bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of Diabetes Care for Immigrants in the U.S.
Authors: Dallo Florence J. , Wilson Fernando A. , Stimpson Jim P.
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVE

To compare achievement of the American Diabetes Association diabetes care recommendations for U.S.- and foreign-born individuals with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using the 2001–2006 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys, we report estimates for receipt of a cholesterol test, routine checkup, influenza vaccination, eye examination, dental checkup, foot examination, and two or more A1C tests in 1 year for foreign- (n = 1,272) and U.S.-born (n = 5,811) individuals aged ≥18 years. We define a dichotomous variable representing full compliance with the above examinations. We provide descriptive characteristics of the sample and use multivariable analysis for each procedure with random effects logit regression.

RESULTS

Compared with U.S.-born individuals with diabetes, foreign-born individuals are younger, have lower education levels and income, are more likely to have public or no insurance, and are less likely to have a usual source of care. With adjustment for all potential confounders, foreign-born individuals are less likely to report having had an influenza vaccination (odds ratio 0.51 [95% CI 0.31–0.71]) or to be compliant with any one of the seven recommendations (0.64 [0.34–0.95]).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that immigrants are less likely than U.S.-born individuals with diabetes to adhere to any one of seven diabetes care recommendations in general and, specifically, are less likely to report having received an influenza vaccination. Because immigrants are less likely to use health care, clinicians should take advantage of the office visit to effectively communicate to the patient the importance of receiving an influenza vaccination.
Randomized Comparison of Pramlintide or Mealtime Insulin Added to Basal Insulin Treatment for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Riddle Matthew , Pencek Richard , Charenkavanich Supoat , Lutz Karen , Wilhelm Ken , Porter Lisa
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of adding mealtime pramlintide or rapid-acting insulin analogs (RAIAs) to basal insulin for patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In a 24-week open-label, multicenter study, 113 patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to addition of mealtime pramlintide (120 μg) or a titrated RAIA to basal insulin and prior oral antihyperglycemic drugs (OADs). At screening, patients were insulin naive or had been receiving <50 units/day basal insulin for <6 months. The basal insulin dosage was titrated from day 1, seeking fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥70–<100 mg/dl. Pramlintide and an RAIA were initiated on day 1 and week 4, respectively. The proportion of patients achieving A1C ≤7.0% without weight gain or severe hypoglycemia at week 24 was the primary end point.

RESULTS

More pramlintide- than RAIA-treated patients achieved the primary end point (30 vs. 11%, P = 0.018) with a similar dose of basal insulin. Pramlintide and an RAIA yielded similar mean ± SEM values for FPG and A1C at 24 weeks (122 ± 7 vs. 123 ± 5 mg/dl and 7.2 ± 0.2 vs. 7.0 ± 0.1%, respectively) and similar least squares mean reductions from baseline to end point (−31 ± 6 vs. −34 ± 6 mg/dl and −1.1 ± 0.2 vs. −1.3 ± 0.2%, respectively). RAIAs but not pramlintide caused weight gain (+4.7 ± 0.7 vs. +0.0 ± 0.7 kg, P < 0.0001). Fewer patients reported mild to moderate hypoglycemia with pramlintide than with the RAIA (55 vs. 82%), but more patients reported nausea (21 vs. 0%). No severe hypoglycemia occurred in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients taking basal insulin and OADs, premeal fixed-dose pramlintide improved glycemic control as effectively as titrated RAIAs. The pramlintide regimen sometimes caused nausea but no weight gain and less hypoglycemia.
Serum Lipopolysaccharide Activity Is Associated With the Progression of Kidney Disease in Finnish Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Nymark Mariann , Pussinen Pirkko J. , Tuomainen Anita M. , Forsblom Carol , Groop Per-Henrik , Lehto Markku ,   on behalf of the FinnDiane Study Group
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate whether serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activities are associated with the progression of kidney disease in patients with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

For this prospective study, we chose 477 Finnish patients with type 1 diabetes, who were followed for 6 years. At the baseline visit, 239 patients had a normal albumin excretion rate (normoalbuminuria) and 238 patients had macroalbuminuria. Patients were further divided into nonprogressors and progressors based on their albumin excretion rate at follow-up. Eighty normoalbuminuric patients had developed microalbuminuria, and 79 macroalbuminuric patients had progressed to end-stage renal disease. Serum LPS activity was determined with the Limulus amoebocyte lysate chromogenic end point assay.

RESULTS

Serum LPS activity was significantly higher in the macroalbuminuric group than in the normoalbuminuric group (P < 0.001). Notably, normoalbuminuric progressor patients had a significantly higher LPS activity at baseline than normoalbuminuric nonprogressor patients (median 49 [interquartile range 34–87] vs. 39 [29–54] EU/ml; P = 0.001). The normoalbuminuric progressor patients exhibited features of the metabolic syndrome with higher triglyceride concentrations and lower estimated glucose disposal rate. A high LPS-to-HDL ratio was associated with the progression of kidney disease in both groups. Insulin resistance (P < 0.001) and serum LPS activity (P = 0.026) were independent risk factors of disease development, when A1C was removed from the regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

High serum LPS activity is associated with the development of diabetic nephropathy in Finnish patients with type 1 diabetes.
Evaluation of an immunoassay for determination of haptoglobin concentration in various biological specimens from swine
Authors: Gutiérrez Ana M. , Martínez-Subiela Silvia , Cerón Jose J.
Published: June 2009

Objective—To develop and evaluate an immunoassay based on time-resolved immunofluorometry (TR-IFM) for measurement of haptoglobin concentrations in samples of various body fluids of swine.

Animals—20 pigs without clinical signs of disease and seronegative for antibodies against major viruses that affect pigs and 30 pigs with clinical signs of disease.

Procedures—Haptoglobin concentrations were measured in samples of serum, saliva, and meat juice obtained from both groups of pigs to evaluate the ability of TR-IFM to differentiate between healthy and diseased pigs. Performance of TR-IFM was evaluated by means of its calibration curve and detection limit, analytic precision during routine operation, and linearity of results for serial dilutions for the 3 types of samples. In addition, performance of TR-IFM was compared with that of a commercial spectrophotometric assay.

Results—The TR-IFM assay involved only 1 step, and the results were obtained in 20 minutes, with good analytic sensitivity and reproducibility. The analytic limit of detection was 0.52 ng/mL. Intra-assay and interassay coefficients of variation ranged from 1.13% to 4.81% and 5.97% to 13.57%, respectively. The method yielded linear results for all sample types. Serum haptoglobin concentrations determined by use of TR-IFM and spectrophotometric assays were highly correlated (r = 0.96). Differences between healthy and diseased pigs with respect to median haptoglobin concentrations were significant for all types of samples.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The 1-step TR-IFM assay accurately quantified haptoglobin concentrations in serum, saliva, and meat juice samples from swine and may be useful in laboratory and meat inspection settings.
Phase I evaluation of carboplatin by use of a dosing strategy based on a targeted area under the platinum concentration-versus-time curve and individual glomerular filtration rate in cats with tumors
Authors: Bailey Dennis B. , Rassnick Kenneth M. , Dykes Nathan L. , Pendyala Lakshmi
Published: June 2009

Objective—To determine whether a carboplatin dose calculation that is based on a targeted area under the concentration-versus-time curve (AUCTarget) and individual glomerular filtration rate (GFR) accurately predicts carboplatin-associated myelotoxicoses in tumor-bearing cats, and to determine the maximum tolerated AUCTarget.

Animals—32 cats with tumors.

Procedures—In each cat, plasma clearance of technetium Tc 99m-labeled diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid was measured to assess GFR. Carboplatin was administered IV. The dose was calculated by use of an equation as follows: Dose = AUCTarget × 2.6 × GFR × body weight. Initial AUCTarget was 2.0 min·mg·mL−1 and was increased in increments of 0.50 min·mg·mL−1 in cohorts of 3 cats. To assess myelotoxic effects, CBCs were performed weekly for ≥ 4 weeks. Following identification of the maximum tolerated AUCTarget, additional cats were treated at that AUCTarget and plasma platinum concentrations were measured in 6 cats.

Results—The AUCTarget values ranged from 2.0 to 3.0 min·mg·mL−1. Neutropenia was the dose-limiting toxicosis, and the maximum tolerated AUCTarget was 2.75 min·mg·mL−1. Nineteen cats received this dose of carboplatin; 13 became neutropenic, but only 1 developed severe neutropenia (< 500 neutrophils/μL), and none had neutropenia-associated clinical signs. In the cats that had plasma platinum concentration determined, the difference between AUCTarget and the measured value ranged from −0.23 to 0.31 min·mg·mL−1 (median, 0.20 min·mg·mL−1).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In cats, carboplatin-associated myelotoxicoses were accurately and uniformly predicted by use of the proposed dosing strategy. The maximum tolerated AUCTarget for a single dose of carboplatin was 2.75 min·mg·mL−1.
Effect of endotoxic mastitis on epithelial cell numbers in the milk of dairy cows
Authors: Wagner Sarah A. , Jones Douglas E. , Apley Michael D.
Published: June 2009

Objective—To measure epithelial cell percentages and somatic cell counts (SCCs) in milk and determine whether isoflupredone acetate reduces mammary gland epithelial cell sloughing in cows with acute endotoxin-induced mastitis.

Animals—13 lactating Holstein cows.

Procedures—Determination of SCC and flow cytometric analysis of cytokeratin-positive (epithelial) cells in milk were performed before and 12 hours after induction of mastitis via intramammary administration of bacterial endotoxin in 8 cows and at the same time points in 5 cows without mastitis. Endotoxin-treated cows received isoflupredone acetate (20 mg) or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (n = 4/group) IV after signs of mastitis developed.

Results—At the 12-hour time point, mean ± SD percentage of epithelial cells in milk increased from 2.74 ± 1.93% to 42.11 ± 36.21% and decreased from 5.73 ± 4.52% to 5.31 ± 1.93% in milk from cows with and without mastitis, respectively. Median (range) SCC in milk increased from 195,000 cells/mL (17,000 to 442,000 cells/mL) to 5,437,500 cells/mL (69,000 to 11,036,000 cells/mL) and from 19,000 cells/mL (9,000 to 125,000 cells/mL) to 51,000 cells/mL (10,000 to 835,000 cells/mL) in cows with and without mastitis, respectively. Changes in these variables were significantly greater in mastitis-affected cows. Administration of isoflupredone acetate did not affect epithelial cell percentage or SCC in milk.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—During the early phase of endotoxin-induced mastitis in dairy cows, large numbers of epithelial cells were sloughed into the milk. Epithelial cell damage likely precedes an influx of immune cells into affected mammary glands and may contribute to breakdown of the blood-milk barrier.
Impact of Weeds on Paddy Biomass in Upland Rainfed Areas of Terai Region of Nepal
Authors: Bhatt M. D. , Singh S. P. , Tewarir A.
Published: June 2009

Field experiments were conducted to analyze impacts of weeds on biomass of two varieties of rain fed upland paddy (cv. Radha-4 and Neemai) during the Kharif session of 2004-2005 in the Terai region of Nepal. Four experiments were conducted in randomized block design with three replications. A total of 55 weed species were identified with densities of 240 individual plants per sqm in Radha-4 and 236 individual plants per sqm in Neemai. The annual net primary productivity of paddy crop was maximum (2329.3 g m-2 yr-1 in Radha-4 and 2170.3 g m-2 yr-1 in Neemai) in weed-free plots and lowest (1659.8 g m-2 yr-1 in Radha-4 and 1659.4 g m-2 yr-1 in Neemai) in unweeded plots. Hand weeding was done twice at 25 and 50 days after broadcasting and proved to be better than herbicides in the paddy biomass. The mean maximum biomass of paddy in weed free plots was 2418.7 and 2270.3 g m-2 in Radha-4 and Neemai. This biomass was similar to twice hand weeded plots being 1% lower in both the varieties. Compared to weed-free plots the biomass reduction in Radha-4 and Neemai in herbicides treated plots was lower by 1.4% in both the varieties. Compared to weed-free plots the biomass reduction in unweeded plots was recorded 29% lower in Radha-4 and 23% in Neemai. The weed biomass was highest in unweed plots (516.4 and 436.6 g m-2) and lowest (169.3 and 192.3g m-2 in twice hand-weeded plots. The net annual primary productivity of weeds was highest (437.9 g m>-2 yr-1 in Radha-4 and 376.6 g m-2 yr-1 in Neemai) in unweeded plots and lowest (119.7 g m-2 yr-1 in Radha-4 and 145.5 g m-2 yr-1 in Neemai) in twice hand weeded plots. The trend of grain yield in both the varieties were; weed-free plots (TT) > twice hand-weeded plots (T1) > chemical fertilizer and butachlor plots (T2) > unweeded plots (To).Key words: Paddy; weeds; upland; biomass; Teraidoi: 10.3126/eco.v13i0.1623 Ecoprint (An International Journal of Ecology) Vol. 13, No. 1, 2006 Page 15-22
Protective Role of Sodium Chloride and Sodium Dithionite agains UV-B Induced Damage in Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Prasad Y. , Kumar A. , Kumar H.D D.
Published: June 2009

Highly useful and economic algae especially protein-rich micro- algae are highly affected, and the protein, carbohydrate and pigments are highly damaged by increased UV-B exposure in a high protein-rich (45%),green,freshwater, unicellular,microalga  Chlorella vulgaris. 1 mM sodium dithionite (SDT) partially protected survival and growth against UV-B induced damage but NaCI (0.5m) became lethal to C. vulgaris in supplemented condition.Key words: UV-B; Protection; Survival; Growth; Chlorelladoi: 10.3126/eco.v13i0.1632Ecoprint (An International Journal of Ecology) Vol. 13, 2006 Page:61-67
Cyanophycean Algae Inhabiting Sodic Soil Exhibit Diverse Morphology: An Adaptation to High Exchangeable Sodium
Authors: Singh P. K. , Kishore S. , Prakash J. , Singh S. K. , Shukla M.
Published: June 2009

A soil pot experiment was conducted in soils containing two exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) levels i.e. normal (4.37) and high (54.5) ESP levels. The soils used in experiment were collected from different natural conditions to asses the algal biodiversity and changes in morphology of algae. The genera reported at high ESP were Oscillatoria, Lyngbya and colony of Anabaena while in normal soil these were absent. The heterocyst chain was also observed in soil of high ESP while in normal soil it was not reported. The width of heterocyst was much different than those reported. The chemical properties of soil e.g. pH, exchangeable sodium and ESP were decreased while organic carbon and total nitrogen contents were increased after one year algal growth. Key words: Cyanophycean algae, heterocyst, sodic soil, exchangeable sodium percentage.   doi: 10.3126/eco.v15i0.1937 ECOPRINT 15: 15-21, 2008
Microsurgical anatomy of the posterior spinal artery via a far-lateral transcondylar approach
Authors: Seçkin Hakan , Ateş Özkan , Bauer Andrew M. , Başkaya Mustafa K.
Published: June 2009

Object

The posterior spinal artery (PSA) is a clinically significant vessel that may frequently be encountered during the far-lateral transcondylar approach. There have been a limited number of reports on the specific origin of the PSA in the literature. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the origin of the PSA.

Methods

Thirteen cadaveric heads (26 sides) were injected with colored silicon. A bilateral far-lateral transcondylar approach was performed on each side. In every specimen the site of the origin of the PSAs, as well as their course, branching pattern and anastomoses, external diameters, and neighboring vascular and nervous structures were recorded. Microanatomical dissections were performed using the surgical microscope. In addition, 8 surgical cases in which the far-lateral approach was used were collected prospectively to record the course and origin of the PSA. Altogether, a total of 34 sides were analyzed for their PSA origin and course.

Results

In the cadaveric specimens, the PSA was found to originate from the vertebral artery (VA) in 25 sides (96%). In 13 specimens (50%) the PSA originated from the V4 segment of the VA intradurally. In 12 specimens (46%) the PSA originated from the V3 segment of the VA extradurally. In 1 specimen (4%), in whom the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) had an early origin from the VA extradurally at the C-1 level, the PSA originated from the PICA. Of the 8 surgical cases, 2 patients had extradural origin of the PSA from the V3 segment of the VA, whereas 6 patients had intradural origin of the PSA from the V4 segment.

Conclusions

Although the usual origin of the PSA is from the VA either intra- or extradurally, its origin is closely related to the origin of the PICA. The PSA originates from the PICA in cases in which the PICA originates extradurally from the VA. In the far-lateral transcondylar approach, the dura is opened in close proximity to the VA. Knowledge of the origin and course of the PSA is critically important when executing the far-lateral approach to avoid its injury.
In vivo intervertebral disc regeneration using stem cell–derived chondroprogenitors
Authors: Sheikh Hormoz , Zakharian Karen , De La Torre Ramiro Perez , Facek Christopher , Vasquez Adrian , Chaudhry G. Rasul , Svinarich David , Perez-Cruet Mick J.
Published: June 2009

Object

There is currently no biologic therapy to repair or restore a degenerated intervertebral disc. A potential solution may rest with embryonic stem cells (ESCs), which have a potential to grow indefinitely and differentiate into a variety of cell types in vitro. Prior studies have shown that ESCs can be encouraged to differentiate toward specific cell lineages by culture in selective media and specific growth environment. Among these lineages, there are cells capable of potentially producing nucleus pulposus (NP) in vivo. In this investigation, the authors studied ESCderived chondroprogenitors implanted into a degenerated disc in a rabbit. For this purpose, a rabbit model of disc degeneration was developed.

Methods

A percutaneous animal model of disc degeneration was developed by needle puncture of healthy intact discs in 16 New Zealand white rabbits. Series of spine MR imaging studies were obtained before disc puncture and after 2, 6, and 8 weeks. Prior to implantation, murine ESCs were cultured with cis-retinoic acid, transforming growth factor β, ascorbic acid, and insulin-like growth factor to induce differentiation toward a chondrocyte lineage. After confirmation by MR imaging, degenerated disc levels were injected with chondrogenic derivatives of ESCs expressing green fluorescent protein. At 8 weeks post-ESC implantation, the animals were killed and the intervertebral discs were harvested and analyzed using H & E staining, confocal fluorescent microscopy, and immunohistochemical analysis. Three intervertebral disc groups were analyzed in 16 rabbits, as follows: 1) Group A, control: naïve, nonpunctured discs (32 discs, levels L4–5 and L5–6); 2) Group B, experimental control: punctured disc (16 discs, level L2–3); and 3) Group C, experimental: punctured disc followed by implantation of chondroprogenitor cells (16 discs, level L3–4).

Results

The MR imaging studies confirmed intervertebral disc degeneration at needle-punctured segments starting at ~ 2 weeks. Postmortem H & E histological analysis of Group A discs showed mature chondrocytes and no notochordal cells. Group B discs displayed an intact anulus fibrosus and generalized disorganization within fibrous tissue of NP. Group C discs showed islands of notochordal cell growth. Immunofluorescent staining for notochordal cells was negative for Groups A and B but revealed viable notochordal-type cells within experimental Group C discs, which had been implanted with ESC derivatives. Notably, no inflammatory response was noted in Group C discs.

Conclusions

This study illustrates a reproducible percutaneous model for studying disc degeneration. New notochordal cell populations were seen in degenerated discs injected with ESCs. The lack of immune response to a xenograft of mouse cells in an immunocompetent rabbit model may suggest an as yet unrecognized immunoprivileged site within the intervertebral disc space.
Parasagittal osteotomy for en bloc resection of multilevel cervical chordomas
Authors: Chou Dean , Acosta Frank , Cloyd Jordan M. , Ames Christopher P.
Published: June 2009

En bloc resection of chordoma has been shown to be critical for prolonging long-term survival and disease-free intervals in patients. Cervical spine chordomas pose special challenges because of the vertebral arteries and critical nerve roots involved. Multilevel chordomas pose even greater challenges because of the need to remove multiple segments of the spine in 1 piece without tumor violation. Although there have been 2 case reports describing multilevel spondylectomy for cervical chordoma, to the authors' knowledge, there are no reports of parasagittal osteotomies for en bloc resection of multilevel cervical chordomas. The use of these osteotomies allows us to avoid intralesional resection and adhere to the oncological principle of en bloc tumor excision. The authors report their management of 3 multilevel cervical chordomas and describe their technique of en bloc tumor removal using parasagittal osteotomy.
Minimally invasive technique for direct repair of pars interarticularis defects in adults using a percutaneous pedicle screw and hook-rod system
Authors: Sairyo Koichi , Sakai Toshinori , Yasui Natsuo
Published: June 2009

In this report, the authors described a new minimally invasive technique to repair pars interarticularis defects in adults. The well-established technique using the pedicle screw (PS) and hook-rod system was modified. First, bilateral PSs were inserted percutaneuosly using the Sextant system. Then, through a small skin incision (3–4 cm), an illuminated tubular retractor (Quadrant system; Medtronic Sofamore Danek) was inserted into the pars defect. When this system is used, it is not necessary to detach all the back muscles to access the lytic part. The bursa and fibrocartilaginous mass near the defects were removed. After decortication of the pseudarthrosis at the spondylolytic level, bone grafts were implanted. Finally, the hook part of a hook-rod system was attached to the lamina and the rod was secured at the tulip head of the PSs. The authors performed this procedure in 2 adult patients, 32 and 24 years of age. Immediately after surgery both patients' low-back pain disappeared, and by 3 months postoperatively both had returned to their original work or sports activities.
Transesterification of Vegetable Oils with Ethanol and Characterization of the Key Fuel Properties of Ethyl Esters
Authors: Anastopoulos George , Zannikou Ypatia , Stournas Stamoulis , Kalligeros Stamatis
Published: June 2009

The transesterification reactions of four different vegetable oils (sunflower, rapeseed, olive oil and used frying oil) with ethanol, using sodium hydroxide as catalyst, were studied. The ester preparation involved a two-step transesterification reaction, followed by purification. The effects of the mass ratio of catalyst to oil (0.25 – 1.5%), the molar ratio of ethanol to oil (6:1 – 12:1), and the reaction temperature (35 – 90 °C) were studied for the conversion of sunflower oil to optimize the reaction conditions in both stages. The rest of the vegetable oils were converted to ethyl esters under optimum reaction parameters. The optimal conditions for first stage transesterification were an ethanol/oil molar ratio of 12:1, NaOH amount (1% wt/wt), and 80 °C temperature, whereas the maximum yield of ethyl esters reached 81.4% wt/wt. In the second stage, the yield of ethyl esters was improved by 16% in relation with the one-stage transesterification, which was obtained under the following optimal conditions: catalyst concentration 0.75% and ethanol/oil molar ratio 6:1. The fuel properties of the esters were measured according to EN test methods. Based on the experimental results one can see that the ethyl esters do not differ significantly from methyl esters. Moreover, the results showed that the values of density, viscosity, and higher heating value of ethyl esters were similar to those of automotive and heavy duty engine diesel fuel. However, the CFPP values were higher, which may contribute to potential difficulties in cold starts. On the other hand, the flash points, which were higher than those of diesel fuel constituted a safety guarantee from the point of view of handling and storage.
Synthesis of 4-[(4-dimethylaminobenzylidene)amino]phenyl tetradecanoate
Authors: Ha Sie-Tiong , Ong Siew-Teng , Ong Lay-Khoon , Win Yip-Foo , Koh Teck-Ming , Sivasothy Yasodha
Published: June 2009

A new Schiff base ester, 4-[(4-dimethylaminobenzylidene)amino]phenyl tetradecanoate, was synthesized and its IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and MS spectroscopic data are reported.
The Synthesis of Some Perhydrobenzimidazolinium Salts and Their Application in Pd-Carbene Catalyzed Heck and Suzuki Reactions
Authors: Yiğit Murat
Published: June 2009

Novel 1,3-dialkylperhydrobenzimidazolinium chloride salts were prepared as precursors of N-heterocyclic carbenes 3a-e by reacting N,N’-dialkylcyclohexandiamine, triethyl orthoformate and ammonium chloride. The salts were characterized spectroscopically and the complexes formed in situ from Pd(OAc)2 and 3 have been tested as catalysts in homogenous Heck and Suzuki reactions.
Publisher's Note - Pagination Error
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: June 2009

Publisher's Note added on 4 June 2009: There is a pagination error in Sensors 2009, 9(6) with page 4271 missing. Thus, page 4271 is taken as a blank page.
Antibody-Based Sensors: Principles, Problems and Potential for Detection of Pathogens and Associated Toxins
Authors: Byrne Barry , Stack Edwina , Gilmartin Niamh , O’Kennedy Richard
Published: June 2009

Antibody-based sensors permit the rapid and sensitive analysis of a range of pathogens and associated toxins. A critical assessment of the implementation of such formats is provided, with reference to their principles, problems and potential for ‘on-site’ analysis. Particular emphasis is placed on the detection of foodborne bacterial pathogens, such as Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes, and additional examples relating to the monitoring of fungal pathogens, viruses, mycotoxins, marine toxins and parasites are also provided.
Underwater Acoustic Sensors Based on Fiber Bragg Gratings
Authors: Campopiano Stefania , Cutolo Antonello , Cusano Andrea , Giordano Michele , Parente Giuseppe , Lanza Giuseppe , Laudati Armando
Published: June 2009

We report on recent results obtained with a fiber optic hydrophone based on the intensity modulation of the laser light in a FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) under the influence of the sound pressure. In order to control the behavior of the hydrophone in terms of sensitivity and bandwidth, FBGs have been coated with proper materials, characterized by different elastic modulus and shapes. In particular, new experiments have been carried out using a cylindrical geometry with two different coating, showing that the sensitivity is not influenced by the shape but by the transversal dimension and the material characteristics of the coating.
Symmetry at the Foundation of Science and Nature
Authors: Rosen Joe
Published: June 2009

This article demonstrates that science is founded on symmetry and that Nature must have symmetry at its foundation. Full details are given in the book: Rosen, J. Symmetry Rules: How Science and Nature Are Founded on Symmetry; Springer-Verlag: Berlin, Germany, 2008.
Subjective and Objective Evaluation of Noise Management Algorithms
Authors: Peeters Heidi , Kuk Francis , Lau Chi-chuen , Keenan Denise
Published: June 2009

Purpose: To measure the subjective and objective improvement of speech intelligibility in noise offered by a commercial hearing aid that uses a fully adaptive directional microphone and a noise reduction algorithm that optimizes the Speech Intelligibility Index (SII). Research
Design: Comparison of results on the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) and the Acceptable Noise Level task (ANL). Study Sample: Eighteen participants with varying configurations of sensorineural hearing loss. Results: Both the directional microphone and the noise reduction algorithm
improved the speech-in-noise performance of the participants. The benefits reported were higher for the directional microphone than the noise reduction algorithm. A moderate correlation was noted between the benefits measured on the HINT and the ANL for the directional microphone condition,
the noise reduction condition, and the directional microphone plus noise reduction conditions. Conclusions: These results suggest that the directional microphone and the SII-based noise reduction algorithm may improve the SNR of the listening environments, and both the HINT and the
ANL may be used to study their benefits.
Evaluation of Cellular Phone Technology with Digital Hearing Aid Features: Effects of Encoding and Individualized Amplification
Authors: Mackersie Carol L. , Qi Yingyong , Boothroyd Arthur , Conrad Nicole
Published: June 2009

Purpose: To compare multichannel amplification within a cellular phone system to a standard cellular phone response. Research Design: Three cellular phone speech-encoding strategies were evaluated: a narrow-band (3.5 kHz upper cutoff) enhanced variable-rate coder (EVRC),
a narrow-band selectable mode vocoder (SMV), and a wide-band SMV (7.5 kHz cutoff). Because the SMV encoding strategies are not yet available on phones, the processing was simulated using a computer. Individualized-amplification settings were created using NAL-NL1 (National Acoustic Laboratories—Non-linear
1) targets. Overall gain was set at preferred listening levels for both the individualized-amplification setting and the standard cellular phone setting for each of the three encoders. Phoneme-recognition scores and subjective ratings (listening effort, overall quality) were obtained in quiet
and in noise. Stimuli were played from loudspeakers in one room, picked up by a microphone connected to a (transmitting) computer, and sent over the Internet to a receiving computer in an adjacent room, where the signal was amplified and delivered monaurally. Study Sample: Fourteen
participants with hearing loss. Results: Phoneme scores and subjective ratings were significantly higher for the individualized-amplification setting than for the standard setting in both quiet and noise. There were no significant differences among the cellular phone encoding strategies
for any measure.
Hearing Loss and Cognitive Effort in Older Adults' Report Accuracy for Verbal Materials
Authors: Stewart Raj , Wingfield Arthur
Published: June 2009

Background: In addition to declines in auditory acuity, adult aging is often also accompanied by reduced cognitive efficiency, most notably in working memory resources and a general slowing in a number of perceptual and cognitive domains. Effectiveness of speech comprehension
by older adults reflects a balance between these declines and the relative preservation in healthy aging of linguistic knowledge and the procedural rules for its application. Purpose: To examine effects of hearing acuity in older adults on intelligibility functions for sentences that
varied in two degrees of syntactic complexity, with their concomitant demands on older adults' working memory resources. Research Design: Stimuli consisted of monosyllabic words presented in isolation, and nine-word sentences that varied in syntactic complexity. Two sentence types were
employed: sentences with a subject-relative clause structure, and more syntactically complex sentences in which meaning was expressed with an object-relative clause structure. The stimuli were presented initially below the level of audibility and then increased in loudness in 2 dB increments
until the single-word stimuli and all nine words of the sentence stimuli could be correctly reported. Study Sample: Participants were 16 older adults with good hearing acuity for their ages, 16 age-matched adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, and 16 young adults with age-normal
hearing. Results: Along with confirming better report accuracy for the words of meaningful sentences than for words heard in isolation, performance curves for the sentence stimuli showed a significant effect of syntactic complexity. This took the form of older adults having poorer report
accuracy at any given loudness level for sentences with greater syntactic complexity. This general effect of syntactic complexity on perceptual report accuracy was further exacerbated by age and hearing loss. Conclusions: Age-limited working memory resources are impacted both by the
resource demands required for comprehension of syntactically complex sentences and by effortful listening attendant to hearing loss.
Late-Onset Unilateral Auditory Neuropathy/Dysynchrony: A Case Study
Authors: Stuart Andrew , Mills Kristal N.
Published: June 2009

Background: Auditory neuropathy/dysynchrony (AN/AD) typically develops early in life and is bilateral in nature. Purpose: Herein, we describe an unusual finding of late-onset unilateral AN/AD based on reported case history and audiometric findings. Research Design:
A 64-year-old female presented with a complaint of a progressive unilateral hearing loss that had developed over the past two‐three years. She underwent an extensive behavioral/electrophysiological test battery. Results: Magnetic resonance imaging was negative for internal auditory
canal mass or lesion. A unilateral notched loss centered at 1000 Hz and other findings were consistent with late-onset unilateral AN/AD: observable bilateral otoacoustic emissions and cochlear microphonics, absent middle acoustic reflexes with stimulation on the affected side, abnormal
auditory brain stem response on the affected side, and poorer speech recognition than would be predicted by the audiogram. Middle-latency and long-latency evoked responses were present bilaterally, although with lower amplitudes on the affected side.
Bilateral Idiopathic Sensorineural Hearing Loss following Dental Surgery
Authors: Wilson Richard H. , Witkowski Charles E. , Wilson Ashley A.S.
Published: June 2009

Background: This is a case study of an 18-year-old female who suffered a bilateral idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss that was coincident with the removal of four impacted wisdom teeth. Throughout childhood the patient had normal hearing for pure tones bilaterally as measured
at the pediatrician's office. One month prior to dental surgery (May) the patient volunteered to participate in an auditory experiment at which time her pure-tone audiogram was normal. Immediately following surgery (June), the patient had substantial swelling of the face and complained of
some hearing loss with no other auditory/vestibular complaints. The following month (July) during the course of a routine physical examination a pure-tone audiogram revealed bilateral, air-conduction thresholds of 30‐35 dB HL (500‐4000 Hz) and 20 dB HL (8000 Hz).
Because bone conduction was not tested, it is impossible to know whether the hearing loss was conductive, mixed, or sensorineural. The pediatrician thought that the hearing loss was conductive and would resolve as the edema subsided. A month later (August) the subject again volunteered for
an auditory experiment at which time her hearing again was tested. Purpose: The purpose of this report is to detail the dental procedures involved in the extraction of the wisdom teeth, to report the results of a variety and series of post-op hearing tests, and to discuss the possible
mechanisms that might be involved in the “idiopathic” bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Research Design: Case report. Results: During the August visit to the laboratory, hearing for pure tones bilaterally was 0 to 5 dB HL at 250‐1000 Hz with
a 40‐45 dB HL notch at 2000 Hz with a return to 10 dB HL at 8000 Hz. Air conduction and bone conduction thresholds were equivalent. Word recognition in quiet was ≥92 percent correct for both ears, whereas the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) hearing loss measured
with the Words-in-Noise test was high normal in the left ear with a mild SNR hearing loss in the right ear. Tympanometry and acoustic reflex thresholds were normal. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions were reduced in the 1000‐3000 Hz region for both ears, which is consistent
with cochlear hearing loss. The hearing loss has remained unchanged for the past 19 months. Conclusions: The possible etiologies, including insults to the cochleae by vibration trauma and through alterations in the blood supply to the cochleae, are considered.
Normal Multiple Auditory Steady-State Response Thresholds to Air-Conducted Stimuli in Infants
Authors: Van Maanen Anna , Stapells David R.
Published: June 2009

Background and Purpose: Multiple auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) to stimuli modulated at ∼80 Hz are a promising technique for threshold estimation in infants, but additional data are required. Research Design: We obtained multiple ASSRs to air-conducted
(AC) stimuli. Study Sample: There were 54 children in two age groups: >six months (N  =  32) and ≤six months (N  =  22). All infants had normal hearing by tone-evoked auditory brain stem response. Results: ASSR thresholds, estimated from
50 percent using cumulative percent present distributions, were 36, 30, 24, and 15 dB HL at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz, respectively. Most (≥90%) of the infants showed present ASSRs at 49, 45, 36, and 32 dB HL at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz, respectively,
with no differences in the results of younger versus older infants. When responses were present for all stimuli for both ears, most infants showed all eight responses within five minutes. Compared to ipsilateral responses, ASSRs in the contralateral EEG (electroencephalogram) channel were
smaller and often absent. Conclusions: Based upon these data and the literature, normal AC ASSR “screening” levels would be 50, 45, 40, and 40 dB HL at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz, respectively. Using the multiple-stimulus ASSR, infants with normal hearing
referred for diagnostic electrophysiological threshold assessment can now be quickly confirmed as having normal thresholds for four frequencies in both ears.
Evidence for a Cortically Mediated Release from Inhibition in the Human Cochlea
Authors: Harkrider Ashley W. , Bowers C Dane
Published: June 2009

Purpose: To determine cortical influence on the efferent medial olivocochlear bundle system. Research Design: The effects of attention on contralateral suppression (CS) of click-evoked otoacoustic emissions were measured. Study Sample: Fifteen normal-hearing listeners.
Results: CS was greatest in the nonattending condition and decreased significantly when attending to the click or broadband noise suppressor. The effects of attention on CS were not frequency dependent or due to changes in recording noise measures. Conclusions: Attention to either
the ipsilateral, evoking stimulus or the contralateral suppressor causes a top-down, cortically mediated release from inhibition at the level of the cochlea that is measurable with common audiologic protocols and instrumentation. Future studies assessing the effects of attention on CS of click-evoked
otoacoustic emissions in normal controls and individuals with various auditory or attentional deficits may provide valuable information about the capabilities of the cortex to affect peripheral processing in a normal and/or pathological system.
GIN (Gaps-In-Noise) Performance in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Shinn Jennifer B. , Chermak Gail D. , Musiek Frank E.
Published: June 2009

Background: The recently developed Gaps-In-Noise (GIN) test has provided a new diagnostic tool for the detection of temporal resolution deficits. Previous reports indicate that the GIN is a relatively sensitive tool for the diagnosis of central auditory processing disorder ([C]APD)
in adult populations. Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to determine the feasibility of the GIN test in the pediatric population. Research Design: This was a prospective pseudorandomized investigation. Study Sample: This investigation involved administration
of the GIN to 72 participants divided into six groups of normal children ranging from 7 through 18 years of age. Data Collection and Analysis: The approximate GIN threshold (the shortest gap duration for which at least four of six gaps were correctly identified) served as the dependent
variable. Results were analyzed using an ANOVA to examine between- and within-group differences. Results: No statistically significant differences were seen in GIN thresholds among age groups. In addition, within group analysis yielded no statistically significant differences between
ears within each age group. No developmental effect was seen in GIN thresholds between the ages of 7 and 18 years. Children as young as age 7 are able to complete the GIN with no significant difficulty and perform at levels commensurate with normal adults. The absence of ear differences suggests
that temporal resolution as measured by the GIN is an auditory process that develops relatively early and symmetrically (i.e., no laterality or ear dominance effects). Conclusions: The GIN procedure appears to be a feasible measure of temporal resolution in both pediatric and adult
populations.
The Time Course of the Amplitude and Latency in the Auditory Late Response Evoked by Repeated Tone Bursts
Authors: Zhang Fawen , Eliassen James , Anderson Jill , Scheifele Peter , Brown David
Published: June 2009

Background: This study provides a detailed description of the time course of amplitude and latency in the auditory late response (ALR) elicited by repeated tone bursts. Research Design: Tone bursts (50 and 80 dB SPL) were presented via insert earphones in trains of ten
with interstimulus intervals (ISIs) of 0.7 and 2 msec and an intertrain interval of 15 sec. Averages were derived independently for each tone burst within the train across the total number of train presentations. Study Sample: Participants were 14 normal-hearing young adults. Data
Collection and Analysis: Data were analyzed in terms of the amplitudes and latencies of the N1 and P2 waves of the ALR as well as the N1-P2 amplitude. Results: The N1-P2 amplitude was a more stable measure than the amplitude of individual N1 and P2 peaks. The N1-P2 amplitude was
maximal for the first tone burst and decreased in a nonmonotonic pattern for the remainder of the tone bursts within a stimulus train. The amplitude decrement was dependent on stimulus intensity and ISI. The latencies of N1 and P2 were maximal for the first tone burst and reduced approximately
20% for the rest of the stimuli in a train. The time course of N1 and P2 latencies was not dependent on stimulus intensity and ISI. Conclusions: The reduction of latency in the time course of the ALR might be related to the fact that neurons with shorter latencies had faster recovery
speed from adaptation and/or refractoriness than those with longer latencies. This finding is meaningful in the context of future research to restore normal adaptation in abnormal hearing populations such as cochlear implant patients.
Speech Recognition and Temporal Processing in Middle-Aged Women
Authors: Helfer Karen S. , Vargo Megan
Published: June 2009

Purpose: This study was designed to examine speech understanding ability and temporal processing in middle-aged women with normal or near-normal pure-tone thresholds. Research Design: Speech understanding, temporal processing ability, and self-assessed hearing were measured
in groups of younger and middle-aged females. Study Sample: Participants were younger and middle-aged females (n  =  12 per group) with normal hearing through 4000 Hz bilaterally. Subjects were drawn from nonclinical populations. Data Collection and Analysis: Speech
understanding was measured in the presence of steady-state noise and competing speech, with and without perceived spatial separation of the target speech and masker. The Gaps-In-Noise (GIN) test (Musiek et al, 2005) was used to assess temporal resolution ability. In addition, subjects completed
a questionnaire with several items from the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (Gatehouse and Noble, 2004) to gauge their subjective ability to understand speech in complex listening situations. Data were analyzed via repeated-measures ANOVA and Pearson r correlations. Results:
Results showed that the performance of the middle-aged subjects was significantly poorer than that of the younger participants in the presence of a spatially coincident speech masker. Although performance in this listening condition was unrelated to pure-tone thresholds, it was strongly correlated
with scores on the GIN test. Speech understanding performance in the presence of a steady-state masker was related to high-frequency pure-tone thresholds. Conclusions: These results suggest that some middle-aged women with little or no pure-tone hearing loss experience listening difficulty
in complex environments. Results also suggest a strong relationship between temporal processing and speech understanding in certain competing speech situations.
Loudness and Satisfaction Ratings for Hearing Aid Users
Authors: Blamey Peter J. , Martin Lois F.A.
Published: June 2009

Background: Hearing aids amplify low-intensity sounds to make them audible while keeping high-intensity sounds at an acceptable loudness for listeners with impaired hearing. Purpose: The purpose of this analysis was to assess loudness and satisfaction at the same time
using a combined loudness and satisfaction questionnaire to rate 18 everyday environmental sounds. Research Design: Ten sets of data from four studies, covering three conditions, were analyzed. The three conditions were unaided, wide dynamic range compression (WDRC), and adaptive dynamic
range optimization (ADRO®). In total, there were 61 subjects giving over 3,000 pairs of ratings for loudness and satisfaction. Results: The analysis found a strong relationship between loudness and satisfaction ratings for this set of listeners and conditions. The maximum satisfaction
ratings corresponded to sounds with “comfortable” loudness ratings. Satisfaction was lowest for sounds that were “uncomfortably loud.” Sounds that were very soft or inaudible also received low satisfaction ratings unless the sounds were expected to be soft, such as
the sound of one's own breathing. Conclusions: Hearing aid fittings that place most sounds at a comfortable level are likely to be more satisfactory than hearing aid fittings that produce more sounds close to hearing thresholds or discomfort levels. Aided conditions gave higher loudness
and satisfaction ratings than the unaided condition, and the ADRO hearing aids gave significantly higher satisfaction ratings than the WDRC hearing aids.