bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ps 44,15; 57,10; 108,4; 149,7: בלאמים or בל־אמים
Authors: Barbiero Gianni , Pavan Marco
Published: February 2013

In Ps 149,7, the Leningrad Codex (L), which is reproduced faithfully in BHS, offers the strange reading בל־אמים instead of the expected בלאמים, attested at Qumran and in the Aleppo Codex (A), which is followed by the ancient versions and by modern translations. This is not a case of a scribal error because the same reading occurs in Ps 44,15; 57,10; 108,4 L. According to the present contribution, a phonetic explanation of this phenomenon seems somewhat improbable. Probably what we have here is a semantic game, a kind of midrash on the consonants בלאמים, in which the authors of Codex L suggest the possibility of an alternative reading: »among the peoples« could be read also as »(among) the non-peoples«. This second reading receives support from Deut 32,21 בל־אמים.

En Ps. 149,7, le Codex de Léningrad (L), qui est fidèlement repris par la BHS, offre l’étrange lecture: בל־אמים, au lieu de: בלאמים, selon Qumrân et le Codex d’Alep (A), suivis par les versions anciennes et les traductions modernes. Il ne s’agit pas d’une erreur de scribe, puisque la même lecture revient en Pss. 44,15; 57,10; 108,4 L. Une explication phonétique de ce phénomène paraît cependant improbable. Il s’agit plutôt d’un jeu sémantique, une sorte de midrash, sur les consonnes de בלאמים, où les auteurs du Codex L suggèrent la possibilité d’une autre lecture: »parmi les peuples« pourrait être lu également: »(parmi) les non-peuples«. Cette lecture alternative se trouve confortée par: בל־אמים en Deut. 32,21.

In Ps 149,7 bietet der Codex L, welchem die BHS folgt, die seltsame Lesung בל־אמים, statt der erwarteten בלאמים, welche von Qumran, vom Aleppo-Codex (A), von den alten Versionen und den modernen Übersetzungen fast einmütig unterstützt wird. Es handelt sich kaum um einen Schreibfehler, denn dieselbe Lesart erscheint in Ps 44,15; 57,10; 108,4 L. Eine phonetische Erklärung des Phänomens ist nach dem vorliegenden Beitrag unwahrscheinlich. Wir haben es vielmehr mit einem semantischen Spiel zu tun, einer Art Midrasch über die Konsonanten בלאמים. Dadurch möchten die Autoren von L die Möglichkeit einer alternativen Lesung nahe legen: »unter den Völkern« könnte auch als »(unter) den Nicht-Völkern« verstanden werden. Der zweiten Lesung könnte Dtn 32,21 בל־אמים Pate gestanden haben.
Phraseologie im Wörterbuch
Authors: Dobrovol’skij Dmitrij
Published: February 2013

The overarching aim of the present paper is to formulate the central phraseographicparameters that can enable researchers to analyze and measurethe efficiency of every dictionary containing phrasemes of all possibletypes.

This paper considers the various ways in which phraseology is represented.Although issues of this kind have been a matter of discussion for acouple of decades, most crucial problems remain unsolved. Rather thandelivering an overview of the relevant works or a critical analysis of existingphraseological dictionaries, the present paper concentrates on somegeneral questions of phraseography. Of special interest are the ways inwhich phrasemes are presented in so-called active dictionaries, i. e., dictionariesthat aim at speech production. The discussion focuses on innovativetechniques for explaining meaning. First, rather than just pointing to anear-synonymous word, descriptions of idiom semantics must take into accountall relevant distinctive features. Second, definitions need to includethe image component of idiom semantics. This task relates to the nature ofidiom motivation. The image component is central to the mental representationas well as to the grammatical and discursive behavior of idioms.Moreover, the lexicographic relevance of this part of the meaning explanationis based on the fact that it can potentially evoke and convey culturespecificchunks of knowledge. To meet these two conditions, lexicographershave to analyze authentic contexts using large text corpora. In other words,the lexicographic definition of idiom semantics has to be substantiatedthrough detailed analyses of the usage of a given phraseme. Besides purelysemantic issues, questions arise as to how dictionaries should present boththe pragmatic and stylistic aspects and the combinatorial behavior ofidioms. As for bilingual idiom dictionaries, the crucial idea is that fullequivalence between seemingly congruent idioms from different languages hardly exists. Although certain idioms may reflect close formal and semanticcorrespondences, in most of the cases their actual use shows subtle differences.A specific focus is put on aspects of variation. This section develops asystematic typology for the forms of idiom variation. It can be consideredthe general foundation for both theoretical discussions and practical, lexicographicallyoriented analyses. Objects of attention include habitualizedword play, i. e., generally known and frequently used modifications of theidiom structure based on puns. This phenomenon has not been satisfactorilyclassified in traditional approaches to phraseology. However, it is importantfrom the lexicographical point of view as well because this kind of idiomvariation reveals the inherent creativity that characterizes many idioms.
Wie viel Wissen steckt in Wörterbüchern? Eine frame-semantische Perspektive
Authors: Boas Hans C.
Published: February 2013

In this paper I argue that it is often not possible to systematically distinguishbetween linguistically relevant knowledge and linguistically irrelevantknowledge. Based on a discussion of various meanings of words and thecontexts in which they can occur I propose, following Fillmore (1982), aframe-semantic approach to the description and analysis of word meanings.Presenting a number of examples from the FrameNet lexicographic databasefor English, I discuss the types of different knowledge necessary toproperly interpret a word’s meaning in context. Finally, I claim that theFrameNet approach to lexical description is also advantagous for the descriptionof other languages and domains.
Sicherheit im öffentlichen Raum: Eine sprach- und kulturvergleichende Diskursanalyse am Beispiel des Körperscanners (2009–2012)
Authors: Habscheid Stephan , Thörle Britta , Wilton Antje
Published: February 2013

This contribution explores the discursive practices employed in public discussionabout security in three European countries: Germany, France andthe UK. Initiated by a thwarted terrorist attack on a flight from Amsterdamto Detroit, European parliaments as well as the media discussed the(re)introduction of body scanners as part of the airport security measures.The focus of attention in this study lies on the cultural and linguistic comparisonof discursively constructed concepts of security and safety, the criteriaand selection procedures for scanning air passengers and the representationof public checkpoints including the deployed new technologies basedon ubiquitous computing.
Die Sprach(un)abhängigkeit von Textproduktionskompetenz: Translation als Werkzeug der Schreibprozessforschung und Schreibdidaktik
Authors: Göpferich Susanne , Nelezen Bridgit
Published: February 2013

In order to explore in which respects the ability of advanced universitystudents of English to express themselves in their L2 (English) differs fromtheir ability to do so in their L1 (German) and for which aspects of writingthe implementation of translation exercises is useful as a tool to improvewriting skills, a pilot study was conducted in which 6 students with L1German had to produce a German version of a text they had composed intheir L2 English. The methods of data collection used were think-aloud andkeystroke logging. In the analysis, special emphasis was placed on textlevelerrors as opposed to formal, lexical and grammatical errors. In theirL1 versions, students were consistently able to avoid errors of implicitnessand sense but displayed no improvements in other areas such as text coherenceand functional sentence perspective. Although some of the errors couldbe attributed to the special requirements of the translation assignment,translation was also found to possess certain advantages that make it auseful tool in writing didactics.
Prenatal Substance Abuse: Short- and Long-term Effects on the Exposed Fetus
Authors: Behnke Marylou , Smith Vincent C. ,   COMMITTEE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE,   COMMITTEE ON FETUS AND NEWBORN, Behnke Marylou , Smith Vincent C. , Levy Sharon , Ammerman Seth D. , Gonzalez Pamela Kathern , Ryan Sheryl Ann , Smith Vincent C. , Wunsch MD Martha J. , Papile Lu-Ann , Baley Jill E. , Carlo Waldemar A. , Cummings James J. , Kumar Praveen , Polin Richard A. , Tan Rosemarie C. , Watterberg Kristi L.
Published: February 2013

This Technical Report was retired March 2019.

Prenatal substance abuse continues to be a significant problem in this country and poses important health risks for the developing fetus. The primary care pediatrician’s role in addressing prenatal substance exposure includes prevention, identification of exposure, recognition of medical issues for the exposed newborn infant, protection of the infant, and follow-up of the exposed infant. This report will provide information for the most common drugs involved in prenatal exposure: nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, opiates, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
Examination of late pulmonary toxicity in children treated for malignancies
Authors: Jordán Zsófia , Tokodi Zsófia , Németh Ágnes , Müller Judit , Csóka Mónika , Mohl Adrienn , Erdélyi Dániel , Kovács Gábor
Published: February 2013

Introduction: The present investigation was based on a survey in 2005, in which the authors found pulmonary function abnormalities in survivors of childhood cancer, who were treated with anticancer therapy. Aim: The purpose of the present study was to follow-up childhood cancer survivors and detect late pulmonary toxicity. Patients and methods: Lung function test was performed with spirometry in 26 survivors participated in this study (10 females and 16 males; mean age, 19.4 years at the time of the second follow-up evaluation). The average time periods from treatment until the first and second follow-up evaluation were 4.5 and 10 years, respectively. Results: The authors found 14 patients with pathological pulmonary function tests results at the time of the first follow-up evaluation, from which 7 patients had obstructive, 5 patients had mixed and 2 patients had restrictive abnormalities. However, there were only 6 patients who had abnormal pulmonary function at the time of the second follow-up evaluation (2 patients with obstructive and 4 patients with restrictive pulmonary function tests (p<0.05). Conclusion: Restrictive pulmonary disorder was detected in only small part of the treated patients. The obsructive pulmonary abnormalities caused by the treatment showed an improving tendency over time. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 345–350.
Influence of Sn on the structural and thermoelectric properties of the type-I clathrates Ba8Cu5Si6Ge35-xSnx (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.6)
Authors: Yan X. , Bauer E. , Rogl P. , Paschen S.
Published: February 2013

On the search for cost-competitive thermoelectric clathrates we have investigated the influence of Sn substitutions for Ge on the structural and thermoelectric properties of the type-I clathrate Ba8Cu5Si6Ge35. The solid solubility of Sn was found to be limited to 0.6 atoms per unit cell. A series of compounds with the nominal compositions Ba8Cu5Si6Ge35-xSnx (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6) was synthesized in a high-frequency furnace. The samples were annealed, and subsequently ball milled and hot pressed. The hot pressed samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and transport property measurements. Our results show that the substitution of Ge by Sn introduces vacancies at the 6d site of the type-I clathrate structure and shifts the highest dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit ZT from 570 °C for the Sn free sample to lower temperatures. The highest figure of merit ZT = 0.42 is reached at about 320 °C for the Sn-substituted sample Ba8Cu5Si6Ge35Sn0.6.
Diameter and Temperature Dependences of Phonon-Drag Magnetothermopower in Bismuth Nanowires
Authors: Hirayama Naomi , Endo Akira , Hatano Naomichi
Published: February 2013

We present theoretical calculations of the phonon-drag contribution to the Nernst thermoelectric power Syx in Bismuth nanowires. We investigate the thermopower Syx with diameters L ranging from 22 to 900 nm at low temperatures (0.1 - 4.0 K) and high magnetic fields (up to 16 T). We find that the peak of thermopower Syx around 14.75 T exhibits the size effect in two different ways: for wires with L≥200 nm, the peak height increases with decreasing L; for wires with L<200 nm, on the other hand, the peak height rapidly decreases with decreasing L. The dependence is accounted for by considering the contributions of discrete quantized phonon modes. We also discuss the temperature dependence of Syx.
Investigation of Wide Bandgap Semiconductors for Thermoelectric Applications
Authors: Kucukgok B. , He Q. , Carlson A. , Melton A. G. , Ferguson I. T. , Lu N.
Published: February 2013

Thermoelectric materials with stable mechanical and chemical properties at high temperature are required for power generation applications. For example, gas temperatures up to 1000°C are normally present in the waste stream of industrial processes and this can be used for electricity generation. There are few semiconductor materials that can operate effectively at these high temperatures. One solution may be the use of wide bandgap materials, and in particular GaN-based materials, which may offer a traditional semiconductor solution for high temperatures thermoelectric power generation. In particular, the ability to both grow GaN-based materials and fabricate them into devices is well understood if their thermoelectric properties are favorable. To investigate the possibility of using III-Nitride and its alloys for thermoelectric applications, we synthesized and characterized room temperature thermoelectric properties of metal organic chemical vapor deposition grown GaN and InGaN with different carrier concentrations and indium compositions. The promising value of Seebeck coefficients and power factors of Si-doped GaN and InGaN indicated that these materials are suitable for thermoelectric applications.
Defects in the DNA Mismatch Repair System Do Not Contribute to the Development of Childhood Wilms Tumors
Authors: Segers Heidi , van den Heuvel-Eibrink Marry M. , de Krijger Ronald R. , Pieters Rob , Wagner Anja , Dinjens Winand N.M.
Published: February 2013

Wilms tumor is the most common childhood renal malignancy. Most Wilms tumors occur sporadically, whereas a genetic predisposition is described in 9–19% of the Wilms tumor patients. In addition to constitutional aberrations, somatic aberrations in multiple genetic loci such as WT1, WT2 or locus 11p15.5, CTNNB1, WTX, TP53, FBXW7, and MYCN have also been linked to Wilms tumorigenesis. In sporadic Wilms tumors, however, the driving somatic genetic aberrations need to be further unraveled. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain more insight into other underlying mechanisms. Little is known about the role of defects in the DNA mismatch repair system in the etiology of Wilms tumors. To detect mismatch repair deficiency in a full cohort of Wilms tumor patients, we combined immunohistochemistry for the expression of mismatch repair proteins and microsatellite instability (MSI) analysis by a fluorescent multiplex polymerase chain reaction–based assay. Of the 121 Wilms tumor patients treated between 1987 and 2010 in our institution, 100 samples from 97 patients were available for analysis. Nuclear staining for MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 proteins was present in all 100 Wilms tumor samples. No pattern of MSI was found in any of the 100 investigated Wilms tumor samples. The matching results of normal expression of the mismatch repair proteins detected by immunohistochemistry and the absence of MSI by DNA analysis in 100 Wilms tumor samples lead us to conclude that defects in the DNA mismatch repair system do not play a significant role in the development of Wilms tumors.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic evaluation of adrenal glands in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Pey Pascalline , Daminet Sylvie , Smets Pascale Marcel Yvonne , Duchateau Luc , De Fornel-Thibaud Pauline , Rosenberg Dan , Saunders Jimmy C. H.
Published: February 2013

Objective—To assess vascular changes induced by hyperadrenocorticism of hyperplastic adrenal glands in dogs via contrast-enhanced ultrasonography.

Animals—12 dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) and 7 healthy control dogs ≥ 7 years old.

Procedures—Dogs were assigned to the PDH and control groups and to small-breed (n = 6), medium-breed (4), and large-breed (9) subgroups. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of both adrenal glands in each dog was performed with IV injections of contrast agent. Time-intensity curves for the adrenal cortex, adrenal medulla, and ipsilateral renal artery of both adrenal glands were generated. Perfusion variables (time to peak [TTP], upslope of wash-in phase, and downslope of washout phase) were calculated.

Results—Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography revealed no qualitative difference between PDH and control groups. Quantitatively, TTPs were longer in the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla of the PDH group, compared with values for the control group, particularly in the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla of the small-breed subgroup. Washout downslopes were lower for the renal artery, adrenal cortex, and adrenal medulla of the small-breed subgroup between the PDH and control groups. No other perfusion variables differed between groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of the adrenal glands in dogs with PDH revealed a delayed TTP in the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla, compared with values for control dogs. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was able to detect vascular changes induced by hyperadrenocorticism. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether reference ranges for clinically normal dogs and dogs with PDH can be determined and applied in clinical settings.
Effects of conjugated linoleic acids on prostaglandin secretion by bovine endometrial epithelial cells in vitro
Authors: Heravi Moussavi Alireza , Butler W. Ronald , Bauman Dale E. , Gilbert Robert O.
Published: February 2013

Objective—To determine the effects of 2 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers (cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12) on synthesis of prostaglandin (PG) E2 and F2α and expression of prostaglandin H synthase-2 (PGHS-2) of adult and fetal bovine endometrial epithelial cells in vitro.

Sample—Primary cultures of endometrial epithelial cells obtained from 4 adult cows and 4 fetal bovine carcasses.

Procedures—Cells were exposed to 0, 50, 100, or 200μM cis-9, trans-11 or trans-10, cis-12 CLA isomers for 24 hours. Culture media collected before and after 6 hours of stimulation of cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate were assayed to detect PGE2 and PGF2α via ELISA. After stimulation, cells were collected for western blot analysis to quantify PGHS-2.

Results—Concentrations of PGF2α and PGE2 were significantly lower in culture media of adult and fetal endometrial epithelial cells exposed to any concentration of either CLA than they were in media of cells not exposed to CLAs. The trans-10, cis-12 CLA isomer seemed to decrease PG production more markedly than did the cis-9, trans-11 CLA isomer. Most concentrations of both CLAs significantly reduced culture media PGE2:PGF2α concentration ratios of cells. Exposure of cells to CLAs did not affect expression of PGHS-2 protein.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of this study indicated CLAs significantly decreased PGF2α and PGE2 concentrations and PGE2:PGF2α concentration ratios for cultures of adult and fetal endometrial epithelial cells with no apparent effect on PGHS-2 expression. Similar effects in cows could have effects on maternal recognition of pregnancy and immune function.
Evaluation of DNA Damage in the Lymphocytes of Young, Elderly and Alzheimer’s Disease Patients Treated with β-Estradiol in the Comet Assay
Authors: Žrsković Lada , Djelić Ninoslav , Bajićs Vladan , Bogavac-Stanojwić Nataša , Žukovec Dijana , Cabarkapa Andrea , Spremo-Potparevič Biljana
Published: February 2013

Background: The antioxidant activity of estrogen has a be ne - ficial impact in Alzheimer’s disease. A variety of clinical stu - dies have demonstrated that estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women results in a lower frequency of AD, delaying the onset of the neurodegenerative cascade. On the other hand, it has been demonstrated that estrogens may exhibit genotoxic effects, especially at elevated tissue concentrations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether b-estradiol induces DNA damage in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of healthy young females and males, healthy elderly females and males and females and males with Alzheimer’s disease.

Methods: All experiments were performed using the alkaline version of the Comet assay (single cell gel electrophoresis), on six donors per each experimental group and controls.

Results: In the Comet assay, a significant increase of DNA migration was observed in the lymphocytes of all treated groups (young and elderly females, young and elderly males, AD females and AD males) at all b-estradiol concentrations (50 mmol/L, 100 mmol/L and 250 mmol/L) used in this investigation. In all the experiments cell viability was over 80%.

Conclusions: Lymphocytes are sensitive to the test concentrations of b-estradiol in the Comet assay regardless of gender, age and health condition of the examined subjects. Therefore, the role of b-estradiol in cellular DNA damage has been confirmed.
Evaluation of Thermal Conditions in Jeziory (The Wielkopolski National Park)
Authors: Szyga-Pluta Katarzyna , Półrolniczak Marek
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this paper is to present selected methods of evaluation of thermal conditions in the Wielkopolski National Park and their initial characterization. The analysis was based on data from the automatic meteorological station in Jeziory measured during the period 2001-2010. The calendar of thermal classes graphically shows the variation in thermal conditions for each month and deviation from the standard adopted for the period concerned (Table 2). A good complement to the calendar seems the graphs of mean daily air temperature for months above and below the standards that enable their connection with the peculiarities of weather occurring in the area of Central Europe (Fig. 1). In addition to complete characterization of thermal conditions, specific number of days according to the average daily temperature ranges (Tavr): tavr. < 10°C, tavr. 10.1-15.0°C, tavr. 15.1-20.0°C, tavr. 20.1-25.0°C, tavr. 25.1-30.0°C and interdiurnal changes of average daily temperature (ΔTavr): Δtavr. < 2°C, Δtavr. 2.1-4.0°C, Δtavr. 4.1-6.0°C, Δtavr. >6.0°C were calculated (Table 3, 4). They were the basis for separating the year into thermal seasons (Table 5, Fig. 2). Ward’s method was used giving the best results in the case while both Tavr and ΔTavr were taken into consideration. The results obtained allow concluding that different methods of evaluation of thermal conditions applied separately do not give a full picture of thermal conditions of the area. Only a combination of results obtained using the Ward’s and calendar methods can give a complete thermal conditions characterization.
After Rio+20: Preparing for Sustainable Retreat?
Authors: Nováček Pavel
Published: February 2013

The industrial age has brought us much good: a higher quality of life which is reflected in better healthcare and education, a longer life expectancy etc. But besides the indisputable benefits, the industrial age has also caused many problems which are now assuming global proportions. In 1987 UN Commission on Environment and Development attempted to propose how to enable people and whole nations to develop while sustaining functioning ecosystems and healthy environment. The key term became “sustainable development”. But problem with sustainable development concept is that it is so vague and “all-embracing”. Its biggest deficiency is the fact that it fails to attempt to even define human needs. The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20 conference, June 2012) did not change current unsustainable development trends. Therefore we should allow for and ponder the possibility that effort at sustainable development will fail and the human community will experience great civilization turbulence. Maybe it is too late for sustainable development, what we need is a sustainable retreat. Our abilities are limited and promoting sustainable development may prove to be beyond us. In comparison with our ancestors we have much greater opportunities. But this has not been counterbalanced by greater responsibility and foresight. We should explore and study future opportunities and dangers that could occur under certain conditions. These images of possible futures may help to make our present decisions more qualified and responsible.
How to measure motivation to change risk behaviours in the self-determination perspective? The Polish adaptation of the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire (TSRQ) among patients with chronic diseases
Authors: Życińska Jolanta , Januszek Maciej , Jurczyk Maria , Syska-Sumińska Joanna
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to validate the Polish adaptation of the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire
(TSRQ; Ryan, Conell, 1989), which measures the degree of self-determination in risk behaviour changes (diet, exercise
and smoking). The study comprised 219 patients (101 after acute coronary syndrome and 118 with type 2 diabetes),
beginning to undergo treatment. The Global Motivation Scale was used to test a convergent validity. The confirmatory
factor analysis (CFA) did not support the theoretical four-factor model, thus an exploratory analysis was conducted to
determine an optimal model across risk behaviours. The adopted two-factor model matched original TSRQ subscales:
autonomous motivation and external regulation (it did not contain the items from the introjected regulation and amotivation
subscales). The internal consistency of factors (Cronbach’s α) ranging from .78 to .89. Structural equation modeling
revealed the impact of global motivation on contextual motivation, limited to the equivalent type of regulation. The action
aimed at supporting patient’s autonomy should consider the particular behaviour and the global motivation as a resource
in disease.
Risk propensity, absent-mindedness and depression versus involvement in accidents
Authors: Studenski Ryszard
Published: February 2013

Relations between individual traits and frequency of causing accidents have been analyzed. On the basis of
results from 465 women and 277 men it has been found that the causing of accidents correlates with risk propensity and
with risk taking influenced by self-destructive motivation. Persons often causing accidents are also absent minded to a
greater degree, and experience depressive moods more frequently than persons rarely involved in accidents.
Sound Diffusers with Fabric Covering
Authors: Kamisiński Tadeusz , Brawata Krzysztof , Pilch Adam , Rubacha Jarosław , Zastawnik Marcin
Published: February 2013

Fabric covering is often used by designers, as it can easily mask acoustic structures that do not match an interior. However, in the case of sound diffusers based on change in the phase of the reflected wave, the use of fabric covering is not without its effect on acoustics. It reduces the effectiveness of these structures and raises acoustic absorption. In the paper, the authors analyzed the acoustical properties of a selected fabric used to cover sound diffusers. Sound absorption and scattering coefficients for a system composed of sound diffusers and a fabric situated at different distances d were measured. The results were compared to the sound absorption predicted on the basis of Kuttruff’s and Mechel’s theoretical models. Analysis of the results indicates that the fabric has a significant influence on the system’s acoustic parameters. It is also observed, that fabric applied directly on a phase grating diffuser, produces higher absorption than when it is at some distance from it.
Subjective Assessment of Concert Halls: a Common Vocabulary for Music Lovers and Acousticians
Authors: Giménez Alicia , Cibrián Rosa María , Cerdá Salvador
Published: February 2013

In recent years we have interviewed members of the audience after musical performances and asked them to evaluate the acoustics of the concert halls. A group of ‘music lovers’ (with a high level of musical training and experience) and ‘acousticians’ (with a wide knowledge of the physical characteristics of sound transmission) also attended each performance and answered the same questions as the general public. This group thereby served as a control group when evaluating surveys of the general public. In this paper, the results obtained when analyzing these control group surveys are presented. This analysis shows that a common vocabulary exists between music lovers and acousticians when rating a hall, although the grouping of the questions for each factor depends on the training of the respondents.
Perception of Mixture of Musical Instruments with Spectral Overlap Removed
Authors: Kleczkowski Piotr
Published: February 2013

The issue of auditory segregation of simultaneous sound sources has been addressed in speech research but was given less attention in musical acoustics. In perception of concurrent speech, or speech with noise, the operation of time-frequency masking was often used as a research tool. In this work, an ex- tension of time-frequency masking, leading to the removal of spectro-temporal overlap between sound sources, was applied to musical instruments playing together. The perception of the original mixture was compared with the perception of the same mixture with all spectral overlap electronically removed. Ex- periments differed in the method of listening (headphones or a loudspeaker), sets of instruments mixed, and populations of participants. The main findings were: (i) in one of the experimental conditions the removal of spectro-temporal overlap was imperceptible, (ii) perception of the effect increased when removal of spectro-temporal overlap was performed in larger time-frequency regions rather than in small ones, (iii) perception of the effect decreased in loudspeaker listening. The results support both the multiple looks hypothesis and the “glimpsing” hypothesis known from speech perception.
Test Signal Selection for Determining the Sound Scattering Coefficient in a Reverberation Chamber
Authors: Kamisiński Tadeusz , Brawata Krzysztof , Pilch Adam , Rubacha Jarosław , Zastawnik Marcin
Published: February 2013

The paper focuses on the problem of test signal selection in determining the sound scattering coefficient in accordance with ISO 17497-1. Research shows that the use of MLS signal is preferred in this procedure. The sine sweep signal, despite its advantages, presents certain limitations if the sample is moving during measurement. An attempt has been made to develop a method that allows for minimization of error, demonstrating the dependence of the obtained values of the sound scattering coefficient on the rotational speed of the turntable and type of test signal. Conditions for the application of the sine sweep signals in continuous and discrete measurements were defined.
Hierarchical Classification of Environmental Noise Sources Considering the Acoustic Signature of Vehicle Pass-Bys
Authors: Valero Xavier , Alías Francesc
Published: February 2013

This work is focused on the automatic recognition of environmental noise sources that affect humans’ health and quality of life, namely industrial, aircraft, railway and road traffic. However, the recognition of the latter, which have the largest influence on citizens’ daily lives, is still an open issue. Therefore, although considering all the aforementioned noise sources, this paper especially focuses on improving the recognition of road noise events by taking advantage of the perceived noise differences along the road vehicle pass-by (which may be divided into different phases: approaching, passing and receding). To that effect, a hierarchical classification scheme that considers these phases independently has been implemented. The proposed classification scheme yields an averaged classification accuracy of 92.5%, which is, in absolute terms, 3% higher than the baseline (a traditional flat classification scheme without hierarchical structure). In particular, it outperforms the baseline in the classification of light and heavy vehicles, yielding a classification accuracy 7% and 4% higher, respectively. Finally, listening tests are performed to compare the system performance with human recognition ability. The results reveal that, although an expert human listener can achieve higher recognition accuracy than the proposed system, the latter outperforms the non-trained listener in 10% in average.
Trombone Transfer Functions: Comparison Between Frequency-Swept Sine Wave and Human Performer Input
Authors: Beauchamp James W.
Published: February 2013

Source/filter models have frequently been used to model sound production of the vocal apparatus and musical instruments. Beginning in 1968, in an effort to measure the transfer function (i.e., transmission response or filter characteristic) of a trombone while being played by expert musicians, sound pressure signals from the mouthpiece and the trombone bell output were recorded in an anechoic room and then subjected to harmonic spectrum analysis. Output/input ratios of the signals’ harmonic amplitudes plotted vs. harmonic frequency then became points on the trombone’s transfer function. The first such recordings were made on analog 1/4 inch stereo magnetic tape. In 2000 digital recordings of trombone mouthpiece and anechoic output signals were made that provide a more accurate measurement of the trombone filter characteristic. Results show that the filter is a high-pass type with a cutoff frequency around 1000 Hz. Whereas the characteristic below cutoff is quite stable, above cutoff it is extremely variable, depending on level. In addition, measurements made using a swept-sine-wave system in 1972 verified the high-pass behavior, but they also showed a series of resonances whose minima correspond to the harmonic frequencies which occur under performance conditions. For frequencies below cutoff the two types of measurements corresponded well, but above cutoff there was a considerable difference. The general effect is that output harmonics above cutoff are greater than would be expected from linear filter theory, and this effect becomes stronger as input pressure increases. In the 1990s and early 2000s this nonlinear effect was verified by theory and measurements which showed that nonlinear propagation takes place in the trombone, causing a wave steepening effect at high amplitudes, thus increasing the relative strengths of the upper harmonics.
Design, Manufacture and Characterization of an Acoustic Barrier Made of Multi-Phenomena Cylindrical Scatterers Arranged in a Fractal-Based Geometry
Authors: Castiñeira-Ibáñez Sergio , Rubio Constanza , Romero-García Vicent , Sánchez-Pérez Juan Vicente , García-Raffi Luís Miguel
Published: February 2013

In this work we present the design and the manufacturing processes, as well as the acoustics standardization tests, of an acoustic barrier formed by a set of multi-phenomena cylindrical scatterers. Periodic arrangements of acoustic scatterers embedded in a fluid medium with different physical properties are usually called Sonic Crystals. The multiple scattering of waves inside these structures leads to attenuation bands related to the periodicity of the structure by means of Bragg scattering. In order to design the acoustic barrier, two strategies have been used: First, the arrangement of scatterers is based on fractal geometries to maximize the Bragg scattering; second, multi-phenomena scatterers with several noise control mechanisms, as resonances or absorption, are designed and used to construct the periodic array. The acoustic barrier reported in this work provides a high technological solution in the field of noise control.
Collaborative Filtering Based on Bi-Relational Data Representation
Authors: Szwabe Andrzej , Misiorek Pawel , Ciesielczyk Michal , Jedrzejek Czeslaw
Published: February 2013

Widely-referenced approaches to collaborative filtering (CF) are based on the use of an input matrix that represents each user profile as a vector in a space of items and each item as a vector in a space of users. When the behavioral input data have the form of (userX, likes, itemY) and (userX, dislikes, itemY) triples one has to propose a representation of the user feedback data that is more suitable for the use of propositional data than the ordinary user-item ratings matrix. We propose to use an element-fact matrix, in which columns represent RDF-like behavioral data triples and rows represent users, items, and relations. By following such a triple-based approach to the bi-relational behavioral data representation we are able to improve the quality of collaborative filtering. One of the key findings of the research presented in this paper is that the proposed bi-relational behavioral data representation, while combined with reflective matrix processing, significantly outperforms state-of-the-art collaborative filtering methods based on the use of a ‘standard’ user-item matrix.
Protein Hydrolysates from Agricultural Crops—Bioactivity and Potential for Functional Food Development
Authors: McCarthy Aoife , O'Callaghan Yvonne , O'Brien Nora
Published: February 2013

There has been an unprecedented demand for inexpensive plant-derived protein hydrolysates in recent years, owing to their potential nutritional applications. This review examines existing evidence regarding protein hydrolysates from agricultural crops such as wheat, soy, rapeseed, sunflower and barley. The bioactivity of these protein hydrolysates, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities are discussed. In addition to evidence regarding their potential to enhance human nutrition, the effect of the hydrolysates on the techno-functional properties of foods will be reviewed.
Minimum Mutual Information and Non-Gaussianity through the Maximum Entropy Method: Estimation from Finite Samples
Authors: Pires Carlos , Perdigão Rui
Published: February 2013

The Minimum Mutual Information (MinMI) Principle provides the least committed, maximum-joint-entropy (ME) inferential law that is compatible with prescribed marginal distributions and empirical cross constraints. Here, we estimate MI bounds (the MinMI values) generated by constraining sets Tcr comprehended by mcr linear and/or nonlinear joint expectations, computed from samples of N iid outcomes. Marginals (and their entropy) are imposed by single morphisms of the original random variables. N-asymptotic formulas are given both for the distribution of cross expectation’s estimation errors, the MinMI estimation bias, its variance and distribution. A growing Tcr leads to an increasing MinMI, converging eventually to the total MI. Under N-sized samples, the MinMI increment relative to two encapsulated sets Tcr1 ⊂ Tcr2 (with numbers of constraints mcr1<mcr2 ) is the test-difference δH = Hmax 1, N - Hmax 2, N ≥ 0 between the two respective estimated MEs. Asymptotically, δH follows a Chi-Squared distribution 1/2NΧ2 (mcr2-mcr1) whose upper quantiles determine if constraints in Tcr2/Tcr1 explain significant extra MI. As an example, we have set marginals to being normally distributed (Gaussian) and have built a sequence of MI bounds, associated to successive non-linear correlations due to joint non-Gaussianity. Noting that in real-world situations available sample sizes can be rather low, the relationship between MinMI bias, probability density over-fitting and outliers is put in evidence for under-sampled data.
Transfer Entropy for Coupled Autoregressive Processes
Authors: Hahs Daniel , Pethel Shawn
Published: February 2013

A method is shown for computing transfer entropy over multiple time lags for coupled autoregressive processes using formulas for the differential entropy of multivariate Gaussian processes. Two examples are provided: (1) a first-order filtered noise process whose state is measured with additive noise, and (2) two first-order coupled processes each of which is driven by white process noise. We found that, for the first example, increasing the first-order AR coefficient while keeping the correlation coefficient between filtered and measured process fixed, transfer entropy increased since the entropy of the measured process was itself increased. For the second example, the minimum correlation coefficient occurs when the process noise variances match. It was seen that matching of these variances results in minimum information flow, expressed as the sum of transfer entropies in both directions. Without a match, the transfer entropy is larger in the direction away from the process having the larger process noise. Fixing the process noise variances, transfer entropies in both directions increase with the coupling strength. Finally, we note that the method can be generally employed to compute other information theoretic quantities as well.
Different Forms of Selenoprotein M Differentially Affect Aβ Aggregation and ROS Generation
Authors: Chen Ping , Wang Ruo-Ran , Ma Xiao-Jie , Liu Qiong , Ni Jia-Zuan
Published: February 2013

Selenoprotein M (SelM), one of the executants of selenium in vivo, is highly expressed in human brain and most probably involved in antioxidation, neuroprotection, and intracellular calcium regulation, which are the key factors for preventing the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this paper, human SelM was successfully overexpressed in human embryonic kidney cells HEK293T. Sodium selenite (Na2SeO3 0.5 μmol/L) increased the expression of full-length SelM and inhibited the expression of truncated SelM. The full-length SelM exhibited higher antioxidant activity than its selenocysteine-to-cysteine mutation form SelM', whereas the truncated SelM had an adverse effect that increased the oxidative stress level of cells. When β-amyloid (Aβ42, an AD relevant peptide) was cotransfected with the empty expression vector, SelM, or SelM' under the induction of 0.5 μmol/L Na2SeO3, the intracellular Aβ42 aggregation rates were detected to be 57.9% ± 5.5%, or 22.3% ± 2.6%, or 26.3% ± 2.1%, respectively, showing the inhibitory effects on Aβ aggregation by the full-length SelM and SelM'. Meanwhile, the intumescentia of mitochondria caused by Aβ42 transfection was significantly mitigated by the cotransfection of SelM or SelM′ with Aβ42 under the induction of 0.5 μmol/L Na2SeO3. On the contrary, cotransfection of SelM and Aβ42 without the induction of Na2SeO3 increased Aβ42 aggregation rate to 65.1% ± 3.2%, and it could not inhibit the Aβ-induced intumescent mitochondria. In conclusion, full-length SelM and SelM¢ might prevent Aβ aggregation by resisting oxidative stress generated during the formation of Aβ oligomers in cells.
Ribosomal Initiation Complex Assembly within the Wild-Strain of Coxsackievirus B3 and Live-Attenuated Sabin3-like IRESes during the Initiation of Translation
Authors: Souii Amira , M'hadheb-Gharbi Manel , Sargueil Bruno , Brossard Audrey , Chamond Nathalie , Aouni Mahjoub , Gharbi Jawhar
Published: February 2013

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is an enterovirus of the family of Picornaviridae. The Group B coxsackieviruses include six serotypes (B1 to B6) that cause a variety of human diseases, including myocarditis, meningitis, and diabetes. Among the group B, the B3 strain is mostly studied for its cardiovirulence and its ability to cause acute and persistent infections. Translation initiation of CVB3 RNA has been shown to be mediated by a highly ordered structure of the 5’-untranslated region (5’UTR), which harbors an internal ribosome entry site (IRES). Translation initiation is a complex process in which initiator tRNA, 40S and 60S ribosomal subunits are assembled by eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) into an 80S ribosome at the initiation codon of the mRNA. We have previously addressed the question of whether the attenuating mutations of domain V of the poliovirus IRES were specific for a given genomic context or whether they could be transposed and extrapolated to a genomic related virus, i.e., CVB3 wild-type strain. In this context, we have described that Sabin3-like mutation (U473→C) introduced in CVB3 genome led to a defective mutant with a serious reduction in translation efficiency. In this study, we analyzed the efficiency of formation of ribosomal initiation complexes 48S and 80S through 10%–30% and 10%–50% sucrose gradients using rabbit reticulocyte lysates (RRLs) and stage-specific translation inhibitors: 5'-Guanylyl-imidodiphosphate (GMP-PNP) and Cycloheximide (CHX), respectively. We demonstrated that the interaction of 48S and 80S ribosomal complexes within the mutant CVB3 RNA was abolished compared with the wild-type RNA by ribosome assembly analysis. Taken together, it is possible that the mutant RNA was unable to interact with some trans-acting factors critical for enhanced IRES function.
Characterization of the Expression Profile and Genetic Polymorphism of the Cellular Retinol-Binding Protein (CRBP IV) Gene in Erlang Mountainous Chickens
Authors: Yin Hua-Dong , Wang Yan , Zhang Zhi-Chao , Liu Yi-Ping , Chen Shi-Yi , Zhu Qing
Published: February 2013

In this study, we cloned the coding sequence of chicken CRBP IV, quantified the mRNA expression in Erlang Mountainous Chickens, and investigated a polymorphism in this gene and its association with egg production traits among 349 individuals. The cloned fragment contained a 384 bp open reading frame, which encoded a predicted protein of 127 amino acids and was highly conserved among species. Expression of CRBP IV mRNA was detected in all eight tissues (small intestine, heart, liver, kidney, oviduct, ovary, pituitary, and hypothalamus) at different ages (12, 24, 32 and 45 w). High expression was found in small intestine, pituitary, kidney and liver, whereas it was low in the heart (p < 0.05). The CRBP IV mRNA levels changed with age in the various tissues, and were highly expressed in all tissues at 32 w, except for the heart. We identified one nucleotide substitution (c. 826T>C) in the second exon, which caused an amino acid change (p. S49L). Genotypes (TT, TC and CC) had significant effects on the age at first egg (AFE), total eggs for 300 days (TE300) and highest continuous laying days (HCLD). The CC genotype would be genetically advantageous to improve egg production traits due to earlier AFE, more TE300, and longer HCLD.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Substituted 2-Phenacylbenzoxazoles
Authors: Skotnicka Agnieszka , Kolehmainen Erkki , Czeleń Przemysław , Valkonen Arto , Gawinecki Ryszard
Published: February 2013

1H and 13C NMR spectra of eleven 2-phenacylbenzoxazoles (ketimine form) show that their CDCl3-solutions contains also (Z)-2-(benzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-1-phenylethenols (enolimine form). Intramolecular hydrogen bonding in the latter tautomer was found to be significantly weaker than that one in respective (Z)-2-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylvinyl)pyridines. Integrals of the 1H NMR signals were used to evaluate the molar ratio of the tautomers. Strong electron-donating substituents were found to stabilize the ketimine tautomer. pKT (negative logarithm of the equilibrium constant, KT = [ketimine]/[enolimine]) was found to be linearly dependent on the Hammett substituent constant σ. The results of the MP2 ab initio calculations reveal enolimine including an intramolecular OH…N hydrogen bond to be the most stable form both with electron-donor and electron-acceptor substituents. The stability of ketimines is an intermediate of those found for enolimines and enaminones i.e., (E)-2-(benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-ylidene)-1-phenylethanones. 13C CPMAS NMR spectral data reveal that in the crystalline state the ketimine tautomer is predominant in p-NMe2 substituted congener. On the other hand, enolimine forms were detected there when the substituent has less electron-donating character or when it is an electron-acceptor by character.