bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Begging in Common Redstart Nestlings: Scramble Competition or Signalling of Need?
Authors: Porkert Jiří , Špinka Marek
Published: March 2006

Begging behaviour by the young affects parental food distribution among nestlings of altricial birds. We present an analysis of two types of begging behaviour (assuming the front nest positions and gaping) based on videotaped natural nestling feeding in European common redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus). We test whether these types of begging support the predictions of two mathematical models: scramble competition with competitive asymmetries between nestlings [Anim. Behav.27 (1979) 1210] or honest signalling model [Nature352 (1991) 328]. None of the measured variables of nestling or parental behaviour were affected by body weight differences between siblings. In contrast, both gaping and nest positioning were affected by individual differences in nestling hunger. In agreement with the honest signalling model, hungrier nestlings gaped with higher probability and started to gape sooner after the arrival of the parent than did their less hungry nestmates. Those nestlings with the shortest latency to gape also received food more often. Nest positioning was related to nestling hunger in a way unforeseen by the existing models. The intervals between nestling position changes were several times longer than the intervals between parental feeding visits, and parents preferred to feed nestlings in front positions, so nestlings in front positions were always less hungry than nestlings in back. Hence the pattern of movements influenced the feeding decision in favour of the more satiated nestlings and acted against the effect of gaping. Nestling movement seemed to be caused by the less hungry nestlings moving actively from front to rear positions. Low mortality of individual nestlings within broods that survived to fledging and small within‐brood variation in fledging weights indicated low competition among nestmates. We suggest that there are two behavioural mechanisms that contribute to the equalization of fledging weights in common redstart nestlings: the signalling of need through gaping and the regular turnover of nestlings at front positions.
Changes in Plasma Concentrations of LH, FSH, Estradiol 17‐β and Progesterone During Oestrus in Mithun (Bos frontalis)
Authors: Dhali A , Mishra DP , Mech A , Karunakaran M , Choudhury H , Khate K , Rajkhowa C
Published: February 2006

Contents

The objective of the present study was to establish the changes in plasma concentrations of LH, FSH, estradiol 17‐β (E2) and progesterone (P4), as well as to understand their temporal relationships during oestrus in mithun (Bos frontalis). The experiment was conducted on 11 mithuns during third or fourth postpartum oestrous cycle. Since oestrus onset the jugular vein blood samples were collected every 2 h for 72 and 96 h, respectively from the animals without and with standing heat. The LH, FSH, E2 and P4 concentrations were estimated in plasma. The P4 concentration was fluctuated throughout the oestrus period and the average P4 concentration was found significantly (p < 0.05) lower on the day of oestrus onset. The multiple rises in LH and FSH concentrations above the basal level in spike like fashion were observed throughout the oestrus period irrespective of the occurrence of standing heat. A significant (p < 0.01) gradual increase in the average daily E2 concentration was observed till day 2 following oestrus onset irrespective of the occurrence of standing heat. A significant (p < 0.05) simultaneous increase in LH, FSH and E2 concentrations and a transient increase in P4 concentration at approximately the time of standing heat onset were observed. During investigation a definite temporal coupling between LH and FSH rises was absent throughout the oestrus period. The results suggest that (1) the multiple short‐duration low‐amplitude LH and FSH surges during oestrus may be crucial for the final maturation of ovulatory follicle and subsequent ovulation in mithun; (2) a differential mechanism for controlling LH and FSH secretions probably exists in mithun.
Radiologist workloads in teaching hospital departments: Measuring the workload
Authors: Pitman AG , Jones DN
Published: February 2006

This article proposes a practical method for measuring staff radiologist workloads (clinical productivity) in teaching hospital departments of radiology in Australia. It reviews the Australian background to this, including the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) Education Board accreditation guidelines and the development of the RANZCR practice costing model. It reviews overseas methods of radiologist workload measurement and trends in radiologist workloads both in Australia and overseas. It proposes a practical and simple workload measuring method based on relative value units derived from the RANZCR model. Using a previous national workload survey in teaching hospitals, it proposes initial workload benchmarks when using this method. Strengths and weaknesses of this method and alternatives are reviewed, and a number of proposals for Australian teaching radiology departments are put forward to advance the issue of radiologist workloads in a disciplined manner.
Race and sex: Predictors of the severity of hyperparathyroidism in peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: FAN STANLEY L‐S , CHAN ANTHONY , RAFTERY MARTIN J , YAQOOB MAGDI M
Published: March 2006

Background:  Uraemic hyperparathyroidism remains a common clinical problem. Conversely, oversuppression of parathyroid hormone (PTH), particularly in diabetic patients on peritoneal dialysis, has been implicated in low bone turnover disease. Race may also be an important factor determining susceptibility to hyperparathyroidism and the different forms of renal osteodystrophy. These compounding factors that might influence the severity of hyperparathyroidism have been studied in US dialysis and predialysis populations. Dialysis‐dependant Africans and Afro‐Caribbeans (AC) are known to have higher circulating PTH concentrations than comparable Caucasians (C) but Indo‐Asians (IA) living in temperate climates have not been studied.

Methods:  We performed a cross‐sectional study of all patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis at St Bartholomew's and The Royal London Hospital on 1 May 2000. The highest historical recorded PTH was recorded with concurrent biochemical and demographic details. Regression models were used for the analysis of covariance and separate manova was performed incorporating the factors that were shown on univariate analysis to be significant.

Results:  The current study confirmed that in 50 AC patients on peritoneal dialysis, the mean (± SEM) peak PTH concentration (93.9 ± 9.3 pmol/L) was higher than in 148 C (56.7 ± 4.3 pmol/L) and 67 IA (60.2 ± 5.7 pmol/L), P < 0.0001 and P < 0.002, respectively. This is despite there being no significant difference in serum calcium concentrations and AC having a lower serum phosphate concentration at the time of peak hyperparathyroidism. There was no significant difference in mean peak PTH concentration between C and IA. Females were also found to have higher peak PTH concentrations, but the presence of diabetes did not influence the peak PTH concentration in this study.

Conclusion:  Although we have demonstrated that patients of African (but not Asian) descent undergoing peritoneal dialysis have more severe hyperparathyroidism than Caucasians, other studies suggest that Afro‐Americans develop low bone turnover at higher PTH. This would suggest that PTH values should be interpreted with care and that bone biopsies to determine histology remain important. It may emerge that there are different optimal PTH concentrations according to race.
Screening tests for renal artery stenosis: A case‐series from an Australian tertiary referral centre
Authors: PAVEN GOKULAN , WAUGH RICHARD , NICHOLSON JANE , GILLIN ADRIAN , HENNESSY ANNEMARIE
Published: March 2006

Background:  Renal artery stenosis is a common, correctable cause of hypertension and renal impairment, with multiple screening tests available to aid diagnosis. Data assessing the accuracy of screening tests are mostly derived from tight ‘experimental’ protocols and the application of these tests to large‐scale clinical practice is not clear. Our aim was to investigate physician preferences and diagnostic accuracy of screening tests for renal artery stenosis when applied to clinical practice in a large, Australian tertiary referral centre.

Methods:  We investigated all renal angiograms performed at our institution between September 2002 and September 2004, as referred by renal physicians. We accessed hospital and physician records of all patients to document demographics, clinical history, screening investigations, source of screening and angiogram results. The series involved 75 consecutive patients who had 79 screening investigations (four patients had two screening tests).

Results:  The case series showed that 19 (24%) patients did not have any screening investigations prior to angiography. Duplex ultrasonography was the most utilised screening test, being used in 20 (33%) of the remaining 60 screening tests. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) was used in 19 (32%), magnetic resonance imaging in 13 (22%) and renal scintigraphy was used in four (7%) screening procedures. Magnetic resonance angiography was the most accurate screening test with a positive predictive value of 92%, followed by duplex ultrasonography with 88% and CTA was relatively inaccurate, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 58% (P = 0.036). Clinical suspicion alone was inaccurate with a PPV of 40%, except in previously treated renal artery stenosis (PPV 89%).

Conclusion:  Duplex ultrasonography was the most utilised screening investigation amongst the physicians of our referral base. Magnetic resonance angiography and duplex ultrasonography had good positive predictive values, while CTA may not be as reliable as previously reported when applied to a large, non‐selective clinical practice.
Vesicle transport and the cytoskeleton in the unicellular red alga Glaucosphaera vacuolata
Authors: Wilson Sarah M. , Pickett‐Heaps Jeremy D. , West John A.
Published: February 2006

Vesicles are continually transported from the perinuclear region to the cell's exterior in the unicellular red alga Glaucosphaera vacuolata Korshikov. This phenomenon is recorded here with time‐lapse videomicroscopy. The mechanism governing this intracellular motility is unknown but the cytoskeleton is believed to be involved. Microtubules and actin filaments are located in Glaucosphaera using fluorescently conjugated antibodies and FITC‐phallicidin, respectively. Microtubules radiate in all planes from the perinuclear region to the periphery whereas actin filaments form rings around migrating vesicles. This pattern of location might indicate that both microtubules and actin filaments are involved in vesicle transport. However, this conclusion is not confirmed directly because the thick mucilaginous wall material seemed to prevent the entry of cytoskeletal inhibitors. A video clip of vesicle movement is available at http://www.cytographics.com/.
Taxonomic notes on Hawaiian Polysiphonia, with transfer to Neosiphonia (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Kim Myung‐Sook , Abbott Isabella A.
Published: February 2006

After detailed observations of type material and other collections, five Hawaiian species of Polysiphonia Greville, nom. cons. are recognized to be species of Neosiphonia M. S. Kim et I. K. Lee; namely, Neosiphonia apiculata (Hollenberg) Masuda et Kogame, Neosiphonia beaudettei (Hollenberg) M. S. Kim et Abbott, comb. nov., Neosiphonia hawaiiensis (Hollenberg) M. S. Kim et Abbott, comb. nov., Neosiphonia profunda (Hollenberg) M. S. Kim et Abbott, comb. nov., and Neosiphonia rubrorhiza (Hollenberg) M. S. Kim et Abbott, comb. nov. These five species are ecorticate, having lateral branch initials and trichoblasts produced on successive segments, rhizoids separated from pericentral cells by a cross wall, three‐celled carpogonial branches (not seen in N. beaudettei and N. rubrorhiza), spermatangial branches arising on a primary branch of the trichoblasts, and tetrasporangia in a spiral series. Although certain characters were not available for some species, all other characters occur in a combination that is unique for members of Neosiphonia.
Immune cells contribute to systemic cross‐talk between the embryo and mother during early pregnancy in cooperation with the endocrine system
Authors: FUJIWARA HIROSHI
Published: March 2006

In early pregnancy, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) stimulates the corpus luteum to produce progesterone that in turn maintains human embryo implantation in the uterus. This inevitable communication through blood circulation can be called ‘systemic cross‐talk between the embryo and mother’. Despite considerable evidence suggesting that the human corpus luteum cannot be maintained by HCG alone, no other responsible soluble factors have been proposed. We found that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) derived from pregnant women promoted progesterone production by human luteal cells and propose that both hormones and immune cells participate in this systemic cross‐talk. This systemic cross‐talk by immune cells is believed to operate in embryo implantation. Splenocytes derived from pregnant mice promoted endometrial differentiation and embryo implantation in vivo. Human PBMC derived from women early in pregnancy promoted invasion of murine embryos in vitro. In addition, recombinant HCG increased the effects of human PBMC on murine embryo invasion. Human chorionic gonadotropin also increased chemokine production by human PBMC through a lectin–glycan interaction, which is a primitive pathway in the immune system. Furthermore, chemokines were shown to induce human trophoblast invasion. These findings suggest that the immune system positively contributes to systemic cross‐talk between the embryo and mother in cooperation with the endocrine system. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 19–29)
Reproductive outcome after laparoscopic myomectomy for intramural myomas in infertile women with or without associated infertility factors
Authors: MORITA MINETO , ASAKAWA YASUYUKI
Published: March 2006

Aims:   To evaluate reproductive outcome after laparoscopic myomectomy for intramural myomas in infertile women with or without associated infertility factors.

Methods:   A retrospective study was carried out in 30 infertile women with intramural myomas measuring ≥50 mm in diameter and treated using laparoscopy.

Results:   The overall rate of spontaneous intrauterine pregnancy was 50.0% (15 patients). Of 13 patients with infertility factors associated with the uterine myomas, three (23.1%) became pregnant, whereas 12 of 17 patients (70.6%) with no other associated infertility factor became pregnant. No uterine ruptures were observed. All pregnancies were spontaneous and 13 occurred within 1 year of the operation. In the 10 patients who gave birth by Cesarean section, no adhesions were found on the myomectomy scar.

Conclusions:   On the basis of these results, laparoscopic surgery for myomas appears to offer comparable results to laparotomy. In infertile patients with intramural myoma, pregnancy rates are affected by the presence of other infertility factors associated with the uterine myomas. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 31–35)
Laparoscopy for the treatment of unexplained infertility
Authors: KANDA YOSHIAKI , IKEDA MARIO , ISHIKAWA MASAHIKO , SAKAKIBARA HIDEYA , HIRAHARA FUMIKI
Published: March 2006

Aim:  To determine the best treatment for unexplained infertility.

Methods:  A retrospective study was used to examine Japanese women with unexplained infertility that had undergone laparoscopy. The main outcome measure of the study was the rate of pregnancy after laparoscopy.

Results:  One hundred and thirty‐eight women diagnosed with unexplained infertility received laparoscopy and as a result 55 women had their diagnosis of unexplained infertility confirmed. There were no statistically significant differences between the women who became pregnant after laparoscopy in terms of duration of infertility, duration of treatment or age. The pregnancy rate of women with unexplained infertility was 56.4%, with 90% of these pregnancies achieved within the first 6 months. There were 64 women with minor endometriosis considered to be suffering from unexplained infertility before laparoscopy. The characteristics of the patients in the unexplained infertility group and in the minor endometriosis group were similar, but patients with minor endometriosis were found to have a lower pregnancy rate compared to those with unexplained infertility (35.9%vs 56.4%; P = 0.02).

Conclusions:  The effective period after laparoscopy appears to be 6 months. Assisted reproductive technology should be considered after that time. Pregnancy rates were low in women with minor endometriosis compared with unexplained infertility. It is important to clarify the cause of infertility using laparoscopy. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 59–64)
Comprehensive geriatric assessment for community‐dwelling elderly in Asia compared with those in Japan: VII. Khon Khen in Thailand
Authors: Ishine Masayuki , Sakagami Teiji , Sakamoto Ryouta , Wada Taizo , Khampitak Kovit , Fushida Mutsuko , Kawakita Toshiko , Okumiya Kiyohito , Kita Toru , Matsubayashi Kozo
Published: February 2006

Objective:  To compare the findings of comprehensive geriatric assessment between community‐dwelling elderly aged 60 years and older living in Thailand and Japan.

Design:  A cross‐sectional, interview‐ and examination‐based study.

Setting:  The community‐dwelling elderly living in rural Thang Kwang villages, in the city Khon Kaen, Khon Kaen province, Thailand and in the town Sonobe, Kyoto, Japan.

Methods:  The subjects consisted of 198 and 209 community‐dwelling elderly aged 60 years or older in two developmentally different areas in Khon Kaen province in Thailand and 411 community‐dwelling elderly aged 65 years or older in Japan, respectively, which were examined using a common comprehensive geriatric assessment tool. Interviews pertaining to activities of daily living (ADL), medical and social history, quality of life (QOL) and the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale as well as anthropometrical and blood chemical examinations were included in the assessment. Using anova and the χ2 test, the findings of the three groups were compared.

Results:  In comparison with Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) our findings among communities dwelling in the rural Thang Kwang villages, the city Khon Kaen, Thailand and in the highly‐developed city Kyoto, Japan, were that ADL (except social role), QOL (except family relationship), mean systolic blood pressure, serum total and high‐density cholesterol levels, hemoglobin concentrations and prevalence of hypertension were lower in the elderly in rural Thang Kwang villages than those in Khon Kaen city or in Kyoto. In contrast, a prevalence of anemia defined by World Health Organization criteria was higher in the elderly in rural Thang Kwang villages or Khon Kaen city than in Kyoto. It is noteworthy that a prevalence of suspected impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus in Thailand was extraordinarily higher than in Japan, compared to nearby South‐Asian countries.

Conclusion:  It is supposed that economical and social development might bring a better CGA and a better nutritional state to Thailand. However, we should pay more attention to over‐nutrition, modified lifestyle and appropriate controls for global risk factors in the community‐dwelling elderly in this economically developmental country in Asia.
The Rise and Fall of Missile Diplomacy? President Clinton and the “Revolution in Military Affairs” in Retrospect
Authors: Butfoy Andrew
Published: February 2006

During the 1990s the “revolution in military affairs” (RMA), which produced “smart” weapons like cruise missiles, came of age. This apparently transformed how America viewed the relationship between force and international relations. It looked like technology was framing foreign policy. In particular, smart weapons enabled President Clinton to combine risk minimization with an expanded security agenda. However, we should be wary of ascribing technological determinism to the conflicts of the 1990s dominated by Washington's flexing of its strategic superiority, such as its bombing of Belgrade. As shown by comparison with post‐“9–11” US strategy, Washington's stance in the 1990s was shaped by linkages between technology and specific political circumstances. As these circumstances changed, so did the RMA's place in US efforts to shape world order.
The impacts of climate change on the risk of natural disasters
Authors: Van Aalst Maarten K.
Published: March 2006

Human emissions of greenhouse gases are already changing our climate. This paper provides an overview of the relation between climate change and weather extremes, and examines three specific cases where recent acute events have stimulated debate on the potential role of climate change: the European heatwave of 2003; the risk of inland flooding, such as recently in Central Europe and Great Britain; and the harsh Atlantic hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005. Furthermore, it briefly assesses the relation between climate change and El Niño, and the potential of abrupt climate change. Several trends in weather extremes are sufficiently clear to inform risk reduction efforts. In many instances, however, the potential increases in extreme events due to climate change come on top of alarming rises in vulnerability. Hence, the additional risks due to climate change should not be analysed or treated in isolation, but instead integrated into broader efforts to reduce the risk of natural disasters.
Reducing hazard vulnerability: towards a common approach between disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation
Authors: Thomalla Frank , Downing Tom , Spanger‐Siegfried Erika , Han Guoyi , Rockström Johan
Published: March 2006

Over the past few decades, four distinct and largely independent research and policy communities—disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, environmental management and poverty reduction—have been actively engaged in reducing socio‐economic vulnerability to natural hazards. However, despite the significant efforts of these communities, the vulnerability of many individuals and communities to natural hazards continues to increase considerably. In particular, it is hydro‐meteorological hazards that affect an increasing number of people and cause increasingly large economic losses. Arising from the realisation that these four communities have been largely working in isolation and enjoyed only limited success in reducing vulnerability, there is an emerging perceived need to strengthen significantly collaboration and to facilitate learning and information exchange between them. This article examines key communalities and differences between the climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction communities, and proposes three exercises that would help to structure a multi‐community dialogue and learning process.
Global sea‐level rise is recognised, but flooding from anthropogenic land subsidence is ignored around northern Manila Bay, Philippines
Authors: Rodolfo Kelvin S. , Siringan Fernando P.
Published: March 2006

Land subsidence resulting from excessive extraction of groundwater is particularly acute in East Asian countries. Some Philippine government sectors have begun to recognise that the sea‐level rise of one to three millimetres per year due to global warming is a cause of worsening floods around Manila Bay, but are oblivious to, or ignore, the principal reason: excessive groundwater extraction is lowering the land surface by several centimetres to more than a decimetre per year. Such ignorance allows the government to treat flooding as a lesser problem that can be mitigated through large infrastructural projects that are both ineffective and vulnerable to corruption. Money would be better spent on preventing the subsidence by reducing groundwater pumping and moderating population growth and land use, but these approaches are politically and psychologically unacceptable. Even if groundwater use is greatly reduced and enlightened land‐use practices are initiated, natural deltaic subsidence and global sea‐level rise will continue to aggravate flooding, although at substantially lower rates.
Successful Elimination of Concealed Accessory Pathway‐Mediated Tachycardia by Ablation of AV Nodal Slow Pathway
Authors: PADANILAM BENZY J. , AKULA DAVENDER , VAUGHN PATTY , PRYSTOWSKY ERIC N.
Published: March 2006

We report a case of atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) using a concealed para‐Hisian accessory pathway for retrograde conduction, which also required anterograde conduction over the AV nodal slow pathway to maintain the tachycardia. The shortest VA interval during AVRT (70 ms) was noted at a site with His bundle electrogram amplitude of 0.25 mV. The AVRT was cured by radiofrequency ablation of the AV nodal slow pathway without affecting accessory pathway conduction. The patient has not reported any sustained palpitations at 2 years after ablation while receiving no medications. The case presented in this report illustrates a para‐Hisian AVRT that was successfully eliminated by an unconventional approach of ablation of the atrial inputs to the AV nodal slow pathway.
Amsterdam as a Global City: Restructuring, Identity Rearticulation, and Resistance in the Service Sector
Authors: Dörfler Tobias , Marchand Marianne H. , Pirschner Claus
Published: February 2006

This article explores the interconnections between political‐economic transformations of Amsterdam into a second‐tier global city and the rearticulation of (gender) identities and resistance practices in the service sector. The research focuses on both the high and low ends of the service sector, i.e., banking and cleaning. Given different positionalities of employees in respective sectors, the article shows that their responses to changes in their work environment take on different modalities. Women managers in the banking sector resort to a strategy of “hiding” their gender identity and individualized responses, while Moroccan (male) cleaners tend to underscore the masculine nature of their work and are joining labor unions in greater numbers than before.
Cognitive behaviour therapy and medication in the treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: O'Connor K. P. , Aardema F. , Robillard S. , Guay S. , Pélissier M.‐C. , Todorov C. , Borgeat F. , Leblanc V. , Grenier S. , Doucet P.
Published: February 2006

Objective:  To compare cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) with CBT plus medication; medication alone; and placebo in the treatment of adult obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD).

Method:  Forty‐eight participants (43 completers) were recruited into two protocols. In the first protocol, 21 people with OCD were randomly allocated to either a standard medication (fluvoxamine) or standard placebo condition for a 5‐month period. Both these groups subsequently received CBT for a further 5 months. In the second protocol, 22 people with OCD received CBT, one group was already stabilized on an antidepressant of choice; the second group was drug naïve.

Results:  All active treatments, but not the placebo, showed clinical improvement. There was no difference in treatment response to CBT regardless of whether participants had previously received medication or placebo.

Conclusion:  CBT has a more specific antiobsessional effect than medication but CBT plus medication shows greatest overall clinical improvement in mood.
Biomechanical effects of splint types on traumatized tooth: a photoelastic stress analysis
Authors: Burcak Cengiz Sevi , Stephan Atac Atilla , Cehreli Zafer C.
Published: February 2006

Abstract –  This study was undertaken to assess the effect of splint type on stresses occurring around traumatized tooth by photoelastic stress analysis. Three semi‐rigid splint types – a wire‐composite splint, fiberglass splint and titanium trauma splint – were utilized for comparisons. Extracted left upper central and lateral incisors and the canine tooth of an otherwise healthy patient were embedded equidistantly in photoelastic resin. For all cases studied, a static axial and 20° oblique force of 100 N was applied on the lateral incisor in separate sessions. The experiments were undertaken without any splint application (unsplinted, control) after which the splints, adhesively bonded to the labial aspects of teeth, were consecutively tested. During each loading sequence, generation of isochromatic fringes was observed in the field of a polariscope, and photographed by a digital camera. Quantification of fringes was performed on magnified images, transferred to a PC. Under vertical loading, the highest stresses in the apical regions were observed for the unsplinted and ribbond‐splint groups, whereas the lowest fringes occurred with the use of orthodontic wire as a splinting medium. Titanium trauma splint had absolutely no effect on reduction of stresses, as the fringe orders were slightly higher than the unsplinted lateral tooth. The use of orthodontic wire resulted in lowest fringe orders around the traumatized tooth.
Laryngeal paralysis‐polyneuropathy complex in young related Pyrenean mountain dogs
Authors: Gabriel A. , Poncelet L. , Van Ham L. , Clercx C. , Braund K. G. , Bhatti S. , Detilleux J. , Peeters D.
Published: March 2006

Objectives:To characterise clinical, electrophysiological and histopathological findings. To analyse pedigree information in six young related Pyrenean mountain dogs with laryngeal paralysis‐polyneuropathy complex (LP‐PNC).

Methods:A retrospective study of clinical records and pedigrees of six young related Pyrenean mountain dogs with LP‐PNC was carried out.

Results:All dogs were presented with laryngeal paralysis and concurrent megaoesophagus. Electrodiagnostic testing was performed in three dogs and showed electrophysiological abnormalities in the distal appendicular muscles. Histopathological findings of peripheral nerve samples were dominated by distal axonal degeneration. Clinical, electrophysiological and histopathological findings were supportive of a diagnosis of degenerative, sensorimotor LP‐PNC, similar to that reported in young dalmatians and rottweilers. All dogs died or were euthanased by two years of age. An autosomal recessive mode of inheritance was suspected based on pedigree analysis.

ClinicalSignificance:Congenital LP‐PNC should be suspected in any young dog presenting with laryngeal dysfunction and other concurrent neurological abnormalities. The prognosis is usually poor.
Results of surgical correction of abnormalities associated with brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome in dogs in Australia
Authors: Torrez C. V. , Hunt* G. B.
Published: March 2006

Objectives: To describe clinical features of brachycephalic airway obstructive disease in dogs, the incidence of laryngeal collapse in dogs presenting for surgery and the outcome after surgery in dogs with laryngeal collapse.

Methods: Basic clinical details were reviewed retrospectively in 73 dogs. Presence of laryngeal collapse and short‐term outcomes after surgery were determined for 64 dogs with complete medical records. Long‐term outcomes were reviewed for 46 dogs by telephone survey between 19 and 77 months following surgery.

Results: Stenotic nares were present in 31 dogs (42·5 per cent), elongated soft palate in 63 (86·3 per cent) and everted laryngeal saccules in 43 (58·9 per cent). The most common breeds were the pug (19 dogs, 26 per cent), Cavalier King Charles spaniel (15 dogs, 20·5 per cent), British bulldog (14 dogs, 19·2 per cent) and Staffordshire bull terrier (4 dogs, 5·5 per cent). Laryngeal collapse was present in 34 of 64 (53 per cent) dogs. No dogs died perioperatively and only one dog was euthanased as a result of its respiratory disease three years after surgery. Telephone interviews indicated that 26 dogs (56·5 per cent) were much improved after surgery, 15 (32·6 per cent) had some improvement and 5 (10·9 per cent) showed no improvement. Signs that persisted after surgery were snoring during sleep (34 dogs, 73·9 per cent), stertor/stridor while conscious (23 dogs, 50 per cent), excessive panting (13 dogs, 28·3 per cent) and dyspnoea (10 dogs, 21·7 per cent). Long‐term outcome was considered good, even in dogs with laryngeal collapse.

Clinical Significance: Laryngeal collapse is relatively common in dogs presented for surgical correction of brachycephalic airway obstructive disease. Dogs with severe laryngeal collapse often respond well to surgery. Clinical signs rarely resolve completely following surgery.
Training the perception of Hindi dental and retroflex stops by native speakers of American English and Japanese
Authors: Pruitt John S. , Jenkins James J. , Strange Winifred
Published: March 2006

Perception of second language speech sounds is influenced by one’s first language. For example, speakers of American English have difficulty perceiving dental versus retroflex stop consonants in Hindi although English has both dental and retroflex allophones of alveolar stops. Japanese, unlike English, has a contrast similar to Hindi, specifically, the Japanese /d/ versus the flapped /r/ which is sometimes produced as a retroflex. This study compared American and Japanese speakers' identification of the Hindi contrast in CV syllable contexts where C varied in voicing and aspiration. The study then evaluated the participants’ increase in identifying the distinction after training with a computer-interactive program. Training sessions progressively increased in difficulty by decreasing the extent of vowel truncation in stimuli and by adding new speakers. Although all participants improved significantly, Japanese participants were more accurate than Americans in distinguishing the contrast on pretest, during training, and on posttest. Transfer was observed to three new consonantal contexts, a new vowel context, and a new speaker’s productions. Some abstract aspect of the contrast was apparently learned during training. It is suggested that allophonic experience with dental and retroflex stops may be detrimental to perception of the new contrast.
Experimental and numerical investigations on resonant characteristics of a single-layer piezoceramic plate and a cross-ply piezolaminated composite plate
Authors: Ma Chien-Ching , Lin Hsien-Yang , Lin Yu-Chih , Huang Yu-Hsi
Published: March 2006

Piezolaminated composite plates are widely used in many industrial applications such as intelligent structures and advanced aerospace structural applications. To improve the dynamic performance of the piezolaminated composite structures, it is necessary to experimentally investigate the resonant characteristics of these structures. Three measurement techniques are used in this study to investigate the vibration behavior of tested specimens. The first method, AF-ESPI (amplitude-fluctuation electronic speckle pattern interferometry), is the major technique for measuring the resonant characteristics of a single-layer piezoceramic plate and a multilayer cross-ply glass fiber reinforced plastics piezolaminated composite plate for completely free conditions. The completely free condition is approximated in experiment by placing and partially sticking the specimen on the surface of a very soft sponge. A thin single-layer piezoceramic plate is first investigated and up to twenty-six transverse modes are presented. Excellent quality of interferometric fringe patterns for vibration mode shapes is presented. The influence of the actual boundaries on the resonant characteristics of the thin piezoceramic plate is discussed. The second method, laser Doppler vibrometer, and the third method, impedance analyzer, are both employed to verify the AF-ESPI results for the piezolaminated composite plate. Both in-plane and out-of-plane resonant frequencies and vibration mode shapes of the piezolaminated composite plate are demonstrated. Finally, numerical computations based on the finite element analysis are presented for comparison with the experimental results. Excellent agreement between the experimental measured data and the numerical calculated results are found for resonant frequencies and mode shapes of the single-layer piezoceramic plate and the cross-ply piezolaminated composite plate.
On the use of a diffusion equation for room-acoustic prediction
Authors: Valeau V. , Picaut J. , Hodgson M.
Published: March 2006

This paper presents an alternative model for predicting the reverberant sound field in empty rooms with diffusely reflecting boundaries, based on the generalization and the numerical implementation of a diffusion equation for the energy density. The paper focuses on the source term and the boundary conditions of the diffusion equation, both for the steady state and the time-varying state, in order to make computational use of the model. In addition, theoretical analysis of the diffusion equation shows that the diffusion model may be considered as an extension of the classical theory of reverberation to nondiffuse sound fields. The numerical model is first applied to a cubic room and shows a very good agreement with statistical theory. Two numerical applications are also given for a long room and a flat room; results are in good agreement with numerical results from a ray-tracing software. The main advantage of the present model is its capability to be applied regardless of the complexity of the room shape, and that it gives results at any receiver location, with a low calculation time.
Loud speech over noise: Some spectral attributes, with gender differences
Authors: Ternström Sten , Bohman Mikael , Södersten Maria
Published: March 2006

In seeking an acoustic description of overloaded voice, simulated environmental noise was used to elicit loud speech. A total of 23 adults, 12 females and 11 males, read six passages of 90s duration, over realistic noise presented over loudspeakers. The noise was canceled out, exposing the speech signal to analysis. Spectrum balance (SB) was defined as the level of the 2–6kHz band relative to the 0.1–1kHz band. SB averaged across many similar vowel segments became less negative with increasing sound pressure level (SPL), as described in the literature, but only at moderate SPL. At high SPL, SB exhibited a personal “saturation” point, above which the high-band level no longer increased faster than the overall SPL, or even stopped increasing altogether, on average at 90.3dB (@30cm) for females and 95.5dB for males. Saturation occurred 6–8dB below the personal maximum SPL, regardless of gender. The loudest productions were often characterized by a relative increase in low-frequency energy, apparently in a sharpened first formant. This suggests a change of vocal strategy when the high spectrum can rise no further. The progression of SB with SPL was characteristically different for individual subjects.
Mapping seabed variability: Rapid surveying of coastal regions
Authors: Holland Charles
Published: March 2006

Directional broadband reverberation can be exploited for rapidly probing seabed variability over large areas O (103–104)km2; the data need not be calibrated. Seabed variability thus mapped inherently combines spatial variability in geoacoustic properties that control reflection and those that control scattering. It is shown that in some cases, the variability can be separated. The method is applied to measurements in the Straits of Sicily where the data indicate the existence of two provinces where the statistics of the geoparameters are distinct. Three attributes of each province are quantified: the province boundaries, measures of spatial variability and/or uncertainty, and the location of discrete scattering features (that may lead to sonar clutter). One province is quite large and exhibits remarkably little spatial variability. The variability is probed on lateral scales ∼200×400m, yet the ratio of the seabed geoparameters varies less than 3 dB from 300−1600Hz over ∼1000km2. While this result seems contrary to prevailing notions of extreme seabed variability in shallow water, it indicates that certain kinds of geophysical (and concomitant geoacoustic) variability may be averaged in such a way that the seabed appears approximately homogeneous to long-range acoustic systems.
The interaction of ultrasound with particulate composites
Authors: Layman Christopher , Murthy N. Sanjeeva , Yang Ruey-Bin , Wu Junru
Published: March 2006

The longitudinal and shear wave phase velocities and attenuation are measured as function of frequency for random particulate composites, consisting of near mono-disperse spherical glass particles imbedded in a homogeneous epoxy matrix. Experimental results are compared to two theoretical scattering models: the Waterman and Truell method (WT) and the dynamic generalized self-consistent model (DGSCM). It is observed that both models work well in the case of a low inclusion concentration. At higher concentrations both the WT and DGSCM matched the phase velocity, in most cases, within the range of experimental error of about 3%. The WT agrees with the attenuation data only at low concentrations, and the disparity between theory and measured values increase with increasing concentration. The DGSCM agrees well with the attenuation data.
Using monkeys to explore perceptual “loss” versus “learning” models in English and Spanish voice-onset-time perception
Authors: Sinnott Joan M. , Powell Laura A. , Camchong Jazmin
Published: March 2006

Cross-language research using synthetic voice-onset-time series over the past 40 years suggests that the Spanish lead contrast is acoustically less salient than the English lag contrast. This study examined monkey identification of a labial consonant-vowel voice-onset-time (CV VOT) series (−60 to +70ms) in order to obtain a linguistically unbiased estimate of lead versus lag salience. Comparisons were made with both English and Spanish adult human listeners. In a classic two-choice identification test, monkey and Spanish functions were quite variable and showed evidence of sensitivity to three types of voicing cues (lead versus simultaneous versus lag). In contrast, English functions were highly categorical and showed sensitivity to only two types of cues (combined lead/simultaneous versus lag). Next, listeners were explicitly trained via feedback to differentiate stimuli crossing lead and lag boundaries. Here, monkey and Spanish performance was initially more symmetrical than English performance, with the latter showing reduced sensitivity to the lead boundary, but group differences disappeared after extended training. These results provide evidence for perceptual loss in English listeners for aspects of Spanish voicing lead perception.
A glimpsing model of speech perception in noise
Authors: Cooke Martin
Published: March 2006

Do listeners process noisy speech by taking advantage of “glimpses”—spectrotemporal regions in which the target signal is least affected by the background? This study used an automatic speech recognition system, adapted for use with partially specified inputs, to identify consonants in noise. Twelve masking conditions were chosen to create a range of glimpse sizes. Several different glimpsing models were employed, differing in the local signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) used for detection, the minimum glimpse size, and the use of information in the masked regions. Recognition results were compared with behavioral data. A quantitative analysis demonstrated that the proportion of the time–frequency plane glimpsed is a good predictor of intelligibility. Recognition scores in each noise condition confirmed that sufficient information exists in glimpses to support consonant identification. Close fits to listeners’ performance were obtained at two local SNR thresholds: one at around 8dB and another in the range −5 to −2dB. A transmitted information analysis revealed that cues to voicing are degraded more in the model than in human auditory processing.
Contribution to harmonic balance calculations of self-sustained periodic oscillations with focus on single-reed instruments
Authors: Farner Snorre , Vergez Christophe , Kergomard Jean , Lizée Aude
Published: March 2006

The harmonic balance method (HBM) was originally developed for finding periodic solutions of electronical and mechanical systems under a periodic force, but has been adapted to self-sustained musical instruments. Unlike time-domain methods, this frequency-domain method does not capture transients and so is not adapted for sound synthesis. However, its independence of time makes it very useful for studying any periodic solution, whether stable or unstable, without care of particular initial conditions in time. A computer program for solving general problems involving nonlinearly coupled exciter and resonator, HARMBAL, has been developed based on the HBM. The method as well as convergence improvements and continuation facilities are thoroughly presented and discussed in the present paper. Applications of the method are demonstrated, especially on problems with severe difficulties of convergence: the Helmholtz motion (square signals) of single-reed instruments when no losses are taken into account, the reed being modeled as a simple spring.
Phonological systems in bilinguals: Age of learning effects on the stop consonant systems of Korean-English bilinguals
Authors: Kang Kyoung-Ho , Guion Susan G.
Published: March 2006

Interaction of Korean and English stop systems in Korean-English bilinguals as a function of age of acquisition (AOA) of English was investigated. It was hypothesized that early bilinguals (mean AOA=3.8years) would more likely be native-like in production of English and Korean stops and maintain greater independence between Korean and English stop systems than late bilinguals (mean AOA=21.4years). Production of Korean and English stops was analyzed in terms of three acoustic-phonetic properties: voice-onset time, amplitude difference between the first two harmonics, and fundamental frequency. Late bilinguals were different from English monolinguals for English voiceless and voiced stops in all three properties. As for Korean stops, late bilinguals were different from Korean monolinguals for fortis stops in voice-onset time. Early bilinguals were not different from the monolinguals of either language. Considering the independence of the two stop systems, late bilinguals seem to have merged English voiceless and Korean aspirated stops and produced English voiced stops with similarities to both Korean fortis and lenis stops, whereas early bilinguals produced five distinct stop types. Thus, the early bilinguals seem to have two independent stop systems, whereas the late bilinguals likely have a merged Korean-English system.
Auditory evoked potentials in females with high and low acceptance of background noise when listening to speech
Authors: Tampas Joanna W. , Harkrider Ashley W.
Published: March 2006

Acceptable noise level (ANL) is a measure of a listener’s acceptance of background noise when listening to speech. A consistent finding in research on ANL is large intersubject variability in the acceptance of background noise. This variability is not related to age, gender, hearing sensitivity, type of background noise, speech perception in noise performance, cochlear responses, or efferent activity of the medial olivocochlear pathway. In the present study, auditory evoked potentials were examined in 21 young females with normal hearing with low and high acceptance of background noise to determine whether differences in judgments of background noise are related to differences measured in aggregate physiological responses from the auditory nervous system. Group differences in the auditory brainstem response, auditory middle latency response, and cortical, auditory late latency response indicate that differences in more central regions of the nervous system account for, at least in part, the variability in listeners’ willingness to accept background noise when listening to speech.