bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Evolution of the Massively Parallel Processing Database in Support of Visual Analytics
Authors: Willson Ian A.
Published: January 2013

This article explores the evolution of the Massively Parallel Processing (MPP) database, focusing on trends of particular relevance to analytics. The dramatic shift of database vendors and leading companies to utilize MPP databases and deploy an Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW) is presented. The inherent benefits of fresher data, storage efficiency, and most importantly accessibility to analytics are explored. Published industry and vendor metrics are examined that demonstrate substantial and growing cost efficiencies from utilizing MPP databases. The author concludes by reviewing trends toward parallelizing decision support workload into the database, ranging from within database transformations to new statistical and spatial analytic capabilities provided by parallelizing these algorithms to execute directly within the MPP database. These new capabilities present an opportunity for timely and powerful enterprise analytics, providing a substantial competitive advantage to those companies able to leverage this technology to turn data into actionable information, gain valuable new insights, and automate operational decision making.
An Investigation into the Adoption of Electronic Commerce Among Saudi Arabian SMEs
Authors: Al-Somali Sabah Abdullah , Gholami Roya , Clegg Ben
Published: January 2013

Despite the proliferation of e-commerce adoption by SMEs and the world-wide growth of e-commerce, in general there is a paucity of empirical studies that examine the adoption of e-commerce by SMEs in the Middle East. In this paper, the authors provide insights into the salient e-commerce adoption issues by focusing on Saudi Arabian SMEs. This research was designed using a qualitative approach through in-depth case studies selected from firms in Saudi Arabia. The findings contribute toward a better conceptual and practical understanding of the main factors driving SMEs to adopt e-commerce. The authors find that the level of e-commerce implementation has yet to mature and customer readiness for Internet shopping must improve before e-commerce reaches the levels of maturity seen in other regions of the world. This study highlights directions for future inquiry and implications for information and technology managers and policymakers in developing Arab nations.
Does National Culture Affect E-Procurement Implementations?
Authors: Genis-Gruber Ahu , Tas Bedri Kamil Onur
Published: January 2013

In the past decade, electronic mechanisms have started to overtake the conventional methods of procurement for both governments and enterprises because of the cost and time saving effects of e-procurement. Economic theory suggests that the success of e-procurement depends on the number of bidders who participate in procurement auctions. In this paper, the authors investigate the cultural factors that affect the usage and perceived acceptance of e-procurement process. This study identifies cultural barriers for adoption of e-procurement, which is essential for the success of e-procurement systems. The authors analyze extensive Eurostat datasets using Panel Data regression methods. Based on the empirical findings of the paper, the authors develop the Unified E-procurement Model (UEM). This model describes the cultural perspective for a successful e-procurement system by combining cultural dimensions, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and the Competition in Auctions Theory (CAT). The UEM exposes the working dynamics of cultural factors that affect participation to online procurement auctions and presents total savings achieved through higher participation of enterprises. The empirical findings of the paper have practical implications and provide a road map for an efficient e-procurement system implementation.
Understanding the Behavioral Determinants of M-Banking Adoption
Authors: Seyal Afzaal H. , Rahim Mahbubur , Turner Rodney
Published: January 2013

M-banking has become an important alternative to electronic banking and a popular medium in the developed world. This important mode of business has not been very widely used in the developing world. The acceptance of m-banking appears to be affected by several factors, some of which may be the personal attitudes of the users, influences of normality, and the context in which it is used. The study focuses on two hundred customers from major banks in Brunei Darussalam and explores m-banking adoption by combining the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Rogers’ Diffusion of innovations (DOI) attributes of adoption, and the decomposed theory of planned behavior with eight antecedent variables: perceived usefulness, ease of use, compatibility, credibility, image, financial cost, motive to use m-banking, and influence of reference groups leading towards customers’ attitudes that determine the m-banking adoption. The results are discussed in depth further into the study.
Pareto Artificial Life Algorithm for Multi-Objective Optimization
Authors: Song Jin-Dae , Yang Bo-Suk
Published: January 2013

Most engineering optimization uses multiple objective functions rather than single objective function. To realize an artificial life algorithm based multi-objective optimization, this paper proposes a Pareto artificial life algorithm that is capable of searching Pareto set for multi-objective function solutions. The Pareto set of optimum solutions is found by applying two objective functions for the optimum design of the defined journal bearing. By comparing with the optimum solutions of a single objective function, it is confirmed that the single function optimization result is one of the specific cases of Pareto set of optimum solutions.
An Optimization Model for the Identification of Temperature in Intelligent Building
Authors: Zhang ZhenYa , Cheng HongMei , Zhang ShuGuang
Published: January 2013

Methods for the reconstruction of temperature fields in an intelligent building with temperature data of discrete observation positions is a current topic of research. To reconstruct temperature field with observation data, it is necessary to model the identification of temperature in each observation position. In this paper, models for temperature identification in an intelligent building are formalized as optimization problems based on observation temperature data sequence. To solve the optimization problem, a feed forward neural network is used to formalize the identification structure, and connection matrixes of the neural network are the identification parameters. With the object function for the given optimization problem as the fitness function, the training of the feed forward neural network is driven by a genetic algorithm. The experiment for the precision and stability of the proposed method is designed with real temperature data from an intelligent building.
Research of Biogeography-Based Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Mo Hongwei , Xu Zhidan
Published: January 2013

Biogeography-based optimization algorithm (BBO) is an optimization algorithm inspired by the migration of animals in nature. A new multi-objective evolutionary algorithm is proposed, which is called Biogeography-based multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (BBMOEA). The fitness assignment and the external population elitism of SPEA2 are adapted to ensure even distribution of the solution set. The population evolutionary operators of BBO are applied to the evolution of the external population to ensure the convergence of the solution set. Simulation results on benchmark test problems illustrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
The Effects of Investments in Information Technology on Firm Performance
Authors: Wong Jeffrey , Dow Kevin E.
Published: January 2013

Analyzing the beneficial effects of investments in information technology (IT) is an area of research that interests investors and academics. A number of studies have examined whether investments in IT have a positive effect on some measure of earnings or other form of financial return. Results from these studies have been mixed. This paper extends the literature by adopting an investor’s perspective on firm performance when IT investments are made, using the preservation of capital as a performance measure. The authors examine companies that made public announcements of their investments in technology to see if they were able to mitigate losses to investors by reducing their downside risk to investors. This study further discusses whether different types of IT investments have different impacts on firm risk from an investor’s viewpoint. Findings suggest that IT investments impact a firm’s downside risk, and the authors offer an alternative perspective on the benefits of IT investments, particularly where no positive incremental financial results are evident.
Secure Electronic Healthcare Records Management in Wireless Environments
Authors: Belsis Petros , Skourlas Christos , Gritzalis Stefanos
Published: January 2013

Wireless technologies have lately been integrated in many types of environments; their development is able to provide innovative services minimizing costs and the time necessary to identify the necessary information. However medical information is very sensitive since it contains critical personal data. Security and privacy preservation are very critical parameters. Lately, innovative technologies such as software agents’ technology have been utilized to support distributed environments. Presented is an architecture that allows secure medical related information management using software agents; this work expands previous research (Belsis, Skourlas, & Gritzalis, 2011). The authors present a security oriented solution and also provide experimental evidence about the capability of the platform to operate in wireless environments with large number of users.
The Value of Government Mandated Location-Based Services in Emergencies in Australia
Authors: Aloudat Anas , Michael Katina , Abbas Roba , Al-Debei Mutaz
Published: January 2013

The adoption of mobile technologies for emergency management has the capacity to save lives. In Australia in February 2009, the Victorian Bushfires claimed 173 lives, the worst peace-time disaster in the nation’s history. The Australian government responded swiftly to the tragedy by going to tender for mobile applications that could be used during emergencies, such as mobile alerts and location services. These applications have the ability to deliver personalized information direct to the citizen during crises, complementing traditional broadcasting mediums like television and radio. Indeed governments have a responsibility to their citizens to safeguard them against both natural and human-made hazards and today national security has grown to encapsulate such societal and economic securitization. However, some citizens and lobby groups have emphasized that such breakthrough technologies need to be deployed with caution as they are fraught with ethical considerations, including the potential for breaches in privacy, security and trust. The other problem is that real world implementations of national emergency alerts have not always worked reliably and their value has come into question as a result. This paper provides a big picture view of the value of government-mandated location-based services during emergencies, and the challenges ensuing from their use.
Customer Relationship and Satisfaction
Authors: Ahmed Abdel Moneim M. B.
Published: January 2013

This paper establishes if using a comment card provides a reliable form of feedback regarding customer satisfaction in hotels. This exploratory study was conducted at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel-Dubai, UAE. They are a convenient way for guests to complain, make suggestions and praise. Managers use this input to make quick fixes and comfort distraught guests. The trouble is that hotels depend on comment cards for more than casual guest feedback. Hotels use the results for determining employee bonuses or employee performance evaluations and depend them when making business decisions. This paper examines the comment cards as an important feedback mechanism to measure customer satisfaction and argues that it is an effective instrument to strengthen relationships. Literature suggests that comment cards are not scientific or secure. Only happy or unhappy guests participate in these surveys, which can lead to extreme or misleading results.
Do Attitudes Toward Careers in Sales Differ Based on Country of Origin?
Authors: Pettijohn Charlie , Pettijohn Linda
Published: January 2013

Personal selling is a profession that has been described as requiring skilled and professional employees. Although employers have looked toward colleges and universities as sources of potential new sales employees in the past, the complexity and professionalism required in sales has led employers to recruit graduate students to fill the sales role. This research evaluates the exposure of students pursuing their MBA degrees to sales and their attitudes toward sales to identify how these attitudes might affect the recruiting process. Further, given the prevalence of international business operations, the study identifies sales attitudes and sales exposure in a comparative fashion by assessing the responses of MBA students in the US and in UK The results provide insights into differences in attitudes and sales knowledge between students enrolled in MBA courses in the two countries. Based on these findings, conclusions and suggestions for employers and educational institutions are developed.
Role of European Automotive Supplier Integration in New Product Development
Authors: Syan Chanan S. , White Anthony S.
Published: January 2013

Over the past two decades, the automotive industry has experienced major changes as a result of globalisation, changing customer requirements and environmental legislation. The supplier integration in the new product development process is a significant step in facilitating reduction in the time to market of innovations and reducing costs. The aim of this work is to assess the extent of supplier integration in automotive organisations and to identify what barriers still exist. An exploratory Europe-wide survey was conducted, and 31 usable returns from automotive organisations spread across the EU. The survey confirmed the increasing importance of supplier integration in the automotive industry; however, the practice varies from organisation to organisation. They also indicate that most automobile manufacturers are engaged in functional rather than strategic supplier integration, indicating that the supplier integration is not yet fully developed, but progress in the first tier of suppliers is becoming common.
Citizen Lifetime Value in E-Government
Authors: Nikkhahan B. , Tarokh M. J.
Published: January 2013

Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) is one of the most important measures of valuing the customers in private sector. CLV calculates customer contribution in the profits of organization. In this paper Citizen Lifetime Value (CzLV) is introduced to measure the financial value of citizens for the government. CzLV evaluates citizen contribution in cost reduction of the organization. This measure can be calculated based on past behavior of citizens in using the service and cost reduction of using online services rather than offline ones. Logistic regression is employed as a data mining technique to predict future use of online services by citizens. A service of Tehran.ir called “137,” one of the most important portals of Iran’s E-government, is considered as a case study. CzLV for the citizens of this service is calculated and four citizen segments are specified. Then each segment is evaluated based on different characteristic of citizens, and suitable strategies are presented to build more financial values for the organization.
Effectiveness of Customer Relationship Management Program in Insurance Companies
Authors: Gautam Vikas
Published: January 2013

Customer relationship management in the insurance industry is in the nascent stage. Firms are framing new strategies to combat stiff competition. Public and private insurance companies are implementing customer relationship programs to attract more customers and retain existing customers. The objectives of this study are (1) to study the customer relationship management program of the Life Insurance Corporation of India, and (2) to assess the effectiveness of this customer relationship management program. The study is based on the opinion scores of 182 policyholders of Life Insurance Corporation of India, who have been with the company for more than the last five years. Based on the average opinion scores before and after the implementation of the Customer Relationship Management program, it was concluded that the program is effective, which was evidenced by the results obtained from statistical analysis (Paired sample t-test).
Exploring Determinants Influencing the Intention to Use Mobile Payment Service
Authors: Mahran Amira F. A. , Enaba Hala M. Labib
Published: January 2013

Mobile services are becoming increasingly commonplace in everyday life; however, Mobile payment (M-payment) is not among frequently used mobile services. The slowness of the diffusion of this service is the point of departure of the current research. The authors discuss why consumers are slow in adopting M-payment service and develop a proposed model that measures the customer’s attitude and intention to use this technology in Egypt. Different theories from diverse fields are reviewed to formulate the study’s conceptual framework. Empirical data were collected via an online survey for a sample of 490 students in “open education”, a type of e-distance learning. The results suggest that although the most important determinants influencing the customer’s attitude toward the service are perceived behavioral control and perceived usefulness, those influencing the intention to use it are perceived innovativeness, perceived expressiveness, facilitating condition, perceived usefulness, and social pressure. The results of the research differ from those of previous studies because of the effect of the Egyptian culture. Service providers can benefit from the results when formulating the marketing strategies to increase the usage of this service, improving mobile commerce.
Egyptian Electronic Government
Authors: Hassan H. S. , Abdelkader A. A. M.
Published: January 2013

Many developing countries’ governments have invested heavily in increasing the number of e-government projects. However, there is a lack of clear case material, which describes the potentialities and consequence experienced by governments trying to manage with this change. The Ministry of State for Administrative Development (MSAD) is the organization responsible for the e-Government program in Egypt since early 2004. This paper presents the findings of the CRM case study, one of the e-service projects led by MSAD. Semi-structured interviews have been used as primary data collection techniques. The findings of the study reveal that the main driver to the success of the project is changing the organisational culture and thinking. It is noticed there is an influence of the project on citizens’ encouragement for public participation as it was able to increase their satisfaction levels. Also, the findings emphasised the problems that face the overall e-government program in Egypt. They also explain the relationships among those identified problems of governmental e-service development.
Influential Greek Political Blogs
Authors: Zafiropoulos Kostas , Vagianos Dimitrios , Vrana Vasiliki
Published: January 2013

Blogs are becoming one of the most popular media of communication and interaction. They increase people’s participation and enhance discussion on political matters. The chapter uses quantitative blog features analysis and associates it with content analysis of eParticipation topics to detect influential blogs in the Greek political blogosphere. Through a sampling procedure, 127 Greek political blogs are recorded. Four indexes of influence and one overall influence index are calculated for each one of them to record their influence. Further, content analysis of the blogs results in finding how many of them discuss eParticipation topics. Analysis shows that eParticipation topics discussion is a property of the influential political blogs.
Action Potentials
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: January 2013

An ideology is defined as a set of ideas that “explains and evaluates social conditions, helps people understand their place in society, and provides a program for social and political action” (Ball & Dagger, 2011, p. 4). As such, these concepts underpin the actions of various groups and organizations, including that of the Anonymous hacker group, which professes no ideology or creed. Rather, the group has styled itself as a kind of anarchic global brain connected by various spaces on the Internet. This work explores four main data streams to extrapolate the group’s ideology: the current socio-political context of hacking and hacktivism; the group’s self-definition (through its professed values); the group’s actions (through the “propaganda of the deed”); and the insights of others about the group This chapter defines the socio-technical context of this Anonymous hacker socio-political movement, which draws ideas from the Hacker Manifesto 2.0, which suggests the advent of a new economic system with the new technological vectors (mediums of communication). This movement is apparently pushing forth the advent of a new information regime in which the abstraction of ideas adds a “surplus” economic value that may be tapped. Styled as fighters against government tyranny, they are pushing hard against an international regime of intellectual property and information control by governments and corporations. This is being published in the spirit that (some) information wants to be free and that there is a value in direct discourse.
Affirmative Action in the United States and Positive Action in the European Union in the Context of Comparative Law
Authors: Konsta Anna-Maria
Published: January 2013

The concept of “formal” equality is an expression of the Aristotelian principle that “treats like cases as like”. However, formal equality may not be sufficient to provide “equality in practice” or “substantive equality.” The implementation of substantive equality often requires the adoption of compensatory policies or measures designed to correct the effects of discrimination suffered by various population groups in the past or present. Such compensatory measures are known as affirmative or positive action. The term “affirmative action” had its beginnings in the 1960s in the USA, as a response to the racial segregation rooted in the country’s history and still prevalent in that decade. In the European Union, the concept of positive action appeared in the 1970s, and was initially associated with promoting gender equality, and subsequently with “substantive” equality of men and women in the workplace. In this chapter the legislative framework and the case law of the Supreme Court is examined in respect to affirmative action in the United States followed by the corresponding European Union legislation and the case law of the ECJ, attempting, finally, to give a comparative review of the law of affirmative action. This study should help us, through the spectrum of Comparative Law, to better understand not only the concept of social rights but also the different values and different perceptions of the law prevailing in different legal cultures.
DifferentialLy49eExpression Pathways in Resting versus TCR-Activated Intraepithelial γδ T Cells
Authors: Van Den Broeck Tina , Van Ammel Els , Delforche Maarten , Taveirne Sylvie , Kerre Tessa , Vandekerckhove Bart , Taghon Tom , Plum Jean , Leclercq Georges
Published: January 2013

The Ly49 NK receptor family in mice is composed of several members that recognize MHC class I (MHC-I) or MHC-I–related molecules. We and others have shown before that Ly49E is a unique member, with a different expression pattern on NK cells and being triggered by the non–MHC-I–related protein urokinase plasminogen activator. Among the entire Ly49 receptor family, Ly49E is the only Ly49 member expressed by epidermal-localized γδ T cells and their fetal thymic TCRγδ precursors, and it is the most abundantly expressed member on intestinal intraepithelial γδ T cell lymphocytes. In this study, we provide mechanistic insights into the regulation of Ly49e expression in γδ T cells. First, we demonstrate that TCR-mediated activation of intraepithelial γδ T cells significantly increases Ly49E expression. This results from de novo Ly49E expression and is highly selective, because no other Ly49 family members are induced. TCR-mediated Ly49E induction is a conserved feature of skin- and gut-residing intraepithelial-localized γδ T cell subsets, whereas it is not observed in spleen γδ T cells. By investigating Ly49e promoter activities and lymphotoxin (LT) αβ dependency in resting versus TCR-activated intraepithelial γδ T cells, we reveal two separate regulatory pathways for Ly49E expression, as follows: a LTαβ-dependent pathway leading to basal Ly49E expression in resting cells that is induced by Pro2-mediated Ly49e transcription, and a LTαβ-independent pathway leading to elevated, Pro3-driven Ly49E expression in TCR-stimulated cells.
Distinct Populations of Innate CD8+ T Cells Revealed in a CXCR3 Reporter Mouse
Authors: Oghumu Steve , Dong Ran , Varikuti Sanjay , Shawler Todd , Kampfrath Thomas , Terrazas Cesar A. , Lezama-Davila Claudio , Ahmer Brian M. M. , Whitacre Caroline C. , Rajagopalan Sanjay , Locksley Richard , Sharpe Arlene H. , Satoskar Abhay R.
Published: January 2013

CXCR3, expressed mainly on activated T and NK cells, is implicated in a host of immunological conditions and can contribute either to disease resolution or pathology. We report the generation and characterization of a novel CXCR3 internal ribosome entry site bicistronic enhanced GFP reporter (CIBER) mouse in which enhanced GFP expression correlates with surface levels of CXCR3. Using CIBER mice, we identified two distinct populations of innate CD8+ T cells based on constitutive expression of CXCR3. We demonstrate that CXCR3+ innate CD8+ T cells preferentially express higher levels of Ly6C and CD122, but lower levels of CCR9 compared with CXCR3− innate CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, we show that CXCR3+ innate CD8+ T cells express higher transcript levels of antiapoptotic but lower levels of proapoptotic factors, respond more robustly to IL-2 and IL-15, and produce significantly more IFN-γ and granzyme B. Interestingly, CXCR3+ innate CD8+ T cells do not respond to IL-12 or IL-18 alone, but produce significant amounts of IFN-γ on stimulation with a combination of these cytokines. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that CXCR3+ and CXCR3− innate CD8+ T cells are phenotypically and functionally distinct. These newly generated CIBER mice provide a novel tool for studying the role of CXCR3 and CXCR3-expressing cells in vivo.
Resolution of Hypercalcemia and Acute Kidney Injury After Treatment for Pulmonary Tuberculosis Without the Use of Corticosteroids
Authors: Araujo Constance A. A. , Araujo Nicole A. A. , Daher Elizabeth F. , Oliveira José Daniel B. , Kubrusly Marcos , Duarte Pastora M. A. , Silva Sonia L. , Araujo Sonia M. H. A.
Published: January 2013

Hypercalcemia caused by tuberculosis is rare and it is usually asymptomatic. Tuberculosis (TB) -related hypercalcemia associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) is rarely reported. We report a case of a 22-year-old immunocompetent man with 1-month history of daily fever, asthenia and weight loss. Laboratory findings on admission included serum calcium 14.9 mg/dL, urinary Ca2+ 569.6 mg/24 hours, low level of parathyroid hormone, serum creatinine = 2.2 mg/dL and sodium fractional excretion (FeNa) 2.73%. The result of the tuberculin skin test was 17 mm. A chest X-ray revealed micronodular pulmonary infiltrate in the apex of the right lung, which was confirmed by computed tomography scan. The patient was diagnosed with hypercalcemia associated with pulmonary TB and AKI. A general improvement of the hypercalcemia and renal function was observed in the first 2 weeks after effective hydration and treatment of TB without corticosteroids. The patient was discharged with normal calcium levels and renal function.
Disseminated Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection in a Dog
Authors: Martinho Anna Paula Vitirito , Franco Marília Masello Junqueira , Ribeiro Márcio Garcia , Perrotti Isabella Belletti Mutt , Mangia Simone Henriques , Megid Jane , Vulcano Luiz Carlos , Lara Gustavo Henrique Batista , Santos Adolfo Carlos Barreto , Leite Clarice Queico Fujimura , de Carvalho Sanches Osimar , Paes Antonio Carlos
Published: January 2013

An uncommon disseminated Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is described in a 12-year-old female dog presenting with fever, dyspnea, cough, weight loss, lymphadenopathy, melena, epistaxis, and emesis. The dog had a history of close contact with its owner, who died of pulmonary tuberculosis. Radiographic examination revealed diffuse radio-opaque images in both lung lobes, diffuse visible masses in abdominal organs, and hilar and mesenteric lymphadenopathy. Bronchial washing samples and feces were negative for acid-fast organisms. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based species identification of bronchial washing samples, feces, and urine revealed M. tuberculosis using PCR-restriction enzyme pattern analysis-PRA. Because of public health concerns, which were worsened by the physical condition of the dog, euthanasia of the animal was recommended. Rough and tough colonies suggestive of M. tuberculosis were observed after microbiological culture of lung, liver, spleen, heart, and lymph node fragments in Löwenstein-Jensen and Stonebrink media. The PRA analysis enabled diagnosis of M. tuberculosis strains isolated from organs.
A Rare Case of Sessile Polypoidal Xanthoma of Vocal Cord
Authors: Shah Pankaj , Katarkar Ashish , Modh Datt , Jain Anil Kumar , Jain Sanyogita , Alam Noorain , Lakum Nayna
Published: January 2013

We report a rare case of sessile polypoidal xanthoma of vocal cord in a 38-year-old female, presented with complaint of hoarseness of voice for 3 months. Hopkins telescopic examination showed a sessile polyp arising from the anterior aspect of laryngeal vocal cord. With clinical diagnosis of vocal cord polyp, microlaryngeal surgery was done and tissue was sent for histopathological and culture examination. Histopathological findings showed features of polypoidal xanthoma. Culture was negative.

How to cite this article

Jain AK, Jain S, Katarkar A, Alam N, Lakum N, Shah P, Modh D. A Rare Case of Sessile Polypoidal Xanthoma of Vocal Cord. Int J Phonosurg Laryngol 2012;2(2): 66-68.
Hypoglossia with Mandibular and Palatal Abnormalities
Authors: Shetty Shishir , Anusha RL , Thomas Priya Sara , Babu Subhas G
Published: January 2013

Tongue is the most mobile organ of the body with multiple functions, such as speech, mastication, taste and swallowing. Numerous congenital and developmental disorders of the tongue have been reported in literature. Hypoglossia, also known as microglossia, is one of the rare anomalies. Usually hypoglossia is associated with many other systemic abnormalities but rarely found as an isolated entity. Lack of tongue development leads to decreased mandibular growth. The aim of this article is to report a rare case of isolated hypoglossia and resultant micrognathia. Presence of palatal and faucial pillar abnormalities with hypoglossia which is extremely rare is also highlighted in our report.

How to cite this article

Shetty S, Anusha RL, Thomas PS, Babu SG. Hypoglossia with Mandibular and Palatal Abnormalities. Int J Phonosurg and Laryngol 2012;2(2):85-87.
Effect of photochemical ageing on the ice nucleation properties of diesel and wood burning particles
Authors: Chou C. , Kanji Z. A. , Stetzer O. , Tritscher T. , Chirico R. , Heringa M. F. , Weingartner E. , Prévôt A. S. H. , Baltensperger U. , Lohmann U.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. A measurement campaign (IMBALANCE) conducted in 2009 was aimed at characterizing the physical and chemical properties of freshly emitted and photochemically aged combustion particles emitted from a log wood burner and diesel vehicles: a EURO3 Opel Astra with a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) but no particle filter and a EURO2 Volkswagen Transporter TDI Syncro without emission aftertreatment. Ice nucleation experiments in the deposition and condensation freezing modes were conducted with the Portable Ice Nucleation Chamber (PINC) at three nominal temperatures, −30 °C, −35 °C and −40 °C. Freshly emitted diesel particles showed ice formation only at −40 °C in the deposition mode at 137% relative humidity with respect to ice (RHi) and 92% relative humidity with respect to water (RHw), and photochemical ageing did not play a role in modifying their ice nucleation behaviour. Only one diesel experiment where α-pinene was added for the ageing process, showed an ice nucleation enhancement at −35 °C. Wood burning particles also act as ice nuclei (IN) at −40 °C in the deposition mode at the same conditions as for diesel particles and photochemical ageing also did not alter the ice formation properties of the wood burning particles. Unlike diesel particles, wood burning particles form ice via condensation freezing at −35 °C whereas no ice nucleation was observed at −30 °C. Photochemical ageing did not affect the ice nucleation ability of the diesel and wood burning particles at the three different temperatures investigated but a broader range of temperatures below −40 °C need to be investigated in order to draw an overall conclusion on the effect of photochemical ageing on deposition/condensation ice nucleation across the entire temperature range relevant to cold clouds.
Field investigations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exchange between plants and the atmosphere
Authors: Breuninger C. , Meixner F. X. , Kesselmeier J.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. The nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exchange between the atmosphere and needles of Picea abies L. (Norway Spruce) was studied under uncontrolled field conditions using a dynamic chamber system. This system allows measurements of the flux density of the reactive NO-NO2-O3 triad and additionally of the non-reactive trace gases CO2 and H2O. For the NO2 detection a highly NO2 specific blue light converter was used, which was coupled to chemiluminescence detection of the photolysis product NO. This NO2 converter excludes known interferences with other nitrogen compounds, which occur by using more unspecific NO2 converters. Photo-chemical reactions of NO, NO2, and O3 inside the dynamic chamber were considered for the determination of NO2 flux densities, NO2 deposition velocities, as well as NO2 compensation point concentrations. The calculations are based on a bi-variate weighted linear regression analysis (y- and x-errors considered). The NO2 deposition velocities for spruce, based on projected needle area, ranged between 0.07 and 0.42 mm s−1. The calculated NO2 compensation point concentrations ranged from 2.4 ± 9.63 to 29.0 ± 16.30 nmol m−3 (0.05–0.65 ppb) but the compensation point concentrations were all not significant in terms of compensation point concentration is unequal to zero. These data challenge the existence of a NO2 compensation point concentration for spruce. Our study resulted in lower values of NO2 gas exchange flux densities, NO2 deposition velocities and NO2 compensation point concentrations in comparison to most previous studies. It is essential to use a more specific NO2 analyzer than used in previous studies and to consider photo-chemical reactions between NO, NO2, and O3 inside the chamber.
Aerosol decadal trends – Part 1: In-situ optical measurements at GAW and IMPROVE stations
Authors: Collaud Coen M. , Andrews E. , Asmi A. , Baltensperger U. , Bukowiecki N. , Day D. , Fiebig M. , Fjaeraa A. M. , Flentje H. , Hyvärinen A. , Jefferson A. , Jennings S. G. , Kouvarakis G. , Lihavainen H. , Lund Myhre C. , Malm W. C. , Mihapopoulos N. , Molenar J. V. , O'Dowd C. , Ogren J. A. , Schichtel B. A. , Sheridan P. , Virkkula A. , Weingartner E. , Weller R. , Laj P.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Currently many ground-based atmospheric stations include in-situ measurements of aerosol physical and optical properties, resulting in more than 20 long-term (> 10 yr) aerosol measurement sites in the Northern Hemisphere and Antarctica. Most of these sites are located at remote locations and monitor the aerosol particle number concentration, wavelength-dependent light scattering, backscattering, and absorption coefficients. The existence of these multi-year datasets enables the analysis of long-term trends of these aerosol parameters, and of the derived light scattering Ångström exponent and backscatter fraction. Since the aerosol variables are not normally distributed, three different methods (the seasonal Mann-Kendall test associated with the Sen's slope, the generalized least squares fit associated with an autoregressive bootstrap algorithm for confidence intervals, and the least-mean square fit applied to logarithms of the data) were applied to detect the long-term trends and their magnitudes. To allow a comparison among measurement sites, trends on the most recent 10 and 15 yr periods were calculated. No significant trends were found for the three continental European sites. Statistically significant trends were found for the two European marine sites but the signs of the trends varied with aerosol property and location. Statistically significant decreasing trends for both scattering and absorption coefficients (mean slope of −2.0% yr−1) were found for most North American stations, although positive trends were found for a few desert and high-altitude sites. The difference in the timing of emission reduction policy for the Europe and US continents is a likely explanation for the decreasing trends in aerosol optical parameters found for most American sites compared to the lack of trends observed in Europe. No significant trends in scattering coefficient were found for the Arctic or Antarctic stations, whereas the Arctic station had a negative trend in absorption coefficient. The high altitude Pacific island station of Mauna Loa presents positive trends for both scattering and absorption coefficients.
The first aerosol indirect effect quantified through airborne remote sensing during VOCALS-REx
Authors: Painemal D. , Zuidema P.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. The first aerosol indirect effect (1AIE) is investigated using a combination of in situ and remotely-sensed aircraft (NCAR C-130) observations acquired during VOCALS-REx over the southeast Pacific stratocumulus cloud regime. Satellite analyses have previously identified a high albedo susceptibitility to changes in cloud microphysics and aerosols over this region. The 1AIE was broken down into the product of two independently-estimated terms: the cloud aerosol interaction metric ACIτ =dlnτ/dlnNa|LWP , and the relative albedo (A) susceptibility SR-τ =dA/3dlnτ|LWP, with τ and Na denoting retrieved cloud optical thickness and in situ aerosol concentration respectively and calculated for fixed intervals of liquid water path (LWP). ACIτ was estimated by combining in situ Na sampled below the cloud, with τ and LWP derived from, respectively, simultaneous upward-looking broadband irradiance and narrow field-of-view millimeter-wave radiometer measurements, collected at 1 Hz during four eight-hour daytime flights by the C-130 aircraft. ACIτ values were typically large, close to the physical upper limit (0.33), with a modest increase with LWP. The high ACIτ values slightly exceed values reported from many previous in situ airborne studies in pristine marine stratocumulus and reflect the imposition of a LWP constraint and simultaneity of aerosol and cloud measurements. SR-τ increased with LWP and τ, reached a maximum SR-τ (0.086) for LWP (τ) of 58 g m−2 (~14), and decreased slightly thereafter. The 1AIE thus increased with LWP and is comparable to a radiative forcing of −3.2– −3.8 W m−2 for a 10% increase in Na, exceeding previously-reported global-range values. The aircraft-derived values are consistent with satellite estimates derived from instantaneous, collocated Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) albedo and MOderate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-retrieved droplet number concentrations at 50 km resolution. The consistency of the airborne and satellite estimates, despite their independent approaches, differences in observational scales, and retrieval assumptions, is hypothesized to reflect the ideal remote sensing conditions for these homogeneous clouds. We recommend the southeast Pacific for regional model assessments of the first aerosol indirect effect on this basis. This airborne remotely-sensed approach towards quantifying 1AIE should in theory be more robust than in situ calculations because of increased sampling. However, although the technique does not explicitly depend on a remotely-derived cloud droplet number concentration (Nd), the at-times unrealistically-high Nd values suggest more emphasis on accurate airborne radiometric measurements is needed to refine this approach.
Low-level jet characteristics over the Arctic Ocean in spring and summer
Authors: Jakobson L. , Vihma T. , Jakobson E. , Palo T. , Männik A. , Jaagus J.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Low-level jets (LLJ) are important for turbulence in the stably stratified atmospheric boundary layer, but their occurrence, properties, and generation mechanisms in the Arctic are not well known. We analysed LLJs over the central Arctic Ocean in spring and summer 2007 on the bases of data collected in the drifting ice station Tara. Instead of traditional radiosonde soundings, data from tethersonde soundings with a high vertical resolution were used. The Tara results showed a lower occurrence of LLJs (46%) than many previous studies over polar sea ice. Strong jet core winds contributed to growth of the turbulent layer. Complex relationship between the jet core height and the temperature inversion top height were detected: substantial correlation (r = 0.72; p < 0.01) occurred when the jet core was above the turbulent layer, but inside the turbulent layer there was no correlation. The most important forcing mechanism for LLJs was baroclinicity, which was responsible for generation of strong and warm LLJs, which on average occurred at lower altitudes than other jets. Baroclinic jets were mostly associated to transient cyclones instead of the climatological air temperature gradients. Besides baroclinicity, cases related to inertial oscillations, gusts, and fronts were detected. In approximately 50% of the observed LLJs the generation mechanism remained unclear, but in most of these cases the wind speed was strong in the whole vertical profile, the jet core representing only a weak maximum. Further research needs on LLJs in the Arctic include investigation of low-level jet streams and their effects on the sea ice drift and atmospheric moisture transport.
Improved simulation of group averaged CO2 surface concentrations using GEOS-Chem and fluxes from VEGAS
Authors: Chen Z. H. , Zhu J. , Zeng N.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. CO2 measurements have been combined with simulated CO2 distributions from a transport model in order to produce the optimal estimates of CO2 surface fluxes in inverse modeling. However one persistent problem in using model-observation comparisons for this goal relates to the issue of compatibility. Observations at a single site reflect all underlying processes of various scales that usually cannot be fully resolved by model simulations at the grid points nearest the site due to lack of spatial or temporal resolution or missing processes in models. In this article we group site observations of multiple stations according to atmospheric mixing regimes and surface characteristics. The group averaged values of CO2 concentration from model simulations and observations are used to evaluate the regional model results. Using the group averaged measurements of CO2 reduces the noise of individual stations. The difference of group averaged values between observation and modeled results reflects the uncertainties of the large scale flux in the region where the grouped stations are. We compared the group averaged values between model results with two biospheric fluxes from the model Carnegie-Ames-Stanford-Approach (CASA) and VEgetation-Global-Atmosphere-Soil (VEGAS) and observations to evaluate the regional model results. Results show that the modeling group averaged values of CO2 concentrations in all regions with fluxes from VEGAS have significant improvements for most regions. There is still large difference between two model results and observations for grouped average values in North Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South Pacific Tropics. This implies possible large uncertainties in the fluxes there.
Past climate changes and permafrost depth at the Lake El'gygytgyn site: implications from data and thermal modeling
Authors: Mottaghy D. , Schwamborn G. , Rath V.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. This study focuses on the temperature field observed in boreholes drilled as part of interdisciplinary scientific campaign targeting the El'gygytgyn Crater Lake in NE Russia. Temperature data are available from two sites: the lake borehole 5011-1 located near the center of the lake reaching 400 m depth, and the land borehole 5011-3 at the rim of the lake, with a depth of 140 m. Constraints on permafrost depth and past climate changes are derived from numerical simulation of the thermal regime associated with the lake-related talik structure. The thermal properties of the subsurface needed for these simulations are based on laboratory measurements of representative cores from the quaternary sediments and the underlying impact-affected rock, complemented by further information from geophysical logs and data from published literature. The temperature observations in the lake borehole 5011-1 are dominated by thermal perturbations related to the drilling process, and thus only give reliable values for the lowermost value in the borehole. Undisturbed temperature data recorded over more than two years are available in the 140 m deep land-based borehole 5011-3. The analysis of these observations allows determination of not only the recent mean annual ground surface temperature, but also the ground surface temperature history, though with large uncertainties. Although the depth of this borehole is by far too insufficient for a complete reconstruction of past temperatures back to the Last Glacial Maximum, it still affects the thermal regime, and thus permafrost depth. This effect is constrained by numerical modeling: assuming that the lake borehole observations are hardly influenced by the past changes in surface air temperature, an estimate of steady-state conditions is possible, leading to a meaningful value of 14 ± 5 K for the post-glacial warming. The strong curvature of the temperature data in shallower depths around 60 m can be explained by a comparatively large amplitude of the Little Ice Age (up to 4 K), with low temperatures prevailing far into the 20th century. Other mechanisms, like varying porosity, may also have an influence on the temperature profile, however, our modeling studies imply a major contribution from recent climate changes.