bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Pricing of Initial Public Offers of Corporate Straight Debt
Authors: DATTA SUDIP , ISKANDAR-DATTA MAI , PATEL AJAY
Published: April 2012

This study examines the initial‐day and aftermarket price performance of corporate straight debt IPOs. We find that IPOs of speculative grade debt are underpriced like equity IPOs, while those rated investment grade are overpriced. IPOs of investment grade debt are typically issued by firms listed on the major exchanges and underwritten by prestigious underwriters. In contrast, junk bond IPOs are more likely to be handled by less prestigious underwriters and are typically issued by OTC firms. Our analysis also reveals that bond rating, market listing of the firm, and investment banker quality are significant determinants of bond IPO returns.
Closed Form Solutions for Term Structure Derivatives with Log‐Normal Interest Rates
Authors: MILTERSEN KRISTIAN R. , SANDMANN KLAUS , SONDERMANN DIETER
Published: April 2012

We derive a unified model that gives closed form solutions for caps and floors written on interest rates as well as puts and calls written on zero‐coupon bonds. The crucial assumption is that simple interest rates over a fixed finite period that matches the contract, which we want to price, are log‐normally distributed. Moreover, this assumption is shown to be consistent with the Heath‐Jarrow‐Morton model for a specific choice of volatility.
How Much Do Taxes Discourage Incorporation?
Authors: MACKIE‐MASON JEFFREY K. , GORDON ROGER H.
Published: April 2012

The double taxation of corporate income should discourage firms from incorporating. We investigate the extent to which the aggregate allocation of assets and taxable income in the United States between corporate and noncorporate firms responds to the size of this tax distortion during the period 1959–1986. In theory, profitable firms should shift out of the corporate sector when the tax distortion is large, and conversely for firms with tax losses. Our empirical results provide strong support for these forecasts, and imply that the resulting excess burden equals 16 percent of business tax revenue.
Assessing Goodness‐of‐Fit of Asset Pricing Models: The Distribution of the Maximal R2
Authors: FOSTER F. DOUGLAS , SMITH TOM , WHALEY ROBERT E.
Published: April 2012

The development of asset pricing models that rely on instrumental variables together with the increased availability of easily‐accessible economic time‐series have renewed interest in predicting security returns. Evaluating the significance of these new research findings, however, is no easy task. Because these asset pricing theory tests are not independent, classical methods of assessing goodness‐of‐fit are inappropriate. This study investigates the distribution of the maximal when k of m regressors are used to predict security returns. We provide a simple procedure that adjusts critical values to account for selecting variables by searching among potential regressors.
Sn‐based Chalcogenide Composite as a High‐Capacity Anode Material for Lithium Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Lee Youngmin , Bae Suk‐Rok , Park Bong Je , Shin Dong Wook , Chung Woon Jin , Kang Yong‐Mook
Published: April 2012

Sn‐based chalcogenide composites (TCC) were synthesized as high‐capacity anode materials. SnS formed within TCCs is an active center for Li‐intercalation. Electrochemical cycling shows that the Sn–Ge–S matrix suppresses the volume expansion that can arise from alloying between Sn and Li as well as the grain growth associated with the low melting temperature of Sn. Sn–Ge–S complex phases in an amorphous state can contribute to the high capacity of Sn:Ge–S (6:4 m/m), possibly suppressing the agglomeration and pulverization of Sn.
Synthesis, Sintering, Transport Properties, and Surface Exchange of La2Ni0.9Cu0.1O4+δ
Authors: Li Zuoan , Norby Truls , Haugsrud Reidar
Published: April 2012

Dense La2Ni0.9Cu0.1O4+δ ceramics were sintered from powders synthesized through a wet‐chemical citrate nitrate route with optimized ratios of citrate to nitrate. Less citrate decreases the required sintering temperature and improves the oxygen permeativity. The oxygen permeation was measured as a function of oxygen activity gradient, membrane thickness (0.4–2.6 mm) and temperature (800°C–950°C). The oxygen self diffusion coefficient DO and the surface exchange coefficient k show Arrhenius‐type behaviors with activation energies of ~50 and ~100 kJ/mol, respectively. The oxygen chemical diffusion coefficient Dchem and surface exchange coefficient kchem, measured by conductivity relaxation, exhibit Arrhenius‐type behaviors with activation energies of 62 and 104 kJ/mol, respectively. Dchem and kchem are related to DO and k through the thermodynamic factor ωO.
Self‐Efficacy and Athletic Squat Performance: Positive or Negative Influences at the Within‐ and Between‐Levels of Analysis
Authors: GILSON TODD A. , CHOW GRAIG M. , FELTZ DEBORAH L.
Published: April 2012

Social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1986, 2001) and perceptual control theory (Powers, 1978, 1991) have described the self‐efficacy/performance relationship in stark contrast. Additionally, recent work exploring these discrepancies has yielded future research suggestions yet to be undertaken (Bandura & Locke, 2003; Vancouver, Thompson, Tischner, & Putka, 2002; Yeo & Neal, 2006). Thus, this study explored the relationship between self‐efficacy and performance between‐ and within‐individuals over time. Division I collegiate American football players (N = 115) completed self‐efficacy questionnaires and one‐repetition maximum squat tests at 3 time points during off‐season strength training. Results revealed that self‐efficacy was positively related to squat performance at both the within‐ and between‐person levels when controlling for athletes' raw past performance.
Distributive Justice, Procedural Justice, Affective Commitment, and Turnover Intention: A Mediation–Moderation Framework1
Authors: POON JUNE M. L.
Published: April 2012

This study addressed the unexamined issue of how and when distributive justice and procedural justice interact to predict turnover intention using a mediation–moderation framework. Survey data from 168 employees showed that affective commitment mediated the relationship between distributive justice and turnover intention, and this mediated effect varied across levels of supervisory procedural justice. Specifically, at high levels of procedural justice, affective commitment partially mediated the distributive justice–turnover intention link; at low levels of procedural justice, affective commitment fully mediated this link. The findings draw attention to the (a) importance of affective commitment in the absence of distributive and procedural fairness and (b) role of supervisory procedural justice in attenuating the adverse effects of low affective commitment on turnover intention.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin Treatment Increased Live Birth Rate in a Spanish Cohort of Women with Recurrent Reproductive Failure and Expanded CD56+ Cells
Authors: Moraru Manuela , Carbone Javier , Alecsandru Diana , Castillo‐Rama Marcela , García‐Segovia Aurea , Gil Juana , Alonso Bárbara , Aguarón Angel , Ramos‐Medina Rocío , Martínez de María Juan , Oliver‐Miñarro Desamparados , Rodríguez‐Mahou Margarita , Ortega Virginia , Caballero Pedro , Meliá Elena , Vidal Juan , Cianchetta‐Sivori Malena , Esteban Carmen , Vargas‐Henny Loreto , Dale Jonathan , Ortiz‐Quintana Luis , Fernández‐Cruz Eduardo , Sánchez‐Ramón Silvia
Published: April 2012

Problem

Natural killer (NK, CD3−
CD56+/CD16+) and NKT‐like cells (CD3+
CD56+/CD16+) activity is considered among the key factors for reproductive success. In the absence of immunological screening, beneficial effects of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in preventing recurrent reproductive failure (RRF) have not been reported. Here, we analyse the IVIG influence on pregnancy success in women with RRF and circulating NK or/and NKT‐like cells expansion.

Method of study

One hundred fifty‐seven women with previous recurrent miscarriage and/or recurrent implantation failure after in vitro fertilization were consecutively studied. Sixty‐four patients with CD56+ cell expansion, no apparent underlying disease and who maintained their desire to conceive were selected. Forty of them received IVIG during pregnancy.

Results

Overall, the clinical pregnancy rate for the women under IVIG therapy was 92.5% and the live birth rate was 82.5%. Significantly lower pregnancy and live birth rates (25% and 12.5%, respectively) were observed for the patients with recurrent pregnancy loss and NK/NKT‐like cells expansion without IVIG. After three cycles of IVIG, NK cell percentages decreased significantly and these values persisted throughout gestation.

Conclusion

Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for women with RRF and NK or NKT‐like cell expansion was a safe and beneficial therapeutic strategy that associated with high clinical pregnancy and live birth rates.
The Association Between Endometriosis and Polymorphisms in the Interleukin‐1 Family Genes in Korean Women
Authors: Chun Sungwook , Kim Hoon , Ku Seung‐Yup , Suh Chang Suk , Kim Seok Hyun , Kim Jung Gu
Published: April 2012

Problem

To investigate the association between polymorphisms of the interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) family genes and endometriosis in Korean women.

Method of study

In this case–control study, the IL‐1α −889C>T, IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1RA) 86‐bp microsatellite, IL‐1 receptor 1 (IL‐1R1) 52C>A, 294C>T, 1498T>C, 1632A>G, IL‐1R2 rs2072472 C>T and rs7561460 C>T polymorphisms were analyzed in women with (n = 138) and without (n = 214) endometriosis using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, TaqMan assay, or DNA sequencing. Serum IL‐1α, soluble IL‐1RA (sIL‐1RA), and sIL‐1R2 levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Among the polymorphisms measured, the 1498T>C polymorphisms in the IL‐1R1 gene were found to be related with early‐stage endometriosis but not with advanced‐stage endometriosis. The genotypes with at least one T allele (CT + TT) were less frequently observed in early‐stage endometriosis compared with normal controls (OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.22–0.87, P = 0.02). Serum sIL‐1R2 levels were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in women with endometriosis than in normal controls, whereas no difference in serum sIL‐1RA levels between these two groups was noted. The single and haplotype genotypes of the IL‐1R2 and IL‐1RA microsatellite polymorphisms were not related with these serum levels.

Conclusion

The IL‐1R1 1498T>C polymorphism is associated with early‐stage endometriosis in Korean women.
The Frequency of Peripheral Blood CD4+ CD25high FoxP3+ and CD4+ CD25− FoxP3+ Regulatory T Cells in Normal Pregnancy and Pre‐Eclampsia
Authors: Toldi Gergely , Saito Shigeru , Shima Tomoko , Halmos Amrita , Veresh Zoltán , Vásárhelyi Barna , Rigó János , Molvarec Attila
Published: April 2012

Problem

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in the development of pregnancy‐specific immune tolerance. We aimed to determine the peripheral frequency of a recently described Treg subpopulation, the CD4+ CD25− FoxP3+ Treg subset, and its correlation with the conventional CD4+ CD25high FoxP3+ Tregs in normal pregnancy (NP) and pre‐eclampsia (PE) compared to non‐pregnant (non‐P) women. We also examined the proportion of the activated CD4+ CD25high FoxP3high Treg subset within conventional Treg cells.

Method

We took peripheral blood samples from 20 PE, 20 NP, and 12 non‐P women and determined the frequency of the above Treg subsets using flow cytometry.

Results

The frequency of conventional CD4+ CD25high FoxP3+ Tregs and activated CD4+ CD25high FoxP3high Tregs, but also that of non‐conventional CD4+ CD25− FoxP3+ Tregs was higher in NP compared to non‐P women, but lower again in PE, reaching comparable levels to the non‐P group. The ratios of CD4+ CD25high FoxP3+ and CD4+ CD25− FoxP3+ Treg subsets were constant in all three investigated groups.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the frequency of conventional and non‐conventional Tregs alters simultaneously, and the presence in circulation of both of these Treg subsets is similarly important in the adequate development of pregnancy‐specific immune tolerance.
Biocompatibility and biomineralization assessment of a new root canal sealer and root‐end filling material
Authors: Cintra Luciano Tavares Angelo , Ribeiro Thiago Alexandre Alves , Gomes‐Filho João Eduardo , Bernabé Pedro Felício Estrada , Watanabe Simone , Facundo Aguinaldo Cândido da Silva , Samuel Renata Oliveira , Dezan‐Junior Eloi
Published: April 2012

Objective

This study investigated the short‐term subcutaneous tissue reaction and biomineralization ability of two epoxy‐based root canal sealers containing calcium hydroxide (MBP and MBPc) and ProRoot MTA.

Materials and methods

Polyethylene tubes containing the materials were implanted into the dorsal connective tissue of Wistar rats (n = 52) for 7 or 30 days; empty implanted tubes served as controls. Specimens were stained with hematoxylin–eosin and von Kossa stain or left unstained for observation under polarized light. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations of all tissue reactions were performed. One‐way anova and the Kruskal–Wallis test were used for statistical analysis (P < 0.05).

Results

No significant differences were observed among the groups. All three materials induced mild‐to‐moderate tissue reactions at 7 days, which decreased over time. Dystrophic mineralization and birefringent structures were observed only in the ProRoot MTA
® group.

Conclusion

Both MBP and MBPc appear to be biocompatible but do not stimulate biomineralization.
Mechanically Assisted Deposition of Nikel Oxide–Ytttria Stabilized Zirconia Nanocomposite Film and its Microstructural Evolution for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Anode Application
Authors: Abe Hiroya , Naito Makio , Sato Kazuyoshi
Published: April 2012

Nikel oxide–ytttria stabilized zirconia (NiO–YSZ) nanocomposite particles were synthesized and deposited on a dense YSZ substrate using an attrition‐type milling apparatus. The NiO–YSZ nanocomposite porous films were successfully fabricated from the nanocomposite particles with high specific surface areas (≫10 m2/g). In this deposition, the nanocomposite particles were mechanically dispersed in air, resulting in their fine aggregates (~100 nm in size). Then, they were mechanically impacted on the substrate (collision speed, ~30 m/s). By the subsequent sintering of the nanocomposite film, the finely constructed three dimensional NiO–YSZ network structure was formed, and its reduced Ni–YSZ porous film showed an excellent SOFC anode performance.
Ceramic Processing Techniques for Catalyst Design: Formation, Properties, and Catalytic Example of ZSM‐5 on 3‐Dimensional Fiber Deposition Support Structures
Authors: Van Noyen Jasper , De Wilde Annemie , Schroeven Mario , Mullens Steven , Luyten Jan
Published: April 2012

Material science and catalysis play an important role in the chemical industry. Porous ceramics and metals are highly relevant in this field. There are plenty of applications for porous functional components, with engineered pores sizes ranging from micro to macro pores. A novel type of structured catalyst is introduced: support structures manufactured by three‐dimensional fiber deposition coated by a thin mordenite framework inverted type zeolite film. Surface coverage, homogeneity, and stability are evaluated. The effect of the design of the support structure on the catalytic activity will be studied in an environmental catalysis application, that is, the decomposition of nitrous oxide as a demonstrator.
Nano‐Materials Design for High‐TC Ferromagnets of Ti1‐xCoxO2 Nanosheets
Authors: Osada Minoru , Sasaki Takayoshi , Ono Kanta
Published: April 2012

We present materials design of high‐TC ferromagnetic nanomaterials based on first‐principles calculations. Two‐dimensional (2D) titania nanosheet, a recently discovered room‐temperature (RT) ferromagnetic nanomaterial, is an important target for 2D ferromagnets. In Ti1‐xCoxO2 nanosheets with Co2+ oxidation state, the ferromagnetic states are highly stabilized up to x = 0.5 with a modest doping dependence of magnetic moment (~1 µB/Co). Moreover, we find that tailoring properties could be achieved by tuning Co oxidation states, and the optimally doped Ti1‐xCoxO2 nanosheets (Co3+; x = 0.125, 0.25) are found to be an excellent RT half‐metallic ferromagnet with a large magnetic moment (~4 µB/Co). 2D nanosheet is therefore expected to provide a very useful platform for nanoscale spinelectronics devices.
Managing delirium in the acute care setting: a pilot focus group study
Authors: Yevchak Andrea , Steis Melinda , Diehl Theresa , Hill Nikki , Kolanowski Ann , Fick Donna
Published: April 2012

yevchak a., steis m., diehl t., hill n., kolanowski a. & fick d. (2012) Managing delirium in the acute care setting: a pilot, focus group study. International Journal of Older People Nursing7, 152–162  doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2012.00324.x

Background:  Delirium frequently occurs in hospitalised older adults leading to poor outcomes and frequent adverse events. Proper recognition and management of delirium by acute care nurses can minimise the effects of negative sequelae associated with delirium.

Aim:  This pilot study used focus group methodology to: (i) describe acute care nurse’s experience and knowledge regarding assessment and management of delirium in hospitalised older adults; (ii) illustrate potential facilitators and barriers to non‐drug management of delirium; and (iii) to explicate the use of non‐drug interventions by acute care nurses to manage delirium in hospitalised older adults.

Design:  Qualitative, pilot study.

Methods:  A total of 16 nurse participants, working on medical, surgical and orthopaedic units from one acute care hospital participated in two focus groups.

Results:  Main themes included the following: confusion is normal; our duty is to protect; and finding a balance. Nurses were able to identify non‐pharmacological interventions for delirium and facilitators and barriers to using these in clinical practice.

Conclusions:  Findings from this pilot study illustrate the need for regular assessment of cognitive status in hospitalised older adults and nursing staff education regarding the use of non‐pharmacological management of delirium. Based on their experience, nurses have a wealth of ideas for managing delirium. Areas for future research and policy are also highlighted.

Implications for practice:  More research is needed on how to improve delirium management by acute care nurses to increase the efficacy and use of non‐pharmacological interventions in the management of delirium in hospitalised older adults. To translate these findings into practice, nursing care needs to be guided by evidence‐based guidelines to implement non‐pharmacological strategies in the acute care setting.
Prognostic Implications of Left Ventricular Dilation in Patients With Nonischemic Heart Failure: Interactions With Restrictive Filling Pattern and Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Ghio Stefano , Temporelli Pier L. , Marsan Nina A. , Poppe Katrina , Giannuzzi Pantaleo , Dini Frank L. , Rossi Andrea , Doughty Robert N. , Whalley Gillian ,   on behalf of the MeRGE HF collaborators
Published: April 2012

Congest Heart Fail. ****;**:**–**. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether small left ventricular (LV) volumes increase the negative prognostic impact of a restrictive filling pattern (RFP) and that of mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with nonischemic heart failure (HF). The Meta‐analysis Research Group in Echocardiography (MeRGE) is a meta‐analysis that collated individual patient data from several prospective echocardiography outcome studies. This analysis was restricted to 10 studies and 601 patients with nonischemic HF. The role of MR was tested in a subgroup of 252 patients. A total of 106 deaths occurred during a median follow‐up of 32 months. At multivariate analysis, RFP (hazard ratio [HR], 4.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.54–11.23; P=.005) and New York Heart Association class III or IV (HR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.33–3.47; P=.001) were the independent predictors of poor prognosis, and there was no statistically significant interaction between LV dilation and RFP. Moderate/severe MR was associated with poorer outcome in the group of patients with normal volumes, whereas it was not a significant predictor of mortality in patients with any degree of LV dilation. In patients with nonischemic HF, RFP is the most important indicator of poor prognosis, irrespective of the degree of LV dilation. Normal LV volumes increase the negative prognostic impact of moderate to severe MR.
Community‐Based Approaches to Prevention and Management of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Ferdinand Keith C. , Patterson Kellee P. , Taylor Cheryl , Fergus Icilma V. , Nasser Samar A. , Ferdinand Daphne P.
Published: April 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012; 14:336–343. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Community hypertension (HTN) outreach seeks to improve public health by identifying HTN and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. In the 1980s, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) funded multiple positive community studies. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program addresses CVD risks. In 1978, in Baltimore, MD, the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC), organized barbershops and churches as HTN control centers, as in New Orleans, LA, since 1993, the Healthy Heart Community Prevention Project (HHCPP). Also, the NHLBI Community Health Workers and Promotores de Salud are beneficial. The American Society of Hypertension (ASH) Hypertension Community Outreach program provides free HTN and CVD screenings, digital BP monitors, multilingual and literacy‐appropriate information, and videos. Contemporary major federal programs, such as the Million Hearts Initiative, are ongoing. Overall, the evidence‐based Logic Model should enhance planning, implementation, and dissemination.
AN ETHICS OF THE UNCONSCIOUS
Authors: Schwartz Susan
Published: April 2012

abstract

This paper is written from a Lacanian perspective and considers Lacan's development of his theory of ethics from its origins in Freud's exploration of psychic inscriptions to a notion of ethics oriented to the Real of the unconscious, the Real that is not symbolizable. The aim of analysis is to change the way the subject enjoys his symptom, a change from suffering to a satisfaction that comes from having a choice. Using the conceptual tools of Lacanian psychoanalysis which differentiate between Imaginary (the image and its lures), the Symbolic (the signifier and the structure of language) and the Real (enjoyment in the body that language does not reach), the argument moves beyond an idea of truth attached to meaning. That is the truth that the analyst's interpretation might produce; its beyond is a notion of truth grounded in the enjoyment of the symptom outside meaning, a truth that will allow for an ethics of psychoanalysis that is oriented towards the Real of jouissance by the compass of affect.
Morphology Characteristics of Southern Appalachian Wilderness Streams1
Authors: Zink Jason M. , Jennings Gregory D. , Alexander Price G.
Published: April 2012

Zink, Jason M., Gregory D. Jennings, and G. Alexander Price, 2012. Morphology Characteristics of Southern Appalachian Wilderness Streams. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(4): 762‐773. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2012.00647.x

Abstract:  Watersheds without urbanization or impacts from logging are rare in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The Joyce Kilmer/Slickrock Wilderness of North Carolina and Tennessee contains 24 km2 of old‐growth forest, with the balance of the wilderness in a mature second‐growth forest. The watersheds of Little Santeetlah and Slickrock Creek are located within the wilderness. Morphological information, including channel dimensions and longitudinal profiles, was gathered from 14 alluvial stream reaches in these watersheds. The study sites had drainage areas from 0.25 to 41.6 km2 and stream slopes from 0.014 to 0.104 m/m. Bankfull cross‐section dimensions of the study stream reaches were strongly correlated to drainage area across the observed range of slopes and bed morphology. Cross‐section area and width relationships for the streams in this study did not differ significantly from regional curves for the mountain physiographic region of North Carolina. Observations of these reaches did not suggest a definitive rule regarding the proportion of steps and riffles in streams. Pools occupied greater than 50% of the length in all stream reaches with slopes less than 0.07 m/m. Significant correlation existed between step height ratio and slope, suggesting that step height can be approximated as the product of channel width and slope. Riffle length and riffle slope ratios were also significantly correlated with slope, though pool spacing was not.
Reconstructions of Soil Moisture for the Upper Colorado River Basin Using Tree‐Ring Chronologies1
Authors: Anderson SallyRose , Tootle Glenn , Grissino‐Mayer Henri
Published: April 2012

Anderson, SallyRose, Glenn Tootle, and Henri Grissino‐Mayer, 2012. Reconstructions of Soil Moisture for the Upper Colorado River Basin Using Tree‐Ring Chronologies. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(4): 849‐858. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2012.00651.x

Abstract:  Soil moisture is an important factor in the global hydrologic cycle, but existing reconstructions of historic soil moisture are limited. We used tree‐ring chronologies to reconstruct annual soil moisture in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB). Gridded soil moisture data were spatially regionalized using principal components analysis and k‐nearest neighbor techniques. We correlated moisture sensitive tree‐ring chronologies in and adjacent to the UCRB with regional soil moisture and tested the relationships for temporal stability. Chronologies that were positively correlated and stable for the calibration period were retained. We used stepwise linear regression to identify the best predictor combinations for each soil moisture region. The regressions explained 42‐78% of the variability in soil moisture data. We performed reconstructions for individual soil moisture grid cells to enhance understanding of the disparity in reconstructive skill across the regions. Reconstructions that used chronologies based on ponderosa pines (Pinus ponderosa) and pinyon pines (Pinus edulis) explained more variance in the datasets. Reconstructed soil moisture data was standardized and compared with standardized reconstructed streamflow and snow water equivalent data from the same region. Soil moisture and other hydrologic variables were highly correlated, indicating reconstructions of soil moisture in the UCRB using tree‐ring chronologies successfully represent hydrologic trends.
Insulin secretion and computed tomography values of the pancreas in the early stage of the development of diabetes
Authors: Yokota Kazuki , Fukushima Mitsuo , Takahashi Yoshihisa , Igaki Naoya , Seino Susumu
Published: April 2012

Aims/Introduction:  The computed tomography (CT) value of the pancreas was examined across the range of glucose tolerance, and the relationships between pancreatic CT values and factors responsible for glucose intolerance were analyzed.

Materials and Methods:  A total of 167 health‐check examinees were classified into normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and diabetes mellitus (DM) according to 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Pancreatic and hepatic CT values were estimated at decreasing stages of glucose tolerance. The association of CT values of the pancreas and the indices of glucose tolerance were analyzed.

Results:  Insulinogenic index (II) was decreased from NGT through IGT to DM. Mean pancreatic CT value was decreased significantly from NGT through IGT to DM. Mean area under the curves of glucose (AUC‐G) was significantly associated with II and insulin sensitivity index (ISI) composite in univariate analysis. In multiple regression analysis, II was most strongly inversely correlated with mean AUC‐G, suggesting that II is the strongest determinant of glucose tolerance in Japanese. In addition, II was significantly associated with mean pancreatic CT value in univariate analysis. In multiple regression analysis, mean pancreatic CT value was strongly correlated with II.

Conclusions:  Pancreatic CT values were significantly decreased from NGT through IGT to DM. II was the strongest determinant of glucose tolerance, and was significantly influenced by pancreatic CT values. Thus, pancreatic fat deposition might impair insulin secretion in the early stage of development of type 2 diabetes, before overt deterioration of glucose tolerance. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2012.00212.x, 2012)
Characterization of a novel two dimensional diode array the “magic plate” as a radiation detector for radiation therapy treatment
Authors: Wong J. H. D. , Fuduli I. , Carolan M. , Petasecca M. , Lerch M. L. F. , Perevertaylo V. L. , Metcalfe P. , Rosenfeld A. B.
Published: April 2012

Purpose:

Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) utilizes the technology of multileaf collimators to deliver highly modulated and complex radiation treatment. Dosimetric verification of the IMRT treatment requires the verification of the delivered dose distribution. Two dimensional ion chamber or diode arrays are gaining popularity as a dosimeter of choice due to their real time feedback compared to film dosimetry. This paper describes the characterization of a novel 2D diode array, which has been named the “magic plate” (MP). It was designed to function as a 2D transmission detector as well as a planar detector for dose distribution measurements in a solid water phantom for the dosimetric verification of IMRT treatment delivery.

Methods:

The prototype MP is an 11 × 11 detector array based on thin (50μm) epitaxial diode technology mounted on a 0.6 mm thick Kapton substrate using a proprietary “drop‐in” technology developed by the Centre for Medical Radiation Physics, University of Wollongong. A full characterization of the detector was performed, including radiation damage study, dose per pulse effect, percent depth dose comparison with CC13 ion chamber and build up characteristics with a parallel plane ion chamber measurements, dose linearity, energy response and angular response.

Results:

Postirradiated magic plate diodes showed a reproducibility of 2.1%. The MP dose per pulse response decreased at higher dose rates while at lower dose rates the MP appears to be dose rate independent. The depth dose measurement of the MP agrees with ion chamber depth dose measurements to within 0.7% while dose linearity was excellent. MP showed angular response dependency due to the anisotropy of the silicon diode with the maximum variation in angular response of 10.8% at gantry angle 180°. Angular dependence was within 3.5% for the gantry angles ± 75°. The field size dependence of the MP at isocenter agrees with ion chamber measurement to within 1.1%. In the beam perturbation study, the surface dose increased by 12.1% for a 30 × 30 cm2 field size at the source to detector distance (SDD) of 80 cm whilst the transmission for the MP was 99%.

Conclusions:

The radiation response of the magic plate was successfully characterized. The array of epitaxial silicon based detectors with “drop‐in” packaging showed properties suitable to be used as a simplified multipurpose and nonperturbing 2D radiation detector for radiation therapy dosimetric verification.
Noise reduction in low‐dose cone beam CT by incorporating prior volumetric image information
Authors: Ouyang Luo , Solberg Timothy , Wang Jing
Published: April 2012

Purpose:

Repeated use of cone beam CT (CBCT) in radiotherapy introduces extra imaging dose to patients. In this work, the authors propose a method to effectively reduce the imaging dose of on‐treatment CBCT by incorporating previously acquired CBCT.

Methods:

The Karhunen–Loève (KL) transform was used to consider the correlation among the on‐treatment low‐dose CBCT and prior CBCTs in the projection domain. Following the KL transform, the selected CBCT projection data were decomposed into uncorrelated, ordered principal components. Then, a penalized weighted least‐squares (PWLS) criterion was applied to restore each KL component using different penalty strengths, where the penalty parameter was inversely proportional to its corresponding KL eigenvalue. Following the inverse KL transform on the processed data, the FDK algorithm was used to reconstruct the on‐treatment CBCT image. The proposed algorithm was evaluated using both phantom and patient data.

Results:

The proposed algorithm demonstrated the ability to suppress noise while preserving edge information effectively. This new strategy outperforms the PWLS algorithm without considering prior information based on the noise‐resolution tradeoff measurement and analyze of the reconstructed small objects.

Conclusions:

Information extracted from previously acquired CBCT can be effectively utilized to suppress noise in on‐treatment low‐dose CBCT. The presented strategy can significantly lower the patient CBCT radiation dose.
Multibubble sonoluminescence pulses from Na atoms in viscous liquid
Authors: Choi Pak-Kon , Sawada Yosuke , Takeuchi Yuuta
Published: April 2012

Multibubble sonoluminescence pulses of Na and continuum emissions were measured from NaCl-ethylene glycol solution saturated with Xe at 28 kHz. The Na emission consisted of multiple-peak pulses and single pulses. The intrinsic pulse width estimated from single pulses was 0.37 ns, which differs from 10–165 ns obtained by previous work. High-speed shadowgraphs of bubble dynamics and high-speed movies (32000 fps) of sonoluminescence were observed. The observations suggest that the multiple-peak pulse is due to the superposition of single peaks resulting from bubbles fragmented from a characteristic bubble which repeats the fragmentation and coalescence. This phenomenon may be specific to viscous liquids.
The use of multi-channel microphone and loudspeaker arrays to evaluate room acoustics
Authors: Clapp Samuel , Guthrie Anne , Braasch Jonas , Xiang Ning
Published: April 2012

Most room acoustic parameters are calculated with data from omni-directional or figure-of-eight microphones. Using a spherical microphone array to record room impulse responses can yield more information about the spatial characteristics of the sound field, including spatial uniformity and the directions of individual reflections. In this research, a spherical array was used to measure room impulse responses on stage and in the audience in a wide variety of concert halls throughout New York State, with both the microphone array and an artificial head. The results were analyzed using beamforming techniques to determine spatial information about the sound field and compared to the results of geometrical acoustics and binaural localization models. Of particular interest was how the spatial data can help to differentiate between different spaces or listener positions that exhibit similar values for conventional metrics. Auralizations were created using both headphone playback and second-order ambisonic playback via a loudspeaker array. These systems were evaluated objectively to compare the reproduction systems with the measured data. Listeners were recruited for listening tests using each reproduction method. They were asked to evaluate the halls on both objective measures and subjective preference, and the results of binaural and ambisonic playback were compared.
An Acoustic backscatter-based method for estimating attenuation towards monitoring lesion formation in high intensity focused ultrasound
Authors: Rahimian Siavash , Tavakkoli Jahan
Published: April 2012

This work investigated the transient characteristics of tissue attenuation coefficient before, during and after HIFU treatment at different total acoustic powers (TAP) in ex-vivo porcine muscle tissues. Dynamic changes of attenuation coefficient parameters were correlated with conventional B-mode ultrasound images over the whole HIFU treatment process. Two-dimensional pulse-echo radiofrequency (RF) data were acquired to estimate the changes of least squares attenuation coefficient slope (▵β) and attenuation coefficient intercept (▵α0) averaged in the region of interest, and to construct ▵β, ▵α0, and B-mode images simultaneously. During HIFU treatment, bubble activities were visible as strong hyperechoic regions in the B-mode images, causing fluctuations in ▵β and ▵α0 during treatment. ▵β and ▵α0 increased with the appearance of bubble clouds in the B-mode images to values in the range of 1.5-2.5 [dB/(MHz.cm)] and 4-5 [dB/cm], respectively. After the treatment, ▵β and ▵α0 gradually decreased, accompanied by fadeout of hyperechoic spot in the B-mode images, until they were stable at 0.75-1 [dB/(MHz.cm)] and 1-1.5 [dB/cm], respectively. After treatment, ▵β and ▵α0 images outperformed B-mode images by having significantly higher contrast to speckle ratios at all investigated TAP values.
Perceptual control of convolution based room simulators
Authors: Noisternig Markus , Carpentier Thibaut , Warusfel Olivier
Published: April 2012

Reverberation processing has been intensively studied in audio and acoustics research for many years now. Early approaches used feedback delay networks to control the temporal distribution of reflections and to simulate the statistical properties of room reverberation. Thanks to the increase in processing power and the development of low-latency convolution algorithms a new generation of reverberation processors has been developed. They apply room impulse responses (RIR) measured in real concert halls and thus guarantee naturalness and authenticity of reverberation. Extending this approach to the use of higher-order spherical microphone arrays provides the means for analyzing the spatiotemporal distribution of acoustic energy. This space-time-frequency representation of the acoustic wave field is also referred to as directional room impulse responses (DRIR) in literature. The objective of the presented work is to develop a perceptually motivated signal-processing environment based on the analysis and re-synthesis of DRIRs. It first extracts perceptual features from measured DRIRs (e.g. source presence and listener envelopment) and thus provides a perceptual signature of the measured room. The room acoustic behavior can then be modified along the various perceptual dimensions, preserving the microstructure of the original RIRs, before being re-synthesized for the use with reverberation processors.
Contribution analysis method for vehicle interior noise using independent component analysis
Authors: Ishihara Hikaru , Yoshida Junji
Published: April 2012

For reducing vehicle interior noise efficiently, it is necessary identifying sound sources with high contributions to the noise and countermeasuring them. However, measuring source signals are sometimes difficult depending on the type of sound source such as wind noise. In this case, obtaining the contribution and performing effective countermeasure become difficult. In this study, we considered a contribution separation technique using only response signals by employing independent component analysis (ICA). In order to apply ICA to separate contributions of vehicle interior noise, we added two procedures to frequency domain ICA method. The first is a procedure which could calculate the amplitude of each contribution correctly in each frequency from the obtained source signal by ICA, which amplitude has arbitrary property. Second is a procedure which could solve a permutation problem of frequency domain. Next, we simulated two observation signals by mixing acceleration engine and wind noises measured in cabin to verify the method. We applied the ICA to the observation signals to calculate the contribution of each sound. As a result, the calculated contribution was almost same as the actual contribution. Consequently, the proposed ICA method was clarified to as applicable contribution separation method for vehicle interior noise.
A new method of machinery diagnosis monitoring based on the acoustic imaging measurement
Authors: Yang Yichun
Published: April 2012

Abstract A new method has been developed to perform a fantastic diagnosis monitoring for different kinds of machines, including small as computer, shaver, hand phone, or large as 4000hp engine, slow as a walking, or fast as flying in sky, based on acoustic imaging technology with a microphone array measurement system. With it noise field of machine can be analyzed from its sound image coupled in video in door and out door, even in some extent reverberated space. It is particularly useful to analysis large machine with multi noise source and low noise level machine. Comparing to traditional vibration measurement, this method can locate the diagnosis' center and separate every source with 15dB sub-lobe suppression.
A fast and hierarchical source localization algorithm for planar spiral array implemented using GPU
Authors: Yu Lizhi , Yang Yichun , Chen Rilin
Published: April 2012

Accurate and fast localization of multiple sources is an important issue in many applications such as fault diagnosis. The well-known steered response power (SRP) method is widely used in the source localization but exhibits high computational expense. Therefore, this paper investigates a coarse-to-fine steered response power source localization algorithm to speed up the localization process. The detailed comparisons with previous algorithms are made to demonstrate that the proposed scheme is much faster, robust, and accurate. In addition, the algorithm is implemented in real time based on CUDA frame (Compute Unified Device Architecture) using GPU with high-parallel execution.
The application of a notice-event model to improve classical exposure-annoyance estimation
Authors: Lercher Peter , Bockstael Annelies , De Coensel Bert , Dekoninck Luc , Botteldooren Dick
Published: April 2012

Sound perception of humans is determined by a variety of factors such as intensity, frequency, temporal structure, masking and localization. Furthermore, a wide range of non-acoustical factors determine whether certain sounds are perceived as annoying. However, classical exposure-response determination for the assessment of annoyance and health effects is based on average sound levels - sometimes with applied penalties for evening and night noise (Lden). A research collaboration between Ghent University and the Medical University Innsbruck focuses on the improvement of exposure-annoyance modeling by including characteristics of the temporal structure and the attention of the involved human subjects. The basis for this work is the developed “notice-event-model” (De Coensel B et al. 2009). Intensive traffic modeling as input for extended individual noise mapping per dwelling allows to test the additional impact by the inclusion of derived acoustical indicators of the temporal pattern (Fluctuation, emergence) of the main sources (highway, main road, railway) and the human activity pattern to accommodate for masking and habituation (e.g. Notice Sound Exposure Level, notice time). This improved exposure assessment is compared with the existing classical exposure-response information from two large-scale surveys in Austrian alpine valleys. The results show that this approach is promising - but further development is needed.
Construction and performance of Japanese low noise pavements
Authors: Fujita Hitoshi
Published: April 2012

In Japan, there have been growing demands for the protection and improvement of roadside living environment. One of the environmental problems is traffic noises. Porous asphalt has such functions as permeability and tire noise reduction, therefore has rapidly spread due to contribution to safe driving and improvement of environment around roads. Its annual achievement area in Japan estimated at more than 30 million square meters. Furthermore some types of low noise pavements such as porous cement concrete, thin layer overlay, SMA and porous elastic road surface are developed in Japan. This paper provides an overview of Japanese developments and experiences about construction and performance of low noise pavements.
The importance of the bottom layer in double-layer porous asphalt for noise reduction
Authors: Sandberg Ulf , Mioduszewski Piotr
Published: April 2012

Double-layer porous asphalt concrete (DPAC) surfaces are generally considered to be the acoustically most effective low noise road surfaces ready for implementation. While DPAC used on highways in warm climates may have an average life of around 8 years, in Scandinavia with severe winter climate DPAC usually survive only about 3 years; partly due to wear of studded tyres. An ongoing project in Sweden, applying DPAC and single-layer porous asphalt (PAC), the latter consisting of the top layer of the DPAC, on motorway E4 in Jönköping-Huskvarna, has revealed interesting performance. Initial noise reduction was 7.5 dB(A) compared to a set of reference surfaces (conventional SMA 0/16). Amazingly, after one year of operation this noise reduction is unchanged. Most interesting is that the noise reduction difference between the single-layer and double-layer PAC is approx. 5 dB(A). Since the single-layer PAC is identical to the 30 mm thick top layer in the DPAC (although 5-8 mm thicker), it follows that 2/3 of the noise reduction is due to the bottom layer of the DPAC; i.e. what lies approx. 35-40 mm below the top surface. The paper will discuss the effect of the bottom layer on the overall acoustical efficiency of the DPAC.
Toward an integrated neurocomputational model of auditory scene analysis
Authors: Delbé Charles , Grimault Nicolas
Published: April 2012

The functional models of auditory scene analysis (ASA) available in the literature have several limitations. First, they independently implement various principles and theories that are specific to the auditory modality. Second, they rarely account for top-down, high level, cognitive effects on ASA. The present paper aims to propose a new integrated model of ASA and reports results within a connectionist modeling framework to account for a wide range of effects on auditory scene analysis. The used connectionist framework is conformed to the known functional and anatomical constraints regarding the biological principles underlying auditory processing. This new neurocomputational model is specifically dedicated to account for top-down effects on ASA, such as attentional control, long-term memory knowledge effects and cross-modal interactions.
Role of coherence and rapid-plasticity in active perception of complex auditory scenes
Authors: Shamma Shihab
Published: April 2012

Humans and other animals can attend to one of multiple sounds, and follow it selectively over time. The neural underpinnings of this perceptual feat remain mysterious. Some studies have concluded that sounds are heard as separate streams when they activate well-separated populations of central auditory neurons, and that this process is largely pre-attentive. Here it is argued that stream formation depends primarily on temporal coherence between responses that encode various features of sound source. Furthermore, we postulate that only when attention is directed toward a particular feature (e.g., pitch) do all other temporally coherent features of that source (e.g., timbre and location) become bound together as a stream that is segregated from the incoherent features of other sources.