bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Article retraction notice
Authors: Urednistvo U
Published: December 2011

(retraction) The article 'Prognostic significance of acute bundle branch block in patients with acute myocardial infarction' by Mijailovic V, Mrdovic I, Ilic M, Asanin M, Srdic M, Rajic D was retracted at the request of the editors because the authors had infringed the normal professional and ethical codes by submitting the above article to the Vojnosnitetski pregled after an article with substantial overlap of its content (patients, methods,results and conclusions) had been accepted for publication and published in another journal, ABC - casopis urgentne medicine. (1) Mijailovic V, Mrdovic I, Ilic M, Asanin M, Srdic M, Rajic D. 'Prognostic significance of acute bundle branch block in patients with acute myocardial infarction' Vojnosanit Pregl 2008; 65(10): 733-7. (Serbian) (2) Mijailovic V, Mrdovic I, Ilic M, Perunicic J, Asanin M, Lasica R, Savic L, Srdic M, Jozic T, Rajic D, Terzic B, Matic D, Matic M, Vasiljevic Z. 'Prognostic significance of acute bundle branch block with patients suffering from myocardial infarction'. ABC - casopis urgentne medicine 2007; 7(2-3): 104-8. (Serbian) .

Link to the retracted article 10.2298/VSP0810733M
Applying semantics to Parlay-based services for telecommunication and Internet networks
Authors: Qiao Xiuquan , Li Xiaofeng , Fensel Anna , Su Fang
Published: December 2011

Ubiquitous convergent telecommunication and Internet networks need to deliver services and content to users in a way that is tailored to the users’ context information and preferences. Thus, there is a new challenge in the areas of accurate service description, linking dynamic service discovery and invocation, which involves the services of telecom networks and the Internet. Semantic annotation can provide advantages for precise service description, discovery and composition. However, open service interface specifications of telecommunication networks are currently still in the syntactic level. By applying semantics to Parlay-based services for telecommunication networks and the Internet, we present an OWL-S-based semantic description approach for telecommunication network services, enabled by the telecommunication service domain ontologies to address the semantic interoperability that exists. Using this approach, we have implemented the semantic telecommunication services gateway and proposed the unified service integration architecture of telecommunication and Internet networks within the semantic-web service environment. Proof-of-concept prototype and case studies demonstrate the practical feasibility of the suggested solution.
A novel performance evaluation paradigm for automated video surveillance systems
Authors: Chen Chung-Hao , Yao Yi , Koschan Andreas , Abidi Mongi
Published: December 2011

Most existing performance evaluation methods concentrate on defining various metrics over a wide range of conditions and generating standard benchmarking video sequences to examine the effectiveness of a video tracking system. It is a common practice to incorporate a robustness margin or factor into the system/algorithm design. However, these methods, deterministic approaches, often lead to overdesign, thus increasing costs, or underdesign, causing frequent system failures. In order to overcome the aforementioned limitations, we propose an alternative framework to analyze the physics of the failure process via the concept of reliability. In comparison with existing approaches where system performance is evaluated based on a given benchmarking sequence, the advantage of our proposed framework lies in that a unified and statistical index is used to evaluate the performance of an automated video surveillance system independent of input sequences. Meanwhile, based on our proposed framework, the uncertainty problem of a failure process caused by the system’s complexity, imprecise measurements of the relevant physical constants and variables, and the indeterminate nature of future events can be addressed accordingly.
Clinical decision support system: risk level prediction of heart disease using weighted fuzzy rules and decision tree rules
Authors: Anooj Padmakumari
Published: December 2011

The development of medical domain applications has been one of the most active research areas recently. One example of a medical domain application is a detection system for heart disease based on computer-aided diagnosis methods, where the data is obtained from some other sources and is evaluated by computer based applications. Up to now, computers have usually been used to build knowledge based clinical decision support systems which used the knowledge from medical experts, and transferring this knowledge into computer algorithms was done manually. This process is time consuming and really depends on the medical expert’s opinion, which may be subjective. To handle this problem, machine learning techniques have been developed to gain knowledge automatically from examples or raw data. Here, a weighted fuzzy rule-based clinical decision support system (CDSS) is presented for the diagnosis of heart disease, automatically obtaining the knowledge from the patient’s clinical data. The proposed clinical decision support system for risk prediction of heart patients consists of two phases, (1) automated approach for generation of weighted fuzzy rules and decision tree rules, and, (2) developing a fuzzy rule-based decision support system. In the first phase, we have used the mining technique, attribute selection and attribute weightage method to obtain the weighted fuzzy rules. Then, the fuzzy system is constructed in accordance with the weighted fuzzy rules and chosen attributes. Finally, the experimentation is carried out on the proposed system using the datasets obtained from the UCI repository and the performance of the system is compared with the neural network-based system utilizing accuracy, sensitivity and specificity.
Fading out of the trophic cascade at the base of the microbial food web caused by changes in the grazing community in mesocosm experiments
Authors: Jasser Iwona , Kostrzewska-Szlakowska Iwona
Published: December 2011

Biomanipulation of consumer populations can have strong top-down impacts on the composition and biomass of lower trophic levels. In this paper, we assess how changes in crustaceans’ biomass influence classical grazing and the microbial food web in an oligo-mesohumic, low-pH lake (Mazurian Lake District, Poland). Removal of mesozooplankton from the experimental mesocosms created a gradient of crustacean biomass resulting in the biomass increase of rotifers, phytoplankton and protozooplankton, while autotrophic eukaryotic picoplankton (eu-APP) and bacteria were not affected. The strongest modifications concerned the rotifer biomass and phytoplankton community structure. Our results imply that the trophic cascade generated in the experiment did not extend to bacteria and eu-APP.
Percid occupation of submersed riverine macrophytes: food resource partitioning between perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) and ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus L.)
Authors: Dukowska Małgorzata , Grzybkowska Maria , Lik Joanna , Jurasz Wojciech
Published: December 2011

In a reservoir tailwater of the large, lowland Warta River, perch and ruffe coexist in a macrophyte habitat, which develops as a result of low water discharge in the late spring and summer. At the beginning of each year the diet of both percids, when shorter than 100 mm, is dominated by large, benthic Hydropsyche. Later in the year, epiphytic Chironomidae and Simuliidae replace these trichopterans in the perch diet, and benthic Chironomidae replace them in the ruffe diet. Large cladoceran species then become accessory food items for perch. Consequently, the food niche overlap of these two percids during the research period is only marginal.
The effect of traumatic acid on the growth, metabolite content and antioxidant activity in Wolffia arrhiza (L.) Wimm. (Lemnaceae)
Authors: Pietryczuk Anna , Czerpak Romuald
Published: December 2011

The research presented here was conducted in order to determine the influence of exogenous traumatic acid (TA) on the growth, metabolism, and antioxidative activity of vascular water plant, Wolffia arrhiza Wimm. The research was concerned with TA influences, in concentrations of 10−8 M − 10−4 M, on fresh W. arrhiza, and on primary metabolites, such as monosaccharides, proteins, chlorophylls a and b, and carotenoids. It was determined that TA causes a substantial increase in these metabolites compared to the control, especially at concentrations of 10−7 − 10−6 M. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of proteins (SDS-PAGE) was conducted in order to specify in more detail the qualitative changes in proteins, whose synthesis is stimulated by TA. Under the influence of TA W. arrhiza cells saw an induction of de novo synthesis of 3 proteins with molecular weights of 10, 58, and 90 kDa. It was proven that 10−7 − 10−6 M concentrations of TA also increase photosynthesis intensity and the activity of antioxidative enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase). In cells treated with exogenous TA, lipids’ peroxidation decreases (expressed as a drop in malonyl dialdehyde) and sulfhydryl (SH) groups in proteins increase. Based on our research, TA plays an important role in the regulation of growth and metabolism in W. arrhiza. Our results also show that TA possibly participates in the activation of antioxidant enzymes and its probable participation in the metabolic responses of lower water plants to oxidative stresses.
Effects of grass carp introduction on macrophyte communities in a shallow lake
Authors: Krupska Joanna , Pełechaty Mariusz , Pukacz Andrzej , Ossowski Przemysław
Published: December 2011

In 2002, 2005 and 2007 vegetation and physicochemical properties of pelagial water were investigated in a shallow mid-forest lake. In 2002, the highest phytocoenotic diversity was recorded; charophytes and vascular submerged macrophytes formed their own extensive communities. After stocking with grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella Val.) in 2002, reduction of water transparency, as well as changes in qualitative and quantitative composition of macrophyte communities were observed. Submerged vegetation declined during subsequent growing seasons. Charophyte meadows vanished first.

The introduction of grass carp appeared to be a potential trigger for the rapid changes observed in the vegetation.
The story of one clam. Probably the oldest location of the Chinese pond mussel Sinanodonta woodiana (Lea, 1834) (Bivalvia, Unionidae) in Poland
Authors: Urbańska Maria , Łakomy Andrzej , Andrzejewski Wojciech , Mazurkiewicz Jan
Published: December 2011

The discovery of a shell of the Chinese pond mussel in 1998 and further confirmation of this species indicate that a reservoir with natural thermal conditions is the oldest species location in Poland. Growth increments of an archival shell do not fall within the ranges obtained by this species in Konin lakes. They are, however, close to population ranges from Hungary. In contrast to other specimens found, the analyzed shell has a very high H/L ratio and is thicker. The observed features might result from the founder effect or they might point to a considerable plasticity of the species.
Monsoon-driven dynamics of environmental factors and phytoplankton in tropical Sanya Bay, South China sea
Authors: Wu Mei-Lin , Zhang Yan-Ying , Dong Jun-De , Cai Chuang-Hua , Wang You-Shao , Long Li-Juan , Zhang Si
Published: December 2011

In this work, we analyze environmental (physical and chemical) and biological (phytoplankton) data obtained in Sanya Bay during four cruises, carried out in January, April, August, and October. The main objective of this study was to identify the key environmental factors affecting phytoplankton structure and bacterioplankton in the bay. Results suggest that spatial variations in the phytoplankton community and bacterioplankton biomass are the result of nutrients. Temporal variation in the abundance of bacterioplankton and phytoplankton are affected by a combination of physical and biological factors, such as temperature and nutrients. The silicate, phosphate, and nitrogen phytoplankton require for growth may be co-limited. Monsoon winds (a southwestern monsoon during summer and a northeastern monsoon during winter) play important roles in controlling the phytoplankton community and bacterioplankton abundance in Sanya Bay, northern South China Sea.
May a cormorant colony be a source of coliform and chemical pollution in a lake?
Authors: Klimaszyk Piotr
Published: December 2011

Studies on the influence of a perennial cormorant colony on chemical and microbial pollution of a reservoir were conducted in Chrzypskie Lake. During the investigation carried out between 2009–2010 in the area of the colony, 155–175 breeding pairs were observed. High pollution of groundwater with biogenic elements and coliform bacteria (together with E. coli) was recorded within the boundaries of the colony. Pollutants migrated to the lake together with groundwater. Mean values of the analyzed forms of biogenic elements and bacteria formed a gradient from the highest values recorded near the colony to the lowest ones recorded in the central part of the lake.
Imperfectly Camouflaged Avian Eggs: Artefact or Adaptation?
Authors: Stoddard Mary Caswell , Marshall Kate L.A. , Kilner Rebecca M.
Published: December 2011

For many birds, the fight for survival begins at the egg stage: avoiding predation is paramount. At a broad phylogenetic level, selection by predators for egg camouflage appears to be the primary driver of variation in egg colouration and patterning. Despite this, experiments at fine-scale taxonomic levels have largely failed to find support for adaptively camouflaged egg appearance. How are we to resolve this baffling contradiction? Here we present and evaluate five explanations which are not mutually exclusive and which may explain why eggs appear imperfectly camouflaged at the genus or species level. First, imperfect camouflage may be an artefact of imperfect measurements. In studies of egg camouflage, researchers have consistently neglected to account for predator vision, and only rarely have egg appearance and camouflage been quantified carefully and objectively. Recalibrating our assessment of egg camouflage may answer many questions, but it is unlikely to wholly explain why many eggs do not appear seamlessly cryptic. Instead, imperfect camouflage may stem from mechanistic constraints on pigment production in some avian lineages or may be a consequence of selection for anti-microbial protection. Or perhaps the manifold demands of the egg and selection for functions other than protective concealment have tugged the egg phenotype away from an ideally cryptic appearance. Finally, imperfect egg camouflage may occur if other forms of defence are simply more effective, or if a diverse brigade of predators imposes different selective pressures on egg appearance. A combination of these factors is likely involved. Avian eggs provide an excellent model system for investigating animal camouflage, and recent advances in numerous fields make this area particularly ripe for future research.
Conspicuous Eggs and Colourful Hypotheses: Testing the Role of Multiple Influences on Avian Eggshell Appearance
Authors: Cassey Phillip , Maurer Golo , Lovell P. George , Hanley Daniel
Published: December 2011

The diversity of eggshell colours and patterning across different birds is a fascinating example of the extended avian phenotype. The avian egg's background colours range from light green/yellow to brilliant blue and intense maroon, and with the scrawling patterns comparable to the assortment of eggs found in an Easter Bunny's basket. Here we briefly introduce the diversity of eggshell appearance, its perplexingly narrow chemical basis, and clarify how the a priori assessment of assumptions and potential hypotheses can shape new eggshell research. In addition, we highlight some of the recent hypotheses developed outside the visual paradigm that has dictated the most influential hypotheses of eggshell appearance to date. Finally, we indicate priority areas for future comprehensive research on eggshells based on adaptations to ongoing changes in environmental conditions.
Protoporphyrin and Eggshell Strength: Preliminary Findings from a Passerine Bird
Authors: Gosler Andrew G. , Connor Oliver R. , Bonser Richard H.C.
Published: December 2011

Protoporphyrin pigmentation is a common feature of passerine eggshells worldwide, typically giving red to brown coloration. Although these may form a background colour to the egg, protoporphyrin more commonly forms speckles, blotches or patches of colour (maculation) against a white (unpigmented) or blue/green (biliverdin-pigmented) background. Conventional explanations for the presence of such pigmentation have focused on the eggs’ appearance, and include crypsis and strategies to deter brood parasites, such as cuckoos (Cuculidae). More recently, evidence has emerged that there may also be a sexually-selected visual function. However, the pattern of occurrence across taxa and upon and within the eggshell, suggest that non-visual functions may be at least as important, or even the principal function of some pigmentation. In particular, correlations between protoporphyrin maculation, eggshell thickness, rates of water-loss and local calcium availability in the Great Tit ( Parus major), suggest that the pigment could serve a structural function. Despite strong circumstantial evidence, however, a direct relationship between eggshell strength and protoporphyrin pigmentation has not previously been available. Here, we present preliminary findings from a comparison of fracture toughness (resistance to fracture) and brittleness of pigmented and unpigmented shell from the same Great Tit eggshells. These suggest that while pigmented shell is as brittle as unpigmented shell, the fracture toughness is significantly greater and more than compensates for the reduced shell thickness observed at a pigment spot. The data also suggest that although the first two principal components of pigmentation influence fracture toughness, neither influences how the material responded to the propagation of a crack through its surface. We suggest that pigmentation provides structural overcompensation for shell thinning caused, for example, by a deficit of dietary calcium, and the reasons for this are discussed.
Eggshell Pigments–from Formation to Deposition
Authors: Sparks Nicholas H.C.
Published: December 2011

The earliest avian eggshells probably lacked pigmentation but, in part to help protect the eggs from predators, many species of bird have evolved a diverse range of coloured shell markings. However, the wide variation in shell colour and pigment pattern arise out of probably no more than three molecules, protoporphyrin, biliverdin and zinc biliverdin chelate. These molecules are constructed from four pyrrole rings (tetrapyrroles) but, while their synthesis pathways are well defined, the site(s) of shell pigment synthesis is less well defined. It is probable that biliverdin is synthesised in the uterus. While there is evidence that protoporphyrin is also synthesised in the uterus the evidence for this is more circumstantial. What is known is that pigment is secreted from the surface epithelial cells of the uterus into the uterine fluid and hence onto the shell. It is notable that the protoporphyrin content the uterine tissue of white-egg laying birds is not dissimilar to that of brown-egg laying birds, the control mechanisms being exerted at the level of protoporphyrin release from the surface epithelial cells into the lumen of the uterus. Similarly white-shelled eggs are not necessarily devoid of pigment. While pigment is normally concentrated on the outer surface of the shell there are many species of bird that incorporate pigment into the outer half or third of the shell. This has stimulated research into potential functional roles for shell pigments, including substituting for calcium carbonate when calcium is limiting and improving shell strength through ‘lubricating’ the calcite crystals.
Growth and collapse of the distributed subglacial hydrologic system of Kennicott Glacier, Alaska, USA, and its effects on basal motion
Authors: Bartholomaus Timothy C. , Anderson Robert S. , Anderson Suzanne P.
Published: December 2011

Nearly 100 days of hourly glacier motion, hydrology and hydrochemistry measurements on Kennicott Glacier, Alaska, USA, demonstrate the complicated relationship between water and motion at the glacier bed. Our observations capture the transient glacier response to seasonal and daily melt cycles, and to a jökulhlaup that prompts a sixfold increase in glacier speed. Sliding is promoted whenever the water inputs to the glacier exceed the capacity of the subglacial hydrologic system to transmit the water. Sensitivity of sliding to daily meltwater inputs varies strongly through the season, implying that the state of the hydrologic system governs the sensitivity of basal sliding. A numerical model constructed to explore these relationships reveals: the roles of the effective pressure; the exponent to which this is taken in the ‘sliding law’ (0.1 <γ< 0.6); glacier macroporosity (φ < 2%); and the ‘cavity-generating capacity’ of the glacier bed, which encapsulates the sizes and spacing of bed roughness elements. Temporal changes in the effective pressure associated with evolution of both water inputs and subglacial water transmission capacity can explain the varying strength of diurnal velocity fluctuations of Kennicott Glacier. Spatial patterns of glacier macroporosity and of basal roughness govern variation in sensitivity of sliding to water inputs.
Glacier change on Axel Heiberg Island, Nunavut, Canada
Authors: Thomson Laura I. , Osinski Gordon R. , Ommanney C. Simon L.
Published: December 2011

Historical records are valuable for assessing glacier change in the Canadian High Arctic. Ommanney’s (1969) detailed inventory of Axel Heiberg Island glaciers, based on photography from 1958–59, has been revisited, converted into digital format and compared to glacier extents mapped from 1999–2000 satellite imagery. Our results show that the island-wide ice coverage decreased by 15.92 km2 in the 42 year period, a loss of <1%. However, two trends are apparent: one of advance or minor retreat from basins hosting outlet glaciers from Müller and Steacie Ice Caps, and one of significant retreat, on the order of 50–80%, for independent ice masses, which include valley glaciers, mountain glaciers, glacierets, and ice caps smaller than 25 km2. If the contributions to ice advance of only three surging glaciers are removed, then the island-wide ice loss approaches 60 km2. Furthermore, it is notable that 90% of ice masses smaller than 0.2 km2 disappeared entirely during the 42 year study period, an observation confirmed by field studies. Successful predictions from the original inventory are highlighted and the likely mechanisms driving the observed advances and retreats are discussed.
Crystal growth of air hydrates over 720 ka in Dome Fuji (Antarctica) ice cores: microscopic observations of morphological changes below 2000 m depth
Authors: Uchida Tsutomu , Miyamoto Atsushi , Shin’yama Atsushi , Hondoh Takeo
Published: December 2011

Air-hydrate crystals store most of the ancient air contained in deep ice sheets. We carried out microscopic observations of air-hydrate crystals below 2000 m depth within the ice core from Dome Fuji, Antarctica, to obtain their number and size distributions. We found that the number density continuously decreased with depth, whereas the average size increased, in contrast to findings from shallower depths. In addition, the characteristic perturbations in both number density and average size distribution with climatic changes almost disappeared, although they are clearly observed in shallow cores. These results indicate that the air-hydrate crystals grow considerably in deeper parts of the ice sheet, and this growth is accompanied by the diffusion of air molecules in the ice. The permeation coefficient of the air molecules in the ice sheet was estimated from the geometric parameters of the air-hydrate distributions. This is the first practical evidence comparable to the previous model estimations. It allows us to evaluate the impacts of the air-molecule migration in the ice sheet on the paleoclimatic information recorded in the deep ice cores.
Microstructural evolution in the fine-grained region of the Siple Dome (Antarctica) ice core
Authors: Obbard R.W. , Sieg K.E. , Baker I. , Meese D. , Catania G.A.
Published: December 2011

An in-depth analysis of seven samples from the Siple Dome (Antarctica) ice core, using optical microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction, illustrates rotational recrystallization or polygonization in the fine-grained region of the core between 700 and 800 m. Between 640 and 700 m, the microstructure is characterized by a bimodal grain-size distribution and a broken girdle fabric with evidence of polygonization. From 727 to 770 m, mean grain size decreases and a single-maximum fabric is found, and, by 790 m, mean grain size has again increased and a multiple-maxima fabric manifests itself. We compare grain-size distribution, c- and a-axis orientation, and misorientation between adjacent grains. We found that misorientations between adjacent grains in the 727–770 m region were predominantly low-angle and typically around a common a-axis, suggesting polygonization. This conclusion is supported by radar evidence of a physical disturbance at 757 m, which may be correlated with higher than usual strain in the 700–800 m range. Below 770 m, larger less regular misorientations and textural evidence show that migration recrystallization is the primary recrystallization mechanism.
Using high-resolution tritium profiles to quantify the effects of melt on two Spitsbergen ice cores
Authors: Van Der Wel L.G. , Streurman H.J. , Isaksson E. , Helsen M.M. , Van De Wal R.S.W. , Martma T. , Pohjola V.A. , Moore J.C. , Meijer H.A.J.
Published: December 2011

Ice cores from small ice caps provide valuable climatic information, additional to that of Greenland and Antarctica. However, their integrity is usually compromised by summer meltwater percolation. To determine to what extent this can affect such ice cores, we performed high-resolution tritium measurements on samples from two ice cores from Spitsbergen covering the period AD1955–75. The very sharp and distinct peaks in the tritium precipitation record are subject to several post-depositional processes. We developed a model that uses the precipitation record as input and incorporates the three most important processes (radioactive decay, isotope diffusion and meltwater percolation). Results are compared with measured tritium and density profiles. Both ice-core records contain sharp bomb peaks in the pre-1963 period. It is shown that these peaks would be much smoother in the absence of melt. In this case the main effect of melt and the refreezing of percolation water is the formation of ice layers that form barriers for firn diffusion; thus melt paradoxically results in better preservation of the annual isotope signals. Conversely, for the period after 1963 the main effect of melt is a stronger smoothing of the tritium profiles.
Patterns of Abnormality in cVEMP, oVEMP, and Caloric Tests May Provide Topological Information about Vestibular Impairment
Authors: Jacobson Gary P. , McCaslin Devin L. , Piker Erin G. , Gruenwald Jill , Grantham Sarah L. , Tegel Lauren
Published: December 2011

Background:The cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) is recorded from the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) and represents a stimulus-evoked attenuation of electromyographic (EMG) activity following activation of the saccule and inferior vestibular nerve. In addition
to the cVEMP, it is possible to record a biphasic response from the infraorbital region following stimulation that is identical to that used to record the cVEMP. This response is known as the ocular VEMP (oVEMP). The peripheral vestibular origins of the oVEMP elicited with air conduction remain
controversial as some investigators argue the response originates from the saccule and others argue that the response emanates from the utricle. We review several lines of evidence and present several case studies supporting the contention that the oVEMP to air conduction stimulation derives
its peripheral origins predominately from the utricle and superior vestibular nerve.Purpose:To review the current evidence regarding the peripheral origins of the oVEMP. Further, a purpose of this report is to present case studies illustrating that the cVEMP and oVEMP to air conduction
stimulation may vary independently of one another in patients with peripheral vestibular system impairments.Research Design:A collection of case studies illustrating three common patterns of abnormality observed in patients complaining of vertigo seen in a tertiary care referral center.Study
Sample:Retrospective analysis of data from three patients complaining of dizziness and/or vertigo who have undergone vestibular function tests.Results:Each case report illustrates a different pattern of abnormality of caloric, cVEMP, and oVEMP tests results from three patients with
a vestibular nerve section, superior vestibular neuritis, and Ménière's disease, respectively.Conclusions:We have shown that the cVEMP and oVEMP can vary independent of one another, and in that way, provide topological information about the sites of impairment. We feel
that, with caloric, oVEMP, and cVEMP tests, it is possible to augment the diagnostic information we are able to provide regarding the location, or locations, of vestibular system impairment. These findings suggest that air conduction oVEMPs measure a part of the peripheral vestibular system
different from that measured by cVEMPs, perhaps the utricle, and similar to that measured by caloric testing, the superior portion of the vestibular nerve.
Accuracy and Reliability of a Real-Ear-to-Coupler Difference Measurement Procedure Implemented within a Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aid
Authors: Scollie Susan , Bagatto Marlene , Moodie Sheila , Crukley Jeff
Published: December 2011

Background:Measurement of the real ear response of a fitted hearing aid allows matching of the frequency response to prescriptive targets, as well as comparison of the response to both threshold and loudness discomfort level (LDL). These processes are recommended procedures for
hearing aid fittings. The real ear aided response (REAR) is often predicted based on the coupler response of the device, the real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD), and the microphone location effect (MLE). Individualized measurement of the RECD tends to increase the accuracy of this prediction.
A commercial hearing aid has been developed that measures the individual RECD and incorporates the data into the software-assisted fitting process.Purpose:This study evaluated the test-retest reliability and predictive validity of this particular method for measuring the RECD.Research
Design:A repeated measures design was used to evaluate differences between subsequent measures of the RECD in the same ear, and prediction differences associated with using the RECD (and other information) to predict the REAR.Study Sample:Fifteen ears, on a convenience sample of
ten adults (45‐86 yr) and five children (6‐15 yr) were tested. All participants were hearing aid users.Data Collection and Analysis:Predicted and measured REARs were collected using normal clinical procedures, on an Audioscan Verifit VF-1 for two test signals/levels. Reliability,
mean differences between predicted and measured REARs, and 95% confidence intervals of the prediction accuracy are reported.Results:The RECD procedure had test-retest reliability within 2.5 dB for 14 out of 15 ears between 500 and 4000 Hz, and had predictive accuracy within 5 dB between
500 and 4000 Hz for 14 out of 15 ears. However, errors associated with earhook misalignment were discovered. Also, the RECD values measured using this hearing-aid-specific procedure differ somewhat from the normative data available from insert earphone RECDs.Conclusions:This procedure,
when measured according to recommendations, provides a reasonably accurate prediction of the REAR. Functionally, this procedure does not replace the range of measures offered by modern real ear measurement systems. However, given the inaccuracy of software-assisted fittings without a measure
of individual ear canal acoustics, use of this procedure may have the potential to improve the accuracy of fittings versus fittings completed without real ear measurement.
The Effect of Handedness in Vocational Training among Adults with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Samadi Sayyed Ali
Published: December 2011

Aim:

The main aim of this study was to describe the relationship between right-handed, left-handed and mixed-handed adults with intellectual disability and their success in vocational training courses.

Method:

A total of 71 research participants in Iran with moderate and severe intellectual disability were chosen and their hand preferences were determined by means of a hand preference test.

Results:

The results showed that the research participants who were right-handers or left-handers were significantly more successful than those participants who were mixed-handers. There was a significant relationship between left or right handedness and success in job training (chi2 = 11.490, df = 2, p = 0.003). Left-handers were statistically more successful in job training programmes than their mixed-hander counterparts (chi2 = 9.252, df = 1, p = 0.002).A similar difference was found between right-hander and mixed-hander groups (chi2 = 9.047, df = 1, p = 0.003). The difference between left and right handers in job training was not statistically significant (chi2 = 0.227, df = 1, p = 0.634).

Conclusion:

Hand preference could be an important consideration in the vocational rehabilitation assessment and evaluation of people with intellectual disabilities. Training programmes may need to be tailored to suit an individual according to handedness, particularly with those who are mixed-handers.
The Questions We Care About: Paradigms and Progression in Entrepreneurship Education
Authors: Blenker Per , Korsgaard Steffen , Neergaard Helle , Thrane Claus
Published: December 2011

One of the most frequently discussed topics in the entrepreneurship education literature is current practice in entrepreneurship education with regard to what is taught and how it is taught. The literature on entrepreneurship education is replete with statistics and reviews of entrepreneurship courses and programmes. In this paper, the authors take a different approach and propose a model that transcends the current understanding of entrepreneurship. Instead of asking what entrepreneurship education is and what it does, they ask what ideally it should be and should do. The authors suggest that there is a logical progression between existing approaches – paradigms – to teaching entrepreneurship, and that a fourth ‘new’ paradigm, ‘everyday practice’, constitutes the foundation for all other entrepreneurship education because it establishes the core entrepreneurial competence. They further identify four dimensions as the constituent elements of entrepreneurship as everyday practice.
University Enterprise: The Growth and Impact of University-Related Companies in London
Authors: Chapman Dave , Smith Helen Lawton , Wood Peter , Barnes Timothy , Romeo Saverio
Published: December 2011

Over the last decade policies framing the enterprise agenda for UK higher education institutions (HEIs) have consistently emphasized the potential impact of successful universities on both regional and national economies. Such policies have been backed by significant public funding to ensure that the UK HEI sector is able to compete globally in the creation and exploitation of cutting-edge science. Collectively, these initiatives have led to the development of a ‘third mission’ for universities – increasing the pace and impact of knowledge-exchange activities – while simultaneously maintaining and improving their more traditional research and teaching activities. Previous studies have demonstrated the contribution of universities to the growth of high-technology clusters as well as to knowledge exchange activities more generally. However, the extent to which these activities, particularly the formation of new university-related companies, deliver benefits to particular regions and cities is imperfectly understood. As a consequence, the economic and social impact of companies originating in universities in the UK is generally under-reported by official surveys, which frequently fail to capture details of the trajectories of such companies after formation. These considerations form the context for this paper, which presents the results from a detailed study of the impact of science and technology based academic spin-offs from a cross-section of London's HEIs.
Emergent Issues in Enterprise Education: The Educator's Perspective
Authors: Carey Charlotte , Matlay Harry
Published: December 2011

Recent research suggests that important issues are emerging among enterprise educators in higher education institutions (HEIs). This paper examines four key areas of debate. The first of these is the assessment of entrepreneurship ideas and related activities (Pittaway and Cope, 2007). Penaluna and Penaluna (2008, 2009a,b), for example, focus on assessment methods in schools of art and design and on how these methods could be employed more effectively by enterprise educators. Second, and linked to the issue of assessment, is the area of ‘contextualized’ enterprise education, focusing on enterprise education as it is taught within the context of a specific discipline (for example, Carey and Matlay, 2007). The third area concerns online social media platforms and how in the UK these are increasingly being employed to deliver and support enterprise pedagogies, including the use of external contacts, teaching marketing and explorations of professional boundaries (Smith, 2009; Carey, 2009a,b,c; Harris et al, 2011). The final emergent topic relates to risk and responsibility in the assessment and potential support of business ideas in entrepreneurship education on offer in UK HEIs (Harte, 2008; ISBE, 2010). This article explores recent developments in the debates on these emergent issues and examines them in the context of enterprise education provision in UK HEIs.
The Development of Human Capital in Young Entrepreneurs
Authors: Hickie James
Published: December 2011

This paper provides insights into the human capital development of a group of young entrepreneurs, all of whom have built growth businesses with turnovers of between £1M and £90M. Their development of knowledge and skills was investigated before and during the creation of their first main ventures. This is significant in the context of current UK government policies to encourage young people to consider entrepreneurship as a career. The study considers the relevant skills and knowledge the young entrepreneurs developed prior to starting their businesses, the influences they experienced and how this pre-entrepreneurial learning affected their venture creation activities. Finally, the paper considers the challenges the entrepreneurs faced as they grew their businesses.
Study of Histopathological Changes in Primary Atrophic Rhinitis
Authors: Bist Sampan S. , Bisht Manisha , Purohit Jagdish P. , Saxena Ratna
Published: December 2011

Primary atrophic rhinitis is a progressive chronic nasal disease and histopathologically characterized by squamous metaplasia and two characteristic types of vascular involvement (type I and type II). Despite its chronicity and squamous transformation, nothing is known about the occurrence of malignancy in atrophic rhinitis. The present work was undertaken to study the histopathological characteristics in primary atrophic rhinitis and identify whether it has any association with malignant transformation. Nasal biopsies obtained from 90 patients diagnosed as primary atrophic rhinitis were studied. Squamous metaplasia was noted in 89% of patients, and type I and type II vascular involvement were seen in 67% and 33% of patients, respectively. This preliminary report suggests that there is no association between atrophic rhinitis and precancerous lesions of nasal cavity despite squamous metaplasia and confirms the presence of two types of vascular changes in the disease which is helpful to decide the treatment modality.
Investigation of Archived Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Pancreatic Tissue with Whole-Genome Gene Expression Microarray
Authors: Michelsen Nete V. , Brusgaard Klaus , Tan Qihua , Thomassen Mads , Hussain Khalid , Christesen Henrik T.
Published: December 2011

The use of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue overcomes the most prominent issues related to research on relatively rare diseases: limited sample size, availability of control tissue, and time frame. The use of FFPE pancreatic tissue in GEM may be especially challenging due to its very high amounts of ribonucleases compared to other tissues/organs. In choosing pancreatic tissue, we therefore indirectly address the applicability of other FFPE tissues to gene expression microarray (GEM). GEM was performed on archived, routinely fixed, FFPE pancreatic tissue from patients with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), insulinoma, and deceased age-appropriate neonates, using whole-genome arrays. Although ribonuclease-rich, we obtained biologically relevant and disease-specific, significant genes; cancer-related genes; genes involved in (a) the regulation of insulin secretion and synthesis, (b) amino acid metabolism, and (c) calcium ion homeostasis. These results should encourage future research and GEM studies on FFPE tissue from the invaluable biobanks available at the departments of pathology worldwide.
Fruit Quality Attributes of Sour Cherry Cultivars
Authors: Miloševic Tomo , Miloševic Nebojša
Published: December 2011

The aim of this study is the evaluation of two sour cherry cultivars (“Oblačinska”, “Cigančica”) grown at Cacak (Western Serbia) by determining main physical properties such as fruit linear dimensions, arithmetic and geometric mean diameter, fruit volume, sphericity, surface area, and aspect ratio at the commercial stage. Also, some attributes related to fruit quality (fruit weight, soluble solids, total acidity, ripening index, and pH juice) were evaluated at different ripening stages. “Oblačinska” shows better physical properties, except aspect ratio, when compared with “Cigančica”. Sphericity was similar in both cultivars. Fruit weight, soluble solids content, ripening index, and pH increased during ripening process, whereas titratable acidity decreased over above process. In general, “Oblačinska” had better chemical composition than “Cigančica”. Finally, fruit of both cultivars is suitable for processing and also for fresh consumption.
Green Fodder Production and Water Use Efficiency of Some Forage Crops under Hydroponic Conditions
Authors: Al-Karaki Ghazi N. , Al-Hashimi M.
Published: December 2011

The objectives of this study were to evaluate five forage crops (alfalfa (Medicago sativa), barley (Hordeum vulgare), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and wheat (Triticum aestivum)) for green fodder production and water use efficiency under hydroponic conditions. The experiment has been conducted under temperature-controlled conditions (24 ± 1°C) and natural window illumination at growth room of Soilless Culture Laboratory, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain. The results showed that green forage can be produced in 8 days from planting to harvest using hydroponic technique. Highest values for green fresh yields were recorded for the crops cowpea, barley, and alfalfa which gave 217, 200, and 194 tons/ha, respectively. However, only cowpea and barley crops gave the highest green dry yield, but not alfalfa. Barely crop used water more efficiently than the other four tested crops when produced about 654 kg fresh matter/m3 water in comparison to 633, 585, 552, and 521 kg fresh matter/m3 water for cowpea, sorghum, wheat, and alfalfa, respectively. No significant differences between barley and cowpea for water use efficiency were noted. It can be concluded from this study that barley crop can be considered the best choice for production of hydroponic green fodder with less water consumption.
Dielectric Properties of Short Nylon‐6 Fiber‐Reinforced NBR Composites
Authors: Rajesh C. , Manoj K. C. , Unnikrishnan G. , Purushothaman E.
Published: December 2011

Short nylon‐6 fiber‐reinforced acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (NBR) composites were prepared, and their dielectric properties such as dielectric constant, volume resistivity, and dielectric loss factor have been studied as a function of frequency at different fiber loadings. The effects of curing systems and bonding agents on the dielectric properties have also been studied. The dielectric constant decreases with an increase in frequency, which is attributed to the decrease in orientation polarization at higher frequencies. The dielectric constant values have been found to be lower for fiber‐filled systems than for the gum. Composite samples cured with dicumyl peroxide exhibit a higher dielectric constant than the corresponding sulfur‐cured systems. The addition of bonding agents reduces the dielectric constant of the composites. The volume resistivities of the composites increase with the addition of fibers and with the incorporation of the bonding agents. The added fibers and the different bonding agents decrease the dielectric dissipation factor of the rubber matrix. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E90–E102, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20274
Risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders among farm owners and farm workers: A systematic review
Authors: Osborne Aoife , Blake Catherine , Fullen Brona M. , Meredith David , Phelan James , McNamara John , Cunningham Caitriona
Published: December 2011

Background

A systematic review was undertaken to establish risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among farmers.

Methods

Comprehensive electronic searches of Pubmed, Web of Science, CINAHL, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Agris Database, and Cochrane Library were carried out using a battery of key words for MSDs and farmers. The studies methods quality was assessed using a standardized checklist.

Results

Thirty‐three studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The median method score was 65% of the maximum attainable score, resulting in 15 studies of higher methodological. Risks were categorized into: Work characteristics (n = 11), personal characteristics (n = 5), and psychosocial factors (n = 5). Spinal MSD risk factors include exposure to working in tree crops, vibration, postural load, being an owner operator, age, education beyond high school, suffering from asthma or depression, having <8 hr nightly sleep, bad quality sleep, and geographic location. Upper extremity MSD risk factors include being an owner operator, dust with pig workers, numbness and coldness in younger milkers and numbness in milkers >43 years, age, and body height in dairy farmers. Lower extremity MSD risk factors include, duration of farming ≥10 years, working >5 hr daily in animal barns, milking >40 cows, years as a dairy farmer, farm work, age, body mass, and female gender.

Conclusions

In exploring risk factors the spine was the most researched body region, followed by lower and upper extremity. Given the variance between studies, it is recommended that future studies focus on specific types of farmers and should explore specific exposures for specific body parts using standardized case definitions. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:376–389, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.