bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-frequency noise from large wind turbines
Authors: Møller Henrik , Pedersen Christian Sejer
Published: June 2011

As wind turbines get larger, worries have emerged that the turbine noise would move down in frequency and that the low-frequency noise would cause annoyance for the neighbors. The noise emission from 48 wind turbines with nominal electric power up to 3.6 MW is analyzed and discussed. The relative amount of low-frequency noise is higher for large turbines (2.3–3.6 MW) than for small turbines (≤ 2 MW), and the difference is statistically significant. The difference can also be expressed as a downward shift of the spectrum of approximately one-third of an octave. A further shift of similar size is suggested for future turbines in the 10-MW range. Due to the air absorption, the higher low-frequency content becomes even more pronounced, when sound pressure levels in relevant neighbor distances are considered. Even when A-weighted levels are considered, a substantial part of the noise is at low frequencies, and for several of the investigated large turbines, the one-third-octave band with the highest level is at or below 250 Hz. It is thus beyond any doubt that the low-frequency part of the spectrum plays an important role in the noise at the neighbors.
Dynamics of communal vocalizations in a social songbird, the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Elie Julie E. , Soula Hédi A. , Mathevon Nicolas , Vignal Clémentine
Published: June 2011

Colonies or communities of animals such as fishes, frogs, seabirds, or marine mammals can be noisy. Although vocal communication between clearly identified sender(s) and receiver(s) has been well studied, the properties of the noisy sound that results from the acoustic network of a colony of gregarious animals have received less attention. The resulting sound could nonetheless convey some information about the emitting group. Using custom-written software for automatic detection of vocalizations occurring over many hours of recordings, this study reports acoustic features of communal vocal activities in a gregarious species, the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). By biasing the sex ratio and using two different housing conditions (individual versus communal housing), six groups of zebra finches were generated, with six different social structures that varied both in terms of sex-composition and proportion of paired individuals. The results showed that the rate of emission and the acoustic dynamic both depended on the social structure. In particular, the vocal activity of a group of zebra finches depended mainly on the number of unpaired birds, i.e., individuals not part of a stably bonded pair.
Processing speech signal using auditory-like filterbank provides least uncertainty about articulatory gestures
Authors: Ghosh Prasanta Kumar , Goldstein Louis M. , Narayanan Shrikanth S.
Published: June 2011

Understanding how the human speech production system is related to the human auditory system has been a perennial subject of inquiry. To investigate the production–perception link, in this paper, a computational analysis has been performed using the articulatory movement data obtained during speech production with concurrently recorded acoustic speech signals from multiple subjects in three different languages: English, Cantonese, and Georgian. The form of articulatory gestures during speech production varies across languages, and this variation is considered to be reflected in the articulatory position and kinematics. The auditory processing of the acoustic speech signal is modeled by a parametric representation of the cochlear filterbank which allows for realizing various candidate filterbank structures by changing the parameter value. Using mathematical communication theory, it is found that the uncertainty about the articulatory gestures in each language is maximally reduced when the acoustic speech signal is represented using the output of a filterbank similar to the empirically established cochlear filterbank in the human auditory system. Possible interpretations of this finding are discussed.
Theoretical framework for quantitatively estimating ultrasound beam intensities using infrared thermography
Authors: Myers Matthew R. , Giridhar Dushyanth
Published: June 2011

In the characterization of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) systems, it is desirable to know the intensity field within a tissue phantom. Infrared (IR) thermography is a potentially useful method for inferring this intensity field from the heating pattern within the phantom. However, IR measurements require an air layer between the phantom and the camera, making inferences about the thermal field in the absence of the air complicated. For example, convection currents can arise in the air layer and distort the measurements relative to the phantom-only situation. Quantitative predictions of intensity fields based upon IR temperature data are also complicated by axial and radial diffusion of heat. In this paper, mathematical expressions are derived for use with IR temperature data acquired at times long enough that noise is a relatively small fraction of the temperature trace, but small enough that convection currents have not yet developed. The relations were applied to simulated IR data sets derived from computed pressure and temperature fields. The simulation was performed in a finite-element geometry involving a HIFU transducer sonicating upward in a phantom toward an air interface, with an IR camera mounted atop an air layer, looking down at the heated interface. It was found that, when compared to the intensity field determined directly from acoustic propagation simulations, intensity profiles could be obtained from the simulated IR temperature data with an accuracy of better than 10%, at pre-focal, focal, and post-focal locations.
Axisymmetric scattering of scalar waves by spheroids
Authors: Lekner John , Boyack Rufus
Published: June 2011

A phase shift formulation of scattering by oblate and prolate spheroids is presented, in parallel with the partial-wave theory of scattering by spherical obstacles. The crucial step is application of a finite Legendre transform to the Helmholtz equation in spheroidal coordinates. In the long-wavelength limit the spheroidal analog of the spherical scattering length immediately gives the cross section. Analytical results are readily obtained for scattering of Schrödinger particle waves by impenetrable spheroids, and for scattering of sound waves by acoustically soft spheroidal objects. The method is restricted to scattering by spheroids whose symmetry axis is coincident with the direction of the incident plane wave.
Limits of coherence-based aeroacoustic analysis in the presence of distributed sources
Authors: Bahr Chris , Cattafesta Louis N.
Published: June 2011

Coherence-based analysis techniques utilizing a small number of microphones are often applied in aeroacoustic measurements. These techniques can remove statistically incoherent noise, electronic or hydrodynamic, from acoustic signals measured by microphones, at significantly lower cost than array methods. However, the assumptions involved in the usage of the ordinary coherence function technically limit analysis to a single-source field. In the presence of multiple sources the coherence function breaks down and ordinary analysis techniques under-predict true acoustic levels. This phenomenon is demonstrated mathematically and illustrated using experimental trailing edge noise data.
Predicted effects of sensorineural hearing loss on across-fiber envelope coding in the auditory nerve
Authors: Swaminathan Jayaganesh , Heinz Michael G.
Published: June 2011

Cross-channel envelope correlations are hypothesized to influence speech intelligibility, particularly in adverse conditions. Acoustic analyses suggest speech envelope correlations differ for syllabic and phonemic ranges of modulation frequency. The influence of cochlear filtering was examined here by predicting cross-channel envelope correlations in different speech modulation ranges for normal and impaired auditory-nerve (AN) responses. Neural cross-correlation coefficients quantified across-fiber envelope coding in syllabic (0–5 Hz), phonemic (5–64 Hz), and periodicity (64–300 Hz) modulation ranges. Spike trains were generated from a physiologically based AN model. Correlations were also computed using the model with selective hair-cell damage. Neural predictions revealed that envelope cross-correlation decreased with increased characteristic-frequency separation for all modulation ranges (with greater syllabic-envelope correlation than phonemic or periodicity). Syllabic envelope was highly correlated across many spectral channels, whereas phonemic and periodicity envelopes were correlated mainly between adjacent channels. Outer-hair-cell impairment increased the degree of cross-channel correlation for phonemic and periodicity ranges for speech in quiet and in noise, thereby reducing the number of independent neural information channels for envelope coding. In contrast, outer-hair-cell impairment was predicted to decrease cross-channel correlation for syllabic envelopes in noise, which may partially account for the reduced ability of hearing-impaired listeners to segregate speech in complex backgrounds.
Spatial tuning curves from apical, middle, and basal electrodes in cochlear implant users
Authors: Nelson David A. , Kreft Heather A. , Anderson Elizabeth S. , Donaldson Gail S.
Published: June 2011

Forward-masked psychophysical spatial tuning curves (fmSTCs) were measured in 15 cochlear-implant subjects, 10 using monopolar stimulation and 5 using bipolar stimulation. In each subject, fmSTCs were measured at several probe levels on an apical, middle, and basal electrode using a fixed-level probe stimulus and variable-level maskers. Tuning curve slopes and bandwidths did not change significantly with probe level for electrodes located in the apical, middle, or basal region although a few subjects exhibited dramatic changes in tuning at the extremes of the probe level range. Average tuning curve slopes and bandwidths did not vary significantly across electrode regions. Spatial tuning curves were symmetrical and similar in width across the three electrode regions. However, several subjects demonstrated large changes in slope and/or bandwidth across the three electrode regions, indicating poorer tuning in localized regions of the array. Cochlear-implant users exhibited bandwidths that were approximately five times wider than normal-hearing acoustic listeners but were in the same range as acoustic listeners with moderate cochlear hearing loss. No significant correlations were found between spatial tuning parameters and speech recognition; although a weak relation was seen between middle electrode tuning and transmitted information for vowel second formant frequency.
Effects of electrode configuration on cochlear implant modulation detection thresholds
Authors: Pfingst Bryan E.
Published: June 2011

Cochlear implant function, as assessed by psychophysical measures, varies from one stimulation site to another within a patient’s cochlea. This suggests that patient performance might be improved by selection of the best-functioning sites for the processor map. In evaluating stimulation sites for such a strategy, electrode configuration is an important variable. Variation across stimulation sites in loudness-related measures (detection thresholds and maximum comfortable loudness levels), is much larger for stimulation with bipolar electrode configurations than with monopolar configurations. The current study found that, in contrast to the loudness-related measures, magnitudes of across-site means and the across-site variances of modulation detection thresholds were not dependent on electrode configuration, suggesting that the mechanisms underlying variation in these various psychophysical measures are not all the same. The data presented here suggest that bipolar and monopolar electrode configurations are equally effective in identifying good and poor stimulation sites for modulation detection but that the across-site patterns of modulation detection thresholds are not the same for the two configurations. Therefore, it is recommended to test all stimulation sites using the patient’s clinically assigned electrode configuration when performing psychophysical evaluation of a patient’s modulation detection acuity to select sites for the processor map.
Velocity dispersion and attenuation in granular marine sediments: Comparison of measurements with predictions using acoustic models
Authors: Kimura Masao
Published: June 2011

The large velocity dispersion recently reported could be explained by a gap stiffness model incorporated into the Biot model (the BIMGS model) proposed by the author. However, at high frequencies, some measured results have been reported for negative velocity dispersion and attenuation proportional to the first to fourth power of frequency. In this study, first, it is shown that the results of velocity dispersion and attenuation calculated using the BIMGS model are consistent with the results measured in two kinds of water-saturated sands with different grain sizes, except in the high-frequency range. Then, the velocity dispersion and attenuation in six kinds of water-saturated glass beads and four kinds of water-saturated silica sands with different grain sizes are measured in the frequency ranges of 80–140 and 300–700 kHz. The measured results are compared with those calculated using the BIMGS model plus some acoustic models. It is shown that the velocity dispersion and attenuation are well predicted by using the BIMGS model in the range of kd ≤ 0.5 (k: wavenumber in water, d: grain diameter) and by using the BIMGS model plus multiple scattering effects in the range of kd ≥ 0.5 in which negative velocity dispersion appears.
Point mobility of a cylindrical plate incorporating a tapered hole of power-law profile
Authors: O’Boy Daniel J. , Bowyer Elizabeth P. , Krylov Victor V.
Published: June 2011

The paper describes the results of experimental measurements of point mobility carried out on circular plates containing tapered holes of quadratic power-law profile with attached damping layers. The obtained results are compared to the developed numerical model, as a means of validation. The profiles of the tapered hole in the plates are designed to replicate near zero reflection of quasi-plane waves from a tapered hole in geometrical acoustics approximation, also known as acoustic black hole effect. The driving point mobility measurements are provided, showing a comparison of the results for a constant thickness circular plate, a constant thickness plate with a layer of damping film applied and a plate with a quadratic power-law profile machined into the center, which is tested with a thin layer of elastic damping material attached. The results indicate a substantial suppression of resonant peaks, agreeing with a numerical model, which is based on the analytical solution available for the vibration of a plate with a central quadratic power-law profile. The paper contains results for the case of free boundary conditions on all edges of the plates, with emphasis placed on the predictions of resonant frequencies and the amplitudes of vibration and loss factor.
Numerical simulation of ultrasonic wave propagation for the evaluation of dental implant biomechanical stability
Authors: Mathieu Vincent , Anagnostou Fani , Soffer Emmanuel , Haiat Guillaume
Published: June 2011

Osseointegration of dental implants remains poorly understood. The objective of this numerical study is to understand the propagation phenomena of ultrasonic waves in prototypes cylindrically shaped implants and to investigate the sensitivity of their ultrasonic response to the surrounding bone biomechanical properties. The 10 MHz ultrasonic response of the implant was calculated using a finite difference numerical simulation tool and was compared to rf signals taken from a recent experimental study by Mathieu et al. [Ultrasound Med. Biol. 37, 262–270 (2011a)]. Reflection and mode conversion phenomena were analyzed to understand the origin of the different echoes and the importance of lateral wave propagation was evidenced. The sensitivity of the ultrasonic response of the implant to changes of (i) amount of bone in contact with the implant, (ii) cortical bone thickness, and (iii) surrounding bone material properties, was compared to the reproducibility of the measurements. The results show that, either a change of 1 mm of bone in contact with the implant, or 1.1 mm of cortical thickness or 12% of trabecular bone mass density should be detectable. This study paves the way for the investigation of the use of quantitative ultrasound techniques for the evaluation of bone-implant interface properties and implant stability.
Regularization for improving the deconvolution in real-time near-field acoustic holography
Authors: Paillasseur Sébastien , Thomas Jean-Hugh , Pascal Jean-Claude
Published: June 2011

Near-field acoustic holography is a measuring process for locating and characterizing stationary sound sources from measurements made by a microphone array in the near-field of the acoustic source plane. A technique called real-time near-field acoustic holography (RT-NAH) has been introduced to extend this method in the case of nonstationary sources. This technique is based on a formulation which describes the propagation of time-dependent sound pressure signals on a forward plane using a convolution product with an impulse response in the time-wavenumber domain. Thus the backward propagation of the pressure field is obtained by deconvolution. Taking the evanescent waves into account in RT-NAH improves the spatial resolution of the solution but makes the deconvolution problem “ill-posed” and often yields inappropriate solutions. The purpose of this paper is to focus on solving this deconvolution problem. Two deconvolution methods are compared: one uses a singular value decomposition and a standard Tikhonov regularization and the other one is based on optimum Wiener filtering. A simulation involving monopoles driven by nonstationary signals demonstrates, by means of objective indicators, the accuracy of the time-dependent reconstructed sound field. The results highlight the advantage of using regularization and particularly in the presence of measurement noise.
Callback response of dugongs to conspecific chirp playbacks
Authors: Ichikawa Kotaro , Akamatsu Tomonari , Shinke Tomio , Adulyanukosol Kanjana , Arai Nobuaki
Published: June 2011

Dugongs (Dugong dugon) produce bird-like calls such as chirps and trills. The vocal responses of dugongs to playbacks of several acoustic stimuli were investigated. Animals were exposed to four different playback stimuli: a recorded chirp from a wild dugong, a synthesized down-sweep sound, a synthesized constant-frequency sound, and silence. Wild dugongs vocalized more frequently after playback of broadcast chirps than that after constant-frequency sounds or silence. The down-sweep sound also elicited more vocal responses than did silence. No significant difference was found between the broadcast chirps and the down-sweep sound. The ratio of wild dugong chirps to all calls and the dominant frequencies of the wild dugong calls were significantly higher during playbacks of broadcast chirps, down-sweep sounds, and constant-frequency sounds than during those of silence. The source level and duration of dugong chirps increased significantly as signaling distance increased. No significant correlation was found between signaling distance and the source level of trills. These results show that dugongs vocalize to playbacks of frequency-modulated signals and suggest that the source level of dugong chirps may be manipulated to compensate for transmission loss between the source and receiver. This study provides the first behavioral observations revealing the function of dugong chirps.
Vocal tract area functions and formant frequencies in opera tenors’ modal and falsetto registers
Authors: Echternach Matthias , Sundberg Johan , Baumann Tobias , Markl Michael , Richter Bernhard
Published: June 2011

According to recent model investigations, vocal tract resonance is relevant to vocal registers. However, no experimental corroboration of this claim has been published so far. In the present investigation, ten professional tenors’ vocal tract configurations were analyzed using MRI volumetry. All subjects produced a sustained tone on the pitch F4 (349 Hz) on the vowel /a/ (1) in modal and (2) in falsetto register. The area functions were estimated from the MRI data and their associated formant frequencies were calculated. In a second condition the same subjects repeated the same tasks in a sound treated room and their formant frequencies were estimated by means of inverse filtering. In both recordings similar formant frequencies were observed. Vocal tract shapes differed between modal and falsetto register. In modal as compared to falsetto the lip opening and the oral cavity were wider and the first formant frequency was higher. In this sense the presented results are in agreement with the claim that the formant frequencies differ between registers.
Forward scatter target strength extraction in a marine environment (L)
Authors: Bucaro J. A. , Kraus L. , Houston B. H. , Simpson H. , Sarkissian A.
Published: June 2011

A 48 m rail with a moving receiver was used to measure forward scattering from a spherical shell lying on the bottom in the Gulf of Mexico. The target was mid-way between the source and rail, on a line from the source bisecting the rail. The major obstacle to the measurement of forward scattering is the much stronger source signal which overlaps the scattered signal in space and time. Here, forward scattered target strength is obtained by processing the received signals using a wavenumber filter to remove the incident wave. The result compares favorably to that obtained from numerical predictions.
Development and validation of the Mandarin speech perception test
Authors: Fu Qian-Jie , Zhu Meimei , Wang Xiaosong
Published: June 2011

Currently there are few standardized speech testing materials for Mandarin-speaking cochlear implant (CI) listeners. In this study, Mandarin speech perception (MSP) sentence test materials were developed and validated in normal-hearing subjects listening to acoustic simulations of CI processing. Percent distribution of vowels, consonants, and tones within each MSP sentence list was similar to that observed across commonly used Chinese characters. There was no significant difference in sentence recognition across sentence lists. Given the phonetic balancing within lists and the validation with spectrally degraded speech, the present MSP test materials may be useful for assessing speech performance of Mandarin-speaking CI listeners.
Direct Observation of Nodes and Twofold Symmetry in FeSe Superconductor
Authors: Song Can-Li , Wang Yi-Lin , Cheng Peng , Jiang Ye-Ping , Li Wei , Zhang Tong , Li Zhi , He Ke , Wang Lili , Jia Jin-Feng , Hung Hsiang-Hsuan , Wu Congjun , Ma Xucun , Chen Xi , Xue Qi-Kun
Published: June 2011

Scanning tunneling spectroscopy suggests an orbital ordering mechanism for electron pairing in an iron-based superconductor.
SIRT6 Promotes DNA Repair Under Stress by Activating PARP1
Authors: Mao Zhiyong , Hine Christopher , Tian Xiao , Van Meter Michael , Au Matthew , Vaidya Amita , Seluanov Andrei , Gorbunova Vera
Published: June 2011

A genome stability regulator integrates DNA repair and stress signaling pathways.
EPOXI at Comet Hartley 2
Authors: A’Hearn Michael F. , Belton Michael J. S. , Delamere W. Alan , Feaga Lori M. , Hampton Donald , Kissel Jochen , Klaasen Kenneth P. , McFadden Lucy A. , Meech Karen J. , Melosh H. Jay , Schultz Peter H. , Sunshine Jessica M. , Thomas Peter C. , Veverka Joseph , Wellnitz Dennis D. , Yeomans Donald K. , Besse Sebastien , Bodewits Dennis , Bowling Timothy J. , Carcich Brian T. , Collins Steven M. , Farnham Tony L. , Groussin Olivier , Hermalyn Brendan , Kelley Michael S. , Kelley Michael S. , Li Jian-Yang , Lindler Don J. , Lisse Carey M. , McLaughlin Stephanie A. , Merlin Frédéric , Protopapa Silvia , Richardson James E. , Williams Jade L.
Published: June 2011

In situ observations show that comet Hartley 2 is an unusually hyperactive comet.
Terraces in Phylogenetic Tree Space
Authors: Sanderson Michael J. , McMahon Michelle M. , Steel Mike
Published: June 2011

Analysis of terraces in phylogenetic space can inform on phylogenetic relationships with greater computational efficiency
ADaPting to Energetic Stress
Authors: Bland Michelle L. , Birnbaum Morris J.
Published: June 2011

What is the true activator of a key enzyme that controls cell energetics?
Green Genomes
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: June 2011

With about 30 plant genomes in hand, researchers trace the evolution of our flora and discover that plant DNA is unusually dynamic.
E6 and E7 from Human Papillomavirus Type 16 Cooperate To Target the PDZ Protein Na/H Exchange Regulatory Factor 1
Authors: Accardi Rosita , Rubino Rosa , Scalise Mariafrancesca , Gheit Tarik , Shahzad Naveed , Thomas Miranda , Banks Lawrence , Indiveri Cesare , Sylla Bakary S. , Cardone Rosa A. , Reshkin Stephan J. , Tommasino Massimo
Published: June 2011

Previous studies have shown that the PDZ-binding motif of the E6 oncoprotein from the mucosal high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) types plays a key role in HPV-mediated cellular transformation in
in vitro
and
in vivo
experimental models. HR HPV E6 oncoproteins have the ability to efficiently degrade members of the PDZ motif-containing membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) family; however, it is possible that other PDZ proteins are also targeted by E6. Here, we describe a novel interaction of HPV type 16 (HPV16) E6 with a PDZ protein, Na
+
/H
+
exchange regulatory factor 1 (NHERF-1), which is involved in a number of cellular processes, including signaling and transformation. HPV16 E6 associates with and promotes the degradation of NHERF-1, and this property is dependent on the C-terminal PDZ-binding motif of E6. Interestingly, HPV16 E7, via the activation of the cyclin-dependent kinase complexes, promoted the accumulation of a phosphorylated form of NHERF-1, which is preferentially targeted by E6. Thus, both oncoproteins appear to cooperate in targeting NHERF-1. Notably, HPV18 E6 is not able to induce NHERF-1 degradation, indicating that this property is not shared with E6 from all HR HPV types. Downregulation of NHERF-1 protein levels was also observed in HPV16-positive cervical cancer-derived cell lines, such as SiHa and CaSki, as well as HPV16-positive cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Finally, our data show that HPV16-mediated NHERF-1 degradation correlates with the activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3′-OH kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway, which is known to play a key role in carcinogenesis.
Construction of a Full Transcription Map of Human Papillomavirus Type 18 during Productive Viral Infection
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Meyers Craig , Wang Hsu-Kun , Chow Louise T. , Zheng Zhi-Ming
Published: June 2011

Human papillomavirus type 18 (HPV18) is the second most common oncogenic HPV genotype, responsible for ∼15% of cervical cancers worldwide. In this study, we constructed a full HPV18 transcription map using HPV18-infected raft tissues derived from primary human vaginal or foreskin keratinocytes. By using 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), we mapped two HPV18 transcription start sites (TSS) for early transcripts at nucleotide (nt) 55 and nt 102 and the HPV18 late TSS frequently at nt 811, 765, or 829 within the E7 open reading frame (ORF) of the virus genome. HPV18 polyadenylation cleavage sites for early and late transcripts were mapped to nt 4270 and mainly to nt 7299 or 7307, respectively, by using 3′ RACE. Although all early transcripts were cleaved exclusively at a single cleavage site, HPV18 late transcripts displayed the heterogeneity of 3′ ends, with multiple minor cleavage sites for late RNA polyadenylation. HPV18 splice sites/splice junctions for both early and late transcripts were identified by 5′ RACE and primer walking techniques. Five 5′ splice sites (donor sites) and six 3′ splice sites (acceptor sites) that are highly conserved in other papillomaviruses were identified in the HPV18 genome. HPV18 L1 mRNA translates a L1 protein of 507 amino acids (aa), smaller than the 568 aa residues previously predicted. Collectively, a full HPV18 transcription map constructed from this report will lead us to further understand HPV18 gene expression and virus oncogenesis.
Nucleolin Interacts with the Feline Calicivirus 3′ Untranslated Region and the Protease-Polymerase NS6 and NS7 Proteins, Playing a Role in Virus Replication
Authors: Cancio-Lonches Clotilde , Yocupicio-Monroy Martha , Sandoval-Jaime Carlos , Galvan-Mendoza Iván , Ureña Luis , Vashist Surender , Goodfellow Ian , Salas-Benito Juan , Gutiérrez-Escolano Ana Lorena
Published: June 2011

Cellular proteins play many important roles during the life cycle of all viruses. Specifically, host cell nucleic acid-binding proteins interact with viral components of positive-stranded RNA viruses and regulate viral translation, as well as RNA replication. Here, we report that nucleolin, a ubiquitous multifunctional nucleolar shuttling phosphoprotein, interacts with the Norwalk virus and feline calicivirus (FCV) genomic 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs). Nucleolin can also form a complex
in vitro
with recombinant Norwalk virus NS6 and -7 (NS6/7) and can be copurified with the analogous protein from feline calicivirus (p76 or NS6/7) from infected feline kidney cells. Nucleolin RNA levels or protein were not modified during FCV infection; however, as a consequence of the infection, nucleolin was seen to relocalize from the nucleoli to the nucleoplasm, as well as to the perinuclear area where it colocalizes with the feline calicivirus NS6/7 protein. In addition, antibodies to nucleolin were able to precipitate viral RNA from feline calicivirus-infected cells, indicating a direct or indirect association of nucleolin with the viral RNA during virus replication. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of nucleolin resulted in a reduction of the cytopathic effect and virus yield in CrFK cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that nucleolin is a nucleolar component that interacts with viral RNA and NS6/7 and is required for feline calicivirus replication.
Peptidyl-Prolyl Isomerase Pin1 Is a Cellular Factor Required for Hepatitis C Virus Propagation
Authors: Lim Yun-Sook , Tran Huong T. L. , Park Soo-Je , Yim Seung-Ae , Hwang Soon B.
Published: June 2011

The life cycle of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is highly dependent on cellular factors. Using small interfering RNA (siRNA) library screening, we identified peptidyl-prolyl
cis-trans
isomerase NIMA-interacting 1 (Pin1) as a host factor involved in HCV propagation. Here we demonstrated that silencing of Pin1 expression resulted in decreases in HCV replication in both HCV replicon cells and cell culture-grown HCV (HCVcc)-infected cells, whereas overexpression of Pin1 increased HCV replication. Pin1 interacted with both the NS5A and NS5B proteins. However, Pin1 expression was increased only by the NS5B protein. Both the protein binding and isomerase activities of Pin1 were required for HCV replication. Juglone, a natural inhibitor of Pin1, inhibited HCV propagation by inhibiting the interplay between the Pin1 and HCV NS5A/NS5B proteins. These data indicate that Pin1 modulates HCV propagation and may contribute to HCV-induced liver pathogenesis.
Prevention and control of zoonoses on farms open to the public
Authors: Pritchard Geoff
Published: June 2011

Faced with falling profit margins from conventional livestock production, farmers have sought to diversify into new ventures to increase farm income. Despite a setback during the 2001 foot‐and‐mouth disease epidemic, farm attractions have been an important growth area in recent years and help to bridge the gap between urban living and the agricultural industry. Livestock farms that open to the public are now a well established part of the tourism industry in Britain and serve useful leisure, entertainment and educational roles. Close contact with animals or their environment may occasionally result in injury or zoonotic illness in humans. This article discusses the major zoonoses associated with farm livestock and highlights the role of veterinary surgeons in preventing and controlling disease on public farms.
Emerging zoonotic epidemics in the interconnected global community
Authors: Gibbs E. P. J.
Published: June 2011

The rate at which epidemics of zoonotic disease in humans have surfaced over the past 25 years has shaken – some would say shattered – the assumption that zoonotic diseases are under control, says Paul Gibbs. In this review he analyses the global factors that have led to the increased emergence of zoonotic diseases, sketches several recent epidemics (and where relevant, their relationship to bioterrorism), discusses the lessons learned, and concludes by outlining an agenda for action
Identifying hazards, assessing the risks
Authors: Walsh A. L. , Morgan D.
Published: June 2011

Recognising the emergence of a zoonosis or a new disease requires a multiagency approach. Amanda Walsh and Dilys Morgan discuss the work of the Human Animal Infections Risks and Surveillance (HAIRS) group in identifying and assessing the risks of zoonotic infections in England and Wales
Therapeutic applications of the human‐companion animal bond
Authors: Ormerod E. J. , Edney A. T. B. , Foster S. J. , Whyham M. C.
Published: June 2011

Better understanding of the human‐companion animal bond (HCAB) has resulted in a number of initiatives to help people with diverse health and social needs. The authors of this article trace the history of the HCAB, and discuss current programmes and key requirements for their success
Prevalence, incidence and geographical distribution of serovars of Salmonella on dairy farms in England and Wales
Authors: Davison H. C. , Smith R. P. , Pascoe S. J. S. , Sayers A. R. , Davies R. H. , Weaver J. P. , Kidd S. A. , Dalziel R. W. , Evans S. J.
Published: June 2011

A study of randomly selected dairy farms in England and Wales was made between October 1999 and February 2001 to estimate the prevalence and incidence of Salmonella serovars. The farms were enrolled through five milk‐buying companies, which represented 63 per cent of the dairy farms in England and Wales, and they were sampled on up to four occasions (449 farms at visit 1, 272 farms at visit 2, 251 farms at visit 3 and 243 farms at visit 4). In total, 19,296 samples of pooled faecal pats and slurry were collected. The farm‐specific prevalence of all serovars of Salmonella ranged from 12·1 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 8·2 to 16·0 per cent) to 24·7 per cent (95 per cent CI 19·4 to 30·1 per cent) at each visit. The most common serovars identified were Salmonella Dublin (3·7 to 6·6 per cent farm‐specific prevalence at each visit), Salmonella Agama (1·8 to 7·6 per cent) and Salmonella Typhimurium (2·6 to 4·1 per cent) The prevalence varied by region and month of sampling and increased in late summer. The incidence rate of all serovars of Salmonella was 0·43 (95 per cent CI 0·34 to 0·54) cases per farm‐year at risk. There was no significant difference between the incidence rates of the common serovars S Typhimurium (0·07), S Dublin (0·06) and S Agama (0·13). A total of 29 Salmonella serovars were isolated. Few of the isolates were resistant to the 16 antimicrobial agents tested, except the isolates of S Typhimurium DT104, of which 67·9 per cent were resistant to a least five of them.
REAL HYPERSURFACES IN COMPLEX TWO-PLANE GRASSMANNIANS SOME OF WHOSE JACOBI OPERATORS ARE ξ-INVARIANT
Authors: MACHADO CARLOS J. G. , DE DIOS PÉREZ JUAN
Published: June 2011

We classify Hopf real hypersurfaces in complex two-plane Grassmannians for which either the Jacobi structure operator or the Jacobi operators corresponding to the directions in the distribution [Formula: see text] are Lie ξ-parallel if they satisfy a further condition.
BOCHNER-TYPE FORMULAS FOR TRANSVERSALLY HARMONIC MAPS
Authors: CHEN QUN , ZHOU WUBIN
Published: June 2011

The main purpose of this paper is to study the properties of transversally harmonic maps by using Bochner-type formulas. As an application, we obtain the following theorem between compact Sasaki manifolds: Let f be a transversally harmonic map from compact Sasaki manifold M to compact Sasaki manifold M′, and M′ has a strongly negative transverse curvature. If the rank of dTf is at least three at some points of M, then f is contact holomorphic (or contact anti-holomorphic).
REMARKS ON Lp-VANISHING RESULTS IN GEOMETRIC ANALYSIS
Authors: PIGOLA STEFANO , VERONELLI GIONA
Published: June 2011

We survey some Lp-vanishing results for solutions of Bochner or Simons type equations with refined Kato inequalities, under spectral assumptions on the relevant Schrödinger operators. New aspects are included in the picture. In particular, an abstract version of a structure theorem for stable minimal hypersurfaces of finite total curvature is observed. Further geometric applications are discussed.
ON NONLINEAR RESPONSE NEAR-HALF NATURAL FREQUENCY OF ELECTROSTATICALLY ACTUATED MICRORESONATORS
Authors: CARUNTU DUMITRU I. , KNECHT MARTIN
Published: June 2011

This paper deals with the nonlinear response of electrostatically actuated cantilever beam microresonators near-half natural frequency. A first-order fringe correction of the electrostatic force, viscous damping, and Casimir effect are included in the model. Both forces, electrostatic and Casimir, are nonlinear. The dynamics of the resonator is investigated using the method of multiple scales (MMS) in a direct approach of the problem. The reduced order model (ROM) method, based on Galerkin procedure, is used as well. Steady-state motions are found. Numerical simulations are conducted for uniform microresonators. The influences of damping, actuation, and fringe effect on the resonator response are found.
A FINITE ELEMENT-BASED PERTURBATION METHOD FOR NONLINEAR FREE VIBRATION ANALYSIS OF COMPOSITE CYLINDRICAL SHELLS
Authors: RAHMAN T. , JANSEN E. L. , TISO P.
Published: June 2011

In this paper, a finite element-based approach for nonlinear vibration analysis of shell structures is presented. The approach makes use of a perturbation method that gives an approximation for the amplitude-frequency relation of the structure. The method is formulated using a functional notation and is subsequently converted to a finite element notation. After the determination of the linear natural frequency and corresponding vibration mode, the perturbation approach yields the initial curvature of the amplitude–frequency relation with a modest additional computational cost. The implementation of the perturbation approach in a general purpose finite element code using a laminated curved shell element is described. The effectiveness of the approach is illustrated by application to single-mode and coupled-mode nonlinear vibration analyses of cylindrical shells. Results for isotropic and composite cylindrical shells are presented and compared with results obtained via alternative approaches.
POSTBUCKLING ANALYSIS OF VARIABLE STIFFNESS COMPOSITE PLATES USING A FINITE ELEMENT-BASED PERTURBATION METHOD
Authors: RAHMAN T. , IJSSELMUIDEN S. T. , ABDALLA M. M. , JANSEN E. L.
Published: June 2011

Modern fiber placement machines allow laminates with spatially varying stiffness properties to be manufactured. In earlier research, the authors optimized variable stiffness plates for maximum buckling load, demonstrating significant improvements in load-carrying capacity. In aerospace applications, panel structures are often permitted to enter the postbuckling regime during service. It is, therefore, not only important to understand their postbuckling behavior, but also to develop fast analysis methods that can subsequently be used in a design optimization framework. The aim of the present research is to study the postbuckling behavior of the optimized plates using a perturbation method that has been developed earlier within a general-purpose finite element environment. The perturbation approach is used to compute postbuckling coefficients, which are used to make a quick estimate of the postbuckling stiffness of the panel and to establish a reduced-order model. In the present work, the postbuckling analysis of variable stiffness plates is carried out using the reduced-order model, and the potential of the approach for incorporation within the optimization process is demonstrated.
A novel water-soluble near-infrared glucose-conjugated porphyrin: synthesis, properties and its optical imaging effect
Authors: Lv Feng , He Xujun , Lu Li , Wu Li , Liu Tianjun
Published: June 2011

A simple novel near-infrared water-soluble glucose-conjugated porphyrin, 5,15-bis-[(trimethylsilyl)ethynyl]-10,20-bis[4-β-D-glucopyranosyl)phenyl]porphyrin, with good optical stability and high emission ability in near-infrared region, was synthesized. And Optical Imaging in vivo with this compound as probe was performed on liver tumor-bearing nude mice. The result shows that this glucose-conjugated porphyrin could display information in vivo more than 1 cm in depth, which implies its potential application as optical probe in cancer diagnosis.
Substituted zinc phthalocyanine as an antimicrobial photosensitizer for periodontitis treatment
Authors: Chen Jincan , Chen Zhuo , Zheng Yuqian , Zhou Shanyong , Wang Jundong , Chen Naisheng , Huang Jinling , Yan Fuhua , Huang Mingdong
Published: June 2011

In the last decades the worldwide rise in antibiotic resistance has intensified the development of new antimicrobial agents. Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) has been used successfully to inactivate bacteria. We herein report a new zinc phthalocyanine based photosensitizer conjugated with polylysine moiety ( ZnPc-PL ). This photosensitizer significantly inactivated Porphyromonas gingivalis, the primary pathogenic bacteria responsible for periodontitis. No obvious phototoxicity was found to either mammalian bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) or human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLC), indicating the high selectivity of ZnPc -PL toward bacteria. Furthermore, we established an experimental periodontitis model on beagle dogs to test the antimicrobial efficacy in vivo. The amount of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and the activity of crevicular fluid aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were monitored and were found to reduce significantly in the ZnPc-PL treated group compared to the controls (laser only and no treatment). In addition, PACT with ZnPc -PL caused a reduction in the bacterial burden by 100-fold compared to controls. Taken together, these findings suggest ZnPc-PL is a promising antimicrobial photosensitizer for the treatment of periodontal diseases.
Two Patients with Extremely Elevated Tumor Markers: Where Is the Malignancy?
Authors: van der Veek Patrick P. J. , de Vos tot Nederveen Cappel Wouter H. , Langers Alexandra M. J. , van Hoek Bart
Published: June 2011

Serum tumor markers are useful to evaluate a cancer's response to treatment, for early detection of cancer relapse, and, in some cases, to diagnose malignancy. In this paper, we present two patients with significantly elevated serum tumor markerswithoutevidence of malignant disease. An 18-year-old patient suffering from autoimmune hepatitis had markedly increased alpha-fetoprotein (aFP) levels (2,002 μg/L; normal <10 ug/L). Extensive imaging showed no signs of hepatocellular carcinoma or other cancer, and treatment with Prednisone led to rapid normalization of both liver enzymes and aFP. The second patient, a 60-year-old female with painless jaundice due to biliary stone disease, had very high serum levels of CA19-9 (18,000 kU/L, normal <27 kU/L). Liver biochemistry and serum CA19-9 concentration decreased to almost normal values (45 kU/L) after biliary stenting. These cases demonstrate that serum tumor markers can be elevated in benign disease and are therefore not appropriate to diagnose cancer.
Some Fixed Point Theorems in Ordered G‐Metric Spaces and Applications
Authors: Shatanawi W.
Published: June 2011

We study a number of fixed point results for the two weakly increasing mappings f and g with respect to partial ordering relation ⪯ in generalized metric spaces. An application to integral equation is given.
Fine Structure Constant, Domain Walls, and Generalized Uncertainty Principle in the Universe
Authors: Tedesco Luigi
Published: June 2011

We study the corrections to the fine structure constant from the generalized
uncertainty principle in the spacetime of a domain wall. We also calculate the corrections to the standard formula to the energy of the electron in the hydrogen atom to the ground state, in the case of spacetime of a domain wall and generalized uncertainty principle. The results generalize the cases known in literature.
Clinical Uses of Melatonin in Pediatrics
Authors: Sánchez-Barceló Emilio J. , Mediavilla Maria D. , Reiter Russel J.
Published: June 2011

This study analyzes the results of clinical trials of treatments with melatonin conducted in children, mostly focused on sleep disorders of different origin. Melatonin is beneficial not only in the treatment of dyssomnias, especially delayed sleep phase syndrome, but also on sleep disorders present in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity, autism spectrum disorders, and, in general, in all sleep disturbances associated with mental, neurologic, or other medical disorders. Sedative properties of melatonin have been used in diagnostic situations requiring sedation or as a premedicant in children undergoing anesthetic procedures. Epilepsy and febrile seizures are also susceptible to treatment with melatonin, alone or associated with conventional antiepileptic drugs. Melatonin has been also used to prevent the progression in some cases of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. In newborns, and particularly those delivered preterm, melatonin has been used to reduce oxidative stress associated with sepsis, asphyxia, respiratory distress, or surgical stress. Finally, the administration of melatonin, melatonin analogues, or melatonin precursors to the infants through the breast-feeding, or by milk formula adapted for day and night, improves their nocturnal sleep. Side effects of melatonin treatments in children have not been reported. Although the above-described results are promising, specific studies to resolve the problem of dosage, formulations, and length of treatment are necessary.
Self-Organization of ZnO Nanoparticles on UV-Curable Acrylate Nanocomposites
Authors: Burunkova J. A. , Denisyuk I. Yu. , Semina S. A.
Published: June 2011

Our work focused on synthesis and investigation of nanoparticles role in structuring of homogenous nanocomposite based on ZnO nanoparticles in UV-curable monomers mixture. Due to strong interaction between nanoparticles surface and polymerizable carboxylic acid, nanoparticles were distributed homogeneously, and density of nanocomposite increased also in comparison with pure polymer matrix. Light scattering, plasticity, and water sorption non-monotonically depends on the concentration of nanoparticles concentration. UV-curable active matrix polymerization on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles was investigated using IR spectroscopy. The set of structural modifications of polymeric nanocomposites were observed by ASM, light scattering, Brinell hardness, and water sorption.Suggestions that the nanoparticles in the polymerization process play the role of photocatalysts and provide structuring effect on the nanocomposite were discussed.