and whether PC protects the myocardium from ROS stress transmurally and homogeneously. Isolated rabbit hearts perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer underwent 30 min of ischemia and 60 min of reperfusion. Hemodynamic changes and myocardial damage extent were analyzed in four groups. The control group underwent I/R alone. The H2O2 group underwent I/R with H2O2 infusion (50 μM) in the first minute of reperfusion to enhance oxidative stress. The PC and H2O2+PC groups underwent 5 min of PC before control and H2O2 protocols, respectively. Extracted myocardial DNA was analyzed for 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an indicator of oxidative DNA damage, with the use of the HPLC-electrochemical detection method. Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity and the reduced form of GSH were measured by spectrophotometric assays. The myocardial infarct size was significantly reduced in the PC group (19 ± 2%) compared with the control group (37 ± 4%; P < 0.05), particularly in the subendocardium. H2O2 transmurally increased the infarct size by 59 ± 4% ( P < 0.05), which was significantly diminished in the H2O2+PC group (31 ± 4%; P < 0.01). The GSH levels, but not GPX activity, were well preserved transmurally in protocols with PC. The 8-OHdG levels were significantly decreased in PC and were significantly enhanced in H2O2 ( P < 0.01). These changes in oxidative DNA damage were effectively diminished by PC. In conclusion, PC enhanced the scavenging activity of GSH against ROS transmurally, reduced myocardial damage, particularly in the subendocardium, and diminished the transmural difference in myocardial infarct size.
Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine is not the major surfactant phospholipid species in all mammals
Authors: Lang Carol J. , Postle Anthony D. , Orgeig Sandra , Possmayer Fred , Bernhard Wolfgang , Panda Amiya K. , Jürgens Klaus D. , Milsom William K. , Nag Kaushik , Daniels Christopher B.
Published: July 2005

Pulmonary surfactant, a complex mixture of lipids and proteins, lowers the surface tension in terminal air spaces and is crucial for lung function. Within an animal species, surfactant composition can be influenced by development, disease, respiratory rate, and/or body temperature. Here, we analyzed the composition of surfactant in three heterothermic mammals (dunnart, bat, squirrel), displaying different torpor patterns, to determine: 1) whether increases in surfactant cholesterol (Chol) and phospholipid (PL) saturation occur during long-term torpor in squirrels, as in bats and dunnarts; 2) whether surfactant proteins change during torpor; and 3) whether PL molecular species (molsp) composition is altered. In addition, we analyzed the molsp composition of a further nine mammals (including placental/marsupial and hetero-/homeothermic contrasts) to determine whether phylogeny or thermal behavior determines molsp composition in mammals. We discovered that like bats and dunnarts, surfactant Chol increases during torpor in squirrels. However, changes in PL saturation during torpor may not be universal. Torpor was accompanied by a decrease in surfactant protein A in dunnarts and squirrels, but not in bats, whereas surfactant protein B did not change in any species. Phosphatidylcholine (PC)16:0/16:0 is highly variable between mammals and is not the major PL in the wombat, dunnart, shrew, or Tasmanian devil. An inverse relationship exists between PC16:0/16:0 and two of the major fluidizing components, PC16:0/16:1 and PC16:0/14:0. The PL molsp profile of an animal species is not determined by phylogeny or thermal behavior. We conclude that there is no single PL molsp composition that functions optimally in all mammals; rather, surfactant from each animal is unique and tailored to the biology of that animal.
An in vivo microanalytical technique for measuring the local biochemical milieu of human skeletal muscle
Authors: Shah Jay P. , Phillips Terry M. , Danoff Jerome V. , Gerber Lynn H.
Published: July 2005

Myofascial pain associated with myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) is a common cause of nonarticular musculoskeletal pain. Although the presence of MTrPs can be determined by soft tissue palpation, little is known about the mechanisms and biochemical milieu associated with persistent muscle pain. A microanalytical system was developed to measure the in vivo biochemical milieu of muscle in near real time at the subnanogram level of concentration. The system includes a microdialysis needle capable of continuously collecting extremely small samples (∼0.5 μl) of physiological saline after exposure to the internal tissue milieu across a 105-μm-thick semi-permeable membrane. This membrane is positioned 200 μm from the tip of the needle and permits solutes of <75 kDa to diffuse across it. Three subjects were selected from each of three groups (total 9 subjects): normal (no neck pain, no MTrP); latent (no neck pain, MTrP present); active (neck pain, MTrP present). The microdialysis needle was inserted in a standardized location in the upper trapezius muscle. Due to the extremely small sample size collected by the microdialysis system, an established microanalytical laboratory, employing immunoaffinity capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrochromatography, performed analysis of selected analytes. Concentrations of protons, bradykinin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, substance P, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, serotonin, and norepinephrine were found to be significantly higher in the active group than either of the other two groups ( P < 0.01). pH was significantly lower in the active group than the other two groups ( P < 0.03). In conclusion, the described microanalytical technique enables continuous sampling of extremely small quantities of substances directly from soft tissue, with minimal system perturbation and without harmful effects on subjects. The measured levels of analytes can be used to distinguish clinically distinct groups.
Chronic intermittent hypoxia upregulates genes of lipid biosynthesis in obese mice
Authors: Li Jianguo , Grigoryev Dmitry N. , Ye Shui Qing , Thorne Laura , Schwartz Alan R. , Smith Philip L. , O'Donnell Christopher P. , Polotsky Vsevolod Y.
Published: July 2005

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition tightly linked to obesity, leads to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) during sleep. There is emerging evidence that OSA is independently associated with insulin resistance and fatty liver disease, suggesting that OSA may affect hepatic lipid metabolism. To test this hypothesis, leptin-deficient obese ( ob/ob) mice were exposed to CIH during the light phase (9 AM–9 PM) for 12 wk. Liver lipid content and gene expression profile in the liver (Affymetrix 430 GeneChip with real-time PCR validation) were determined on completion of the exposure. CIH caused a 30% increase in triglyceride and phospholipid liver content ( P < 0.05), whereas liver cholesterol content was unchanged. Gene expression analysis showed that CIH upregulated multiple genes controlling 1) cholesterol and fatty acid biosynthesis [malic enzyme and acetyl coenzyme A (CoA) synthetase], 2) predominantly fatty acid biosynthesis (acetyl-CoA carboxylase and stearoyl-CoA desaturases 1 and 2), and 3) triglyceride and phospholipid biosynthesis (mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase). A majority of overexpressed genes were transcriptionally regulated by sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) 1, a master regulator of lipogenesis. A 2.8-fold increase in SREBP-1 gene expression in CIH was confirmed by real-time PCR ( P = 0.001). Expression of major genes of cholesterol biosynthesis, SREBP-2 and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, was unchanged. In conclusion, we have shown that CIH may exacerbate preexisting fatty liver of obesity via upregulation of the pathways of lipid biosynthesis in the liver.
Tongue-Palate Contact during Selected Vowels in Children with Cleft Palate
Authors: Gibbon Fiona , Smeaton-Ewins Philippa , Crampin Lisa
Published: July 2005

This study reports tongue-palate contact recorded using electropalatography (EPG) during five vowels /i/, /Θ/, /I/, /o/ and / / spoken by school-aged children with cleft palate and a group of normal speakers. All the children had articulation disorders affecting consonants but none had obvious vowel errors. Two measures were taken from the EPG data at the temporal midpoint of the vowels. The first identified the percentage of vowels produced with complete coronal constriction and the second calculated amount of contact. The results showed that children with cleft palate frequently produced the high vowel /i/ with complete constriction, with 40% of /i/ targets articulated in this way. There were lower percentages for /Θ/ and /I/ and no complete constrictions during the lower vowels /o/ and / /. None of the normal speakers produced any vowels with complete constriction. In terms of amount of contact, the vowels ranked /i/ > /Θ/ > /I/ > /o/ > / /, with /i/ having the most and / / the least contact. Although this ranking held for both groups, the cleft group had more contact than normal speakers, especially during high vowels. Complete constriction is viewed as a clinically relevant phenomenon that blocks oral airflow and as a result increases nasal airflow during vowels.
Stuttering Frequency on Meaningful and Nonmeaningful Words in Adults Who Stutter
Authors: Dayalu Vikram N. , Kalinowski Joseph , Stuart Andrew
Published: July 2005

Previous research has suggested that word meaning can influence the loci and frequency of stuttering moments. Based on this proposition, it was hypothesized that people who stutter will exhibit a larger proportion of stuttering moments on meaningful words when compared to nonmeaningful or nonsense words. In order to test this hypothesis, stuttering frequency was examined among 9 English-speaking adults who stutter as they read a total of 126 words that were either meaningful or nonmeaningful in nature. The results indicated that approximately 117% more stuttering moments were recorded on nonmeaningful words when compared to meaningful words and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.01). These findings challenge the notion that word meaning can be considered as a reliable predictor of stuttering frequency.
Geschwindigkeitsmessung der Stimmlippenbewegung
Authors: Schade G. , Kirchhoff T. , Hess M.
Published: July 2005

Introduction: Clinical examinations with short-interval, color-filtered double-flash stroboscopy enable us to estimate the movements of the vocal fold edges during phonation. So-called ‘displacement bands’ show the degree of the vibratory amplitude in these images. Using the two-point light projection method the displacement bands can be measured with very high accuracy. A combination of these two methods was used for velocity measurements of the vocal fold movements within the phonatory cycle. The aim of the study was to explore the influence of change in sound pressure level (SPL) and fundamental frequency (F₀) on the velocity of the horizontal amplitude of the vocal folds during phonation. Material and Methods: 40 healthy volunteers (31 women, 9 men, average age 24.8 years) were examined. During the special videostroboscopy with short-interval, color-filtered double flashes laser spots were projected onto the vocal folds by an endoscopic two-point light projection device. The subjects had to change their SPL and F₀ following a test protocol. During phonation they had to produce tones in low, middle and high chest voice as well as in falsetto register. Each subject was asked to do this in a soft, a modal, a loud and a very loud manner. Images of the phonatory cycle showing the vocal folds immmediately before collision were measured separately at three different positions. About 15,000 single measurements were evaluated. Results: The measured velocity of the horizontal amplitude during the closing phase of the vocal folds in chest voice was 30–160 cm/s. An increase in SPL resulted in an increasing velocity of the displacement bands. A change in F₀ did not lead to statistically relevant changes in the measured velocity. Conclusion: A combination of short-interval, color-filtered double-flash stroboscopy and a two-point light projection method enables measurements of the velocity of vocal fold movements. The SPL is the important factor for the velocity change within the phonatory cycle. F₀ seems not to covary with the velocity of the horizontal amplitude during the closing phase of the phonatory cycle.
Copper in Developmental Stuttering
Authors: Alm Per A.
Published: July 2005

It has previously been reported that men with developmental stuttering showed reduced concentration of copper in the blood, and a negative correlation between the copper level and the severity of stuttering. Disorders of copper metabolism may result in dysfunction of the basal ganglia system and dystonia, a motor disorder sharing some traits of stuttering. It has been shown that copper ions affect the dopamine and the GABA systems. With this background we investigated the plasma level of copper, the copper binding protein ceruloplasmin, and the estimated level of free copper in stuttering adults. Sixteen men with developmental stuttering were compared with 16 men without speech problems. The samples were assayed in one batch in a pseudorandom and counterbalanced order. No significant differences were found between stuttering men and the control group in any of the biological variables, and no negative correlation between copper and the general severity of stuttering was shown. On the contrary, an explorative analysis resulted in a positive correlation between high plasma copper and superfluous muscular activity during stuttering (r = 0.51, p = 0.04). This result indicates that there is no relation between developmental stuttering and low plasma copper in the main population of stuttering adults.
Vocal Tract Area Functions to Assist in Determining Voiced Epochs in Esophageal Speech
Authors: Prosek Robert A. , Koch Melissa B.
Published: July 2005

Esophageal talkers may have reduced intelligibility due to both time domain and frequency domain variability. The unpredictable nature of esophageal speech can cause problems when automatic procedures are used in applications such as long-distance telephone messages. The current study compared a standard coding algorithm (LPC-10e) with a novel approach to determining voiced periods (vocal tract area functions) in the speech of esophageal talkers. The results of the study showed that the sentences synthesized with the vocal tract area function algorithm were more intelligible than those synthesized with the standard LPC-10e algorithm. Supplemental information, such as vocal tract area functions, may be useful in determining voiced epochs when variability in vocal parameters is high.
The Meaning and Measurement of Attachment in Middle and Late Childhood
Authors: Dwyer Kathleen M.
Published: July 2005

This paper is organized to highlight gaps in our current understanding of attachment during the middle and later years of childhood and to allow researchers to make informed decisions regarding measurement selection. First, theoretical and methodological considerations with respect to the study of attachment during this age range are discussed. Thereafter, all published self-report and interview-based measures that have been used with normative samples of children aged eight through twelve years are examined and evaluated in detail in terms of the available evidence of their reliability and validity. Finally, advantages and disadvantages of the measures are highlighted, and specific recommendations are suggested for further research.
Urothelial Cancer of the Renal Pelvis in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Patients
Authors: Katz Ran , Gofrit Ofer N. , Golijanin Dragan , Landau Ezekiel H. , Shapiro Amos , Pode Dov , Meretyk Shimon
Published: July 2005

Introduction: The association between staghorn calculus of the kidney long-standing and urothelial tumors of the renal pelvis is well documented. We describe 3 patients with urothelial cancer in a kidney who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Patients and Methods: Retrospective analysis of our series of more than 500 PCNLs revealed 3 patients in whom urothelial cancer of the renal pelvis was diagnosed during or following percutaneous stone removal. Preoperative assessment included IVP, renal sonography and renal scan using DTPA in all 3 patients, and CT in 2 patients. Imaging did not raise the suspicion of a neoplastic lesion. Results: All patients had a long history of urolithiasis and urinary infections. No patient was diagnosed preoperatively. One patient was diagnosed postoperatively, when a CT demonstrated a renal lesion. The second patient underwent simple nephrectomy due to a non-functioning kidney, and the tumor was found on pathological analysis. In the third patient, biopsies were taken from a suspicious-looking tissue in the renal pelvis during the PCNL session. All patients had transitional cell carcinoma: 1 associated with sarcomatoid features and 1 with squamous carcinoma. They all died from metastatic disease 2–19 months after the diagnosis of urothelial cancer. Conclusions: The preoperative diagnosis of urothelial cancer in patients with staghorn stones is difficult due to the existing stone and inflammation. Since the prognosis of urothelial cancer is extremely poor, biopsies of the renal pelvis, obtained directly through the nephroscope during the PCNL session, may be the only key for early diagnosis and treatment. A high index of suspicion should be raised when patients suffering from infected staghorn calculi are encountered, and such intraoperative biopsies should be considered.
Removal of Catheter at Midnight versus Early Morning: The Patients’ Perspective
Authors: Ganta S.B. , Chakravarti A. , Somani B. , Jones M.A. , Kadow K.
Published: July 2005

Background: With an increasing role of the patient as a partner in making a combined decision in care plan goals, it is important to identify the patient’s perspective of the experience of removal of catheter (ROC). Methods: A non-consecutive prospective randomized study was performed in 84 patients who underwent a transurethral resection of the prostate to determine the impact of midnight versus early-morning ROC on sleep deprivation, over all discomfort to the patient. Results: There was no difference in the patient experience in both groups. We found a reduced frequency during the first 6 h of ROC at midnight. However, there was an increased incidence of sleep disturbances in this group. This may in part be due to an anxiety of urge incontinence and may be allayed by appropriate counselling. There was no delay in discharge of the patients in both groups. Conclusion: The patients must, therefore, be given the choice of ROC either at midnight or early morning, as the advantages of a reduced frequency must be correlated with an increased incidence of sleep disturbances.
Loss to Follow-Up in a Longitudinal Study on Urogenital Tract Symptoms in Dutch Older Men
Authors: Blanker Marco H. , Prins Jennie , Bosch J.L.H.Ruud , Schouten Boris W.V. , Bernsen Roos M.D. , Groeneveld Frans P.M.J. , Bohnen Arthur M.
Published: July 2005

Objective: To describe loss to follow-up (LTFU) in a longitudinal community-based study on urogenital tract dysfunction in older men. Patients and Methods: A cohort study of men recruited from a Dutch municipality was performed. A baseline study and two follow-up rounds – all with questionnaires and additional measurements – were performed with, on average, 2.1-year intervals. Baseline characteristics were compared between participants and non-participants in the first and in the second follow-up study. Results: The response rates in the first and in the second follow-up were 78.0 and 80.0%, respectively. Various characteristics were found to be related to LTFU (i.e., more than 5% difference in response rate). Lower urinary tract symptoms were related to LTFU in the first and second follow-up. Sexual dysfunction was related to LTFU only in the second follow-up. Adjustment for confounders yielded odds ratios for the primary outcome variables (lower urinary tract symptoms, sexual dysfunction, and health status) that approximated the value of 1. LTFU according to these variables was different in men with and without other chronic illnesses. Conclusions: LTFU seems not to be related to the primary outcome variables in this study. Describing response patterns in longitudinal studies is important, especially in studies involving older participants, as often is the case in urological research.
Preperitoneal Prosthetic Mesh Hernioplasty for the Simultaneous Repair of Inguinal Hernia during Prostatic Surgery: Experience with 172 Patients
Authors: Brunocilla Eugenio , Vece Emmanuele , Lupo Santo , Pasini Stefania , Malizia Michele , Vitullo Giovanni , Forlani Tommaso , Martorana Giuseppe
Published: July 2005

Objectives: We report our experience with posterior preperitoneal prosthetic hernioplasty for inguinal hernia in patients undergoing concomitant pelvic surgery for prostatic pathologies. Methods: 172 patients with unilateral or bilateral inguinal hernia underwent posterior preperitoneal prosthetic hernioplasty during pelvic surgery for BPH and malignant prostatic pathologies. Results: There was no evidence of hernial recurrence after a mean of 30 months and no complications attributable to the hernial repairs, except for 1 patient who developed a small periprosthetic hematoma and 1 patient with a pelvic lymphocele, both spontaneously resolved. Conclusions: Posterior preperitoneal prosthetic hernioplasty for inguinal hernia combined with pelvic surgery for prostatic pathologies should be applied routinely by urologists because it is a relatively simple procedure and with a very low rate of complications and recurrence.
Electromyographic Changes after Deep Dorsal Vein Arterialization
Authors: Metin Ahmet , Kayıgil Önder
Published: July 2005

Purpose: To investigate the cavernosal electromyographic changes after deep dorsal vein arterialization. Patients and Methods: Corpus cavernosum electromyographies (CC-EMG) were done in 18 patients with patent anastomosis 1 year after the operation by using coaxial needle electrodes during the flaccid state and following intracavernous 60 mg papaverine injection. Results: Themean preoperative amplitude and relaxation degree measurements were found to be 77 ± 11 µV and 34 ± 8%, respectively. The same recordings 1 year after the operation were 140 ± 24 µV and 76 ± 11%, respectively. Comparisons of preoperative and postoperative values revealed statistically significant results (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Smooth muscle restoration of cavernous tissue was proved by observing the postoperative increases in the amplitude and relaxation degree parameters of CC-EMG.
Pre-Ischemic Administration of Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitors Reduced Germ Cell Apoptosis after Spermatic Vessel Ligation in the Rat Testis
Authors: Taneli Fatma , Vatansever Seda , Ulman Cevval , Giray Gulsen , Genc Abdulkadir , Taneli Can
Published: July 2005

Introduction: The Fowler-Stephens maneuver,a modeofspermatic vessel ligation, is a method of choice in the management of high testes. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of pre-ischemic administration of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) inhibitor, in preventing testicular ischemic damage and germ cell-specific apoptosis in rats. Materials and Methods: 30 min before ligation of the spermatic vessels, L-NAME was administered intraperitoneally to a group of rats and saline was given to another group of rats (controls). Biochemical assessments of NO and germ cell-specific apoptosis were performed. Results: Testicular NO levels in the L-NAME group showed significant decreases in the ipsilateral (p = 0.004) and contralateral (p = 0.015) testes in relation to those of the control group. The apoptotic indices were found in 2.3% of the L-NAME group and 3.1% of the control group. Conclusion: Pre-ischemic administrations of the NOS inhibitor, L-NAME, effectively decreased NO production and to some degree caused a reduction in germ cell apoptosis in the rat testes after spermatic vessel ligation. Further studies are mandatory to confirm our preliminary results and to address the potential introduction of NOS inhibitors into clinical practice.
Spontaneous External Drainage of Renal Abscess through Persistent NephrostomyTract Eleven Years after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Suttmann H. , Kausch I. , Blietz C. , Walden O. , Doehn C. , Jocham D.
Published: July 2005

A unique case of spontaneous external drainage of a renal abscess through a persistent nephrostomy tract is reported in a patient with a history of two subsequent percutaneous nephrolithotomies 11 years earlier. Nephrostomy tracts can open up even after several years to provide an exit path for infected urine or renal abscess drainage.
Adult Granulosa Cell Tumour of the Testis and Bony Metastasis
Authors: Suppiah A. , Musa M.M. , Morgan D.R. , North A.D.
Published: July 2005

Granulosa cell tumour is among the rarest forms of testicular cancer. Only 21 cases have been reported to date and only 4 have metastasised. All documented metastases are intra-abdominal. We present the first case of granulosa cell tumour of the testis metastasising to bone (tibia), presenting 6 years after orchidectomy. This highlights the need to maintain a high index of suspicion for extra-abdominal metastases during long-term follow-up in patients with previous testicular granulosa cell tumour.
Effectiveness of Vardenafil versus Papaverine in Penile Doppler Ultrasonography
Authors: Ardicoglu Arslan , Kocakoc Ercan , Tuygun Ugur Oktay , Bozgeyik Zulkif , Orhan Irfan
Published: July 2005

Purpose: To evaluate erectile dysfunction, penile color Doppler ultrasound is currently considered the best method. But intracavernous injection is invasive and has adverse effects, such as prolonged erection and risk of priapism. In our study we want to evaluate whether vardenafil can be used instead of papaverine in penile Dopp-ler ultrasonography. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 patients with erectile dysfunction underwent color Doppler ultrasound before and after intracavernous injection of 60 mg papaverine with genital and audiovisual sexual stimulation. Peak flow and end diastolic velocity were measured in the recorded waveforms obtained 0, 1, 5, 10 and 20 min after injection. The patients also underwent color Doppler ultrasound after a 10-mg oral dose of vardenafil with genital and audiovisual sexual stimulation and at least 5 days after the prior examination. The same parameters were measured at 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 min after the drug administration. We compared the results with the values obtained after papaverine injection. Results: After oral vardenafil mean peak flow velocity significantly increased starting at 30 min and achieving a maximum value at 60 min. There were no significant differences in the 2 methods in mean peak velocity 1, 5, 10 and 20 min after papaverine injection, and 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 min after oral vardenafil administration. Although papaverine injection is the gold standard for penile color Doppler ultrasound, it has severe adverse effects such as prolonged erection which we observed in 3 patients (12,5%) and required pharmacological detumescence. After vardenafil no severe adverse effects were observed. Conclusions: Vardenafil administration achieved increased peak flow velocity comparable to that after intracavernous papaverine injection. With no prolonged erection vardenafil is a safer alternative compared to more invasive intracavernous injection and is also an alternative for patients who fear injections.
Normal Cord Blood Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone in a Child with Resistance to Thyroid Hormone
Authors: Chan Angel On-Kei , Lam Ching-Wan , Lo Ivan Fai-Man , Lam Stephen Tak-Sum , Shek Chi-Chung , Tiu Sau-Cheung , Tong Sui-Fan
Published: July 2005

An 8-year-old asymptomatic child was genetically diagnosed to have resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) during a family screening. The disease-causing mutation is inherited from his father. Retrospective study showed the boy had a normal umbilical cord blood thyrotropin (TSH) level, suggesting that umbilical cord blood TSH may not reflect the fetal pituitary-thyroid axis abnormality and prenatal diagnosis and treatment should not be recommended in patients with mild RTH phenotype.
Usefulness of an Intraoperative Electrophysiological Navigator System for Subthalamic Nucleus Surgery in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Gironell Alexandre , Amirian Gerard , Kulisevsky Jaume , Molet Joan
Published: July 2005

Objects: The characteristics and benefits are presented of an intraoperative neurophysiological navigator computerized system developed in our center (Columbus-Track 1.0) that helps the surgical team in neuronal identification and in strategy processes in subthalamic nucleus surgery for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: The navigator consists of three assembled parts: (1) neuronal identification, based on wavelet processing, filtering and gaussian characteristics of the signal; (2) track identification, based on anatomical coincidence, somatomotor response and microstimulation quotient, and (3) strategy, coordinating correction for the next track. A retrospective comparative study was performed with 15 consecutive PD patients (30 targets) operated without the system and the next 15 consecutive patients operated with the aid of the system. With the aid of the computerized navigation system, a significant reduction in the number of tracks was observed (t = –2.503, p = 0.0015), with a mean difference of 1.2 tracks per hemisphere. A non-significant reduction in the total intervention time was also observed, with a mean difference of 20 min per hemisphere (t = –1.418, p = 0.161). Conclusions: The intraoperative computerized navigation system can aid the surgical team in better identifying the neuronal signal and in defining the optimal track to achieve the target.